Bath Echo - Issue 096 - 31/01/2025

In this issue... Calls for Bath’s Art Deco fire station to be listed

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

CAMPAIGNERS are calling for Bath’s Art Deco fire station to be made a listed building as plans are under way to knock it down.

Opened in 1939, the site in Bath has been a working fire station for almost 90 years and is one of Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s oldest.

Now firefighters have warned the building needs to be demolished to make way for a facility which can meet the demands of modern firefighting.

But the Twentieth Century Society, which campaigns to protect “outstanding” architecture from after 1914, has called for the building to be saved, and has now submitted an application to Historic England to have the fire station listed.

as many other historic former stations have successfully been.”

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Head of casework Coco Whittaker said: “In a city that’s not short of architectural heritage, the Bath fire station is a classically beautiful 1930s building with a rich history of its own.

“We simply cannot allow a building of this quality to be demolished: it should either be sympathetically modernised to meet the needs of the fire service, or adapted for some other use,

Alfred J Taylor began designing the fire station in 1937 but after his death in 1938, his daughter Molly Taylor, the architect behind Kilowatt House, took over the project. The Twentieth Century Society said that Ms Taylor was practising at a time when there were very few women architects and her involvement adds “considerable historic interest” to the fire station.

Announcing Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s plans to replace the building, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Luke Gazzard said in December: “The new fire station will help ensure we can better serve the local community,

accommodate crews and modernise this part of the service.

“Adhering to our aim of making our communities safer and our service stronger, the state-of-theart facility aims to help improve response, operational efficiency and prevention work which will benefit our staff, as well as the communities we serve.”

The station is located on Bathwick Street, just south of Cleveland Bridge. It is crewed by wholetime and on-call firefighters, and is home to business fire safety officers and support staff.

Plans for the redevelopment of the fire station are due to be submitted this year.

If approved, Bath firefighters will relocate to a temporary location

while the new station is built. Built in Bath stone, the current building has five appliance bays between stylised Doric pilasters with fluted capitals, with a stepped architrave running over the doors, and a relief carving of the coat of arms of the city of Bath and a cornice above.

Internally, original tiled finishes, parquet flooring and moulded architraves are believed by the Twentieth Century Society to still survive in-situ.

Head of estates at Avon Fire and Rescue Service, Patrick Hollins, said in December: “We are still in the early stages of the programme and are working closely with firefighters and staff at Bath to help inform the design proposals of the new building, making sure it supports the needs of modernday firefighting and enhances service delivery to the area.

“As one of the service’s oldest fire stations and based in the heart of the city, we understand the importance of having a presence at the same location and value the input of the community.

“During the consultation, and through regular updates and events, we will keep the community informed of the project’s progress and provide the opportunity for people to share their feedback.”

Men given life sentences for Swansea murder

TWO men, one from Bath and the other from Frome, have been jailed after being found guilty of the murder of a 33-year-old man in Swansea.

28-year-old Macauley Ruddock, from Bath, and 26-year-old Joseph Dix, from Frome, were found guilty of murder last week following the incident, which took place on Princess Way in the city on 17th July 2024.

Andrew Main, from Falkirk, Scotland, died from his injuries on 14th August having never regained consciousness.

Both Macauley Ruddock and Joseph Dix have been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 13 years, 176 days.

Detective Inspector Claire Lamerton, from South Wales

Police, said: “We are pleased to hear of the murder conviction for both Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock.

“Both men were visiting Swansea for work, as was Andrew Main.

All three were staying at the same city centre hotel, and met for the first time at a nearby bar.

“Later that night, an argument broke out back at the hotel between Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock and Andrew Main and his friend Michael Bell.

“This argument moved onto the street, before Dix and Ruddock chased after Andrew Main, ultimately striking him unconscious before carrying out a sustained attack.

“While the parties had all consumed alcohol that night, that does not provide an excuse

for the level of violence displayed by Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock.

“They clearly set out to cause serious injury to their victim, and now will face significant prison sentences for their actions.

“Our thoughts remain with Andrew’s family and friends, who have been devastated by what has

happened and continue to grieve his loss. This case highlights how the effects of intoxicants can negatively affect behaviour and decision-making.

“Had Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock chosen to walk away that night, a life would have been saved, and they would not be convicted killers.”

Bath fire station on Bathwick Street

Macauley Ruddock and Joseph Dix | Photos © South Wales Police

Views being invited on Corn Street development

PROPOSALS to build almost 100 energy-efficient apartments in the centre of Bath have gone out for consultation.

An application for the development has been made by Aequus Construction Limited (ACL), Bath & North East Somerset Council’s whollyowned development company. The site at Corn Street already has outline planning permission for the erection of 96 dwellings in two residential apartment blocks with associated work.

A reserved matters application has now been made for Phase 2 of the wider Bath Quays North mixed-use development. It seeks approval for the reserved matters of access, layout, landscaping, scale and appearance for the outline planning permission, and aims to deliver one and two-bedroom apartments providing energyefficient city centre homes in a design that is sensitive to its heritage and landscape context.

Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for built environment, housing and sustainable development said: “Aequus’s planning application is part of a mix of housing options that will help us diversify housing supply locally and include open market, affordable and social housing

right across B&NES.

“Building these homes as the first phase of Bath Quays North will help support further investment for affordable homes in later phases. This supports the council’s commitment set out in its Economic Strategy 2024-2034 to develop a housing offer that is accessible and attractive to all, ensuring our housing stock meets the needs of different resident groups.

“For example at 117 Newbridge Hill we saw Aequus’s conversion of a historic building into 100% social housing, with priority

given to key workers.

“Our own B&NES Homes has provided 67 homes for people. By providing a steady supply of affordable and secure housing options, we have been able to offer permanent homes to those previously reliant on temporary housing.”

If the plans are approved, it will enable the development of the wider Avon Street car park site, which the council has earmarked as a future employment space.

Last year the council and the University of Bath announced a new partnership to develop a

vision for the future of the wider site.

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to determine the development of the riverfront site.

Signing the Memorandum of Understanding allowed conversations to start about possibilities including new space for research, innovation and enterprise activities, bringing important economic activity to the city centre.

People can have their say on the application at https://bit. ly/4aIv0NZ until 13th February.

Convictions for breaching bridge's weight limit

SEVEN drivers were recently convicted for breaching the 18-tonne weight limit in place on Cleveland Bridge in Bath. Bath & North East Somerset Council has reminded drivers of vehicles of over 18 tonnes gross maximum weight that they cannot cross the bridge on the A36 in Bath due to the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order, which has been extended until October 2025.

Due to the nature of its construction and historic importance, Cleveland Bridge was made the subject of the weight limit order in 2020, which was most recently renewed in October 2024 for 12 months, enforced by an ANPR camera system.

Seven more drivers were convicted earlier this month of breaching the current weight restriction, following prosecutions by the local authority.

It is an offence under Section 16

(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to breach the weight restriction, and the council’s Trading Standards team and the police have the power to enforce it.

Numerous advance warning signs regarding the restriction are in place on all the major arterial roads leading into Bath and on the roads leading to the bridge. The council is formally investigating breaches following an initial period of soft enforcement when the restriction was implemented, during which time drivers were issued with

warning letters. On 15th January, Bath Magistrates' Court heard how seven vehicles which exceeded the gross maximum weight limit were identified crossing Cleveland Bridge during June and July 2024. Their drivers were ordered to pay fines and costs.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for transport, said:

“We have extended the weight restriction in place on the Grade II* listed Cleveland Bridge to protect its safety and integrity whilst monitoring continues.

“As a structural weight restriction, the order applies to all vehicles including coaches and therefore it is illegal to breach it if your vehicle’s gross maximum weight is over 18 tonnes.

“Thank you to our Trading Standards team for their work in bringing these prosecutions.

“We know that out of all of the vehicles going over the bridge from October 2022 until now, only 0.08% are exceeding the weight limit and are at risk of enforcement. Since monitoring began, we have had 12.5 million trips over the bridge and less than 11k exceedances have been observed, companies warned and where appropriate enforced against.

“We encourage drivers of larger vehicles travelling through Bath to be aware of the plated weight and individual axle weights for their vehicle and to plan their route well in advance, so that Cleveland Bridge can be avoided during your journey.”

News in Brief

Police issue three new Community Protection Warnings in city centre

As part of ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour in the city centre, the police say they have issued three new Community Protection Warnings to offenders regularly causing problems for local businesses.

Last week officers also arrested a man during a proactive operation targeting drug-dealing hotspots. He was found in possession of a quantity of cash and wraps of suspected Class A drugs. He has been recalled to prison and remains under investigation. Police also say that they have stepped up their safeguarding and cuckooing checks on the most vulnerable members of the community.

“Visits like these are informed by intelligence provided by the public. Please get in touch with us if you have any concerns about any friends, family or neighbours you feel may be being exploited at home.”

Cycle route closure

National Cycle Network Route 24 between Midford and Wellow is going to be closed from Monday 3rd February to Friday 21st February while the path is resurfaced. Sustrans South, which makes it easier for people to walk and cycle, has announced that the closure will include weekends. People are advised that there will be a signed diversion via Twinhoe Lane and Farm Lane.

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

Staying mostly settled with some rain at times. As the week progresses there will be a risk of overnight frost and fog, with temperatures close to normal.

An artist’s impression of plots six and seven at Bath Quays North | Image © B&NES Council

Cleveland Bridge in Bath

Scrutiny continues after election of ‘Independent’ councillor

AN ‘Independent’ councillor who was elected to Bath & North East Somerset Council earlier this month to represent the Saltford ward has not joined the existing group of six Independent councillors.

In the list of members by their groups on the council’s website, Councillor Chris Warren sits alone in an ‘Unaligned’ category. Mr Warren had distanced himself from the controversial social media account @the_grieve which emerged during the campaign – but among those who have called that into question is the Mayor of Bath who stated that she does not want to share the chamber with someone with those views.

@the_grieve (The Ghost of Dominic Grieve) was set up on Twitter, which is now known as X, in 2019. The account was taken down on Friday 17th January, the day after the by-election.

Several journalists and others had documented the content and investigative work is ongoing.

As we reported on Friday 10th January, the account included pictures of Mr Warren, his cars and his house.

It contained many obscene and insulting posts including of a misogynistic, homophobic and racist nature.

There were disrespectful comments about public sector workers including those at B&NES Council. The Lib Dem administration at B&NES was described as “Commies”.

There were also posts praising farright activist Tommy Robinson, Reform UK and the party’s leader Nigel Farage.

When interviewed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) about the X account in the week before the election, Mr Warren, who is a former chair of Saltford Parish Council, said he had been “trolled”.

Mr Warren said he did not think

people would “give a monkey’s either way” about the X account, adding: “If people don’t want to vote for me, they don’t want to vote for me if they think it’s associated with me.

“If they do, they do, if they don’t, they don’t.”

He won the seat just four votes ahead of the Lib Dem candidate Hossein Pirooz. The by-election had been triggered by the resignation of Lib Dem councillor Alison Streatfeild-James, who had represented the ward since 2023, when she beat Mr Warren by 34 votes.

B&NES Council has not responded to several requests made by the Bath Echo and our sister publication The Week In since 17th January, asking whether it is investigating the concerns surrounding the account.

However, some councillors have spoken out. The Mayor of Bath Councillor Michelle O’ Doherty (Lib Dem, Newbridge), posted on X on Saturday 11th January:

“He “denied” it while saying he found the account amusing. If it’s really not him, he’d be distancing himself.

“I find it hard to believe that someone would spend 5+ years

impersonating him. I’ve no wish to share a council chamber with someone who is so openly misogynistic & racist.”

Councillor Warren now represents the Saltford ward alongside veteran Lib Dem councillor Duncan Hounsell who posted on Facebook the day after the election: “The enduring Nolan Principles for public life:

• Selflessness: Acting solely in terms of the public interest.

