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Robbie Williams thrills crowds at Royal Crescent
TENS of thousands of people flocked to the Royal Crescent last Friday and Saturday night, 13th and 14th June, as Robbie Williams took to the stage for two very special performances as part of his Britpop 2025 tour. Robbie performed to sold-out crowds, with 30,000 people attending across the two nights. The shows are two of only a handful to have ever been performed at the Royal Crescent, which recently celebrated 250 years since it was originally built.
Ollie Rosenblatt, founder and CEO of promoters Senbla and Senior Vice President of Sony Masterworks, said: “We’re delighted to have once again brought two nights of incredible entertainment to one of the most spectacular settings for live music in the world at the Bath Royal Crescent.
“Robbie’s live show is one that will long live in the memory for all those who attended.
“A big thank you to the residents of the Royal Crescent, and also Bath & North East Somerset Council.
“We feel privileged to be able to have been entrusted to bring these historic concerts to Bath, beginning with Michael Bublé’s shows back in 2022, and Robbie’s shows this year.
unforgettable weekend it has been in the city as we welcomed Robbie Williams to the iconic Royal Crescent and saw Bath buzzing with all the other exciting events too.
“This level of interest in the city as a destination and a crowd of some 15,000 people on each night of Robbie’s concerts is a significant boost for the local economy as a whole.
“We look forward to working again with all of the stakeholders in order to bring more incredible shows to the Royal Crescent in the future.”
Councillor Manda Rigby, the cabinet member for communications and civic services, said: “What an
“A huge thank you to all our residents for their patience when events of this scale happen, to Senbla for their staging of these shows and attracting artists of this calibre to Bath, the Royal Crescent for their work alongside Senbla, and to our council teams working behind the scenes.
“We look forward to inviting other
high-profile artists to our city.”
The Royal Crescent Society and Marlborough Lane and Buildings Residents' Association said: “These concerts has been two years in the making. How wonderful it is to see all our efforts come together in a such an intimate show.
“Senbla understand what we want. They understand Bath. And in partnership with residents and the council have been able to deliver a truly spectacular show, one that Bath will remember for a very long time. Thank you Robbie Williams for coming and playing on our front lawn! Robbie is the ultimate showman. He reached out to the audience of Bath and Bath responded by 'wrapping their arms' around him in love and appreciation.”
LOCAL residents are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of the new Fashion Museum in Bath, which is set to occupy the Old Post Office building in the city centre.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is inviting people to attend a series of drop-in events across the region to look at earlystage designs for the museum and the reimagined public space around it.
Fashion Museum Bath will be located in the Grade II listed building in the heart of Bath’s Milsom Quarter. One of only a few listed 20th century buildings in central Bath, it will be transformed, restored, and repaired, turning it into a ‘Museum on the high street’.
The local authority says the new museum will “champion fashion’s transformative power” as a global industry. It will also be a space for learning, and community, one that supports the creative industries by championing craft, skills, and future talent, and by creating pathways to jobs and opportunities.
Inside the museum, larger and fully accessible exhibition spaces will span two floors, with new
learning and event spaces and a café and a shop.
A courtyard garden at the centre of the building will be free and open to all, and will explore the connections between fashion and nature.
Outside, plans are under way to transform the streets and public spaces around the museum, making them more welcoming and accessible.
A new public square, featuring trees, seating, and space for events, will create a vibrant gathering place. The improvements will be supported by changes to transport and movement in the city centre, as set out in the Milsom Quarter Masterplan.
Thanks to a founding grant from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the council is moving forward with development plans and designs for both the museum and the public spaces around it and is keen to seek ideas from the public to help shape the museum’s future.
The planned drop-in events will offer a unique opportunity for the community to explore the early-
stage designs, meet the project and design teams, and share ideas and feedback to help refine the museum’s plans.
Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic & cultural sustainable development, said:
“The new Fashion Museum Bath is a key part of the delivery of our Milsom Quarter Masterplan, which aims to transform this area into a vibrant destination for fashion, design, culture, and community life.
“Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, we’re now moving into the detailed phase of the project.
“We’re hosting activities and events in Bath City centre, Twerton, Somer Valley, Keynsham, and across the region, and we’re eager to hear from as many people as possible.
“Your ideas, insights, and feedback will play a vital role in shaping the future of the new Fashion Museum Bath and in reimagining the public spaces in this part of the city centre.”
A number of in-person events are scheduled, with information also available online for those who cannot attend.
In-Person Events: Everyone is welcome, with no pre-registration required.
• The Old Post Office, 26 New Bond Street, Bath / 19th – 22nd June, midday – 6pm
For those unable to attend in person, information will also be available online from 19th July. Visit www.fashionmuseum.co.uk to explore the plans and complete the survey to have your say.
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Fans line the streets to celebrate Premiership win
Richard Briggs Reporter
BATH Rugby fans lined the city’s streets in their thousands to pay homage to the 202425 Gallagher Premiership champions.
The men from the Recreation Ground clinched their first league crown in 29 years by beating Leicester Tigers 23-21 at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday 14th June.
That meant Bath secured a hattrick of trophies this season, having already claimed the Premiership Rugby Cup by seeing off Exeter Chiefs 48-14 on Sunday 16th March and the European Professional Club Rugby Challenge Cup by overcoming French side Lyon 37-12 on Friday 23rd May.
The treble was the first by an English team since 2001.
To acknowledge these achievements, a victory parade was staged on Sunday 15th June, with supporters able to salute their heroes as the Blue, Black & Whites toured the city centre in a pair of open-top buses. The stars boarded the buses in William Street, and those fans lucky enough to be standing at the departure point got up close and personal with the Premiership
trophy as it was carried past them and onto the lead bus.
In glorious weather, the buses moved along Great Pulteney Street, Laura Place and Argyle
£1.4m sought
THE owner of a site in Combe Down which has been used as allotments for more than 100 years is looking to sell it for £1.4 million, it has been revealed.
Bath & North East Somerset Council, which leases the site, was notified of the owner’s intention to end the lease of the land last year, with allotment holders being told they had to vacate their plots by 31st October 2025.
The council says it has been committed to remaining on the site so that the long history of food growing and allotments at Combe Down can continue. It is supportive of the allotment holders, however, the local authority said the landowner has consistently refused to meet and find a mutually beneficial solution.
Currently, there are 64 allotments on the land off St Winifred’s Drive, however, the landowner gave warning of his intention to
Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ booming out of loudspeakers on the top of the buses, the route then took the champions to Northgate Street, Broad Street, George Street, Milsom Street and New Bond Street, before a return to William Street via Bridge Street. Along the route, supporters packed the pavements and gave the champions a fantastic reception.
Unconventional vantage points were also used to give fans a great view of proceedings. Some watched from on top of bus shelters and shop fronts. And one young man clung to the top of a road sign in order to get an elevated view.
Head coach Johann van Graan and his squad acted like Pied Pipers, as supporters followed the buses along roads that were closed to regular traffic.
With the buses parked in William Street at the end of the parade, the players – some wearing less clothing than they had been when they set off – displayed their silverware one final time before disembarking and heading to the Rec.
News in Brief
Plans to cut speed limit on A4 at Saltford
There are plans to reduce the speed limit on the A4 Bath Road between Saltford and Keynsham from 40mph to 30mph.
The lower speed limit is proposed on a 1.2km stretch of the road. Bath & North East Somerset, as the highways authority, launched a consultation at the end of May but did not alert Saltford Parish Council, which didn’t find out about it until 9th June.
As a result, B&NES Council has extended the consultation from 19th June until 2nd July. The speed limit through Saltford is already 30mph.
Former Halifax branch to become banking hub
Street, across Pulteney Bridge and along Grand Parade, Orange Grove and High Street. With music including Queen’s We Are The Champions and
There they were honoured at a champions party, a ticketed event whose profits went to the Bath Rugby Foundation, supporting vulnerable and challenged children in the community.
for Combe Down allotment site
end the lease this November.
Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable Bath & North East Somerset, said: “Since we were informed of the landowner’s intention to end the lease the council has looked into all available avenues, under the statutory provisions it has, to retain the land for allotments.
“This included exploring any acquisition powers for the site.
“Running alongside this, we have made repeated requests to meet the landowner to find a mutually beneficial solution. All requests to meet have, to date, been declined through his solicitor.
“We have also made a reasonable offer to purchase the site following a professional evaluation.
However, the landowner has rejected this and has put a £1.4 million price tag on the plot.
“Another option we have been exploring is a new site but we would not meet the November
deadline. So, as you can see we have been trying to find a way through, however as it currently stands allotment holders will have to be prepared for the outcome no one wants.
“In the meantime we will look at holding vacant plots at other sites, which Combe Down allotment holders could possibly have first refusal on.”
There is no timeframe over which the obligation for an allotment site must be satisfied.
Combe Down allotments site is listed in the council’s Assets of Community Value following a successful nomination by a group of residents.
The application, from the Unincorporated Friends of Combe Down Allotments, was assessed by the council and found to meet or exceed all criteria needed to be added to the list.
Although the owner of an Asset of Community Value (ACV) is free to sell to any buyer of their choice, they cannot dispose of it without:
• Waiting until the end of a sixweek ‘interim moratorium’ period in which community interest groups or any other buyers can request that the council treat them as a potential bidder;
• Waiting until the end of a sixmonth ‘full moratorium’ period if the council does receive such a request.
After the closure last month of the Halifax in Keynsham, the town’s final bank branch, it has been revealed that the premises will become a permanent home for a banking hub. It was initially announced in March 2024 that the Halifax in High Street would close in January 2025, but the closure was subsequently delayed until mid-May to allow time for the town’s promised banking hub to get up and running.
Cash Access UK opened a temporary home for the banking hub in March at MakeSpace on Riverside Square. Customers of all major banks can visit the current hub on any weekday between 9am and 5pm to carry out regular cash transactions, including cash withdrawals and deposits, as well as checking balances or paying bills.
Long range forecast: (27th June to 3rd July)
Temperatures will drop to start, with some showers possible. As the week progresses, high pressure is likely to bring very warm spells for the area.
Above: Raising the Premiership Cup | Below: Crowds watching the victory parade
The allotments in Combe Down
Student spared jail after biting graduate’s ear at end-of-year party
Becky Feather Reporter
A UNIVERSITY of Bath student who bit another man’s ear so badly that he needed an operation has been spared jail. James Boskey, 21, who is from Newton in Swansea, was before Bath magistrates last Wednesday, 11th June, for sentencing, having previously admitted maliciously wounding Sam Pemberton. At an end-of-year celebration evening held at Bath Racecourse on 31st May 2024, Boskey reacted to a comment by punching Mr Pemberton and biting his ear, exposing the cartilage. The victim ended up having a general anaesthetic at the Royal United Hospital, where he spent two nights and had to receive antibiotics. His ear is now permanently disfigured. In a statement read to the court, Mr Pemberton, who had been celebrating graduating, spoke of the pain he had suffered and how he had spent 10 hours in A&E. He revealed he has lost confidence in social surroundings and is worried about how his disfigured ear will affect his professional image.
