Bath Echo - Issue 135 - 31/07/2026

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Friday 31st July - Thursday 13th August 2026

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POST OFFICE TO CLOSE TG Jones announces closure of its Union Street store - P3

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For news items and press releases: news@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Editor Sebastian Hawker editor@bathecho.co.uk Becky Feather, Reporter becky@bathecho.co.uk Richard Briggs, Sports Reporter richard@bathecho.co.uk Advertising & Marketing: Rob Last - 07990 253664 rob@mediabath.co.uk For sport and match reports: sport@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Want to have a letter published? letters@bathecho.co.uk Subscriptions/Distribution: production@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Published by Media Bath Limited

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Plymouth House in the centre of Bath | Photo courtesy of Avon & Somerset Police

improved facilities for officers, staff and members of the public, as well as dedicated welfare and wellbeing areas.

It has also been developed using trauma-informed and inclusive design principles to provide a supportive environment for visitors and the police workforce.

Superintendent Ronnie Lungu, local policing area superintendent for Bath and North East Somerset, said: “The opening of our new Bath Police Station is a significant milestone for policing in our city and one we’ve been looking forward to for a long time.

“Having a dedicated police station in the heart of Bath

gives us a visible and accessible base from which to serve our communities.

“Bringing our neighbourhood and response teams together in one location will help us work more closely together, share information more effectively and respond to the issues that matter most to local people.

“Just as importantly, the new enquiry office provides a welcoming space where residents, businesses and visitors can speak to us face to face.

“We hope the new station will become an important part of the community and demonstrates our long-term commitment to delivering outstanding policing

From the Editor... Opinion, insight and the stories shaping Bath this week

I

F I’m honest, I’m not entirely surprised that the Post Office located within TG Jones (formerly WHSmith) is due to close within the coming weeks.

Since the closure of Bath’s Crown Post Office on Northgate Street back in 2019, there have been continual issues for residents and visitors using the replacement service; long queues, staffing issues, and access for those with limited mobility have all been noted over the years.

But now, due to the impending closure of the TG Jones store on Union Street, locals will have to rely on the city’s three smaller post offices to get by (Lower Weston, Battle Walk up at Lansdown, and Larkhall), until a

new store takes on the city centre Post Office baton.

When we spoke to the Post Office last week regarding the planned closure on Tuesday 1st September, they told the Echo that they are already working through expressions of interest from other retailers for the city centre Post Office, and want to reopen a branch as soon as possible.

A campaign to ‘Save Bath Post Office’ has now been launched

by Bath MP Wera Hobhouse, alongside Liberal Democrat councillors at Bath & North East Somerset Council. Realistically, the future of a Post Office in Bath comes down to commercial opportunity, not a political one.

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in Bath.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody said: “This investment in a new, centrally located police station and enquiry office offers an improved service to residents of Bath and those visiting.

“It is part of delivering a more visible police presence for the public – which remains a priority in my Police and Crime Plan.

“In addition to the accessible service to the public it will provide a much-needed base to enable officers to effectively engage with partners and communities, address local issues, and keep Bath a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Sebastian Hawker

WHSmith took Post Offices within their branches all those years ago not because they particularly wanted them, but because there was an opportunity that you’d probably spend some cash on a magazine on your way out, or grab a ream of paper for your printer once you’ve sent that parcel.

Whoever takes on the remit of providing a Post Office in the centre of Bath will have to make sure it makes commercial sense, otherwise we’ll be in the same situation in the near future, when we have to go without again.

The Lib Dems have said that any new Post Office in the city centre must be an improvement, not

just a replacement, based on the dissatisfaction experienced within the current site. Councillor Manda Rigby has offered to help with providing suitable premises from the council’s portfolio.

However, the Green councillors have questioned how residents being asked to sign a petition with the Lib Dems will help improve the situation.

It’s all very well using council or WECA funding along with council premises to make sure there’s a Post Office again, but on the day-to-day running of the service, does it make commercial sense to be viable? We’ll have to wait and see.

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BATH’S new police station will open in Monmouth Street in less than a fortnight following the completion of a major refurbishment project.

The public enquiry office will move from Lewis House in Manvers Street to the new station on Wednesday 12th August.

Its existing location will permanently close the previous day, on Tuesday 11th August.

Avon and Somerset Police purchased the former Plymouth House office building in 2023 and has since been transforming it into a modern city centre base.

The station will bring Bath’s neighbourhood and response policing teams together in one location, alongside a public enquiry office for residents, businesses and visitors.

It will replace the force’s existing bases at Redbridge House on Lower Bristol Road and the One Stop Shop at Lewis House, where the neighbourhood team has been based within the council’s offices.

Police said the central location would place officers closer to the communities they serve and support the policing of Bath’s hospitality and retail sectors.

The refurbished building includes

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Bath’s main Post Office based in TG Jones to close Becky Feather Reporter

BATH’S main Post Office, based in TG Jones in Union Street, is to shut along with the store.

Closing down signs have gone up at TG Jones, which was formerly WHSmith, with the premises due to close on 10th September.

A Post Office spokesperson told the Echo: “We fully recognise the challenging trading conditions that TG Jones and many other High Street retailers are facing at the moment.

“TG Jones had its Restructuring Plan approved by the High Court on 1st July, which includes seeking new commercial terms with landlords for the majority of their estate.

“Consequently, TG Jones is looking to close their Bath store.

Regrettably, Bath Post Office is due to close on Tuesday 1st September.

“We know how important our products and services are to the local community.

“We have already received

The TG Jones store on Union Street in Bath

expressions of interest from some retailers and we are now looking more closely at the interest expressed.

“We want to open a replacement branch as soon as possible. In the interim, alternative branches will be Lower Weston, Battle Walk

and Larkhall.”

In July 2019 the City of Bath Post Office moved from Northgate Street into WHSmith.

At the time, the Post Office said the move was part of the continuing modernisation of its branch network, saying: “We

believe the most effective way to secure the long-term viability of Post Office services in Bath is through a carefully selected retail partner, and we are confident that our proposal is the best way of safeguarding services for the community for years to come.”

PM Andy Burnham visits to launch bus campaign Becky Feather Reporter

JUST three days into his new job of running the country, Prime Minister Andy Burnham was in Bath on Wednesday 22nd July to launch a £2 cap on bus fares outside of London that will benefit millions of people across the country.

The Prime Minister, formerly the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, was accompanied by the West of England’s Labour Mayor Helen Godwin on his visit to First’s Weston Island depot to promote the measure.

Currently, fares have been capped at £3 until the end of March 2027, but the move will stop prices jumping next spring and lower fares to £2 from January for the whole year.

During his visit, the Echo asked the Prime Minister, who revealed he is a regular visitor to Bath, what he would be doing to support people in what is seen as an affluent city but has areas of deprivation, very high rents and where many businesses are

Prime Minister Andy Burnham during the visit

struggling.

He said: “I have already in my first three days as Prime Minister announced measures that will help people – yesterday the removal of VAT from electricity bills, today a £2 cap on bus fares that will be in place for the whole of 2027.

“Now don’t get me wrong, I am

not going to say that this solves the challenge – far from it.

However, it shows my intent to help people with measures big and small to take that little bit of pressure off people.

“Further announcements are coming later this week around businesses on the high street and pubs, so people can be assured

that my focus is where it needs to be, it’s on the public’s priorities.

“The cost of living is by far the biggest issue I think that people are struggling with at the moment, the cost of doing business, I’m looking at all of these things and Bath will benefit as much as anywhere else.”

By his side, Helen Godwin highlighted the high cost of property in the city where lots of people work in the tourism sector which is not well paid, and the unique restrictions on building new homes as Bath as it is double UNESCO inscribed.

She said the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) is actively working through the Spatial Development Strategy to look at what can be done around that, including shared ownership and key worker housing.

The Prime Minister was welcomed to Weston Island by the MD of First Bus for the South and West Doug Claringbold, with whom he was at university, and met bus staff and public transport campaigners during his visit, before he returned to Downing Street.

News in Brief Student artwork helps bring colour to streets Original artwork created by students from four local schools and colleges has been installed across the centre of Bath as part of a summer street-dressing project. Banners and bunting featuring designs by students from St Mark’s School, Hayesfield School, LIFT Broadlands and Bath College were put up earlier this month.

The initiative was led by Fashion Museum Bath and Bath & North East Somerset Council in partnership with the Holburne Museum, and aims to showcase the city’s emerging creative talent in public spaces.

Students produced the artwork during a series of practical workshops inspired by A Life in Print, the Holburne Museum’s exhibition celebrating the work of British designer Zandra Rhodes.

After taking part in a guided visit to the exhibition, the students joined artist-led printing and design sessions where they experimented with colour, pattern and personal expression.

Fashion Museum Bath selected a number of the resulting designs to be enlarged and displayed across the city’s streets.

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the creativity of our young people brought to life across Bath’s streets. These installations add colour to the city and show how fashion can inspire our future generations’ creativity.”

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(7th to 13th August) Changeable weather on the way with a greater chance of showers, then becoming dry again with temperatures around average for the time of year, sometimes warmer.

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Four Christians convicted over climate protest at Bath Abbey A RETIRED Church of England vicar and three Christian climate activists have been convicted of aggravated trespass after dropping a huge banner saying ‘Don’t Crucify Creation’ from the tower of Bath Abbey.

The two-day trial was heard by a district judge at Bristol Magistrates’ Court.

The defendants have accused church officials of prioritising tourism over planetary breakdown and billions of deaths.

Their protest had been part of a national day of action by Christian Climate Action (CCA) on 13th September last year, calling on the Church of England to speak out more clearly and persistently about the Climate and Nature Emergency and existential threat to life on Earth.

During CCA’s day of action, similar protests took place at Canterbury, York, Winchester, Westminster Abbey, Durham and Southwark cathedrals with no arrests.

The four in the dock in Bristol last week were the Reverend Bill White, 71, from Macclesfield in Cheshire; 66-year-old Stephen Pritchard, a former parish councillor from Radstock; Emma Ireland, a 41-year-old mental health worker from Bristol; and

Kate Chesterman, 60, a retired university worker from Hythe in Kent.

They argued that they acted out of necessity as experts predict two billion deaths due to climate change by 2050.

The four had occupied the tower for the launch of CCA’s Stop Crucifying Creation vision booklet, hanging a huge banner from the top, sitting down and asking to speak to the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Right Reverend Michael Beasley, to seek his support for the campaign.

Bath Abbey officials called police, who threatened to carry the activists down a narrow spiral staircase to evict them. The four said they walked down the steps to prevent either the police, or themselves, from being hurt.

They were arrested and charged with aggravated trespass and obstruction. Public tours of the tower were disrupted for the rest of the day.

At their trial on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th July, many supporters were outside Bristol Magistrates’ Court and in the public gallery.

Above: The four activists on the roof | Inset: The banner in place on Bath Abbey | Photo © Jamie Bellinger

District Judge Nicholas Wattam did not accept the defence of necessity and fined each of the defendants £200 and to pay £700 in court costs and victim surcharge.

After the verdict, three CCA members – James Grote, Deborah Wilde and Sue Hampton – stood and unfurled a ‘Don’t Crucify Creation’ banner in the public gallery. They were not detained but allowed to leave court with their banner.

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CCA says a report by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and climate scientists from the University of Exeter – ‘Planetary Solvency: Finding Our Balance with Nature’ – predicts more than two billion people will die as a result of global trajectories of 2°C of global warming by 2050.

The defendants said the response from church leaders in calling the police showed they cared more about making money from tower tours than the impending

deaths of billions due to climate breakdown.

Kate Chesterman told the court: “If the best the church can do is prioritise tourism over its own followers attempting to bring the seriousness of the situation to their attention, then there’s something wrong with their religion.”

Stephen Pritchard said: “‘If Jesus were alive today, he would turn over the tables in the gift shop at Bath Abbey and be charged with aggravated trespass.”

Outside court, the Reverend Bill White said: “Early in 2025, a reliable source concluded that between one billion and four billion people will die as a direct result of climate change – the actual numbers depending on what we do and how quickly we do it.

“The Church of England has a five-fold mission to tell, teach, tend, transform and treasure.

How can we claim to tend to the needs of the disadvantaged if we’re silent about the Climate Emergency?

“How can we claim to transform unjust structures if we don’t use our position to speak the truth about the multi-national fossil fuel companies, and about their supporting financial institutions?”

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SouthGate Bath marks decade of summer displays with new canopy

Victims of bogus charity collector to be refunded

A COLOURFUL overhead canopy featuring flowers, butterflies and bees has been installed at SouthGate Bath to mark ten years of its seasonal summer displays.