• Integrity: Avoiding financial or other obligations that might influence official duties.

• Objectivity: Making impartial decisions.

• Accountability: Being responsible for actions.

• Openness: Being transparent. Honesty: Being truthful.

• Leadership: Demonstrating leadership qualities.”

Councillor Hounsell explained in a comment on his post: “These principles for public life were introduced under John Major’s Government years ago following the Nolan Commission report. They remain the basis of modern codes of conduct.”

Lib Dem councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall, who represents the Timsbury ward on B&NES Council, also took to X on

17th January to post a list of the “enduring Nolan Principles for public life” as a “quick reminder for colleagues elected to @ Bathnes”.

Councillor Stephenson-McGall has also reposted recent analysis of the handwriting in a letter addressed to the RNLI, which @the_grieve put on X on 15th November 2022. The letter explained to the charity that it would not be getting a donation “as you have morphed into a Taxi Service for economic migrants, rapists, criminals and terrorists”.

Analysis of the writing by @ BoneAshBath highlights imprints in several places that appear to reveal Mr Warren’s name and address.

Meanwhile a spoof account –called Councillor Chris Warren (allegedly) – has been created on X and has been putting up posts by @the_grieve, with added comments.

After winning the by-election, Chris Warren said: “It is very satisfying to win in my home village. I have lived here for 26 years. It was quite shocking to see the amount of resource which was thrown at this seat by the Liberal Democrats – so it made it even sweeter to win tonight.”

‘Campaign Strategist’ hails his latest victory

Nathan Hartley posted on X the day after the byelection: “As a Campaign Strategist, I’ve been running (& winning!) elections for #Independent candidates for the last decade! Pleased to add last night’s #Saltford #ByElection victory to the list.”

Mr Hartley added that he has a “winning formula” that will unseat a lot of Lib Dem councillors at the next election.

On Sunday 19th January he posted that the “big by-election win” for the Independents was the first time ever that the Lib Dems had lost a seat in a byelection in Bath & North East Somerset.

Nathan Hartley is a former B&NES councillor who represented Peasedown St John, initially as a Lib Dem including a stint as deputy council leader, and then as an Independent. He had posted on social media of his support for Mr Warren to be elected as an Independent candidate at the by-election and his name appeared on the bottom of Mr Warren’s campaign literature as the designer. However, when we contacted Mr Hartley in the days before the by-election regarding the controversial account, he told us that he was not Mr Warren’s campaign manager, or his agent. Mr Hartley did not respond when we asked him whether there were concerns that someone was pretending to be Mr Warren and sabotage his campaign to become a councillor.

Public inquiry opens into the future of South Stoke Plateau

The fields were taken out of the Green Belt and allocated for 300 homes in 2014.

A PUBLIC inquiry to decide the future of South Stoke Plateau opened at the Guildhall on Tuesday.

Last April Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee refused proposals for 290 homes - 40% of them affordable.

More than 1,200 people had objected, along with many groups and organisations. Council planning officers recommended approval, but councillors rejected the plans by seven votes to one.

Applicants the Hignett Family Trust (HFT) then appealed to overturn the decision.

The project’s first phase was 171 homes at Combe Hay Lane which was approved by the planning committee in 2018.

Last year the planning committee feared that another 290 homes as part of phases 3 and 4 would take the number above the amount allocated in the core strategy, although council officers said the 300 figure was not a cap if all relevant principles were met.

The committee’s refusal reasons were:

1. The effect on the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as “exceptional circumstances” needed for such development weren’t demonstrated, with the scale far exceeding the “around 300” allocated.

2. The effect on the World Heritage Site of Bath and Sulis Manor.

3. The impact on the Wansdyke scheduled ancient monument and the failure to provide a

mix of uses for a sustainable community.

4. The impact on trees. Inspector Tom GilbertWooldridge opened proceedings, which are expected to take eight days.

In the opening statement for HFT, counsel Paul Tucker KC said what had begun as a refusal supported by four reasons is now a “one and a bit” reasons and an acceptance of major residential development, albeit less than proposed.

He said the council had withdrawn reason 2, part of reason 3, and reason 4.

Regarding reason 3, he said the council now agrees that provided there is a condition in respect of getting scheduled monument consent for a shared use path between the Wansdyke and Cranmore Place, and for the work to be done before any new home is occupied, it won’t reply on this reason for refusal.

For the remainder of reason 3, he said “the invitation to only look at the appeal site and not its context when judging whether the development will result in a sustainable mixture of uses is downright odd, especially given the proximity to shops, leisure and sports facilities, education, healthcare facilities and even employment”.

Mr Tucker added: “It will of course have escaped no one’s attention that the council accepted the

recommendation of highway officers and has never sought to argue that the appeal proposals would give rise to a severe impact upon the local highway network.”

On the inquiry’s first day Councillor Lucy Hodge (Lib Dem, Lansdown), vice chair of the planning committee, read out a statement from Councillor Matt McCabe (Lib Dem, Bathavon South, cabinet member for planning and housing, who said: “I accept that the council failed to secure a masterplan for the whole site and we are now dealing with the consequences.”

But he added that 300 homes was the figure initially put out for consultation and accepted by the council, while the current application takes the total to almost 500, with no additional facilities.

You can follow the latest updates to this story on our website at www.bathecho.co.uk

Chris Warren (second from left) with supporters and Nathan Hartley (right) | Photo © John Wimperis/LDRS

Becky Feather Reporter

Inspector Tom Gilbert-Wooldridge

Combe Down water main repairs extended

WORK to repair a burst water main in the Combe Down area of Bath is set to continue until at least Sunday 2nd February, Wessex Water has said. Repairs are taking place on North Road near the junction with Ralph Allen Drive following the burst on Friday, 24th January. The road was closed temporarily over the weekend but has now reopened with three-way traffic lights while teams work at the site.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “The location of this burst has added to the complexity of this repair, but the road has been reopened under traffic lights since Monday.

“Those lights are due to remain in place until the weekend to allow our team to complete this repair safely and road users in the area are advised to take this into consideration when planning their journeys.

“Water supplies to customers in the area continue to be unaffected and we have written to a number of schools and businesses to update them on the progress of this repair.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this essential work.”

to increase funding due to threat to more buses across B&NES

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

MORE buses in Bath and North East Somerset are under threat of being axed if the council does not increase its transport funding, a local public transport campaigner has warned. Bus routes which are vital for communities but are not profitable for bus companies to run are financially supported by local authorities.

In the West of England, councils such as Bath & North East Somerset pay a “transport levy” to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), about a third of which is used to pay for these routes.

Addressing Bath & North East Somerset Council’s climate scrutiny panel on 22nd January, transport campaigner David Redgewell warned that bus services were at risk unless the council increased the levy it paid. He said: “The levy has been frozen which means as the cost of providing bus services has gone up from staff, resources, drivers, cleaning, and maintenance, the levy stands still.

“If the levy doesn’t get raised, then the bus services running out

there that you’ve got supported in Bath — that’s services like the 20, services like the 4, services on evenings and Sundays, services down to the Somer Valley — are in threat of being withdrawn, some of them, from September.”

He added that WECA CEO Stephen Peacock had been asking for “urgent discussions” with council leaders to ensure the levy was increased.

Mr Redgewell told the scrutiny panel: “It’s not just from Bath and North East Somerset. It’s also from Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire.

“It has not moved with the level of inflation for providing bus services in four years, yet the cost of paying for bus services — paying drivers, cleaning, tendering — has become more.”

Last year, the levy was frozen.

Papers which went before the WECA committee in January 2024 said the freeze could be absorbed by taking £1.1 million out of the “smoothing reserve” for transport costs.

But it warned there would need to be a 13% increase in the levy in the 2025/26 financial year, with further rises of 7% and 4% in the years after.

This year’s transport levy was due to be voted on at the WECA

committee meeting on Friday 31st January. Papers going before the committee state that Bath & North East Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council will both pay a 5% increase to their transport levy, while Bristol City Council will pay a 3% increase.

The papers said this could be a “balanced position” if money was taken out of reserves.

In 2023, buses across rural North East Somerset were cut after the levy was not increased in line with inflation, triggering a bitter row between Bath & North East Somerset Council and Metro Mayor Dan Norris.

At a WECA committee meeting in June of that year, Mr Norris called Bath & North East Somerset Council’s actions “a disingenuous, mean-spirited, deceptive, devious thing to do”. Councillor Sarah Warren, who was representing the local authority at the meeting, accused him of “misrepresentation”. Mr Redgewell has urged the council to discuss raising the levy. He told the scrutiny panel: “If you want, you can play a political football and say it’s all the Mayor’s fault but it won’t wash and it will cause damage to this council and to WECA.”

Work will continue at the site for the next few days

Widow calls for action following ‘gross failures’ at the RUH

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

A BATH widow has shared the heartbreaking story of how she lost her husband due to a “gross failure to provide basic nursing care” at the Royal United Hospital, as she calls for no one else ever to have to face such an ordeal.

Gaynor and Alan Nippard should have been celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this year. Instead, Gaynor spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service about the “horror” of losing Alan three years ago and urged the hospital to improve its practices and for people to check up on loved ones staying there. Alan Nippard fell and injured his knee, as a result of septic arthritis, in 2022 and was taken to the RUH. He should have been discharged when his knee improved but inadequate nursing care saw him develop a pressure sore which turned into a serious form of gangrene. Eventually he was told the RUH could only offer him palliative care.

Gaynor said: “All my husband’s done is fall awkwardly out of bed and knock his knee. That’s all that happened. And you don’t go into hospital for such a minor thing and expect to die.”

The couple had been married for 57 years. When they got married in 1965, Gaynor was 20 and Alan was 18. At that age, they still needed their parents’ permission and Alan had to take his parents to court to get permission to marry Gaynor. It made the headlines at the time. Gaynor said: “It was a love story.” She said: “Because we were so young, tongues started to wag, as they do even today. But, no, I wasn’t pregnant. We just wanted to get married! He was the only boyfriend I ever had and I was his only girlfriend. And he was

taken away in such terrible circumstances.”

Alan was admitted to the RUH on 30th May 2022 and moved into an orthopaedic ward, Pierce Ward, in the early hours of 1st June. Doctors felt they were “winning” in tackling his knee but Alan faced a more serious infection as a result of his stay in the hospital. By 2nd June, he had developed a pressure sore on his sacrum, at the bottom of his spine, which he had not had when he entered hospital.

At home, Gaynor had a set of steps he could climb to make sure he could shower. But in the hospital, she said: “They made him bedridden.”

Alan spent an estimated 22 ½ hours a day on his back while in hospital, with sustained time with pressure of his sacrum, according to a report by coroner Maria Voisin after Alan’s death. Ms Voisin said that simple care such as making sure Mr Nippard had an air mattress and was regularly repositioned did not happen.

The hospital trust’s lead Tissue Viability Nurse told the inquest the bed care Alan received was “shocking”.

The pressure sore developed into a form of gangrene known as Fournier’s Gangrene, a very serious, acute necrotic infection

of the genitals and buttocks. Gaynor could tell something was wrong from the smell when in the room with Alan. She said: “When I pulled back the covers one day to see that everything below the waist had gone black I knew that something wasn’t right.”

The only treatment for Fournier’s Gangrene is surgery, which the critical care team decided that Alan would not have been strong enough for due to other medical conditions affecting his heart and lungs, the coroner’s report said. The team decided surgery would cause Alan “immense suffering in his last days” and so he was instead offered palliative care. One night, Gaynor received a call from her husband in hospital to say he had been told there was no more they could do for him. Gaynor said: “Why would you tell a man in his bed on his own in his room that he was going to die all on his own?”

Alan Nippard died on 6th June 2022. Gaynor said: “Six weeks in that hospital, bearing in mind I was told that they’d straightened up his knee and in four days he would be home. So what happened?

“It’s like a horror movie to me.”