He is in the Armed Forces and said he needs to be mindful that what happened to him could be a “trigger” in the future.
The court heard that Boskey’s actions were “wholly out of character” and he had no previous convictions. Although alcohol may have played a part that night, he does not have an issue with drink or drugs.
His solicitor said that Boskey is an “intelligent young man” who has had success on the sporting field too. He had been at the end of his second year studying pharmacy at the time and expressed “genuine and significant remorse” about his behaviour and the impact on his victim.
Boskey has used his time “fruitfully” over the last year and been working and earning £400 a week, the court heard. There is a “realistic possibility” that he will be able to return to his studies at the University of Bath in September and that his career can be saved.
Chair of the bench Anthony Davies told Boskey that the magistrates had discussed his case at length and were not going to give him a custodial sentence, “but you came pretty close”.
Boskey was ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work in the community and pay his victim £1,000 in compensation. He must also pay £85 prosecution costs and a court surcharge of £114.
Road closure under way for vault works
A SECTION of a road in the centre of Bath has been temporarily closed to vehicles so investigative and remedial work can be undertaken in a vault below.
Stall Street, outside the Roman Baths, is already closed to vehicles between 10am and 6pm as part of city centre security measures, though the temporary change has extended the restriction from 6pm to 10am, creating a 24/7 closure.
Barriers have been put in place at the junction with Bath Street and York Street.
Pedestrian access will remain at all times, including to the entrance of the Roman Baths.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has said it is not yet clear how long the work in the vault will take, so it can’t provide a timeline for the closure.
Councillor Paul Roper, the cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development at the local authority, said: “Engineers are carrying out investigative and remedial work on our vaults below street level.
“The Roman Baths are not affected but safety is our number one priority and as a result,
we have taken a precautionary measure to close off an area in Stall Street to vehicles while this work is under way.
“We don’t know how long the work will take. It is being carried out below ground so people won’t see a lot of activity such as the road being dug up.
“We apologise for the inconvenience the closure may cause. Our highways officers are writing to businesses and residents to update them and provide advice.”
Any businesses or residents with queries about the work are being directed to contact Council Connect by calling 01225 394041 or emailing council_connect@ bathnes.gov.uk
Planned works to replace temporary hostile vehicle mitigation measures on Beau Street with a permanent solution will still go ahead as part of the city centre security scheme.
Twerton Flower Show revived after a century thanks to grant
Becky Feather Reporter
PEOPLE of all ages turned out for the first Twerton Flower Show to be held for almost a century.
Visitors were encouraged to take along a picnic to the show on Saturday, 14th June, which incorporated a family fun day.
Held at Pennyquick Park, the event went so well that it will now become an annual event again. The show had last been held in 1926. It used to take place in the grounds of Wood House in the 1880-1900s.
The revival was organised by local artist Diana Ahmed alongside Twerton & Whiteway Community Network coordinators Sally Harris and Kate Bevan, as well as local organisations and volunteers.
Diana said: “We collaborated closely, with funding coming from the West of England Combined
Authority (WECA) through a freelance artist grant, which was matched by the Twerton & Whiteway Community Network.
“My aim was to bring the Twerton Flower Show back to the community, inspired by my earlier research and public art piece, We Love Twerton High Street. That project celebrated Twerton’s industrial heritageincluding the mill, child labour history, and the blue-tinted skin from fabric dyeing - as well as paying homage to the Innox Park flower market, which was an important community income source from 1909 onwards.”
Gardeners, growers and flower lovers were able to exhibit in a series of competitions at Saturday’s event. There were free activities including crafts, ceramic flowers, seed sowing and
bug hunting.
Other attractions included a bouncy castle, puppet show, face painting, children’s football and karaoke.
“All proceeds go back into the community for another event.
“It will be an annual event from
Diana said: “There was a very good turnout on the day. There were multiple generations which was so lovely to see. We very much focused that it should be family-led and were mindful of price - the only payment was for tea and coffee and cake at £1.
here on in. As tradition is special, it’s something to look forward to on the social calendar, bringing the community together.
“Along with growing your garden and flowers to display, the show is a real showcase for positivity of the Twerton village.”
Left: Mayor of Bath Bharat Pankhania with Diana Ahmed | Above: Enjoying the event on Saturday
Bath Magistrates' Court
Cycle path and crossings plan to improve Sydney Road LTN
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
A NEW cycle path and crossings could soon lead to a controversial liveable neighbourhood in Bath in a bid to make it more attractive and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Sydney Road was closed to through traffic in April 2024 as part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s programme of liveable neighbourhoods, also known as low traffic neighbourhoods, or LTNs.
The schemes are intended to stop speeding on residential roads and make them safer and more pleasant for walking and cycling, but some have warned that traffic is just getting displaced to neighbouring roads.
The council decided in February to make the liveable neighbourhood on Sydney Road permanent, and saw off a call-in by opposition councillors.
Now it is asking for comments on plans to build a new raised continuous crossing across New Sydney Place at its junction with the A36 Sydney Place/Darlington Street.
This is a relatively new type of crossing, where the pavement
appears to extend across the road. Continuous crossings were installed across some side roads coming off the Upper Bristol Road in 2022.
Meanwhile, a new crossing and shared path for cyclists and pedestrians along part of Beckford Road could connect the north end of Sydney Road to the Kennet and Avon Canal path. This was consulted on as part of the Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Links scheme.
The council plans to publish the formal Traffic Regulation Order notice to make the Sydney Road and New Sydney Place Liveable Neighbourhood on 3rd July. But the scheme has been hugely controversial, and more than £7,400 has been raised for a legal challenge from people opposed to closing the road.
1,899 people responded to the consultation on the liveable neighbourhood — with 76% opposed to the scheme, and 24% in favour.
Of the 104 responses from people living on Sydney Road and Sydney Place, 72% were in favour of the scheme; but the 684 respondents living on nearby roads within the trial area were 70% against.
Councillor Joel Hirst, the council’s new cabinet member for sustainable transport
strategy, said: “While we are aware of ongoing challenges from a cohort of residents on our decision to make the Sydney Road through-traffic restriction permanent, we are confident that we consulted fairly, thoroughly and legally and that the scheme brings meaningful benefits to those living on the street and to those who use it to walk or cycle safely to nearby schools and the city centre without significant detriment elsewhere.
“It creates fair road space in the area for those that wish to travel actively, and it forms part of our wider Active Travel Masterplan. We will continue with the New Sydney Place/Sydney Road LN programme and residents of Bathwick will be engaged in the next steps by letter.”
The feedback form for the continuous crossing is open until 10th July at 5pm.
Comments are only being accepted about the crossing itself, as the consultations on the liveable neighbourhood as a whole and the shared path in the Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Links scheme have already been run.
People are invited to submit comments on the plan for the continuous crossing at https:// bit.ly/4kIMZIn
‘One last lifeline’ for Bath man facing prison
A BATH man who admitted being drunk and disorderly and causing damage to an Avon & Somerset Police vehicle has been thrown “one last lifeline” by city magistrates after his offending breached a suspended jail sentence.
On Wednesday, 11th June, the court heard that on 16th May at 5pm, police received a call from a member of the public about the aggressive behaviour of a man at Balustrade in Bath.
Ten minutes later, the police received another call to say that the situation had escalated.
Police turned up at 5.30pm and found Anthony Duffety leaning against Magic Scissors barbers. He threw his shirt at them and made as if to punch an officer. He was arrested and put in a police vehicle, where he spat. The vehicle had to be professionally deep-cleaned at a cost of £400 as the police understood that Duffety had hepatitis C, although this was disputed by the defendant.
Magistrates were told that Duffety, of Grosvenor Place, has 34 previous convictions for 49 offences and was now twice in breach of a 12-week suspended sentence which was imposed in April last year and extended after further offending earlier this year.
The prosecution asked for £85 costs and £400 compensation to the police for the cleaning bill. Duffety’s solicitor, Mark O’Donnell, told the court that Duffety could not remember the incident on 16th May but accepted that he spat.
He said Duffety had a “very extensive” list of previous convictions, but none were for violence and most were “low level”.
Mr O’Donnell said Duffety currently has accommodation but had lived as a street alcoholic, including for a spell of 10 years. In recent months, he has managed to stop drinking on a daily basis and is now a “binge drinker”.
Mr O’Donnell said Duffety, who had last received help from the Probation Service in 2013, could do with getting professional help now to enable him to turn a corner and abstain from alcohol, as he considers himself “too old” to be living on the streets.
Magistrates agreed not to activate the suspended sentence that day but to give Duffety the opportunity to engage with the Probation Service.
Chair of the bench Anthony Davies described it as “one last lifeline”.
Duffety will return to the court on 17th September for sentencing.
ECHO
IT’S YOUR LAST CHANCE TO ENTER! NOMINATIONS CLOSE ON 1ST JULY
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Recognising the work of one of Bath’s amazing charities - open to charities based in the city
£500 prize
Sponsored by The Sepoy Club
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Marking the dedication given by a member of the Bath community to a local cause/s
£250 prize + Afternoon Tea
Sponsored by Avonvale Carpets
CARER OF THE YEAR
Celebrating the dedication provided by a resident who cares for others in the city £250 prize + Afternoon Tea
Sponsored by Stone King LLP
PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Whether it was saving a life or providing support, we want to celebrate someone who has made a difference
£250 prize
YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR
Celebrating a young person in Bath (12-16 years old) who has benefitted the community £250 prize
Sponsored by Bath College
GRASSROOTS SPORTS GROUP OF THE YEAR
Providing recognition for a community sports group
£500 prize
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR
Recognising the efforts made by a single community group £500 prize
Sponsored by Wessex Water
We introduced the Bath Echo Community Awards to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the people, groups, and charities that make Bath such a special place to live.
Our city is rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture, but what truly makes it exceptional is its community - the dedicated individuals who go above and beyond to support, uplift, and inspire those around them.
The Bath Echo Community Awards have been created to recognise these unsung heroes - the volunteers who give their time selflessly, the charities that change lives, and the community groups that bring people together. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, tireless campaigning, or innovative projects, each of our nominees will have made a meaningful impact on our city.
In a world where challenges can often seem overwhelming, these individuals remind us that positive change begins at a local level. Their efforts strengthen our neighbourhoods, provide support to those in need, and create a sense of belonging that defines our community spirit.
We’re seeking nominations for seven different categories, created to celebrate the most deserving individuals and community groups. Whether it’s a charity that has supported you or your family, a young person in your family who has gone above and beyond to give back to the community or a carer who has made such a difference to a person you know, we want to hear from you. Our winners will be invited to an awards reception in central Bath on Thursday 24th July, where they will receive their trophy. They will also receive a prize of up to £500, as well as extra gifts thanks to our generous sponsors! Nominations will be closing soon - you’ve only got until Tuesday 1st July to submit them.