The latest installation has transformed St Lawrence Street and is designed to resemble a blooming meadow, encouraging visitors to look up and experience the city centre from a different perspective.

SouthGate Bath has featured a new immersive display each summer for the past decade, with previous installations including butterfly decorations, floral canopies and last year’s “river in the sky”.

The 2025 display celebrated the River Avon and the Festival of Nature’s water theme.

This year’s installation has again been created in partnership with the national Festival of Nature, which has been run by the Natural History Consortium since 2003.

It takes inspiration from the festival’s 2026 theme of trees and forests, highlighting the importance of trees and their connections with waterways, food and communities.

FOUR victims of a woman who posed as an RNLI charity collector in Bath and Exeter are set to receive compensation following an investigation.

Eileen McDonagh, from London, bought an RNLI lanyard and uniform before pretending she was authorised to collect donations for the charity.

She was often accompanied by some of her children, who were also wearing branded clothing, and falsely told members of the public that she was fundraising because a family member had drowned at sea. Some donors were charged far more than they had agreed to give.

One person who believed they were donating £2 through a card reader was charged £20, while another who agreed to give £10 later discovered £100 had been taken from their bank account.

McDonagh completed more than 3,600 successful transactions before she was arrested in 2023.

In September last year, she was given a two-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to four fraud offences and one count of money laundering.

Following the conviction, the South West Regional Organised

The new summer canopy | Photo © SouthGate Bath

The canopy has been made using sustainable fabric, with SouthGate Bath planning to reuse as much of the material as possible after it is removed at the end of the summer.

Guy Henderson, centre director at SouthGate Bath, said: “This year’s installation is particularly special as it marks ten years of summer displays at SouthGate Bath.

“Over the past decade, they’ve become a real highlight of Bath’s summer calendar, bringing colour, creativity and immersive experiences into the city centre.

“For this milestone year, we wanted to celebrate the beauty of the natural world and create an installation that feels uplifting, colourful and rooted in this year’s

Festival of Nature theme of trees and forests.

“Following last year’s ‘river in the sky’, which was inspired by the festival’s water theme and Bath’s connection to the River Avon, this year’s display continues that celebration of nature in the heart of the city. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the installation throughout the summer.”

Savita Willmott, chief executive of the Natural History Consortium, said: “We can’t wait to bring the magic of woodlands to the centre of Bath!

“Our partnership with SouthGate Bath is a brilliant collaboration to create a visual celebration of nature for thousands of visitors.

Come down and see it!”

Crime Unit began confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act. An order was granted at Bristol Crown Court on 6th July after McDonagh was found to have benefited from her offending by £64,178.86. She was assessed as having £996.98 available. The four victims who supported the investigation are now in the process of receiving full compensation from those funds.

Detective Inspector Dan Watts, from the SWROCU, said: “McDonagh deliberately defrauded members of the public by appearing as a volunteer who was authorised to raise funds for the RNLI. “Recovering money from such criminality can be challenging but thanks to our detailed financial investigation and the use of Proceeds of Crime Act powers, I am pleased that the four victims who assisted in the prosecution were able to be recompensed.

“We are committed to ensuring offenders do not keep the money they have made through illicit means. The confiscation order which has been granted can be revisited at any time.”

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Bath to Bristol transport upgrades set to start this autumn WORK on a series of sustainable transport improvements along the A4 between Bath and Bristol is due to begin this autumn.

The scheme will include new bus lanes, upgraded bus stops, improved pedestrian crossings and changes to walking, wheeling and cycling routes between Saltford and Bath.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is delivering the investment in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Changes have been made to the original proposals following feedback received during a public consultation launched late last year.

The work is intended to reduce congestion and pollution, improve access to public transport and provide safer crossings near schools including Saltford CofE Primary School and IKB Academy.

Construction is expected to continue until the end of 2028.

Residents and businesses will be contacted about planned work and any temporary diversions.

The project forms part of wider

plans to improve active and sustainable travel connections between the Central Bath and Central Bristol growth areas, including Bristol Temple Quarter and Bath’s Riverside Innovation District.

A separate eight-week consultation on revised proposals for the A4 in and around Keynsham opened on 28th July.

West of England Mayor Helen Godwin said: “Everyone in our region knows that traffic is often a problem along the A4, particularly at rush hour.

“These updated proposals are a result of listening to local communities and should help cut congestion and pollution.

“I’ll say again that we need more carrots, and less sticks, so that people have more reliable, sustainable options for how to get around the West – including improved school safety efforts.

“Thanks to the input of residents, our investment working with local councils can start to really make a difference that our communities can see and feel every day in and between Bath and Bristol.”

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy

Newbridge Road in Bath

leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and cabinet member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, said: “We’re delighted that these improvements to the A4 Bath to Bristol corridor are now set to move forward.

“Shaped by feedback from local communities, the scheme will deliver safer, more accessible walking, wheeling, cycling and

Council endorses charter to better protect River Avon after wife’s plea John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

A WOMAN who married the River Avon has successfully urged councillors to take more action to protect it.

Bath & North East Somerset Council voted unanimously at its full council meeting on 16th July to endorse a charter to respect the river’s “rights” to exist, slow sustainably, and not be polluted.

Campaign group We are Avon wants all councils along the 83mile length of the river to follow suit.

Meg Avon, a researcher and performance poet who married the river in a ceremony in 2023 to raise awareness of water pollution, was among public speakers at the meeting calling on the council to back the charter.

She said: “Recognising these rights is not a radical act. Humans and nature are not separate, we are together.”

She said that We Are Avon already had 120 river guardians monitoring the river and 260,000 acres of its bioregion. The campaign group is now trying to get every council along the course of the river and its tributaries to sign up to the “charter for our Avon bioregion”.

In May, the River Wye became the first British river to have every council from its source to its mouth commit to a charter to protect it and ensure it is considered in council discussions.

The River Avon in Bath

Tabling the motion to protect the River Avon, Councillor Andy Wait (Keynsham East, Liberal Democrat) told Bath & North East Somerset Council: “This is what I want for our Avon.”

He said: “I expect all councils — unitary, town, and parish — to adopt this charter from the source to the sea. One council, Winsley Parish Council in Wiltshire, has already adopted the charter which is great for us because the water that flows through Winsley is the same that flows through B&NES.” Councillor Oli Henman (Walcot, Liberal Democrat) said it was “shocking” that people swimming in the river had been getting sick.

He said: “I believe it is essential that we need to work together to clean up our rivers and give people access to natural spaces surrounded by better biodiversity.”

The meeting also heard from East Harptree mum Daisy Thompson, who claimed that the nearby water recycling centre had discharged for over a thousand hours into the small brook near

her house last year.

She said: “I certainly don’t let my children go into the river any more.”

The brook leads into Chew River, which itself leads into the Avon. The resolution passed by the council is intended to cover the wider river area, including tributaries, and other issues such as agricultural runoff and industrial pollution as well as water companies’ sewage dumping.

As well as adopting the charter, it calls on the council to urgently review what measures it can take to improve water quality and biodiversity in the River Avon and its tributaries, and calls on the council leader to contact Wessex Water to set up regular meetings to hold them to account for discharging untreated sewage into the river.

Several locations along the river are popular with swimmers. Mrs Avon’s wedding to the River Avon featured in the film ‘Rave on for the Avon’. She celebrated her third wedding anniversary with the river in March.

bus routes, helping people make more sustainable travel choices.

“From extending the Bristol and Bath Railway Path into the heart of Bath to creating safer routes for school children, these investments will make everyday journeys easier, healthier and more connected.

“We look forward to seeing the benefits for residents across Bath and North East Somerset.”

The revised plans include a new 1.2km eastbound bus lane from Broadmead Roundabout to Copse Road and a twoway cycle lane alongside the pavement between Broadmead Roundabout and Ellsbridge Close.

Five new signal-controlled crossings for pedestrians and cyclists are proposed along the route and at Norman Road, with an additional three at Broadmead Roundabout.

The shareduse path connecting Twerton Fork with the Bristol and Bath Railway Path will be widened and provided with new lighting, while new signal-controlled crossings are planned at the Globe.

Other changes include reducing the speed limit to 40mph between the Globe Roundabout and Twerton Fork, installing raised crossings on side roads along Newbridge Road and upgrading traffic lights at Newbridge Hill and Windsor Bridge Road to give priority to buses.

A total of 31 bus stops will also be upgraded, including those at Norman Road, Lansdown Road and Twyning Road.

Tufa field supported homes work begins INITIAL work has begun on a new supported housing development in Bath which will help adults with learning disabilities and autism live independently close to their families and support networks.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has appointed Stepnell Ltd to prepare the Englishcombe Lane site, known as the Tufa field, ahead of the main construction phase later this year.

The scheme will include a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom homes, designed to be accessible and adaptable for wheelchair users, as well as a communal hub for residents.

The council says the development will provide much-needed local accommodation for adults with learning disabilities and/ or autism spectrum disorder, reducing the need for people to move away from the area to receive suitable care and support.

Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for adult services, said: “Seeing work begin on site is an exciting and important moment for this much-needed development.

“These homes will make a real difference to people’s lives and shows our commitment to providing high-quality, local accommodation so people can remain close to family, friends and their support networks, avoiding the need to move away from the area.”

The project forms part of the council’s wider Homes programme, which aims to

Image © Arcadis / B&NES Council

increase the supply of supported and affordable housing while investing in communities and helping people live healthier and more independent lives.

Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for built environment, housing and sustainable development, said: “The appointment of a contractor and start of works is a significant step forward. This development demonstrates how we are delivering sustainable growth that invests in people as well as places.

“By combining high-quality design, environmental enhancement and social value, Englishcombe Lane will not only meet a critical housing need, but also contribute to our wider ambition for inclusive economic growth and strong, resilient communities.”

The Englishcombe Lane scheme has already received national recognition for its design and its approach to integrating supported living with the wider community and natural environment. Stepnell is also planning a meeting for people living near the site to explain the measures that will be in place during construction.

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Crime & Court

Friday 31st July - Thursday 13th August 2026

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Get in touch: advertise@bathecho.co.uk

Man punched and kicked club-goer Bath man is snared by after knocking back 20 drinks online ‘vigilantes’ A MAN knocked back 20 alcoholic drinks before going to a Bath night club where he ended up punching and kicking another man in the head.

As Jack Condick was sentenced last week, he was told he was lucky to be standing in a magistrates’ court, rather than a coroner’s court, as inflicting such injuries to someone’s head could prove fatal.

The incident happened at Komedia in Westgate Street on 21st December last year.

Condick was ejected from the club by security and lost consciousness during restraint.

He was arrested and during the journey used abusive language including a reference to “f****** immigrants”.

At Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 22nd July, 20-yearold Condick, of Holcombe Grove in Keynsham, admitted a charge of assault by beating and a racially aggravated offence of using threatening or abusive language likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The magistrates were shown photos of the marks that Condick inflicted on his victim.

Solicitor Maxine Twynam, representing Condick, who had

Condick was arrested after being ejected from Komedia

no previous convictions, said he had consumed 20 alcoholic drinks that night before going to Komedia.

She said that when he’d watched the police footage of his behaviour “he felt sick” and was “genuinely remorseful”, adding that he had cut his alcohol consumption to ensure he is never in this position again.

Condick is currently only doing “cash in hand” work, and if he was given a community order with an unpaid work requirement, it would give his life some structure,

Ms Twynham told the court.

After stressing to Condick the seriousness of the matters for which he was before them, magistrates imposed a 12-month community order under which he must complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay his victim £500 compensation, fined £200 and must also pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £114 court surcharge.

As Condick left the dock, chair of the bench Mark Pilgrim told him: “Let’s not see you again.”

A BATH man thought he was talking to girls under 16 but was actually communicating with fake profiles on social media operated by a “vigilante group”.

Alexander Savery, 31, appeared at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13th July, to admit three charges dating back to 2024.

The offences involved attempting to engage in sexual communication with three ‘girls’ – one between 20th April and 5th June, another between 16th May and 5th June, and a third between 19th June and 16th July 2024.

Prosecutor Kevin Withey told the court that members of Saving Children’s Futures – a group which aims to protect children from online predators – had turned up at Savery’s home in Newbridge, carried out a citizen’s arrest and called the police.

Mr Withey said that to Savery’s credit, he had confessed to what he had done and his devices had been seized and sent for forensic analysis.

Savery, who had no previous convictions, sat with his head bowed during the hearing.

He was represented by solicitor Neil Brooker, who told the bench that members of the “vigilante group” had turned up at Savery’s

Savery confessed to what he had done

home, encouraged him to come out and were filming and livestreaming on a social media platform, which had been “unpleasant” for him.

