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Friday 23rd October - Thursday 5th November 2026

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Issue No. 141

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LIDL STORE REFUSED Plans to build budget supermarket on London Road rejected - P3

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Demolition of city’s fire station plagued by various issues - P2

A36 bridge being monitored after workers dig through tunnel - P4

David Suchet returns to Bath in Murder in the Cathedral - P10

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How to get in touch with us... 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: 01225 585484 advertise@bathecho.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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Local Democracy Reporter

THE demolition of Bath Fire Station has been plagued with issues which have largely used up the project’s contingency budget before the building of its replacement has even got off the ground. Bath’s 1930s fire station was demolished over the summer to make way for a new “state-of-theart” facility. The almost 90-year-old building did not meet modern standards, was structurally unsound, and its appliance bay doors were also “too narrow” for modern fire engines. But knocking down the building has proved challenging. One excavator on site struck previously unknown asbestos in the walls of the fire station, triggering “a two-week standstill” so that controlled removal could be carried out. The walls adjoining the ambulance station next door were also discovered to be at risk of collapse, slowing down work by another two weeks. The demolition was finally completed on 11th August.

A report which went before Avon Fire Authority’s policy and resources committee on 13th October warned: “The available contingency allowance has reduced to a very limited level after demolition was completed. “This restricts the project’s ability to absorb unforeseen cost pressures and increases the sensitivity of the budget to any future variations or emerging risks.” But it insisted: “The overall project budget remains under close management and is currently forecasting to remain within the approved funding allocation.” Since the demolition, work to create pilings to stabilise the ground has also been frustrated by concrete just disappearing into the ground. The report stated: “Three piles initially failed due to concrete being lost into the underground fissures, rather than returning to the surface as expected: one pile encountered an unknown underground obstruction and two further piles experienced concrete loss.” The issue led to redesign work, which has caused another two-week delay. Stabilising the site is hugely important as

The fire station being demolished in June

subsidence was a major cause of the structural issues with the previous fire station. Asked by policy and resources committee member and Bath & North East Somerset councillor Robin Moss (Westfield, Labour) if the subsidence issue had been solved, Avon Fire & Rescue Service head of estates Patrick Hollins said: “The piles that we are introducing go down significantly further than the piles that the existing station was on. So we are much more confident that subsidence won’t be an issue with the station going forward.” Fire crews are operating from a temporary fire station in Twerton while the demolition and rebuild is under way. Bath & North East Somerset Council granted planning permission for the works in November 2025, despite calls by campaigners for the Art Deco fire

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

T’S not difficult to understand why the idea of another Lidl in Bath appealed to some people. With household budgets still being squeezed, the promise of a lower-cost supermarket on the eastern side of the city was always going to get attention. More choice, more competition and potentially cheaper shopping - there is an obvious argument in favour. And 259 people who commented on the plans clearly felt the same way. But then you look at the other side of it. More than 700 objections were submitted, and the concerns went far beyond simply not wanting a supermarket nearby. Traffic, wildlife, heritage, walking

and cycling routes and the possible impact on Larkhall’s existing shops were all raised. Perhaps the biggest issue was always going to be traffic. Anyone who regularly uses the London Road will know it is hardly crying out for more cars, and even Lidl’s own modelling suggested the proposed junction could make congestion worse. That is a fairly significant hurdle when you are talking about a development designed to attract a steady stream of shoppers throughout the day. Then there is Larkhall itself. One of the things that makes it work is that it still feels like a proper local village. There are shops, services and

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station to be saved. The building was completed in 1938 by Molly Gerrard (née Taylor), who also designed Kilowatt House, and the Twentieth Century Society mounted a campaign to save it. Historic England asked the government to make the original Bath Fire Station Grade II listed, but ministers declined, stating that it was “not sufficiently special”. Avon Fire & Rescue Service said it needed a modern fire station and could not simply relocate, as that would mean having to find new homes for the 14 on-call firefighters who are required to live within a five-minute drive of the fire station. The fire station’s stone crest and original fireman’s pole have been reclaimed and will be incorporated into the new fire station.

Sebastian Hawker

businesses that people can walk to, and that all helps create a sense of community. Would a large supermarket nearby damage that? Possibly. Equally, though, should existing businesses automatically be protected from competition? Probably not. If people want cheaper groceries or a different place to shop, that is a perfectly reasonable argument too. And this is where planning decisions get complicated. It is very easy to look at something like this and say Bath needs more affordable shopping, so build it. It is equally easy to say the traffic is already bad enough, so don’t. The reality sits somewhere in the

middle. The council has decided that, in this location, the potential benefits did not outweigh the concerns around highways, biodiversity, heritage and the effect on Larkhall. That does not mean the demand for another budget supermarket suddenly disappears. Perhaps the more interesting question now is whether Lidl looks elsewhere in Bath, or whether another site could deliver the same benefits without creating quite so many problems. Because giving people more affordable choices and protecting strong local communities should not really have to be an either-or decision.

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Marks & Spencer

17 Southgate Place, Bath, BA1 1AP

Morrisons

York Place, London Road, Bath, BA1 6AN

Prior Park Garden Centre

Prior Park Road, Bath, BA2 4NF

Royal United Hospital

The Atrium, RUH, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG

Sainsbury’s (Green Park)

Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 2DR

Sainsbury’s (Odd Down)

Frome Road, Bath, BA2 5RF

Tesco Express (Wellsway)

52 Wellsway, Bath, BA2 4SA

Tesco Express (Weston)

20 High Street, Upper Weston, Bath, BA1 4BX

The Hub, Mulberry Park

Mulberry Way, Combe Down, Bath, BA2 5BU

Waitrose

The Podium, Northgate Street, Bath, BA1 5AL

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Issue 141

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Plans for second Lidl store in Bath are kicked out Becky Feather Reporter

LIDL’S plans for a controversial new store next to the Lambridge Rugby Training Ground on London Road in Bath have this week been kicked out. The budget supermarket chain submitted the application to Bath & North East Somerset Council in April 2025 after withdrawing its previous bid in July 2024 so it could carry out “vital highways surveys”. Access to the new supermarket was being proposed from a new fourth arm added to the existing London Road / Gloucester Road signalised junction. The site is about 350 metres south west of the A46 London Road roundabout junction which is managed and maintained by National Highways. Last month we reported that a study Lidl commissioned found that the proposed new junction would worsen traffic congestion in the area, and it was admitted that the results of the modelling were “not as favourable as the project team would have hoped”. The results also indicated that the network is expected to experience severe congestion, whether or not a Lidl is built on the site to

The proposed junction to the new store | Image © Lidl GB

the north of Bath Rugby’s training ground. Lidl said at the time that the proposed store remained a “key aspiration” and it wanted to work with the council and National Highways to investigate possible solutions. The council received 739 objections as well as 259 comments of support and 14 general comments for the proposed store which would be the city’s second. There is already a Lidl on the other side of Bath at Lower Bristol Road.

Announcing on Wednesday, 21st October that the plans had been refused, the council acknowledged there were several benefits weighing in favour of a Lidl store, including the creation of jobs and additional spend in Bath. But the plans, which included 81 car parking spaces and landscaping, were refused on five grounds: • The store would have a significant adverse impact upon the vitality, viability and diversity of Larkhall Local

Centre. • The application failed to demonstrate that there would be no severe cumulative impact on the operation of the highway network. • The application failed to demonstrate that satisfactory walking and cycling facilities could be achieved. • There was insufficient information to demonstrate compliance with regulations in relation to roosting bats and impacts on bat populations associated with the Bath and Bradford on-Avon Bats Special Area of Conservation, and in relation to badgers. Harm to biodiversity could not be ruled out. • The development would result in harm to the Outstanding Universal Values of the City of Bath World Heritage Site and The Great Spa Towns of Europe World Heritage Site, Bath Conservation Area and the settings of Lambridge House, Montague House, Whyke House and Cedar Close. The harm would not be outweighed by the public benefits. The Echo has asked Lidl to comment on the council’s decision to refuse permission, but we had not received a response at the time of going to print.

Decision welcomed after years of campaigning Becky Feather Reporter

B&NES Council’s decision to refuse permission for the store has been welcomed by the two Green councillors who represent this part of the city. Councillor Joanna Wright, who is also the Green group’s leader, told the Echo: “We are delighted that after many years of campaigning on this, the Lidl development has been refused. “My objection highlighted many reasons why this superstore on the east of Bath should be refused, including the impact on the transport network, retail and ecology. “National Highways said there was no capacity in the network and recognised the development would have affected traffic throughout Bath and into Wiltshire.

“Local retail including Morrisons, Waitrose and Co-op objected to another superstore being built in Bath. Concerns from UNESCO also factored into the decision.” Fellow Lambridge ward councillor Saskia Heijltjes said: “Local people have been against this development for years. The knock-on effect to traffic, as well as the damage to the local ecology that people are proud of, was not something people were willing to accept. There are beavers and bats in the meadow and river which are protected species.” The councillors said they recognised there are those wanting a cheaper supermarket option. Councillor Wright said: “People still need help with the cost-ofliving crisis, we recognise the need to lower bills and have more affordable food options. “This development was not the solution. We know that a

News in Brief Former Bath MP pleads guilty to assault Former Bath MP Ben Howlett has pleaded guilty to assaulting a man in London. Howlett, who lives in Greenwich, admitted an offence of assault by beating which took place in Battersea on 25th June 2021. He is due to be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on 10th December. Howlett represented Bath as a Conservative MP from 2015 until Parliament was dissolved in May 2017 ahead of that year’s General Election.

Nine homes planned in village near Bath There are plans to build up to nine homes at Chewton Keynsham. Permission in Principle (PiP) is being sought from Bath & North East Somerset Council for part of the garden of Poplars Cottage in Redlynch Lane, which is in the Green Belt. It is envisaged that the existing access would be used and that all hedgerow boundaries would be retained, with additional planting to the eastern boundary. The planning reference is 26/03773/PIP. The deadline for any comments is 5th November.

Dog walking paddock gains approval Plans to change the use of land at Tunley Equestrian Centre at Withyditch Lane in Dunkerton to a dog walking paddock have been approved by B&NES Council.

Weather Forecast Fri 23rd Sat 24th Sun 25th Mon 26th Tue 27th Wed 28th Thu 29th

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Long range forecast: Councillors Joanna Wright and Saskia Heijltjes | Photo © Joanna Wright

Lidl superstore was opened in Twerton in 2018, and the local Coop store in Twerton High Street closed following its opening. “Twerton is now in receipt of a

regeneration programme that has cost thousands. If this application had been approved, this process might have been the outcome for Larkhall.”

