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Public meeting over proposed Camden bus gate
Becky Feather Reporter
A PUBLIC meeting has been called for people to find out about plans for a bus gate at Camden Road which “will affect the entire community east of Bath”.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has been awarded funding from the West of England Combined Authority to create a Liveable Neighbourhood for Walcot which calls for a bus gate near Fairfield Park Health Centre. The proposal has been drawn up by council officers based on consultation events held in Walcot, with input from the Lib Dem cabinet members and ward councillors.
In a leaflet delivered to residents in neighbouring Lambridge, the ward’s Green councillors Joanna Wright and Saskia Heijltjes say the Green Party “fully supports” Liveable Neighbourhoods and that it is right to create one on the east of Bath to help deal with through-traffic,
But they say neither they nor their constituents have been asked by the council for their views on the impact of the bus gate on their area, where residential streets are already clogged with traffic.
Councillors Wright and Heijltjes have requested that the council works with them to investigate how best to deal with the challenge of throughtraffic passing in and out of both Lambridge and Walcot wards. They say: “We have asked B&NES cabinet members to provide a
A36 closure at Limpley
THE A36 at Limpley Stoke near Bath has closed once again so National Highways can finalise ongoing safety improvement works.
Work is required to stabilise the southbound embankment following cracking in the footpath alongside the carriageway.
This will prevent further movement and keep the main carriageway safe.
Originally closed in August for nine weeks, the road was temporarily reopened in October to allow for essential works to take place on the A350 and M4.
To ensure the works are undertaken safely, the A36 Warminster Road will be fully closed between Limpley Stoke and Monkton Combe until Spring 2025.
A diversion will be in place for northbound traffic via A361, A350 and A4.
Taller vehicles should use the A36, A4, A4174, M32, M4, A350 and A361.
circulation plan for throughtraffic across Bath. To date there is still no circulation plan.
“To create Liveable Neighbourhoods requires a holistic vision of an area that is not based on political boundaries but on how traffic passes through the area.
“The council has selected areas of B&NES to have Liveable Neighbourhoods which includes measures like bus gates and bollards to prevent throughtraffic in residential areas.
“Snow Hill and London Road in Walcot is one area selected but not Lambridge.
“However, the impact of the proposed bus gate on Camden Road will potentially cause an increase of traffic on the already congested residential streets of Lambridge.
“The proposed bus gate will affect the entire community east of Bath. Lambridge residents were not invited to the earlier consultation events that resulted in the proposal of a bus gate in Walcot.
“We are organising an event at the New Oriel Hall so that residents can give us their views. All residents are welcome to attend.”
The meeting is on Wednesday 20th November from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Councillor Manda Rigby, B&NES cabinet member for highways, has been asked to attend to hear residents’ views.
Councillor Rigby will be making the executive decision to deliver the Walcot Liveable Neighbourhood.
Stoke near Bath resumes
Southbound traffic should follow the same routes in reverse.
While work is carried out, access will be maintained to properties within the closure, with traffic marshals on hand to help.
After cracking was first discovered in the footpath of the A36 between Limpley Stoke Viaduct and Limpley Stoke Village, survey works were undertaken to assess the cause and extent of the issue.
The repair work will see the installation of a concrete piled wall and capping beam to stabilise the embankment, as well as new drainage and pavement.
The works will require clearing vegetation and excavation of the cracked pavement sections.
The team will also install netting on the rock cutting above the northbound carriageway as well as undertaking repairs to the viaduct and retaining walls in the area.
During the first closure stage, the team completed vegetation clearance, utility work, and
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enabling works such as rock descaling.
Piling for a retained wall that will stabilise the carriageway will start immediately and last until February, with drainage improvements to the carriageway also taking place.
“Once it’s all complete, these improvements will benefit road users and the local community for many years to come.”
National Highways is working closely with both Bath & North East Somerset Council, and Wiltshire County Council, and all diversion routes have been agreed to keep disruption as minimal as possible.
Hugh Campbell, Senior Project Manager for National Highways, said: “Safety is our number one priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but need to fix the root of the problem to ensure it doesn’t happen again and that motorists and pedestrians remain safe at all times. We understand that road closures are frustrating, but by fully closing the road, we can get this scheme done safely and quickly, causing less disruption overall.
Where the bus gate would begin on Camden Road
Ongoing work on the A36 near Bath | Photo © National Highways
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Robbie Williams set to hold two concerts in Bath
ROBBIE Williams is set to hold two open-air concerts at the Royal Crescent in Bath in June 2025, as part of celebrations to mark the landmark’s 250th birthday.
The stage will be set on the private lawn of the Royal Crescent on 13th and 14th June, against the iconic backdrop of the 30 Grade I Listed terrace houses.
Since joining Take That in 1990 and then going solo in 1995, Robbie Williams has been a favourite of many for over 30 years. He is one of the most decorated music artists in the world, with six of the Top 100 best-selling albums in British history, 85 million album sales worldwide, 14 Number 1 singles and 18 BRIT Awards.
Robbie said: “This tour is going to be my boldest yet – I can’t wait to see you next year. There will be songs from the movie ‘Better Man’, and some new music too… but more on that soon.”
His biopic movie ‘Better Man’, directed by ‘Greatest Showman’ Director Michael Gracey, will be released on 26th December 2024.
A unique setting for live music, the Royal Crescent has only hosted a handful of concerts in its history, the most recent being by Michael Bublé who performed two shows to 25,000 people in 2022.
Promoter Ollie Rosenblatt, CEO of organisers Senbla, said: “We are so thrilled to be bringing the incomparable Robbie Williams to the Bath Royal Crescent.
“This is an amazing coming together of a truly iconic artist and venue. This show is going to be so unique and without doubt an incredibly special evening. We cannot wait to bring this to the public and are delighted to be working so closely with the residents and council again.”
Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development
at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “I want to thank the Royal Crescent Society and the Marlborough Lane and Buildings Residents’ Association, who are working with council teams and the promoter Senbla to make this possible. In 2022 it was fantastic to see the city buzzing with fans coming in for the Michael Bublé shows which gave a big boost to local business and hospitality over the weekend they were on. “I am sure we’ll see the same again next summer and we look forward to welcoming Robbie Williams to our wonderful city.”
The Royal Crescent Society added: “We are so excited to have Robbie Williams perform on this historic site, especially given its 250th anniversary year.
“We are delighted to be working so closely again with our friends at Senbla following on from the great success of the last concerts on the Royal Crescent.
“A special artist like Robbie Williams deserves a special venue and we can’t wait to bring this concert to the wonderful supportive people of Bath.”
General sale of tickets begins today, Friday 15th November.
National Trust's Assembly Rooms plan approved
THE National Trust’s proposed £17 million refurbishment and alterations project for the Assembly Rooms in Bath has this week won council approval. The scheme includes a new Georgian visitor experience, due to open in late 2026 at the Grade I site in Bennett Street.
The Assembly Rooms, designed by John Wood the Younger, housed the world-famous Fashion Museum until 2022 and had been let to the council since 1937, but the National Trust enforced a break clause to take it back.
The building was severely damaged during the German bombing raids of 1942 which resulted in its near total loss, but unusually for the time, when many bomb-damaged buildings in the UK were either left as ruins or demolished, it was restored in the 1950s.
The National Trust is planning
an internal and external refurbishment and alterations in support of visitor experience and continued events use.
Access improvements include a new public stair and lift next to the principal entrance. There will be a single-storey extension to accommodate a new escape stair and lift.
Improved services and sustainable infrastructure will be installed, including external air source heat pump units and solar panels.
The 20th century internal partitions will be removed and altered including improved toilet provision, acoustic and fire separation to floors, and improvements to environmental performance, including slimline double glazing and ceiling insulation.
Historic England and The Georgian Group voiced support for the refurbishment, as did
Bath & North East Somerset Council planners praised the proposals, saying the historic building has been “thoroughly and comprehensively assessed, analysed, and understood”. They said energy efficiency benefits will not only allow the National Trust to costeffectively operate and manage the building, but also contribute to the reduction in carbon
emissions and address climate change whilst preserving the architectural interest of the listed building, the character and appearance of the conservation area, and safeguarding and preserving the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site.
The council has plans to open a new Fashion Museum with a purpose-built collections study centre at the old Post Office on New Bond Street.
News in Brief
Five-bed
HMO
proposed at Redland Park
Plans to turn a three-bed family home in Twerton into a five-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council. The plans for 100 Redland Park include internal layout changes.
The application states that the relevant criteria for conversion have been met, including that no home would be ‘sandwiched’ by HMOs and the concentration of HMOs within a 100-metre radius does not top the 10% threshold. The plans include a large communal area and the addition of a separate WC room to the existing first-floor bathroom. The terraced property does not have any allocated parking spaces but on-street parking is said to be available on a “first come, first served basis”.
The proposal includes a bike store in the rear garden.
The planning reference is 24/04132/FUL. The deadline for comments is 28th November.
Firefighters rescue sheep from river
Avon Fire & Rescue Service crews from Bath and Bedminster stations were called to reports of a sheep stuck in the river at Monkton Combe on Friday 1st November. They were able to use water rescue equipment to bring the sheep to safety.
Long range forecast: (22nd to 28th November)
Expected to stay mostly dry with sunny spells. A risk of rain and some wintry showers as the week progresses, staying cold with winds getting stronger.
The historic Royal Crescent will play host to Robbie Williams in June 2025
Bath Preservation Trust and Transition Bath.
The Assembly Rooms in Bath
RUH apologises for the way dying patient was cared for
A DISTRESSING report into the lack of care and compassion experienced by a dying patient at the Royal United Hospital in Bath has been published. Shortly before his death, retired firefighter Cliff Eddolls from Whitchurch told his wife Anita that he felt staff were “experimenting” on him and that he was in the “house of horrors”. The hospital has said it is “deeply sorry” for the care, support and communication that the 63-yearold and his family received and is acting on the feedback.
Anita has also received a letter of apology from RUH’s chief executive Cara Charles-Barks after writing to her directly. Cliff had been admitted to the Medical Assessment Unit on Monday 31st October 2022 after being referred by his GP. He felt unwell, had bilirubin in his urine and the doctor suspected hepatitis or an infectious disease as he and Anita had returned from a holiday in Egypt.
