Bath Echo - Issue 092 - 29/11/2024

ECHO

Friday 29th November - Thursday 13th December 2024

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Issue No. 092

Celebrate Christmas in style with a festive feast Page 10

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COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS Festive season gets under way across the Bath area - P3

Inside: Food & drink, archive photos, what's on listings, our £20 crossword & more!

MP has say as debate on HMOs in Bath continues - P2

Council extends consultation on active travel schemes - P3

Community learns more about proposed Camden bus gate - P5

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MP has say as debate on city's HMOs continues

In this issue...

Top Stories

Friday 29th November - Thursday 12th December 2024

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Pictures from the Past

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Crossword

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Food & Drink

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What's On

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Community

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Education

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Health

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Business

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Politics

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Sports & Fixtures

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Becky Feather Reporter

THE debate over the impact that houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are having on Bath continues this week, with the city’s MP being invited to share her thoughts.

The Bath Echo has carried several stories in recent months in which residents and councillors have spoken of their concerns about the growing number of applications for HMOs in places such as Odd Down and Twerton.

The latest concern is for Weston in response to plans to turn a threebed semi into accommodation for seven sharers.

In September we reported that a planning application for a “highquality HMO” at Holcombe Green in Upper Weston had been submitted by Rivers Birtwell, a company specialising in accommodation for students and young professionals.

The change of use of number 10 adds an extension so there are seven single bedrooms.

There is no off-street parking but storage for four bikes is proposed.

Bath & North East Somerset Council keeps a register of HMOs as it is acknowledged that a cumulative impact can significantly impact a neighbourhood.

No residential property should be ‘sandwiched’ by HMOs and no more than 10% of properties within a 100-metre radius should be in HMO use.

Rivers Birtwell has said there are currently no other HMOs within a 100-metre radius of No. 10 but this is challenged by two objectors on the council’s planning portal, and there are several other objections.

One says: “Area after area in Bath is changing from family neighbourhoods and community to transient student campuses.

Once created it will not be undone as it’s too much of a cash cow. I also find the developers’ comment that HMO occupiers are less likely to have cars rather disingenuous – have you seen what you’ve done to Oldfield Park?”

They add: This overdevelopment of family homes must stop. As a resident of Bath, I object to

Concerns have been raised in Odd Down, Twerton and now the Weston area of Bath | Inset: Bath MP Wera Hobhouse

having to pick up the council tax burden for rich developers that contribute nothing to the city but just seek to line their own pockets.”

Another local resident comments: “I’m not anti-student, however I trust that now developers clearly have their sights on ‘affordable’ areas of Weston, measures will be taken to ensure that student housing doesn’t saturate the neighbourhood, making family houses unaffordable as threebed semis get converted into seven-bed accommodation.”

One objector says that having previously lived next door and opposite HMOs at Kingsway in the city, he urges the council to reject the Holcombe Green application “and send a firm message to all future applicants that Bath is already saturated with HMO and student accommodation and no matter the reason, no further cases will be approved”.

He continues: “The absolute disruption an HMO will bring to the poor neighbours on a day-to-day basis should not be underestimated…. Multiple cars will be brought into the village and parked up while their good neighbours are out and about getting on with their day. Only to return and being unable to park anywhere near to their homes; I have first-hand experience of this.

“But this objection is not about parking, it’s more than that. From first-hand experience, HMOs are busy, HMOs are dirty, HMOs are

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loud and will be so in the small hours of the night; everything an area with young families and the elderly will 100% not welcome.

“I lost count of the number of times I have had to visit the HMOs in the middle of night to ask them to quieten down or track down the owners/agents to provide feedback.

“That also applies to clearing up rubbish left strewn across the paths and roads.”

He adds: “I grew up in Oldfield Park, left when I was 21, and returned to the city 20 years later.

What I found in Moorland Road, the once hub of Oldfield Park, was unrecognisable. Where were all the young families? They were all gone.

“What was left were the elderly and students; the place had been forever destroyed due to the greed of a few and lack of foresight from the previous councillors; HMOs absolutely everywhere and all of the families forced into the neighbouring two towns; heartbroken. If this HMO is approved, the very same thing will happen to Weston Village.”

He said he would be raising the issue directly with Bath’s MP Wera Hobhouse as the city is at “HMO saturation”, adding: “If we really do need more student accommodation, please make the universities at Claverton and Newton Park build on their own land, out of the way and not remove the scarce housing us poor Bath residents have been left to battle over.”

Rivers Birtwell also has a current application lodged with the council to increase the size of a HMO in Upper Weston.

Having secured planning permission to turn a mid-terrace family home at 20 Southlands into a six-bed HMO earlier this year, the developer now wants to split one of the bedrooms into two to create enough space for seven sharers. There is no offstreet parking.

The Bath Echo asked the city’s Liberal Democrat MP about the concerns surrounding HMOs. She told us: “It’s clear that the housing market has failed to deliver the affordable homes we need. I’ve been pushing the government to give councils the tools to address this crisis, and I’m hopeful the new government will take action.

“While HMOs can sometimes play a useful role in high-demand areas, standards must be high, and homes must remain suitable for residents.

“We’ve also seen a concerning rise in short-term rentals, which is putting pressure on family housing stock.

“Addressing these challenges to ensure people in Bath have access to high quality, sustainable and secure housing requires a longterm, coordinated effort between local councils and central government.”

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Issue 092

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Christmas Market gets under way in city centre BATH’S much-loved Christmas Market has begun, with residents and visitors gearing up for the festive season.

Running until Sunday 15th December, the centre of Bath has been transformed into a winter wonderland with more than 180 chalets.

Discovery Card holders in B&NES can benefit from a range of discounts that are on offer every Monday to Friday during the market.

New to the market this year are quieter shopping times between the hours of 10am and 12pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, offering visitors a calmer experience at the market with a limited entertainment schedule.

The market is also aiming to reduce the number of single-use cups by offering a 50p reduction in the price of hot drinks from any of the market’s catering outlets, for anyone bringing a reusable cup.

The event was recently named as being among eight of the UK’s best Christmas markets by Which? magazine, whose readers also voted Bath their favourite medium sized city earlier this year.

Visitors are being advised to plan their journeys in advance and use

The annual market will be running until Sunday 15th December | Photo © B&NES Council

public transport, like the city’s three Park & Ride services which are providing additional services during the event.

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said: “With twinkling lights, unique artisan gifts and festive treats, Bath Christmas Market is the perfect place to immerse yourself in holiday cheer.

“This year we have committed to creating a more inclusive and sustainable experience with the addition of quiet hours for people who might find busier

periods overwhelming, as well as discounts for bringing reusable cups for hot drinks.

“The market will be a boost for local and regional businesses, with 85% of the 230 traders this year based in the South West and 40% of the traders who have signed up for first time based in Bath.

“We are excited to see everyone come together as a community to celebrate the magic of the season at the market.”

Returning stallholder Orlando Partner, founder of Bath’s Choux Box Patisserie, said: “We love being a part of the

festive atmosphere at the Bath Christmas Market!

“Connecting with our existing customers and introducing ourselves to new people from all over the world in the centre of our beautiful city, it’s Bath at its best.”

The opening hours of the market are: • Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm • Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm • Sunday: 10am to 6pm Extra trains are running every Saturday during the market - read more on page 5.

Council extends consultation on travel schemes A CONSULTATION on an active travel scheme for Bath which would see the installation of more than 6km of cycling routes, with the loss of around 200 parking spaces, has been extended.

Bath & North East Somerset Council invited residents, businesses and visitors in midOctober to share their views on the proposed Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Links (BWWCL) scheme.

It is extending the closing date to midnight on Monday 2nd December.

The local authority says the consultation has received a large number of responses already, but the consultation is being extended to ensure as many people as possible take part.

Comprising of four routes, BWWCL aims to improve active travel options across Bath, creating more than 6.2km of cycling routes through advisory lanes, dedicated spaces and quiet routes.

How the changes could look on Queen Square | Image © B&NES Council

It will also provide significant improvements, such as upgraded crossings and more convenient and safer options for walking and wheeling.

The BWWCL scheme is part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) programme, and is designed to connect key areas within Bath through a network of dedicated cycle lanes, advisory routes and improved pedestrian paths.

The four routes included in the scheme are: • Weston to Bath City Centre • Links to Royal United Hospital • Oldfield School to Newbridge Hill • City Centre to Kennet & Avon Canal BWWCL seeks to rebalance how road space is used across the city by prioritising active modes of transport to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

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Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for climate emergency and sustainable travel, said: “Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the consultation to date.

“While we have received a lot of feedback, we have decided to extend the consultation to Monday 2nd December to give as many people as possible the chance to have their say.

“The scheme proposes changes to the allocation of road space, including a reduction in onstreet car parking in some areas, and gathering feedback from the community is paramount to its successful delivery.”

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is responsible for distributing the UK Government’s City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) funds to viable schemes in the region.

You can take part in the consultation until Monday 2nd December at https://bit. ly/3Va1RES

News in Brief Man critically injured in Terrace Walk stabbing Two people were arrested following a stabbing in the centre of Bath in the early hours of Sunday 24th November.

Avon & Somerset Police say they were called at around 2.55am to Terrace Walk following reports of a man with several stab wounds.

Officers arrived within three minutes of the call being received and provided immediate first aid alongside members of the public at the scene.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was in a critical but stable condition. His injuries are thought to be life-changing.

Enquiries were made to identify suspects and two people were arrested at around 4.30am.

The 18-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, the 19-yearold suspect was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Karen Corrigan said: “I understand this will be a distressing and upsetting incident for the community and I would like to reassure them that this is being treated as an isolated incident and there is thought to be no further risk to the public.

“I would like to commend the work of the members of the public who provided immediate first aid to the victim before officers arrived and to the officers who continued to provide this first aid, alongside paramedics.”

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Weather Forecast Fri 29th Sat 30th Sun 1st Mon 2nd Tue 3rd Wed 4th Thu 5th

11°c 15°c 14°c 10°c 7°c 8°c 10°c

Long range forecast:

      

(6th to 12th December) Rain and showers for most at the start, easing as the week progresses. Drier and more settled weather with a risk of early morning fog which will be slow to clear.