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO’S GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND IN BATH?
Your Details: (Fields labelled with a * are required)
Your Name*: Your Address*:
Your Email Address:
Your Phone Number: Town/City*: Postcode*:
(*Please provide either a phone number, email address or both)
Award Category: (Please choose only one per nomination form)
Charity of the Year Community Group of the Year
Young Person of the Year Volunteer of the Year
Grassroots Sports Group of the Year
Nominee: (*If you're nominating an individual, please provide as many details as possible)
Individual/Organisation's Name*:
Address*:
Town/City*: Postcode*:
Email Address:
Phone Number:
Why are you nominating them?
Public Service Award
Carer of the Year
(If you require more space to explain your nomination, you are welcome to use an additional piece of paper and send it in with your entry)
Submitting your nomination
Nominations are open until 5pm on Tuesday 1st July 2025. Please send your completed nomination form to: Bath Echo Awards, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA
You can nominate via our website by scanning this QR code
Postal entries received up to 5pm on Tuesday 1st July 2025 will be included. Online entries will also close at 5pm. A shortlist of nominees will be made available on 2nd July. Members of the public will have until Friday 4th July to choose their winner, who will then be notified on Monday 7th July. We will use the details provided to us to contact the winner, though there may be a delay if any of the details are incorrect. Your privacy is very important to us, and the information provided to us will only be used for the purposes of operating these awards. Our Privacy Policy can be found on our website at www.bathecho.co.uk
Pictures from the Past
Anyone for Tennis?
Taking part in the annual tournament in 1899
Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press
With the Wimbledon championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club starting at the end of this month it is a good time to look at the history of tennis in Bath.
When lawn tennis was first becoming popular, Bath residents were active in setting up proper tennis clubs, such as the
Lansdown Club, which still in existence.
Our first picture is of the Lansdown Lawn Tennis Club annual tournament on 21st, 22nd and 23rd June, 1899. The programme contained seven events of which four were confined to members and three were open classes. The Bath and County Graphic, from which this photograph comes, reported: ‘Some very good play was witnessed, especially by the ladies.’
Bath was holding a regular lawn tennis week as early as 1881 at the Lansdown
Cricket Club ground in Weston.
Our second photograph, also from the Bath and County Graphic, shows the teams in the 1898 Gloucestershire v Somerset ladies county lawn tennis match held there. You can learn more about Bath’s history of tennis at the latest exhibition at the Museum of Bath at Work. Entitled On Court: Bath and Tennis from Indoor to Outdoor, the story starts with the museum building itself – a Real Tennis Court built in 1777 to a design supplied to the builder,
COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner
Iheld an event last month, to thank and celebrate all the volunteers who support me and my office.
The day was an opportunity for me to thank each volunteer directly for the critical role they play in improving accountability and public confidence in policing.
Across Avon and Somerset, 66 OPCC volunteers give their time, energy, and expertise week-in, week-out to scrutinise policing practices, challenge where things aren’t right, and support learning and improvement.
Each volunteer that supports me in my role plays an important
part in helping me and my office hold the police to account. They do this not for recognition or reward, but because they care; about fairness, about transparency, about justice, and about community. Whether it’s watching hours of footage of police using force, to assess whether as lay people they feel their actions were proportionate and justified; or visiting custody suites during the day and at night, to observe how people were being treated; or reviewing complaints, challenging gaps in evidence, and asking the uncomfortable questions that help us all do better
– our volunteers are helping to make our communities safer and more secure.
I am deeply grateful for their ongoing support. If you’d like to join our volunteers in helping to shape policing, we are currently recruiting volunteers to help me hold the police to account, in three different ways:
Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel
This panel meets quarterly to review police use of force and stop-and-search practices. Volunteers assess real bodyworn video footage and provide feedback on whether actions were appropriate and proportionate.
Independent Scrutiny of Police Complaints Panel
Richard Scrace, by the Earl of Pembroke. Amongst the memorabilia and exhibitions of games, trophies and souvenirs, you will also find a display of women’s tennis-wear from nearly 150 years ago to recent times. For a unique memento of your visit you can buy a commemorative Museum of Bath at Work tennis ball specially made for the exhibition by Price of Bath – the UK's only manufacturer of tennis balls, squash balls and racket balls. The exhibition is open now and runs until 31st October.
Also meeting quarterly, this panel reviews how public complaints against the police are handled, focusing on fairness, transparency, and service to the community.
Independent Custody Visitors Scheme
Volunteers conduct unannounced weekly visits to police custody units in Bridgwater, Keynsham, and Patchway.
Working in pairs, they check on the welfare of detainees,
making sure their rights are upheld, and conditions are appropriate.
I’m looking for people of all backgrounds, ages, and experience from across Avon and Somerset to volunteer with us and act independently. We particularly encourage applications from people under 30, women and people from Black, Asian, mixed and minoritised communities.
To find out more about the opportunities available, please visit the volunteering pages on my website: www.avonandsomersetpcc.gov.uk
The teams in the 1898 Gloucestershire v Somerset ladies county lawn tennis match
Congratulations to Tim Greenwood for winning £20! You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 24
Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!
1 Strip (7)
5 Type of surgery (7)
9 At least two (6)
10 Proves valid (6,2)
11 Irregular picadors scattered (8)
12 Mess about (6)
13 Dressmaker (10)
16 Customary imposition? (4)
17 All time (4)
19 Obliquely (10)
21 Runs over a page margin (6)
23 Clearly stated (8)
25 Assassinated (5,3)
26 Impenetrable to light (6)
27 Make --- scarce (7)
28 Pumped up (7) Across
2 Elongated circle (7)
3 Less common (5)
4 Sanctioned ideal TV ad after editing (9)
6 Legislate (5)
7 Suspected (3,2,4)
8 Noisiest (7)
10 Undercover operator (6,5)
14 Set marker out of kilter for traders (9)
15 Venomous arachnids (9)
18 Baddie (7)
20 Unhurried ease (7)
22 1988 Olympics venue (5)
24 He was nearly a filicide victim, in Genesis (5) Down
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Food & Drink
Tasty Dates For Your Diary
Good times at Bandook (Milsom Place) have just got even better! The new summer menu includes Indian Grill Feasts for two along the lines of Lasooni Lamb Chops, Sea Bass Maacher Paturi and Gilafi Seekh Kebabs, alongside fabulous vegetarian/ vegan options, Hero Sliders (check ‘em out!), Masala Fish and Chips, summer salads… and, of course, those legendary Bandook cocktails.
https://bit.ly/3ZABYAj
Take a relaxed, guided tour around six distinctive wines from Burgundy at Comptoir+Cuisine (George Street) on Thursday 26th June and enjoy 20% off C&C’s food menu while you’re at it (£15pp). www.comptoirpluscuisine.com
Bath on the Beach - “the city’s largest beer garden, Bath's
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Get in touch with Rob Last via rob@mediabath.co.uk
ultimate summer hangout spot” - is back in Royal Victoria Park! Woodfired pizzas, cocktails and spritzes, cabanas, beach games, adventure golf, party packages and much, much more from 10am-10pm every day from now until Sunday 10th August. www.bathonthebeach.co.uk
Enjoy a perfect pasta with a glass of wine or a Tiramisu for pud for just £12.50 at Magari (Milsom Place) every Monday - Friday until 3pm. www.magaripasta.co.uk
Chill out over a Sunday Supper at Walcot House (Walcot Street) from 6pm every Sunday evening (excluding Bank Holiday weekends) and enjoy 25% off your food bill. www.walcothousebath.com
Sharpen up your twerking skills in
Review Sarthi
88 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BD 01225 462992
www.sarthi.co.uk
@sarthirestaurant
And so it came to pass that Sarthi recently magpied its way into the premises recently vacated by Pomegranate (née Aqua - keep up at the back!) on Walcot Street – and already, it’s a welcome addition to Bath’s independent plant-based restaurant scene. At first glance, 88 Walcot Street looks like a rather formidable stone-fronted chapel nestled amongst the jumbly, tumbly surroundings of Bath’s ‘Artisan Quarter’. Venture within, however, and you’ll find it’s more of a minicathedral: cool, chic and infused with an understated sense of drama (if, that is, you consider the huge, attention-grabbing chandeliers to be ‘understated’) with tables/plush booths for all party sizes and occasions and a pretty little alfresco courtyard outback.
Melissa Blease Food Writer
readiness for the all-singing, alldancing R’n’B Bottomless Brunch at Komedia (Westgate Street) on Saturday 28th June (£36, includes 1.5 hours of bottomless drinks and a tasty brunch menu). Next stop: the Broadway Bottomless Brunch on Saturday 19th July: jazz hands up for that one! www.komediabath.co.uk
Thursday nights are Seafood Night at the gorgeous Upton Inn (Upton Cheyney) when the freshest, finest catches of the day make a splash on a dedicated, spectacular seafood menu served in perfect country pub surroundings. www.theupton.co.uk
Grab two terrific tacos for the price of one at cool Cali-Mex hotspot Bardacious (Quiet Street) every Tuesday from 6pm8pm. And don’t forget that kids
under 10 (who will definitely love it here!) eat free when their accompanying adult spends £20+ all day Monday - Friday. www.bardacious.co.uk
Awaken your senses at Montagu’s Mews at the Royal Crescent Hotel every other Wednesday from 7pm - 9pm when internationally acclaimed tenor saxophonist and composer Iain Ballamy’s Crescent Jazz Trio guarantee ‘an inspired musical experience’ live on the hotel’s heated terrace or in the bar. Next date: Wednesday 2nd July (£20pp, fully redeemable against food from the Casual Dining Menu).
https://bit.ly/4l3ohSI
Dive into fish, chips, mushy peas, bread and butter (indispensable!) and tea/coffee for just £12 all day Monday - Thursday and until 5pm on Fridays at
Sarthi has softened and suffused the imposing elegance of the surroundings by putting a genuinely warm and friendly ethos at the heart of the matter in line with a mission statement that puts heritage, tradition and life-affirming optimism at the epicentre of a magnanimous eat, drink and be happy vibe.
From the glorious aromas that lure you through the door before
you even set foot in the restaurant itself, there’s something in the air here that makes you feel that all’s right with the world. And all is certainly very right when it comes to the food…
Sarthi specialises in wellpriced, beautifully-presented vegetarian/vegan Indian subcontinent cuisine including a lively range of lesser-spotted dishes and specialities.
It’s an interesting, extensive array that captivates the attention at every turn, with novel little flourishes such as Bang Bang Cauliflower, Garlic Mogo Chips and groovy Dosas happily sitting alongside traditional spice route raves (kormas; masalas; et al) along the way.