The cause of death was recorded as Fournier’s Gangrene, the pressure sore on his sacrum, and sepsis; along with the septic

arthritis and preexisting diabetes and medical conditions affecting his kidneys and heart.

In her report, Ms Voisin said: “Mr Nippard’s death was caused by a pressure sore. The pressure sore was preventable with the provision of basic nursing care. This was not provided.

“There was a gross failure to provide basic nursing care. Once he had the pressure sore his death could have been prevented with the provision of basic nursing care, such as skin care, regular re-positioning and personal care. This was not achieved at all.

“He was not managed in line with recognised nursing practice and as a consequence, his death was contributed to by neglect.”

She added that, at the time of the inquest in July 2023, there had been two other cases that month of pressure sores in the Pierce Ward.

Gaynor has urged the hospital to listen to the coroner and improve screening and training of nursing staff so others won’t have to go through the same ordeal.

The RUH insisted it has listened and made improvements.

A spokesperson for the RUH said:

“We offer our sincere apologies to Mr Nippard’s family and loved ones for the failings in his care.

“We have a dedicated Tissue Viability Nursing (TVN) Team and since 2023 we have made significant improvements in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers across the RUH.

“This includes education and training for nursing staff on the nationally recognised SSKIN Care Bundle — a tool to help monitor skin concerns and proactively reduce the risks of developing a pressure ulcer.

“We have learnt from this distressing case and are committed to ongoing training, stringent monitoring and thorough care planning to ensure the safety of the people we care

for.”

Gaynor said: “I’ve told my family: if anything were to happen to me, please don’t put me in the RUH. And yet it’s our local hospital and I shouldn’t have to say that.”

She said: “I want people to know, just to look out for the tiniest thing that could be going on.

“Please please, check everything that’s going on with your loved one in any bed in that hospital.”

Law firm RWK Goodman represented the family at the inquest and in a medical negligence claim settled for an undisclosed sum.

Becky Randel, an associate in RWK Goodman’s clinical negligence team, said: “Whilst the family instructed us to represent them at the inquest and in a subsequent claim, their objective has always been that the poor care Alan received was made widely known and that the trust made improvements to ensure that such awful care did not happen to others.

“At the inquest, hospital staff accepted that despite the failings in Alan’s care taking place a year prior, there had been further pressure sores incidents on the same ward. It is hoped that the training put in place by the trust after the inquest has led to improvements on the ward, however, such basic nursing care should not have been absent either at the time of Alan’s death or a year later at his inquest.”

Since Alan’s death, Gaynor said that her son, daughter, and two “wonderful” grandsons visit her every day.

She said: “I don’t think us, as human beings, ever really recover, we just have to try and move on. I can’t forget him. I go up to the cemetery every week. I get told off for going up so often but I can’t help it.”

She added: “I kiss his photo every night and I wear his wedding ring around my neck on a chain.”

Engagement being held on latest neighbourhood schemes

PEOPLE across Bath are being asked to share their views on proposals for five more Liveable Neighbourhood schemes, aimed at improving residential streets.

New measures, including further restrictions to reduce roads being used as shortcuts, are being proposed by Bath & North East Somerset Council in the following areas:

• Southlands

• Whitchurch village and Queen Charlton

• Church Street and Prior Park Road

• Chelsea Road

• Entry Hill

The local authority has said that it is not a formal consultation, but a public engagement which will run until 28th February.

B&NES Council has already secured funding for the schemes from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA).

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for highways, said: “While the designs are preliminary, they are based on considerable consultation and design work conducted with communities, including ward councillors, over several years.

“We are now seeking feedback on the proposals before developing more detailed designs.

“As part of our engagement, residents and businesses in and around the Liveable Neighbourhood will receive letters and leaflets outlining the proposals on a map.

“This includes full details on the aims of the scheme, how they were developed, how they can feedback their thoughts and what will happen next.”

The council’s Liveable Neighbourhood (LN) programme was introduced to reduce the impacts associated with traffic in residential areas,

such as short-cutting, congestion and speeding, as well as to create environments where it is safer and more attractive to walk, wheel and cycle.

Consultation and shortlisting of proposals has already been conducted in the five areas, and the latest designs reflect the proposals that were outlined in the final business case for the programme submitted to WECA last autumn.

In Southlands, Church Street and Queen Charlton, through-traffic restrictions were trialled as pilot schemes in 2022/23 and have now been made permanent. In these areas, the council is proposing a range of improvements to complement the changes, including better crossings and improved facilities for those wishing to travel actively in the area.

For Southlands, a permanent design for the through-traffic

restriction is also proposed. Proposals for Chelsea Road and Entry Hill do not include any through-traffic restrictions.

However, in 2022-23, the council introduced residents’ parking zones (RPZs) in these areas to tackle pressures on parking and associated traffic congestion which residents felt strongly about.

To complement the RPZ in the Entry Hill area, the council is proposing a set of traffic lights, single file traffic and wider pavements on Entry Hill bridge.

This is to deter through traffic from using Entry Hill as an alternative to Wellsway.

In Chelsea Road, a series of continuous crossings are proposed over side roads to give pedestrians priority over approaching vehicles.

The council also hopes to engage on Temple Cloud’s LN later in February, once plans are ready to share.

The council’s intention is to gather feedback on these preliminary proposals before preparing and engaging residents on more detailed designs. It would then, where appropriate, install the measures under standard Traffic Regulation Orders following a 21-day statutory public consultation. A full description of the proposals, and a feedback form, are available from the individual web pages at www.bathnes.gov. uk/yourLN

Gaynor and Alan Nippard | Photo courtesy of the Nippard family

Chelsea Road in Bath

Public artwork unveiled to mark BRLSI’s 200th anniversary

A NEW public artwork has been unveiled in Parade Gardens as the culmination of 12 months of celebrations for the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution’s 200th anniversary.

The new mural celebrates 200 years of the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI), the cultural hub in Bath’s Queen Square.

BRLSI was founded in 1824 and its original building, opened in 1825, was located directly above the mural’s nine panels in Parade Gardens.

Commissioned by the BRLSI and Bath & North East Somerset Council, with funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, the artwork was designed by Tanith Gould, and recounts both the story of BRLSI and Parade Gardens.

Tanith’s work was selected through a design competition and was installed by local company Freestyle.

It includes images of Charles Darwin, early maps of Bath, the fire which destroyed the Lower Assembly Rooms in 1820 upon whose foundation the Institution was built, the medieval scientist Adelard who would have known Abbey Gardens (as Parade Gardens was known then) well, the demolition of the Institution building in 1932, and ends with a snowy view of the Institution at its

present home in Queen Square.

The illustrations give visitors to Parade Gardens a historic insight of Bath that goes beyond the usual story of the Georgians and Romans, and paints the city as a natural home to the arts and sciences.

The unveiling ceremony was the culmination of the BRLSI’s Bicentenary Finale, which comprised a special afternoon lecture on 18th January from Professor Frank James of UCL about BRLSI’s inaugural lecture on the state of science in England in 1825, and a Bicentenary Banquet for BRLSI members in the Banqueting Room of Bath’s Guildhall on the morning of 21st January.

The selection of the date marked 200 years to the day from BRLSI’s first public events.

The artwork was unveiled by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Bath, Councillor Michelle O’Doherty, and Simon PettyFitzmaurice, Earl of Kerry, PhD, Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution’s Honorary President for the Bicentenary and a direct descendant of the Institution’s founding President, the 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne.

Members of the BRLSI along with representatives from the universities, Bath & North East Somerset Council, and other local cultural and heritage organisations were also in attendance.

Lord Kerry described how happy he was to have been the latest member of his line to take up association with the Institution.

He said: “As a descendant of the Institution’s first President, the 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne, I am delighted to renew the 200-yearold connection between my family and the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution.

“I am sure the 3rd Marquess would be pleased that the institution he saw come into being has reached this landmark and that his heir had been invited to preside over its Bicentenary year. I wish it every success for the next two centuries.”

Professor Ian Gadd, current Chair of the BRLSI Board, added:

“We wanted to make 2024 a year to remember and we are very proud not only to be sharing the wonderful work of an local artist with the community but to be still at the centre of Bath’s cultural landscape in 2025.

“The panels illustrate how the Institution has been part of the city’s creative and scientific life over the past 200 years – and we are proud to have established our home within it as a leading ‘cultural hub’.”

Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development at B&NES Council, said: “We are delighted to support the installation of this fantastic and informative artwork in the beautiful setting of Parade Gardens – the home of many hidden histories.

“We welcomed more than 29,000 visitors to our October half term event in the autumn when we opened up the Colonnades as part of the Bath Central Riverside regeneration scheme.

“Parade Gardens is an intriguing area of our city which can only be enhanced by this creative mural telling the stories of the past.

“Congratulations to BRLSI on your bicentenary – we look forward to continuing our partnership to support cultural life in Bath for many decades to come.”

Visitors to the public unveiling in Parade Gardens | Photo © BRLSI

Pictures from the Past

Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution (BRLSI)

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

JUST over 200 years ago, on 19th January 1825, the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution – then known as the Bath Literary Institution – opened on Terrace Walk.

It occupied the site where Bath’s first assembly rooms had stood. They had been destroyed by fire just over four years earlier and, as the city had another, far more up to date set of rooms on Bennett Street, it was decided not to rebuild them.

The gutted building was not totally demolished, however. The Greek Revival portico, which had only been added in 1810, was incorporated into the new building. It can be seen in this postcard view of the Institution, published around 1905, on which the building is described as ‘the museum’. It was a lot more than that, however; according to an Edwardian guidebook, the institution comprised ‘a museum and lecture hall, a library of more than 18,000 volumes, a reading room, a smoking room and a chess room’. The other photograph was taken around 1880 from further along North Parade and shows the full extent of the building. It also shows a very different Orange Grove from the one we know today. The obelisk and the old police station (now Brown’s Restaurant) are still there, but the buildings to either side of Brown’s have made way for the southern extension of the Guildhall and the Empire.

The institution’s original home survived until 1932, when it was demolished to widen the road, and the institution relocated to Queen Square, where, 200 years on, it is still thriving. A traffic island was built on part of the site of the old institution. It was equipped with underground toilets, so Bathonians obligingly christened it Bog Island. The toilets were later converted to a night club, which closed in the 1990s. Around 25 years ago, the site briefly hit the headlines when there were plans – which came to nothing – to build a casino there. There can be few parts of Bath that have had such an eventful and varied history as this unassuming but busy traffic island. As for what the future holds for it, who knows?

LAST week, I spent time hearing directly from charities, services, and local leaders in Bath about the challenges they face and the incredible work they do. Visiting and listening to communities across Avon and Somerset is one of the most important parts of my role as Police and Crime Commissioner. It ensures I understand the policing and community safety issues affecting different areas, the proactive work that’s already happening and helps inform my work.

A key priority in my Police and Crime Plan is tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority and this was central to all

my meetings. Policing plays a fundamental role in protecting women and girls and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Avon and Somerset Police and Chief Constable Sarah Crew have a strong track record in reforming the way police respond to rape and serious sexual offenses and I’m proud to support the pilot that is just starting to further reform the response to domestic abuse. However, we cannot arrest our way out of this issue.

Voluntary organisations and agencies are critical in providing the support and interventions that prevent violence and help survivors rebuild their lives.

I saw this collaborative approach

in action when I visited Julian House, a charity that provides a lifeline for women escaping domestic abuse, supports people experiencing homelessness, and offers a pathway away from reoffending for those leaving prison. Their recently published impact report for 2023-24 shows the sheer scale of their work— supporting around 2,300 vulnerable people on their journeys to independence and security. Behind every statistic are the dedicated professionals and volunteers making a real difference, and it was humbling to hear their stories and learn from their expertise.