- A dv e r ti s i n g A n n ou n ce m e n t -

Grenville announces his Bath‘Curtain Call’ He was called ‘Bath’s Mr Music’ through his numerous concerts, awards and recognition of his ‘Goldies’ Charity. After 30 years conducting choirs in Bath, Grenville Jones has announced that at the end of the year he will stand down from leading his Bath choirs.

Grenville’s association with Bath choirs started when he was invited to conduct an established Bath mixed-voice choir in 1997 who were in decline. During the 11 years with them he rebuilt numbers to over 80 singers, took the choir to Europe, Canada and New Zealand. He also introduced ‘celebrity’ concerts with named stars such as Jamie Cullum, Alfie Boe, Aled Jones, Hayley Westenra, Clare Teal, Katherine Jenkins and others.

Grenville is the founder of the nationwide charity Golden-Oldies which he launched in 2007. Sir Cliff Richard is Patron. The Charity ‘survived’ Covid and continued to grow and now has over 180 fun singing sessions for older vulnerable people across England and Wales – Goldies Cymru. Part of his reason for stopping his choir work locally is to allow more time to direct and manage the every growing Goldies Charity who have received numerous accolades and awards in past years.

Bath Spa University awarded Grenville an Honorary Doctorate for his community music work and in 2018 the Goldies Charity won the prestigious National Lottery Awards Education Category. The award was presented to Grenville by Katherine Jenkins at a glittering awards ceremony, broadcast on BBC1.

It’s 16 years since he started the Bath Good Afternoon Community Choir and now there are 32 including four new afternoon choirs in South London. Another reason why his time commitments have increased considerably as he plans more in 2025.

He’s also the founder of the celebrated City of Bath Male Choir.

Finalists in the BBC’s ‘Last Choir Standing’ TV series with tours across Europe, Boston, Nashville and Japan.

His son Laurie took over as Musical Director last year but Grenville

maintains close links with the choir and is currently planning a visit to Bath’s twin city Alkmaar next April with a group of over 60.

“No I’m not retiring,” he says! “I will continue conducting my new mixedvoice Tuesday evening choir in South Gloucestershire and the Devizes Good Afternoon Choir on Friday afternoons.

“Bath has too many choirs in my opinion, hence my bowing out! There just are not enough people who want to sing and getting audiences has become tougher these last few years.

I’ve loved the time spent with some wonderful people, but it seems that every week there’s yet ANOTHER Bath evening choir starting. Time for me to concentrate on my Music Business, growing my afternoon choirs across the UK and leading developments with the Goldies Charity.”

Grenville has raised many thousands of pounds for various charities plus over £1million for Goldies. After the death of his middle son, Kieron in 2023, he arranged and funded a very special memorial concert in Bath Abbey which supported the local ‘We Get It’ cancer support charity in Bath, raising over £8,000 for their work.

Along the way he found time to write his novel ‘Deep Harmony’, the highs and lows of a Cornish based mixed-voice choir, The Verlis Singers.

“Any resemblance with the characters to people who I have known in my choirs is entirely coincidental,” says Grenville, with a smile!

His final Christmas charity concert will be in St Michael’s Church on Saturday December 21 . . . it promises to be a special night starting at 7pm – tickets are £18 from grenvillemusic.ticketlight.co.uk or by calling 0844 888 9991 B

CURTAIN CALL!

SATURDAY 7pm December 21st

(doors open 6:30pm)

at St Michael’s Church

He’s standing down

. . . after 30 Years!

A Concert for

CHR IST MAS

with Grenvie’s mixed-voice choirs

YES this is Grenville’s last concert with his Bath Choirs - PLEASE JOIN US. NO, he’s not completely retiring, but needs to concentrate on his UK-wide ‘Goldies’ Charity and 30+ community choirs!

with Special Guest, Soloist . . . .

GAIL PEARSON from Cardiff

Tickets £18

from grenvillemusic.ticketlight.co.uk or call 0844 888 9991

www.grenvillejones.biz

Issue 092

Community learns more about proposed bus gate Becky Feather Reporter

A COMMUNITY meeting organised by the Green Party to talk about a proposed bus gate on Camden Road in Bath packed the New Oriel Hall in Larkhall.

At the meeting on Wednesday 20th November, residents from Walcot, Lambridge and nearby areas shared their views on the proposed bus gate, which is part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s new London Road and Snow Hill area Liveable Neighbourhood (LN) plan.

People highlighted their fears that the proposed bus gate could simply shift traffic congestion and pollution to other nearby streets, disrupting quieter residential areas.

The event had been billed as an opportunity for residents to speak directly with Councillor Manda Rigby, the cabinet member for highways at Lib Dem-controlled Bath & North East Somerset Council.

In a press release, the organisers said: “Cllr Manda Rigby did not turn up, despite being invited and sent promotion regarding the meeting.”

But Councillor Rigby told the Bath Echo that she had informed the organisers from the start that

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she wasn’t available on that date and had sent a statement to be read out at the meeting in which she explained the official public engagement programme would begin in a few weeks.

Green councillors Joanna Wright and Saskia Heijltjes, who called the meeting, pointed out that while they support making neighbourhoods safer and more walkable, Lambridge residents have not been officially consulted, despite the significant impact on their area.

The discussion also referenced a 2017 University of Bath study, which showed high levels of traffic in Lambridge. That study reinforced the need for a comprehensive traffic plan looking at Bath as a whole, rather than focusing on isolated measures.

Councillor Wright said: “We’re thrilled by the strong community response. It’s vital that residents’ voices shape decisions that affect their streets and their lives.

“A city-wide traffic solution is needed to make our neighbourhoods more liveable truly.”

The Greens said they would be compiling the insights and concerns shared at the meeting and advocating for a holistic traffic strategy that benefits all of Bath’s communities.

Residents can share their views in

News in Brief More than 20 additional trains for market

The meeting at New Oriel Hall in Larkhall | Photo courtesy of B&NES Green Party

a survey a www.bit.ly/lambridgeupdates This week Councillor Rigby told the Bath Echo: “We’re setting up a formal, structured process to engage with residents around the London Road and Snow Hill area Liveable Neighbourhood. This will start in the next few weeks and – as I said in my statement provided to the meeting – the timing is important.

“If launched too early, we will not have the detail necessary to be able to present and answer any questions. If launched too late, it could wrongly appear that everything is already agreed.

“Officers are currently doing the technical work to determine the potential measures to help reduce unnecessary, throughtraffic journeys on residential roads in the area.

“This work is detailed and technical and, until it is complete, any discussion remains purely

hypothetical. That’s why it’s important that speculative, inaccurate and politicised information isn’t circulated in advance.

“The Green Party councillors asked me about their meeting, and I told them I wasn’t available.

They then went ahead anyway – even publishing a very carefully worded announcement to say I’d been asked to attend, when they knew I couldn’t, and that I’d said so a long time before they started advertising.

“I’ve had a couple of folk contact me about the best way to stay up to date on this project. We publish all information on the website ( h t t p s : / / w w w . b a t h n e s. g ov. uk/liveable-neighbourhoods), where we also have a newsletter sign-up page.

“It would be best if any correspondence went to the dedicated inbox -LNs@bathnes. gov.uk - which officers maintain.”

Train operator GWR has said there will be more than 140 trains to and from Bath on Saturday 30th November for Bath’s Christmas Market, but there could still be queues. A train will serve Bath Spa station every six minutes on the three Saturdays of this year’s event, taking place until Sunday 15th December.

On top of usual Saturday services, GWR will run an extra 21 trains stopping at Bath Spa to help shoppers get to and from the city.

Despite the almost 7,000 extra seats, trains will, however, be busy between 9am and midday, and between 4pm and 7.30pm.

A queuing system will be in place at the station for the return journey to help those board trains safely.

Bath Spa Station Manager Oana Apetroaie said: “As we welcome people to Bath, we would like to remind them that the station and some trains will be really busy for some periods and people may have to queue to enter the station.

“If you are able to travel during the week, or outside of the peak times in the early morning or later in the evening, you may experience a more comfortable journey.

“Our friendly and approachable staff will be on hand to help keep people moving.”

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Friday 29th November - Thursday 12th December 2024

www.bathecho.co.uk

Pictures from the Past Flooding at James Street West

James Street West seen during the floods of October 1882

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

THIS week’s archive photograph takes us back 142 years to the floods of October 1882, when a lone figure gingerly made

his way along James Street West on an improvised punt.

The view is totally unrecognisable today, and not just because floods like this are a distant memory. On the right is the Midland Hotel, opened to coincide with the opening of the nearby Midland Railway

station just over a decade earlier. As can be seen, it had a secluded, ornamental garden, at the side, which disappeared when the hotel was rebuilt in the late 1930s. The Midland Hotel – now renamed the Bath Brew House – is still open today, and has a large garden at the back of

the building. Across the road is Trinity Church, built in 1822 but bombed, like the buildings on either side of it, in 1942.

Enjoy archive photos of Bath every week in our email newsletter. Subscribe at www.bathecho.co.uk/subscribe

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

O

N the 25th November we marked International Day for the elimination of violence against women and girls (VAWG), which marked the start of 16 days of activism.

These days are a chance for me and many others to celebrate the work of organisations across our area that are supporting women and girls for 365 days a year.

Bath has excellent support services available for victimssurvivors of VAWG. We hope that we and our loved ones will never need them, but I am reassured that when needed those who attend will be met with care, compassion, and expertise.

One essential resource for victims-survivors in our region is The Bridge, our local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

The Bridge offers traumainformed care and vital services, including forensic medical examinations that can support legal cases.

Victims-survivors can access medical support, counselling, and information about other support services, whether or not they choose to report to the police. The dedicated professionals at The Bridge provide compassionate, expert care at a time when victimssurvivors need it most, ensuring they are not alone in their recovery journey.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) also play a critical role in supporting victimssurvivors. Safe Link provides ISVAs who offer practical and emotional support, guiding

individuals through the criminal justice process.

These advocates help victimssurvivors understand their options, liaise with authorities, and ensure their voices are heard. ISVAs stand alongside victims-survivors every step of the way, empowering them to navigate complex systems and make informed decisions about their future. Equally important is the emotional and therapeutic support available from organisations like SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support).