We started with Hara Bhara Kebabs – crunchy on the outside and moist within, served with their own little pot of rich, creamy sauce – and the fascinating crispy spinach/chutney/yoghurt/chaat masala combo that is the Palak Patta Chat, an Indian starter that I can’t get my hands on (or mouth around) often enough. And who can resist a mid-course treat?
The Dahi Puri here fully live up to the menu’s “flavour bomb” description delivering texture, sweet/spice balance and allround tastebud titillation in one bite.
For mains, an earthy Saag Paneer laden with silky spinach and milky Indian cheese, rich in earthy spices, thrumming
Seafoods (Kingsmead Square). Those of a certain, erm, vintage get the same great deal plus ice cream for pud for £9. seafoodsfishandchips.com
Celebrate the full-on flavours of the English summer at the Beckford Canteen (Bartlett Street) on Thursday 7th August when Head Chef Joe Lacey’s fabulous, 5-course seasonal feast is guaranteed to tantalise the tastebuds and bring sunshine to the table (£65pp). www.beckfordcanteen.com
Melissa regularly reviews eateries and restaurants across Bath. Find out more by visiting: www.theprandialplayground.uk
Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide
with personality and perfectly complemented by our second sharing dish: a smooth, creamy, tomato/cashew-laden “Chicken” (or rather, a really, really good vegetarian ‘version’ of chicken) Butter Masala, fragrant and confidently complex.
A slow-cooked, smoky/ sweet Makhani Daal brought extra dimensions of luscious complexity to the party, Cashew Saffron Pilau Rice further upped the aromatic ante and a perfect peshwari naan sweetened up the whole affair. Talking of sweet… While you know – you just know – that a classic Gulab Jamun or a kulfi won’t let you down here, don’t overlook the Mango Delight with Coconut Crumble on the dessert menu.
One part mango milk shake/lassi, one part almost-an-ice-creamsundae and all parts grown-up kiddie treat, it’s the creamy, fruity, coconut-topped gift that keeps on giving.
And Sarthi is, overall, a glorious little gift that keeps on giving.
The Saag Paneer at Sarthi
Recipe
Courgette Curry
This sensual seasonal supper moves from stove to table in less than an hour. If you have aubergines to hand they work well too, either with the courgettes or as a stand-alone base.
Ingredients (serves 4)
• 1 onion, peeled and sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1 thumb-sized knob of fresh ginger
• 1 red or green chilli (deseed if you prefer a milder heat)
• 2-3 courgettes (aim for around 500g in total), chopped into chunky dice
• In a blender or food processor, blitz the onion, garlic, ginger and chilli with 50ml water until smooth.
• Heat a little sunflower oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion paste and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring continuously, for 6-8 minutes or until fragrant. Add the courgettes to the pan and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes, adding the cumin, turmeric and garam masala for the last couple of minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, mango chutney and vegetable stock, stir well, bring to the boil and simmer for around 20-25 minutes or until the courgettes have started to ‘collapse’ and the sauce has thickened slightly, adding the frozen peas for the final 3-4 minutes of cooking time.
• Serve on mounds of steamed rice (and/or alongside chapatis) topped with dollops of thick plain yoghurt and generous sprinkles of fresh coriander.
What's On
Love according to Emily Brontë BRLSI
20th June, 7.30pm
Is the account of love in Emily Bronte’s poetry and in Wuthering Heights meaningful, or just silly? Duncan McGibbon reveals the origin in the doctrines of love she studied in Brussels.
The Elmer Adventure
The Egg
21st – 22nd June
Tall Stories brings the enchanting and colourful world of Elmer to life through songs, storytelling and puppetry.
Celebrate Elmer’s unique patchwork colours and wear your colourful clothes.
The Tom Petty Legacy Chapel Arts Centre
27th June, 8pm
Europe’s Number one tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Hear and see all the big hits including: I Won't Back Down, American Girl, Running Down A Dream and many more.
Dried Flower Workshop
Newton Farm
28th June, 10am – 12.30pm
Celebrate the beauty of summer with a dried flower hoop workshop, with Hazel of Rustica Haze. This hands-on session will guide you through the art of arranging and styling dried flowers.
Purcell King Arthur
St Michael's Without 21st June, 7.30pm
Bath Cantata Group present Henry Purcell’s Restoration Spectacular King Arthur. The story centres on Arthur’s endeavours to rescue his fiancée, the blind Cornish Princess Emmeline.
Gene Loves Jezebel
Burdall’s Yard
22nd June, 7.30pm
Join this night of live music from Gene Loves Jezebel and Micky Kemp. Gene Loves Jezebel are a British rock band formed in the early 1980s by twin brothers Michael Aston and Jay Aston.
Grace Pervades
Theatre Royal 27th June – 19th July
The opening production of The Ralph Fiennes/Theatre Royal Bath Season sees Ralph Fiennes play opposite Miranda Raison in the world première of David Hare's new play, Grace Pervades.
MuwFest ’25
Komedia Bath
1st – 3rd July
Music Workshop will be taking over Komedia to host MuwFest 2025. Hundreds of musicians take to the stage over three evenings of live music, bringing the entire community together.
Friday 20th June - Thursday 3rd July 2025
Solar Observing: Summer Solstice
Herschel Museum of Astronomy
21st June, 10am – 3pm
Visit the Herschel Museum to have the opportunity to take part in daytime astronomy on the day of the summer solstice from the garden the Planet Uranus was discovered in 1781. La Boheme
Jane Austen Week
Toppings & Company Booksellers 23rd June – 4th July
Topping and Company is thrilled to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with a week of captivating literary events dedicated to the iconic author and her enduring legacy.
Teddy Bears' Picnic Avon Valley Railway 28th & 29th June
All children will travel for free if they bring their teddy bear! As well as enjoying a 50-minute train ride up and down the line, back at Bitton Station, you can enjoy magic shows and more.
Bonding
Ustinov Studio
1st – 3rd July
Cyril Blake’s sell-out hit from the Edinburgh Fringe explores the myth, legend and legacy of Bond - and what it all means to guys trying to find their way through life and love.
Mission Theatre
21st & 22nd June, 7.30pm
Cardiff Cotswold Opera will kick off its summer tour by returning to The Mission Theatre with their well-loved production of Puccini’s classic tragic masterpiece.
Kid Creole & The Coconuts
The Forum
24th June, 7.30pm
The Creolian Bye Bye Birdy Tour. Hello Music Lovers of all ages and persuasions. Welcome to the Lifeboat Party! 15 years ago, I said it was time for me to retire. I lied. It was not. Now, it is 2025.
The Four Seasons: The Opera Prior Park Chapel 28th June, 6.30pm
On the 300th anniversary of its publication, Vivaldi's The Four Seasons has been reimagined as an opera by composer, author and broadcaster Richard Mainwaring.
Garden Theatre Festival
Holburne Museum 2nd - 20th July
Immerse yourself in the worlds of Shakespeare and Jane Austen as the in-house repertory company presents two outstanding productions: Romeo & Juliet and Pride and Prejudice.
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Leap of Faith at Bath Abbey raises over £30,000
Becky Feather Reporter
NEARLY 100 people took part in a fundraising abseil from the top of Bath Abbey.
The Leap of Faith event was held on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th June.
Everyone taking part was asked to pay to sign up, with an early bird registration fee of £40 before 1st May and then £45, and to commit to raising at least £150 in sponsorship for Genesis Trust and towards the care of the historic abbey.
Genesis Trust enables homeless and vulnerable people in the Bath area to find new beginnings and a better future.
The trust and Bath Abbey have interlinked projects.
This week Hilary Long, community manager at Genesis Trust, said that in total 98 people, aged from 12 to 83, abseiled over the two days.
She said: “We hope to raise over £30,000 by the time all the funds are in.”
Among those taking part on Friday was 26-year-old Maesie
from Bath who was abseiling in memory of her father Ian who died from cancer earlier this year. She said Genesis is a charity close to her heart. She raised more than £400 and said she had
enjoyed the experience so much she would be signing up for the next abseil.
Katie from Peasedown St John was also taking part after being ‘roped in’ by her neighbour Ed,
who works for the Genesis Trust. She raised around £200. Some members of the team at Bath Abbey also took part including Immy (pictured) wearing her wings.
Special event for home's residents with dementia
A BATH care home run by Cedar Care staged a special event for residents and invited others from homes within the group.
Winfield Lodge at Weston Park staged a classic car show in the grounds on Friday, 13th June, and there was live music from entertainer Johnny Smith, along with a buffet and home-made cakes.
The new Mayor of Bath Councillor Professor Bharat Pankhania was invited to meet the residents.
Winfield Lodge manager Stavros Ladopoulos said the event aimed to raise awareness that people with dementia can still enjoy quality of life. The home has 48 bedrooms including 11 rooms for residents who require dementia residential care.
Cars on show included a VW Beetle, Corvette, BMW, MG, Porsche 911, Mercedes and NSU. Residents came along from other Cedar Care homes in and around the city, namely The Orangery at Englishcombe Lane, Cedar Park at Oldfield Park, Culverhayes at Twerton, Larkhall Springs in Larkhall, St Teresa’s at Corston and Somerhill near Malmesbury. Visitors from Ivybank House at Entry Hill in Bath were also welcomed.
Mr Ladopoulos said the feedback on the event from residents, families, healthcare professionals, the mayor and senior management had been “absolutely incredible”.
He said: “Everyone enjoyed their day and commented that uniting residents from other care homes was something new and refreshing for everyone. “They felt the essence of
community and had a great time with the food, live music, car show and the good atmosphere. The residents were honoured to welcome the Mayor of Bath to their home.
Abi Brinkhurst
Branch Advisor
Howden Bath
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 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 community boot exchange!
As you may know, Howden is a Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions, so if you haven’t already, you will see our logo emblazoned on the official men’s jersey.
The 2025 squad will play their first match on Friday 20th June in Dublin against Argentina. This will then be followed by games in Australia from June 28th including three Test matches against the Wallabies.
I’m sure those of us that follow the rugby will be tuned in at every opportunity. The Howden Bath branch will be joining screenings of the games (on 19th July, 26th July and 2nd August) at Stothert & Pitt RFC (Bristol Rd, Bath BA2 9DJ). There will be official British & Irish Lions merch up for grabs and free Howden x British & Irish Lions goodies, along with food & drink vendors, live performances and family fun.
We will be posting more information on our social media channel in the run-up, so keep an eye out!
Typically after any big sporting event there is an increase in people wanting to get involved in the sport, so don’t forget we have our Boot Exchange in partnership with Bath Rugby Foundation here in branch.
Both rugby and football boots are available in a range of sizes. You can donate, swap or simply pick up a pair by popping into our Howden Bath branch.
It’s not only the men’s game we’re involved with – we’re also a Principal Partner of the first ever British & Irish Lions women’s team, as the title partner of the Howden Lions Women’s Tour to New Zealand in 2027!