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(30th Oct to 5th Nov) Wet and windy weather to continue with unsettled conditions for most. Turning drier as the week continues, with chillier nights and some fog likely.

Friday 23rd October - Thursday 5th November 2026

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Concerns over congestion and safety issues at A36 junction Becky Feather Reporter

BATH & North East Somerset Council has finally brought in consultants to look at what can be done at the junction of Beckford Road, Sydney Place and Bathwick Street through which an extra 4,000 extra vehicles a day have been re-routed following the introduction of the nearby low traffic neighbourhood (LTN). The council is blaming “poor driver behaviour” and police are carrying out high-visibility patrols, saying they “recognise local concerns”. Sydney Road and New Sydney Place used to be a short cut for drivers to avoid the A36 traffic lights. Bollards were installed as a trial in April 2024 to prevent traffic from cutting through the two residential streets. The LTN, which was designed to make it easier for those walking, cycling, or wheeling through the area, was then made permanent although a council consultation found the majority of respondents opposed the scheme. Residents have told the Echo that the council knew the Beckford Road / Sydney Place / Bathwick Street junction was congested

prior to diverting the vehicles, so do not understand why mitigations were not put in place. They say the LTN scheme has not reduced traffic, only displaced it, and that the current nearby roadworks have only exacerbated the problem caused by a 40% increase in traffic crossing the junction. Residents report that every day, vehicles sit illegally on the yellow boxes, motorists shout and hoot their horns, pollution has increased, and more worryingly, pedestrians can’t cross safely. One resident said: “We are seeing and reporting regular red lightjumping, which transforms a congestion, noise and pollution problem into a safety issue with pedestrians being put at risk when they cross on a green light.” Another told the Echo that she had been contacting the council for months, has had to chase up answers, and has sent evidence of traffic violations. She was told by a senior highways officer at the end of last December that to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow, additional yellow box markings had been installed “some time ago” to encourage motorists to keep sections of the road clear. The officer said: “These markings have made the junction safer

The Beckford Road / Sydney Place / Bathwick Street junction in Bath

without requiring costly and disruptive construction works.” However, to be enforceable by an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera, the design and layout of road markings and traffic signs must comply with national regulations. The officer explained that they don’t, due to the amendments made at the junction, but that removing the extra box marking would make it less safe. The highways officer then told her in May: “We are currently obtaining an independent review of this junction to identify

what changes could be made in the short term to reduce the occurrences that you describe. I’ll come back to you when we have the outcome of this.” However, when she followed it up in September with a Freedom of Information request, it emerged that the review hadn’t even started. On 10th September she was told by the officer: “We had approached one organisation with expertise in the review of yellow box junctions, but they did not have capacity to undertake this work for us, and we are

now about to appoint another company to do this. It involves them looking at a number of locations across B&NES. We are currently awaiting details as to the timescales that this review can be done within.” Councillor Lucy Hodge, the Liberal Democrat council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, told the Echo: “We are aware of poor driver behaviour in this location leading to an unsafe situation and also that there has been an increase in traffic linked to necessary traffic management to facilitate nearby roadworks. “We have spoken to residents and provided reassurance that we are using a specialist consultant to look at the junction to advise what changes we’d need to make to enable us to use ANPR cameras, in order to enforce the yellow box junction markings which have been in place for several years.” The Bath & North East Somerset Policing team said: “We recognise local concerns regarding vehicle use within yellow box junctions and the difficulties pedestrians face when crossing safely. “We will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure the safety of pedestrians within the community to make Bath feel safe for all.”

A36 bridge being closely monitored Homes without gas due after workers dig through tunnel to heritage red tape John Wimperis

Becky Feather

ENGINEERS are “closely monitoring” a bridge on the A36 after contractors accidentally dug through into a canal tunnel below. A single lane closure is in place on the A36 Beckford Road in Bath after contractors widening pavements broke through the roof of a 200-year-old tunnel over the Kennet & Avon Canal below. The tunnel has been closed to both boats and pedestrians but cars are continuing to pass just metres from the hole, which has been fenced off and covered. A spokesperson for Bath & North East Somerset Council said: “Safety is our first priority and engineers are closely monitoring the bridge. We are continuing with the eastbound one-lane Beckford Road closure, as well as the closure of the canal and adjacent towpath at the north end of Sydney Gardens. We want to thank people for their patience and of course we will give further updates when we have them.” The hole is large enough that daylight could be seen shining through into the canal tunnel

FOLLOWING a gas leak in Sydney Place, Wales & West Utilities has been told it can’t reconnect the supply for tenants in the Grade I terraced property until listed building consent is secured for a replacement pipe. Securing consent from Bath & North East Somerset Council typically takes months. With colder weather on the way, the gas distribution company has ensured that alternative heating and cooking facilities are available to the residents at No.6 where the leak was reported on Thursday 15th October. Housing association Curo manages the flats at No. 6 and has other properties in the terrace. This week, a spokesperson for Wales & West Utilities told the Echo: “We have been working in the Sydney Place area of Bath to fix a small leak on the gas service pipe supplying a property in the street. “Our engineers have stopped the leak and made the pipe safe. Because the property is a Grade I listed building, we need listed building consent from the council before we can replace the

Reporter

Local Democracy Reporter

Inset: The damage to the roof of the tunnel Above: The roadworks on the A36 | Photos © John Wimperis

when it was not covered over. Rick, a boater who has seen the damage from inside the tunnel, said: “There is a big hole in the apex of the arch which is not good.” A spokesperson for the Canal & River Trust said: “Stones have been dislodged and damaged under the tunnel arch over the canal making the bridge unsafe to canal users. For safety reasons, and until a structural engineer from Bath & North East Somerset Council can make a detailed assessment of the structure, the canal navigation and towpath will remain temporarily closed.” Contractor Volker Highways had been widening the pavement on the south side of the road to

install a shared used path. A long trench had been dug into the road surface by the contractors which now ends suddenly and is covered by plastic sheeting at the point where the road crosses the canal. The council first issued a warning on 9th October that a structural issue was affecting the bridge, which had been caused during planned works to improve walking and cycling. The council said: “Thank you to the residents who alerted us promptly, and the technical teams already on site for their swift response. Public safety remains our priority and we apologise for any inconvenience.” The closure of the tunnel means that canal boats in Bath and Bristol are cut off from the rest of the Kennet & Avon Canal.

service pipe and reconnect the property to the gas network. “We will be working with the council’s planning team to secure the necessary consent as quickly as possible. “In the meantime, we are providing the residents with alternative heating and cooking facilities where needed and will keep them updated as our application progresses.” A Curo spokesperson said: “We have four flats within the building affected by the gas supply issue. “Wales & West Utilities has offered temporary heating and hot water to residents in all four properties, with two accepting the offer. “There are no safety concerns, and Wales & West Utilities is in daily contact with our team leaders to keep us updated on progress. “Restoring the gas supply requires a new pipe to be installed externally to the building. “As the property is Grade I listed, this requires consent from Bath & North East Somerset Council. “We will continue to work with Wales & West Utilities to support progress towards restoring the gas supply as soon as possible.” The Echo has invited Bath & North East Somerset Council to comment on the situation.

Issue 141

BPT and CAMRA object to Walcot Street development scheme BATH Preservation Trust and CAMRA – the Campaign for Real Ale – have added their objections to the controversial proposed housing development next to the legendary Bell pub on Walcot Street. Developers Longacre Estates want to knock down the old Bath Aqua Glass unit next to the inn and build nine apartments directly adjoining it, with a commercial unit on the ground floor. The Bell fears it will face noise complaints from anyone who moves into the flats. Objectors say the developers have downplayed the noise from the pub and that new residential units would share a wall with a venue which has amplified bass most nights of the week. The developers say in their application that The Bell only hosts “occasional” live music and that assessing the noise from inside the pub isn’t necessary. It mentions a “reasonable worstcase scenario” of 70 people in the beer garden speaking with raised voices. The Bell hosts live music three or four nights a week, with DJs at the weekend.

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More than 1,300 objections to the proposals have been lodged with Bath & North East Somerset Council. In its objection, Bath Preservation Trust says the proposed development “would harm the character and appearance and significance of the Bath City Wide Conservation Area, detract from the setting and significance of multiple heritage assets, threaten the mixed-commercial use and amenity value of the area, and the continued viable business, cultural use and conservation of an existing community asset of significant public benefit, which is not outweighed by the benefit of the proposed scheme either in terms of its use or design value”. Trevor Cromie, chair of the Bath and Borders branch of CAMRA, says: “The Bell is an iconic community-owned real ale and music venue in Bath’s artisan quarter, most performances are free and include established artists as well as an incubator for local artists; it provides free meeting space for local charities/ community groups, runs the Bath Fringe Festival, financially supports local charities and overwhelmingly sources cask

Bath’s new recycling centre amended to include solar panels

The Bell Inn on Walcot Street

beer from local breweries. “We recognise the ‘bottom up’ (local) demand for residential properties and ‘top down’ (Central Government) pressure to provide additional residential accommodation; however, the harm to the long-term viability of The Bell associated with this proposal outweighs the benefit, especially as the proposal also reduces the area available for commercial use, undermining council policy to promote Walcot Street as Bath’s artisan quarter.” Mr Cromie adds that many of the bedrooms would be against the party wall and/or with opening windows and rear balconies. “Residents will experience regular noise disturbance both from amplified music and from customers in the garden. The submitted noise impact assessment is inaccurate and misleading.”

BATH & North East Somerset Council has decided it wants to add solar panels to the new recycling centre being built in Locksbrook Road at Newbridge, which is due to open this autumn. Planning permission was granted in April 2025 for the new centre which will replace the Midland Road one. It is being redeveloped for housing by council-owned Aequus Construction Ltd. The council says solar panels have been successfully installed at its recycling hub in Keynsham and that renewable energy generation at Locksbrook Road will reduce operating costs. The non-material amendment for the new centre was submitted last week and has now been approved by the planning authority. The cost of relocating to Locksbrook Road has been put at more than £10 million. The new centre, which includes a gantry system, was approved by the council’s planning committee despite 189 objections. Nineteen local businesses publicly

opposed the scheme, including Bath Spa University which has a campus at Locksbrook Road. The council said it investigated more than 50 sites for a new recycling centre for the city before settling on its street cleansing depot in Locksbrook Road and the adjoining car park it leased to the local VW garage. The street cleansing team have relocated to the nearby refurbished council transport depot. Parking outside the site is suspended until 7th November to allow for development works. Once open, the new recycling centre will accept: • Residual household waste • Cardboard including items too large for kerbside collection • Soft furnishings • Bulky waste • Garden waste • Wood • Scrap metal and large electrical items except fridges, freezers, TVs and monitors) • Dry recyclables: plastic, paper, cans, glass.