An initial scan the following day showed cancer in Cliff’s lungs had metastasised into his liver. Two days after being admitted he was moved to Haygarth Ward - and what happened to him in there until he was discharged three weeks before dying at his home is outlined in the report. It has been released by the independent body Healthwatch Bath & North East Somerset and makes five recommendations. It was co-written by Mr Eddolls’ widow, family members and Healthwatch’s development officer, based on letters and conversations.
It says: “The family’s concern in sharing their very personal story is to highlight the very real and long-lasting impact on the patient and their family when difficult and negative experiences of care and treatment are compounded by communications lacking in compassion. Their hope is that their story will help to ensure that others do not have to go through similar experiences.”
The report highlights the delays and mistakes in Cliff’s treatment, as well as the family’s feelings about the “lack of kindness and compassion shown by some of the key people responsible for his care” which impacted greatly on the much-loved father, grandfather and greatgrandfather.
Summarising what happened, Anita says in the report: “Cliff was in hospital for 23 days. He received no treatment for 15 days and suffered multiple delays in treatments and scans because of mistakes made. Not one mistake, not two but mistake after mistake after mistake! There were nonexistent referrals made and promises made to us that were not kept.
“Cliff was starved and left severely dehydrated which was made worse by your hospital and again another mistake. He deteriorated
day by day because of this, in your care. The people who are meant to help him, not make him worse. Cliff did not see an oncologist until two days before he left hospital and only seen the consultant when we put in a complaint to the chief executive.”
Anita says her husband only then saw the consultant when he wanted Cliff to sign the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) after Cliff had already told the medical nurse practitioner (MNP) that he didn’t want to as “he wanted to live”.
She continues: “After Cliff was pushed into signing the DNR, he said, ‘That’s it, I am a gonner’. He did not speak much after then, he shut down and gave up. He knew he had no chance of survival at your hospital. It haunts me every day and it is the cruellest thing I have ever experienced but Cliff was the person going through it. He was traumatised, frightened, very low/depressed and he had no hope.
“He told me he felt like he was being experimented on and said he was in the house of horrors.”
Anita says that whilst initially being welcomed on to the ward, they found that as time went on, the MNP became “unapproachable and unkind towards us as his family and showed a lack of compassion
of “constant banging and drilling” which added considerably to his distress and that other patients on the ward.
Cliff was finally discharged on Friday 2nd December. An ambulance was meant to take him home but after waiting all day the family decided they would take him themselves.
towards Cliff”. This included telling him he had bile duct cancer without any family member present despite saying she would not do so.
“If you spoke to her, she would put a flat hand towards your face which we found rude and extremely worrying for us as we had to liaise with her to find out what was happening.”
Anita says that whilst there were nurses, doctors and other staff who treated Cliff with the kindness and compassion he should have been able to expect, their overall experience was that the hospital did not take proper care for him, or care about him and his emotional wellbeing. No counselling or other support was provided.
The report includes a section from a cognitive behavioural therapist who has been helping Anita this year. She says: “Writing and publishing their story has been an important part of her journey, allowing her to express her thoughts and feelings and voice her experience in the hope it may help others in the future.”
The report also highlights that Haygarth Ward “smelt of faeces and vomit” when Cliff was first admitted, and that due to building works from 15th November until his discharge there was the sound
The report’s five recommendations
The report, ‘My Voice Matters - the importance of compassionate communication in care’, makes five recommendations.
They are intended for hospitals and health providers across the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board area in general, rather than being directed at any specific hospital or ward.
They focus on patient experience, and the expectation as set out in a ‘Shared Commitment to Quality’ that patient experience is given equal weighting alongside patient safety and clinical
effectiveness.
• Patients and their families being able to and have the time to ask questions about treatments and procedures should be welcomed and accepted.
• Medical practitioners should explain conditions, treatments, procedures and decisions in a clear way and check that they have been understood.
• Medical practitioners should have compassionate conversations early on, especially where diagnoses of terminal conditions are being shared.
• Medical practitioners and
He died at home on Tuesday 20th December, having been cared for by his family with some support from district nurses, St Peter’s Hospice and Marie Curie.
Anita says in the report:
“We were left with many questions about Cliff’s treatment and received conflicting information from different people involved about what did and didn’t happen, why and when.
“This has left us feeling, even now, that we do not have full and accurate explanations about the stages of Cliff’s treatment. “We know that Cliff was very sick, but feel that the delays, errors and mistakes prevented him from having the opportunity to fight the disease and potentially live a little longer to spend precious time with his family and friends.”
Cliff, who had four children, five step-children, 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, had been a well-respected firefighter with Avon Fire & Rescue Service and many of his former colleagues formed a guard of honour at his funeral. He first served as a wholetime firefighter at Bedminster Fire Station, starting in April 1983 with Blue Watch, and retired from operational duties in April 2013 before rejoining as a driver maintenance technician.
The Royal United Hospital's response
The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust says in a statement: “We recognise that Cliff was very unwell when he was in our care and that he had received a devastating diagnosis which had profound consequences for him and for his family.
“The trust undertook an investigation into his care and treatment and identified that although his medical treatment was appropriate, the care, support and communication Cliff and his family received could, and should have been much better and for this we are deeply sorry.
“We are progressing with the improvement actions identified from our review of Cliff’s care and treatment."
Meanwhile in responses to enquiries by Healthwatch’s development officer the hospital said that with regard to training in the completion of ReSPECT forms, (DNR) this forms part of the medical mandatory training
programme, and the hospital has undertaken “intensive work” with all multidisciplinary teams over the past year to raise awareness.
Its Patient Experience training programme is developed with “deep consideration” to feedback received from patients and their families through complaints and concerns and this “very much” includes the feedback in this case.
The Family Liaison Facilitator team is now fully recruited, including a lead facilitator. The hospital also says that the new Dyson Cancer Centre has helped bring staff together which will help promote team working and care for patients. The centre has a Macmillan wellbeing hub to enable private conversations with patients, patient counselling and support.
The hospital adds: “It is our hope that it will improve the care of our future cancer patients.”
other hospital support services should ensure information about the range of emotional support available is readily accessible and on offer for patients and their families, especially where patients are facing stressful conditions and terminal diagnoses regardless of ‘clinical’ need for formal mental health support.
• Practitioners should give enough time to explain about ‘DNR’ processes and what this means and allow enough time for patients and their families to understand and
ask questions about DNR and to consider their response. They should not feel rushed into making quick decisions. The report will be made available to the Royal United Hospital and other hospitals within the health region to inform their ongoing training programme.
It may also be used to inform future work planned by Healthwatch into the provision of end-of-life and palliative care.
The report is available to read on the Healthwatch website.
Becky Feather Reporter
Cliff Eddolls died at home following a short illness | Photos: Family handout
Hundreds take part in Remembrance service at Combe Down
Becky Feather Reporter
MORE than 400 children from Combe Down Primary School were among those who attended a poignant service at the war memorial at Firs Field in Combe Down on Monday to mark Armistice Day.
Also in attendance were pupils from St Gregory’s Catholic College who serve as cadets.
The Remembrance parade service was organised by Vince Dunne, chairman of the Bath branch of the Grenadier Guards Association and the western area co-ordinator for the Regimental Headquarters of the Grenadier Guards.
Mr Dunne explained that in previous years the annual event had been organised by the Bath United Services Association (BUSA) who sadly have had to cease doing so due to the branch no longer being able to operate. He said: “My branch was asked to take up the planning, organising and implementing the parade to ensure its continuity.
“We were delighted to be able to take on the leadership of the parade, in particular as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy D-Day Landing.”
The branch got in touch with Combe Down Primary and it
was agreed that the whole school would attend and play a part in the service, making their own poppy of remembrance to lay at the monument, and singing a song of Remembrance.
Also taking part in Monday’s service was the Rev Shawn Swinney, vicar of Holy Trinity at Combe Down, and Father Bill, parish priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Combe Down.
The parade marshal was Jerry Levine. Representatives of the 243 (Wessex) Multi-Role Medical Regiment in Keynsham, the Veterans Breakfast Club Bath, and members of the Bath branch of the Grenadier Guards were also in attendance.
The Last Post and Reveille were performed by 12-year-old Penny Hutchings, a pupil at King Edward’s School.
Among those laying wreaths
were the Deputy Mayor of Bath Councillor Ruth Malloy and the vice chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council Councillor Liz Hardman.
After the formalities the schoolchildren had the chance to talk to the organisers and those taking part including Captain George Harrill from the Keynsham regiment who was dressed in a First World War Royal Army Medical Corps uniform. These were the British soldiers who went into battle without any weapons, carrying just a stretcher and a first aid kit. More than 4,000 of them were killed and some 6,000 gallantry medals were awarded to medical troops.
Captain Harrill’s greatgrandfather was one such medic decorated with the Military Medal for his bravery during the First World War.
Captain Harrill lectures on both world wars to military units, schools and youth groups.
Parade marshal Jerry Levine
Paying respects during the service at Combe Down's Firs Field
Combe Down's youngest pupil Olivia (4) and the oldest, 11-year-old Anna
Penny Hutchings from King Edward's
Pictures from the Past
St Andrew’s Church, Julian Road
THIS week’s archive image shows one of Bath’s lost churches – St Andrew’s on Julian Road.
It stood on the wide expanse of grass behind the Royal Crescent and with its 67-metre spire was a full 18 metres taller than the Abbey, so that in old photographs it can be seen rising high above the rooftops of the Royal Crescent.
Designed by George Gilbert Scott, one of Britain’s most famous Victorian architects, the foundation stone was laid in 1870 and the church was consecrated three years later. The tower and spire were added in 1878. After it was gutted by fire in the bombing raids of April 1942, the original intention was to rebuild it.
In 1949, however, the structure was declared unsafe and it was decided to demolish everything except the tower. Whether this was planned to form part of a new church on the site or to stand as a memorial is unclear, but in the event the tower eventually went as well. Today there is nothing to signify that anything so imposing once stood on this patch of ground, although in especially dry summers it is still possible to trace the outline of the building in the withered grass.
You can enjoy archive photos every week in our popular email newsletter! Delivered every Tuesday, sign up at www.bathecho.co.uk/subscribe
COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner
NOVEMBER is a time for awareness, reflection, and renewal.
We mark Remembrance Day, a time to remember those in the armed forces who have given their lives in the line of duty, and there are some important awareness weeks: Restorative Justice (RJ) Week, Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week, and Road Safety Week. Each of these campaigns brings with it a focus on addressing harm, upholding justice, and fostering meaningful change.