The court heard that there was no indication that Savery had committed any further offences, and he has been monitored and supervised by the police.

Magistrates ordered a presentence report and adjourned the case until 14th September.

As he is now a convicted sex offender, Savey was ordered to register his full details within three days at the police centre in Keynsham, including bank accounts, passport and any addresses where he resides.

Woman admits hitting man with hockey stick

Man dodges jail after convictions over animal cruelty and fraud

A ROAD rage incident which began near the Broadmead roundabout in Keynsham ended near Newbridge Park & Ride in Bath where an Audi driver was punched and then struck on the head with a hockey stick.

It happened on 13th December 2024, but the case only came to court on Wednesday 15th July.

Robyn Jackson, 28, of Marmaduke Street in Bristol, admitted a charge of unlawfully and maliciously wounding the driver, and that it was racially aggravated. She had uttered a racial slur.

Jackson also admitted being in possession of an offensive weapon – the hockey stick – without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

Bath magistrates were shown images of the injury that Jackson inflicted on the back of the victim’s head in the middle of Newbridge Road after her Vauxhall Corsa and the Audi came to a stop. The wound required stitches.

The court heard that the attack put Jackson in breach of a ninemonth conditional discharge which had been imposed in September 2024.

A 22-YEAR-OLD man convicted of cattle cruelty charges and fraud has been sentenced to a total of 34 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Tobias Moxham had pleaded guilty at Bath Magistrates’ Court in May to a total of eight offences relating to cattle kept on land last year at Deanhill Lane in Upper Weston.

He had also admitted fraud by false representation between 19th May and 22nd May 2025, relating to £9,000 he was paid to fund building work at a couple’s home.

At the hearing, District Judge Lynne Matthews had ordered a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service and granted Moxham bail on condition that he was not responsible for or cared for livestock.

Moxham, of Northam in Bideford, was back in court for sentencing on Wednesday, 22nd July.

The charges were brought by Bath & North East Somerset Council and related to unnecessary suffering caused to up to 30 calves.

They were grossly malnourished, kept outside rather than in a barn

The incident began in Keynsham

It followed two separate offences which happened in February of that year.

One was a racially aggravated public order offence and the other an offence of causing harassment, alarm or distress.

At the hearing, the magistrates ordered an all-options presentence report to be prepared by the Probation Service.

Jackson, who was remanded on unconditional bail, will return to court to be sentenced on 23rd September.

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The cattle was kept on land at Deanhill Lane in Upper Weston

and weaned too young.

Moxham failed to take reasonable steps to ensure they were protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease due to rubble, fence post holes and plastic in the field where they were grazing, and failed to ensure they were cared for by enough competent staff.

He also failed to notify the Secretary of State within three days of moving cattle off a holding.

For the animal welfare offences, magistrates handed Moxham a total suspended sentence of 17 weeks and banned him from

keeping livestock for 10 years.

He received a further 17-week suspended sentence for the fraud offence. The magistrates ordered him to pay £9,000 in compensation to the couple he defrauded, as well as prosecution costs to the council of £8,320.

■ Moxham’s co-accused Hisnain Mahmood, 32, previously of Belvedere in Bath, but now of Wallbank Court in Birmingham, is facing 10 charges relating to animal welfare, which he has denied.

He is currently on conditional bail and is expected to go on trial at Bristol Crown Court next year.

Issue 135

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Driver sought after teen Magistrates send injured in collision prolific shoplifter to jail

The teenager suffered serious injuries to his ankle

POLICE are appealing for witnesses and footage after a driver failed to stop following a collision which seriously injured a teenager in Royal Victoria Park in Bath earlier this month.

The incident happened at around 7.40pm on Saturday 11th July and involved a car and a pedestrian.

The victim, a man in his late teens, was sitting on a bench when the collision occurred and suffered serious injuries to his ankle.

He was taken to hospital for treatment but has since been discharged and is continuing his recovery at home.

Police have remained in contact with him and carried out a number of enquiries as the investigation continues.

The driver is described as a woman of medium build with blonde hair. She was wearing sunglasses and a black cardigan.

The vehicle involved was a dark grey or black hatchback, believed to be similar to a Renault Megane.

Officers are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, has information about what happened or holds relevant dashcam or mobile phone footage to come forward.

They are also particularly keen to speak to a man who took the injured teenager to hospital after the collision.

Anyone who can assist the investigation should call 101 or complete the police’s online appeals form, quoting reference 5226192870.

A MAN who admitted 16 thefts from the same convenience store in Bath over a threemonth period has been sent to jail.

Philip Turner, of Ballance Street at Lansdown, stole items worth more than £900 from the Co-op at Wellsway between 15th April and 28th June.

Representing Turner at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 22nd July, solicitor

Police warning over rogue traders in Bath POLICE are urging the public to be on their guard after several reports of rogue traders operating in the Bath area.

On their Facebook page, Bath & North East Somerset Neighbourhood Policing say: “Please be mindful of rogue traders attending properties and carrying out work that is either unnecessary or has not been authorised by the homeowner.

“They then often request

Teenager was 10 times over the ketamine drug-driving limit A TEENAGER was caught driving at Tog Hill Picnic Area near Bath while 10 times over the threshold limit for ketamine.

Ellie Stephens appeared at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Monday 27th July to admit drug-driving, possession of ketamine and assaulting two police officers who were arresting her by kicking them.

The court heard that she had collided with another vehicle in the car park.

The other driver said Stephens was struggling to stand and her speech was slurred. The police were called and when they arrived, they also believed Stephens was under the influence, noting that she had white powder around her nostrils.

A small bag of white powder was found on the back seat which turned out to be 0.2g of ketamine.

Subsequent tests found the level of ketamine in Stephens’ blood was more than 200 micrograms per litre of blood. The legal limit for driving is 20 micrograms.

The events happened on 3rd January. In March, Stephens was convicted of another offence of drug-driving as well as an offence of battery and an assault on a police officer and was given a community order.

The court heard that 19-year-old Stephens has been clean of drugs

Will Palmer said the 41-yearold’s drug problem had become “completely out of control” over the last 18 months.

He said Turner knew he would be going to prison and hoped it would be a turning point and he would get some help while inside.

Magistrates jailed Turner for a total of 26 weeks, which included 10 weeks for the breach of a suspended prison sentence imposed for previous thefts.

payment, frequently charging significantly more than the work is worth. There have been several instances of this reported in the Bath area recently.

“If you are approached by someone offering services at your property, do not feel pressured into agreeing to work immediately. Always seek quotes from reputable companies, check credentials, and be wary of requests for cash payments.”

Why do we ‘name and shame’ in our stories?

Since the introduction of our Crime & Court section, we've been contacted by concerned members of the public, defendants and guilty parties regarding the inclusion of their names, ages, and partial addresses.

We are proud to be able to provide court coverage of cases at Bath Magistrates' Court, something that many local newspapers are unable to do due to restricted time for their reporters. Reporting court cases acts as a deterrent against crime. Printing a defendant’s age and address stops anyone with the same name from being defamed. We do not have access to police or CPS files regarding cases, so everything reported is based on what the prosecution and defence say during a court hearing. HM Courts & Tribunals Service encourages and facilitates media access to courts and tribunals. We have the right to attend and report on proceedings held in open court, unless a statutory restriction applies, or a court order prevents this. Our stories are governed by the regulator IMPRESS, the Independent Monitor for the Press. We follow their dedicated Standards Code, which can be found at https://bit.ly/4n0d9qN

Bath magistrates wish 38-year-old luck

Rise in ketamine use

Stephens collided with another car

since March and has moved to Crumlin in Newport from Bristol to make a fresh start.

Bath magistrates revoked the community order and resentenced Stephens to a new one that will last for 24 months and include drug rehabilitation for nine months.

She must also complete up to 20 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days.

She was disqualified from driving for 17 months, ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £114 court surcharge.

Magistrates ordered the ketamine be forfeited and destroyed.

Follow on Threads Find us @BathEcho

There has been a substantial increase in overall ketamine use in the UK over the last decade, especially involving younger people. Ketamine is an anaesthetic drug used on humans and animals. On the street is often sold as a grainy white or brown crystalline powder. A class B drug, it is illegal to buy or sell but is low cost, often cheaper than cocaine or alcohol, It is mostly snorted when in powder form and gives euphoria, increased energy and stimulation. However, there are many risks associated with taking it.

They include: • Increased heart rate and shortness of breath • Drowsiness, loss of coordination, shortterm memory loss, visual difficulties, and hearing loss • Nausea and vomiting • Significant bladder issues which may need surgery to repair • Kidney and liver failure • Significant effects on mental health including depression, anxiety, visual hallucinations and psychosis.

Bath Magistrates’ Court

A 38-YEAR-OLD man has been given a community order

by Bath magistrates after admitting a series of shoplifting offences.

Mark Boyle carried out five thefts from Tesco Express on Wellsway in March and April. He also stole from the One Stop convenience store in Rosewell Court in Bath in January.

Boyle, who has a drug problem, recently spent a short time in prison for similar offending.

The Probation Service had been asked to prepare a pre-sentence report and Boyle, who is currently homeless, was sentenced on Wednesday 22nd July.

The court heard he has been

making efforts to turn his life around and has been getting help from the organisation Turning Point.

He has been clean of heroin for three months.

His 12-month community order includes a drug rehabilitation requirement and mental health treatment requirement.

Boyle was ordered to pay compensation of £168 to Tesco.

The magistrates made no order for prosecution costs or surcharge however due to his financial situation.

Chair of the bench Mark Pilgrim told Boyle there was lots of help available to him and wished him the “best of British”.

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Friday 31st July - Thursday 13th August 2026

www.bathecho.co.uk

Pictures from the Past The Red Lion, Odd Down

How the Red Lion looked in the mid-20th century

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

THIS week’s archive photograph shows what the Red Lion at Odd Down looked like in the mid-20th century, when it was still owned by George’s Bristol Brewery.

Structurally, it has changed very little, but otherwise the changes have been dramatic. That broad, uncluttered highway stretching in front of it is now one of the busiest roundabouts in Bath, a fenced and tree-shaded garden has been laid out on the forecourt and a conservatory added on the left.

The pub itself has seen some major internal revamps – taken over by Courage’s in 1961,

it later became a Harvester Restaurant and since 2003 has been a Sizzling Pub. The Red Lion was built around 1820 when a new turnpike road to Wells – the Wellsway – was opened. It replaced an earlier Red Lion, which stood at the junction of Frome Road and the old road to Wells (now Upper Bloomfield Road).

The story of that earlier pub – along with Odd Down’s other pubs, past and present – is told as part of a new exhibition at the Museum of Bath at Work.

Odd Down’s history may be little known, but it is surprisingly rich and diverse. The Fosse Way and the Wansdyke both run though it, and it has been not only a hub of quarrying and industry but also the site of the city’s workhouse.

The exhibition also covers social life – schools, shops, trades and churches, as well as the families who helped shaped this hilltop suburb. It also tackles the thorny question of how Odd Down got its name.

The exhibition runs until 1st November in the Hudson Gallery at the Museum of Bath at Work on Julian Road. The museum is open daily and entry is £10 (£7.50 for discovery card holders) and £5 for children. A booklet accompanying the exhibition is also available.

The Odd Down History Group, which has staged the exhibition, was formed in 2023 and meets at the Odd Down Sports Ground cafe on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm. It is a free event and

everyone is welcome to come along, buy a drink and sit and chat.

The group also hosts regular talks and films at Odd Down Football Club. More about the group’s activities, and about Odd Down’s history, can be found at www. odddownhistorygroup.org.

Should you feel inspired by what the Odd Down History Group has achieved, you may like to know that the exhibition is part of the Museum of Bath at Work’s ‘Knowing Your Place’ project.

This offers display space and advice to local groups keen to display the results of their research at the museum. If you know of someone interested in putting on an exhibition, which the museum will help with, email director@museumofbath.org.

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

O

NE of the clearest messages I hear from communities across Avon and Somerset is that people want to see action taken before problems escalate into crime.

They want support for those who are vulnerable, opportunities for young people, and practical help for those most at risk of harm.

That is why I have awarded £449,000 in Police and Crime Grant funding to local authorities across Avon and Somerset to support a range of crime prevention and community safety projects.

The funding has been awarded to Bristol, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset

and Bath and North East Somerset councils following successful bids for local initiatives that will help prevent crime, reduce harm and support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Preventing crime means more than responding when something has already gone wrong.

It means investing in the people, services and opportunities that help stop harm from happening in the first place.

The projects receiving funding reflect the different challenges faced by communities across our area, but they share a common purpose: intervening early, supporting those most at risk and

helping to prevent harm before it occurs.