His presence made a lasting impact on them, and he made sure to greet and spend time with many of them. “It was a truly enjoyable day for all,” said Mr Ladopoulos.
Above: Participant Maesie | Below: Katie abseiling down Above: Hilary and Emma from Genesis Trust | Below: Immy
Becky Feather Reporter
Meeting the Mayor of Bath at the event
Carla and William
Resident Colin with Becky from Cedar Care
Bath’s first mayor of Indian heritage welcomed at ceremony
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
THE City of Bath welcomed its first mayor of Indian heritage at a history-making ceremony in Bath Abbey on Saturday, 7th June.
Dr Bharat Pankhania was unanimously elected as Mayor of Bath by the city’s charter trustees. The role dates back to 1189 when the city was first given a charter to have a mayor, and he is the 798th in the unbroken list of names which stretches back to the first recorded Mayor of Bath in 1230, John de Porta.
The Combe Down councillor told the around 300 people at the ceremony in Bath Abbey: “It is with immense pride, deep humility, and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the newly appointed Mayor of the City of Bath.
“Our beautiful city is a city which wears its heritage with grace and carries its future with confidence.
To serve as mayor of this rare double-inscribed World Heritage Site is one of the greatest honours of my life.”
In a speech defiant against rising anti-immigrant rhetoric, Mr Pankhania said: “Despite what some under-educated politicians may want us to think, diversity is our strength — and equality
and inclusivity. I am your DEI example.”
In another first, Dr Pankhania is the first Mayor of Bath to choose a non-religious person to serve as the mayor’s chaplain.
Bath-based humanist Isabel Russo, who will take on the role, said: “I look forward to taking an inclusive approach, working with those of all religions and beliefs, including the non-religious, to foster a more tolerant city that embraces its diversity.”
Dr Pankhania grew up in Kenya and later Leicester, where he said it was the city’s public libraries which allowed him to educate himself.
He said: “I would not be here if
it were not for those libraries in Leicester. It is without a doubt: I am here because education has been my liberation.”
Now a senior consultant in communicable disease control and senior lecturer at the University of Exeter, Dr Pankhania said the theme of his year as mayor would be: “Education is empowerment”. He said he had already started work strengthening ties between educational institutions and local communities. He said: “My education opened the doors, it has created opportunities for me, it has given me the confidence to contribute to society, as an individual, a
clinician, and an academic.
“It has given me the confidence to speak up for both for myself and on behalf of others.”
Mr Pankhania has been a Liberal Democrat councillor for Combe Down on Bath & North East Somerset Council since 2019.
His wife, Alison Pankhania, is the city’s new Mayoress.
Ian Halsall, who was elected as a Liberal Democrat councillor for Oldfield Park in 2023, was elected as the Deputy Mayor of Bath. His husband James Fox is the Deputy Mayor’s Consort.
The mayor-making ceremony is officially the annual meeting of the city’s charter trustees, of which the mayor is the chair.
The Mayor of Bath was previously the chair of Bath City Council, but this was abolished in 1996 and replaced with Bath & North East Somerset Council. The charter trustees are a wholly ceremonial body, made up of the councillors on Bath & North East Somerset Council who represent wards in Bath, to keep the charter which makes Bath a city active and its ancient civic traditions alive.
The city’s ceremonial sword and two maces were carried in a civic procession from the Guildhall to Bath Abbey for the ceremony, which also included the outgoing Mayor of Bath, Michelle O’Doherty, dignitaries, visiting mayors, and the Bath’s charter trustees and honorary aldermen in ceremonial robes.
The procession was led by the 93 (City of Bath) Squadron RAF Marching Band, and the Avon Fire and Rescue Service Ceremonial Drill Squad formed a guard of honour.
Bath Philharmonia and its Harmony Rising choir of 11-14-year-olds performed at the ceremony while the mayor’s robes and regalia were exchanged. The new mayor and civic procession departed the Abbey to Philharmonia, performing an orchestral version of Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Bathbased band Tears for Fears.
Bath charity pot thief is given suspended jail sentence
Becky Feather Reporter
A BATH man with 40 previous convictions who stole two Barnardo’s charity pots from a supermarket has received a suspended prison sentence.
Bath magistrates heard that Nathan Dickson had broken the chain attaching a charity pot to the till at the Co-op in Mount Road in Southdown on 14th September 2024 and stole it and the contents which were approximately £80.
Then on 15th October Dickson went back and was said to have used cutters to remove another pot containing about £30. The court was told that Dickson, of Priddy Close in Twerton, had 40 convictions for 75 offences, including 29 thefts.
Appearing for sentencing on Wednesday, 11th June for the charity pot thefts, the 44-yearold told the magistrates he’d had “more than a bumpy year” including health problems, had suffered a breakdown and relapsed with drugs.
He queried how anyone could know the amount that was in the charity boxes.
A conditional discharge had been recommended in a pre-
sentencing report.
But the chair of the bench
Anthony Davies said that as Dickson was not prepared to cooperate with the Probation Service, had committed “offence after offence after offence” and the charity thefts aggravated the situation, they felt they were left “very little choice” but to impose a six-week custodial sentence “with immediate effect”.
At this point Dickson, who had no legal representation, became extremely distressed in the dock and the magistrates were asked to retire for a time and received legal guidance.
When they returned Mr Davies
told Dickson: “Do not panic, I did not finish my pronouncement.”
He said the jail sentence would be suspended for 12 months.
Dickson was ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a surcharge of £154 but not the £110 compensation to charity that had been requested by the Crown Prosecution Service as the magistrates did not think that would be appropriate.
Dickson apologised to the magistrates for his behaviour.
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Workshop operated by charity set to close
BATH charity Julian House is set to close its social enterprise, the Bike Workshop, later this year, blaming rising costs and a difficult trading climate.
The initiative, based on Corn Street, was launched in 2011 to help raise money for Julian House by repurposing secondhand and donated bikes to be sold and providing bike repairs.
The charity has said it will continue to deliver its charitable services for people who are homeless, vulnerable or at-risk.
These include rough sleeper outreach, supported accommodation for people recovering from homelessness, refuges and safe houses for people experiencing domestic abuse and prison resettlement accommodation in Bath.
The workshop, which will close in October, also hosted the Build-a-Bike scheme, delivering training for Julian House clients with a history of homelessness, offending, substance misuse or long-term unemployment.
Julian House has been vocal about the financial pressures it is facing in a climate of rising costs and public sector budget cuts. The increase in employer National Insurance contributions has added £165,000 to the
charity’s costs this year alone.
This has been intensified at the Bike Workshop by a decline in interest and sales in refurbished bikes, following a boom during the Covid-19 pandemic.
On closing the Bike Workshop, the charity plans to focus on delivering other activities that can provide the best outcomes for its clients in Bath and across the South West.
Helen Bedser, Chief Executive of Julian House, said: “We have thought long and hard and concluded that now is the time to close our social enterprise, the Bike Workshop in Bath.
“We are proud of the impact we have had over those years: supporting people recovering from trauma to develop their skills, encouraging people to get out on their bikes and being part of the circular economy in Bath.
“We would like to thank our committed staff and volunteers who have been the lifeblood of the Bike Workshop, as well as everyone who has supported us by either donating a bike or through their loyal custom.”
The closure comes at a time when Julian House has launched an appeal for donations, warning that funding for its services across the South West is at risk.
Respite service to remain open until at least September 2026
NEWTON House, a respite care facility in Bath, is set to stay open until at least September 2026 and until a new provider for the service is chosen, it has been announced.
The facility, in Twerton, is the only place in the area where people with severe care needs who live with their families can access respite care, a short stay away from home, so their fulltime carers can have a break.
The announcement from Bath & North East Somerset Council means families caring for loved ones can continue to rely on the service for at least the next year.
In November 2024, the council and care provider Dimensions, which operates the home, announced that it would be closing as it had become unaffordable.
Since then, the council, families and Dimensions paused their plans and have been working together to find other options.
Following an outcry from parents, the closure was put on hold until the end of January 2026.
Three options of what the council could do were drawn up, and were presented at a council Policy
Development and Scrutiny Panel meeting on Monday 16th June.
Families had told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they hoped the council would run the service directly if it did not continue with Dimensions.
One of the major concerns for families was the disruption
involved in changing the respite care service.
A group including family representatives has now recommended that Dimensions continue running the service until a new provider is chosen. Although run by Dimensions, Bath & North East Somerset
The council is under a statutory duty to assess and provide for people’s care needs, including providing respite care where required.
Newton House is currently accepting new referrals for
people with complex needs, who require this service following a social care assessment of their needs.
Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for adult services, said: “We know how important Newton House is to the families who use it.
“We are committed to keeping that support going while we work on a long-term plan.
“We’re grateful to the families and carers who’ve worked with us, and to Dimensions for agreeing to keep the service running until next September. This gives families some peace of mind.
“I also want to reassure everyone that future respite care will stay within Bath and North East Somerset, and that the needs of families will be at the heart of every decision. There won’t be any gaps in support.”
The council panel will meet again in September to look at the timeline for choosing a new provider.
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Hospital team recognised for supporting over 5,000 people
A SPECIALIST team at the Royal United Hospital has been celebrated for supporting more than 5,000 patients to get home earlier and be cared for in the community.
Since starting in 2021, the Hospital at Home service has helped the people cared for across Bath and North East Somerset and Wiltshire, supporting them to have an earlier discharge from hospital and receive the care they need at home.
Patients are safely looked after in the comfort of their own home, and remain under the care of their RUH consultant, until they have safely completed their programme of treatment.
Home team’s approach has meant fewer patients have to return to hospital.
The service has also had impressive patient feedback, with 99.5% of patients saying they would recommend Hospital at Home.
One patient said: “This is an excellent initiative. The medical team were first class – kind helpful and efficient.”
Another said: “We received truly outstanding care from Hospital at Home.
“The well-informed team provided excellent care which was responsive, timely, thoughtful, kind and flexible.”
A home visit covers overall wellbeing, including diet, sleep quality, and daily activities as well as medical needs. Being in a familiar environment can lead to faster and more effective recovery at home.
Dental October 1/4.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2024 14:50 Page 1
The success of the Hospital at
This month also saw a second celebration for the Hospital at Home team, which won the Working Together Award at the RUH’s annual You Matter Staff Awards, in recognition of the are and support provided by the team for patients.
Kerrie Hopson, Service Lead for
RUH Hospital at Home, said: “The Hospital at Home team works tirelessly to ensure that those we care for receive the best possible care, extending this commitment to carers, family, and friends.
“Kindness and civility are
fundamental to our approach, ensuring that every patient is seen as an individual and treated with compassion, respect, and consideration for what matters most to them during home visits.
“Being in a familiar environment
can have a big impact on the people we care for; evidence shows patients recover better and quicker in their own home, and we are delighted to be able to play such a key role in our patients’ recoveries.”