Restorative Justice Week, running from 17th to 23rd November, provides an opportunity to raise awareness of Restorative Justice (RJ). RJ encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions and understand the impact of their behaviour, allowing them to redeem themselves and discouraging future harm.
Restorative Justice offers victims an active role in the justice process, helping to alleviate feelings of anxiety and powerlessness. In Avon and Somerset services like Resolve West play a key role in
facilitating these constructive conversations. I am continually inspired by stories of success in RJ - where victims engage bravely in dialogue and offenders acknowledge their actionsfostering genuine rehabilitation and community healing. Importantly, it adds to the range of support options available for victims, so everyone can find an approach that feels right for them.
Also, during this time, from 18th to 24th November, is Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week, an initiative to bring communities together to stand against ASB. ASB has a profoundly unsettling impact on individuals, families, and communities, and it’s an issue I frequently hear about from residents.
People have shared with me how ASB affects their quality of life, sometimes so severely that, according to YouGov research, almost 1 in 5 people have had to consider moving home because of the impact ASB was having on them; 1 in 10 have moved.
Despite this, over half of those surveyed who were either a
victim or witness of ASB did not report the ASB.
One of the core commitments in my Police and Crime Plan is to address ASB through strengthened neighbourhood policing and community engagement.
I am focused on providing meaningful support to those affected by ASB while working with local communities and organisations on preventative action. This includes close collaboration with neighbourhood policing teams, who play a key role in identifying ASB patterns, connecting with residents, and addressing these issues headon. As part of this awareness week, I am encouraging anyone experiencing ASB to report it. Whether to the local police or anonymously through Crimestoppers. When people speak up, it provides evidence of the scale and locations of ASB and is essential to providing an effective response. Working with the neighbourhood policing teams, I’m committed to ensuring that those affected feel
heard and supported, while also putting in place long-term measures to reduce ASB and strengthen community resilience.
Last week I visited Westfield Parish Council.
Councillors raised concerns about pit bikes on the roads and green spaces in Westfield and how more police visibility would help tackle anti-social behaviour / vandalism to play areas and speeding on A367 especially at night.
I am also visiting police teams and local partners in Keynsham this week, as well as hearing the voice of local people on their Highstreet.
Finally, Road Safety Week also runs from 17th to 23rd November.
This campaign from Brake UK reminds us of the impact on people’s lives behind the road accident statistics and calls for meaningful action to support road safety. On average, five people die every day on the road in the UK and 80 are seriously injured. These are not mere numbers; each
represents a family forever changed by the trauma of a road accident. This week, we not only remember those lost but stand in solidarity with every family affected.
During Road Safety Week I will be visiting Community Speed Watch (CSW) team in Bath. CSW plays a key role in keeping our roads safe through.
The scheme which enables volunteers to work in their community to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and help control the problem in their area. As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to supporting the powerful aims of each of these awareness weeks. This month, I invite everyone in Avon and Somerset to get involved, whether by sharing your story, joining an event, or supporting the efforts of organisations like Resolve West and Brake. Let us embrace these opportunities to listen, to learn, and, most importantly, to come together in making our communities safer for everyone.
St Andrew's Church, which was on Julian Road in Bath
Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press
Congratulations to Mary Hayward for winning £20! You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 20.
1 Eliminates (7)
5 Parcel (7)
9 Monetary value of all a country's goods and services in one year (8,7)
10 Boredom (5)
11 Destructive key (3)
12 Alpine heroine (5)
13 File (7)
14 Takers (7)
16 Jewish or Arab (7)
19 Characteristic of a class (7)
21 Therefore (5)
23 Meadow (3)
24 Former Portuguese territory in South China (5)
26 About 18 to 24C, usually (4,11)
27 Concluding parts (7)
28 It may have shortcuts (7)
1 Ramble (5)
2 Some monsters and some microbes (7)
3 Such as Nicola Benedetti (9)
4 Defame (7)
5 Well-liked (7)
6 Priestly profession (5)
7 Insulting (7)
8 Arising from the outside (9)
13 Dishevelled hags cried "Fire!" (9)
15 Many bones broken? Certainly not! (2,2,5)
17 Male maturity (7)
18 Supporters (7)
19 Advance (2,5)
20 Squash handful (7)
22 Ben ---, comedian and writer (5)
25 At an advantage (3,2) Down
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 1511, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA
The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 27/11/2024. They will be notified using the details they provide when entering the competition. Winners will be given the option of receiving a High Street shopping voucher or be provided the £20 via a BACS transfer.
Food & Drink
Tasty Dates For Your Diary
A new 2-course lunchtime deal menu has landed at Thai Basil (Walcot Street) - and it’s well worth cutting back on breakfast for! Starters including dim sum, chicken satay and Thai fish cakes open the door to a selection of classic Thai curries, pad thai and Thai Basil specialities for just £14.95 every Tuesday-Sunday (yes, Sunday too!), noon-2pm. www.thaibasilbath.co.uk
Master the art of Japanese cookery at the next Dumpling Dojo session at Budo (Bath’s original izakaya, Argyle Street) on Wednesday 20th November. What to drink with your creations? Get yourself along to Budo’s Sake Session the following week (Wednesday 27th November) and wise up! www.budobath.co.uk/events/
The lovely Landrace bakery, shop
Sponsor our Food & Drink section! Get in touch via advertise@bathecho.co.uk
and restaurant (Walcot Street) have launched the first phase of their expansion, making space for extra customers, longer opening hours and all kinds of exciting developments in the new year. Meanwhile, bookings are now open for Landrace’s first ever Sunday services on Sundays 8th, 15th and 22nd Decemberexciting times indeed! www.landrace.co.uk
The wonderful Bath Rugby Foundation and their equally wonderful supporters are inviting us all to celebrate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau at The Ivy (Milsom Street) on Thursday 21st November. The event promises to be a relaxed, informal way to make new friends in stylish surroundings and includes a Champagne reception, a glorious French-themed feast (accompanied, n’est-ce pas, by
half a bottle of BN per guest) and the heartwarming glow that only supporting A Very Good Cause brings (£79pp; early advance booking essential).
https://bit.ly/3YD3A6o
The magical Festive Igloos are back at The Bird (Pulteney Road South) from Saturday 23rd November. Each individual “cosy pocket of luxury” offers an enchanting festive feasting experience resulting in unforgettable celebration, while spectacular seasonal dishes, festive drinks and breathtaking views of Bath’s starlit cityscape come as standard.
https://bit.ly/4eqc5rl
The fascinating, friendly Aladdin’s Cafe of sustainable/ethically sourced, plastic-free food/home essentials (and treats!) that is Scoop Wholefoods has relocated
Recipe: Speedy Spicy Bean Hotpot
from Lower Bristol Road to Green Street, slap-bang at the epicentre of Bath’s independent shopping scene. Go forth and scoop up at your earliest opportunity! www.uk.scoopwholefoods.com
Fly along to The Bird (Pulteney Road South) on Wednesday 27th November and get-up-closeand-personal with legendary, pioneering producers of Amarone wine Bertani of Verona at the Great Western Wine Co’s “gustatory evening of delectable food, fine wine and stimulating conversation”.
The evening begins with canapés to tickle your tastebuds before an impeccable 4-course set menu thoughtfully matched to accompany the wonderful wine selection, all for just £79.50pp.
https://bit.ly/40JPLG7
MasterChef: The Professionals
finalist Kasae Fraser is returning to her former home at Robun (George Street) on Friday 13th December to host what promises to be a spectacular Festive Feast. Kasae and her partner Vincent Gatay will present a 7-course Tasting Menu highlighting festive flavours in Robun’s uniquely stylishly surroundings and the celebrations will continue at an exclusive after-dinner party in the restaurant (£120pp; booking essential).
https://bit.ly/3NIvyZu
Melissa regularly reviews restaurants across Bath and the surrounding area. You can find out more at: www.theprandialplayground.uk
Find her @ThePigGuide
You know those cold, murky evenings when you’ve got no idea what to have for supper and you can’t face a trip to the shops? This is the moment when tinned sweetcorn, tinned beans, frozen jacket wedges and mature Cheddar cheese are your best friends. Turn the oven on, raid the freezer and store cupboard and prepare for a feast!
If you haven’t got mixed beans in chilli sauce to hand, use kidney, cannellini or even baked beans instead, and add a good pinch of smoked paprika (or dried chilli flakes) to the frozen peppers
Ingredients (serves 4)
• 375g pack frozen mixed peppers
• 1 x 325g tin sweetcorn, drained
• 2 x 420g tins mixed beans in mild chilli sauce
• 400g frozen jacket wedges (the lightly spiced kind work really well here)
• 100g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
Method
• Preheat the oven to 180c/gas mark 6.
• Stir-fry the peppers in a little vegetable oil over a medium heat for 1-2 minutes, add the mixed beans and drained sweetcorn and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
• Tip the bean mixture into a large baking dish, top with a layer of frozen wedges and scatter with cheese.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until the wedges are crisp and the cheese has melted, and serve with coleslaw or a well-dressed mixed salad.
Melissa Blease Food Writer
Follow Melissa on X
Interview: Kasae Fraser
MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS FINALIST RETURNS TO ROBUN FOR A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
This December, Robun is thrilled to welcome back MasterChef: The Professionals finalist and former Head Chef, Kasae Fraser, for an exclusive Christmas dining experience.
On Friday 13th December, Fraser and her partner, Executive Chef Vincent Gatay, will present a festive seven-course tasting menu that showcases their unique fusion of Japanese techniques and seasonal British ingredients. Join us for an unforgettable night of flavours and festivities, capped off with an after-party and live DJ right in the heart of Bath.
I: Kasae, it’s wonderful to have you back at Robun! Can you share what guests can expect on 13th December?
Kasae: Thank you! I’m really excited to be back. On Friday the 13th, Vincent and I will host a onenight-only event featuring a festive seven-course tasting menu. It’s a celebration of British seasonal ingredients with a Japanese twist. We’ll combine the flavours of Christmas with the precision and creativity of Japanese cuisine.
I: A Japanese twist on festive
about how these will come together in the menu?
Kasae: Certainly! We’re merging festive flavours with Japanese influences by using ingredients like persimmons, which will be fermented and incorporated into a sauce. We’ll also have Japanese pumpkin crafted into a croquette and a crab doughnut with a sancho dipping sauce. There’s even a sour satsuma granita for a pre-dessert, so the menu will bring in both Christmas warmth and Japanese flair.