SARSAS offers counselling and specialist services that help victims-survivors process their experiences and begin to heal.

By providing a safe, supportive environment, SARSAS ensures

that victimssurvivors can rebuild their lives with the understanding and care they deserve.

The White Ribbon campaign should also be highlighted, where men wear a white ribbon to show their commitment to preventing violence against women and girls. It is vital to recognise men’s role in changing behaviours and attitudes across our society.

Addressing male violence against women and girls is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan.

Ensuring timely, expert support for victims-survivors is at the heart of this strategy, alongside prevention and community engagement.

However, this is not solely the

responsibility of the police service or the brilliant organisations, some of which are highlighted in this column.

The 16-day campaign is a global campaign but the issue demands a community level response.

We must listen to victimssurvivors’ stories, challenge damaging attitudes, and work together to create a culture of respect and zero tolerance for abuse.

This fight has been carried on by generations of women who refused to stay silent. We must carry on their work and never accept that it is inevitable that so many women and girls live in fear.

Issue 092

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Crossword

Congratulations to Derek Smith for winning £20!

You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 24.

Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!

Across 9 Health worry before COVID-19 (4,3) 10 Officially not working (2,5) 11 Bay of Naples isle (5) 12 Not subject to Government levy (3-6) 13 The lowest form of wit, so it is said (7) 15 Old fare on the air (5) 16 Disposed (3) 17 Doctor with an evil alter ego (6) 19 Fish eagle (6) 22 Intention (3) 24 Upturned (2,3) 26 Publishers (7) 28 Bright idea symbol (5,4) 30 Run up (5) 31 Castle cooler (7) 32 Easy on the ears (7)

Down 1 Swollen inflammation (7) 2 Cloth merchant (6) 3 Usefulness (8) 4 Chopped-up tuna agleam in Central America (10) 5 Cajole (4) 6 Tonic (6) 7 Where to get a date, maybe (4,4) 8 Fate (7) 14 Cause of big bang? (6,4) 18 Coming into view (8) 20 Not out of the question (8) 21 Crash (7) 23 Largest bird (7) 25 Responsibilities (6) 27 Make unreadable, for security (6) 29 Ash containers (4)

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 2911, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 11/12/2024.

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.

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Food & Drink

Friday 29th November - Thursday 12th December 2024

Melissa Blease

Food Writer

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

Tasty Dates For Your Diary There’s more to party season sweet treats than sherry and mince pies! Discover how much more at Wolf Wine HQ (Walcot Street) on Friday 6th December when the sugarplum fairies from Sugarcane Studio (Grove Street) will co-host a deliciously indulgent event exploring the art of matching sweet treats with the perfect dessert wines £35pp). https://bit.ly/4g1g2UP Proving that you can indeed make a very good thing even better, The Mint Room (Lower Bristol Road) has launched a brand new a la carte menu alongside a freshfaced selection of wines, cocktails and mocktails to complete the experience. Go forth and discover at your earliest opportunity! www.themintroom.co.uk Yuzu by Dan Moon is popping up in the Cassia Bath kitchen (Sovereign Point, Midland Road) on Friday 13th / Saturday

14th December to kickstart the holiday season with a festive menu specifically curated to turn the spotlight on the warmth and richness of winter flavours and locally-sourced ingredients served up in a uniquely beautiful setting (£80pp; booking essential). www.yuzubydanmoon.co.uk Maxing out on Christmas shopping in and around SouthGate? Max out on the ludocrous (sorry!) big deals at Ludo Sports Bar and Kitchen (Brunel Square) while you’re at it! Lunch (pizza, chicken burger, chicken salad) and a drink for a tenner every Monday-Friday noon-5pm, a free, fully loaded quarter-slice of pizza with every pint bought on Fridays between 5pm-8pm and 2-for-1 cocktails every MondayThursday. https://bit.ly/4eLEmsD 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 Candlelit tables, a tinkling piano and a splendid 3-course seasonal feast served in elegant, historic surroundings: it’s all going on at the Pump Room (Stall Street/Abbey Square) on the evenings of Saturday 21stMonday 23rd December. From smoked salmon blinis to proper Christmas pudding by way of, of course, a turkey feast alongside lively alternatives for those who are saving their traditional blowout for The Big Day itself, this is guaranteed to be an unforgettably

evocative pre-Christmas treat for all (£55pp; booking essential). https://bit.ly/4hX9atg Start your Christmas shopping days off in style at Bandook Kitchen (Milsom Place) with a Bandook Breakfast: Kolkata Breakfast Rolls, traditional Southern-Indian breakfast pancakes (Uttapam) in savoury and sweet format, the Bombay Breakfast special and much more besides, alongside a classic Full English with a tantalising twist. www.bandookkitchen.com Kids eat free with every adult spending a minimum of £20 every Sunday-Thursday at Bardacious, the buzzing Mexican-inspired haven of merrymaking that recently landed on Quiet Street. www.bardacious.co.uk Spice up your festive life at The Wheatsheaf (Combe Hay) on Wednesday/Thursday 18th/19th

December with a delicious curry followed by Christmas carols with a live musical accompaniment served up in super-pretty surroundings (booking essential; £20pp). https://bit.ly/3Zm2oWE Check out the vibrant new menu recently unveiled at longstanding, wholly authentic Thai diner Yum Yum Thai (Kingsmead Square): an enticing range of rockin’ wok dishes, slurpy noodles, tantalising Thai specialities, super sides… and lunch every day for £12.95 (noon3pm). www.yumyumthaibath.com Melissa regularly reviews restaurants across Bath. www.theprandialplayground.uk Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide

Recipe: Jerk Chicken Shake up your cosy curry repertoire with this simple take on a classic Caribbean dish, laden with earthy spices and dynamic flavours. Jerk paste - a tantalising combination of spices including chillies, cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, clove and allspice is readily available in all big supermarkets and Caribbean grocery stores.

If you have any paste left over after making this dish, store it in the fridge and use it to spice up soups, casseroles and stews… or roll your spuds in it to put a unique twist on classic roast potatoes.

Ingredients (serves 4) • 1kg chicken skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs • 3 tbsp Jamaican Jerk paste • 1 onion, peeled and chopped • 1 red pepper, deseeded and diced • 1 heaped tsp medium strength curry powder • 1 heaped tsp dried thyme • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 400ml can coconut milk To serve: steamed rice; a large handful of fresh coriander, chopped.

Method • Lightly score the chicken thigh skin, tip into a large bowl and smother with 2 tbsp of the Jerk paste. Using clean hands, squidge the paste into all the nooks and crannies, cover with cling film and leave to marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour (or up to 6 hours).

• Heat a little vegetable oil in a large frying pan and fry the chicken and onion over a medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is brown on both sides and the onion is starting to caramelise.

Add the red pepper, curry powder, remaining Jerk paste and thyme and continue to cook for a further 2 minutes.

• Add the tomatoes and coconut milk to the pan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid from the pan and continue to simmer for a further 15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is thoroughly cooked throughout.

• Serve in warmed bowls accompanied by steamed rice and sprinkled with plenty of freshly-chopped coriander.

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Bandook Bandook offers an amazing Indian gastronomic experience and the festive feast menu is bursting with aroma. Delicious fresh and exciting dishes fuse traditional Indian street food with modern twists and original creations. Small plates include Papdi Chaat, Hara Bara Kebab, Kashmiri Chicken Tikka and Sarson Salmon Tikka. For mains, there’s Awadhi Turkey Biryani or Awadhi Lamb Shank Biryani with mouth-watering accompaniments. Follow with Christmas Pudding or Ginger Crème Brûlée. Bandook also has a breakfast menu, served from 8am to 11am.

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Brasserie Beau Have you arranged your Christmas gatherings yet? Whether you are considering a festive lunch with colleagues or a dinner with friends and family, we invite you to celebrate at Brasserie Beau. The Brasserie team would be delighted for you to join us for an exceptional Christmas Day lunch or welcome in the New Year with an incredible dinner. Located within the elegant Hotel Indigo Bath, Brasserie Beau epitomizes the blend of simplicity and sophistication, showcasing the best of British cuisine.

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flute Flute is your late-night, local hangout and home away from home in the city of Bath, serving the freshest seafood, wine and cocktails.

Tis the season to celebrate and Flute are making your party planning easier, with fantastic private dining options and group packages to suit everyone.

Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a lively celebration, their warm ambience and delicious Christmas Menu are the perfect recipe for a memorable festive celebration.

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roBun Robun is a celebration of authentic Japanese food and drinks in the heart of Bath. This season, Robun is hosting all of your festive celebrations throughout November, December and January, with unique festive cocktails, beautiful dishes rooted in Japanese culinary tradition, and a range of wine and beer packages for all.

Set in a gorgeous private dining setting, your party this year can host up to 50 people standing with options that include a special Festive Set Menu, their Canape Menu and even Christmas Karaoke, for some festive fun!

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tHe Jolly sailor The picturesque Jolly Sailor at Saltford has been an inn since 1726 and is the perfect venue to celebrate the festive season. Step inside and you’ll find a cosy atmosphere with a roaring fire and wonderful views of the River Avon and canal lock. The pub prides itself on its British cuisine, with locally-sourced ingredients from exceptional farms and butchers. Bookings are being taken for the lavish Christmas Day menu when guests will be welcomed with a glass of Buck’s Fizz.

The Jolly Sailor offers a fine selection of real ales and ciders, international wines and spirits.

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What's On

Friday 29th November - Thursday 12th December 2024

Snow Mouse

Winter Fayre

Meet Father Christmas

12 Days of Christmas

The Egg 29th November – 5th January For the past decade, the heartwarming tale of Snow Mouse has captivated audiences across the country.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, it returns to Bath by popular demand.

Bath City Farm 30th November, 10.30am – 2.30pm Celebrate winter at the farm with games, craft stalls and seasonal treats at the Roots to Work Cafe. Free entry with proceeds raised being ploughed back into the running of the farm's projects.

No.1 Royal Crescent 30th November – 22nd December Father Christmas is making a special stop again, as he’s keen to experience the ‘12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas’ tour! He'll read a Christmas story to the children and give them a gift.