The funding will support youth mentoring and sports programmes designed to reduce anti-social behaviour, specialist support for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, outreach youth work, substance misuse interventions and intensive support for people leaving custody who may be at risk of reoffending.

Among the projects being funded is a sports and mentoring programme in Bristol for girls and young women at risk of exploitation, alongside a Somerset project providing trauma-informed support for

women affected by addiction, homelessness and exploitation. In North Somerset, funding will help provide intensive support for people with complex needs at key transition points, including release from custody. South Gloucestershire will benefit from targeted support for young people affected by substance misuse, offending and anti-social behaviour, while in Bath and North East Somerset funding will support domestic abuse survivors and young people at risk of criminal exploitation.

There is also funding for work

across all five local authority areas to improve the identification and safeguarding of victims of modern slavery.

What links all of these projects is a recognition that prevention matters.

By supporting people early, listening to local needs and working together across organisations, we can help reduce crime, improve lives and build stronger, safer communities.

I am grateful to our local authority partners, and everyone involved in delivering these projects. Their work makes a real difference to people’s lives every day.

Issue 135

Crossword

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Interested in advertising? Call 01225 585484

Congratulations to James Matthews for winning £20!

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

Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!

Across 1 Thinly (8) 5 Puny person (6) 10 Fan (9) 11 Cubist’s first name (5) 12 All ears (9) 13 Collection for public display (4) 16 Molar (7) 18 “The Naked Gun” star Leslie --- (7) 20 Tilling tool (3) 21 Escapee (7) 22 Well-being (7) 23 Auction (4) 25 Early years (9) 29 Poem about rural life (5) 30 Like stormy weather (9) 31 Die after seeing this town? (6) 32 Unexpected question (4,4)

Down 1 Band of cloth (4) 2 Frog (9) 3 Noticed a wise one, or a North American bird of prey (7,3) 4 It used to be spoken in Rome (5) 6 Elvis swivelled his (4) 7 It’s got things to do (2-3) 8 Articulates (10) 9 Hot off the press (5-3) 14 Belligerence (10) 15 His athlete exercised in the best condition (10) 17 Pulsating (8) 19 Never-ending TV series (4,5) 24 Hoard (3,2) 26 Stretchy clothing material (5) 27 Balm ingredient (4) 28 Web page language (1,1,1,1)

Entering our competition - via email or post For your chance to win £20, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or via post to: Crossword Competition 3107 Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 12/08/2026.

They will be notified using the details they provide when entering the competition. Winners will be given the option of receiving a High Street shopping voucher or be provided the £20 via a BACS transfer.

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Friday 31st July - Thursday 13th August 2026

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Food & Drink

Sponsor this section!

Get in touch with Rob Last via rob@mediabath.co.uk

Melissa Blease

Food Writer

Tasty Dates For Your Diary It’s the bakery that Bath’s been waiting for! Morso: specialists in the best Viennoiserie in the West alongside speciality coffee, superb sandwiches, sumptuous salads and more, open now on Saville Row.  /_morso_bakery Yuzu by Dan Moon will be popping up at the breathtakingly beautiful Bath Soft Cheese HQ (Park Farm, Kelston) on the evening of Friday 7th August to present a spectacular Tasting Menu especially curated to include the iconic Bath Soft Cheese and the very best local produce of the season (£85pp). https://bit.ly/44SElRi Don’t be perturbed by the

Review

scaffolding! The Mint Room (Lower Bristol Road) is fully open for business while they work on a spectacular new rooftop terrace and cocktail bar space, due to be unveiled soon. While you’re waiting, pop in and indulge yourself in the restaurant’s spectacular Frames of Flavour Tasting Menu experience for just £60pp. bath.themintroom.co.uk Chill out at the next Summer DJ Night at the Royal Crescent Hotel on Friday 7th August when bar and terrace menus will be fully flaunted alongside the RCH’s legendary cocktails and heated parasols guarantee elegant allweather merrymaking.

The DJ nights are free to attend

on a space-limited basis, but £15 tickets guarantee access and a complimentary glass of Champagne to get the party started. https://bit.ly/4fJwVoB Did you know that you can grab a hummus bowl accompanied by four falafel, two salads and pickles for just £6.99 at fabulous falafel hotspot Eat A Pitta (Westgate Street)? Now you do, consider this too: the Eat A Pitta Sharing Box pumps up your picnic with 12 falafel, two pittas, a large salad box and two drinks for just £16. www.eatapitta.co.uk Binge on tacos and quesadilla to eat in or takeaway (preferably with an accompanying margarita

Celebrate 20 years of the wonderful Wheatsheaf (Combe Hay) on Saturday 22nd August when fabulous street food, a dedicated Apres rosé bar, live music, family fun and more dominates the party-on agenda (adults £12; children aged 3-15 £6; children under 3 free). wheatsheafcombehay.com

the Love Larkhall Community Fair brings a barbecue courtesy of flame-grilling virtuosos Larkhall Butchers plus live music, games and family fun to one of Bath’s prettiest boroughs. www.stsaviours.org.uk Bath Foodies Festival returns to Royal Victoria Park from Friday 4th - Sunday 6th September, featuring a Chefs Theatre, Kitchen Disco and a dedicated Fire (open flame cooking) Stage alongside headline acts including Boyzlife and Symphonic Ibiza (ticket prices vary). www.foodiesfestival.com

Party on at St Saviour’s (Larkhall) on Saturday 29th August when

Read more about local food and more on Melissa’s website at: www.theprandialplayground.uk

a range of pub classics on the fish and chips/burgers/pies etc theme sit happily alongside the whole array. Meanwhile, a captivating gastropub menu captures full-on foodie attention… and that’s the menu we plundered on our visit.

To start, Confit Pork and Green Peppercorn Rillette came with flourishes that flaunted flavour and texture in perfect harmony including a dinky little black pudding bonbon and shards of perfect pork crackling. Smoked Mackerel Croquettes, meanwhile – smoky, buttery and just-theright-amount-of rich within their frangible overcoats – ate like a dream.

To follow, a glistening Cornish Hake Fillet complemented by a tangy/sweetly fruity tomato beurre blanc with hits of samphire, capers and dill enlivening every forkful and parmesan crisps bringing extraadded umami crunch to the party.

Meanwhile, my Herb Crusted Lamb Rump was, I believe, the most beautifully-balanced lamb

dish I’ve ever encountered: perfectly pink, sweet meat so soft I swear it would have yielded to a teaspoon, with a robust lamb shoulder and feta croquette, earthy beetroot puree, perfect Pommes Anna and a deeply savoury lamb jus upping the flavour-intensity factor to the max.

When is a Lemon Meringue Cheesecake not just - well, that?

When it comes with a Lemon Posset as standard, amaretti crumb and sherbet adding a playfully progressive reframe to the enduringly popular duo. Similarly, lashings of sophisticated elderflower custard and a globe of sharp, clean sorbet gave a super-short tart laden with apple and almond crumble a distinctly grown-up edge.

The Corston Wheatsheaf kitchen clearly knows all there is to know about good eats – and Harriet and her staff clearly know all there is to know about creating a proper environment in which to reap the benefits of the whole experience.

The Corston Wheatsheaf

Wells Road, Corston, Bath BA2 9HB 01225 596070 thecorstonwheatsheaf.co.uk  @thecorstonwheatsheaf “So she took her love for to gaze awhile upon the fields of barley…”

Okay, so we weren’t quite channeling Sting and Trudi when we reached The Corston Wheatsheaf, the historic roadside pub on the Wells Road/A39 just three or four miles west of Bath city centre; Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in their 2010 BBC2 TV series The Trip would probably be a more accurate comparison.

But this handsome coaching inn on the edge of a properly picturesque village and surrounded by fields of abundant produce is prone to bringing on a bout of lyrical inspiration in overexcited urbanites; it is, in a word, gorgeous.

General manager Harriet Furlong has two decades of hospitality experience on her CV including a long-term residency overseeing The Chequers in Bath during

if you’re staying put) at The Village (Larkhall) on Saturday 15th August. Can’t make the date? Join the Village people on Saturday 29th August when their legendary Smash Burger Night fuels your fully-loaded dreams. www.thevillagelarkhall.co.uk

The herb crusted lamb rump

the Bath Pub Company years – and her background, experience and discerning eye for what makes a good pub a really good pub is stamped all over her new residency.

Harriet unveiled a fresh start for a watering hole that has its own (chequered) history in November of last year, revealing the results of a refurbishment that’s put original heritage flourishes (stone floors; beautiful beams;

proper fireplaces) back in the spotlight while offering broad appeal to contemporary tastes and expectations; it’s traditional without being fusty, modern without any jarring cultural disorientation.

There’s no reason – or, indeed, no time – not to eat at The Corston Wheatsheaf. Lunch, proper roasts on Sundays and even brunch on Fridays and Saturdays all have their own dedicated menus while

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Friday 31st July - Thursday 13th August 2026

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What's On

Friday 31st July - Thursday 13th August 2026

Bath Book Fair

Photo Walk Around Bath

Silent Film Night

Garden Theatre – The Jungle Book

Bath Pavilion 31st July – 1st August Bath Book Fair transforms the Bath Pavilion into a retreat for rare and second-hand book lovers, collectors and enthusiasts. Dealers from across the UK will present a curated treasure trove.

BRLSI 3rd & 4th August, 10am-12pm Ready to get ‘Snap Happy’ this summer?

Some great summer holiday events are taking place courtesy of BRLSI’s family activities programme, Academy of Imagination, all for free.

Christ Church (Julian Road) 8th August, 7pm Join this unique evening of silent film greats, with improvised live accompaniment from virtuosic organ performer David Bednal. David has a particular interest in improvisation.

American Museum & Gardens 9th August, 5.30pm Immersion Theatre are bring their trademark energy to their wild, brandnew musical adaptation of the Rudyard Kipling family favourite. Join this summer’s evening of outdoor theatre.

The Wurzels and Cider Racenight

Our Man In Havana

Garden Yogis

Summer Company

Bath Racecourse 31st July, 3.35pm Round up your mates, finish work, and get Friday started right. Hop on your Combine Harvester, and head to Bath Racecourse for a classic evening of live sport, cold ciders, and dancing.

Theatre Royal Bath 4th – 8th August Adapted by Clive Francis, this follows James Wormold, a British vacuum cleaner salesman in pre-revolutionary Havana, Cuba. A wonderfully funny and fast-moving romp.

Prior Park (National Trust) 8th August, 9.30am Start the weekend with an outdoors yoga class - mats next to the lake and iconic bridge in this beautiful historic garden.

Note: This event is not being organised by the National Trust.

Theatre Royal Bath 28th July – 1st August This summer, The Egg becomes yours.

Summer Company is back with a neverbefore-seen play by writer Florence Espeut-Nickless! Young people aged 12–18 are invited to take part.

The Andy Burden Band

After Hours: Cemetery Walk

Posy Making Workshops

Slime Workshop

The Grapes 2nd August, 4pm-6pm A very special laid-back gig, gentler, more Sunday afternoon. It’s The Andy Burden Band, Unplugged! Fabulous, joyous songs, great grooves and dynamic playing.

Beckford’s Tower 6th August, 6pm Join an informative stroll around the Lansdown cemetery. Explore the interesting and unusual symbols and graves, the more well-known residents and find out about Beckford’s Tower.

Bath City Farm 8th August, 11am Go and join their Growing Team to learn how to create a beautiful natural flower bouquet and jam jar table arrangement with seasonal flowers, foliage and herbs grown right there at Bath City Farm.

The Egg 10th – 29th August Children will design their own slime from scratch, choosing from a range of colours, glitters, charms and scents before stretching, squishing and playing with their creations.

Augustus - Free Family Activity

Northanger Abbey

Celebrating Summer!

Mini Makers: Unique Prints

The Roman Baths 3rd – 7th August, 2pm-4pm August itself is named after Caesar Augustus, and to celebrate, families are invited to drop in and create their own imperial mask inspired by the grandeur of ancient Rome.

The Holburne 7th August, 7pm-9.30pm This summer, Moving Parts Theatre Company brings you Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. A thrilling Gothic tale of dark deeds… or a playful, heartwarming Regency romance…

The MEAA 8th August, 1pm-4pm Join the MEAA to celebrate summer!

Explore their exhibition Reimaginings with a sweet treat for the summer. Cool down with tea while getting creative with a craft activity in the galleries.

Victoria Art Gallery 12th – 14th August, 10.30am-12.30pm Get creative and have fun with colour, pattern, and print. Young artists will try out a simple and exciting printing technique to design and make their very own set of beautiful, personalised cards.