I: For those who haven’t attended your previous tasting events, how would you describe the experience?
Kasae: This is much more than just a dinner. It’s a fully immersive experience. I’ll be coming out to speak with guests about each dish, there’ll be a welcome cocktail on arrival, and after dinner, we’re hosting an after-party with a DJ. It’s a destination event, and we want people to enjoy every aspect of the evening.
I: You’ll be interacting with the guests, then?
Kasae: Yes, and it’s one of my favourite parts! I’ll be chatting with everyone about the dishes, MasterChef, and anything they’re
curious about. It’s always special to connect directly with the people enjoying our food.
I: What inspired you to create this particular menu for the event?
Kasae: I love the idea of combining Japanese flavours with Christmas ingredients. It’s a bit of a challenge to merge these elements, but it’s also a lot of fun. Christmas is all about warmth, gathering, and food, so we wanted to capture that feeling with our own unique touch.
I: Are you a big fan of Christmas?
Kasae: Absolutely! Christmas is such a magical time, especially in Bath with the Christmas market— it really brings people together. I love how food is central to the season, and that’s exactly what we’re bringing to this event: a festive celebration around amazing food.
I: And Vincent will be cooking alongside you. What’s it like working together in a busy kitchen - what is the “naughty” and “nice part” if you get my
meaning?
Kasae: Working with Vincent is a lot of fun! We collaborate on everything, which is definitely the “nice” part. But the “naughty” side? We both think we’re always right! It makes for a lively kitchen, but we bring out the best in each other’s ideas.
I: For anyone considering attending, why should they book a ticket to this event?
Kasae: This event on December 13th is going to be our biggest yet in Bath, and it truly reflects everything Vincent and I love about food. It’s a celebration of the season, with a creative and flavourful menu that we’re so proud of. We’d love for people to come and enjoy an evening of fantastic food, good company, and a festive atmosphere.
Don’t miss this unique evening with Kasae Fraser and Vincent Gatay at Robun. Tickets for the Christmas special are £120, which includes a welcome cocktail. Following the dinner, guests can enjoy an exclusive after-party in the restaurant with music from a live DJ. Come celebrate with us on 13th December for a night of incredible food and festive fun!
What's On
Bath on Ice
Royal Victoria Park
15th November – 5th January
The perfect place to practice your skating and show off some moves. With wintry music, a cosy bar, and seasonal drinks, you'll be transported to a dreamy winter wonderland.
Historic Walking Tour
Sydney Gardens
17th November, 2.30-3.30pm
Enjoy a historic walking tour led by experienced Mayor's Guide Clive Johnstone. The Friends of Sydney Gardens are fundraising to preserve the only remaining Supper Box in the UK.
A Night of the Stars
Burdall’s Yard
23rd November, 7.30pm
A celebration of iconic songs from some of the most legendary artists of all time.
From Shirley Bassey, Barbara Streisand & Adele, right up to Whitney Houston, each track is handpicked to ‘wow'.
Wreath-Making Workshop
American Museum & Gardens
27th November, 10.30am–1pm
Join the Senior Gardener for a sustainable wreath-making workshop, using items gathered from the estate. Decorate your home and welcome the start of the festive season!
Festival of Lights: Lantern Making
The Museum of East Asian Art
16th November, 10.30am – 1.30pm
Make and decorate lanterns to celebrate two Thai festivals of light: Yi Peng, sometimes called the Sky Lantern Festival, and Loy Krathong, also known as the Water Lantern Festival.
Heritage Skills Workshop
Bathampton Meadows
17th November, 11am–2pm
Learn to lay a hedge. Hedgerows have been an effective and nature-friendly stock boundary for thousands of years. The National Trust restarted hedgelaying here back in 2022.
Birdsong
Theatre Royal
25th – 30th November
Sebastian Faulks’s story of love and loss returns to the stage marking the 30th anniversary of the best-selling novel. The critically acclaimed show returns in a brand-new production for 2024.
A Streetcar Named Desire
Rondo Theatre
27th – 30th November
Williams’ steamy and shocking landmark drama is one of the most influential plays of the 21st Century. This production will delve into the psyche of the two women that orbit each other.
Friday 15th November - Thursday 28th November 2024
Early Weaves
The Egg
16th & 17th November
Early Weaves is an introduction to dance theatre for early years children, using beautiful movement in this non-verbal show with a set and props made almost entirely from willow.
Christmas at Dyrham Park
Dyrham Park
21st November – 5th January
The house will be dressed in the style of different eras, from Tudor times right up until the 20th century. Outside, there will be a Christmas trees and a giant wreath.
An Evening with Michael Palin
Bath Pavilion
26th November, 7pm
There and Back is a new window into the world of Michael Palin, navigating the question of just how much of himself to share with the public as he prepares to publish the first volume of diaries.
Newton Farm Festive Evening
Newton Farm
28th November, 5-8pm
A chance to grab some Christmas gifts, enjoy some delicious food (and perhaps indulge in a glass of mulled wine) with the fabulous Glastonbury Brass playing festive music.
Widcombe Christmas Market
Widcombe Hill
16th & 17th November
Fifty local artisans have been carefully selected to represent some of the best work in their field, ensuring that you get an opportunity to buy locally made and handmade gifts for friends & family.
After Hours
Beckford’s Tower
21st November, 6.30-8.30pm
Join a guided tour of the graveyard at Beckford's Tower. Then the Tower and Museum will be open for an exclusive after hours visit; walk up the pink spiral staircase to the Belvedere.
A Monster Calls
The Mission Theatre
26th November – 30th November
A tale full of love, loss and hope, sensitively blending themes of bullying and terminal illness with imaginative storytelling. Concluding Next Stage's 30th birthday year.
Bath Christmas Market
Various Locations
28th November – 15th December
Featuring over 230 twinkling chalets entwining some of Bath’s most iconic monuments, a plethora of food and beverage stalls and a light display that will transport you to another world.
Festive Trail
Community
Bath-based Julian House launches Christmas fundraising appeal
BATH-BASED homelessness
charity Julian House has launched its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, warning that projects are at risk while demand is higher than ever. With significant cuts to public funding a considerable threat, Julian House relies on donations and fundraising from the public to keep services running.
Homelessness is rising sharply, with a 25% increase seen in Bath according to data from autumn 2023.
Julian House provides a lifeline for vulnerable individuals in the local community, including those who are rough sleeping or recovering from homelessness. The charity reports that its clients, who have often experienced significant trauma, face stigma and prejudice as they attempt to rebuild their lives.
Stephen, one of Julian House’s clients, said: “A lot of people look at you and think you’re a drunkard or do anti-social behaviour… usually it’s not the case.
“People have the perception that
if you’re homeless, you’re nasty, you’re thieves, we’re this, we’re that.”
For Stephen, the support of Julian House has been in stark contrast to how he is often treated elsewhere.
He continued: “They treat you like a normal human being, which takes a bit of getting used to.”
Despite the rising number of people in need of support, Julian House is warning that its future funding is at risk, and the public’s response to this Christmas Appeal will make all the difference to their projects. Funding cuts could have devastating consequences for the vulnerable individuals supported
by Julian House.
Helen Bedser, Chief Executive at Julian House, said: “We cannot face this crisis alone. It is only through the consistent generosity of our supporters that we can keep our services running and ensure that no one is left behind. “This is why we are inviting our community to consider donating to the Julian House Christmas Appeal. Every gift – whether a one-off donation or a regular commitment – helps continue to provide life-changing and lifesaving support in our community to those who need it most.” You can donate at www. julianhouse.org.uk/christmasappeal
BATH CRAFT FAIR
Police appeal after children followed
AVON & Somerset Police have launched an appeal for witnesses following an incident in which children were followed by a group in men in Combe Down.
At around 4.15pm on Thursday 17th October, three teenagers were followed in North Road, Tyning Road and Church Road by a group of men dressed all in black and wearing balaclavas and blue surgical gloves. Although no one came to any physical harm, an investigation is now under way and officers are encouraging anyone with any knowledge of what happened to come forward.
Neighbourhood Inspector Jon
Nash said: “We fully recognise the concern this incident has caused and we continue to work to identify the offenders. “Footage of the incident has been reviewed and extra patrols have been carried out in the area since this happened and we would encourage anyone who has any information to come forward.” If you have any information which could help the investigation, call 101 and quote reference 5224275848. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
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Homelessness is on the increase in the Bath area
Photo © Avon & Somerset Police
Free face-to-face clinics for those affected by dementia
DEMENTIA UK has partnered with Nationwide to offer free face-to-face specialist dementia support in Bath.
Clinics will be hosted by Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses in Nationwide’s Bath and Westonsuper-Mare branches, offering care and advice to families and individuals living with dementia. Support includes practical and emotional advice on all aspects of dementia – from worries about memory problems and understanding a diagnosis and how the condition can progress to help with financial and legal issues.
Appointments can be booked via Dementia UK’s website at https://bit.ly/3Cybs1D
Nationwide branches offer a safe, comfortable and private space for families to discuss any aspect of dementia.
As part of the partnership, Nationwide will host 200 popup clinics in branches around the UK, and the building society and fund 30 dementia specialist Admiral Nurse posts through Dementia UK.
The clinics form part of Nationwide’s new social impact programme, Fairer Futures, which addresses three of the UK’s biggest social issues through charity partnerships –dementia (Dementia UK), youth homelessness (Centrepoint)
and family poverty (Action for Children).
Research from Nationwide found that:
• One of the main asks of banks and building societies by dementia carers was for a dementia-friendly environment in branches (48%).
• Over four in ten (43%) wanted help to better understand care costs and options.
• Nearly six in ten (59%) of those caring for someone with dementia were concerned about the impact the disease would have on their finances.
• 50% of dementia carers are worried by the cost of residential care, with older people (55+) being the most concerned about this. 49% are worried about other costs, such as costs at home.
Sarah Priestley, Admiral Nurse
at Dementia UK, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing specialist face-to-face support for people affected by dementia to Somerset.
“By partnering with Nationwide, we are able to provide a safe space in towns across the county to ensure our Admiral Nurses are able to reach as many people affected by the condition as possible.
“Dementia is a huge and growing
health crisis – someone in the UK develops dementia every three minutes and the condition is the leading cause of death in England and Wales.
“It’s more important than ever that we reach families and individuals affected by dementia and offer one-on-one support from our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses.”