Interested in sponsoring this section? Get in touch: advertise@bathecho.co.uk
Bath youngsters grow their way to success thanks to special initiative
CHILDREN at a primary school in Bath have been raising funds thanks to a special initiative that has seen them growing tomato plants, washing cars and selling homemade lemonade.
Weston All Saints Church of England Primary School (WASPS) has been raising funds through the ‘Grow a Pound’ initiative. To date the pupils have generated more than £1,000 from sales of goods, including tomato plants, with more funds due shortly.
In May every pupil was given £1, kindly donated by sponsor, Bathbased Henny & Joe’s. This was the starting block to create goods or services that would generate more money for the school.
Barney in Year 6 used his investment to buy and grow tomato seeds. He said: “I learnt how it takes some time but it will be worth the money and the tomatoes.”
Barney sold his tomato plants at a stall at Green Park Station on Saturday 24th May. Alongside his plants, Thalia, Izzy and Ida who are also in Year 6 were selling popcorn and candyfloss, having leased the machines for £1 each.
Children also washed cars, sold homemade lemonade and kimchi, and much more.
Although she will be leaving WASPS at the end of this term, Thalia said she wanted to raise money to buy play equipment for other pupils. She said: “We want
the school to have more after we leave, so people can have more equipment to play on.”
Ida added: “We want more fun for the next generation.”
Grow Your Pound has been organised by the PTA at WASPS and this is the second year of organising the fundraising initiative. Last year more than £3,000 was raised.
Emma D’Aubyn, WASPS PTA committee member, said: “Grow Your Pound has been one of the most exciting projects for me being on the WASPS PTA. It encourages the children to think about running a business and what could be achieved if you start with very little and work hard.
“It’s inspired several of the
Pupils use pedal power to raise funds for school
FOUR pupils from Years 3 and 4 at Roundhill Primary at Southdown got on their bikes to raise funds for activities at the school.
Kacie, Esmae, Noah-Rae and Ellie-May took part in a 15-mile sponsored bike ride last month and raised more than £1,000. They cycled from Twerton to Bitton via the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. The cycle ride was organised by the children and their parents.
Esmae said: “I really liked the bike ride but I ached the next day!
I wanted to raise money for my school.”
Noah-Rae added: “I rode the whole thing on my BMX, which only has one gear. The hills were hard work!”
Vicky Dupras, Roundhill’s headteacher, said: “We are all so proud of the children for their sponsored bike ride.
“The money that they raised will be donated to the Friends of Roundhill who provide funding for a wide range of things for the school, including funding trips and visits for the children.”
Teens create spectacular sculpture for festival
children to continue running their own little businesses outside of school and hopefully we’ve inspired some entrepreneurs of the future.
“A massive thank you to Henny & Joe’s, a local company who brought the idea to us and sponsored the event.”
Matthew Norcott, headteacher at WASPS, said: “I’m so proud of all the children at WASPS who have used their own creativity and ingenuity to grow something small into such a huge achievement.
“It’s been wonderful to hear their ideas and see how they have enjoyed taking on this challenge. I also want to thank the school’s PTA who have worked so hard on this initiative.”
A SCULPTURE being created by young people as part of this summer’s Keynsham Music Festival will first be going on display at the Glastonbury Festival.
For the last six months, Mike May, chair of Keynsham Music Festival, has led a team of professionals from the Willow Project and WTF Workshops in Bristol to work with teenagers who are not in school, training or work to create a sculpture made of metal.
The structure is seven metres high and will be a feature at the Glastonbury Festival from 25th to 29th June.
It is hoped that the complete work will then be displayed at
Keynsham’s festival, which runs from 30th June to 6th July. The project, called Arcadia, was sponsored by Keynsham Town Council with the purpose of raising the self-esteem of a group of young people who have yet to find the right motivation in their lives.
Andy Wait, a trustee of Keynsham Music Festival, said: “It will be worth coming to the festival just to see the amazing work of these young people. The statue is currently being put together for the big reveal at Glastonbury.”
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Schools unite for cricket festival as part of bicentenary celebrations
Becky Feather Reporter
A NEW venture is bringing independent and state schools together from across the city for an all-day cricket tournament.
The Festival of Schools Cricket on Thursday 26th June will be held as part of Lansdown Cricket Club’s bicentenary celebrations.
Club chairman Scott Longstaff says: “Cricket as a sport is well served by the private schools in our city and we have a rich history of quality players coming from here; however, the provision of cricket in state schools is less impressive.”
He said the club and Oldfield School headteacher Andy Greenhough are working with the heads of private and state schools in the city to create the innovative festival.
“State schools and private schools are being paired to create teams that will play each other at the event. The tournament
will crown a paired school team as the winners at the end of the day but really it is the spirit of co-operation between state and private schools which is brilliant and a shared intent to inspire more sporting achievement and access in our city.
“We are not aware of any sort of similar initiative anywhere else.”
A Festival of Walking Cricket will also be taking place at the club’s Combe Park ground next week.
In 2022, Lansdown Cricket Club became the first in Bath and one of the first in the county to set up a Walking Cricket section designed in general for older people who
are less mobile.
On Tuesday, 24th June, the club will play host to a tournament with Taunton and Highbridge teams joining for the day.
To celebrate being at the heart of Bath sport and community inclusion for two centuries, the club is aiming to raise £200,000 this year for charities.
The 200 for 200 Campaign is in aid of RUHX, the official charity of Bath’s Royal United Hospital, and Dorothy House Hospice Care. You can find out about all the other events taking place for the rest of the year on the club’s website www.lansdowncricketclub.co.uk
Restaurant wants new access to stop delivery drivers loitering
A CITY centre restaurant which opened last year after a £2 million fit-out now wants to install French doors so delivery drivers waiting to pick up food aren’t loitering on the street or reception area.
Bardacious, which serves Californian and Mexicaninspired cuisine, was founded by Bath couple Steve and Dasha Luttrell.
The Bardacious team began renovating Grade II* listed 8-9 Quiet Street in September 2023, transforming the ground and lower-ground levels of the derelict bank into a “state-of-themarket” restaurant.
It has become a popular choice since opening in July 2024 and there are plans for Bardacious to become an international brand.
The owners are seeking planning permission and listed building consent to replace one of the external arched windows with glazed, frameless French doors to allow street access to a new counter for takeaway service.
In a statement in support of the application, it is noted: “The principal intention is to ensure that delivery professionals do not loiter on the street outside or congregate in the restaurant’s main receiving area.”
Internally, the restaurant is also proposing to add a small, designated preparation kitchen to keep warm and package to-go dishes.
The statement also says: “In time, Steve and Dasha, along with the leadership and talent of general manager John Cozens and head chef James (Jamie) McDonald, plan to expand across the UK and internationally to eventually compete with top restaurant brands, such as The Ivy. “The key, of course, is deft site location and maintaining quality in every aspect of the business.”
It adds: “Steve and Dasha have enjoyed developing the brand to date and remain committed to growing a leading local eating establishment that serves as the basis for a Bath-headquartered global hospitality brand, but it is essential to make this location the best it can be in every way first.”
Both planning permission and listed building consent are being sought from Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The planning reference is 25/02115/FUL and the deadline for comments is 4th July.
Sweet shop premises are repossessed
A SWEET shop in the centre of Bath has closed due to rent arrears, and the landlord has secured repossession. There are legal notices posted on the glass doors of Kingdom of Sweets in Stall Street, including one saying the locks have been changed.
A notice dated 28th May addressed to Drayover Ltd from solicitors Taylor Wessing, who are acting for the landlord, tells the company “you have failed to pay the rent which fell due on 25 May 2025 nor have you paid the £5,000 which fell due on 26 May 2025”.
It adds that it has come to their client’s attention that there is an active proposal by Companies
House to strike off Drayover Ltd “which constitutes a threat that the company will cease to exist”. The solicitors say their client has “demonstrated significant patience” but in light of breaches is entitled to a break notice terminating the lease.
A subsequent notice dated 7th June says the lease was duly terminated on 6th June, and the owner has recovered possession. The final collection date given for the goods remaining in the shop is 21st June, with notice having to be given not less than 24 hours beforehand.
Companies House records show that compulsory strike-off action was discontinued on 31st May.
Plans to remove ‘unsafe’ historic canopy for vital repairs
Becky Feather Reporter
THERE are plans to make good the Art Nouveau glass canopy at the High Street entrance to The Corridor in Bath after inspectors branded it “badly degraded and unsafe”. Following concerns raised by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s head of heritage services in 2020 about the canopy opposite the Guildhall, structural engineers confirmed there was some corrosion but that the steel beams below the glazed roof appeared to be in “reasonable” condition. Refurbishments were recommended.
But a follow-up structural
inspection report produced earlier this year revealed that the Grade II-listed canopy has further degraded and has become “unsafe with failed critical structural components”.
It is currently being held up by scaffolding and enclosed by timber boarding.
The Corridor dates from 1825, and the canopy, which is six metres wide and three metres deep, was added 102 years later.
The recent report says: “As with any structure that is neglected, there comes a time where the intended function is compromised and potentially catastrophic failure can only be averted by major intervention, things can only hang by a thread for so long.
“Given the prominence of the structure as both a decorative and functional feature to one of the oldest retail arcades in the country, it is assumed that
it would not simply be removed as no longer fit for purpose and that every effort would be made to restore the structure back to its intended form and function.
“In order to achieve this and due to the interconnectedness of all the components, it is inevitable that the majority of the components will need to be dismantled.”
Both planning and listed building consent are being sought from the council by applicant Conegate (2006) Ltd to remove, repair, refurbish, and, where necessary, replace “corroded and dangerous elements” of the canopy.
The report says that while the scaffolding “is a necessary public safety requirement, it is causing significant harm to the businesses at 18 and 19 High Street”.
Running Bath is at No. 18 and Society Café occupies No. 19.
The deadline for comments on the proposals is 4th July.
The Bardacious restaurant in Bath
The Kingdom of Sweets store on Stall Street
The hoarding up at the entrance to The Corridor
Finance boss at water company banned from receiving a bonus
only get bonuses if they’ve performed well, certainly not if they’ve failed to tackle water pollution.
WESSEX Water has been banned by the government from giving one of its top bosses a bonus after criminal sewage spills in and near Somerset killed thousands of fish.
Under new rules from water regulator Ofwat, water companies can no longer pay their bosses bonuses if they have failed to meet key standards or are convicted of a criminal offence. It means Bath-based Wessex Water, which has awarded top bosses £4.246 million in bonuses over the last ten years, is now banned from paying a bonus to its chief financial officer (CFO.)
The water company was fined half a million pounds in November 2024 after it pleaded guilty to causing untreated sewage to discharge into a marsh rhyne in Wick St Lawrence on the edge of Weston-super-Mare, and for sewage spills near Melksham just across the Wiltshire border in 2018.