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P16

www.bathecho.co.uk

Friday 31st July - Thursday 13th August 2026

Community

Later Living Expert

Care home staff set for Tough Mudder fundraiser A TEAM from a Bath care home is preparing to take on a Tough Mudder obstacle course to raise money for activities and trips for residents.

Six members of staff from MHA Stratton House will be joined by relatives for the challenge at the Badminton Estate in South Gloucestershire on 15th August.

The team includes Jake Grant, Louise Gascoigne, Anne Head, Camellia Ebert, Fleur Preedy and John Hunter.

Tough Mudder events feature 5km and 15km obstacle courses designed to test competitors’ strength, stamina and determination.

Money raised by the Stratton House team will go into the home’s amenities fund, which is used to arrange activities and outings for residents.

Taking part in the fundraiser last year | Photo © MHA

It will be the fourth time a group from the care home has taken part in the challenge.

MHA Stratton House provides

residential care for 33 people.

Louise, who works as an activity coordinator at the home, said: “We are all looking forward to the

challenge and are hoping for it to be a success like the years gone by.

“Some of us did it last year so we have some experience of what it was like, and we are hopeful that experience will help on the day.

“The challenge is great for team building, as you do rely on your team members to help you to get through it.

“The group we have are fairly active, some go to the gym, some swim and run, so we are very confident in completing the challenge.

“We have set up a JustGiving page and are confident we can raise some money for our amenities fund.

“We will have support on the day from family and friends as well as some colleagues so it should be a good event.”

Eight more months of Charity’s flagship Bath roadworks due to begin shop hit by water leaks

Work on the new pavement and cycleway will start next week

AFTER nearly 11 months of roadworks between Keynsham and Saltford in connection with Curo’s new Withies Green estate, get ready for more delays and disruption with the start of an eight-month project on a new pavement and cycleway linking the A4 to Keynsham town centre.

The Curo roadworks on the A4 began in early September last year. Originally expected to end in May, the project over-ran, but the latest update is that by 31st July, all road traffic controls will be removed.

Diversion work on previously unidentified Virgin Media cables is taking place until Friday 14th August, requiring a 30-metre section of footpath to close, but no additional traffic disruption is expected.

Work on the new pavement and cycleway is expected to start in the first week of August.

It is being done by Galtec Ltd and has been commissioned by Bath & North East Somerset Council

as part of the West of England Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

The project will be completed in sections, starting from the entrance to the Memorial Park on Bath Hill and finishing opposite the Wellsway Sport Centre entrance on Bath Road (the B3115).

To help minimise disruption, Galtec says traffic management measures will generally operate between 9.30am and 3pm during school term time, with extended hours during school holidays.

Depending on the location of works, either two-way or threeway temporary traffic controls will be in place. Road resurfacing will take place during the evening where possible to reduce daytime disruption.

Temporary pedestrian crossing points will be provided to maintain safe access.

Access to driveways and to business premises will be maintained throughout the project.

The shop on Walcot Street

THE charity Alongside, formerly known as Julian House, is seeking listed building consent to carry out works at its flagship shop in Bath which is suffering from water leaks.

Alongside plans to carry out internal and external alterations, including repair works to the roof to stop leaks at the Grade II* building at 86 Walcot Street.

The application says: “These leaks are adversely affecting the interior condition of the building as well as affecting the commercial performance of the shop.

“The Walcot Street charity shop is the flagship store of Alongside and provides much-needed revenue for the charity’s valuable and important work with vulnerable adults in Bath and across the South West.

“These works predominantly concern the replacement of

roofing felt and battens with current standard materials and will re-use all existing roof tiles to match the existing finish.

“There will be some lead refurbishment work to stem leaks in some parapets and valleys.

“There will be some relaying of coping stones and mortar beds and re-pointing of stonework to match the existing finish. All mortar used will be a lime mortar to match the existing finish. All tiles, ridge tiles and coping stones will be re-used.”

Where this is not possible, due to breakages, replacements will be sourced from recycled heritage materials, says the charity.

The planning reference is 26/02716/LBA and the deadline for comments is 27th August.

Creating a Life, Not Just Providing Activities: The Heart of Darcy Gardens

When people think about activities in a care home, they may picture a timetable of events — a quiz, a craft session, a singer visiting or a special celebration. While these moments bring wonderful enjoyment, meaningful activity is about so much more.

It is about creating a life.

A care home is not simply a place where people receive care and support. It is someone’s home. It is where people should continue to experience joy, purpose, friendship, choice and new opportunities.

At Darcy Gardens, our approach to activities is built around a balance of structure and spontaneity.

The magic often happens in the unexpected moments a spontaneous trip out, an impromptu conversation in the garden, a favourite song playing that encourages someone to join in, or sitting together over a cup of tea sharing stories.

Meaningful activity is not restricted to a 10am–4pm timetable. It is a whole-home approach, seven days a week, reflected in the way we support residents every day.

The most successful activities are those that reflect the individuals who live here — their interests, hobbies, beliefs, memories and life experiences. There is no single formula because every resident is unique. Activities should be for everyone and, importantly, with everyone.

A garden is often thought of as somewhere for plants to grow, but at Darcy Gardens we see it as somewhere people grow too. It is a place for friendship, movement, relaxation, creativity and connection.

Our focus has been on bringing the outside in and ensuring all residents can enjoy the benefits of nature, whatever their ability. A garden is not just about gardening — not everyone wants to plant or prune! It is about sitting in the sunshine, listening to birdsong, sharing a laugh, enjoying a drink with friends or taking a peaceful moment away from the everyday.

Through the Barchester Gets Moving initiative, we have embraced the importance of movement and wellbeing.

Exercise does not have to mean a gym or a strict routine. It can be a gentle walk, chair yoga, stretching, dancing, garden games or simply moving in a way that feels enjoyable.

At Darcy Gardens, activities are not about keeping people busy.

They are about helping people continue to live fully to laugh, learn, explore, connect and create memories.

Because just like a garden, people flourish when they are nurtured, valued and given the right environment to grow.

Celebrating Life

Celebrating Life

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01225 562409 Oldfield Lane, Bath, BA2 3NR www.barchester.com/home/ darcy-gardens-care-home

Issue 135

P17

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Police arrest more drug than drink- Store closes despite community campaign drivers in World Cup campaign NEARLY one in four motorists stopped by police in Avon and Somerset during a dedicated drink and drug-driving campaign linked to the FIFA Men’s World Cup were arrested.

Operation Limit ran throughout the tournament, with Roads Policing officers carrying out proactive patrols across to identify drivers impaired through drink or drugs and prevent serious harm.

During dedicated enforcement shifts, primarily centred around England fixtures, Roads Policing officers stopped 465 motorists.

Those proactive patrols resulted in 113 arrests for suspected drink and drug-driving offences - almost one arrest for every four vehicles stopped.

The figures also highlight the growing prevalence of drugdriving. Of the suspected offences identified during the campaign, 82 related to suspected drugdriving and 31 to suspected drink-driving. The majority of those arrested were male (85%), while more than half (57%) were aged between 25 and 40. A further 25% were aged between 41 and 60.

The operation also demonstrated

the value of proactive and intelligence-led policing, with 21 arrests following intelligence-led stops and a further 13 resulting from Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) activations.

Roads Policing Inspector Matt Boiles said: “Operation Limit is about preventing harm by identifying drivers who are under the influence of drink or drugs before they have the opportunity to cause a serious or fatal collision.

“While drink-driving remains a significant concern, the results from this operation show that drug-driving continues to be an increasingly prevalent issue on our roads. Since officers gained the ability to routinely test for drugs at the roadside, we’ve seen first-hand just how widespread it has become.

“Every driver who chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired is making a decision that puts themselves and everyone else at risk. Through proactive patrols, intelligence-led policing and information provided by the public, we will continue to target those who make that choice.”

Operation Limit formed part of a national campaign to reduce

drink and drug-driving during the FIFA Men’s World Cup. Many of the arrests followed information provided by members of the public about people suspected of regularly driving under the influence of drink or drugs. The operation also reinforced the links between Roads Policing and wider crime.

Of those arrested during the campaign, 16 were known to police as previous offenders of domestic abuse or violence against women and girls, highlighting how proactive enforcement on the road network can identify people linked to other forms of offending as well as improving road safety.

Insp Boiles added: “The people we stop are sometimes linked to other forms of offending, including domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

“Every proactive stop is an opportunity to identify risk, safeguard victims and take action where it’s needed. That’s why Roads Policing plays an important role not only in preventing collisions, but also in protecting our communities from wider harm.”

Becky Feather Reporter

A BATH convenience store has closed its doors for good despite a petition signed by more than 200 people to keep it open.

The manager of Morrisons Daily in Bathwick, Jolanta Szubert, started the petition on the change.org website.

It said: “We, the undersigned residents, customers, workers, and supporters of the Bathwick community, strongly oppose the planned closure of the Morrisons supermarket in Bathwick.”

It added: “This store is far more than just a supermarket. It is an essential local service relied upon by families, elderly residents, people without easy transport, and many others in the local area. It also provides important local jobs and supports the wider community.”

However, the shop in Bathwick Street ceased trading on 18th July.

A sign on the door says: “This Morrisons Daily Store has now permanently closed. Thank you for your support, we look forward to serving you in another store.”

In an update on the change.org

The former store in Bathwick

website Jolanta Szubert said: “The company decided to close 110 shops and we are one of them, despite the progress, increase in sales and high standards achievement in the last eight months.

“I would like to thank every customer for choosing our service and everyone who tried to support us in staying open.”

The closures follow last year’s decision by Morrisons to close 17 of its convenience stores, including the one in Moorland Road in Oldfield Park, along with 52 cafés, all 18 Market Kitchens, 13 florists, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters and four pharmacies.

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P18

Friday 31st July - Thursday 13th August 2026

www.bathecho.co.uk

Health Dyson neonatal centre in Bath marks 15 years of special care THE specialist neonatal centre at the Royal United Hospital is celebrating its 15th anniversary after caring for around 10,000 babies and their families.

The Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care opened in 2011 and provides treatment and support for sick and premature babies at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust.

Among those returning to mark the anniversary on Thursday 23rd July was Joshua Heather, who became the first baby to stay in the new unit when it opened.

Joshua, who weighed just 1.5kg at the time, visited with his mother Cheralyn and met Cath Ould from the Neonatal Outreach team, who remembered caring for him and visiting the family at home.

Joshua said: “It’s great to see where I was cared for and to meet some of the wonderful people that helped me. And, as I’m interested in engineering, hearing about how this new neonatal unit was specially designed to help new babies grow and develop.”

Cheralyn said returning to the centre had been emotional, particularly when she was able to show Joshua the area where his incubator had stood.

Joshua had initially experienced the cramped conditions of the former neonatal unit before being transferred to the Dyson Centre during its first weekend of operation.

At the time, Cheralyn described the light and spacious building as a major transformation which allowed her to spend more time with her son in comfortable surroundings.

The centre was supported by a donation from the James Dyson Foundation. Research backed by the foundation later found the building had improved clinical outcomes, with babies sleeping for longer on average and most going home breastfeeding.

Abby, whose twin daughters Florence and Freya were cared for at the centre in 2025 after being born at 29 weeks, said her family spent more than eight weeks in the neonatal unit.

She said: “The kindness, compassion and dedication of the nurses and staff made such a difference. They became like family to us, supporting not only Florence and Freya but all of us through one of the most challenging times of our lives.

“The Dyson Centre will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we will always be grateful to everyone at the Dyson Centre for giving them the very best start and for the care, reassurance and kindness they showed our family every single day.”

Designed by Bath architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the centre features a clockwise route through intensive care, special care and preparation for going home, intended to give families a sense of progress.

Its design also includes large windows providing controllable natural light, exposed timber to create a calmer environment and open spaces throughout the building.

The centre continues to receive support from hospital charity

Joshua, Cath and Cheralyn at the RUH

RUHX, which has funded equipment and improvements including the Lori-Grace family room, a family shower room, specialist thermometers and six advanced incubators donated by The Medlock Charitable Trust.

It has received full accreditation from the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, silver status under the BLISS Baby Charter and Gold Ward Accreditation.

Changes introduced by the team include allowing births to be

registered within the neonatal unit, reducing separation between parents and babies, and offering home nasogastric tube feeding to support earlier discharge.

Weekly music therapy sessions are also provided to support emotional wellbeing and bonding between babies and their families.

Lead nurse Kirstie Flood said the team also builds relationships through its annual Teddy Bear Picnic, which brings together families who have used the centre during the previous two years.

She said: “We invite families cared for in the past two years in the centre, so it also updates the team here on the progress of baby since they left us which is so important for the whole Neonatal unit team.”