Debbie Crosbie, Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide, added:
“Nationwide wants to help people live their best life possible, for as long as possible.
“By working with Dementia UK to fund more Admiral Nurses and turning our branches into dementia clinics, we’re helping to tackle the country’s leading cause of death.
“As a mutual, we work for the good of society as well as our members.
“We believe this and Nationwide Fairer Futures will change hundreds of thousands of lives for the better.”
To book a confidential and in-person appointment with an Admiral Nurse, visit www. dementiauk.org/nationwide The pop-up clinics will visit:
• Bath (Old Bond St), 21/22 Union Street, BA1 1RS: 19th, 20th and 21st November.
• Weston-super-Mare, 4A High Street, BS23 1HZ: 12th, 13th and 14th November.
Photo © Nationwide / Philip Hardman Photography
RUHX’s Walk of Life set to return with new distance
THE Walk of Life event, held to fundraise for Bath-based hospital charity RUHX, is set to return next year with a new distance.
In addition to the 26.2-mile marathon and 10-mile distances, the charity will offer a 16-mile distance at the event in May 2025.
The Walk of Life 2024 saw over 300 people take part and raised over £60,000.
RUHX is hoping the new distance will encourage more of the local community to get involved by choosing a challenge that suits them.
The marathon route follows the
Kennet & Avon Canal between Bishops Cannings and Bath, with the 16-mile distance following the morning section and finishing at Bradford on Avon, where the 10mile distance begins.
Walkers are provided with snacks, water and lunch along the way to help them complete their challenge.
One of the participants from the 2024 event said: “Such a fantastic cause and so much support along the way made this challenge so much easier to complete. We will be signing up for next year ASAP!”
Since it began in 2005, the walk has raised over £800,000 for Royal
Awards celebrate acts of public service
AN officer from Bath has been recognised for his exceptional bravery at Avon & Somerset Police’s recent Force Awards. The awards, on Wednesday 23rd October, saw 56 individuals from across the region receive awards for their exceptional demonstration of public service in front of family, friends, colleagues and chief officers. From single-handedly arresting a violent offender and administering emergency first aid, to protecting the vulnerable through innovation and securing convictions through rigorous investigation, the awards recognised and honoured those who have gone above and beyond to help the force achieve their vision of delivering outstanding policing for everyone.
In August 2023, Police Constable Luke Guy demonstrated exceptional bravery when responding to a significant number of calls about an armed and aggressive individual damaging property and threatening members of the public in Bath.
With a fellow officer, Luke commenced a search and located the suspect down a narrow path. He went above and beyond the call of duty, placing himself at significant risk as he restrained
United Hospitals Bath, helping to fund the new Dyson Cancer Centre as well as innovative new technologies and equipment for the hospital, staff wellbeing programmes and research.
By taking part, people will be giving back to their local hospital for care received by them and their loved ones, helping to make healthcare extraordinary for everyone in Bath, Wiltshire and beyond.
Tickets start from £8.
You can register to take part in the Walk of Life on the RUHX website at https://ruhx.org.uk/ events/walk-of-life/
Week of celebrations held for care leavers
YOUNG adults across Bath and North East Somerset who have been in care or lived away from their parents have taken part in celebrations as part of Care Leavers’ Week 2024.
The youngsters adopted a tree in Pigeon Park in Bath, placing written messages on it for people to read with the theme ‘hear my voice’.
One of the messages reads: “Just because someone stumbles and falls off the path, it doesn’t mean they are lost forever”.
National Care Leavers’ Week, which ran from 28th October to 3rd November, was an opportunity for young care leavers to have their voices heard and raise awareness of the issues they face, as well as the things they have achieved.
Bath & North East Somerset Council and Off The Record
BANES arranged a week of celebrations for the care leavers, beginning with the adoption of the tree as part of the Positivitree initiative, which asks local authorities to plant a tree symbolising their commitment to seeing care experienced young people grow and thrive.
The local authority and Off The Record BANES work together to support young people who are leaving care, or who have already left care, up to the age of 25.
All elected council members and officers take on the role of ‘corporate parent’ to look after children and care-experienced young adults in Bath and North East Somerset.
The council currently supports 130 care leavers who are allocated to a personal advisor, a further 80 people aged between 21 and 25 can ask for help at any time, and the door is always open for care leavers aged over 25 to call the team and share their news.
Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It was moving to join young people today at the adoption of their sapling tree and read messages which came from the heart.
“Each message serves as a beacon of positivity, offering words of wisdom and inspiration and are a tangible reminder that care experienced young people are not alone and are rooted within our community.
“Care Leavers’ Week is a great way to celebrate the achievements of young people and for us to hear from them to help improve the way we support them in the future.
“We want all our children and young adults to lead successful and fulfilling lives after leaving care and it’s the council’s role to help them do that.”
Council completes annual highway preparations for the winter
WORK to keep the local highway network on the move this winter, with road salt stocked, grit bins filled and gritting lorries prepared, is being undertaken by B&NES Council.
Almost 2,000 tonnes of road salt are in dry storage in the local authority’s two salt barns and work to check and refill the 434 grit bins across Bath & North East Somerset is under way.
The spreading of road salt helps prevent ice forming on road surfaces and makes them safer for road users.
and disarmed the non-compliant subject.
Chief Constable Sarah Crew, who spoke at the event, said: “Award ceremonies are always a special occasion, and this is no different.
“We’ve heard so many fantastic stories of bravery, problemsolving, crime prevention and compassionate victim care.
“This is an opportunity to amplify what’s so brilliant about policing.”
Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner, was also in attendance to hand out awards to police officers and staff.
She said: “It’s a real privilege to have been here today. These awards acknowledge individual achievements, but also show to Avon and Somerset residents this is how good the Avon and Somerset service can be.”
A dry gritting run took place making sure the council’s nine gritting lorries were ready and working after their summer services.
The council has split its gritting fleet this year for the first time and will operate three gritting lorries from the Keynsham Recycling Hub, providing quicker access to gritting routes nearby and increasing the council’s efficiency and operational resilience.
On average the council carries out 57 gritting runs each year, using around 2,500 tonnes of road salt as it maintains 1,102km of highway.
Each gritting run sees gritting vehicles deployed to prioritised highways like A roads, B roads, bus routes and roads which
provide access to schools and hospitals.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for highways, said: “Preparations for the colder days and nights are already in hand, as ever our Highways team will provide a 24/7 service keeping our road network safe and running.”
The council has said it will use the colder months to focus on maintaining the highway and undertaking reactive works like pothole repairs, gully cleansing and gritting.
Highway patching and resurfacing works pause until the warmer, drier and more suitable
weather of spring.
As temperatures drop, the council’s highways team will monitor specialist forecasts and data from its own weather stations to identify when low temperatures and weather conditions pose a threat to road users.
Gritting runs are needed whenever road temperatures near freezing. There are 18 specially trained drivers on standby to respond when required.
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Gritting lorries at the council’s Clutton depot | Photo © B&NES Council
Taking on the Walk of Life | Photo © RUHX
PC Luke Guy with PCC Clare Moody and Chief Constable Sarah Crew |
Photo © Avon & Somerset Police
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Ofsted says ‘everyone feels welcome’ at Bath primary school
Becky Feather Reporter
OFSTED has praised St Mary’s Catholic Primary at Weston in Bath as a “caring school where everyone feels welcome”.
In a report published this week following an inspection last month the inspectors also say that pupils are happy and live out the school’s mission statement by being kind and helping each other.
From September 2024 schools are not given an overall effectiveness grade but the inspectors said that during their visit to the school at Penn Hill Road it was good in terms of quality of education, leadership and management, pupils’ behaviour and attitudes and their personal development.
The school’s last full inspection by Ofsted was nine years ago when it was rated as Good.
The latest report says the school has high expectations of what pupils can achieve, which motivates them to try hard. They are confident and enthusiastic to learn.
The inspectors say: “The school has reviewed some subjects within the curriculum, following a drop in outcomes for pupils in Key Stage 1. These new curriculums are well thought out and carefully sequenced.
“Staff know precisely what to
teach. They build in opportunities for pupils to recall their knowledge.
“However, in some subjects, the school does not check if pupils have remembered essential knowledge. This means some pupils cannot recall what they have learned, so they do not build their knowledge securely.”
The school is said to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to learn the same curriculum as their peers.
There is a personal, social and health education curriculum that supports pupils to be safe and develop their character.
Alongside this, the school plans wider opportunities to enrich
pupils’ experiences including an arts week and in sports tournaments, where they achieve well.
A “sharp focus” is kept on attendance. When it falls, appropriate action is taken and the school works with families to improve it. As a result, attendance is improving.
Governors are said to be knowledgeable of the school’s strengths and development areas and staff value the school’s awareness of their well-being and the support they receive to carry out their roles effectively.
The school has 189 children on the roll and parents and carers say they value its small size and nurturing environment.
Project hoping to raise awareness of Holocaust
A NEW educational initiative is being introduced to help raise awareness of the Holocaust and other 21st-century atrocities.
The Bath & North East Somerset Faith Foundation, which coordinates events across the district every year to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January, is leading the initiative.
The foundation’s new Holocaust Awareness Project will share resources with schools across Bath and North East Somerset in the run-up to Holocaust Memorial Day.
It will give teachers and educational leaders useful information on how the issue can be discussed, whilst observing sensitivities around the topic.
The organisation’s director, Nathan Hartley, said: “As we approach both the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, the largest Nazi death camp
during the Second World War, our team are always looking at ways in which we can educate and share with the public just how horrific the atrocities of 21st Europe were. Today, there is increasing division in communities across the UK and the world. Now more than ever, we need to stand together and educate children and young people about the events of the Holocaust.
“The initiative also encourages young people to celebrate their differences. Various regimes throughout history have deliberately fractured societies by marginalising certain groups.
“Our new educational project shows how we can learn from the past by encouraging individuals to stand together with their neighbours and speak out against oppression.”
Schools can receive free educational packs by emailing info@bathnesfaithfoundation. org.uk
Alcohol licence go-ahead to use playing fields for events
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
A PRIVATE school in Bath has been given the go-ahead to serve alcohol to large crowds at its sports pitches, despite fears from locals that it will turn their quiet village “into a Glastonbury”.
King Edward’s School applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council for a licence to sell alcohol and play music and films at its sports pitches in the village of Bathampton.
Most events would have to finish by 6pm and be for fewer than 500 people, but 10 a year could carry on until 11pm and host up to 3,000 people. The plans caused outrage in the “silent” village, with 48 people lodging objections with the council.