I also visited the Advice, Support, Custody and Courts (ASCC) service delivered at Keynsham Custody which I commission and which is currently delivered by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP), supported by Somerset Mental Health Partnership and the Nelson Trust. It is essential to break the cycle of people reoffending, the team are doing some extraordinary work to provide pathways for people in custody, for example providing specialist work with veterans. This work also involves peer mentoring, with people who have shown inspiring resilience to turn

their lives around and who are helping others to do the same. Thank you to everyone I met for taking the time to share your work and your experiences. Looking ahead, one of my key responsibilities as Police and Crime Commissioner is to set the annual police precept. The police precept is the portion of council tax that helps fund policing, and a decision on its level for the coming year will be made at the Police and Crime Panel meeting on February 4th. The precept is crucial for Avon and Somerset Police, as over 40% of the funds for our local police service depend on this.

Above: The BRLSI featured on a postcard around 1905

Below: How the BRLSI looked around 1880 from North Parade

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

Congratulations to Andrew Robin Widdowson for winning £20! You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 24.

Across

1 For cars, it's top hole! (7)

5 Crisscrossed structure (7)

9 Retail stores (7)

10 Naming one's price (7)

11 Story (9)

12 One of us (5)

13 Flood (6)

15 Glossy, promotional pamphlet (8)

17 Consumer protests (8)

19 Kind of wheel (6)

21 Limbless statue (5)

23 Beginning (9)

26 Whenever amenity is destroyed (7)

27 Table linen (7)

28 Reduced in strength (7)

29 Flume (7)

1 Disdain (5)

2 Of course (9)

3 Last Greek letter (5)

4 Dashboard (6)

5 It's hard and sweet (7)

6 Problem often solved by drilling and filling (9)

7 Talk turkey, for example (5)

8 Arranges (9)

13 Restructure bad credit for a way to pay (5,4)

14 Fault finder? (9)

16 Kiev resident (9)

18 Charlie in a Lancaster, for example (4-3)

20 Outstandingly representative (6)

22 Topmost sail on square-riggers (5)

24 Indonesian province north of Australia (5)

25 Helmet nosepiece (5)

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 3101, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA

The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 12/02/2025. They will be notified using the details they provide when entering the competition. Winners will be given the option of receiving a High Street shopping voucher or be provided the £20 via a BACS transfer.

Food & Drink

Sponsor this section! Get in touch with Rob Last via rob@mediabath.co.uk

Are you (and your wallet!) experiencing a deep midwinter freeze? Defrost with these tasty big deals!

Liven up lunchtimes at the Marlborough Tavern (Marlborough Buildings): house burger with fries and slaw for just £10 or soup/sandwich of the day for £8 every Monday - Friday. Meanwhile, Tuesdays nights are Steak Nights at the ‘Tav: tuck into an 8oz Hanger steak served with peppercorn or blue cheese sauce, fries and a glass of house wine for £20. www.marlborough-tavern.com

Turn lunch into une expérience spectaculaire at Chez Dominique (Argyle Street): 2 courses £25, 3/£29. Ooh-la-la indeed! www.chezdominique.co.uk

Enjoy a pizza and pint or a glass of prosecco for £15 at the Green

Park Brasserie every weekday between 12-6pm. In the mood for a meaty treat? Stake out the GPB steak deal: a 6oz Flat Iron, Rump or Bavette steak served with garlic butter, fries and salad plus a glass of Malbec, Shiraz or Tempranillo (or any soft drink) for £14.95 126pm every Wednesday - Saturday and 12-4pm on Sundays. https://bit.ly/3PQ7cy4

Dive into cod, chips, mushy peas, bread and butter (indispensable!) and tea/coffee for just £9 all day Monday - Thursday and until 5pm on Fridays at Seafoods (Kingsmead Square). Those of a certain, erm, vintage get the same great deal plus ice cream for pud for the same all-inclusive price. seafoodsfishandchips.com

Recipe: Chinese Chicken Curry

Calm your wallet woes down with pie, mash and a pint/glass of wine/soft drink for £15 every Thursday evening at the Pulteney Arms (Daniel Street). www.thepulteneyarms.co.uk

Enjoy 2 courses for £20 (3/£25) every Monday - Thursday from 12-5pm at The Moorfields (Third Avenue, nr. Moorland Road), the Hare and Hounds (Lansdown Road) or the Locksbrook Inn (Locksbrook Road). www.themoorfields.com

You don’t have to be an actual fisherman to enjoy a Fisherman’s Lunch at the Scallop Shell (Monmouth Street): dailychanging mains (cod fillet; mussels; fishcakes; etc) served

with mushy peas, tartare sauce and a mug of Yorkshire Tea for £12.50 every Monday - Friday, 12-2.30pm. www.thescallopshell.co.uk

The Hudson Special is back on the menu at the Hudson Steakhouse (London Street): treat yourself to a prime Sirloin steak, crispy fries and a glass of wine (or beer, or a soft drink) for £27 every Tuesday - Thursday 5-9pm, and 5-6.30pm on Fridays. https://bit.ly/40uBNWN

The Bear Inn (Bear Flat) have declared that Wednesdays are wingsdays: enjoy five unflappably tasty morsels for just £5. Fancy an upgrade to an elegant Bear experience? Enjoy two hearty

mains plus a bottle of wine for £57 every Monday - Wednesday. www.bearinnbath.com

The Wine & Dine menu is back at the Bathampton Mill (Bathampton): indulge in a 3-course dinner (wild scallops, 30-day aged Ribeye steak and a Chocolate Bomb, perhaps?) perfectly paired with a bottle of luxury wine every MondaySaturday (2 diners, £100). www.thebathamptonmill.co.uk

Read Melissa's regular reviews at www.theprandialplayground.uk

Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide

Ditch the delivery service and extend the recent Chinese New Year 2025 celebrations with this treatsome Chinese takeaway classic. Using cold roast chicken makes a big difference to the overall texture of this curry; you can either put leftovers to good use, or roast a small chicken the day before/morning of your fakeaway feast. To make a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock in the curry sauce and swap the chicken for pan-fried tofu or Quorn chunks. Gong hei fat choy!

Ingredients (serves 4)

For the Curry Sauce

• 2 onions, peeled and sliced

• 4-5 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

• 2-3 carrots, sliced

• 2 tbsp plain flour

• 1 tbsp medium curry powder

• 500ml chicken stock

• 1 tbsp clear honey

• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce

• 3 star anise

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 heaped tsp garam masala

To complete the curry

• Around 500g cold roast chicken, skin removed, chopped into bite-sized chunks

• 1 onion, peeled and diced

• 1 generous handful chestnut mushrooms, sliced

• 150g frozen peas

To serve: steamed or egg-fried rice

Method

• Heat a little vegetable oil in a large frying pan and saute the onions and sliced carrots for around 8 minutes until soft but not brown, adding the garlic for the last 1-2 minutes.

• Add the flour and curry powder to the pan and continue to cook, stirring continuously, for 1-2 minutes before slowly adding the stock followed by the honey, soy sauce, star anise and bay leaves. Stir well, bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer (stirring occasionally) for 10-15 minutes, adding the garam masala for the last couple of minutes. Take the sauce off the heat, strain through a sieve and set the sauce to one side.

• Fry the onion and mushrooms in a little vegetable oil and, when the vegetables are soft, add the frozen peas, cooked chopped chicken and strained curry sauce to the pan. Season well, stir to combine and gently simmer until completely heated through.

• Serve in warm bowls on top of mounds of steamed or egg-fried rice.

Melissa Blease Food Writer

What's On

Stable

Rondo Theatre

31st January, 8pm

Told through duologues between the four characters, Stable is a modern cautionary tale. The play is a journey through the dangerous collapse of a therapist’s internal compass.

Oklahoma!

Theatre Royal

4th – 8th February

Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society returns with a rip-roaring Rodgers & Hammerstein classic - a lively, tuneful musical full of cowboys, farmers, romance and fearless optimism.

The London Obbligato Collective

The Holburne Museum

8th February, 7.30pm

Join a musical evening inspired by the painter Thomas Gainsborough, surrounded by his works. London Obbligato Collective is a chamber ensemble launched in 2023.

Roman Retreat

The Roman Baths

12th February, 3-4.30pm

Explore how Romans relaxed and bathed at the Roman Baths 2000 years ago. You’ll delve into what the Roman spa routine looked like, and get to hold 2000-year-old Roman objects.

The Bowie Show

The Forum

1st February, 7.30pm

From the alter-ego of Ziggy Stardust, through the dark and desolate years of Berlin, this show takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, transporting you to pasts and futures unknown.

Willow Weaving Workshop

Newton Farm

6th February, 10am-12pm

The talented Mary Cross of Organic Matters is returning to Newton Farm for more weaving workshops. Join her for a morning to learn all about the basic techniques in willow weaving.

Kettle of Fish

Burdall’s Yard

8th February, 7.30pm

Known for their quirky and harmonious vocal stylings, Kettle of Fish continue to be Bristol’s BEST 6-man flowery-shirted a cappella group with a fish-based name. A night of a cappella wonders.

The Snowy Day

The Egg 12th – 16th February

Discover a world blanketed in wonder in this adaptation of ‘The Snowy Day’, inspired by the picture book by Ezra Jack Keats. Join Peter as he crunches through the snowy streets of his neighbourhood.

Tea Ceremony

Comins Bath Tea House

1st February, 10am

Experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Yukie Williams and presented by Yukie Scott. You will learn about the details and meaning behind each step of the ceremony.

Einaudi Meets Vaughan Williams

Mission Theatre

7th February, 7.30pm

Experience the beauty of nature through the music of Einaudi and Vaughan Williams. Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, a beloved classic, perfectly embodies the spirit of the countryside.

Humm Live in Session

Komedia

9th February, 2pm

Arty Jackson and Carys Lewin are ‘Humm,’ a South West-based contemporary folk duo with stories to tell, minds to change and worlds to reimagine.

Being There

No.1 Royal Crescent 13th February, 5-6pm

Exhibition tea, talk and tour. This event will take place after hours with Senior Curator, Dr Amy Frost. Enjoy a talk before a guided tour highlighting the newly acquired Gainsborough paintings.

Stitched Hearts Craft Workshop

Bath City Farm

2nd February, 10am-1pm

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by joining this cosy and creative Slow Stitch Heart Workshop. Perfect for crafters of all levels, create a heartfelt gift for someone special or yourself.

DOUBT, A Parable Ustinov Studio

7th February – 8th March

One of the finest British actresses of her generation, Maxine Peake, stars with Olivier Award-winner Ben Daniels in this new production of John Patrick Shanley’s award-winning drama.

Big Veg Energy

Topping & Company Booksellers

12th February, 7pm

A Big Veg Energetic Chop & Chat with Christina Soteriou, a chef on a mission to make eating plants exciting and unbelievably delicious. Christina is determined to make it easy and joyful.

Djinns with Fatma Aydemir Mr B's Emporium 13th February, 7pm Fatma Aydemir chats about her novel, Djinns. Described as 'a powerful story about the complexities of migration, belonging, the weight of family secrets and life caught between two worlds.’

Couples being invited to wedding showcase at Guildhall in Bath

LOCAL couples are being invited along to a special wedding showcase at the Guildhall in Bath next month.

B&NES Council’s Registrations team will open the doors of the Guildhall for the event on Sunday 16th February, from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

People will be able to look around the Guildhall Registration suite, including the register office room and ceremony rooms. Registrars will greet visitors with a welcome drink and be on hand to answer any questions couples might have about their special day. There will also be suppliers exhibiting on the day, including photographers, florists and make-up artists as well as

representatives from some of the 27 approved wedding ceremony venues in Bath and North East Somerset.

The registration suite of rooms available for ceremonies at the Guildhall are The Alkmaar Room, The Jane Austen Room and Abbey View Room which are all available throughout the week, and The Georgian Room which is available on Fridays and Saturdays.

Every Friday from 9am to 10am, all the ceremony rooms will be open for the public to view, with no booking required.