Future plans include introducing biometric access so parents can enter the unit without delay when they are not staying there, while the team is also working towards Gold BLISS Baby Charter accreditation.

RUH patient praises new precision prostate cancer treatment A NEW form of precision “the NHS at its best”. radiotherapy for prostate Mr Chase said: “The new cancer is now being offered to treatment is more convenient, eligible patients at the Royal uses state-of-the-art technology United Hospital in Bath. and is wrapped up in a personal Stereotactic ablative care approach – the NHS at its radiotherapy, known as SABR, best. is available to men with low “To be able to receive the and intermediate-risk localised treatment in five doses prostate cancer. within a two-week window The treatment uses advanced is so much more convenient, imaging and planning techniques not just for patients but their to target the prostate with high loved ones too, who often accuracy, reducing damage to need to transport them to surrounding healthy tissue. and from the RUH.” Patients receive five high doses of Mr Chase experienced some radiation over one to two weeks. side effects during his treatment, Standard radiotherapy usually including severe tiredness, but involves around 20 sessions said he was now feeling well. delivered over a period of up to a He added: “I did get some side month. effects, including profound Retired GP Derek Chase, 73, from fatigue, but I’m feeling good now Calne, became the first patient to and looking forward to the future. receive SABR at the Royal United “I’ve got follow-up appointments Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation to come at the RUH where they’ll Trust. keep an eye on me and I’m feeling JB Dental October his 1/4.qxp_Layout 18/10/2024 14:50 Page 1 He completed treatment in 1 positive.”

June and described the service as Sian Smith, consultant

Inset: Derek Chase, who was treated at the RUH | Photos © RUH

radiographer at the RUH, said: “I am delighted we are now able to offer SABR treatment to some of our prostate cancer patients at the RUH. “This approach allows us to provide the same high standard of clinical care and treatment over a much shorter course, thereby reducing the number of

hospital visits for our patients and their loved ones. Not everyone is eligible for this treatment, but if you think you may be, just contact your treatment team.”

The trust is hoping the shorter course will create more appointment capacity and help reduce waiting times once the treatment is fully established.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, with more than 55,000 diagnoses and around 12,300 deaths each year. Around 17,500 men are diagnosed with low or intermediate-risk prostate cancer in England annually and could be offered SABR as a treatment option.

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Issue 135

Education

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Bath Spa Uni plans new creative hub with student accommodation

The site of the proposed creative hub on Locksbrook Road

Becky Feather Reporter

BATH Spa University has submitted plans to demolish buildings at Locksbrook Road to make way for a new creative hub with accommodation for nearly 100 students.

The site is directly opposite Bath Spa University’s existing Locksbrook Campus, which opened in 2019.

The proposed development site includes the former Plumb Centre, telephone exchange and

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Bath Veterinary Surgery on the corner of Locksbrook Road and Station Road.

A single-storey unit on the site is already in use by the university.

Following demolition, the proposal is for a mixed-use building of up to five-storeys.

The proposals submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council include 97 purpose-built student accommodation bedspaces alongside new higher education teaching space and flexible employment floorspace designed to support creative industries and collaboration between students.

A public café for use by the local community is included in the plans.

The scheme also includes a green connection corridor from the north of Station Road down to the Herman Miller Building and ultimately onto the River Avon.

The proposals aim to “strengthen the role and offer of Bath Spa University as a higher education provider in Bath and the wider region”.

The planning reference is 26/02556/FUL and the deadline to submit comments to the council is Monday 17th August.

Apprentice reaches WorldSkills UK final A BATH College apprentice has secured a place in the national final of a prestigious competition celebrating excellence in technical skills.

Alex Huggins will compete in the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps category at the WorldSkills UK Finals 2026, which will be held at Cardiff and Vale College in November.

The refrigeration apprentice progressed through a competitive selection process open to apprentices from across the country, with only the highestperforming entrants reaching the final stage.

Alex will represent both Bath College and his employer, Cotswold Vale Refrigeration Limited, as he competes against some of the UK’s leading young engineers in the sector.

The competition will test finalists through a combination of practical and theoretical tasks covering areas such as system installation, commissioning, fault finding and safe working practices.

Alex is completing a Building Services apprenticeship and has been recognised for the technical ability and progress he has demonstrated during his training.

Ebner, employer engagement manager at Bath College, said: “It’s fantastic to support Alex throughout his journey and

Photo © Bath College

watch his confidence, knowledge and skills grow.

“Seeing him progress to the WorldSkills UK Finals is incredibly rewarding and a testament to his dedication and commitment to excellence.

“Reaching this stage reflects his talent and the value of highquality apprenticeship training.

We are proud to see what he has achieved and look forward to seeing him showcase his skills on such a prestigious national stage.”

Cotswold Vale Refrigeration has supported Alex’s development by providing practical workplace experience and mentoring throughout his apprenticeship.

Bath College also acknowledged the contribution of BESA Group and its work to encourage young people to pursue careers within the building engineering services industry.

Special school’s ‘huge honour’ over Ofsted’s top mark Becky Feather Reporter

THREE Ways School in Bath says that receiving Ofsted’s top mark for inclusion is a “huge honour”.

Inspectors from the education watchdog visited the single academy school at Frome Road in Odd Down in May and the report was published on 15th July.

All pupils attending Three Ways have an education, health and care (EHC) plan for a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities.

This includes a large number with EHC plans for profound, severe or moderate learning difficulties.

Ofsted’s new report card system has a grading scale with exceptional at the top, followed by strong standard, expected standard, needs attention, and urgent improvement.

Three Ways, which has 250 pupils, is said to be exceptional for inclusion and of a strong standard for leadership and governance,

achievement, attendance and behaviour, personal development and wellbeing, early years and post-16 provision.

It is of the expected standard for curriculum and teaching.

Safeguarding standards were met.

The report highlights: “Pupils thrive in an inspiring and compassionate learning community that ensures access to achievement for all.

“Relationships between pupils and staff are highly positive in this warm and compassionate setting. From early years to sixth form, leaders and staff share a strong focus on preparing pupils for adult life.”

Pupils are said to arrive each morning excited for the day ahead. “As staff greet them from their transport, smiles reflect pupils’ happiness and enthusiasm.

This warmth pervades the school. Pupils attend well and flourish in the safe and caring environment they genuinely enjoy.”

The report says pupils understand

Three Ways in Bath has 250 pupils

and live up to the three school values of ‘Be ready, be respectful and be brave’.

Developing the pupils’ communication is central to the school’s approach and they receive skilled support to express their needs and wishes.

An extensive range of trips and activities supports them to develop essential communication and social interaction skills.

Partnerships with local football

and rugby clubs who run afterschool activities nurture pupils’ interests and support their physical development.

Going forward, Ofsted has asked leaders to ensure that teaching consistently builds on what pupils already know so that they all develop their knowledge securely over time.

In response to the Ofsted report, Three Ways School said receiving an exceptional grading for

inclusion is a “huge honour”, showing how much pupils care for each other, their community and take pride in everything they achieve.

“It also celebrates our amazing staff team who strive to achieve aspirational outcomes for our pupils every day.

“We couldn’t do it though without the fabulous support of our families and carers, multi-agency teams and local community support and the work of our outreach service Brighter Futures, supporting pupils in mainstream primary and secondary schools locally.

“As a trust we move forwards with plans for the new special school in Keynsham (Charlton House) and also the new special school build on the old Culverhay site (Green Ways) and look forward to working in partnership with our local community to build SEND capacity in B&NES to ensure we have the facilities to offer even more places to ensure our amazing pupils and future pupils shine.”

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Friday 31st July - Thursday 13th August 2026

Business

Planning Round-up Lansdown hotel repair works approved

Store refit plans for Jolly’s in Bath are revealed Becky Feather

Fully compliant disabled access not possible

Reporter

A CHAMPAGNE bar features in Morleys’ refit plans for the Jolly’s store in Milsom Street in Bath, it has been revealed.

Since the department store closed in February last year after serving Bath for more than 200 years, extensive restoration work and repairs have been taking place.

Bath & North East Somerset Council owns the site which Morleys Stores will be taking over, keeping the Jolly’s name.

Initial plans would have seen a partial reopening of the store in March of this year but that month Morleys confirmed that the store would fully reopen in October.

Just two months later however, the reopening was pushed back to next March as the work is taking much longer than anticipated.

The scope of the multi-millionpound renovation work currently being undertaken by the council will bring the building up to a standard ready for Morleys Stores to undertake their own internal shop fit of the various departments.

An application seeking listed building consent for the store

The Jolly’s store on Milsom Street | Photo © B&NES Council

refit was submitted to the council

by Morleys on 20th July.

A report with the application reveals that on the lower ground floor there will be a café, luggage and toys, plus maintenance and plant.

Womenswear, including shoes, handbags, accessories and lingerie, will be on the ground floor along with beauty products, fragrance, cards and books, confectionery – and a champagne bar in Queen Mary’s Dressing Room.

Queen Mary granted her Royal Warrant as ‘Silk Suppliers’ to Jolly’s in 1934. In recognition of her patronage, a grand fitting room was designed and installed solely for her use.

The room is said to be of “significant architectural interest” and previously accommodated part of the womenswear department.

The report says: “This area is envisaged as a focal point in the proposed refurbishment and will be repurposed to accommodate a champagne bar where customers can relax with a drink within the hub of the retail area and enjoy the majesty of the space.”

Moving upstairs, there will be menswear and shoes, kitchenware, fitting rooms, a restaurant, kitchen, toilets and stock and staff rooms on the first floor.

The second floor will accommodate a hair salon,

The report with the store refit application highlights that whilst the Disabled Discrimination Act calls for a higher level of accessibility into such buildings, the constraints to the Grade II listed store mean that fully compliant access cannot be achieved.

“Jolly’s will provide a foldaway ramp service which allows wheelchair users to negotiate, sometimes with assistance, most of the short flight steps which split the floor levels.

“For areas that are inaccessible by this method (which are few) they will offer personal shopping assistance.” beauty salon, a baby change facility and more toilets.

Morleys’ application for listed building consent also seeks cleaning, repairs and decoration of the shopfronts.

The planning reference is 26/02725/LBA and the last date for any comments is 27th August.

Bath hotelier is named Mentor of the Year

Plans for second dog exercise site approved

RAJ Chakraborty, regional managing director at Macdonald Hotels and former general manager of the fivestar Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, has been named the Institute of Hospitality’s Mentor of the Year.

It is awarded in recognition of his outstanding commitment to developing the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Mr Chakraborty, who lives in Winsley, oversees operations at the Bath Spa Hotel, as well the Macdonald Windsor Hotel and The Compleat Angler Hotel in Marlow.

He said: “Watching people grow in confidence, develop their careers and achieve things they didn’t think were possible is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

“I firmly believe that behaviour affects behaviour, and as a mentor you need to give people the space to try things on their own.

“You expose them to new experiences and new challenges, and if they fall, you pick them back up. Then you try again together.”

Mr Chakraborty has worked in hospitality for more than 28 years, building his career at

A FARM business near Bath has been granted permission for a second fenced dog exercise paddock.

Manor Farm at Burnett is part of a wider family farm business which includes Glenavon Farm in Saltford and Uplands Farm on Wellsway in Keynsham.

In 2022 the poultry business at Manor Farm in Old Burnett Lane was closed and the sheds have been developed into storage business Yolk.

Glenavon Farm meanwhile is home to Flourish Foodhall & Kitchen and a popular dog exercise field.

Now Bath & North East Somerset Council has granted permission for a 1.74-hectare former horse paddock at Manor Farm to be turned into another ‘Woofpark’, which owners can hire and let their dogs run around in a safe, controlled and secure environment.

It will be enclosed by a 6ft high agricultural post and wire stock fencing with a twin mesh pedestrian gate. There will be a mobile timber shelter for dog

Photo © Macdonald Hotels

several luxury establishments.

After studying Hospitality Management at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, his first placement was in the kitchen at the Park Lane Hotel in London – an experience he credits with sparking his passion for cheffing.

He joined Macdonald Hotels in 2016 as regional executive chef and has since progressed through the business, graduating from the company’s general managers programme before becoming general manager of Bath Spa Hotel and, more recently, regional managing director for the group’s southern division.

He said: “Hospitality has given me so much throughout my career, and I’ve been fortunate to learn from inspiring leaders who believed in me. Mentoring is my way of giving something back.

This recognition is really for all the talented people I’ve had the privilege of working alongside.”

walkers.

The site will not be lit as no walks will take place before dawn or after dark. Winter opening times will be from 8am to 4pm and summer opening times from 6am to 8pm.

There will be four car parking spaces within the field; the paddock will be open for one booking per hour, with a 10-minute changeover window and a maximum of two cars per booking.