Lodging their objection, Susan Shaw said: “Bathampton is a village and should not be turned into a Glastonbury.”
Angela Donald added that the village “should not be subjected to a noisy and alcoholic bunch of festival people”.
Dr Stephen Haigh said: “King Edward's School is a private school that contributes very little to the vast majority of residents of Bathampton village – they have stopped villagers walking their dogs on the field and now prevent local children from playing on the field too.”
He warned that the events held there were already “disruptive”, adding: “This is a field in a quiet local village and is not the right setting for an entertainment venue.”
He was one of nine people from the village who also attended the licensing hearing before Bath & North East Somerset Council’s licensing sub-committee on 31st October. The school’s licensing solicitor Ewan Macgregor told residents that the cap of 3,000 attendees was a figure suggested by the police, stating: “We will never ever reach or be near the 3,000 figure that is suggested on the licence.”
He said that events would be the rugby and cricket festivals that already happened, and things such as weddings for former pupils, and would “not be
Glastonbury”. He added: “None of these events will be run for private gain. The school is a regulated charity so any money generated from these events will be reinvested in the school.”
But Councillor Lin King of Bathampton Parish Council said the school was being “disingenuous”. She said: “Although I believe in the short term this is all you want to do, we all know that if a licence is granted with the conditions as
they stand, in future you could have 10 events with up to 3,000 people going on late into the night selling alcohol into the night.”
Dr Haigh told the committee he lived on a boat on the canal at the edge of the sports pitches five months of the year.
He said: “The reason why I’m there is it is a quiet area. It’s just silent.”
Bernadette Metters warned the panel: “If you grant this full licence .. there will be havoc. The
children will go on making noise. This is not fair — it’s an erosion of village life.”
Locals also warned that it would cause illegal parking and traffic chaos for so many cars to turn up in the tiny village to attend events. The school said it would provide shuttle buses.
The licensing sub-committee agreed to grant the licence as applied for, subject to an additional condition that the school will arrange transport to large events.
The school was praised for its work with SEND pupils
The village of Bathampton near Bath
Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland | Photo © meunierd / Shutterstock.com
Health
ITV star opens hospital’s new £600,000 imaging department
A GRAND opening for Bath Clinic’s newly refurbished imaging department was held on Thursday 7th November, with guest of honour Kenny Doughty, star of ITV crime drama Vera.
Mr Doughty cut the ribbon alongside invited guests, staff and doctors at the private hospital in Combe Down.
Following a tour of the department, Mr Doughty spent time with the hospital’s imaging team, understanding first-hand how important imaging and diagnostics are to a patient’s treatment and recovery.
Located in Claverton Down, Bath Clinic is the city’s only private hospital and has been for over 40 years.
Alongside Kenny Doughty, were representatives from Radio Bath, Bath Rugby, Milsted Langdon LLP and Bluebird Care.
The newly refurbished department, completed in October, now boasts a state-of-the-art CT scanner, mammography machine and the latest digital X-ray equipment.
Costing £600,000, the department has been reequipped and configured to offer patients a modern and calming environment.
The new equipment specially procured for the hospital offers the imaging team a significantly higher quality of image.
This improved image quality enables better visualisation of fine structures and subtle variations in tissue density.
While touring the facility, Mr Doughty was shown the hospital’s new mammography machine while Mary-Anne Steele, Clinical Services Manager for Imaging, explained how Bath Clinic could now offer tomosynthesis. Tomosynthesis produces a more detailed image of a patient’s breast than a standard mammogram. In denser breast tissue, the technique reduces false-positive results and improves the accuracy of cancer detection.
Following a tour of the department, guests were treated
to an afternoon tea and Mr Doughty said a few words to staff and guests who gathered to mark the important milestone in the hospital’s investment programme which began in 2021.
Kogie Naidoo, Executive Director of Bath Clinic, said: “It was an honour to welcome Kenny Doughty and representatives from across our community to join us for such an important event. We pride ourselves in offering our patients the latest in medical technology.
“Our new imaging department represents us making good on that commitment and promises to ensure that we can continue to deliver an outstanding quality of care for many years to come.”
No Hospital is an Island: The Power of Collaboration
Surgery at RUH retains ‘good’ CQC rating
SURGERY services provided at the Royal United Hospital in Bath have retained their ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Inspectors found that staff and leaders worked well together to deliver safe, people-centred care.
They said that the RUH Trust’s cultural improvement programme was helping to make surgery a better place to work for staff and providing safer, more effective care to its patients.
They also found that the service had a shared vision and there was a proactive and positive culture of safety among staff.
Inspectors said hospital staff treated people with kindness and compassion, taking their individual needs into account.
The CQC’s assessment took place from March to June 2024, and included a two-day site visit to Forrester Brown, Pulteney and Philip Yeoman wards.
Other highlights of the report concluded:
• Staff were skilled with appropriate levels of experience and were approachable; openly discussing compassionate care.
• Staff ensured people with protected characteristics received individualised support and there was emphasis on treating people equally and without judgement.
• There was a culture of openness and honesty, safety events were
Cara Charles-Barks speaks about her first week as Chief Executive of the Royal United Hospitals Bath, Great Western Hospitals in Swindon and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust.
It is an honour and a privilege to be starting as Chief Executive for the Royal United Hospitals Bath, Great Western Hospitals Swindon and Salisbury Foundation NHS Trust. I look forward to working with colleagues to blend fresh ideas with valuable experience in order to deliver ever better healthcare for our population.
I want to explore a profound truth that resonates throughout our lives: the idea that no man is an island.
This metaphor, from the pen of poet John Donne, reminds us that each of us is intrinsically connected to one another, shaped by our relationships, experiences, and the communities we live in. That together we are stronger than we are alone. The same is true in healthcare as it is for each of us as people.
In our fast-paced, modern world,
it can be easy to believe that we’re alone. We can prioritise self-sufficiency, viewing independence as a virtue, that being strong but alone is the way forward.
But while it’s important for there to be strength and a sense of pride within an organisation, we must also recognise that true potential to innovate is unlocked through connection, by working with others. Excellence is usually achieved through collaboration and with support. This is true in healthcare as it is anywhere. Some of the remarkable advancements in healthcare; from groundbreaking research to innovative treatments, are not the result of solitary efforts. They emerge from collaborative teams, diverse in expertise and background, working together towards a common goal: to heal and to improve lives. This interconnectedness is the
bedrock of progress. As we share ideas, challenge each other, and support one another, we foster an environment where innovation thrives and the art of the possible is realised. When we work together and learn together we can improve together.
Today the NHS stands at yet another crossroads, and it is a time for renewal. For 75 years the NHS has survived by pulling together, by adapting to changes and by focussing on the needs of the communities we serve. As three hospitals we now have the opportunity to learn together, to tackle inequalities in access to services, to work together to remove barriers to good health and provide improved health outcomes for all our communities.
Today a person living in Devizes can be offered the same treatment in Bath, Swindon
investigated, and lessons were learned to continually identify and embed good practice.
• Staff were empowered to make a difference; inspectors observed ‘improvement boards’ where suggested solutions to problems were discussed.
Cara Charles-Barks, RUH Chief Executive, said: “This is an overwhelmingly positive report which highlights the excellent work that is taking place across the RUH’s surgery service.
“I was particularly pleased that inspectors concluded that staff should be extremely proud of the care they’re providing to our people who are accessing this service.
“We are committed to consistently providing the people we care for with the very best levels of service and this report underlines the people-centred care that is provided for patients at the RUH.
“We already have plans in place to address the areas that we need to improve on.”
Following the inspection, the domains of safe, caring, effective and well-led were rated as ‘good’, resulting in surgical services at the RUH being rated as ‘good’ overall. The overall rating of the Combe Park site remains at ‘requires improvement’, and the overall rating for the Trust remains ‘good’.
or Salisbury yet their experience and outcomes may vary. But by working and learning together we can reduce those differences. For example, if we share waiting lists across the three hospitals we can find ways to prioritise those most in need of treatment. Our shared Electronic Patient Records will allow ever closer working and greater understanding with better data helping us target resources.
A new approach to community healthcare will enable patients to be treated closer to home, avoid hospital admissions and shorten stays. Shared training and development will enable services to improve together, driving innovation and delivering higher quality care. However, we must be intentional as we build these
connections, they do not happen by accident, it needs deliberate actions and design. It calls for vulnerability, openness, and a willingness to engage with others. In a society that can at times emphasise individualism, we must make a conscious effort to reach out, to listen, and to support one another. We must create spaces where we cheer each other on, where everyone feels valued and heard, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.
I believe that by working, learning and improving together we can embrace the idea that no one is an island. By nurturing our relationships across the three hospitals and recognising the value of collaboration, we can create the conditions for each one of us to shine.
Executive Director Kogie Naidoo with Kenny Doughty, Mayor of Bath Michelle O’Doherty and Councillor Karen Walker | Photo © Owen Mogg
Business
Convenience store owner in Bath fined for selling illegal vapes
THE owner of a convenience store in the Weston area of Bath has been fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs after being found selling illegal vapes.
Local businesses that sell vapes are being warned they could face court proceedings if the products they sell are illegal following two successful investigations by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
On 23rd October 2024 at Bath Magistrates' Court, Darshan Balendran, owner of the Spar shop in Weston, was found to have more than 100 illegal vapes for sale when officers from the council’s Trading Standards team visited on 1st May.
Balendran entered a guilty plea for one count under The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £400 and costs of £1,059.
Also on 23rd October, Thuraisingam Yogamoorthy, owner of Kaay Stores in Westfield, pleaded guilty to a single offence under The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 after officers found 39 illegal vapes at the shop during a visit on 16th May.
Yogamoorthy also entered a guilty plea for an offence brought against the company under the
same regulations.
Yogamoorthy was fined £1,000, and the company Aathenaa Ltd was fined £1,500 for the offence.
Costs and surcharges were ordered totalling £2,300.
The prosecutions were brought as the council cracks down on the sale of illegal vapes in the area, following three successful prosecutions of traders in March this year.
To be legally sold in the UK, disposable vapes are required to have undergone a safety assessment and authorisation process with the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
Illegal vapes undergo no such assessment to ensure they are
safe for consumers to use.
It is also a requirement that disposable vapes have a tank size of no more than two millilitres.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services said: “Our Trading Standards team will continue to work hard to stop illegal vapes being made available to the public.