Prior Park 30th November – 5th January Explore the garden and watch as the 12 Days of Christmas come to life. With magical interpretations, this familyfavourite carol will be sure to put everyone in a festive mood.

Wreath-Making Workshop

A Roman Baths Mystery

Ruddigore

Carols in the Abbey

Dyrham Park 2nd & 4th December Make your own Christmas willow wreath to take home using foliage gathered from the across the 270-acre site. The sessions will be led by gardener and wreath workshop expert Merryn.

Roman Baths 4th December – 21st February Step back in time to 1897 at the Roman Baths for a thrilling evening of drama, suspense, and murder. You are invited to solve the mysterious death of Major Charles Davis.

The Mission Theatre 4th – 7th December Bath G&S Society has built a reputation for its productions of the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and this year it turns its hand to the pair’s spooky and hugely inventive hit – Ruddigore.

Beers & Carols

Carols & Steam

Tea Ceremony at Comins

The Bath Brew House 6th December, 7pm Beers and Carols come to Bath Brew house again this year. Gather around and sing out some festive cheer while enjoying a beer. Always a popular event, filled with fun, laughter and games.

Avon Valley Railway 7th December, 6.45pm The Bristol & South Gloucestershire Circuit of the Methodist Church’s ‘Carols & Steam’ event. Ride a steam train and sing carols accompanied by the Bristol East and Kingswood Brass Band.

Comins Bath Tea House 7th December, 10am Experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Yukie Williams and presented by Yukie Scott. This intimate demonstration will give you an insight into the cultural traditions.

Weihnachtsfeierabend

Carols at the Rec

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs

A Christmas Cracker

BRLSI 9th December, 7.30pm Join this German celebration of Christmas, including some favourite German Weihnachtslieder (German carols), plus seasonal readings!

Accompanied by a professional pianist.

The Rec 11th December, 6pm With traditional carols, the City of Bath Brass Band, mince pies, mulled wine, family fun and a message about the reason for the season, there'll be something for everyone.

Theatre Royal 12th December – 12th January Mirror, mirror on the wall… What's the greatest pantomime of them all?

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs at Bath Theatre Royal of course! Bursting with songs, dance routines and laughter.

Rondo Theatre 12th December – 24th December The Natural Theatre Company returns to The Rondo with this hilarious and touching Christmas show for all the family. A Christmas Cracker is a bright, cheerful and brilliantly bonkers treat.

Festive Trail Open now until 31 December With the dogs from

By

Bath Abbey 5th December, 6.15pm Wiltshire Air Ambulance will be hosting a special Carols in the Abbey event leading up to Christmas. The festivities will include carols from Prior Park School choir and Chloe Jordan.

The Wurzels Christmas Party Komedia 8th December, 7pm The Wurzels, also known as the "West Country's finest", are a legendary band that have been entertaining audiences with their unique blend of rural folk, rock, and comedy for over five decades.

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Community

Share your news with us Email: news@bathecho.co.uk

£960,000 support fund to help residents over the winter

Donations to Bath Mind appeal to be doubled

VULNERABLE residents are set to receive financial help over the colder months thanks to a new Household Support Fund from B&NES Council.

The local authority has formally accepted a grant allocation of £967,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions to help households with living costs.

The grant will provide support to residents in need, including towards energy costs, free school meal vouchers in school holidays, food support and buying essential items.

Free school meal vouchers will be provided automatically if families received vouchers for children during the last school holiday.

Details on how to apply for help through the Discretionary Crisis Scheme can be found on the council's website at https:// www.bathnes.gov.uk/applydiscretionary-crisis-scheme Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for resources, said: “We are committed to ensuring that our most vulnerable residents receive the support they need and the Household Support Fund

DONATIONS to local charity Bath Mind during the Big Give Christmas Challenge are set to be doubled, helping the most vulnerable in the local community.

Funding cuts are threatening the survival of the charity’s vital services, which support thousands of people across Bath and North East Somerset every year.

Bath Mind helps people improve their mental health, build communities and changes and saves lives.

For just one week, every pound that is donated to Bath Mind will be doubled through the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge.

• £5 doubled to £10 could support someone at risk of suicide calling their crisis line.

• £10 doubled to £20 could support an isolated young person to meet new people and feel part of a community.

• £50 doubled to £100 could support a group of young people to learn new skills and develop new opportunities to improve their futures.

will provide crucial assistance to people facing financial difficulties.

“This is particularly important at a time when central government has removed the universal winter fuel allowance from older residents not on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits.

“We will use our sixth allocation of this funding to help residents struggling to afford household essentials, including energy and water bills, food, and other necessities.

“The fund will also support housing costs where existing support does not meet the demand.”

Key allocations from the funding include: • Energy Support for Pensioners:

£268,400 to assist pensioner households who receive Council Tax Support but do not receive Pension Credit.

• Support for Foodbanks: £40,000 contribution to the area’s foodbanks for food parcel distribution.

• Future Bright Programme: £30,000 to aid residents in accessing work through various supportive measures.

• Free School Meal Vouchers: £246,000 to provide vouchers for 4,100 children during school holidays.

• Citizens Advice Fuel/Food Crisis Scheme: £125,000 to support vulnerable households with fuel and food.

• Additional Grants and Support: Various allocations to organisations such as Bath Mind, Carers Centre, Clean Slate Financial Health, Age UK, and others to provide comprehensive assistance.

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Christine Swift, Interim Head of Business Development at Bath Mind, said: “People we support may be vulnerable, lonely, isolated, in crisis, and have nowhere else to turn. Bath Mind are here for everyone living in B&NES, 365 days of the year.

“With our support, people may be able to continue caring for family, remain in education or employment, live independently in their own home, engage in their community.

“Through one-to-one support, groups and activities, we help people navigate life’s challenges, build confidence, learn new skills, make connections, find a sense of purpose and belonging.”

Bath Mind has just one week to reach its £4,000 target.

Donations will be matched by Big Give and The Monday Charity Trust during the campaign, meaning you can support twice as many people who are struggling with their mental health.

You can donate at https://bit. ly/3Ov4Una from 3rd December through to 12pm on Tuesday 10th December.

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Council begins offering lower-cost direct cremations at Haycombe

Baby Remembrance Service to be held

LOWER-COST direct cremations, which do not include a ceremony, are now being offered at Haycombe Cemetery and Crematorium in Bath.

The cremations do not include a ceremony to accommodate the wishes of loved ones and their families and friends, if this is something they expressly want.

The option of an unattended or attended direct cremation can now be arranged with the assistance of the family’s funeral director, as well as a range of traditional services including funeral services, full body burials, memorials and private plots for ashes.

An unattended direct cremation does not include a funeral service and there is no ceremony, celebrant or attendees.

It costs less than a traditional funeral and can be followed at a later date by a memorial service, celebration of life or scattering of ashes if desired.

An attended direct cremation differs in that up to six mourners can attend Haycombe’s Orchard Entrance, a bespoke and respectful space where families can spend a few minutes saying their goodbyes before their loved one is taken into the council’s

FAMILIES across the Bath area who have lost a baby are being invited to attend a special Winter Baby Remembrance Service, organised by the RUH and charity Sands.

The service, which takes place on Saturday 30th November at 1pm, will be held at All Saints Church in the Weston area of the city.

The Reverend Prebendary Narinder Tegally, RUH Lead Chaplain, said: “This service is an opportunity for families who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death to come together and remember at the beginning of a season that is hard for so many.

“The service, for people of all faiths and diverse beliefs, will include readings, music, and an act of

care.

Haycombe Crematorium, which is owned by Bath & North East Somerset Council, is the only crematorium in the area that offers attended direct cremations.

The options ensure that loved ones are treated with great dignity, care and respect at the same time as being more affordable.

They also ensure that the loved one is cremated at Haycombe and not taken out of the local area, which can happen when arranging direct cremations through national companies.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “There is so much to consider when organising a funeral.

“By raising awareness of the services and support we offer at Haycombe, we hope it will be easier for people to make informed choices at a very upsetting time.

“Our friendly and experienced team is here to guide and assist families through the process of making decisions, whatever your wishes are. It can be uncomfortable to talk about, but there is a cost of dying that can put families into poverty or make it impossible for them to arrange

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the kind of funeral they imagined.

“We hope that our simpler cremation options will enable families to arrange a dignified way to say goodbye without experiencing financial strain, as well as take comfort in the knowledge that their loved one has stayed close to home.”

Haycombe’s services also include scattering areas and communal shrubbery beds for the interment of ashes, memorials of various types, green burials, private plots for ashes in dedicated gardens and pet burials.

Residents can also use a Celebrancy Service for funerals, ashes interments or scatterings and access the Obitus audio visual and web-casting system.

Haycombe does not have its own funeral director but works in conjunction with funeral directors appointed by families to support them with their arrangements.

remembrance for our special babies and the opportunity to place an ornament – an angel or a star – bearing your baby’s name on the Christmas tree.”

If you would like to attend the service, email Narinder via narinder.tegally@nhs.net or ruhtr.chaplaincy@nhs.net If you are unable to attend in person, you can email Narinder with your baby’s name so it can be written on an ornament and placed on the Christmas tree for you. After the service, the Christmas tree will be on display in the RUH’s Spiritual Care Centre until 6th January 2025.

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Education

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Second win at world Heart Hackathon for university students A GROUP of students from the University of Bath, known as Team Bath Heart, have been named as the best in the world for the second time for their design and build of an artificial heart.

The team won the world Heart Hackathon, which took place in Japan earlier this month. The victory follows last year’s win in the same competition.

The team, made up of 70 students studying engineering, science and management courses, created a prototype ‘total artificial heart’ for the contest.

They used innovations including wireless charging and 3D printing to create their device, making it smaller and more sophisticated than the 2023 model.

The device could technically replace the entire job of a heart.

Team lead Mansi Ahuja, who is studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering, said: “Winning the Heart Hackathon this year feels amazing.

“We had to fill some big shoes following last year’s team and we pushed ourselves to work hard to be sure we could say we tried our absolute best.

“The panel of judges were extremely impressed with our

Some of the Team Bath Heart students with the artificial heart | Photo © University of Bath

prototype, in particular due to the well manufactured casing.