A dog waste bin will be provided, with collections made by a specialist contractor when required In their analysis of the proposals, council planners said the use is acceptable in the Green Belt.

While the council’s Local Plan recognises that agricultural land is one of the district’s most important resources, this site is not categorised as falling within the “best and most versatile” so the loss can be allowed.

Access to the site will be via the existing entrance from Old Burnett Lane, and no concerns were raised by council highways officers.

B&NES Council has granted listed building consent to repair an historic garden wall and iron balcony at Lansdown Grove Hotel. Built as a gentleman’s residence in 1770, Grade listed Lansdown Grove was converted and enlarged to create the hotel around 1860. The planned repairs will reverse “decay and corrosion”, making the balcony balustrading safe and stable, as well as meeting current regulations.

Retrospective plan for firm’s air con units A Bath engineering firm has applied retrospectively for planning permission to install air conditioning units at its premises in Newbridge. Rotary Precision Instruments UK Ltd has submitted the application to Bath & North East Somerset Council for the units to the rear of 8, 9,10 and 11 The Maltings at Brassmill Lane. According to planning agents, the applicant was “misadvised” on the need for planning permission, hence the retrospective application. The work was completed in February.

The agents say: “The units are located within an established industrial estate. They are modern and quiet in operation and would run only when the premises are occupied. Given their siting, scale and limited noise output, the proposal would not give rise to any unacceptable impact on the amenities of existing or future occupiers, including future residents of the adjoining Hartwells development, whether through noise or otherwise. No complaints have been received since the installation of the units.”

The planning reference is 26/02701/FUL and the deadline for comment is 11th August.

Seven-bed HMO proposed in Lyncombe Proposals for a seven-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Lyncombe have been submitted. 22 Magdalen Avenue is currently vacant. The plans are for a change of use and refurbishment of the end-ofterrace property. The proposed works include a loft conversion with rear dormer, a two-storey rear extension, basement lightwell, landscaping, cycle storage and external alterations.

The planning reference is 26/02438/FUL and the deadline for comment is 27th August.

Pub can stay open longer Wetherspoon bosses have this week been granted permission to alter a planning condition at the Palladium Electric pub in Midsomer Norton so it can stay open longer.

The pub opened in 2018 at the town’s former cinema and the extended opening hours are in response to “strong customer demand”.

Issue 135

Politics

Public Notices

Former Mayor of Bath to stand down as councillor over posts

Former Mayor Dr Bharat Pankhania | Photo © Paul Gillis / paulgillisphoto.com

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

THE former Mayor of Bath has announced he is resigning as a councillor, three months after resharing a post on X which called an arson attack on ambulances run by a Jewish charity an “Israeli false flag”.

Dr Bharat Pankhania apologised and stepped down from the role of mayor in March, after he reposted the post on X (formerly Twitter) along with two others, which suggested the attack in Golders Green was insurance fraud.

Now he has said that he will also resign as a councillor.

He told a meeting of Bath & North East Somerset Council on 16th July: “This has not been an easy decision but I need to give greater priority to my health and wellbeing.”

He has represented Combe Down on the southern edge of Bath since 2019.

Dr Pankhania said: “Like all of us, I am human and capable of making mistakes and I made a mistake, a momentary error, and shared a social media message before realising its implied subtext. I am sorry I did that, and I wish I hadn’t.

“My action caused concern and offence. I listened, I reflected, and I accepted responsibility for my mistake.

“I regret the distraction that this caused to the council and to the mayoralty and I stepped back as soon as it was clear that this was the right thing to do.”

He said: “I have always believed that public service is a privilege.

Throughout my time as a councillor, Deputy Mayor, and Mayor of Bath, I have sought to serve every resident with integrity, respect, and genuine desire to make our city a better place.”

Three councillors walked out of the chamber immediately before he began his statement.

Dr Pankhania became the

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798th Mayor of Bath, a wholly ceremonial role held by a different Bath councillor each year, in 2025.

He is the first Mayor of Bath to resign from the role since 1937.

Dr Pankhania was a Liberal Democrat until he was suspended from the party after reposting the posts. He left the party in March, at the same time as he resigned as Mayor of Bath.

In order to resign as a councillor, a letter of resignation will need to be submitted to the council’s chief executive.

It would likely lead to a council by-election later this summer. The winner would only have a short term as it, alongside every seat on Bath & North East Somerset Council, will be contested in the next local elections on 6th May 2027.

Five people have been charged in connection with the counter terrorism policing investigation into the arson attack on the Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in March. A trial is set for January 2027.

Established in London following the deaths of Jewish people waiting for ambulances, Hatzola is a volunteer-led ambulance service which responds to anyone within its area who needs help, whether Jewish or not.

In his apology posted on X at the time, Dr Pankhania said: “I have been made aware that I have reposted or replied to some posts which have never aligned to my values and beliefs, and which are abhorrent.

“I am incredibly apologetic that I have not lived up to the standards I set myself. I have of course deleted them, and I wish to apologise unreservedly.”

He later told the Local Democracy Service: “I am very sorry and upset. I made a mistake in retweeting not realising that retweeting is endorsement. There is no way I hate people or other religions. It is pure and simple a mistake on my part and that’s why I immediately apologised and withdrew my retweets.”

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF A PREMISES LICENSE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003 Larkhall Butchers Ltd applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 18/07/2026 for a licence to use the premises at Larkhall Butchers, Lambridge Buildings, Larkhall, Bath BA1 6RS for The sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises Monday to Friday 07:00 to 22:00hours; Saturday 7:00 to 22:00hours and Sunday 07:00 to 20:00hours.

Notification of the application made to the Licensing Authority is available on a register at www.bathnes.gov.uk/ publicregisters Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 14/08/2026 Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary.

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

Dated: 31/07/2026

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF A PREMISES LICENSE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF A PREMISES LICENSE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003

Wye Valley Meadery T/A Hive Mind Mead applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 17/07/2026 for a licence to use the premises of one unit within the footprint of the official Bath Christmas Market, Bath for selling alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises for the duration of Bath Christmas Market.

Dahlia Hospitality Ltd applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 23rd July 2026 for a licence to use the premises at Brume Bakery, 38 Kingsmead Street, Bath, BA1 2AA for Sale of Alcohol, ancillary to the premises’ primary use as a bakery/cafe.

Every day, 0900 - 2300.

Notification of the application made to the Licensing Authority is available on a register at www.bathnes.gov.uk/ publicregisters Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 14/08/2026 Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary.

Notification of the application made to the Licensing Authority is available on a register at www.bathnes.gov.uk/ publicregisters Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 20/08/2026 Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary.

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

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

Dated: 31/07/2026

Dated: 31/07/2026

Cost-cutting wage review sees council spend £1.7m in pay rises John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

A REVIEW of staff pay intended to save Bath & North East Somerset Council millions has instead cost it £1.7 million in pay rises.

The council had hoped to save £2.5 million in the last financial year through a pay and grading review.

But the review instead “resulted in a net increase in salary costs” which cost the council £1.7 million more than it had budgeted.

As a result, the council now has £4.2 million less than planned.

Council cabinet member resources Mark Elliott (Lansdown, Liberal Democrat) told a scrutiny committee on Tuesday 21st July: “Part of the whole point was to do a proper benchmarking exercise on the whole cohort of staff and we came up with a prediction of how much money that was going to save us — and it turned out that actually we needed to put quite a lot of salaries up a bit.”

Councillor Elliott said: “I am kind

of proud of the result: that we did up the pay of 60% of our staff when we actually looked at it and benchmarked it.”

But he added: “20/20 hindsight, it would have been a good thing to have known upfront as we would have been able to predict better.”

Scrutiny panel member Councillor Colin Blackburn (Westmoreland, Independent) called the programme “badly managed” for projecting savings which were not delivered.

He said: “The whole point of that programme was to re-evaluate and get things right. We should have had far better visibility of those numbers.”

Councillor Joanna Wright (Lambridge, Green) added: “It’s really great that we’ve paid officers more money and so they should be, but the programme was poorly planned. It was optimistically budgeted and it was badly managed.”

She added: “We don’t seem to be getting answers back as to why that happened and that is really quite crucial because there has been a massive overspend on this and we should have known that

in advance.”

The regrading was a part of the council’s major and multi-year ‘Being Our Best’ programme (often shortened to BOB) which aims to reform how large parts of the council are run as an organisation to aim to deliver the best service.

Work on reducing duplication of roles and getting departments to work together is still ongoing.

Councillor Elliott told the scrutiny panel: “There are still a pile of savings that are due to be delivered from the Being Our Best programme — over £2 million — which we are still being told will be delivered.”

The scrutiny panel has called for a specific report on the Being Our Best programme to come before a future meeting.

Despite continuing to face increasing children’s care costs and with global instability leading to a reduction in tourism, Bath & North East Somerset Council was just one per cent over budget at the end of the 2025/26 financial year. Councillor Elliott said: “Given what the council has faced in 2025/26, it actually represents a genuinely creditable performance.”

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Friday night lights dominant for Bath in first half of PREM season

Bath cricketers out of Premier 1 drop zone

Richard Briggs

Richard Briggs

THERE will be a sense of deja vu when Bath Rugby begin the Gallagher PREM season by visiting South West London outfit Harlequins on Friday 25th September (7.45pm).

The match at Twickenham Stoop Stadium will be a repeat of the Blue, Black & White’s 2025-26 opener, which was also staged on a Friday evening and resulted in a victory for Johann van Graan’s side.

Bath, who went into the 26th September 2025 fixture as reigning champions, emerged 47-31 winners of a thrilling game.

The 2026-27 fixtures were released by the PREM yesterday, Tuesday 28th July. And they have handed the Blue, Black & White five Friday outings under floodlights in their opening nine matches.

The second of those Friday fixtures will provide the Somerset side with their first home game.

They will entertain Exeter Chiefs – their conquerors in last term’s play-offs – at The Rec on Friday 2nd October (7.45pm).

Bath’s first Saturday match of the PREM season will take them to 2025-26 champions Northampton Saints on 10th October. And there will be a second successive away game for the Blue, Black & White as they must go to Gloucester Rugby in Round 4 on Friday 23rd October.

Round 4 has been designated Derby Weekend.

Bath’s other Friday fixtures in the opening half of the season will be at home to Bristol Bears on 4th December and away to Newcastle

BATH 1st XI caused a big upset in West of England Premier League Premier 1 by beating championship-chasing hosts Midsomer Norton 1st XI by three wickets with four balls to go.

The result on Saturday 25th July hauled Bath out of the relegation zone and into eighth place in the 10-team division.

And with Bristol 1st XI, who are also battling the drop, winning by six wickets at high-flying Bridgwater 1st XI, there are new occupants of the basement slot.

Thornbury 1st XI slumped to the bottom of the table, courtesy of a three-wicket home loss to Bedminster 1st XI. Bath are two points ahead of second-bottom Bristol and 10 points in front of Thornbury, each side having five matches remaining. Norton were asked to bat at Withies Lane and posted 226-9 in their 50 overs, having been 82-4 off 25.5 overs.

Their innings was rescued by a fifth-wicket partnership between Finn Kelsey and Callum Harvey.

The pair added 85 before skipper Harvey was trapped leg before by Harry Dixon for 31.

Kelsey went on to make 92 – with 10 fours – from 123 balls, his departure coming during a collapse that saw the homesters slide from 204-5 to 214-9.

Spencer Gammon was Bath’s hero with the leather, taking 5-31 in 10 overs.

The visitors lost opener Jack Scrivens off the first ball of the reply. But Ben Wells (62) and Dixon (71) hit back to add 126 for

Reporter

Reporter

Bath will open their PREM season against Harlequins under the floodlights here at Twickenham for the second year running | Photo © Richard Briggs

Red Bulls a fortnight later in the first of the festive fixtures.

The remainder of the festive schedule has given the Blue Black & White a home clash with Leicester Tigers on Boxing Day, Saturday 26th December, and a trip to North London to take on Alfie Barbeary’s Saracens on Saturday 2nd January.

Exact dates and kick-off times for the latter nine games of Bath’s PREM programme have yet to be determined.

Those fixtures are currently assigned to specific weekends, starting with the Round 10 tussle at home to the Saints which will be played over the weekend of Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th January.

Bath’s final away match will be against Bristol Bears over the weekend of Friday 28th to Sunday 30th May. And the last game of the Blue, Black & White’s regular season will be played at The Rec, against Saracens, over the weekend of Friday 4th to Sunday 6th June.

The PREM final will be staged at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday 19th June.

Bath’s Gallagher PREM fixtures: ■ September: 25th Harlequins (A, 7.45pm).