“We will continue to make checks on retailers that sell vapes and protect consumers from the harm that can be caused by illegal products.”
Businesses are reminded that the sale and supply of vapes is controlled by regulations and encourage them to check that the stock they have is lawful.
City centre jewellery store plans to expand
JEWELLERY shop Mallory, on the corner of Northgate Street and Bridge Street in the city centre, has unveiled plans to expand.
The shop occupies 17 Northgate Street and numbers 1 to 5 Bridge Street.
There are now plans to knock through from No. 5 to No.6, which
is currently clothing shop Brora. Mallory’s shopfronts all have distinctive shop blinds. It is proposed that No. 6 will be altered to match the others. The application to Bath & North East Somerset Council for planning permission and listed building consent also includes new fascias and blinds for 3 and 4 Bridge Street. The planning reference is 24/04106/FUL. The deadline for comments is 5th December.
Curo leaseholders hit with ‘unexpected’ increase in charges
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
LEASEHOLDERS in Bath have been hit with massive “unexpected” charges by housing association Curo which owns the freehold to their building.
One charge was suddenly increased by almost ten times in 2022. Ken Pearson, who lives in the 17–32 Hillside Road block of flats, said it had left him paying a third of his pension to Curo. He said: “The increase was made as major works were needed on our block of flats. However, it is clear that Curo didn’t prepare the leaseholders and we are faced with very large unexpected bills.”
Mr Pearson is one of three leaseholders who own flats in the building, the rest of which are rentals owned by Curo. As leaseholders, they are required to pay charges for the upkeep of the building, including into a “sinking fund” which is intended to ensure there is a fund of money ready to cover any unexpected work.
For about five years, this charge was about £130 a year until 2021, when it went up to £189. But when the building’s roof started leaking and needed
replacing, there was not the money in the fund and Curo dramatically increased the charge by almost ten times over.
Mr Pearson said: “When they suddenly realised there was going to be some major work to be done, it was increased from £130 a year to £1,767 a year.
Which obviously hit our pockets.”
Leaseholders have argued that Curo should have known the 1960s roof would need replacing
and factored this into the sinking fund earlier.
Curo, which took over the building in 2012, thought the roof had already been repaired in the 1990s – but leaseholders have said there is no evidence of this and Curo had failed to plan.
Mr Pearson said: “Curo just won’t accept that they are responsible in any way.”
As of 2023, the housing association’s approval rating
amongst its leaseholders was just 25%.
He added: “The whole thing now is a major problem that we face but we are getting a lot of support thankfully from Jess David, our local councillor.”
Councillor David (Lib Dem, Moorlands) said: “I am very concerned that Curo leaseholders are being presented with large and unexpected bills for repairs that could have been anticipated and planned for.
“I am supporting residents at Hillside Road who have assembled a detailed case to challenge the unexpected charge they have received for a roof replacement, and I hope that we can reach a fair compromise.
“Curo’s senior management needs to look again at how the major works are planned for and ensure that leaseholders are treated fairly.”
Leaseholders were initially told they could pay off their new sinking fund debt over two years, then four years.
Mr Pearson said: “Curo were supposed to prepare leaseholders for major works through our sinking fund but for ten years they did not. Now they want us to pay for their mistake over four years? Hardly seems fair.”
Now leaseholders are considering
taking Curo to the Housing Ombudsman or tribunal. They are also calling on the housing association’s board to investigate the matter.
A spokesperson for Curo said:
“Under the terms of their lease, homeowners have to pay their share of the costs for maintaining and repairing their building, and customers are aware of this when they buy their home.
“We understand that the recent increase in costs was substantial, so we offered the customer a number of solutions, including an option to spread the costs over four years.
“We also removed the management fee to acknowledge that these were emergency repairs.
“However, the customer has refused all of our proposals, and the only solution they will accept is to not pay their share of the costs, which like all the homeowners in the building, they are legally obliged to cover.
“We’ve suggested that if the homeowner does not agree they should take the case to a firsttier tribunal for an independent judgement.”
Becky Feather Reporter
The Mallory store in Bath
Ken Pearson wants Curo's board to take action | Photo © John Wimperis
Politics
Government appeal lodged after Southdown HMO plans refused
Becky Feather Reporter
AFTER plans to turn a property in Southdown into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) were refused because there are already too many nearby, an appeal has been lodged with the Secretary of State.
In May a planning application was submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council for 32 The Oval, which is near the junction with Chestnut Grove.
The proposal for the three-bed semi involved building a singlestorey rear and loft dormer extensions and changing the use to a six-bed HMO.
The house currently has parking for one car and one extra space was being proposed.
The council received 10 objections with concerns about the housing mix, HMO density, the impact on parking and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) non-compliance.
Local councillor Jess David (Lib Dem, Moorlands) highlighted
her concerns about the loss of another family home to an extended HMO property and the impact on parking.
The council says there is a tipping point where the concentration of HMOs begins to adversely impact on the character and balance of a local community.
The threshold is set at 10% or more of households within a 100-metre radius.
In the case of 32 The Oval, planning officers said the proposal would result in 13
More development proposals submitted for New Leaf Farm
MORE proposals for New Leaf Farm at Bathampton have been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The application has been submitted by Steve Horler, husband of Councillor Kevin Guy (Lib Dem, Bathavon North), who is the council’s leader.
A covering letter says: “An existing agricultural building at New Leaf Farm of 225m2 is being converted into housing.
“This application seeks to replace it with two smaller agricultural buildings with an identical combined footprint of 225m2 so there is no change in agricultural storage space.”
The planning reference is 24/04018/FUL. The deadline for comments is 27th November.
Mr Horler has previously stated that New Leaf Farm at Mill Lane is owned by his father and neither he nor Councillor Guy own anything there.
There are already nine selfcatering cottages and apartments at New Leaf Farm.
As we reported last month, Mr Horler is currently seeking prior approval to change the use of an agricultural building at the farm into three housing units.
The council has so far received nine objections, among them from the two Green Party
councillors representing the neighbouring Lambridge ward.
Saskia Heijltjes and Joanna Wright have shared concerns about overdevelopment of the site, which they say is primarily agricultural land.
They say: “The ongoing increase of housing for let on this site contributes to increased traffic on small roads, directly impacting Lambridge ward. Further, this applicant has been involved with selling land to the National Trust to protect this area for wildlife, that also sits in the flood plain.”
The councillors add that the walking, wheeling and cycling routes are unlit, making them unsuitable for use after sunset and although the application states there are three bus companies operating within easy reach, the nearest stop is 0.8 miles away and the nearest shops are a mile away.
Another objector has penned a poem which is available to read on the planning portal.
A decision on the application is expected by 24th November.
Earlier this year a bid under the government's permitted development legislation to change the use of two agricultural buildings into a hotel with up to nine bedrooms was submitted but subsequently withdrawn.
Rogue trader ordered to pay back over £108k
BATH & North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team has secured more than £108,000 in compensation for four victims of a rogue builder, two of whom are Bath residents. It follows a Proceeds of Crime hearing held at Bristol Crown Court on 6th October.
Bristol Crown Court ruled at a hearing on 6th October that Brain must repay £108,085 within three months as compensation to his four victims. The sum is part of proceeds from ill-gotten money he unlawfully obtained from his unprofessional business practices.
HMOs within a 100-metre radius – a concentration of 12.9%.
The officers considered that the rear extensions would be acceptable but not the side dormer which would harm the character and appearance of the area. They concluded that the proposals would be contrary to supporting a balanced community, would result in an unacceptable loss of accommodation in terms of mix, and the HMO would not be energy-efficient.
Martin Brain, of Blackhorse Place in Mangotsfield in South Gloucestershire, trading as Olive Interiors Ltd, had at a previous hearing pleaded guilty to one offence relating to the contravention of professional diligence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 after duping his victims out of £133,000.
52-year-old Brain, who also previously operated from premises on Cork Street in Bath, received a nine-month suspended prison sentence and was ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service and attend 18 rehabilitation days. At the time it was said that legal proceedings to obtain the criminal earnings from Mr Brain would follow.
There is a 12-month prison sentence if Brain does not repay the money within three months and he would still be required to repay the victims on release from prison. At Brain’s sentencing at Bristol Crown Court in June, his barrister said the builder was sorry for the harm he had caused and had never intended to put his customers through this sort of ordeal. The court heard how company finances had spiralled out of control.
This week Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services at B&NES Council, said: “The efforts of our Trading Standards team have ensured that we not only brought Martin Brain to justice but also made sure that his illgotten gains are returned.”
Website launched to help residents work out parking charges
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
A LOCAL resident has created a website so people can find out how much they will have to pay when using the area’s car parks. Different cars will pay varying amounts to park in Bath & North East Somerset Council car parks.
The council introduced “emissions-based parking charges” in Bath last year and is now rolling them out to car parks across the district.
Based on the idea that “the polluter pays”, cars with higher emissions have to pay an additional rate to park under the scheme.
You do not need to know your car’s emissions as pay and display machines will look them up from the DVLA when you pay to park – but this means it is not always easy to know how much your parking will cost ahead of time. Now one local in the district has created a website, not affiliated with the council, to help people find this out.
People can put in their number plate and bathnesparking.co.uk will tell you the cost of parking at the car parks where emissionsbased parking charges are in place or planned, and how much more this will cost you than drivers of the lowest emission
cars.
The website’s creator said: “It’s not always clear to members of the public how much they will be charged before turning up to the car parks and it’s also interesting to know how much extra you’ll be paying compared to a low-emission vehicle. I’m a local resident just trying to make these changes and charges a bit clearer and easier to understand for other local residents!”
They added: “The website uses public information from council’s consultation, data obtained from the DVLA’s Vehicle Enquiry Service API.
“It’s free to use to look-up your vehicle. I do not run ads on the website so there is no direct monetary gain to get traffic directed to the website. It is intended as a free to use tool for people in the local area.”
The rollout of emissions-based charges and price increases to council-owned car parks in Bath, Keynsham, and Saltford will happen throughout November. The rollout to on-street paid parking locations in Bath will happen in January 2025.
The charges will also be introduced in the currently free South Road car park in Midsomer Norton and the Church Street and Waterloo Road car parks in Radstock.
After a local outcry, the council have now said that parking will be free for the first two hours in the Somer Valley towns, and charges will be at a lower rate than in Keynsham.