Six water companies have been banned from paying their top bosses bonuses, although Wessex Water is the only one banned due to a criminal conviction.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: “Water company bosses, like anyone else, should
“Undeserved bonuses will now be banned as part of the government’s plan to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.”
Under the rules, which came into force on Friday 6th June under the Water (Special Measures) Act, Wessex Water’s CEO is exempt from the ban as she was not in post at the time of the incidents.
But the company said it had already decided to award neither her nor the CFO bonuses.
Spined stickleback and eels were killed in Wick St Lawrence after a pressurised sewage pipe burst. It had been identified by Wessex Water as a critical main that needed monitoring, but no monitoring was put in place until after the incident.
In the Melksham incident, a mechanical failure meant sewage was discharged into Clackers Brook, which flows into the Avon, for 54.5 hours.
Sewage flowing through a nature conservation area killed almost all of the fish within a kilometre.
The more than 2,100 fish killed including threatened eels, lamprey and bullheads.
The company did not report it to the Environment Agency immediately, and an investigation
Legal tips for carers
Increasing emphasis is being placed upon families caring for their older relatives, and many of us are only too willing to shoulder the responsibility of caring for a loved one when they need our help. However, it can be a difficult time with many issues to consider.
The following actions can help prepare you for the road ahead.
1. Arrange authority to make decisions for someone – We all take decision making for granted and everyone should be encouraged to make decisions for themselves for as long as possible. However, if you are caring for someone who can no longer
Transport firm applies to extend warehouse
Becky Feather Reporter
KEYNSHAM firm IJ McGill Transport has submitted a planning application to extend a warehouse at its Avon Mill Lane headquarters to keep up with customer demand.
The warehousing and storage business at the former paper mill site is complementary to the distribution business.
IJ McGill Transport Ltd has depots in Devon, Buckinghamshire, the Midlands and Manchester, but operates its UK-wide company from Keynsham.
3,702.59sq m.
The planning statement says: “Previously, local councillors have expressed concern about the loss of B8 warehousing in the Keynsham area. This proposal helps redress that balance by creating more capacity.”
discovered there had been other discharges that year which were not reported.
A spokesperson for Wessex Water said: “In 2018 when the two pollution incidents occurred, and in recognition of their seriousness, the then managing director received no environmental bonus.
“Similarly, in 2024 the CEO received no bonus following the conclusion of the prosecution related to those incidents.
“This year, and irrespective of the government’s new rules, our independent remuneration committee has already confirmed that neither our new CEO or CFO will receive any bonus.
“This decision reflects our own rules which require the achievement of specific customer and environmental performance targets. Once the issues from seven years ago were identified, we acted swiftly to minimise environmental harm and carried out emergency repairs. Since then, we have invested in AI technology to detect where potential issues on our network might occur to further protect the environment.
“Looking ahead, we are planning a step change in the maintenance of our sewerage infrastructure, with a proposed investment of approximately £300 million by 2030.”
Legal Expert
make decisions for themselves, it can often be difficult for anything to be done on their behalf if the appropriate documents are not in place.
It’s important that arrangements are made to ensure someone is able to make decisions when needed, and there are a couple of ways of achieving this: lasting power of attorney (LPA), a formal document which gives people authority to make decisions on behalf of another (the ‘donor’) when that person is no longer able to make decisions for themselves; or the court of protection, which can be applied to if the donor loses the capacity to make decisions without an LPA
Until 2019, when McGill’s moved in, the former Keynsham Paper Mill site had been used for 20 years by DS Smith as a paper recycling depot.
The planning application submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council seeks permission to extend the warehouse that McGill’s built in 2022, and the demolition of some of the existing buildings on the site to improve the layout.
A planning statement says: “Since Covid and with the impact of Brexit and the war in Ukraine, together with other global issues affecting supply routes, UK companies are making greater use of storage to ensure they have a good supply of stock for their customers.
“This has seen a growth in the warehouse storage business for IJ McGill Transport Ltd, with the new warehouse that was built in 2022 now full to capacity.”
It adds: “The storage facility serves, and will support in the future, local businesses in Bath and Bristol, providing sustainable solutions and the ability to distribute goods to these local centres on smaller vehicles.
“Goods for storage arrive on site in shipping containers for unloading and transfer into the warehouse.”
After demolition is taken into account, the proposal represents a net gain in floorspace of
It adds that an “extensive” appraisal of the site had been undertaken to establish the best location for the additional warehouse space.
“It is understood that a proposal for a new link road to the north of the site is back under consideration although no details of the proposed route are currently available. This is one of the major constraints that need to be considered when developing the site.
“As the actual position of the link road has yet to be determined it was clear that to avoid delay, any further expansion needed to be made to the southern section of the site, and in that respect an extension to the 2022 warehouse would be the best option even though this will require the demolition of part of the old paper mill that is currently used for warehousing and offices. “This option does make the construction process more complex in that stage 1 of the new warehouse will need to be fully operational prior to the demolition of the old paper mill building so that goods can be moved into the new warehouse.” It is envisaged that the warehouse extension would result in the increase to the workforce of 10 personnel. The current number of employees is 116.
The planning reference is 25/01924/FUL. The deadline for comments is 3rd July.
in place, and which manages the affairs of incapacitated people.
2. Understand their entitlement to care funding – An important concern for individuals and their carers is how to fund their longterm care. Before steps are taken to arrange payment of care fees, it is essential to understand the individual’s entitlement to help with funding their care.
Two common ways care might be funded are: NHS Continuing Care (if a person’s primary need for care is because of their health, then the NHS should meet the cost of that care through NHS Continuing Care); or local authority-funded care (where the need for care is for personal
care rather than health, the means-testing procedure for local authority-funded care will be applicable).
3. Review your Wills – If your Will makes provision for someone who is receiving or about to receive long-term care, it may no longer be appropriate for assets to pass to them outright if they survive you.
Anything they inherit will be used towards paying for their care, so you might want to consider incorporating provisions into your Will to protect assets for the next generation. This can be by means of a trust or by diverting assets away from the person in receipt of care.
More cycle hangars are installed in Bath amid controversy
Becky Feather Reporter
TWENTY new cycle hangars have been installed in Bath but there has been opposition to many of the locations chosen and they have been dubbed “metal monstrosities”.
The latest tranche, providing 120 parking spaces at a cost of more than £200,000, is in addition to 21 hangars that were put in place across Bath & North East Somerset in 2023.
The hangars are in areas requested by the public and councillors.
The council says each hangar provides secure, weatherprotected storage for up to six bicycles and occupies just half the space of a standard car parking bay. Spaces are available to rent for a fee of £60 per year. Since the first hangars were introduced in 2023, the council says occupancy rate has grown to 94% in April 2025. In Bath alone, the hangars had been at capacity for almost one year.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding our cycle hangar programme. Secure cycle parking is a key part of enabling more people to choose cycling for everyday journeys.”
She added: “These new hangars will make it easier for residents to store bikes safely and conveniently, especially where home storage is limited.”
The cycle hangars are funded through the Government’s Active Travel Fund and delivered in partnership with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA).
The new ones are at: Alfred Street, Beaufort East, Burlington Street, Camden Road, Cavendish Crescent, Charmouth Road, Chaucer Road, Crescent Lane, Cynthia Road, First Avenue, Jesse Hughes Court, Kensington Place, Queens Parade, Ringswell Gardens, Sion Hill Place, Spring Lane, St Saviour’s Road, Stanley Road West, Stuart Place and Upper Hedgemead Road.
Among the objections lodged for locations during the consultation period was one from the National Trust which said that although it supports the modal shift towards cycling, it had “significant concerns” about a cycle hangar in front of the historic Assembly Rooms at Alfred Street.
The trust had concerns about the effects on the historic environment, character and setting of the Grade I listed building, and that it would create a “bottle neck” and restrict access including for wheelchair users. It added that set against a wall, the hangar might be used as a platform for people to access the private gardens beyond.
The trust asked the council to explore other locations or solutions for cycle storage in the area.
But in response a council officer said: “We have considered the impact on the area from a heritage and conservation standpoint by liaising with our colleagues in this department and chosen an appropriate colour for the hangars from the Bath pattern book.”
The officer said the location had been reviewed by the highways department and that it maintains approximately two metres of pavement width for pedestrians. It noted concerns about the
location potentially blocking the access corridor during the current refurbishment of the Assembly Rooms but said public access would be maintained.
Ten objections were raised about the hangar at Cavendish Road with one resident saying:
“To introduce these awful metal monstrosities a few yards from one of Bath's celebrated crescents is a massive mistake aesthetically, even if it will be under a tree.”
They added that to see a cyclist in this area is very unusual: “We are so close to the city centre it's easy to commute on foot.
“Who would want to cycle heading north towards the motorway? As for owning and storing a bicycle to head east or west, going where? The demographics here need to be recognised. Cavendish Crescent and Cavendish Place are affluent areas with mostly older owneroccupiers who either walk, take the bus or drive.”
Another said the hangar would be a hazard on a street
COLUMN | Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath
One of the great joys of representing Bath is witnessing the power of community to drive change. This month, I had the privilege of visiting St. Michael’s Junior Church School in Twerton, where the Orchestra of Everything Foundation is transforming young lives through music. Every child from Year 3 to Year 6 is learning at least one instrument, and over 80% learning a second! From playing recorders and ukuleles to cellos and trombones, more than 250 children across Bath are benefiting from this inspiring programme. Twerton is one of the most disadvantaged areas in the country, with over a quarter of children living in poverty. Music tuition is often out of reach for families on low incomes, but the Foundation is breaking down those barriers by offering high-
quality music education for free. I was so moved by the passion of the staff and the joy on the children’s faces that I’ve become a patron of the Foundationand I’d encourage everyone in Bath to support them however they can. Music is not just an extracurricular activity, it builds confidence, community and lifelong skills. Last month I visited another wonderful organisation of dedicated volunteers, Avon Needs Trees, who are working hard to fight climate change. Avon Needs Trees’ newest project, a 400-acre site near Compton Dando where 100,000 trees will be established as part of the Lower Chew Forest initiative. At a time when government treeplanting targets are consistently being missed, it’s grassroots organisations like this that are stepping up. Tree planting plays a
crucial role in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises and it’s heartening to see that progress happening right on our doorstep. In Parliament, I have continued to raise the issues that matter to Bath. One of these is the urgent need for the UK to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme, which for decades gave young people the opportunity to live, study, volunteer and train across Europe.
I’ve heard clearly from young constituents that they feel this loss deeply. Brexit has made it harder and more expensive for our young people to access these life-changing opportunities and that must change. I’ll keep pressing the government to ensure that any new UK-EU youth scheme matches the ambition and reach of Erasmus+.
I’ve also spoken out about the shocking state of too many
Regarding the hangar at Beaufort East, the manager at the Bath Cat Clinic wrote to the council to say: “Parking has always been an issue for our clients, some of whom are elderly or disabled and cannot manage to carry their cat baskets very far.