“Autodesk, our sponsor, 3D-printed a version of the casing for visual representation and machined the top plate with stainless steel for proof of machinability.

“We sent them our CAD files and design and consulted with them

on machining technique, and this was a different project for them to work due to the complicated shapes of our design.

“We’re super proud to have earned the second win in a row and to represent Bath and Team Bath Heart in this way.

“We have a really committed team and have had amazing

Primary school’s new initiative aiming to get children more active PUPILS at St Andrew’s Church School in Bath have been creating ‘Chalkstacle Courses’ as part of a new initiative aimed at encouraging youngsters to be more active.

Using chalk, children and their parents can design fun games on the pavement for other children to complete while on the way to school.

St Andrew’s is one of five schools in the region that are running activities thanks to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority after it secured funding from Active Travel England to encourage pupils to walk, cycle, or wheel more.

Dan Norris, the Mayor of the West of England, said: “I’m delighted that five schools in our region have signed up to be the first to take part in these new activities.

“The children at St Andrew’s are very excited about the Chalkstacle Course which is lovely to see.

“My Mayoral Combined Authority is keen to encourage families to travel to school more sustainably where they can, which is beneficial to children as they will be healthier and happier, walking more and breathing cleaner air.”

Tamsin Stephen, Deputy Headteacher at St Andrew’s, said: “The children’s creativity has really been captured and from

support from our academic supervisors and our sponsors who we are very thankful for.”

The Heart Hackathon first ran last year in Texas. The competition was created to nurture the next generation of cardiovascular innovators.

Team Bath Heart were the only UK team at the event in Utsunomiya,

north of Tokyo. Others came from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Egypt, Thailand and Sweden.

The competition comprised a report detailing each team’s work and innovations, and a 15-minute final presentation, delivered to world experts in cardiovascular support devices, followed by five minutes of intense questioning.

Team Bath Heart’s final report was 150 pages long.

Following their win, the team will be able to present their artificial heart to the International Society for Mechanical Circulatory Support (ISMCS) conference, a gathering of world leaders in circulatory support devices, which is linked to the Hackathon.

Dr Katharine Fraser, a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering and one of the team’s academic supervisors, said: “The Team have worked incredibly hard to create an advanced design with a unique pumping mechanism, gentle blood handling, and transcutaneous electrical transmission.

“While all the teams had progressed since last year, TBH stood out for the combination of novelty, progress, and a fantastic presentation.”

School closes for the day due to flooding John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

Creating a ‘Chalkstacle Course’ | Photo courtesy of WECA

the minute they each received their chalk, they have been busy creating wonderful Chalkstacle Courses all around the local area.

“Favourite ‘chalkstacles’ have been drawing squiggly lines to balance or cycle along, dinosaur footprints to stomp in, bubble popping circles to burst and long jump competitions.

“We have received wonderful photographs and feedback from families sharing joyful moments of their journey to and from school. I think there will be Chalkstacle Courses all around Bath for some time to come!”

Other schools taking part include Beechen Cliff Secondary School

in Bath and Westfield Primary School in Radstock which are both running ‘Walk and Talk’.

This involves encouraging pupils to check in with their classmates and friends whilst walking using a prompt card with questions on.

At the end of the initiative, each school will submit the results to assess how popular it was.

The feedback will help to shape future initiatives in schools across the West of England region aimed at encouraging children to be more active.

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A PRIMARY school near Bath was forced to close earlier this week after children were left unable to reach it without walking through debris left by a flood of sewage.

Flood water, which the school warned had been contaminated with sewage, reached the playgrounds on all sides of Batheaston Church School, causing staff to announce that it would have to close on Monday 25th November. The flood did not enter the building and it opened again to pupils on Tuesday.

Headteacher Sally Jeffries said: “We were forced to close our school today due to heavy flooding caused by a combination of factors: a local brook outside the school grounds overflowing, drain issues on School Lane, the accumulation of leaves and the general wet weather over the weekend with Storm Bert.

“This led to external flood water and sewage reaching both our front and back playgrounds, meaning children had no access to the school without walking through the debris which remained once the water had receded.

“Therefore in the interests of

The flooding | Photo © Sally Jefferies

health and safety, we had no choice but to close for the day.

“Fortunately the interior of the school has not been affected.

“In the past we have suffered minor flooding issues, although this has not been a problem for quite some time.

“However, this is the second time this year that we have encountered flooding problems within the playground — the first not as serious as this weekend’s.

“Therefore we are speaking to a flooding expert with a view to implementing measures to prevent problems in the future.

“We will also be speaking to the council about their responsibility for the drain issues.”

The school is just under 100 metres downstream from a Wessex Water storm overflow which spilled into St Catherine’s Brook for two hours and 15 minutes just before midnight on 25th November.

Storm overflows release sewer contents into rivers when there is not capacity in the sewers.

Advertising Feature

Issue 092

P17

Demand for Julian House’s services has never been higher Homelessness remains a pressing issue, and, sadly, the reality is that it can happen to anyone.

Research shows that the average person in the UK is just two and a half pay cheques away from homelessness, and many more live in fear of losing their homes due to changing financial circumstances.

Homelessness and rough sleeping is rising sharply, with a 25% increase seen in Bath (Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2023 - www.gov.uk).

At Julian House, we are dedicated to providing a lifeline for vulnerable individuals in the community. From outreach work to supported housing, domestic violence refuges, accommodation for prison leavers, and refugee resettlement, we help people reclaim their independence, stability, and sense of self.

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Because of the incredible support we receive from our donors, in 2023-24 alone, Julian House has delivered indepth support to 141 people who were forced to sleep rough in Bath and provided short-term accommodation to 106 people at the emergency shelter on Manvers Street.

However, heading into 2025 funding for much-needed homelessness services is at risk.

With deep cuts to public funding now a very real threat, Julian House relies on community

Photos © Julian House

fundraising to keep our doors open.

Funding cuts could have devastating consequences for the vulnerable individuals we support.

We cannot face this crisis alone.

It is only through the continued generosity of our supporters that we can keep our services running and ensure that no one is left behind.

As we celebrate the festive season, we invite you to consider donating to our Christmas Appeal.

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Thank you again for being a crucial part of our mission. Your support is truly changing lives.

You can donate at: https://www. julianhouse.org. uk/christmasappeal/

Please support our 2024 Christmas Appeal. Your donation will help us to provide more opportunities to some of society’s most marginalised individuals.

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Please fill in and post to: Julian House, 1 Kelso Place, Upper Bristol Road, BATH, BA1 3AU Julian House is a registered charity (No. 1183751) and a company limited by guarantee in England & Wales (No. 11791952).

Registered provider of social housing (No. L4549). Registered office: 1 Kelso Place, Upper Bristol Road, BATH, BA1 3AU.

P18

www.bathecho.co.uk

Friday 29th November - Thursday 12th December 2024

Health Emergency department is performing ‘better than expected’ THE Emergency Department at the Royal United Hospital in Bath has been praised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after the results of a major survey were revealed.

A significant proportion of patients interviewed in the survey answered positively to questions about their care.

Prior to publishing their report, the CQC wrote to the RUH to congratulate the Emergency Department for performing ‘better than expected’ for Emergency Department services in the 2024 Urgent and Emergency Care Survey.

The CQC, the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England, said the proportion of respondents who answered positively was significantly above the national trust average.

The national survey targeted NHS Trusts which had either an Emergency Department, Urgent Treatment Centre, or both.

It looked at the experiences

of people who visited the Emergency Department between 1st January and 29th February 2024.

Areas that patients said the Emergency Department performed well included: • Treating patients with dignity and respect.

• Having enough time to discuss their condition and treatment with medical staff.

• Clearly explaining why tests might be needed, and the results of the tests.

• Helping with patients’ communication needs.

• Doctors and nurses listening to what patients had to say.

• The level of privacy provided when talking to reception staff.

Toni Lynch, Chief Nursing Officer, said: “These are very positive results, and they are testament to the commitment and hard work of everyone in our Emergency Department, who go above and beyond every day for the people we care for and the people we work with.

Photo © RUH

“It was particularly pleasing to see that patients felt they were treated with dignity and respect, which reflects our Trust values and aligns to the feedback in the RUH CQC Adult Inpatient

Improvements undertaken to help relax younger patients

ENT staff at the RUH with the new colourful wall | Photo © RUH

THREE departments at the Royal United Hospital have been improved with one-piece printed graphics to help relax and distract younger patients, thanks to a local charity.

The graphics, alongside new fun wall-mounted activities, have been funded by Time is Precious.

The vibrant and colourful jungle, wildlife and underwater scenes have been specially designed with input from hospital staff.

The graphics have been installed in the waiting areas of the Orthodontics and Ear Nose and Throat departments and on the ceiling of an Anaesthesia room.

Helen Dwyer, Dental Nurse, said: “The new wall graphics are fantastic and such a welcome addition to the oral surgery and orthodontics waiting room.

“It’s a very calm and relaxing image and we’ve seen first-hand how it can help to keep our younger patients entertained and take their mind off their appointment. A huge thank you to Time Is Precious for making this possible.”

The graphics, which were designed and installed by the creative printing company 2601, are the latest in a long line of improvements for young people at the RUH which have been developed and funded by Time is Precious.

Nicky Halford, from Time is Precious, said: “We know how daunting a hospital visit can be for anyone, let alone young patients, and hope the new graphics will help make the experience a little less stressful for them.

“It is always a pleasure to support the RUH and their patients in any way we can. We have plans to refurbish at least another five more areas in the near future.”

Time is Precious charity was set up in 2011 by Neil and Nicky Halford in memory of their son Ben, who passed away from cancer aged just five. Ben was treated at the RUH and hospitals in Bristol.

The aim of the charity is to help create a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for children and their families in hospital and at home, by purchasing distraction equipment and refurbishing areas.

To date, it has donated more than £450,000 to the RUH in the form of equipment and refurbishment projects.

Survey.

“We are committed to communicating well, listening and acting on what matters most to our patients, whilst consistently delivering the highest quality

care and outcomes.

“Whilst these results are fantastic news, we are not complacent and will continue to strive to further improve the experience of the people we care for.”