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£800k study into future Fashion Museum Bath could receive of Haycombe site further £7m in regional funding

Haycombe cemetery in Bath | Photo © ColinPeachey / Shutterstock.com

UP to £800,000 could be redirected towards feasibility work examining the long-term future of Haycombe Cemetery and Crematorium in Bath. Bath & North East Somerset Council is proposing to use part of an existing £1.5 million budget previously approved for replacing the site’s cremators to carry out a wider study into future cremation and burial provision. The proposal is due to go before Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for communications and community, and Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset. The council approved plans in July 2025 to replace Haycombe’s existing gas cremators, which are around 20 years old and have reached the end of their operational life. They require increasing levels of maintenance and are creating reliability risks. The latest proposal would instead allocate up to £800,000 of the replacement budget towards examining a broader range of options for the site before decisions are made on future investment. The feasibility work would explore ways of removing the direct use of gas from cremation and maximising investment in an electric crematorium. It would also examine potential additional income opportunities, including wake facilities, and investigate whether a council-

owned 40-acre site adjoining Haycombe could be used to expand cremation and burial capacity. Recommendations from the work would be brought back to councillors before any decision is taken on whether to proceed. Haycombe currently covers 35 acres on the edge of Bath and provides cremation and burial services for people of all faiths and those with no faith. It is the only facility providing both services within Bath and North East Somerset. However, the cemetery is estimated to have around eight years of burial capacity remaining, with some sections expected to become full sooner. The council said the feasibility work would allow it to take a longer-term approach to the site, including considering how additional land could be used, reducing carbon emissions from cremation and improving accessibility. It said planning for the future of Haycombe is important because of the role the site plays for residents and communities across the district. If the proposal is approved, specialist advisers would be appointed and surveys and investigations carried out to help develop an Outline Business Case. Public and stakeholder engagement would also form part of the process before future proposals are brought back for consideration.

UP to £7 million of further regional funding could be invested in the new Fashion Museum Bath as plans progress for its reopening in 2030. The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is considering the additional investment in the museum, which is due to move into the Grade II listed Old Post Office as part of the wider redevelopment of Bath’s Milsom Quarter. The regional authority has already awarded £3.25 million towards feasibility work and the initial delivery of the project. Planning permission and listed building consent for the new museum were granted in May, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027. Once open, Fashion Museum Bath is projected to attract more than 250,000 visitors each year and generate at least £111 million in economic and social value for the West of England. The proposed further investment is expected to generate more than £2 in economic benefits for every £1 spent, including more than £25 million in additional visitor spending. The project is also expected to provide opportunities for training and skills development, with around 7,800 people forecast to take part in skills, heritage and wellbeing initiatives between 2027 and 2031. Work experience, placements and apprenticeships are also planned to create routes into creative, heritage and technical careers, with those programmes continuing once the museum opens. The museum will sit within improved streets and public spaces in the Milsom Quarter, alongside creative workspaces and retailers, with enhanced active travel connections also planned. Its collection includes around 100,000 objects covering more than 400 years of fashion, from the late 1500s to the present day.

Helen Godwin, Robert Campbell, Councillor Kevin Guy, Jo Mawdsley and Elisabeth Murray | Photo © Anna Barclay / WECA

The project is being supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Clore Duffield Foundation, with further fundraising continuing. Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Alongside other iconic attractions in our UNESCO World Heritage city, like the Roman Baths and Jane Austen Centre, Fashion Museum Bath will become a top destination for visitors from near and far. “Our investment would create new learning and skills opportunities for local people, bring greater economic returns for businesses in the everyday economy, and open up more job opportunities in hospitality and retail. “Securing the museum’s longterm future and unlocking its full potential is a powerful statement of our ambition for Bath and the wider West of England.” Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “This is an opportunity for Bath and the West of England to shape a cultural institution of genuine national significance. “As the region defines its next chapter of growth, few opportunities offer the same combination of international

reputation, cultural credibility and economic potential. “The region’s future prosperity will be shaped not only by investment in infrastructure and innovation, but by its ability to build on the distinctive assets that set it apart. “Culture, creativity and place are central to our region’s story and Fashion Museum Bath will be at the forefront of what makes Bath, the West of England and the UK a special place to live, work and visit for years to come.” The leaders of Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council also issued a joint statement supporting the proposed investment. They said: “This further funding would be a fantastic boost for the West of England’s creative and visitor economy, while helping to unlock the wider transformation of Milsom Quarter as a major economic hub. “Fashion Museum Bath is culture-led regeneration with a real economic impact – a vibrant new destination for residents and visitors which can support wider businesses in the everyday economy, creating more jobs and encouraging further investment that will help our whole region prosper.”

their needs. The second development is the introduction of a new requirement for courts to formally record when domestic abuse was a factor in offending. While it may sound like a technical change, it could have a significant impact on victim safety. Until now, domestic abuse was not consistently recorded when offenders were convicted of other crimes linked to abusive behaviour. The new arrangements will make it easier for police, prisons and probation services to

identify perpetrators, understand patterns of offending and better protect victims. These reforms are important steps forward, but they must go hand in hand with continued investment in the specialist support services that victims rely on every day. Whether supporting victims locally through commissioned services or advocating for change nationally, my priority remains the same: ensuring victims are heard, supported and given the best possible chance to rebuild their lives after crime.

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

VERY victim deserves to be treated with dignity, supported when they need help and able to access justice without unnecessary barriers. As Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, one of my responsibilities is funding services that help victims cope with and recover from the impact of crime. Through these organisations, I hear directly about the challenges victims face, from the trauma of abuse itself to navigating a criminal justice system that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Those experiences also inform my national role as the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ Joint Lead for Victims, where I work with colleagues across the country to advocate for changes that improve outcomes for victims and survivors. That is why I recently welcomed two significant national developments which have the potential to make a real difference. The first is the rollout of specialist rape and sexual offences courts across England and Wales. For survivors, this is about far more

than court administration. These courts will prioritise rape and serious sexual offence cases, helping to reduce delays that can leave victims waiting months or even years for their case to be heard. They will also provide more trauma-informed facilities, including private waiting areas and entrances, improved facilities for prerecorded evidence and options for victims to observe sentencing remotely. The aim is simple: to reduce the additional trauma too many survivors experience while pursuing justice, and to create a system that better understands

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Crime & Court

Friday 23rd October - Thursday 5th November 2026

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Police warn of convincing scam Man who sent violent calls using spoofed phone numbers threats to Bath police avoids immediate jail AVON and Somerset Police is warning people to be on their guard after receiving multiple reports of fraudsters posing as police officers over the phone. Victims have reported calls from people claiming to work for the force, with criminals using spoofing technology to make the number displayed appear to be from a genuine organisation. Police said the calls may be automated, generated using AI technology or made by a real person, with the aim of obtaining personal information or persuading victims to transfer money. In some cases, callers have claimed that an arrest has been made and that the victim’s details were discovered during a police investigation. Fraudsters may also provide what appears to be a genuine crime or case reference number to make the approach more convincing. Victims can then be told their finances are at risk and instructed to transfer money into a supposed “safe account” or provide sensitive banking information. Police said any such account would instead be controlled by criminals. Some people have reported that callers appeared to already know personal information about them, including details and nicknames which would not normally be publicly available. Fraudsters can also make calls appear to originate from genuine Avon and Somerset Police numbers. In some cases, people who have called the displayed number back have reached the real force, making the original approach appear legitimate. Amy Samotyj, a fraud protect officer at Avon and Somerset

The 43-year-old has been given a suspended sentence AI technology is commonly used as part of the scam

Police, said: “These fraudsters are highly convincing and often sound professional. “They may claim an arrest has been made, provide what appears to be a genuine case reference number and tell you your personal details have been found as part of a police investigation. They may even know some information about you in advance. “They’re using these tactics to build trust and create a sense of urgency, which can make the calls seem genuine. “It’s important to remember that fraudsters can spoof telephone numbers, meaning the number displayed on your phone may appear to belong to a trusted organisation when it does not. “Remember that Avon and Somerset Police will never ask you to move money, transfer funds to a ‘safe account’, withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, hand over bank cards or disclose banking security information as part of an investigation. “If you receive a call of this nature, end the call and independently

verify who has contacted you before taking any action.” Police are advising people not to rely on apparently genuine phone numbers, crime references or collar numbers as proof that a caller is legitimate. People should never provide banking passwords, PINs, onetime passcodes or other financial security information over the phone. Anyone who feels pressured or is told to act urgently should end the call. Police said a genuine officer will not object to someone hanging up in order to check their identity. Calls can be verified by contacting police independently on 101, or 999 in an emergency. People are advised to use a different phone where possible or allow time for the original line to clear before calling. Anyone who believes they have been targeted can report the incident to Report Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040. Those who have already transferred money are advised to contact their bank immediately.

A 43-YEAR-OLD man has been given a suspended jail sentence after sending six sinister messages to the Bath & North East Somerset policing team, including threatening to harm officers with a crossbow bolt to the head. Kether Everett, who has confessed to having a grudge against the police, had been jailed for eight months last year for similar offences. He had threatened to use a crossbow against Greater Manchester Police and Dorset Police officers and to bomb Bath mental health charity Mind. Last month, in a charge brought under the Online Safety Act 2023, Everett admitted that on 22nd July and 30th July he sent email messages threatening serious harm, namely assaulting police officers in B&NES with a crossbow and other means, intending or being reckless about whether they would fear the threat would be carried out. Everett made reference to stalking officers, to an “end game” and threatened an arson attack on police vehicles.