■ October: 2nd Exeter Chiefs (H, 7.45pm), 10th Northampton Saints (A, 3.05pm), 23rd Gloucester Rugby (A, 7.45pm), 31st Sale Sharks (H, 3.05pm).

■ December: 4th Bristol Bears (H, 7.45pm), 18th Newcastle Red Bulls (A, 7.45pm), 26th Leicester Tigers (H, 3.05pm).

■ January: 2nd Saracens (A, 3.05pm), 22nd-24th Northampton Saints (H).

■ March: 19th-21st Gloucester Rugby (H), 26th-28th Sale Sharks (A).

■ April: 16th-18th Newcastle Red Bulls (H), 23rd-25th Leicester Tigers (A).

■ May: 7th-9th Exeter Chiefs (A), 14th-16th Harlequins (H), 28th30th Bristol Bears (A).

■ June: 4th-6th Saracens (H).

the second wicket in 29.3 overs.

Captain Harry Ellison, batting at number five, struck an unbeaten 35 off 37 deliveries as Bath reached 230-7 in 49.2 overs.

Nick Pang pocketed 3-52 from nine overs for Norton.

Bath 2nd XI were hammered by 120 runs when they faced Bristol West Indian Phoenix 1st XI at North Parade on 25th July in West of England Premier League Bristol & North Somerset.

Phoenix piled up 336-6 in their 50 overs – a remarkable total considering they had been 97-4 after 16.3 overs and 151-6 from 29 overs.

Bath had not bargained on Neiland Cadogan and Otis Lemon plundering an unbroken 185 for the seventh wicket.

Cadogan slammed 123 not out off 70 deliveries, his innings containing 10 sixes and seven fours. Lemon’s knock was less explosive, his 63 balls bringing him 45 not out.

Alex Burkhart was the most successful member of the Bath attack, his four overs earning 3-20. Alex Haleem (56) and Charlie Brain (32) opened the hosts’ reply with a first-wicket stand that yielded 84.

But the only other partnership of note was the 49 that Ben Harper (32) and Kester Moseley (23) managed for the third wicket.

And Bath crashed from 193-4 to 216 all out, their innings closing after 41.3 overs.

Cadogan completed a superb allround performance, and proved Bath’s nemesis once again, by grabbing 4-35 in 7.3 overs.

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COLUMN | Ben Hicks, Clerk of the Course - Bath Racecourse Photo © Johnny Hathaway

T

HE prolonged spell of dry weather continues here at Bath.

Despite a light shower consisting of 1mm of rain on Sunday morning, the meaningful helping hand from mother nature we’ve been hoping for still hasn’t arrived.

It’s certainly been a testing period from a grounds management perspective, but the team have continued to put in a tremendous amount of work to ensure the track remains in excellent condition for racing.

Following the success of our last fixture, on Wednesday 15th July, preparations have been in full swing for racing again this evening, Friday 31st July.

Since last Wednesday, the team have been busy moving the running rail onto fresh ground, carrying out our watering programme and promoting recovery across the racing line.

The continuing warm temperatures have meant that grass recovery has required careful management. But thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, the course continues to be level with excellent grass cover despite some naturally discoloured areas.

For this evening’s meeting, we received 71 entries across the six-race card, which is a healthy number and very much in line with what many other racecourses are seeing at the

moment.

At the time of writing, we hope that declarations morning will leave us with somewhere in the region of 35 to 40 runners.

The action will start at 5.35pm with an amateur jockeys’ contest over one mile and six furlongs.

Away from Bath, I’ve had the opportunity to visit a couple of other racecourses over the past week.

Last Wednesday I attended the summer jumping fixture at Worcester, and it was good to see how other courses are managing the challenges that this seemingly endless spell of warm, dry weather has created.

While our focus here is on producing safe Flat racing ground,

Worcester face the additional challenge of preparing a surface suitable for National Hunt racing during the summer months.

It was an interesting day and meant I could catch up with some former colleagues from my days of riding over the sticks.

This week I headed to Ffos Las Racecourse to clerk their evening fixture.

Opportunities like these are always enjoyable, allowing you to work alongside different teams, and experience another racecourse’s operation and unique challenges each track presents.

Back at Bath, excitement is

building for this evening’s fixture, not just because of the racing but also because we’ll once again be welcoming The Wurzels back to Lansdown.

As I mentioned in my previous column, this will be their 19th year performing with us, and they remain one of the highlights of our summer calendar.

With six races followed by live music and what’s likely to be another warm summer evening, all looks in place for what promises to be another memorable fixture. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lansdown and hope you enjoy another excellent evening.

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Bath come from behind to draw at Melksham, Odd Down win Richard Briggs Reporter

BATH City came from behind to draw their friendly at Melksham Town on Tuesday 28th July.

The Black & Yellows – members of Pitching In Southern League Division One South – went ahead in the first half at the Meads of Melksham Community Football Stadium, only for the highergrade Romans to equalise for a 1-1 stalemate.

Mark Cooper fired the hosts in front from close range after 17 minutes.

But Donovan Wilson netted with a free-kick early in the second period for Scott Bartlett’s Southern League Premier South newcomers.

And the visitors almost snatched a late winner, Joe Raynes hitting the bar in injury-time.

Among the substitutes for Bath was young forward Trayvion Jackson, who had been playing for the club under the moniker Trialist previously this preseason.

Jackson, 18, spent several years

with Bristol City.

He scored as the Robins’ U18 side won the Professional Development League national final 2-1 against Watford U18 last season.

Coming off the Bristol bench, he struck the extra-time decider in the match at Ashton Gate on Friday 16th May. Jackson also had a loan spell with Clevedon Town, of the Jewson Western League Premier Division, in 2025-26.

Bath: Harvey Wiles-Richards, Joe Raynes, Dan Greenslade (Owen Windsor, 46), Ollie Tomlinson, Kieran Parselle, Scott Wilson (Seweryn Streczen, 69), Jordan Tillson, Harry Parsons (Reuben Reid, 46), Matt Bowman (Jack Batten, 43), Enzio Boldewijn (Trayvion Jackson, 80), Donovan Wilson. Unused subs: Dominic Cook, Owen Pritchard.

The match at Melksham had originally been scheduled for Saturday 25th July but was put back to accommodate the Romans’ friendly with Newport County, which was played at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park that afternoon.

Bath will play their final warmup fixture of the summer when they visit National League South outfit Farnborough on Saturday 1st August (3pm).

The game at the Saunders Transport Community Stadium will be staged in memory of former Farnborough Town boss Ted Pearce, who died in 2022.

Pearce managed Town, the forerunner of Farnborough FC, for 23 years and led them from parks football to the equivalent of the National League.

The teams will play for the Ted Pearce Memorial Cup. Odd Down concluded their programme of pre-season friendlies by beating a Melksham Town XI 2-1 at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground on 28th July.

The match was a tribute to former Odd Down Development manager and Melksham player Mark Brown, who died in March 2023.

The winners, who led 1-0 at halftime, received the Mark Brown Memorial Cup. A spokesman for the Down said: “Congratulations to our first team on winning the Mark Brown

Photo © Odd Down FC

Memorial Cup with a 2-1 victory over Melksham Town.

“Goals from Nick Fowler and Jake Slocombe secured the trophy in what was a fitting occasion to honour the memory of Mark Brown, who held strong connections with both clubs.

“A huge thank you to everyone who attended the match and helped make the evening such a special tribute to Mark.

“Your support was greatly appreciated, and we would also like to thank everyone at Melksham Town for playing their part in a memorable occasion.”

New signing Fowler made 12 appearances for Wells City’s first team in Jewson Western League

Division One last season and scored three goals.

He was named the Rowdens Road club’s reserve team players’ player of the year for 2025-26.

The Down have also signed defender Jaiden Savery. A former Larkhall Athletic and Welton Rovers player, Savery has been with the Down previously.

Odd Down’s opening game of the Western League Division One campaign will be on Saturday 1st August, when they welcome Radstock Town to the Lew Hill Memorial Ground (3pm).

The Down will be at home to promoted Nailsea United in the league on Tuesday 4th August (7.45pm).

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Ebdon and Lewis are City women beaten by centurions for Bear Flat Tier 6 newcomers Richard Briggs Reporter

TWO centurions helped ensure Bear Flat 1st XI’s lead at the top of Somerset League Division Four has increased again.

The Bears went into their game with North Perrott 2nd XI on Saturday 25th July with a 12-point advantage over second-placed Holford 1st XI. But Holford were beaten by seven wickets when they entertained Spaxton 1st XI in a Quantocks derby.

Holford have dropped into third spot, overtaken by Trull 1st XI who enjoyed a six-wicket home success against Purnell 1st XI. The upshot is the 32 points that Bear Flat gained from their 12run win over South Somerset team Perrott put them 13 points clear of Trull with five rounds of matches remaining. Holford are 18 points adrift of Trull.

The Bears piled up 282-5 at The Glasshouse Playing Fields in Combe Down after electing to bat, James Ebdon and Harry Lewis each reaching three figures.

Opener Ebdon made 107 – with 20 fours – off 100 balls.

And skipper and number four Lewis cracked a six and 13 fours as he raced to 102 not out from 82 deliveries.

The third-biggest contribution for Bear Flat came from extras (31).

Indeed the hosts were in trouble at 30-2, only for Ebdon and Lewis to turn the tables with a thirdwicket stand that produced 169 runs.

Oliver Copeman and Anthony Rousell bagged two wickets apiece for the travellers.

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The Bears piled up 282-5

Perrott had won only three of their previous 12 league matches but they made a battling performance in the response, closing their 40 overs on 270-7.

They also had a centurion, opener Milo Mounde hitting 100.

James Coverdale, batting at number six, added 54 and Seb Sanders (39 not out) and Felix Mounde (36) crafted valuable knocks. Sam Homan was the most successful Bear Flat bowler, snaring 3-35 from eight overs.

Matt Tomes-Smith weighed in with 2-45 off eight overs.

Bear Flat 2nd XI were beaten by six wickets when they took on their Cheddar counterparts at Sharpham Road in Somerset League Division Six North on 25th July.

The result means the Bears have lost six of their last seven fixtures.

Having opted to bat, Beat Flat posted 208-8.

They were given a solid start by first-wicket pair Andrew Ebdon (42) and Simon Brocklebank (34) but nobody else topped 25. There were, though, 38 extras.

Cheddar’s James Houghton took 2-34 in eight overs and Arthur Parfitt returned 2-26 from three overs. Then, with David Gooch (43) and Isaac McLaren (66) plundering 133 for the second wicket, the Sedgemoor team eased to 211-4 with almost seven of their 40 overs remaining.

(1ST XI)

Bath City Women lost 3-2 here at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park

Richard Briggs Reporter

BATH City Women went down 3-2 when they faced Bristol Brunel in a friendly at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park on Sunday 26th July.

Brunel have been promoted to the Tier 6 South West Regional Women’s League Division One North, after winning Gloucestershire County Women’s League Division One with an unbeaten record last season.

And they made a bright start against the Romans, who will compete in the new South West Regional Women’s League Division One Central during 2026-27.

Polly Williams hit the bar early on for the visitors but found the net shortly afterwards.

Brunel extended their lead in the 20th minute, Evie Grant burying the loose ball after an effort hit the Bath bar.

But City reduced the arrears in the 49th minute, Jess Evans scoring following good work by Sophie Storey.

It was not long before Brunel regained their two-goal cushion.

Liv Hurley was on target, pouncing on the rebound following a save by Romans’ custodian Lucy Clay.

However, Bath – who beat Cirencester Town Ladies 2-1 the previous weekend in their first friendly of the summer – struck again when Beth Edwards let fly from 25 yards after 63 minutes.

City’s next friendly will be away to South Gloucestershire side Frampton Rangers Ladies on Sunday 9th August.

Frampton are members of South West Regional Women’s League Division One North.

The match, at Yate Town’s South West Interiors Stadium on Lodge Road, will begin at 2pm.

Odd Down Women will visit Weston-super-Mare Women on Sunday 2nd August for their first friendly.

The game will be played at the Optima Stadium’s 3G facility, kicking-off at 2pm.

The Down are gearing up for life in Somerset County Women’s League Division One, having secured the Division Two title last season. Weston will play one level higher than Odd Down during 2026-27 – as members of South West Regional Women’s League Division One Central.

Crossword answers - Issue 134 (17/07/2026) Across: 1 Bedtime, 5 Ovarian, 9 Should, 10 Tiresome, 11 Acapulco, 13 Libido, 14 Didcot, 17 Nostrils, 19 Patients, 21 Anyhow, 23 Diodes, 25 Eligible, 28 Man-of-war, 29 Gospel, 30 Renders, 31 Unleash.

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