Hospital raises £2,000 for Breast Cancer Now THE Bath Clinic, the city’s only private hospital, has raised more than £2,000 for charity Breast Cancer Now. Led by patient admin manager and breast cancer survivor, Denise, staff and doctors from across the hospital rallied to raise as much as possible to help the country’s largest breast cancer charity continue its important work.

Breast cancer continues to be the biggest cause of death in women aged 35-49 and while the survivability rate for patients diagnosed with the disease has doubled in the last 50 years, more research is needed.

As a breast cancer survivor, Denise is determined to support others and raise money for charity along the way.

With the support of staff at Bath Clinic, she embarked on an ambitious calendar of fundraising events, including an awareness event, supported by Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Chrissie Laban.

As a specialist in breast cancer, Miss Laban sees thousands of patients each year either at the start of their diagnosis or being treated.

She said: “Early detection and diagnosis are the strongest tools in our arsenal when it comes to breast cancer.

“It’s essential that we give people the confidence to come forward and get checked when they notice a lump or change in their breast.

“Breast Cancer Now do tremendous work supporting

Denise (left) with specially created hampers | Photo © Bath Clinic

patients and their families as well as carrying out critically important research. It’s a real honour to be able to donate such a large amount to such an important cause.”

From bake sales to specialist freeto-attend information events and finally a raffle draw held at the hospital in Combe Down, Denise successfully raised £2,705 for the charity.

Inspired by the charity’s own message that by 2050 everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live and live well, staff, doctors and patients all leant their support and contributed to the total.

Commenting on the final total, Denise said: “I am truly amazed and grateful for the incredible amount we’ve raised this month.

“I am so proud to be able to raise as much as we have for such an important cause and one which is funding word-class research that helps prevent breast cancer and save lives.

“This success is all thanks to the generosity and kindness of our patients and staff. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

DETAILS:

P20

Friday 29th November - Thursday 12th December 2024

www.bathecho.co.uk

Business Cult burger brand wins permission to open new restaurant Becky Feather Reporter

AN award-winning burger chain has been granted planning permission to open a new restaurant in Bath with a courtyard bar.

Regarded as a cult brand, The Beefy Boys already has restaurants in Hereford, Shrewsbury and Cheltenham.

The company will be opening a new restaurant at No. 24 Milsom Street, on the corner with George Street.

The Grade II listed building was previously The Milsom restaurant and hotel, which closed in February after being open for less than a year. Before that, it was the Loch Fyne restaurant.

The Beefy Boys applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council in July for planning permission, listed building consent and advertisement consent.

The proposed works include erecting a freestanding covered pergola, bar and decorative fireplace in the courtyard, fitting out the ground-floor restaurant, installing new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HAVC) equipment, and adding new signage.

A report from the council’s planning officer said the scheme had been amended “a number of times” to address concerns and avoid adverse impact on the

listed building.

The signage that’s now been approved is for two sets of nonilluminated letters to replace the signs for The Milsom – one on the Milsom Street side of the building, the other on the George Street side.

The advertisement proposals were amended to omit an illuminated menu box and numerous window stickers.

The existing menu box is unauthorised and must be removed.

A condition has secured the removal of the existing, unauthorised HAVC equipment on the roof.

The owner of Persephone Books at nearby Edgar Buildings had voiced concern to the council about the “terrible” ventilator on the first-floor flat roof, and had even offered to pay herself for it to be removed.

In objecting to The Beefy Boys’ original plans in the summer, she had warned that her customers and tourists would be “offended” by the name and look of the proposed burger restaurant.

She had added: “We know and understand that the council tax is important to B&NES but surely it would be possible to run a restaurant without sticking up multiple signs saying The Beefy

Inset: One of the burgers available | Photo © The Beefy Boys | Above: The site at Milsom Street

Boys and plastering it with pictures of hamburgers?

“If this is allowed to go through, Bath will be a laughing stock and its days as a World Heritage Site surely numbered.”

After the plans were revised, she wrote again, saying: “Everyone who works at Persephone Books opposite is delighted that huge black ventilator (that did not have planning permission) is going to be removed so that it can be replaced by a smaller ventilator set back a bit, which

will, Persephone Books hope, not spoil the view of the Abbey from the first floor of 8 Edgar Buildings.

“When the black ventilator goes, a beautiful and magical view of the Abbey will be reinstated.”

With regard to the revised advertising signs, she said that “if they are not illuminated, and if paper versions are not plastered on every window, and if there are just two signs and they are discreetly positioned, then of course Persephone Books have no objection”.

The opening hours of the restaurant will be 8am to 11pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and

8am to midnight from Thursday to Saturday.

Speaking about the opening, Anthony Murphy, one of the founding members of The Beefy Boys, said: “Bath is a beautiful city with a real buzz to it, and that was why it was our choice for the fourth restaurant.

“The location on Milsom Street is amazing as it is slap bang in the heart of the city.

“We can’t wait to get there and introduce the people of Bath to our brand of authentic dirty American-style burgers.”

It is anticipated the Bath site will open in early 2025.

Broad Street Townhouse set to offer Wessex Water urges cocktail bar experience residents to check pipes

Photo © Broad Street Townhouse / Butcombe Pubs & Inns

RESIDENTS and visitors to the city can now enjoy a brand new experience thanks to the opening of Broad Street Townhouse Cocktail Bar. Managed by Butcombe Pubs & Inns, Broad Street Townhouse is opening its downstairs bar on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Open from 5pm to 11pm on Thursdays and from 5pm to 12am on Fridays and Saturdays, the new bar will offer an “intimate, stylish, and characterful space”, housed on the ground floor of the Georgian townhouse.

Chris Martin, General Manager, said: “We are delighted to be opening up our gorgeous ground-

floor bar on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and the new tea and coffee themed cocktails are sure to go down a storm – there is nothing quite like it in Bath. It’s such a beautiful, cosy and stylish space and the perfect place to come together with friends to enjoy stunning cocktails in great company.”

BATH-BASED Wessex Water is reminding people across the area how to reduce the risk of frozen pipes and unwanted leaks as temperatures begin to drop.

Frozen pipes can burst, particularly in draughty lofts, and the water and sewerage company recommends insulating them now with lagging as the colder weather hits.

Wessex Water also advises testing the stop tap, which is usually found under the kitchen sink, in an airing cupboard or garage, by turning it clockwise.

This shuts off a property’s water supply to minimise damage if a pipe freezes and bursts.

Doing this regularly means it won’t seize up and can take away some of the stress in an emergency.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “As well as locating and testing your stop tap, we recommend homeowners insulate exposed pipes in lofts and other draughty areas with lagging before it turns even colder.

“The last thing anyone needs

Testing taps can prevent future issues

when temperatures drop is to be dealing with the consequences of a burst pipe, including being without water and heating.

“Lagging pipes will help to protect them and prevent them from freezing and bursting in the first place.”

It is recommended to cover outdoor taps with an insulating cover, found in most DIY stores, as they are prone to freezing.

Each year, Wessex Water repairs around 16,000 water leaks.

Approximately 70% of these are on their own pipework, with the remainder on homeowners’ private supply pipes.

Issue 092

P21 21

Interested in advertising? Call 01225 589789

Conservation work at Alexandra Park, thanks to National Grid team

SouthGate Bath welcomes giant visitor

STAFF at National Grid have been undertaking improvements at Alexandra Park in Bath as part of a yearlong partnership with the Your Park Bristol & Bath charity.

Work to encourage visitors and wildlife was carried out by a team of seven from National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), who undertook a day of practical activities to help habitats for native species thrive.

Tasks included maintaining wildflower meadows, cutting back bramble, mulching young trees and clearing beds of summer growth and weeds.

The NGED team worked under the guidance of Your Park Bristol & Bath, which aims to create inclusive and accessible green spaces that everyone can benefit from.

The volunteering day was the first of three as part of a year-long partnership launched in July by the company to support a Your Park Bristol & Bath campaign to reimagine green spaces so they can be enjoyed by all.

This will focus on improving accessibility, boosting mental and physical health and enhancing natural habitats.

Volunteer Maxine Bateman said: “It was a really enjoyable day

THE SouthGate Bath shopping centre will be hosting an extra special character to greet people doing their Christmas shopping this December.

Standing at five metres tall, Pippin the giant penguin will be lighting up SouthGate Place over the coming weeks as he performs his light show, in aid of the centre’s charity partner St John’s Foundation.

Visitors will be able to make a contactless donation of £1 to see Pippin perform, with all funds raised going towards the crucial work of the charity in supporting under-served children and families in the local community.

Founded in 1174, over the past 850 years the charity has played a vital role across Bath and North East Somerset, helping over 3,500 people every year.

St John’s supports older adults by providing housing, activities and outreach services.

Through its Best Start in Life initiative, the charity works to ensure that every child under 12 has the chance to grow up healthy, happy, and educated.

It also offers funding support to individuals who have reached a point of crisis in their lives.

It comes as the shopping centre also announces the return of its

NGED staff volunteers at Alexandra Park in Bath | Photo © National Grid

learning what tasks a garden requires to help it thrive over winter while meeting colleagues from other teams.

“Alexandra Park is invaluable for wildlife and people and everyone enjoyed a fun day in the fresh air completing physical tasks to ensure it remains a welcoming space for Bath’s residents.”

Amber Fisher, Head of Partnerships at Your Park Bristol & Bath, said: “Our team are very grateful for NGED’s hard work.

“NGED are a key partner of our independent charity – they not only directly improve green spaces in Bath and Bristol, but support our work in communities where access to parks is

inequitable.

“As our Reimagining Parks campaign highlights, we estimate one in three local people are unable to access parks, so are excluded from the health benefits green spaces bring.

“Working with companies like NGED is especially important in making parks better places for people and nature alike, and protecting these spaces for future generations.”

NGED launched an employee volunteering programme for its 6,500 staff earlier this year.

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popular snow flurries, which will take place at 4pm every day from now until Christmas Eve, giving visitors the chance to take the perfect snowy selfie.

Guy Henderson, Centre Director at SouthGate Bath, said: “St John’s Foundation is crucial to many in our community, especially over the Christmas period, so it’s great to partner for the second year running and continue to support their vital work.