He had also admitted involvement in a burglary on 12th June at Jigsaw in Old Bond Street, where items including handbags to the value of £365 were stolen and the premises were damaged. Representing Everett this week solicitor Will Palmer said the defendant wanted the bench to impose a suspended sentence as the fear of imprisonment hanging over him would be a “good disincentive” to not act on his thoughts. Mr Palmer said Everett is seeking help for his problems and has referred himself to the charity Turning Point. Magistrates sentenced him to four months for sending threatening messages and a further four months for the burglary. Both sentences are suspended for two years. Everett had claimed he had only been the lookout in the burglary but the magistrates said there had been no evidence of anyone else involved in it. He was ordered to pay £782 compensation to Jigsaw, a £187 court surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

Man arrested in Podium car park failed to provide breath specimen

Man fined after hurling meal at cell camera

A MAN who refused to give police a specimen of breath for analysis after concerns about whether he was fit to drive has been ordered by Bath magistrates to wear an alcohol tag for 120 days. Steven Pearce was arrested after police received a late-night 999 call about him when he was in a vehicle in The Podium car park in Bath. The 47-year-old appeared in court in Bath on Monday 19th October to admit that he failed to provide a specimen at Keynsham Police Centre on 28th September. The magistrates heard that Pearce,

A 29-YEAR-OLD man who caused criminal damage to a cell at Keynsham Police Centre has this week been ordered by Bath magistrates to pay more than £470. Matthew Russell, of Hillside Crescent in Midsomer Norton, was being detained in cell 7 on 1st September when he threw his hot meal at a camera and over the cell walls. Solicitor Will Palmer, representing Russell in court on Monday 19th October, said he had been in the cell after being arrested on a “completely false allegation” and had been so frustrated he threw

of Vincent Close in Melksham, had a previous conviction for not providing a sample after driving. For that he had received a 24-month disqualification although he had completed a drink-drive rehabilitation course which reduced the length of the ban. Representing Pearce, solicitor Mark O’Donnell said that after visiting his mother in hospital on 27th September, the defendant had bumped into an old acquaintance, and they had gone for a couple of drinks in the city centre that night. Mr O’Donnell said the reason

that Pearce had refused to give a sample of breath at the police station on 28th September was that he felt “pressured, stressed and anxious”. Disqualification for the offence of failing to provide a specimen when suspected of having been in charge of a vehicle is discretionary, and magistrates imposed 10 penalty points on Pearce’s licence. As well as the community order with a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement, he was ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

Bath Magistrates’ Court

the food. Mr Palmer said Russell had apologised at the time for his actions. Telling Russell that it had been a “very expensive meal”, magistrates fined him £153 and ordered him to pay a £61 court surcharge and £85 prosecution costs as well as £172.17 compensation for the damage.

Issue 141

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58-year-old admits being Police action over ASB drunk and disorderly at Bath hospital site

St Martin’s Hospital in Bath Lees has previous convictions for more than 80 offences

MAGISTRATES have ordered a pre-sentence report on a 58-year-old man after he admitted two charges of being drunk and disorderly in the city centre and one of assaulting a police constable in the execution of his duty. On Monday 19th October the court heard that one of Andrew Lees’s drunk and disorderly offences was on 24th September, the other five days later, which was also when the assault on the officer took place at Keynsham.

At a court appearance earlier this year Lees had admitted stealing T-shirts from a Bath shop to exchange for whisky, and magistrates then imposed a 12-month conditional discharge. Lees was in breach of that order with the three offences. Lees has previous convictions for more than 80 offences. Lees, who lives on a boat on the Kennet & Avon Canal, was granted unconditional bail until 19th November when he will be sentenced at the court.

THERE have been incidents of anti-social behaviour at St Martin’s Hospital site in recent months, with youths entering some derelict buildings. Police say they have received calls mainly regarding Ash House and Midford House. The Bath & North East Somerset Policing team say: “Alongside the NHS we have worked together towards securing the site and in the last few weeks metal borders have been placed on access points to the buildings, further securing them.

“We understand that the site has provided important care and support to people in the community over many years and we recognise its significance and remind people that it is still a working NHS site and is a vital part of healthcare in the community where anti-social behaviour towards the site or staff will not be tolerated.”

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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

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David Suchet returns in Murder in the Cathedral SIR David Suchet will make a major return to the British stage next month when he takes on the role of Thomas Becket in T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral at the Theatre Royal Bath. The production, which runs from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 21st November 2026, will be seen in Bath for its only dates outside London, following its award-winning run with the Orange Tree Theatre. Set in 1170, the drama centres on one of the most famous conflicts in English history. Once close allies, King Henry II and Archbishop Thomas Becket have become bitter enemies. Despite warnings from those around him, Becket returns to Canterbury and places himself directly in the path of the king’s anger. As tension builds and the women of Canterbury seek refuge within the cathedral, four knights set out on a mission that will have deadly consequences. For Suchet, the production marks his first dramatic stage

role in almost a decade. Best known around the world for his portrayal of Hercule Poirot, the Emmy Award-winning actor has enjoyed a stage career spanning five decades, including acclaimed appearances in Amadeus and All My Sons. Bath audiences will already be very familiar with him. His first appearance at the Theatre Royal came in Oleanna in 1993, followed by productions including Man and Boy, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, The Importance of Being Earnest and the Olivier Award-nominated The Price. In 2021, he returned to the city with David Suchet: Poirot and More; A Retrospective. Directed by Orange Tree Theatre Artistic Director Tom Littler, the production features a cast of 20 and comes to Bath direct from Richmond’s St. John the Divine Church. Littler said Eliot’s exploration of “conscience and power” remains as relevant today as when the work was first written, describing the production

David Suchet in Murder in the Cathedral

as something he hopes will offer audiences a particularly special theatrical experience. Suchet is joined by stage and screen actor David Yelland, who has also made several previous appearances at the Theatre Royal Bath, including in Mrs

Warren’s Profession, Farm Hall and And Then There Were None. The wider cast includes Ben Caplan, Mensah Bediako, Paul Hickey, Jyuddah Jaymes, Michael Lyle, Nick Sampson, Jad Sayegh, Mila Carter, Sally Cheng, Chyna-Rose Frederick,

Rebecca Thorn, Sonya Cullingford, Rebecca Askew, Florence Dobson, Samanatha Dorsey, Beatrice John, Yuki Sutton and Hannah Whitehouse. Tickets are available by calling 01225 448844 or via theatreroyal.org.uk.

• WHAT’S ON • FOOD & DRINK • THEATRE • PUZZLES • GARDENING • MOTORING • FASHION & BEAUTY • TRAVEL • HEALTH & FITNESS

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Snowman exhibition to bring family fun to gallery

at a free drop-in event on 16th December from 2pm to 4pm. The exhibition will coincide with Walking with The Snowman, a free city-wide sculpture trail running from 19th November to 31st January. Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said: “The Snowman has delighted generations of families and remains one of Britain’s most cherished cultural icons. “We’re proud to bring this significant exhibition to Victoria Art Gallery, giving residents and visitors the chance to discover the remarkable artistry behind the story.” Discovery Card holders and local university students can visit for free.

I’VE always rather liked November. It isn’t the showiest month in the gardening calendar, but the garden certainly begins to exhale. Leaves drift gently to the ground, herbaceous plants retreat below the soil and, almost without noticing, you start to see the framework that has been hidden all summer. It’s when a gardener stops looking at flowers and starts paying attention to structure. That is why it’s such a satisfying time to reach for the secateurs. Not, I should add, with wild enthusiasm. One thing gardening teaches rather effectively is that there are very few problems improved by rushing at them, and pruning is certainly one of them. I’ve met plenty of gardeners who are nervous about making the first cut, worried they’ll somehow ruin years of careful growth. Experience has taught me almost the opposite. Most trees and shrubs are wonderfully resilient.

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A NEW exhibition celebrating the artwork and animation behind The Snowman is coming to Bath this winter. The World of The Snowman will open at Victoria Art Gallery on 20th November and run until 28th February 2027. The exhibition, organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council in partnership with Penguin Ventures, will explore how Raymond Briggs’ 1978 picture book became the muchloved 1982 animated film. Visitors will be able to see original illustrations, animation cels from The Snowman and artwork from The Snowman and The Snowdog, highlighting the techniques used to bring the characters from page to screen. A programme of family activities will include a Spot the Socks trail, dressing-up, weekly Toddler Thursday Story Time sessions and creative workshops. Visitors will also be able to create their own snow globe creature for a community display. Storyboard artist and animator Joanna Harrison, who worked on The Snowman, will appear

Greenfingers… with AlanTitchmarsh They’ve survived storms, harsh winters and the occasional enthusiastic amateur armed with rather blunt secateurs. They usually recover remarkably well. The trick isn’t to cut more; it’s to cut with purpose. Before I prune anything, I like to spend a few minutes simply walking around it, looking. After all, every branch tells a little story - some are growing inwards, cluttering the centre of the plant; while others have become weak or damaged. Occasionally there’s a stem heading off in entirely the wrong direction, as though it has mistaken the neighbour’s garden for its own. Those are the branches I begin with. Dead, diseased and damaged wood should almost always be removed, and November is an excellent time to spot it now that so much foliage has disappeared.

The Green Space

It is also the season for gently tidying climbing roses, cutting back spent perennials once frosts have blackened them and beginning to think ahead to the dormant months, when many deciduous trees and shrubs can be shaped more thoroughly. Perhaps what I enjoy about November is the fact it’s a quieter month. The garden asks less of us physically but rather more of us observationally. We spend less time watering, weeding and mowing, and more time thinking, planning and imagining how everything might look next spring. The finest gardens aren’t created by people who work the hardest - they’re created by people who notice the most. And November, more than any other month, rewards those who simply stop, stand back, and look.

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What’s On

Issue 141 - P12

Friday 23rd October - Thursday 5th November 2026

Roman Remedy Making

Smashing Pumpkins

Halloween at the Herschel

Get hands-on with Roman medicine and create your own herbal remedy. Discover the plants and ingredients Romans believed could cure a range of ailments.

Pop into the Museum of East Asian Art this Halloween half-term to make your own Yayoi Kusama-inspired artwork. Add your own polka dots in true Kusama style.

Celebrate Halloween at the Herschel Museum. Hear talks on the myths and legends surrounding the Halloween sky as well as learning about the Moon itself.

October Half Term

Halloween Glow Jars

Poor Old Dogs

Dotted around the lower garden at Prior Park this October half term will be a variety of creepy sights for children to discover. Can you spot them all?

Creative family drop in - create your own spooky glow jar, inspired by all things Halloween! No pre-booking required, dropin on the day.

A riotous folk band from Bristol, bringing beer-soaked mayhem and foot-stomping energy to the timeless traditions of UK and Irish folk music.