“People already park here in the day and cycle in or use scooters, taking advantage of the free parking in our area, so the addition of a bike hangar may encourage more people to do so. Whilst I am in favour of cycling, this location has potential to impact negatively on our business as we have no dedicated parking.”
where there have been several accidents: “Unlike cars which have windows, the hangers block sightlines.”
They continued: “Placing a hanger on an incline is surely a danger to the cyclists - a car breaking downhill might not stop in time if a cyclist suddenly emerges from the hangar into its path.”
In response a council officer said that the impact had been considered from a heritage and conservation standpoint. Regarding the gradient of the road, the site had been determined to be a feasible site and the width of the road and pavement are suitable to safely accommodate a cycle hangar.
The officer added that the hangar does not obstruct visibility significantly more than a parked car would in the same location and takes up approximately one car parking space which is only a small proportion of the total car parking space on Cavendish Road.
The council’s response was: “The cycle hangar will take up space of one car parking bay.
“Whilst we note the concern about losing a parking space it will provide six cycling spaces, and there is other car parking on the street and within walking distance of the cat clinic.”
The council did agree to change the positioning of a hangar at Oldfield Park after concerns were raised. The owners of 25 Stanley Road West objected to having a hangar 4.2 metres from their lounge window, saying it would have a “hugely detrimental impact” on their privacy.
Local councillors had also highlighted concerns about the impact as the pavement is on level ground with the house.
The council agreed to swap it to outside No. 23 next to an existing disabled parking bay and as a result a 10-metre parking bay can be retained.
rental homes across Bath. From mould and damp to lack of insulation, I continue to hear distressing stories from constituents, including cases where children have developed health problems as a result. With one in four renters living in fuel poverty and 21% of private rented homes failing to meet the Decent Homes Standard, we cannot let this crisis continue. Local housing providers like Curo are doing everything they can, but without the proper funding and government support, they are being asked to do the impossible. I’ve called on the new government to finally act with urgency - to raise standards, support repairs, and invest in warm, safe, and affordable homes.
Finally, ahead of the UN Ocean
Conference in Nice, I raised the state of our oceans in Parliament. Inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s thought-provoking new film ‘Ocean’, I urged the government to take meaningful steps to end destructive practices like bottom trawling which not only devastates marine life but also releases huge amounts of carbon into our atmosphere. Our oceans are the lifeblood of our planet, and we cannot delay action any longer.
From tackling climate change and championing accessible music education to fighting for better housing standards, I will always stand up for what matters to Bath. As ever, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at office@werahobhouse.co.uk I’m here to listen, and to act on your behalf.
The new cycle hangar on Alfred Street
Transport investment hailed as ‘turning point’
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
BATH & North East Somerset Council has hailed a threequarters of a billion pounds government investment in the West of England’s transport as a “turning point” for the area.
Labour West of England Metro Mayor Helen Godwin said that the £752 million investment would start the region on the path towards a mass transit system which could use trams, light rail, or guided buses.
The money would also be spent on improving buses, increasing the frequency of suburban railways, and some road improvements.
The deputy leader of Liberal Democrat-run Bath & North East Somerset Council, Sarah Warren, said: “This investment marks a turning point for sustainable transport in our region. It is a huge opportunity to deliver a cleaner, greener and more connected future that our communities deserve.
“From progressing mass transit options to electrifying our bus fleet across Bath & North East Somerset, this investment will help us tackle costly congestion, achieve our net zero targets, and make it easier for people to choose public transport, walking and cycling.
“On top of the work that’s already being achieved in B&NES, this is welcome news for our region. We look forward to working with our regional partners to deliver a transport system fit for the 21st
century.”
There have long been calls to bring back trams in Bath. While the mass transit system could see them return to the city in a form, Ms Godwin said she was “mode agnostic” about whether the system used trams or a different form of mass transit.
She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I’m not a particular transport geek.”
She said: “I know there’s a great romance and affection for trams. We used to have them in Bristol.
“If the infrastructure points us towards trams in certain parts of the network then great. If the infrastructure — and of course the budget envelope — points us towards something else, whether that’s guided buses or light rail, that’s fine too.”
Even if trams are used, mass transit is not likely to mean a return to something exactly like Bath and Bristol’s tramway
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networks of yesteryear.
Ms Godwin said that buses remained the area’s primary focus for public transport and new mass transit would be focused on where there were areas of congestion, such as the A4 corridor between Bath and Bristol, or building a transport connection to Bristol Airport. But it could still be years before anything is built. When the “Bristol Underground” mass transit system was envisioned, it was estimated to have a price tag in the billions.
But only around £200 million of the newly announced transport funding is expected to be spent on the mass transit plans.
Ms Godwin said: “This doesn’t mean in five years time we are going to have a mass transit network. That’s not going to be the case. But what this enables us to do is to start to get on a fixed path of delivery which is really
important. We are behind. We are not where I would have liked to be given the combined authority is nine years old but this is the start of a different direction of travel for us.”
£150 million of the funding would be used to improve the frequency of the area’s current suburban rail network.
The West of England Combined Authority said it would support the ambition of having four trains per hour across the network.
The £752 million is the West of England’s share of £15.6 billion announced by the government for transport in nine areas of England.
The West of England Combined Authority covers Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. North Somerset is planning to join the combined authority and the mass transit network would also extend into the area.
Planning Round-up
Defibrillator plans for two city pubs
A brewery is planning to install public access defibrillators at two of its pubs in Bath. Listed building consent is being sought from Bath & North East Somerset Council for the installations at the Hare & Hounds and The Locksbrook Inn. St Austell Brewery has submitted the applications for the two Grade II listed pubs. At the Hare & Hounds at Lansdown Road it is proposed to install a cabinet for a defibrillator on a boundary wall. The planning reference is 25/02184/LBA and the deadline for comments is 7th July. External alterations are meanwhile proposed at the front of The Locksbrook Inn at Locksbrook Road for a wall-mounted polycarbonate defibrillator cabinet. The planning reference is 25/02273/ LBA. The deadline for comments is 17th July.
Plan to turn guest house into HMO approved
Plans to turn a B&B at Crescent Gardens in Bath into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been approved. The seven-bed guest house at No.2 Crescent Gardens, also known as Bridgnorth House, can become a seven-bedroom HMO, Bath & North East Somerset Council planners have decided. Ward councillors Paul Roper and George Tomlin had both objected, saying it is an area with an already high concentration of existing HMOs.
BATH Rugby won their first league title for 29 years when they got the better of Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership final on Saturday 14th June.
Johann van Graan’s team pipped the East Midlands outfit 23-21 to secure the crown only three years after finishing bottom of the pile. And the success against Leicester meant Bath claimed a hat-trick of trophies in 2024-25, having already bagged the Premiership Rugby Cup and the European Professional Club Rugby Challenge Cup.
The Blue, Black & Whites topped the Premiership table, their 14 wins and four defeats seeing them finish the regular season 11 points clear of the second-placed Tigers.
In the play-offs, Bath beat Bristol Bears and Leicester overcame Sale Sharks to set up last weekend’s showpiece at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
An early try from short range by Jack van Poortvliet and a conversion from Handré Pollard handed the Tigers a seven-point lead in West London.
But favourites Bath hit back shortly afterwards with a penalty from Finn Russell.
And with 27 minutes gone, the Blue, Black & Whites moved in front, Thomas du Toit going over and Russell booting the extras.
Russell landed a long-range penalty just before the turnaround to give Bath a 13-7 advantage.
The lead was extended when Max Ojomoh went over nine minutes into the second half after Russell intercepted a Pollard pass, ran 60 metres and laid the ball off to the Bath-born centre. Russell then obliged with the conversion. Leicester cut the deficit in the
68th minute, Solomone Kata touching down from close range and Pollard majoring.
Another Russell penalty made it 23-14 but Leicester were not finished, Emeka Illione going over and Pollard kicking the two points.
However, the Tigers’ cause was not helped by a pair of yellow cards – for skipper Julián Montoya in the first half and for Dan Cole in the second period.
At the end, head coach van Graan – the South African who joined Bath in the summer of 2022 –shed what he described as tears of “absolute joy”.
He added: “At the final whistle, thankful for the journey that started almost three years ago, July 11th 2022, a club with no hope. We started to work on our hope on a journey day by day and then we moved into belief and today connection, satisfaction and, more, just grateful for everybody.
“I’m incredibly privileged to have been involved with the Bulls, Springboks and Munster and I came here [Bath] and it was quiet, people felt sorry for us.
“Then we said we’re going to be tough to beat, and the belief
started to grow and it’s awoken the city.
“I believe it’s a humble team, never too high, never too low. Even today we’ve come up against a very good Leicester side.
“To win one trophy, to win two and now to win three – you don’t become a champion when you win a trophy, you’re a champion every day of your life and this group of people have been champions for the past three years.
“This has been a club effort right from the top to the bottom for the people of this amazing club.
“I’ll enjoy this one because I think you have to in life. One of the things in life, when people pass away you always realise that you’ve got to enjoy it and some people close to me have passed away in the past few weeks, some people back home. For me it’s always you’ve got one life and you’ve got to enjoy it with the people around you. We only have today, we don’t have tomorrow, so we’ll enjoy today.”
Bath opened their 2024-25 Premiership campaign on Friday 20th September - against Northampton Saints at the Rec. The hosts’ 38-16 triumph not only
Crossword answers - Issue 105 (06/06/2025)
got them off to a flier but helped ease the disappointment of last season’s Premiership final loss to the Franklin’s Gardens club.
Leicester were beaten on the road before the Blue, Black & Whites suffered their first defeat of the term, the Bears triumphing 3626 at the Rec in round three. But it was Bath’s only league reverse until the New Year.
Gloucester, Harlequins, Sale, Exeter Chiefs and Newcastle Falcons were all dispatched before Bath rounded off 2024 in sensational style, crushing visitors Saracens 68-10 on Saturday 28th December to chalk up their eighth victory from nine Premiership outings.
However, there was a setback on Sunday 5th January as the Saints squeezed to a 35-34 home success.
The Blue, Black & Whites’ next Premiership tussle saw them win 32-23 at Sale. And then – after almost two months away from league action – Bath defeated Gloucester 42-26 at the Rec on Sunday 23rd March.
Quins were beaten 47-28 the next week and then Exeter were pipped 26-24 at Sandy Park before the luckless Falcons were drubbed 55-19 at the Rec in round 15.
Two losses in their final three matches – including a doublesecuring triumph for the Bears –did nothing to prevent Bath being the outstanding side during the regular season.
Revenge was exacted over Bristol in the play-off at the Rec on Friday 6th June, Bath recovering from a 13-6 interval deficit to prevail 34-20 and earn the trip to Headquarters. There, 81,708 rugby fans saw nearly three decades of hurt come to an end for the Blue, Black & Whites.
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Celebrating the win at the victory parade in Bath on Sunday afternoon