“We’ve no doubt Pippin will be a hit with people of all ages as they visit the centre to pick up the perfect Christmas gift or festive outfit over the coming weeks, and we look forward to seeing customers enjoy the light show all in aid of a good cause.”

Catharine Brown, Interim CEO at St John’s Foundation commented: “We are thrilled to be partnering with SouthGate Bath once again, especially over Christmas.

“It’s wonderful to be able to have the support of the centre as we work to help those in the community that need our support this winter.”

Pippin’s arrival at SouthGate Bath comes following the success of this summer’s selfie arch, an interactive selfie station which raised over £760.

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P22

www.bathecho.co.uk

Friday 29th November - Thursday 12th December 2024

Politics Lib Dems urge the government to rethink increase in bus fare cap

Rural communities in the district have already faced significant issues with bus services

LIBERAL Democrat councillors at Bath & North East Somerset Council have said the planned increase in the bus fare cap will significantly hit the least well-off, especially in rural communities.

Councillors highlighted the impact on residents who are already struggling with the cost of living and called for the cap on bus fares to be maintained at £2 rather than £3.

An average commuter who takes the bus every working day of the week could face spending hundreds of pounds more each year.

The planned hike comes at a time when cuts in bus routes and gaps in service already affect many residents across Bath and North East Somerset.

Rural communities are especially at risk of becoming further isolated without access to affordable and reliable bus services.

Councillor Fiona Gourley, Liberal Democrat councillor

for Bathavon South ward and member advocate for rural communities, brought a motion opposing the removal of the price cap to the B&NES Full Council meeting on 21st November.

The motion was adopted by 37 votes in favour, to seven against and two abstentions.

Councillor Gourley commented: “With the reduction of government subsidy, the increase to £3 will affect poorer residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

“An increase in fares will make bus travel more expensive and push more people into driving cars, even those who don’t want to.

“Affordable buses are an essential service, and we all share the need to reduce car journeys, for health, environmental and economic reasons.

“Putting up the cost of buses by 50% will increase congestion and pollution throughout B&NES. “The Labour government is sending the wrong message when

it asks people to use buses for the sake of the environment, while making buses more expensive and keeping petrol prices at their current level.

“They are letting down our rural communities and leaving them isolated.”

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, said: “Many in Bath rely on our bus network to get from A to B. “Scrapping the £2 bus cap is the last thing people in our community need, especially as many are already struggling with the cost of living.

“I’m proud of B&NES Council for recognising how important affordable bus services are for enabling residents to get around and for joining me in pushing to restore the bus cap.

“Not only would extending the cap encourage greater uptake of public transport and ease the congestion on our roads, but it would support our city’s fantastic efforts to decarbonise travel and reduce pollution.”

Councillors secure free school meals for lowincome families LOW-INCOME families in Bath & North East Somerset will be automatically enrolled for free school meals from September, instead of having to apply for them.

The Labour opposition on the Lib Dem-controlled council won unanimous support for their automatic enrolment proposal at a meeting on Thursday 21st November.

From next September, eligible families will be automatically registered by the council for the government-funded support.

To be eligible for free school meals, a family’s total household income must be less than £7,400 a year, or £617 a month, before benefits.

To put that in context, provisional figures for 2024 show the median average salary in B&NES is just over £32,000 before tax and the local mean average is over £40,000.

Almost 5,000 (4,715) B&NES children qualify for this government-funded support – a number that increased by 27% between May 2020 and May 2023.

By last January, 17% of B&NES state school pupils were eligible, and 2,500 of those were in primary school. But old government estimates suggest over 10% don’t claim – a number that could be much higher – and growing.

Councillor Lesley Mansell (Radstock) proposed the important change for Labour, asking B&NES to learn from other councils who’ve already made the change to make sure local children, families and schools receive this vital government money.

After the vote, she said: “I am delighted that this proposal was

supported by every councillor at the meeting.

“It’s important we work together to change inertia into action and deliver for local children.”

Councillor Robin Moss, opposition leader and the Labour councillor for Westfield, who seconded the motion, said: “We’re really pleased this was a unanimously-supported motion and that B&NES has decided to go ahead with auto-enrolling eligible families for free school meals from September.

“It will make a real difference to struggling families in B&NES, and hopefully make a positive change. It’s just a first step for low-income families, but it’s a vital one.”

A Lib Dem amendment to the motion asked the leader of the council Councillor Kevin Guy to write to local MPs and government to seek a national rule change so that all families can be auto-enrolled centrally.

Other councils that have adopted or are trialling auto-enrolment include Bedford, Coventry, Durham, Lambeth, Lewisham, Middlesborough, North Yorkshire, Redcar and Cleveland, Tower Hamlets, Sheffield, Wakefield, Wandsworth, Westminster and York.

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COLUMN | Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath

T

HE past month has been full of important opportunities to stand up for our community in Parliament.

Whether celebrating Bath’s wins or pushing for support to help overcome local challenges, it’s always a pleasure to represent our city. I’ll be using my voice in Parliament today for constituents, campaigners and terminally ill people in Bath who have been fighting for compassion and dignity in dying. 83% of our city are in favour of legalising assisted dying and I will be encouraging Parliamentarians to properly reflect on this overwhelming public consensus when voting. Although this debate is incredibly sensitive and many

are understandably hesitant about changing the law, it’s not one we can shy away from - it’s time we had an open and honest conversation on the matter.

Another issue close to our hearts in Bath, that I’ve been campaigning on recently, is the need to review the breast cancer screening programme.

After meeting with local resident Lucy, who was diagnosed with primary breast cancer when she was just 38 and again with an incurable secondary breast cancer at the age of 41, I held a Westminster Hall debate to urge the government to review the screening age for breast cancer.

The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more likely it is

to be successfully treated. It’s vital we improve our diagnosis procedures to help spot the signs of cancer early so that young women have the best chance of making a full recovery.

Another public health issue that I've been raising awareness for follows research by University of Bath professor, Chris Pudney, which revealed that 1 in 6 vapes confiscated from schools contained Spice. Spice is a very dangerous drug which puts vulnerable children at risk of harm and lifelong addiction.

In Parliament, I’ve held an adjournment debate with the Minister for Crime on addressing this troubling issue, I’ve written to the Education Secretary about

the need for a public awareness campaign in schools, and I’ve called on the Health Secretary to tighten measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to prevent children getting hold of Spikedspice vapes. I will keep pushing the government to make sure that children across the country are protected from the harms caused

by Spice.

Keeping our community safe and healthy, while ensuring people have access to timely care when they need it, is one of my top priorities in Parliament. That’s why, in a Westminster Hall debate this month on NHS Dentistry in the South West, I urged the

government to address the shameful delays to NHS dental care. It’s disgraceful that patients are being left with no option but to visit A&E after waiting for far too long for a routine dental check-up.

The government urgently needs to step up and tackle the gaps in NHS dental provision.

I would like to close my column by reaching out to those who have been affected by Storm Bert and subsequent flooding in Bath.

As your MP, I will do everything in my power to help you during this difficult time so please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at office@werahobhouse.co.uk

Issue 092

P23

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Revised recycling centre plans ‘gloss over concerns’ Becky Feather Reporter

NINETEEN employers and enterprises have joined forces to pen an open letter urging Bath & North East Somerset Council to abandon its controversial plans for a waste and recycling centre at Locksbrook Road in Bath.

A formal planning application to develop the site, which is currently used by the council’s street cleansing activities, was submitted in August. In midNovember revised proposals to try to address concerns were announced but people were only given two weeks to respond.

The extended consultation closed on Wednesday 27th November.

The site is being lined up to replace the existing recycling centre in Midland Road, where there is already planning approval for 176 new affordable and market homes.

The council has said the site at Locksbrook Road was chosen after more than 50 other sites within and around the city had been considered.

The new design shows changes to the pedestrian and public vehicle entrance layout, the step and ramp access to the gantry above the main waste and recycling containers, and the way cars are managed within the site.

The main drainage scheme has been rerouted through the centre of the site, access from the river path moved and hardstanding minimised to ensure the roots of mature trees are protected.

The detailed illustration submitted with the application shows how the site will be split into two operational areas: a facility for residents to park and dispose of household waste and recycling items, small recyclables and non-hazardous waste; and an area for the council’s street cleansing teams to deposit litter bin waste, street sweepings and weed waste and skips for collecting recycling.

A booking system will control

Revised plans for the proposed recycling centre | Image © B&NES Council

traffic flow and visitor numbers with a maximum of 14 cars for each 15-minute slot and a member of staff to help direct visitors.

The site has capacity for 16 cars, with one disabled bay, 11 dropoff points and five waiting bays, as well as cargo bike parking and cycle racks.

Trailers and vans will not be permitted so customers with those vehicles will have to use Keynsham Recycling Hub or Old Welton Recycling Centre at Midsomer Norton.

The proposed operational hours are Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 1pm. Public opening hours will be similar to the current Midland Road site – Monday to Friday from 8am with the last booking slot being 3.30pm; Saturday 9am to 3.15pm; and Sunday 9am to 12.30pm.

Tim Wallace, from the Stop the Locksbrook Tip campaign, said it showed a lack of commitment to meaningful consultation that the council had dropped 48 new documents simultaneously, and then given the community only 14 days to scrutinise, digest, research and respond.

He said: “For example, the plans allow for more car queuing space inside the site to avoid the road outside being blocked, but this modification comes at the cost of reducing the number of users and by reducing the number of

access points to the skips.

“The result is that the tip simply won’t meet Bath residents’ needs.

So, Bath gets a sub-par recycling centre, rather than the centre it needs.

“Sadly, the plans give the impression of having listened to residents’ concerns but in reality they gloss over our concerns.

“For example, the modifications to avoid cars queuing outside the centre could only help during opening hours.

“The repeated issue raised in objections is that cars queue before the centre opens and will potentially block the morning peak-hour traffic on Locksbrook Road, which is the key entry point to the scores of businesses in the Locksbrook area. And yet this key problem is not addressed in the traffic report.”

The open letter, signed by employers of various size, says the Locksbrook area is earmarked under the council’s own plans as being a place for productive enterprise and creative industry but the proposed recycling centre would hinder that.