The ceremony rooms at The Guildhall are suitable for parties of two to 118 guests, so there is something for almost everyone.

Prices for ceremonies including registrars and use of a ceremony room start from £390.

You can book a free ticket for the Wedding Showcase on Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/42DzL9o Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “I’m very pleased to announce that this fantastic event is back again for another year. It gives couples the opportunity to visit the wonderful Guildhall and have the chance to speak with our team of registrars to gain invaluable advice to help them plan their special day.

“There’ll also be the opportunity to speak to a range of local suppliers who are there to help create the perfect wedding.”

Concert to raise money for Dorothy House

A BATH choir is set to hold a concert in March in aid of local charity Dorothy House Hospice Care.

The CitySound Voices concert on Saturday 15th March will celebrate, with music, pictures and words, the lives and works of composers and musicians with strong links to the city. It will feature works by 18th century residents such as Herschel and Linley, as well as visitors to the city including Haydn and Handel.

There will be pieces by Tippett, Harington and Bayly as well as by more modern local icons such as Van Morrison and Jamie Cullum.

CitySound Voices will be joined by violinist Ruth O’Shea and

the Bath Strings Academy, who will première a work specially commissioned for the concert by local composer David Garcia. Also performing will be the musical duo MGB as well as The Saxations, a group of gifted young musicians from West of England Music and Arts.

CitySound Voices will be conducted by their Musical Director, Matt Finch, who has also composed a work especially for the event.

The evening will be hosted by the Bath journalist and broadcaster Richard Wyatt.

The event will be held at the Roper Theatre at Hayesfield School. Tickets are available via Bath Box Office at https://bit.ly/4jxlS2L

Couples will be able to explore the register office room and ceremony rooms

The CitySound Voices choir

Sponsored by Howden Bath

www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/bath

£40,000 awarded to help tackle carbon emissions

MORE than £40,000 has been awarded to organisations across the area as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.

The Bath & West Community Energy Fund has supported 10 local charitable and community organisations in Bath and the surrounding areas.

Community-owned Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) develops renewable energy projects and is set up to provide local community benefit.

For the 11th year running, BWCE has given its surplus income from renewable energy generation to the independently run BWCE Fund for the benefit of local communities.

Quartet Community Foundation administers the grant programme on behalf of BWCE Fund.

The grants will be used by local charitable and community organisations on a range of important projects, intended to cut carbon emissions, reduce energy bills and waste and help with the cost of living crisis by tackling fuel poverty.

Jane Wildblood, Chair of Trustees for the fund, said: “Since 2015, the BWCE Fund grant programme has awarded 111 grants worth over £350,000 to a wide range of local community organisations, all doing great work, often in our most disadvantaged communities, helping vulnerable people and those that support them to save money and energy, whilst reducing environmental impact, against a backdrop of increasingly difficult economic and fund-raising conditions.”

The impact of this year’s programme will include increasing access to community meals and local food growing, enabling more cycling, getting energy efficiency advice to harder

to reach clients and cutting the energy costs and carbon emissions of key community infrastructure organisations.

Angela Emms, Philanthropy Manager at Quartet Community Foundation, said: “Charities are increasingly feeling the ongoing impact of rising costs and rising demand. We’re delighted to continue to work with the BWCE Fund to award these grants to groups across the B&NES area.

“The increased support provided through the BWCE Fund enables these projects to protect the environment while enabling people to reduce their fuel bills and energy consumption in a low carbon way.”

Rob Lewis from Bath Community Kitchen, a grant recipient, commented on the huge difference this makes.

He said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Bath & West Community Energy Fund has provided a grant of £4,800 towards our weekly community meals at the Lighthouse Centre in Twerton.

“These meals have been running

weekly since December 2023 and provide locals with a free three-course meal in a warm and welcoming space.

“Twerton is one of the most deprived areas in B&NES and these meals help to combat food poverty whilst also strengthening community and reducing food waste by sourcing surplus ingredients from local shops.”

The 10 local projects offered funding are:

• £5,000 to Bath City Farm toward the cost of creating sheltered and secure cycle parking at the farm, promoting low-carbon active travel and reducing car travel.

• £4,800 to Bath Community Kitchen toward the group’s weekly community meals at the Lighthouse Centre in Twerton, which are made using surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.

• £4,300 to Bath Share & Repair to involve more people in reducing carbon, waste and landfill through external events and community engagement.

• £2,100 to Corston Community

Orchard toward a solar generator for use by the orchard and Grow Timsbury, partner groups who both have a strong focus on promoting sustainable low-carbon lifestyles.

• £5,000 to High Littleton Scout Group to replace single-glazed windows with double-glazed units in the Scout group’s hall which also hosts valuable community activities.

• £5,000 to Oasis Hub Bath to provide household audits for the group’s pantry members experiencing economic hardship. Identifying what energy-saving measures they could benefit from, providing energy-saving equipment, and running workshops about reducing energy use.

• £2,044 to Percy Community Centre to purchase and install a bike repair station, to be sited outside the Percy Community Centre as a way of encouraging low-carbon active travel and reducing car journeys.

• £2,260 to SWALLOW to create an accessible vegetable growing area reducing food miles and enabling greater access to gardening, and fresh, organic food for the group’s members with learning disabilities.

• £5,000 to The Hive Community Centre to install cavity wall insulation at the Hive, a community venue that provides a youth hub, a community food pantry and a community fridge to assist those in food poverty.

• £5,000 to Time Bank Plus toward the cost of a project worker for the group’s ‘Borrow It’ Library of Things, who will be involved in updating and expanding the Library of Things to offer a more comprehensive range of resources and opportunities to local people on low incomes.

Herschel Museum uses grant for planetarium

THE Herschel Museum of Astronomy in Bath has received a £18,500 grant which it has used to purchase a special planetarium to enhance learning with children.

The project “Herschel Museum of Astronomy – A New Museum for the 21st Century” was awarded a West of England Small Museums Grant, funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The historic house museum is dedicated to the discoveries and achievements of brothersister duo William and Caroline Herschel.

The new planetarium will be used to enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) learning for children.

The grant was awarded to the museum by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority

(WECA) to pay for the dome and projection system in addition to everything else the museum needs to be able to deliver outreach to schools.

Prior to the grant, the museum team were reliant on an inflatable planetarium loaned from the University of Bath. The planetarium was an immediate hit with children, and the Learning and Engagement team quickly realised that the museum would be able to reach even more children with a permanent planetarium of its own.

Patrizia Ribul, Director of Museums at Bath Preservation Trust, said: “We are thrilled and so grateful for this generous grant which will transform our offering and widen the reach of our Learning and Engagement work considerably. “Inclusion is one of our

cornerstone values and the planetarium has the power to inspire all ages, from all backgrounds, encouraging children all over the south west to engage with STEM.”

Ellie Giles, Learning and Engagement Officer, added:

“Over the past two years the inflatable planetarium loaned to us by the University of Bath has

Abi Brinkhurst Branch Advisor

Howden Bath

Insurance Expert Hello Bath Echo readers!

Abi Brinkhurst here, Branch Advisor at Howden Bath; your friendly, local high street insurance broker. We love being a part of the Bath community and in this new regular column will be bringing you advice and insights into the insurance market. We’ll also let you know about what’s on in branch, from our fundraising efforts to our events and community boot exchange!

While inflation has decreased since the peak of the costof-living crisis, day-to-day household costs are still higher than they have been throughout the past five years. With children’s rugby boots costing anywhere between £15 to £50, the price of replacing them even just once or twice a year can quickly add up.

Our boot exchange is an initiative that removes the barriers many young people face when it comes to participating in sports. We accept donations of both rugby and football boots which are then distributed to those in need. Your donations enable us to ensure that every person who wants to participate can. Bath Rugby Foundation, who we have partnered with on this amazing project, champion inclusivity for all. Kids and young people from all backgrounds are encouraged, supported and guided through sport, learning, being part of a community and gaining vital life skills. The work they do is truly amazing and has such a positive impact that it only felt right to collaborate with the organisation.

been a fantastic resource.

“We have run shows at local libraries, at science fairs and visited schools as far away as Marlborough and Slough.

“Thanks to the West of England Small Museums Grant we have now purchased a brand new planetarium and projection system meaning we can extend our programme and reach even more schools.

“In the coming months we will be creating new planetarium content to show alongside the current Herschel Museum film.

“This will be developed in consultation with a local school to ensure that it links well with the curriculum and engages children of all ages.”

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What’s more, as the Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions, we’re working at a grassroots level to help nurture future talent. By tackling the barriers to sport, we can celebrate homegrown heroes, cheer on legends in the making and bring people together to enjoy the game.

It’s these values that make sport an integral part of our local community; values that bond and unite us, reminding us what is so special about the game. If you or anyone you know have some rugby or football boots that you no longer need, please do consider donating them. We can accept donations in office or can arrange collection. Pop in to see us at 7 George Street, or ring 01225 788 044 and speak with a member of the team.

Howden Bath 7 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EH 01225 788044

www.howdeninsurance.co.uk

Photo © Bath Community Kitchen

Photo © Herschel Museum of Astronomy / Bath Preservation Trust

Russell Howard takes to the stage in aid of local charity Julian House

COMEDIAN Russell Howard

took to the stage at Komedia in Bath on Sunday 12th January, raising money for local charity Julian House as part of an evening of stand-up.

Russell was joined by Steve Hall, Annie McGrath, Athena Kugblenu, Gavin Osborn and Steve Hall to deliver an evening of comedy.

More than 700 guests supported the event, raising over £14,000 for Julian House.

All performing comedians waived

their fee for the gig, so all funds raised go towards Julian House’s services to support individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Bath and across the South West.

Born in Bath, Russell has supported many local charities over the years and has long been an advocate for social justice and humanitarian causes.

His current tour, ‘Russell Howard Live’, has seen him play dates in the UK, USA, New Zealand and Australia and has sold over

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Gavin Osborn, events and community fundraiser at Julian House, said: “We’re so grateful to have Russell on board for this show at Komedia.

“He has always been a champion of causes like Julian House and this gig will make a real impact to our services.

“January can be pretty cold and miserable, and we know Russell brings joy and warmth to every gig he does!”

Wessex Water offers help with bill payments

PEOPLE across the Bath area who are struggling with their bill payments are being urged to contact Wessex Water to see what additional help they may be entitled to.

According to Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert, millions of UK households are missing out on a range of benefits they may not know they can receive. Wessex Water was the first UK water and sewerage company to introduce tailored payment schemes for customers who need extra help and, to date, has helped more than 60,000 people who are struggling with bills or debt. Schemes include

a reduced bill, which offers various discount bands based on a customer’s ability to pay, and a 20% bill reduction for customers on Pension Credit or whose sole income is the state pension.

Kate Robbins, Wessex Water’s Head of Customer Policy, said:

“We understand that some households will find any increase in their water bill hard to afford.

“If you are struggling, please don’t worry. The range of help we offer includes flexible payment plans, payment breaks, debt support and more.”

You can find out more about the support available at www. wessexwater.co.uk/help-to-pay

Behind the scenes with Russell Howard before the gig | Photo © Julian House

People struggling with their bills are being urged to contact Wessex Water

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Uni awarded funding to find different ways to reach net zero

RESEARCHERS at the University of Bath have been awarded a share of £10 million to look into new approaches to reach net zero carbon emissions across the UK.

The university’s Centre for People-Led Digitalisation (P-LD), which works to help industries realise the potential of putting people at the heart of making changes, will work with organisations including Bath & North East Somerset Council to investigate how important carbon-saving changes can be made.

The funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will see Bath researchers working with partners from the Universities of Sheffield, Strathclyde and Loughborough.

The P-LD team will take a peopleled, practical, systems-based approach which will enable businesses, industries and local authorities to decarbonise quickly, efficiently, and productively, in a fair and just

manner.

A systems approach means looking at a problem or situation as a whole, rather than just focusing on individual parts.