The Roman Baths | 24th – 30th October

Prior Park (NT) | 24th October – 1st November

The MEAA | 28th – 31st October

The Holburne | 29th October, 10am – 1pm

Herschel Museum of Astronomy | 31st October

The Grapes | 1st November, 4pm

Hay!

Trio Paradis: What’s in a Name?

BudPod LIVE!

Farmer Geenie’s new scarecrow doesn’t want to stay stuck in the mud, he wants to spread his arms and fly like the birds. A joyful, wordless adventure.

Explore the theme of names from two angles: individuals who have inspired particular pieces of music, with musical portraits of Sylvia, Margaret and more.

Glenn Moore and Pierre Novellie bring you BudPod… live. This live recording of the hit podcast will feature special guests, games and, of course, correspondence.

The Egg | 26th – 28th October

St Michael’s Church | 30th October, 3.30pm

Komedia | 3rd November, 7pm

American Halloween

Bath Oktoberfest

The Illegal Eagles

Pay What You Can Day – visit, make a donation instead of buying the normal admission tickets, and enjoy the classic American Halloween half-term fun!

Get ready for beer, Bavarian food, live music, and festive fun. This year, they’re introducing Shocktoberfest, a Halloweenthemed opening night.

In 2026, The Illegal Eagles celebrate an incredible 30 years on the road with their brand-new Hotel California Tour. Renowned for their vocals and stunning guitars.

American Museum & Gardens | 28th October

Royal Victoria Park | 30th – 31st October

Chapel Arts Centre | 4th November, 7.30pm

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P13 - Issue 141

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Food & Drink

Melissa Blease

Food Writer

Tasty Dates For Your Diary Now open – and looking beautiful! – on North Parade: the Parade Hotel, home to the rather splendid 1748 Bar and Lounge, open all day from morning coffee to classy latenight cocktails by way of breakfast, brasserie-style brunches, lunches, suppers and all round upmarket, bonhomie. paradehotelbath.com 2-for-1 burgers on Tuesdays, Pizza Day on Wednesdays, Fish and Fizz Fridays… and a regular Wine Club presenting 3 glasses of wine accompanied by a delectable cheese board for just £19pp on the last Thursday of every month (the next one taking place on Thursday 29th October): it’s all going on at the Old Crown (Crown Hill, Weston.) Cheers! theoldcrownweston.co.uk

New to Chelsea Road in Bath: Yolk and Grind, bringing the whole café society cycle from breakfast, brunch and lunch to post-sunset suppers, Sunday roasts and guest chef pop-ups to one of Bath’s loveliest neighbourhoods.  @yolkandgrindcanteen Popping up in Weston Free Church car park (High Street, Weston) for one night only on Saturday 31st October: Jaggery, purveyors of authentic, exciting Sri Lankan specialities including flavour-packed Sri Lankan Biryani • (pre-order only, available for collection between 3-8pm) • Email info@jaggery.uk  @jaggeryisland A café, an on-site coffee roastery and all the good stuff you’d expect from the

Columbian Company, now thriving in a brand new site on Triangle Villas, just off Moorland Road. thecolombiancompany.com Celebrate autumn with a 5-course home-grown, seasonal Harvest Feast paired with wines from Bristol-based biodynamic vineyard Limeburn Hill at plant-based haven Oak (North Parade) on Wednesday 4th November (£80pp). oakrestaurant.co.uk November pop-up highlights on the Village (Larkhall) schedule include Hawker Atelier’s Bao Bun celebration on Saturday 7th November and Phil (Bristol Pie Society) Roseblade’s Pie and Mash Night on Saturday 21st November (eat in or takeaway available on both nights; booking is advisable if

planning on staying put). thevillagelarkhall.co.uk Cook your own 8ozs sirloin steak to your liking on a hot stone at your table and tuck into a side of chips, your choice of sauce, salt and butter, a glass of house wine and a dessert for just £29 between 5pm-7pm every Sunday-Friday at Joya Italian Steakhouse (Newmarket Row, Grand Parade). joyarestaurant.co.uk Acquaint yourself with this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau at Emberwood (the Francis Hotel, Queen Square) on Thursday 19th November when two very special Master Sommeliers will guide guests through a discovery of Beaujolais’ best terroirs, while magnums of Beaujolais Nouveau on free pour (yes, free pour!) throughout the

Review Osteria Partenopea

Scialatielli al Frutti di Mare

If you’re in the mood to have dinner in Naples this evening, take the staircase that leads up off the wellbeaten Upper Borough Walls track and you’ll find yourself transported. Osteria Partenopea recently magpied into the space vacated by Asian-fusion cafe-bar Bonghy Bo and unveiled the results of a stunning refurbishment in July of this year; today, this formerly familiar territory has been transformed into a magical urban oasis starting with an utterly beautiful ‘hidden’ courtyard, all soft lights and lush foliage, that gives way to a sparkling dining room just made for chic chillaxing. Seated at a beautifullylaid table in front of an eye-catching mural of the

Bay of Naples, we agreed that we felt like we were actually there. The whole place was buzzing with mellow dolce vita vibes, a combination of birthday parties, family gatherings and smoochy couples rubbing shoulders without gatecrashing each other’s ragione di vita; a fleet of front of house staff at once welcoming, efficient and clearly proud of the beautiful environment they’re showcasing. Having cruised around the menu selection over a plate of very, very highend Italian cheese and charcuterie and airy bricks of exemplary focaccia (seriously, you have to do the aperitivo thing here), we steered our ship firstly to Antipasto Partenope: a crisp Pacchero –

evening and a very special 3-course menu courtesy of Emberwood superchef David Hazell combine to create unforgettable joie de vivre • (£90pp). emberwoodbath.com The glorious Corston Wheatsheaf (Wells Road/ A39 west of Bath city centre) is celebrating its first birthday on Friday 20th November – and we’re all invited to the party! Expect an ‘exquisite’ 1980s-themed buffet, party bags, balloons and prizes for the bestdressed 1980s throwback outfit (£15pp; advance booking required). thecorstonwheatsheaf.co.uk You can read more on the local food & drink scene from Melissa on her website at www. theprandialplayground.uk or visit bathecho.co.uk for recipes and extra reviews.

2-3 Upper Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1RZ 01225 462276 |  @osteriapartenopea

Gamberoni alla Griglia

basically a large tube of pasta – filled with meaty, rosemary-infused ragu and velvety ricotta paired with a pasta fritter that oozed an indulgent, seductive combination of ham and peas in a rich bechamel sauce, mozzarella and parmesan that all playing their part in the Partenopean party: Italian comfort food to the max, generous and joyful, extravagant and sensual. A second starter of Gamberoni alla Griglia, meanwhile, defined the power of elegant simplicity: four absolutely massive whole prawns drizzled with a subtly herbaceous citrus sauce that perfectly complemented the sweet, buttery almost lobster-like ‘meat’ without attempting to mansplain its presence.

I kept the seafood flag flying with a main course of Scialatielli al Frutti di Mare: a seafood medley bathed in a silky white wine and sweet cherry tomato sauce that wrapped itself around the soft, soft pasta like a cashmere pashmina. Meanwhile, to my right – boom! He’d gone bold: wide ribbons of fresh pappardelle bolstering a deeply flavoursome melange of beef, pork and fennel sausage slow cooked with tomatoes, red wine and all the intrinsic flourishes (oregano, garlic, et al) that characterise the perfect Ragu Napoletano. My dishes epitomised refined luxury; his, audacious flamboyance – we were Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni… and the gods hard at work at

Ragu Napoletano

the OP hob played Cupid. Oh, we didn’t want to leave Naples! But when you have to say goodnight, do it sweetly – with, perhaps, a Ricotta e Pera that brings a heavenly combination of sweet ricotta, pears and almonds together in one gloriously pretty dish, and/ or a Babà del Golfo: Naples’ very own version of the classic French dessert that brings an almost briochelight, rum syrup-soaked bun to the OP coda, lashings of sweet strawberries and whipped cream turning us into kids again. Osteria Partenopea has bought a much-needed breeze of fresh air to the point on the bridge where ancient Italy meets modern Bath history. Once you’re said ciao, you’ll never want to say arrivederci.

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Pictures from the Past

Issue 141 - P14

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

Home & Colonial

Staff outside Home & Colonial in Westgate Street

THIS week’s archive feature looks back to the early years of the 20th century, when the staff of the Home & Colonial Stores at 34 Westgate Street lined up to have their photograph taken for posterity. Founded in 1885, with its headquarters on the Edgware Road in London, the

company had expanded rapidly, with 500 stores open across the country by the turn of the century. Shopfronts were immediately recognisable, with distinctive gilded lettering and transom lights fitted with coloured and leaded bottle glass above the display windows.

Although stores stocked a wide range of merchandise, certain items were highlighted – initially tea, coffee and sugar, to which imported butter and margarine were later added. Branch managers also received instructions from head office as to how to mount their window displays, ensuring

uniformity across the country and making Home & Colonial one of the most familiar presences on the High Street. Bath later acquired another Home & Colonial store, at the bottom of Southgate Street, but the one shown here survived until the early 1960s. Today, much altered, 34 Westgate Street is part of Boots.

P15 - Issue 141

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Congratulations to Francis Winter for winning £20 in Issue 140! You can find the answers to our last crossword on page 24.

Don’t miss your chance to win £20! Across 8 Smallest state down under (8) 9 You can’t get out this way (2,4) 10 Sultanate in Borneo (6) 11 Kind of ale (3,5) 12 Switch positions (2,3,3) 13 Victorious WWII force at Midway (1,1,4) 14 Broad appeal (7,8) 18 Knight cap? (6) 20 Or go West, badly weakened (3,5) 23 Old Scratch (3,5) 24 Hanseatic port on the Weser (6) 25 They are acquired on marriage (2-4) 26 Author of “The Rivals” (8)

Down 1 Sterile (6) 2 Lofty place (8) 3 Dark blue powder (6) 4 An enlarger (10,5) 5 Coach (8) 6 Impulse transmitter (6) 7 Delivery professionals (8) 15 Type of seal (8) 16 Efforts to change society (8) 17 Appeared with Nyasaland on stamps, once (8) 19 Dividing line in a triangle (6) 21 Turn these to gain an advantage (6) 22 Oscillate (3-3)

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 2310 Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 04/11/2026. 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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P16

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Friday 23rd October - Thursday 5th November 2026

Community Sold-out RUHX Glow Run raises more than £18,000 for hospital HUNDREDS of people took part in a sold-out Glow Run in Bath, raising more than £18,000 to support patients at the Royal United Hospital. A total of 350 participants gathered at Odd Down Sports Ground on Friday 16th October for the event, organised by RUHX, the official charity of the RUH in Bath. Families, friends, colleagues, NHS staff and university students took on either a 2km or 5km route, with runners wearing neon outfits and following an illuminated course after dark. The event began beneath an autumn sunset before finishing under a clear night sky. Participants were put through a group warm-up led by personal trainers from PureGym Bath before setting off on their chosen route. Local company LuxLync also provided LED light-up wristbands for participants, adding to the illuminated atmosphere around the course. People of a wide range of ages took part, with the youngest participant just four months old and the eldest in their 70s.