The signatories highlight the expected increases in traffic on Locksbrook Road during business hours, as well as the removal of parking spaces which local firms rely on.

They also express fears that additional congestion would drive customers away, reduce access for deliveries, and disrupt

daily operations.

The letter says: “To put it bluntly, we are united in believing that B&NES’s revised plan is a bad idea and a failure in responsible planning. The small changes they have made do little to address our concerns, and we expect that if the plan is approved, our businesses will be detrimentally impacted.

“For those of us with retail businesses on Station Road and Chelsea Road, reduced parking spaces on Locksbrook Road will cascade out to interfere with our clients’ ability to park. And we expect to see an increase in traffic congestion outside our businesses as tip users avoid the bottleneck of Locksbrook Road and exit via Station Road.

“There are no positives in the council’s revised plans.

B&NES has promoted it as an economically sound decision.

The true cost, however, is traffic congestion, increased air and noise pollution, congestion through the Clean Air Zone, interference with existing – productive – enterprises, heightened risk of contamination of the adjoining River Avon because of the high flood risk of the site and, just as importantly, devastation to the amenity and quality of life of all the residents living near the site.”

The letter is signed by: • Horstman Group • Bath Spa University • Wolsely Plumbing Supplies • Perk Up Coffee Bath • Kew Electrical • Kris’ Barber Shop • Newman’s Joinery • Ralph Allen Print Solutions • Station Road Vets • Lower Weston Post Office • Millionhairs Dog Grooming • Rooted Café • Naughty but Nice Hairdressing • Plumbase • Howdens • BBS Plumbing and Heating Supplies • TBKS Architectural Ironmongery • SIG Roofing • The Locksbrook Inn

Public Notices NOTICE UNDER THE TRUSTEE ACT 1925 The O&H Properties Pension Scheme ("the Scheme") Notice to Creditors and Beneficiaries under Section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925 Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925 that the Trustee is windingup the Scheme.

Any creditor, member or beneficiary of the Scheme or any other person who believes they have a claim against, or entitlement to a pension or any benefit from, or an interest in the Scheme is requested to write to Vidett Trust Corporation Limited, 3rd Floor Forbury Works, 3743 Blagrave Street, Reading, England, RG1 1PZ (marked for the attention of David Griffiths) or by email to oandhproperties@ vidett.com, to make a claim.

Claimants should provide their full name, address, date of birth, NI number and, if applicable, dates of employment. If any other person believes they have a claim against or an interest in the Scheme, they are requested to write to the same address setting out full particulars of their claim. Please quote the Scheme name in all correspondence.

All claims must be received by 7 February 2025. After this date, the Trustee will proceed to complete the wind-up of the Scheme and secure benefits for any remaining beneficiaries, having regard only to the claims and interests of which they have prior notice. The Trustee shall not be liable to any person of whose claims and demands they have not had notice.

Any person who has been contacted by the Trustee at their current address or has already made a claim and received a response need not re-apply to the Trustee. It would also be helpful if you can bring this notice to the attention of anyone else you know of who may have a claim or interest.

Issued by Vidett Trust Corporation Limited (on behalf of the Trustees of the O&H Properties Pension Scheme) Dated 29th November 2024

Performing becoming ‘untenable’ due to tour bus issues John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

KOMEDIA has warned that top artists are being put off from performing in Bath due to “untenable” difficulties getting their tour buses into the city.

Richard Daws, chairman of Komedia Bath, urged members of Bath & North East Somerset Council to make it easier for artists’ tour coaches to get to the venue on Westgate Street and consider extending the reduction on business rates.

He said: “Moles is gone. Don’t let Komedia do the same.”

Mr Daws warned councillors that difficulty accessing venues could

put artists off from stopping in Bath on their tours.

He told councillors: “Komedia has smaller scale touring acts that have very good access, typically arriving in smaller vans ... to Westgate Street. That works perfectly.”

“Larger scale acts tour the country in coaches and have ongoing major issues visiting Bath. These appear now to be untenable.

“So we are requesting that access to Westgate Street is offered on the same basis to larger scale artists, as it is currently offered to smaller scale acts.

“If this is not possible then Bath will no longer be able to host the big name acts that we attract to Komedia.”

Westgate Street lies within Bath’s city centre security zone, also dubbed the “ring of steel”, where vehicles are restricted between 10am and 6pm. Businesses can apply for a permit for vehicles to enter.

Mr Daws said there had been

“no problem” with acts in transit vans booking in but warned: “The same welcome is not afforded to coaches.”

Band Everything Everything played at the venue earlier this month but their coach had to access from Westgate Buildings, where other vehicles were already parked across the bay.

Mr Daw said: “It was very very unsatisfactory.”

He added: “It would be very easy to park outside the venue, unload, disappear off somewhere else, and then come back and load in at 10 o’clock at night.

“All we are asking is can we do the same with larger scale vehicles as we do currently with smaller vehicles.”

The derelict Beau Nash cinema was renovated into Komedia in 2008. Since 2019, it has been a community-owned venue, as a community benefit association.

Mr Daws also urged the council to extend the business rates reduction available to charities to community benefit societies. He said: “Many councils across the country do this.”

Council leader Kevin Guy invited Mr Daws to speak with the cabinet member for finance and the relevant officers at the council who could look at extending the business rates reduction.

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P24

Friday 29th November - Thursday 12th December 2024

www.bathecho.co.uk

Sport

Upcoming Fixtures

Olympic homecoming reception held for athletes FIVE Olympians and Paralympians have been celebrated at a special homecoming reception at the University of Bath.

The athletes all train, study or studied at the university, one of the country’s leading institutions for high-performance sport.

They were joined by staff, coaches and civic representatives from across Bath and Somerset.

Double Paralympic Champion Dimitri Coutya (wheelchair fencing) and Olympic gold-medallist Kieran Bird (swimming) were in attendance, along with Dan Bethell (parabadminton), Piers Gilliver (wheelchair fencing) and Becky

The event was hosted by Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath.

He said: “We are immensely proud of the athletes’ achievements in Paris this summer and delighted we can celebrate that today.

“In total there were 30 athletes who either train, study or studied at the University who competed in Paris, across 12 different sports and representing seven countries, and they brought home an incredible 17 medals between them.

“We were honoured earlier this year to be awarded the status of UK Sport-accredited Elite Training Centre, celebrating the

Olympians and Paralympians at the University of Bath | Photo © Anna Barclay

Wilde (rowing), who all enjoyed podium success in Paris.

Tokyo Olympic Champion Freya Anderson, Leah Crisp and Jacob Whittle, Bird’s team-mates in the Aquatics GB Bath Performance Centre, also attended, as did Pentathlon GB’s Kate French and Charlie Brown.

Demonstrating the international nature of the University’s Paris contingent were studentathletes Henrique Mascarenhas (swimming) and Sofia Sjostrom (eventing), who represented Angola and Sweden respectively.

University’s role in helping Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes achieve their full performance potential. Supporting highperformance athletes is just part of the University’s commitment to sport.

“We are Top 10 in the World University Rankings for sportsrelated subjects, and our sports courses, innovative research and first-class facilities help improve fitness, health and sporting techniques for people around the world.”

Speaking on behalf of the

Bath City FC Saturday 30th November – 3pm Bath City v Boreham Wood (Home) League Saturday 1st December – 2pm Bath Women v Gloucester City (Home) League Sunday 8th December – 2pm Bath Women v Bitton (Away) League

Bath Rugby

Celebrating the athletes at the University of Bath | Photo © Anna Barclay

Olympic athletes, women’s double sculls bronze-medallist Becky Wilde, who made the switch from swimming to rowing while studying Sport and Social Sciences, thanked the University of Bath for supporting her through lengthy injury rehabilitation during her time as a student-athlete.

She said: “There was a period in my second year of rowing when I didn’t know if I’d ever get back in a boat again but the University backed me throughout.

“It is thanks to my physio Heather Foster, my coach Dan Harris [with the GB Rowing Team Start Programme] and having access to the amazing facilities here that I was able to continue my rowing career.”

Category B epee and foil champion Coutya, who won four medals in total in Paris, spoke on behalf of the Paralympic athletes.

He has trained full-time at the University since 2016 and was the second athlete, after Gilliver, to join a wheelchair fencing programme, led by the UK Sports Institute (UKSI), that has gone from strength to strength during the past decade.

He said: “I remember being in the Paralympic Village in Paris and taking a moment to reflect

on how fortunate I was to be part of the University of Bath and how their support had helped me reach this unique environment.

“The reason we have come back with so many medals is thanks to the work we do in the Team Bath Sports Training Village (STV) and the Wheelchair Fencing National Training Centre [opened in 2022] that we call home.”

Speaking on behalf of the support staff was David McNulty, Head Coach of the Aquatics GB Bath Performance Centre, whose athletes, including Bird and triple Olympic Champion Tom Dean, have won 14 medals across the past four Olympic Games.

He said: “The environment and atmosphere that the Team Bath staff give us at the STV is second to none. I’ve said it many times but there is nowhere in the world that has the same feel when you walk in. We won two gold medals in Paris but I know we can do better and that has spurred us on to go again for LA 2028.”

Also attending the reception were Ted Allen, Vice-Lieutenant of Somerset; Cllr Karen Walker, Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council; Cllr Ruth Malloy, Deputy Mayor of Bath; and Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Saturday 30th November – 5.45pm Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs (Home) Gallagher Premiership – R7

Get Involved 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.

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Please send them to sport@bathecho.co.uk with the subject Match Report.

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Crossword answers - Issue 091 (15/11/2024) Across: 1 Removes, 5 Package, 9 National Product, 10 Ennui, 11 Del, 12 Heidi, 13 Dossier, 14 Robbers, 16 Semitic, 19 Generic, 21 Hence, 23 Lea, 24 Macao, 26 Room temperature, 27 Endings, 28 Desktop.

Down: 1 Range, 2 Mutants, 3 Violinist, 4 Slander, 5 Popular, 6 Cloth, 7 Abusive, 8 Extrinsic, 13 Discharge, 15 By no means, 17 Manhood, 18 Columns, 19 Go ahead, 20 Racquet, 22 Elton, 25 One up.

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