Faced with the much more complex challenge of net zero, these transdisciplinary programmes will involve researchers from areas such as energy, environment, engineering, economics, law and policy, and social sciences, working with key non-academic stakeholders.

Together they will explore the complexity of the interactions between different elements, actors and drivers at different scales from a business to a sector, a region or a country.

Professor Linda Newnes, who leads the Centre for People-Led Digitalisation, said: “We are eager to begin this project and set to work alongside some great partner organisations, as test cases to explore how they can unlock the benefits of putting people at the heart of decisions

being taken in the road toward net zero.

“Once the test cases are complete, we will share our learnings to help businesses, industries and organisations across the UK and beyond enact positive change.”

Within each of their test cases, the People-Led Net Zero team will seek to create usable models, which people embrace and want to adopt.

This will enable decision-makers within charities, business or councils, to be aware of the

Secondary school becomes first in Bath to introduce Yondr pouches

KINGSWOOD has become the first school in Bath to introduce a new technology aimed at making classrooms phone-free.

The introduction of Yondr pouches at the school comes in response to research that excessive screen time, particularly on smartphones, can have detrimental effects on children’s cognitive and emotional development.

Pupils in Years 7-11 have been given a Yondr pouch to store their phones for the duration of the school day.

The pouch is locked magnetically, so pupils are in possession of their phone but cannot be distracted by it. Unlocking bases are placed at the main entry points of the school, upon which pupils simply tap their pouches to release their phones ready for their journey home.

Government guidance issued in February 2024 instructed all schools to adopt a ‘phone free’ policy, which prompted a review at Kingswood.

Sarah Herlinger, Co-Head of Middle School, said: “Whilst we did already have this rule in place, we found the temptation to have a quick glance of their phone was too much for many of our pupils.

“Science informs us that a smartphone is designed and programmed to be addictive – it actively seeks to undermine one’s ability to self-regulate.

“We decided it was our responsibility to take the onus off the pupils by removing the temptation entirely.”

The school conducted a survey prior to implementation of the Yondr pouches which found that most of the parent community were on board with the plans and felt it was a positive step forward for their children.

The pupils had more reservations, with 77% saying they did not welcome stricter rules surrounding their phone use.

Ms Herlinger added: “We understood that this would be a difficult transition for some pupils, especially those further through their school journey, who were accustomed to accessing their phones during the day. Of course, we aimed to be as reassuring as possible, understanding that this was challenging for many young people and their families.”

One term since launch, some observations have been made by teaching staff members.

In lessons, they have reported that pupils stay in lessons more consistently, with fewer interruptions.

Ms Herlinger said: “We suspect pupils may have been tempted to use the bathroom as a way to check their phone or respond to a

notification, and this temptation is no longer there.”

Library staff members reported that unsupervised ‘free time’ has been transformed. Previously pupils could be found in the library huddled around a phone, now pupils can be found playing Uno, Dobble and chess.

Ms Herlinger concluded: “Even after the school day has finished, and pupils have collected their mobile phones, we can see a culture shift emerging, as they continue to enjoy more traditional pastimes and face-toface socialising.

“Being phone-free has naturally fallen into the rhythm of the school day and initial pupil reservations seem to have been dispelled. Young people are wonderfully receptive to change, and many have commented that they can’t remember the school day with their phones.”

Year 10 pupils, Pippa and Ollie, said: “The main positive is that everyone’s a bit more sociable, speaking more in person. I’d also say I feel less stressed – it’s one less thing to juggle. It takes away the temptation of opening apps or responding to notifications.”

effects at a systems level of the many different component parts working together, for example, avoiding planting trees where the carbon store in the soil at depth is already stable.

“Through these projects UKRI aims to drive outputs that support a just, prosperous, sustainable and resilient net zero transition, removing barriers to interventions whilst at the same time avoiding unintended consequences.”

potential impacts of a transition to a net zero approach, making effective and fair outcomes possible.

Announcing the new investments, Professor Louise Heathwaite, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Executive Chair and UKRI Executive Champion for Building a green future, said: “The journey towards net zero carbon emissions is one of our most urgent and complex national challenges, so it’s important to understand the

It is UKRI’s latest investment through its ‘Building a Green Future’ strategic theme, aiming to accelerate the green economy by supporting research and innovation that delivers on national priorities and unlocks solutions essential to achieving net zero in the UK by 2050. Objectives driving the research include being able to select future-state scenarios for an accelerated transition to net zero and identifying rules and create minimal viable system model for a rapid and just transition.

Newbridge pupils show high levels of motivation, says

Ofsted

hard, and most pupils achieve well.”

OFSTED has been back to assess Newbridge Primary School in Bath for the first time since rating it as Good in January 2020.

The lead inspector who visited the 399-pupil school in Charmouth Road just before Christmas has now published her report, saying effective action has been taken to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.

Her report describes the school as “caring and welcoming” and says it puts pupils at the heart of all it does.

Pupils are polite, friendly and happy and follow the behaviour values of being ‘responsible, respectful and safe’.

The inspector says: “The school has high expectations of all pupils. Staff encourage pupils to engage in their work and answer questions. Pupils are keen to share their ideas. They show high levels of motivation. They work

The school is said to have an accurate understanding of the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The report observes that pupils develop a sense of responsibility and contribute to the community beyond the school.

Governors have an accurate view of the school’s strengths and the next development steps. Staff value how the school helps them increase their expertise to teach the curriculum and appreciate the support they receive to manage their workload and wellbeing.

The arrangements for safeguarding at the school are said to be effective.

The inspector flagged up that in some curriculum subjects, the school does not have an accurate understanding of what pupils know so gaps in knowledge go unaddressed. The school has been asked to take action to address this.

Becky Feather Reporter

Pupils and staff at the school on Charmouth Road were praised

The special Yondr pouches at the school | Photo © Kingswood School, Bath

Researchers will look at the issue as a whole, rather an as individual parts

DETAILS:

Women being urged to check for cervical cancer symptoms

A MOTHER who received treatment for cervical cancer at the Royal United Hospital in Bath is urging other women to check themselves for symptoms.

Becky Curtis, who has two children, had a tumour removed during surgery at the RUH. She appealed to other women during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which took place from 21st – 28th January.

Becky said: “My message to other women would be: if something doesn’t feel right, get it checked.

“Don’t ignore it – get an appointment with your GP. It really could save your life.

“I think some people don’t realise that cervical cancer can be a deadly killer, but it really can be. Please make sure you attend your cervical screening appointments and look out for symptoms.”

Becky, 42, from Wiltshire, was first diagnosed in 2020, during lockdown.

She continued: “I’d been bleeding intermittently and it was worse when I went walking.

“I mentioned it to a couple of friends who told me to get it checked out, to make sure it was nothing serious.

“I spoke to my GP who got me straight in to the RUH and within 24 hours I was having examinations and scans – the support from the hospital was just incredible. They could see there was a tumour, but fortunately the cancer hadn’t spread. “It was a very scary time for me personally, and with it all taking place in lockdown it was quite overwhelming. I also had the operation on my son’s 14th birthday, which just added to the

emotion of it all!

“I had a very anxious wait after the operation but it was good news and the surgery had been a success. I was also very lucky that I didn’t need to have chemotherapy or radiotherapy.”

Becky has now been in remission for five years and remains cancer free.

“I’m definitely one of the lucky ones. I know for many women the outcomes can be very different. “I can’t speak highly enough of the care I received at the RUH. All of the staff were so caring and supportive, particularly the gynaecology oncology clinical nurse specialists who were always there for me and were wonderful.”

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. In the UK, around 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year. Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly. The earlier the cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.

While not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will have symptoms, things to look out for include unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, vaginal discharge or pain in the area between the hip bones (pelvis).

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Becky Curtis was treated for cervical cancer at the RUH | Photo © RUH

Website launched to improve mental health

A NEW website has been launched in Bath and North East Somerset aimed at supporting people experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood or depression.

The BSW Talking Therapies website, created by the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP), is easy to navigate and will be the central hub for wellbeing resources, including self-help guides and advice and support. Residents will also be able to selfrefer to the Talking Therapies service through the new site.

Aileen McArthur, Head of Talking Therapies, said: “We often hear that getting the right type of mental health information and support is difficult so we hope the new BSW Talking Therapies site will make it much easier

for people to get the help and signposting they need more quickly and conveniently.”

People can access the website at https://www.awp.nhs.uk/ourservices/talking-therapies

The BSW Talking Therapies service provides support for difficulties such as stress, anxiety or low mood.

The NHS service is free and confidential for people who live and/or has a registered GP in the B&NES, Swindon and Wiltshire area. You can also self-refer to the service by calling 01225 675150 (B&NES), Swindon 01793 836836 (Swindon) or 01380 731335 (Wiltshire).

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Researchers at the RUH sign up 1,000th baby to cataract study

RESEARCH teams at the Royal United Hospital in Bath have recruited their 1,000th baby to a major study aimed at detecting cataracts in newborns.

The study uses an infrared camera to screen for congenital cataracts in babies.

The latest participant to join the study is the son of Corsham couple Milan and Binod Gurung.

Milan said: “It’s really exciting that he’s the 1,000th baby to take part in the research. It’s the first time that I’ve been involved in a research study, but it’s been really easy to take part and I’d be happy to do it again.

“It’s a really important study and helpful for him and us as his parents.”

Ros Knight, Paediatric Research Nurse, said: “We’re delighted to have reached such a major milestone in our recruitment to this study. Cataracts don’t only affect older people and are the most common cause of avoidable child blindness in the world.

“Improved cataract detection, resulting in earlier surgery, could reduce the risk of life-long visual impairment in babies born with a cataract.”

Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the DIvO (Digital Imaging

versus Ophthalmoscopy) study is a two-year UK clinical study which aims to find out if digital imaging is a more accurate method of detecting cataracts in newborn babies than the current technique using an ophthalmoscope (a medical eye torch).

Each baby taking part in the study will have both the normal ophthalmoscopy test and imaging with the Neocam device to compare the two methods. The

process is quick and painless. The study is particularly important for babies with darker skin tones as the current method for detecting cataracts is less accurate in eyes with more pigmentation.

Earlier studies have shown that the new test may work better. The RUH is one of a number of sites supporting the DIvO study. Parents may be asked to help with the study after the birth of a child, but taking part is optional.

A baby taking part in the study at the RUH | Photo © RUH

The website will work as a central hub for mental health support

Council's housing company set to convert former printworks

BATH & North East Somerset Council’s housing company

Aequus Developments Ltd (ADL) has been granted permission to convert a former printworks in the city centre into flats.

The old Colorworks site at 6-8 Cotterell Court in Monmouth Place will be converted into five one-bedroom affordable properties for rent.

The scheme includes replacing a number of windows and doors and adding solar panels to the roof.

There is an enclosed garden area which will provide outdoor space for two of the flats.

As the application was made by ADL and involves two or more properties, the rules state that it should be reported to the planning committee unless the chair and vice-chair of that

committee feel there are no significant concerns and it can be dealt with under delegation to council officers.

Vice chair Councillor Lucy Hodge (Liberal Democrat, Lansdown) said: “On this occasion, concerns have been raised in relation to the dimensions of two of the units and that space standards are not fully met as a consequence of the additional of internal insulation.

“There is also the question of loss of office space although the property has been vacant for a number of years and change of use is supported by a recent marketing report.

“In interests of transparency, I recommend that this application is determined by the planning committee.”

She was overruled however by committee chair Councillor Ian Halsall (Liberal Democrat,

Oldfield Park), who said: “I am satisfied that this proposal will deliver valued smaller and therefore more affordable homes within the heart of the city, an extremely sustainable location.

“I am also satisfied through the report and information provided that it has been demonstrated that the premises, under their existing use, have been sufficiently marketed without any reasonable potential for new commercial occupants.

“This is an Aequus development, which is an arm’s length development company of the council, but this is no justification alone to refer the matter to committee.