Follow on Threads
The website has been launched to help local drivers
Concerns have been raised over the concentration of HMOs in the area
Popular Birthday Buses initiative set to return
THE Birthday Buses initiative, which offers residents across the West of England the opportunity to enjoy a month of free bus travel, is set to return. Bus passengers will be able to enjoy unlimited free bus travel throughout the month of their birthdays.
As an added bonus for residents, there will also be retail discounts at shops, restaurants, and attractions across the region for Birthday Bus cardholders – as well as two months of free travel for users who apply before their 21st birthday, to encourage the next generation of bus passengers.
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “The first year of Birthday Buses was an enormous success. 72,000 passengers took, on average, around 19 free journeys each – saving almost £40 in fares.
“People who tried out our region’s buses, sometimes for the very first time, during their Birthday Bus month made new habits, and now they’re on the buses much more than before.
“More bus journeys and fewer miles in cars mean less congestion for everyone.
“We are excited to see the impact of the second year of Birthday Buses, particularly with new retail discounts for passengers. Delivering a genuine change in how people get around means that Birthday Bus pass users under the age of 21 will get a whole second month of free travel.”
Almost 1.2 million free journeys were taken under the first year of the Birthday Bus programme, with more than 72,000 free passes issued across the wider West of England.
The more people that use the bus, and more often, the stronger the future for bus routes and the wider network.
The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) said that eight out of ten people who got Birthday Bus passes are driving less now.
90% of Birthday Bus users say
that the free pass has played a key role in getting them to take the bus more.
The transport initiative, according to KPMG, had a benefit-to-cost ratio of around 2.2 to 1, meaning almost £5 million of benefits for the region between August 2023 and July 2024.
The independent auditors also found that Birthday Buses resulted in an estimated reduction of more than 1,100 tonnes of carbon emissions –equivalent to a petrol car driving more than five million miles.
Mayor Dan Norris announced the £4 million expansion of Birthday Buses and unveiled a brand new green bus featuring “BirthdayBus.co.uk” advertising at an event in central Bristol. Residents can apply for their new Birthday Bus pass at BirthdayBus. co.uk, with the new year of Birthday Buses launching from 1st December 2024.
People who had a Birthday Bus pass last year will be sent an e-mail to renew with just oneclick. Where people have moved address or other details have changed since applying for their first Birthday Bus pass, they will need to update their details.
You can now get free bus travel for the whole of your birthday month, plus the following one, if you apply before your 21st birthday.
Funding for the project, and wider investment in buses in the region, was secured from the Department for Transport.
Birthday Buses is a joint initiative of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset Council.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF A PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003
Sugeshan Jegasothy applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 4th November 2024 for a licence to use the premises at 22 Moorland Road, Bath, BA2 3PW for the sale of alcoholic products for consumption off-premises.
The sale of alcoholic products is to take place during the following times:
Monday 06:00 – 23:00
Tuesday 06:00 – 23:00
Wednesday 06:00 – 23:00
Thursday 06:00 – 23:00
Friday 06:00 – 23:00
Saturday 06:00 – 23:00
Sunday 06:00 – 23:00
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 2nd December 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: 07/11/2024
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF A PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003
Ouassim Nasim applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 5 November 2024 for a licence to use the premises at 1 Cleveland Place East, Bath BA1 5DJ for the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption off premises 07:00 – 23:00 every day.
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 3rd December 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: 06/11/2024
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF A PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003
Ben Eu applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 13 November 2024 for a licence to use the premises at 15 Cheap Street Bath BA1 1NA for the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption on and off premises 10:00 – 23:00 every day.
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 11th December 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: 14/11/2024
If you would like to announce a birth, death or marriage in a future issue, or publish a public notice for your business, please get in touch by emailing advertise@bathecho.co.uk or call 01225 585484.
If you're interested in advertising your business or event within the rest of the newspaper, contact Rob Last by emailing rob@mediabath.co.uk or call on 07990 253664.
Photo © WECA
Bath City FC
Programme to help students maximise potential
A NEW programme is being introduced to provide more than 160 University of Bath student-athletes with bespoke support to help them maximise their academic and sporting potential.
Supported by Team Bath partners Rengen, the Student Performance Sport Breakthrough Programme offers best-practice personal development and performance support to students.
The group have been identified as having long-term athletic potential, as they seek to make the step up from pre-elite level to sustained sporting success.
As well as free access to the facilities at the Team Bath Sports Training Village, Breakthrough athletes benefit from regular strength and conditioning sessions in the gym and recovery clinics in the Team Bath Physio and Sport Science Centre. They can also speak to one of four on-campus Athlete Personal Development and Lifestyle (APDL) advisors, who offer advice and support as students navigate the demands of their dual sporting and academic careers.
Round-the-clock mental health support is provided by the Sporting Wellness charity,
and special consideration can be provided for academic flexibility should training camps or competition clash with coursework and exams.
Welcoming the 2024-25 intake of Breakthrough athletes, Performance Sport Officer
Sarah Collin said: “We want to be the UK’s best environment for student-athletes to realise their academic and athletic potential, and the Breakthrough Programme is central to that goal.
“Our objectives are recruiting and developing a diverse range of exceptional people, delivering an environment which enables them
to achieve their potential, and raising the University’s profile through sports performance and individual long-term impact.”
Rengen is the main partner of the Breakthrough Programme and the company’s CEO Iestyn Lewis is an advocate for supporting student-athletes having himself combined a structural engineering degree at the University of Bath with a successful playing career at Bath Rugby. He said: “The reason I am able to do what I do now professionally is because of the support I received from the University as a student-
athlete.
“It gave me an invaluable opportunity to study at the highest level while continuing to play elite sport, standing me in good stead for both parts of my career. I am delighted that we at Rengen can support these talented and dedicated young people on their sporting and academic journeys. I’m excited to see what they achieve in the months and years ahead.”
Rengen will publicly celebrate the achievements of Breakthrough Programme participants by awarding an Athlete of the Month accolade.
Team Bath Netball announces squad for 2025
TEAM Bath Netball has announced the squad that will represent the South West of England in the inaugural 2025 NXT Gen League season. Several players with Super League and international experience are among the emerging stars making up the 17-strong cohort, who will compete in the new national U23 competition which underpins the relaunched Netball Super League.
Fans will have the chance to cheer on the Blue & Gold in six home matches at the Team Bath Arena, starting with the season opener on Friday 7th February against new franchise Nottingham Forest.
Two further home games will be played at the brand-new Chellaram Sports Complex in Bristol.
Ellie Ervine, Lily Jones and Phoebe Maslen, the latter fresh from being named in the England A squad for November’s internationals against Zimbabwe and Scotland, have all recommitted their future to Team Bath having previously
worn the famous Blue & Gold in Super League.
Welsh international Ellen Morgan, a Team Bath Super League training partner last season, and fellow Feathers longsquad player Poppy Tydeman are also in the squad along with Alanna Pullen, Sienna Rutherford and Daisy Harrison, who all have England Netball Roses Academy experience.
Harrison, who was awarded NPL U19 Player of the Year 2022-23, and Pullen – an Oner Active Sporting Scholar and one of 10 University of Bath students in the squad – were part of the England U21 squad, captained by Maslen, who won Netball Europe gold last year.
The growing strength of the Team Bath pathway is clear to see from this year’s selection with eight players – Harrison, Jones, Pullen, Ella Williams, Scarlett Creasey, Becca Hinkins, Sophie Siffre and Charlotte Watts – moving up from the U21 squad that excelled in NPL competition last season, winning silver in the end-of-
season tournament. Defender
Lottie Robinson and shooter Daisy Collett, who joins from a recent stint with Severn Stars, have also previously represented the Team Bath franchise.
Completing the squad are Blue & Gold debutants Daniella Carr and Katherine Mansfield, who join the club from the Central Warriors and London Mavericks programmes respectively.
The squad will be co-led by Academy Head Coach Natalie Roddy and Anya Le Monnier,
Crossword answers - Issue 090 (01/11/2024)
who is Student Netball Head Coach at the University of Bath and a former graduate of the Team Bath programme.
Natalie Roddy said: “I’m really excited about this squad – it has lots of talent and so much potential.
“These U23 players are our flagship squad, representing Team Bath and the South West on the national stage, and I believe they have the ability to create something special in a league which itself has massive potential.
“Our aim is to challenge for a topfour finish, although I think we are capable of more than that, while also fulfilling the Team Bath ethos of developing players to the very highest standard. We already have players who could make the step up to Super League in the next year or two.”
Nine clubs will contest the NXT Gen League, Team Bath and the eight Super League franchises, and fixtures – played home and away – will take place from early February through to mid-June.
Across: 1 Arbiter, 5 Sitting, 9 Trudeau, 10 Furnace, 11 Cheetahs, 12 Berlin, 13 Craze, 14 Hot potato, 17 Wednesday, 19 Realm, 20 On tape, 22 Corvette, 25 Halfway, 26 Earners, 27 Tenured, 28 Pleaded.
Down: 1 Aztec, 2 Boulevard, 3 Trestle, 4 Roughshod, 5 Sofa, 6 Torpedo, 7 In all, 8 Green Room, 13 Cowboy hat, 15 Try to help, 16 Apartheid, 18 Empower, 19 Reverie, 21 Talon, 23 Eased, 24 N Y P D.
Saturday 16th November – 3pm
Bath City v Chertsey Town (Home) FA Trophy 2
Sunday 17th November – 2pm
Bath City (W) v Crewkerne Rangers (Away) Junior Cup 1
Tuesday 19th November – 7.45pm
Bath City v Maidstone United (Home) League
Saturday 23rd November – 3pm
Bath City v Eastbourne Borough (Away) League
Sunday 24th November – 2pm
Bath City (W) v Stockwood Wanderers (Away) League
Tuesday 26th November – 7.45pm
Bath City v Salisbury (Home) League
Bath Rugby
Saturday 23rd November – 3pm Bath Rugby v Bedford Blues (Away)
Premiership Rugby Cup - R3
Whether you'd like us to include your upcoming fixtures, or submit a match report for publishing, our team would 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 sports calendar. If you have photographs that we can use, we'd also like to include them within these pages, on our website and social media. We're happy to host match reports from across Bath. Please send them to sport@bathecho.co.uk with the subject Match Report. To ensure we can include them in our following issue, limit the length to around 400 words.
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Some of the student-athletes taking part in the programme | Photo © Team Bath
The Team Bath Netball squad
Photo © Charlotte Clark