Glow Runners enjoy the fun | Photo © Paul Gillis

The event was sponsored by Freestyle Designs, which has supported the Glow Run since it was first held in 2024 and is a longstanding supporter of RUHX. Ellie Wilkinson-Brown, Events & Community Manager at RUHX, said: “This year’s Glow Run was our best and biggest yet! “Seeing hundreds of local people come together for a shared cause of supporting the RUH Bath was incredibly special.

“We are so grateful to all of our extraordinary Glow Runners, volunteers, sponsor Freestyle Designs, and spectators for playing their part in ensuring every patient receives extra extraordinary care.” More than £18,000 was raised through the event for patients at the RUH Bath and beyond. A date for the 2027 Glow Run is due to be announced on the RUHX website soon.

Plans to turn rare church into nursery and offices are approved A PLANNING application to turn Batheaston’s Catholic church into a day nursery and offices has this week been approved. The Clifton Diocese had been looking for a developer after securing planning permission from Bath & North East Somerset Council last year to demolish the Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd and build four homes on the site. Local construction firm Wraxall Builders Ltd then stepped in with plans which will see the rare example of Brutalist architecture in the Bath area preserved. In granting permission B&NES Council planners said the benefits of the proposal are “substantial”. Designed by Bath architect Martin Fisher, the church at the junction of Brow Hill and Penthouse Hill was built in the mid-1960s and closed six years ago due to declining numbers attending mass. The church is set over two levels, ground and lower ground, and is locally listed but Historic England dismissed two requests to add the building to its statutory list of designated heritage assets. The scheme will see the space

The former church in Batheason | Photo © John Wimperis

reconfigured to create a children’s day nursery at ground-floor level and offices at lower ground-floor level. The Lookout Day Nursery will accommodate up to 75 children and approximately 15 staff, and the proposed operating hours are from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The office accommodation will be for approximately 12 staff. The 14-space car park will be made available for community use outside operating hours through a permit scheme, alleviating local parking pressures. Proposed external works to the church include a covered entrance porch and lockable buggy store, along with a timber colonnade at the Brow Hill

frontage. The main roof form will be retained, preserving the distinctiveness of the building, along with the coloured glass to the interior. An outbuilding will accommodate three car parking spaces with EV charging points, a bike store, refuse store and plant room. It will have solar panels, and photovoltaic panels are also proposed on the main roof. The project also has sustainability benefits from re-use and retrofit. Batheaston Parish Council had voiced support for the plans, saying: “A pre-school nursery is widely recognised as the highest priority community amenity of those lacking in the village.”

Residents asked to help decide which projects receive funding RESIDENTS are being asked to help decide which community projects in Bath should receive funding from the latest round of the city’s Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy. A shortlist of 20 schemes has been drawn up following record interest from local organisations, with applications requesting more than £841,000 in total. The funding currently available is enough to cover around 20% of the applications submitted. Bath & North East Somerset Council has now opened a public consultation to help determine which projects should receive support and which could be placed on a reserve list if more funding becomes available. The shortlisted projects are: • Alice Park Trust – inclusive and accessible play area improvements • Avonvale Rugby Football Club – refurbishment of the Scout Hut building • Bath20mphCity – introduction of 20mph speed limits around schools • Bath Beekeepers Association – teaching apiary on Charlcombe Lane • Bath BMX – improvements to facilities at The Tumps, Odd Down • Bath City Football Club – accessibility improvements • Bath Laboratory of Culture – transformation of the courtyard at Burdall’s Yard • Bath Organic Group – photovoltaic and battery storage installation • Bath Rugby Foundation – equipment for its Alternative Learning Hub • Canal & River Trust – completion of towpath improvements • Climate Hub Bath – improvements to its community venue at Bath Bus Station • First Steps – outdoor learning and play environment at the Community Nursery • LUX Youth Project – modernisation of Roundhill Youth Centre • More Trees for B&NES – expansion of its Central Hub and Community Tree Nursery Network • Percy Community – refurbishment of facilities on New King Street • Share and Repair – expansion of its Library of Things service • Sporting Family Change – accessibility and facility improvements at Hedley Hall • Urban Garden Bath CIC – enhancements to community

20 schemes have been drawn up

facilities at Marlborough Buildings • Your Park Bristol and Bath – accessibility improvements at Weston Recreation Ground • Youth Connect South West – improvements to Southside Youth Hub Council leader Councillor Kevin Guy said: “Projects like these have a positive and lasting impact on our communities and it’s wonderful to see a huge variety of applications coming forward for the latest round of CIL funding. “Please take a moment to review the shortlist and share your views – your input is instrumental in helping to ensure the funding goes where it will make the greatest difference.” Schemes supported during the previous funding round earlier this year included restoration of the boundary wall at the Jewish Burial Ground, renovation work at Riverside Youth Hub and a sensory garden at Oldfield School for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge paid by developers and used to support projects benefiting local communities. Since 2015, more than £2.82 million from Bath’s Neighbourhood CIL has been allocated to local schemes. Outside Bath, parish and town councils receive and distribute the levy directly. The consultation will remain open until 5pm on Friday 7th November. People who need the information in another format can contact the council’s Connecting Communities team by emailing connecting_communities@ bathnes.gov.uk or calling 01225 396975.

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Issue 141

P17

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Harpist wins prestigious Bath Young Poppy cascade at village Musician of the Year title for 2026 church near Bath HARPIST Hei Yeung (Sunny) Chan has been named Bath Young Musician of the Year 2026 following a closely contested final at the historic Guildhall. Five musicians took part in the prestigious Mid-Somerset Festival competition after achieving outstanding marks during the festival in March. Sunny, who began playing the harp at the age of six, was chosen as the winner by a panel of three adjudicators following a programme which showcased a range of styles and techniques. His performance included Naderman’s Harp Sonata in D Minor, Op. 42, Andres’s Absidioles and Tournier’s Étude de Concert (au Matin). Mark Boden, speaking on behalf of the judging panel, described the evening as one of “exceptional performances and exceptional variety within the programme”. He congratulated all five competitors and said the final decision had been close, but described Sunny’s performance as “impeccably communicated, full of balance, variety and control”. The performance earned the young harpist the silver trophy

Jay Finer, Matthew Wise, Jacob Wells-Luttrell, The Mayor of Bath, Sunny Chan and Lisa Wang | Photo © Tony Barnes

and the title of Bath Young Musician of the Year. The other finalists were cellist Jay Finer, alto saxophonist Matthew Wise, guitarist Jacob WellsLuttrell and pianist Lisa Wang. The audience at the Guildhall’s Banqueting Room heard a varied programme, ranging from upbeat jazz-influenced saxophone pieces to cello, guitar and piano performances. Each competitor received a certificate and cheque donated by the Roper Family Charitable Trust. The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Ruth Malloy, attended the event in her role as President of the Festival. She said the occasion had particular significance because

her late father, former Mayor of Bath John Malloy, established the competition almost 40 years ago after being inspired by the BBC’s Young Musician of the Year. Councillor Malloy is also a volunteer with the festival and encouraged others to get involved to help continue the event. Music Chair Janet Read thanked the performers, their teachers, accompanists and families, along with the adjudicators, festival committee, sponsors and volunteers. The Bath-based Mid-Somerset Festival was founded in 1902 and provides opportunities for children and adults to perform in music, musical theatre, speech and drama, creative writing and dance.

The handmade poppy cascade at St Mary’s Church in Bitton

A CRIMSON cascade of handmade poppies will be displayed on St Mary’s Church in Bitton, near Bath, this weekend. More than 2,800 poppies have been knitted and crocheted by dozens of local people in recent months, including members of the village craft group. The poppies, which have been sewn on to a net, will be hung from the roof of the Lady Chapel, draping down to the churchyard below for this year’s Remembrance commemorations and also to celebrate the

centenary of the Bitton & Oldland branch of the Royal British Legion which was founded on 22nd February 1927. The initiative is that of local RBL organiser Dawn Harrill. A QR code (right) will be available outside the church for people to make donations to the RBL to support its help and assistance to military personnel and their dependents.

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P18

Friday 23rd October - Thursday 5th November 2026

www.bathecho.co.uk

Health £495k project transforms cancer care spaces for children A £495,000 PROJECT to improve facilities for children receiving cancer treatment has been completed at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. The work has transformed key areas of the Children’s Outpatients department, creating new treatment spaces and improving facilities for young patients, their families and staff. The project was funded entirely by Bath Cancer Unit Support Group through donations and fundraising from its supporters. Improvements include two additional treatment spaces, allowing up to five patients to be cared for at a time, as well as upgraded medication preparation facilities. Waiting areas have also been

refurbished, clinical workspaces improved and the reception area made more open and accessible. Children and young people receiving cancer treatment now have a dedicated space designed to provide a calmer environment during their care. Dr Polly Bates, RUH Associate Specialist in Paediatric Oncology, said: “We are incredibly grateful to BCUSG for their generous support. The project has totally transformed the space we provide our care in and this has really created a buzz across the team. It’s a more comfortable and nurturing environment for the children we care for and their families, and the improvements will also help us to work more efficiently.

“Many of our cancer patients have multiple hospital visits over extended periods, and we know they will really benefit from these changes.” BCUSG has supported cancer services at the RUH for a number of years, providing funding for clinical equipment, facilities and

services which fall outside NHS funding. The group also funds 12 hours of dedicated nurse associate time each week for home and school visits to children with cancer. This allows some blood tests and routine checks to be carried out away from the hospital, reducing

the need for patients to travel to the RUH and limiting time missed from education. Michael Taylor, chairman of Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, said: “We at BCUSG were delighted to be able to provide further support to Dr Polly Bates and her team at the RUH Paediatric Oncology team. “The improvements which have been carried out at the unit will improve the experience of children undergoing treatments. They will also improve the working conditions for staff and enable more patients to be treated. “We are very grateful to a large number of our supporters who donated to the appeal or raised funds for it.”