“Noting the third-party concerns regarding space standards, this is a non-designated heritage asset which has its own unique historical internal characteristics and features.

“It is commendable that the units will be given greater energy efficiency and whilst this may bring the size of some rooms to fractionally below the national space standards, this is not

Searcys awarded new contract for catering at historic Pump Room

CATERING specialist Searcys will continue to manage the historic Pump Room following the renewal of its contract with Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Searcys has been awarded a new five-year contract following a competitive tender process led by the local authority.

Searcys will manage the iconic Pump Room Restaurant and provide catering for weddings and private events at both The Roman Baths and The Pump Room.

The Pump Room Restaurant has been a popular social hub since its opening in 1795.

Famously frequented by Jane Austen, the venue offers guests the chance to experience its timeless grandeur while enjoying brunch, afternoon tea, or occasional evening dining, accompanied by live music from The Pump Room Trio or resident pianist.

In addition to its acclaimed restaurant service, The Roman Baths and Pump Room also hosts private events, all managed by Searcys in collaboration with the council’s Venue Hire team.

Founded in 1847, Searcys are celebrated for their quality and service. Known for catering at distinguished locations, The Pump Room remains their only operation outside London.

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “It was evident from their outstanding bid that Searcys were passionate about continuing to work with Bath & North East Somerset Council on the delivery and development of catering at The Roman Baths & Pump Room.

“We look forward to working together over the course of this new contract, which will bring fresh innovation to the venue while maintaining the high standards our visitors have come to expect.”

Paul Jackson, Managing Director at Searcys, added: “We are incredibly proud to have been reappointed as the preferred caterer for the historic Pump Room, which reflects the dedication and hard work of our team.

“It’s also a privilege to have team members with us for over 25 years, contributing to a total of 379 years of combined service across our Bath employees.

“Our food and beverage manager Dean Matthews is the longest serving employee at Bath and in fact across the whole of Searcys.

“We look forward to a bustling summer season at The Pump Room, along with exciting innovations planned for 2025 to commemorate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday and beyond.”

B&NES or national planning policy, and it will be a matter for the market to determine the desirability of occupying these units. This application should in my view be delegated as recommended.”

Wetherspoons preparing to open its second pub in Bath

JD Wetherspoon, which has acquired the former Revolution bar at York Buildings in George Street, has applied to change the opening hours so it can serve breakfast in line with its venues across the country.

Revolution closed in early November, reportedly after its bid to restructure the lease was rejected by the landlord.

The venue will become the second Wetherspoons in Bath, as the chain already operates The King of Wessex in James Street

Wetherspoons is asking Bath & North East Somerset Council for permission to vary the opening hours at the York Buildings premises so it can serve breakfast from 7am.

The planning application says that because the venue has recently operated until the early hours of the morning with no complaints, the earlier opening of 7am would not have a negative impact on neighbours as it is a “less sensitive” time than the consented closing time of 2.30am. Consultation on the change ends on 27th February. The planning reference is 25/00278/VAR.

Becky Feather Reporter West.

The former printworks will be turned into five one-bedroom flats

The new pub is expected to open later this year

Campaigners say advert approval sets ‘worrying precedent’

the planning committee.

CONTROVERSIAL plans to project adverts near Bath Abbey should not go ahead again unless directly approved by councillors, the chair of the council’s planning committee has indicated.

Sainsbury’s were controversially granted approval by Bath & North East Somerset Council to project a five by ten-metre advert onto a wall above a roof on York Street, just across Kingston Parade from Bath Abbey.

Dom Tristan, who stood unsuccessfully to become the Green MP for Bath last year, called the advert “a step too far”. The advertisement consent was granted by officers in the council’s planning department under delegated powers, although the approval came too late for the advert to be shown.

But now any future plans for similar adverts are now likely to be brought before councillors on

Councillor Ian Halsall (Oldfield Park, Liberal Democrat) said: “As chair of the Bath and North East Somerset planning committee, if future proposals fall on my radar, I have advised the local ward councillors that it might be worth these being considered in public.”

Most minor applications are dealt with by planning officers, but local councillors can call for applications in their ward to be decided in public by the planning committee made up of elected councillors if they think they are important or controversial.

Sainsbury’s had applied to project the advert on 13th, 14th and 15th December, the last three days of the Bath Christmas Market, from which it would have been highly visible. But planning officers only approved the plans on 23rd December, after the applied for days, making the approval effectively moot.

Any future plans to project adverts in the location would require a new application for

Lessons for charity trustees from a recent Charity Commission inquiry

Towards the end of last year, the Charity Commission (the Commission) published its inquiry into the Quba Trust, finding that there had been misconduct and mismanagement in the administration of the charity, which was set up to provide disaster relief and advance the Islamic religion in the UK and overseas.

The Commission proactively carried out a monitoring inspection of the charity, due to its international operations in a high-risk area. Charities which operate internationally can be more vulnerable to abuse or harm as a result of where and how they operate.

New partnership to help train next generation of builders

BATH-BASED housing association Curo is working with Bath College and the University of Bath as part of efforts to boost local skills in construction.

Curo, which is also a housebuilder, is working to address labour shortages seen across the construction sector by supporting people into high-skilled jobs and employment.

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But Mr Tristan warned: “This sets a worrying precedent that risks damaging Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage status. The council must prioritise the city’s unique character over corporate interests.”

Green councillor Saskia Heijltjes (Lambridge) added: “Bath’s heritage is not for sale. Allowing large corporations to use our public spaces for advertising erodes the identity that makes Bath special.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “Our Christmas advert, which featured the BFG, was all about helping the nation enjoy Christmas to its fullest.

“This was just one of the avenues we explored and with anything we plan to do within the communities we serve, we’d always take local views and feedback on board.”

Legal Expert

A number of lessons for the wider charity sector, and particularly for trustees, can be taken from this inquiry. Firstly, every charity should have an appropriately tailored risk assessment policy which addresses the specific risks associated with the activities it undertakes. Failure to implement policies (and follow them) can put assets, beneficiaries, and a charity’s reputation at risk. Trustees should ensure their risk register is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes or emerging trends.

The Quba Trust inquiry is also a reminder that trustees must ensure the financial activities of their charity are properly recorded, and their financial governance is transparent. Charities can delegate the day-

Work Wise, Curo’s employability service, links local people with training and employment opportunities, such as those at its flagship development, Mulberry Park.

The development has supported 32 apprenticeships, 164 new jobs with local training and 399 work placements in the community since outline planning permission for the site was granted in 2015.

Students from the University of Bath’s civil engineering courses and Bath College’s Construction programme have visited Mulberry Park over the last few months to learn more about construction and design.

The visit provided students with insights into a live construction site, showcasing modern building methods and innovative design principles that define the development.

During their tour, the students observed the progression of Phase 2 at Mulberry Park, which builds upon the scheme’s existing amenities, including a new primary school and community centre.

Upcoming plans for Phase 2 include the addition of shops and other facilities.

Alan Mapston, Senior Site Manager at Mulberry Park, commented: “It’s been fantastic to welcome Bath College and the University back for another visit.

“Seeing their enthusiasm for construction and architecture in action is always inspiring, and it’s rewarding to share our journey as Mulberry Park continues to grow.

“We’re proud to support future professionals in their learning and look forward to seeing their contributions to the industry.”

Gavin Knowles, Director of Studies, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath, added: “We are always looking for interesting Civil Engineering projects in the local area and the Curo team at Mulberry Park have been so accommodating in showing our students around the site with so much enthusiasm. “A live construction site is such a valuable teaching tool and shows our future engineers how building designs go together both physically and logistically. “We have really valued this continued partnership.”

Karen Simmons, Employability and Engagement Officer at Bath College, said: “Visiting a live site and talking to experienced people already working in construction really helps to bring the learning to life and inspire our students on their future career journeys.”

to-day operation of financial controls to, for example, a finance officer or chief executive, but retain ultimate responsibility for actions taken. The Commission has produced guidance for trustees on implementing robust internal financial controls that are appropriate to their charity; ‘Internal Financial Controls for Charities’ (CC8) is available on the Commission’s website. Additionally, there is a checklist for trustees to download, which has been produced to help them evaluate their charity’s performance against the legal requirements and good practice recommendations set out in the guidance. Finally, due diligence is an important part of trustees’ duties. It is essential to knowing where charity funds have originated

from and which people and organisations the charity is working with, empowering trustees to identify and manage associated risks.

Trustees must have robust due diligence processes which are consistently implemented. For example, monitoring is a crucial step in ensuring a charity’s funds and/or property reaches its designated destination and is used exclusively in the intended way(s).

The type and depth of monitoring may vary, depending on the type of project, the location, and the sums of money involved. Important monitoring processes to have in place include careful filing of documentation, such as reports, receipts and invoices, in addition to photographs and video.

Sarah Clune

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

Students with lecturer Gavin Knowles (left) at Mulberry Park | Photo © Curo

The advert would have been projected from the roof of Bath Abbey | Photo © Barnes Ian / Shutterstock.com

Walcot councillor standing to become region's Metro Mayor

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

A LOCAL councillor in Bath is hoping to be elected the first Liberal Democrat Metro Mayor for the West of England.

Oli Henman has represented the Walcot ward on Bath & North East Somerset Council since 2023 and works professionally as a coordinator aiding community organisations with sustainability. It is a job which saw him address the UN General Assembly for its “Summit of the Future” action days last year.

Now he says he wants to use his experience to engage and involve local communities in the work the West of England Combined Authority does, if elected as West of England Metro Mayor on 1st May.

Mr Henman said: “I’m committed to cutting waste and red tape in the Mayor’s office and putting power back where it belongs: in the hands of local communities.

“The West of England Mayor has a key role to play in delivering affordable and accessible transport, sustainable housing and the jobs of the future.

“The crucial funding available for transport must be better allocated. We have seen that funds for bus service improvement have been wasted on unnecessary gimmicks like the ‘birthday bus’ scheme.

“I want to ensure our communities are at the heart of decision making and that the region becomes more accessible for everyone.

“The West of England deserves leadership that listens, collaborates, and delivers for residents in these challenging times.

“Unlike the complacency of Labour and Conservative administrations, the Lib Dems have proven their ability to deliver locally, and I’m ready to bring that energy and focus as mayor.”

The West of England Combined Authority covers Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset is currently applying to join.

It is run directly by the Metro Mayor, with leaders of the constituent councils also having a vote on some issues. Metro Mayors are set to gain new

powers under the government’s new devolution plans.

The Liberal Democrats are the last of the four main parties to announce their candidate, but the first to pick someone from outside Bristol.

Former councillors on Bristol City Council, Helen Godwin and Steve Smith, are set to be the Labour and Conservative candidates respectively.

Green candidate Mary Page is a Bristol-based activist who was a major figure in the successful campaign to scrap Bristol’s own directly elected mayor.

The current West of England Metro Mayor is Dan Norris, who since the 2024 general election, has also been the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham.

Mr Norris said when elected as an MP that he would “do both jobs”, at least up until this already scheduled election.

But the Labour Party has made it clear that MPs should not have such second jobs and he will be standing down at this election.

Mr Henman said that whether he would carry on as Walcot councillor if elected as Metro Mayor would be a matter to discuss with his party.

‘Call for sites’

to be held for new developments

A CALL for sites for future housing and employment developments could soon be held as part of a reset of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Local Plan.

Proposals are being set out to update and re-engage with residents after the government set out new mandatory housing targets which see a significant uplift in the numbers that the district will need to deliver.

Under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) the revised housing figures increase the Bath and North East Somerset housing requirement by 105%, from 717 per annum to 1,471 (or around 29,000 over a 20-year period).

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Local Plan Options document had already been consulted in the spring of last year and was based on planning for around 14,500 homes by 2042.

A single-member decision report before Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for built environment, housing and sustainable development, seeks approval for the publication of the ‘Resetting of the Bath and North East Somerset Local Plan and District Wide Spatial Strategy’ document.

If approved, it will explain what resetting means and why it’s necessary. In addition, it would outline potential district-wide approaches that could act as a focus in considering locations for additional development.

An updated Communication and Engagement Strategy will also be published in February.

The report before Councillor McCabe also recommends that a new ‘call for sites’ for housing and employment development is held to provide an opportunity for landowners, developers, communities and other stakeholders to suggest potential sites for both housing and economic development.

If approved the ‘call for sites’ would be launched in the week beginning 3rd February and the deadline to submit sites for consideration would be 21st March.

Councillor McCabe said: “We had already begun the first round of consultation on the Local Plan and then the new housing targets were set.

“This means we have had to take a step back and need to reset our Local Plan.

“We are committed to working with parish and town councils and our communities to ensure we address important local issues so we can create sustainable and healthy places through the Local Plan process.”

Bath & North East Somerset Council updated parts of its Local Plan through the Local Plan Partial Update (LPPU), which was adopted in January 2023.

Last September, the council’s Cabinet agreed to reset the Local Plan which had already undergone a first round of public consultation.

It also agreed to continue working with parish and town councils and local stakeholders to look for potential new development sites to accommodate new housing.

A consultation on the proposed options for future development needs across Bath and North East Somerset took place last year and a full public consultation on additional options will take place later this year.

Parking trial in Oldfield Park is set to become permanent

2022/23.

A FINAL consultation is under way before a trial creating more short-stay parking bays in the Oldfield Park area of Bath is made permanent.

The Oldfield Park & Westmoreland Residents’ Parking Zone (RPZ) was introduced to tackle commuter parking.

Known as Residents’ Parking Zone 28, it was one of seven RPZs introduced in Bath as part of the council’s Liveable Neighbourhoods programme in

After the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) was sealed in December 2022, the council was contacted by businesses and community organisations about the possible detrimental impact of the RPZ and there were calls for more short-stay bays for people unable to purchase permits because they do not live in the zone.

The council agreed to an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) which was introduced on 31st August 2023 to coincide with the enforcement of the RPZ.

The ETRO has trialled

approximately 60 more dual-use bays (which can have unlimited use for residents with parking permits and be used by visitors within a time limit) and limited waiting bays (where all users are subject to a time limit).

The bays are close to key places such as retail areas, churches and GP surgeries. The council received 491 responses during the six-month consultation period. Overall, respondents felt that the increased number of short-stay visitor bays had struck a good balance between providing space for residents and visitors, and

that keeping the trialled bays was vital to maintaining access to local businesses and services.

The feedback received was sent in a report to Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for highways, Councillor Manda Rigby, who decided last month that the trial could be made permanent.

The TRO is now being advertised and any objections and representations should be made to the council by Thursday 6th February.

The TRO includes:

• Dual use Zone 28 permit holder and two-hour limited waiting

in parts of Upper Oldfield Park.

• Two-hour limited waiting on lengths of Livingstone Terrace.

• Dual use Zone 28 permit holder and three-hour limited waiting along lengths of St Kilda’s Road, Triangle East, Triangle North, Moorland Road, Second Avenue and Beckhampton Road.

• Three-hour limited waiting in parts of Second Avenue and Oldfield Lane.

Councillor Oli Henman | Photo © Clive Dellard

Becky Feather Reporter

Owner ordered to cut down hedge

Becky Feather Reporter

A PLANNING inspector has ordered a Bath homeowner to reduce the height of a conifer hedge where some of the trees are at least 10 metres high.

The appeal was lodged last April under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 against a Remedial Notice (RN) issued in April 2023 by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The appeal relates to the row of evergreen trees that grow alongside the north-east boundary of 56 Leighton Road at Upper Weston.

The detached house sits on the corner with Duncan Gardens.

The notice followed a complaint from the owner of the house to the north east.

The inspector has now dismissed the appeal, satisfied that the action set out by the council was “appropriate and justified as the hedge is adversely affecting the reasonable enjoyment of the neighbouring dwelling”.

The hedge owner had argued that the trees are not growing on the boundary but the inspector said this was “largely irrelevant” as it is the effect of the hedge on

a property that it is important, rather than where it grows.

The inspector described the height reduction needed as “considerable”, explaining: “At my visit I saw that the third tree from the north has limited healthy foliage below four metres.

“It is therefore questionable as to whether it would survive the extent of pruning required by the RN. Under the Act, the action specified in a RN cannot involve the removal of a hedge.

“The hedge is to be considered as a unit, and all the other trees have vigorous low-level growth that should be sufficient to enable them to manage the height reduction.

“Therefore, even though there is a

risk that one tree may die because of the work, the majority should survive, and the hedge would not therefore be removed for the purposes of the Act.”

The inspector said the gardens are on a slope and the hedge provides privacy to both: “This benefit would be retained following the work as the hedge can remain up to a height of 4.5 metres.”

The RN specifies that work should take place outside bird nesting season.

The inspector ruled that the work can be delayed until September to avoid the 2025 bird nesting season and give plenty of time for it to be carried out before next winter.

Council proposes 24-hour closure

BATH & North East Somerset Council is proposing to ramp up security measures in the city centre with a 24-hour closure of the Beau Street junction with Stall Street.

The junction is currently closed daily between 10am and 6pm. The council is now consulting on plans to close it from 6pm to 10am.

It says the proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) would improve safety for traffic and pedestrians using the street as well as improving the “amenities of the area” and would “complement” existing traffic restrictions on Lower Borough Walls, Stall Street, Bath Street and

Hot Bath Street.

The TRO would see the replacement of the existing temporary barrier at the Beau Street junction with Stall Street with street furniture that’s aesthetically more pleasing”, the council says. The plans include suspending the central zone parking bay on Beau Street and replacing it with a no parking / no loading at any time restriction. One-way traffic on Beau Street between Stall Street and Bilbury Lane would also be suspended, making that short section twoway to retain access to properties by car. Access for deliveries would still be made from both sides of the closure. The council

says access to streets for vehicles beyond the closure will remain possible between 6pm and 10am via Lower Borough Walls and Hot Bath Street. There was “initial engagement” with the emergency services and Bath BID (Business Improvement District) in September 2024 and “no issues have been raised”. Letters and emails detailing the proposal were also sent out to people living locally and to a residents’ association in October and no responses have been received to date. The formal consultation process is now under way. Any objections and representations should be made to the council by 6th February.

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

Magari Group Ltd applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 27 January 2025 for a licence to use the premises at Magari Pasta, Unit 16, 41 Milsom Place Bath BA1 1DN for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off premises 12:00 – 23:00 every day.

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

Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 26 February 2025

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

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

Dated: 29/01/25

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

Bath Soft Cheese Company applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 29 January 2025 for a licence to use the premises at the Event Field adjacent to Bath Soft Cheese Co. Park Farm, Kelston. Bath BA1 9AQ for: Sale of alcohol (on and off premises) 10:00 to 23:59 on Friday and Saturday and 10:00 to 22:00 on Sunday. Performance of Live Music 10:00 to 23:00 on Friday, 09:00 to 23:00 on Saturday and 10:00 to 22:00 on Sunday. Performance of Recorded Music 09:00 to 23:59 on Friday and Saturday and 10:00 to 22:00 on Sunday. The application is for a maximum of 10 events per calendar year.

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

Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 27 February 2025

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

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

Dated: 31/01/25

The homeowner has been told to reduce the height of the trees

Bath Rugby offers free tickets to local youngsters

BATH Rugby is offering free children's tickets to two of the club’s home Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures in February as part of efforts to encourage a new generation of fans.

Youngsters are invited along to see Bath Rugby face the RFU Championship’s second placed side, Bedford Blues on Sunday 2nd February and Ampthill on Saturday 8th February in the club’s remaining two home stage pool fixtures.

Bath Rugby remain unbeaten in the competition, with rising talents including England A’s Charlie Griffin, as well as England U20’s 2024 World Champion, Vilikesa Sella, all looking forward to pulling on the iconic jersey in front of fans at the Recreation Ground.

With the Guinness Men’s Six Nations kicking off this weekend, it is the perfect time for families to inspire the next generation of rugby fans and take their children along to savour the unique matchday experience and atmosphere of the iconic venue.

Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive at Bath Rugby, said: “It’s an exciting time to be a Bath Rugby supporter and the Premiership Rugby Cup is a great

opportunity to be able to give fans old and new the chance to experience live rugby from just £10, with one free child’s ticket included.

“We know for some of the younger generation this will be the first time they’ve had the opportunity to experience all the thrills and spills of a match day at The Rec, but it’s also a chance to see future stars of the game in action.”

Being drawn in Pool D of the Cup competition, this is the second time Bath Rugby have faced Bedford Blues and Ampthill this season, winning both away fixtures in November. The Rec will open its doors from 1pm on Sunday 2nd February ahead of the clash with Bedford Blues which kicks off at 3pm, and on Saturday 8th February gates open at 11.30am in time for a

1.30pm kick off against Ampthill. The Fan Village will feature live music, Max the Mascot will be on the prowl for selfies, and there'll be free face painting, as well as plenty of food vendors. Tickets are available from just £10 for adults, with a free child’s ticket included, and £5 for an additional child's ticket purchased via the Bath Rugby website at https://bit. ly/40SaCXl

Netballers celebrate two Premier Division wins

A GROUP of students on the University of Bath’s performance netball programme have been celebrating a first-ever BUCS Premier Division South title double.

Taking place at the Team Bath Sports Training Village, the 1sts beat Exeter 68-37 to secure the Premier South 1 title, then unbeaten Bath 2nds defeat UCL 59-27 to clinch the Premier South

2 crown with a match to spare. It is the first year the student netball programme, led by Anya Le Monnier and sponsored by Bath Building Society, has had teams in both Premier Divisions. Ten of the students have been selected in the Team Bath Netball squad for the 2025 NXT Gen League season, and several others are representing the Blue & Gold at U19 NPL and U21 PDP level.

Crossword answers - Issue 095 (17/01/2025)

Across: 1 TV set, 4 Specifics, 10 Chop, 11 Politeness, 12 Acrobats, 13 Nearer, 15 Old English, 17 Lane, 19 Trap, 21 Conscripts, 24 Day off, 27 Sinn Fein, 28 Dining room, 29 Amid, 30 Seashells, 31 Jenny. Down: 2 Vehicular, 3 Explore, 5 Palms, 6 Cut in, 7 Fan mail, 8 Caste, 9 Sprang, 14 Asks, 16 Look, 18 Nutrition, 20 Profits, 22 Cinema, 23 Inflame, 25 Alike, 26 Fugue, 27 Spoil.

STAIRLIFTS

Saturday 1st February – 3pm

City v Truro City (Away) League Sunday 2nd February – 2pm

Women v Purton (Home) League Tuesday 4th February – 7.45pm Bath City v Chelmsford City (Home) League Saturday 8th February – 3pm Bath City v Hornchurch (Home) League Sunday 9th February – 2pm Bath Women v Downend Flyers (Away) League Tuesday 11th February – 7.45pm

City v Weymouth (Away) League Bath City FC

Rugby v Bedford Blues (Home)

Rugby Cup – R4

8th February – 1.30pm

Rugby v Ampthill (Home)

Rugby Cup – R5

Whether you'd like us to include your upcoming fixtures in the newspaper, or submit a match report for publishing, we'd love to hear from you.

Please send fixtures lists for your team to sport@bathecho.co.uk and we'll add your next event to our sports calendar.

If you have photographs that we can use, we'd also like to include them here, on our website and social media.

We're happy to host match reports from across Bath and the surrounding area. Send them to sport@bathecho.co.uk with the subject Match Report.

To ensure we can include your report in our next issue, please limit the length to around 400 words.

Bath’s 1sts team | Photo © Team Bath / University of Bath

Photo © Bath Rugby