Staff and volunteers recognised at annual You Matter Awards STAFF, volunteers and teams The service allows patients using from across the Royal United drugs to treat or control cancer Hospital in Bath have been to continue their therapy at the recognised for their work at the satellite clinic in Frome following annual You Matter Awards. their initial care in Bath. The ceremony celebrated The Research and Innovation contributions across patient Award went to the BathMat care and safety, research, digital project team for developing innovation, sustainability, a product designed to make inclusion, staff wellbeing and repositioning intensive care partnership working. patients safer and easier. Colleagues reaching long-service The collaboration with the milestones were also honoured, University of Bath began with representing a combined 2,520 an idea during the Covid-19 years of service to the RUH. pandemic and has since John Palmer, RUH managing progressed through prototype director, said: “Our awards give development, grant funding and us an important opportunity to a multicentre clinical trial. pause and recognise the talent A new Digital Innovation Award, and commitment that exists sponsored by Leapwork, was won across the RUH. by the Older Persons Assessment “The stories celebrated this year Unit for its electronic whiteboard show what our colleagues and project, which gives frontline volunteers achieve for the people staff access to clear information we care for, the people they in a busy clinical setting. work alongside and our wider The Service Improvement Award, communities. sponsored by Accenture, was “These awards recognise not only shared by two members of staff. outstanding results, but also the Project and Specialist Systems kindness, teamwork, leadership Manager Drew Long was and determination behind them.” recognised for leading work to Among those recognised was bring the three care organisations the team behind a new Systemic within BSW Hospitals Group Anti-Cancer Treatment Clinic at onto one digital occupational Frome Medical Practice, which health platform. JB Dental October 1/4.qxp_Layout 18/10/2024 14:50 Pharmacist Page 1 received the Working with Our 1 Deputy Accountable Community Award. Rebecca Pennie received the

award for developing pharmacist prescribing clinics to help patients access care more quickly. The Lifetime Achievement Award was jointly presented to Head and Neck Clinical Nurse Specialist Fiona Mackay and Capital Projects Clinical Lead Mandy Rumble, who have contributed a combined 80 years of service to the RUH. Fiona designed and introduced the service she works in during 1996 and has since supported others setting up similar teams across the country. Mandy has held a range of roles during her career, including introducing the medical nurse practitioner role to the RUH. Other winners were: • Volunteer of the Year: Lee Clift, who volunteers in the Friends of the RUH café and shop and the hospital pharmacy • Student of the Year: Michael Vanderpump, Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician • Sustainability Award: Jack Roberts, Energy Manager • Patient Safety Award: Enoch Doe, Enhanced Care and Support Team Lead • Wellbeing at Work Award: Intensive Care Professional Nurse Advocate and Wellbeing team

• Kindness and Civility Award: Alexis Buchanan, Biomedical Scientist • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award: Hayley Rossiter, Midwifery Sister • Rising Star Award: Shireen Bairkdar, Lead Pharmacy Technician for Education and Training • Leader of the Year: Ana Simoes, Senior Sister • Everyone Matters Annual Award: Karen Collins, Senior Operating Department

Practitioner • Making a Difference Annual Award: Louise Wilkie, Dietitian Specialty Practitioner • Working Together Annual Award: Children’s Occupational Therapy and Admin team The event was supported by JPS, Electrio, Beard, Locum’s Nest, Bevan Brittan, ID Medical and RUHX. Individual awards were sponsored by Hunter Healthcare, J4, Everlight Radiology, Accenture and Leapwork.

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Issue 141

Education

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New SEND reform plan approved for Bath and North East Somerset A NEW plan aimed at improving support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities has been approved for Bath and North East Somerset. The Local SEND Reform Plan has received approval from the Department for Education and is intended to make services easier for families to navigate while improving access to support at an earlier stage. It has been developed jointly with children and young people, families, schools, colleges, health services, voluntary organisations and parent carer representatives. The reforms are designed to help more children and young people receive support at the right time and in the right place, while reducing the need for crisis intervention and improving confidence in the system. Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The approval of our Local SEND Reform Plan is a significant step forward for children, young people and families across Bath and North East Somerset. “This plan has been shaped through genuine co-design with families, education settings, health colleagues and young people themselves. “It’s a shared vision for a more inclusive system that helps children and young people to

MP Wera Hobhouse visits Bath Spa Uni to meet students

The Guildhall in Bath

achieve and thrive. “It also builds on the recent Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspection of SEND services in Bath and North East Somerset, which recognised our strong partnership working, effective early help services and significant work already under way to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.” As part of the plan, SEND support in mainstream schools will be strengthened alongside the development of additional inclusion bases. A recruitment drive is also planned to increase the number of educational psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists working within mainstream

education settings as “Experts at Hand”. The reforms will sit alongside existing proposals to expand specialist education provision across the area. These include plans for a new 120-place special free school at Culverhay, a new special school at Charlton House and an Alternative Provision School at Abbot Alphege Academy. The Local SEND Reform Plan was developed and submitted by Bath & North East Somerset Council, NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, education providers, the B&NES Parent Carer Forum and other local partners through the Local Area Inclusion Partnership Board.

Keynsham school trains every student in bid to become UK’s safest EVERY student at a Keynsham secondary school is learning how to save a life as it steps up its ambition to become the safest in the UK. Everyone at Lift Broadlands took part in two days of CPR and defibrillator training delivered by volunteers from Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) on 15th and 16th October as part of Restart a Heart Day. The initiative reflects the school’s commitment to creating a community where young people know how to respond in an emergency and have the practical skills to help protect those around them. It also has a particularly personal significance for the school community as a Year 10 student Hugo suffered a cardiac arrest while playing in a football tournament. His mum, a school health assistant who had received CPR training, was one of several people who rushed to help. She performed CPR until others took over and then

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used a defibrillator before the ambulance arrived. Hugo also received treatment from GWAAC’s Critical Care Team and Dr Glyn Thomas, who attended as a BASICS responder. The 14-year-old has since returned to school and recently started playing golf. He hopes to return to football as a goalkeeper in around a year. His experience has helped underline the importance of knowing what to do when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, and how much immediate action can matter. Hugo’s family has also received CPR and defibrillator training from GWAAC, helping them build confidence in these lifesaving skills. Dan Jackson, associate assistant principal for community and health at Lift Broadlands, said: “Following Hugo’s cardiac arrest earlier this year, it was vital that our school took direct action.” He added: “You never know when these skills will become

invaluable, and seeing our pupils embody our values of effort, bravery and kindness throughout the week has been incredible.” Kate Amor, education lead at GWAAC, thanked the school for helping to build a lifesaving community in Keynsham to increase out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates in the area. She said: “Knowing how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator can make a real difference when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, and we want more people to feel confident about stepping in to help.” Hugo said: “I think it’s really important that everyone knows how to do CPR and use a defibrillator, because you never know when you might need to help someone. It’s great that all my mates at school are learning these skills too, because it means more of us will know what to do if there’s an emergency.” CPR sessions can be booked with GWAAC at https://bathecho. uk/4yvVmwP

BATH MP Wera Hobhouse recently visited Bath Spa University’s Newton Park campus, where she toured facilities and met staff and students. The visit on Friday 9th October included a tour of the School of Music and Performing Arts, meetings with university leaders and an event hosted by the Bath Spa University Politics Society. Dr Matthew Lovett, Head of the School of Music and Performing Arts, showed Ms Hobhouse around its music, performance and production facilities. The facilities recently underwent a £2.5 million investment programme, introducing new music technology and equipment in spaces designed to help students develop technical and professional skills. During the tour, Ms Hobhouse met staff and students, attended classes and watched a stage combat session. Discussions also covered the role of artificial intelligence in music and how creative arts education can contribute to students’ development and future opportunities. Dr Lovett said: “It was a real honour to host Wera and her team at Bath Spa University this month, and to show her our fantastic music, performance and production facilities at Newton Park. “Wera has been a champion for the creative sector in Bath for many years, including independent music venues, so we know how seriously she takes the creative arts, and the opportunities that music and performance can open up for students.” Music and Performing Arts

student Ada Tavares also spoke about her experience of the facilities. She said: “It’s a really lovely space. It’s open plan, so you’re encouraged to dance between different areas of the space, from percussion to keys to rhythm and guitar. It’s got so many facilities, and it’s very intuitive.” Following the tour, Ms Hobhouse met Bath Spa University ViceChancellor and Chief Executive Officer Professor Georgina Andrews. Professor Andrews said: “It was a pleasure to host Wera at Newton Park and have the opportunity to discuss some of the key issues facing the university sector, and to showcase some of the worldclass facilities at BSU.” The MP then joined students for an event organised by the university’s Politics Society, where she spoke about her career and answered questions. Topics raised included misinformation and disinformation, politics in the 21st century, intergenerational unfairness and public transport. Evan Harte, president of the Bath Spa University Politics Society, said: “We were delighted to welcome and host Wera Hobhouse MP to Newton Park campus on Friday 9th October. “It was a very insightful afternoon with Wera speaking about her career to date and answering students’ wide-ranging questions, including the threats posed by mis and disinformation, the nature of politics in the 21st century, intergenerational unfairness and, of course, buses!”

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Business Celebrated chef set to open new restaurant in the city centre

Padel courts approved at Lansdown ground

THE celebrated chef Margot Henderson OBE is set to open a new restaurant in the centre of Bath. In partnership with investor, artist and gallery owner Max Wigram, the plan is to refurbish 3-7 Shires Yard to create a “world-class dining experience” which will contribute to the regeneration of the Milsom Quarter. The new restaurant would have approximately 143 covers across the ground floor, private dining room and courtyard terrace and would trade from midday to 11.30pm, seven days a week. A statement from Aston Cole, the leaseholder of Shires Yard, has been submitted with the planning and listed building consent applications to Bath & North East Somerset Council. It says Henderson is co-founder of Rochelle Canteen in London and “one of the most respected figures in British food and hospitality”. Rochelle Canteen is “widely credited with shaping the current generation of British restaurants”. The statement continues: “Henderson’s distinctive and highly regarded style of cooking champions British produce and revives traditional dishes with

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build four padel courts at Walcot Rugby Club’s playing fields at Lansdown have this week been given the go-ahead. The courts at Albert Field will have canopies over them and the scheme includes floodlighting in the evening. Bath & North East Somerset Council had received 13 objections, with concerns about inappropriate development, noise, disturbance to wildlife, and an increase in light pollution. Among those lodging objections was Lansdown Campsite which said it was not considered in the consultation, despite being an established neighbouring tourism business. Charlcombe Parish Council also objected, saying that although there are a limited number of residences in the immediate vicinity, the Lansdown plateau has “very particular acoustics” which means sounds travel widely, and noise from existing sporting activities can be routinely heard as far away as the Charlcombe Valley. There were also 36 comments of support for the proposed padel courts. The operating hours will be 6am to 10pm all year round.

a lightness and Mediterranean influence. “Rochelle Canteen’s courtyard, with tables set beneath vines, has become synonymous with relaxed al fresco dining and the sort of warm, unhurried hospitality that encourages guests to stay for hours. Unit 3-7 would support a dining experience of equal calibre and renown in Bath.” Henderson and Wigram worked together to bring about the Three Horseshoes in Batcombe, a heritage country property which has been converted to a restaurant and rooms. The statement adds: “Its reputation has extended beyond Somerset, attracting guests from across the UK and internationally to a small Somerset village.” The refurbishment at Shires Yard sees Joseph de Klee as interior designer and Nash Partnership, the Bath architecture and planning practice, as architect and planning consultant. Internal refurbishment and replacement fit-out works are proposed, and the external alterations seek to enhance the building’s architectural character. Modern awnings would be removed while the replacement

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of later plate-glass openings with recessed stonework and traditionally detailed sash windows would better reflect the historic character. The statement adds: “The Milsom Quarter is entering a period of significant renewal, with major investment and cultural projects including the new Fashion Museum and the revitalisation of Jolly’s contributing to the resurgence of this end of the city. “The restaurant proposal seeks to advance this evolution, through private investment to provide a world-class dining experience for locals and tourists and a more sympathetic, Georgian vernacular architecture for passers-by.” The planning reference is 26/03746/FUL and consultation closes on 6th November.

There will be parking for 16 cars at the site which is opposite Lansdown Park & Ride. The planning application was prepared and managed by LPC (Trull) Ltd. B&NES Council planning officers said the proposal is acceptable in terms of noise, lighting and ecology, and will not cause a significant transport impact. This week Walcot Rugby Football Club chair Ian Pitman said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received planning approval for this exciting project. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and these new courts will provide a fantastic facility for local people while helping secure the long-term future of the club. “As a community sports club, we’re always looking for ways to encourage greater participation in sport and physical activity. This development will create new opportunities for players of all ages and abilities and strengthen Walcot RFC’s role at the heart of the local community.” The facility will be operated by Padel Court Club, a specialist padel operator focused on delivering high-quality venues and growing participation in the sport across the UK.

Retrospective permission is refused for 24-hour car park RETROSPECTIVE planning permission has been refused for a 24-hour public car park in Bath. The site in Cheltenham Street, in Westmoreland, was previously occupied by Bath Bakery. After the site was demolished, the land was used as a construction compound and temporary car park for the adjacent housing development which was permitted in 2021 on the former Dick Lovett car workshop. Then last November National Car Parks Limited lodged an application to change the use of the industrial land for temporary car parking for up to two years. The site has 16 parking spaces.

A council report published earlier this month noted: “The use has already commenced and therefore the application is retrospective.” The council said a cover letter that was submitted with the application indicated that the proposal was temporary to allow the landowner to consider the site’s future, but there was not enough information to conclude that an alternative proposal would be forthcoming within a reasonable time. The council said the neighbouring development is now built and occupied. “It is the council’s position that the restoration of the land to the temporary

compound and car park did not amount to a material change of use, nor did the acceptance of the proposed restoration as part of the demolition notice amount to granting permission for a change of use. The council therefore consider that the lawful use of the land remains industrial.” In refusing the application, the council said the car park would result in the loss of industrial land, for which there is a need within B&NES, and no evidence had been submitted to demonstrate that another use of the site would be appropriate. It said no flood risk assessment or sustainable drainage strategy had been submitted.

The car park in Cheltenham Street

The application also failed to demonstrate that the development reduces car dependency and actively supports travel by sustainable modes.

Signs in the car park show it is now operated by Times24 UK Ltd. It is understood that this follows a takeover following National Car Parks Limited’s collapse into administration earlier this year.

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Issue 141

Politics

Public Notices

Council proposes its latest Residents’ Parking Zone in Bath Becky Feather Reporter

BATH & North East Somerset Council is proposing to introduce another Residents’ Parking Zone (RPZ) in Bath. The zone will cover Coronation Avenue, Lymore Avenue, Dartmouth Road, Lansdown View and other nearby roads. An “informal” public consultation opened this week and runs until 16th November. The council says: “The zone aims to make it easier for residents to park near their home, reduce commuter parking, provide short-stay spaces for visitors, enable businesses and traders to park with permits and improve the safety and accessibility on local streets.” To find out more and take part in the online survey visit https:// haveyoursay.bathnes.gov.uk/ coronationavenuerpz/index.php There will also be a drop-in event on Monday 2nd November at Oldfield Park Baptist Church from 3pm to 7pm. B&NES Council says it regularly reviews on-street parking across Bath to ensure it meets the needs of residents and local communities. Last year residents were asked for their views on two potential options for a RPZ in the Southdown and Moorlands area to help address local parking pressures.

An informal public consultation is now open

The council said that feedback varied across the area, with some areas showing more support than others. After “careful consideration” it developed proposals for a smaller zone in the Southdown ward only. The streets affected by the latest RPZ proposals The full list of places the council is looking to include in the ‘Coronation Avenue & Lansdown View area Residents’ Parking Zone’ are: • Albany Road • Chestnut Grove - there will be some changes to the Chestnut Grove/Coronation Avenue junction but no properties on Chestnut Grove are proposed to be included the zone • Claude Avenue • Claude Terrace* • Claude Vale* • Coronation Avenue • Dartmouth Avenue • Englishcombe Lane - only No.

202 is proposed to be within the zone, but no changes on Englishcombe Lane are proposed • Ivy Avenue • Ivy Grove • Ivy Place • King George’s Road • Lansdown View • Loxton Drive • Lymore Avenue • Lymore Close* • Lymore Gardens • Lymore Terrace • Priddy Close • Rooksbridge Walk* • Sladebrook Avenue • Southdown Road between its junctions with Lymore Avenue and Teddington Close, including properties 163 to 207 (odd numbers) and 138 - 196 (even numbers) • Teddington Close • Victoria Close *Properties are included in the zone, but changes are proposed on public roads only.

Government inspector over-rules council to allow Odd Down HMO Becky Feather Reporter

AN inspector appointed by the Secretary of State has over-ruled Bath & North East Somerset Council and granted planning permission for a property in Odd Down to become a house in multiple occupation (HMO). The council had rejected the application to change three-bed 34 Banwell Road into dual use as a four-bed house or HMO for between three and six students. Council planning officers said the semi-detached house shares a party wall and garden boundary with No. 36, while the rear garden of 98 Cranmore Place, which is already a HMO for up to five sharers, backs onto the garden of No. 36, with a small footpath as separation. The officers said that No. 36 would end up sandwiched

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NOTICE UNDER THE TRUSTEE ACT 1925 THE ROTORK PENSION AND LIFE ASSURANCE BENEFIT SCHEME (“THE SCHEME”) Pursuant to section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925, the Trustee of the Scheme hereby gives notice of its intention to wind up the Scheme and distribute its assets and requires any person having an interest in respect of the Scheme to send particulars of their interest or claim to the Trustee within two months of the date of this notice. After this time, the Trustee may distribute all or any of the assets of the Scheme to or among the persons entitled thereto, having regard only to the interests or claims of which the Trustee has then received notice. The Trustee shall not be liable to any person of whose claim the Trustee or its representatives have not had notice at or before the time of distribution. Notification is not required from persons who are currently in receipt of a pension or other benefits from the Scheme, or who have already received correspondence relating to the wind-up of the Scheme from the Trustee. Interested parties should contact: The Trustee of the Rotork Pension and Life Assurance Benefit Scheme ZEDRA Governance Limited Merlin House, Brunel Road Theale Reading RG7 4AB

between two HMOs which would cause “unacceptable” harm to the occupants. Following the refusal in March, an appeal was lodged. Now the inspector has said that given the size of the proposed HMO, noise and disturbance will unlikely be much different from that of a family home. Although No. 36 will be sandwiched between two HMOs, the proposal will have limited harmful impact. Taking

into account the separation created by the open space and the angle of the Cranmore Place HMO, there will not be an unacceptable noise impact. A separate application for an award of costs against the council was refused. Although the inspector did not agree with the council’s conclusion, they said the council had not acted unreasonably in refusing permission.

Bar Buoy Ltd applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 9th October 2026 for a licence to use the premises at One Unit Within The Footprint of The Official Bath Christmas Market for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises Monday to Wednesday, 09:30 to 19:30; Sunday, 09:30 to 18:30 and Thursday to Saturday, 09:30 to 20:30. 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 06/11/2026 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: 23/10/2026

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

LICENSING ACT 2003 – NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO VARY A PREMISES LICENCE

E-Pop Events Ltd applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 12th October 2026 for a licence to use the premises at a unit within the footprint of the Bath Christmas Market for the sale by retail of alcohol, between the dates of 27th November and 13th December, during the hours of 1000 – 1900 (Mondays – Wednesdays), 1000 – 2000 (Thursdays – Saturdays) and 1000 – 1800 (Sundays). 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

The inspector said the impact of the new HMO will limited

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

or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 09/11/2026 Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary.

Notice is hereby given that Columbia Events Limited has applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council for the variation of premises licence number 25/02208/LAPRE in respect of the premises known as “Small Outdoor Servery / Bar In Stall Street Within The Footprint Of The Official Bath Christmas Market, BA1 1QH”. The proposed variation is: To enlarge the licensed area of the premises from approximately 8 metres by 5 metres to approximately 15 metres by 5 metres, as shown on a revised plan. No change is proposed to the licensable activities authorised by the licence (the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises), to the licensed hours or to the conditions of the licence. Date of application: 19/10/2026. The application may be viewed on the Council’s public register at www. bathnes.gov.uk/licensing-register or by appointment with Licensing Services, Lewis House, Manvers Street, Bath BA1 1JG. Any person wishing to make representations in relation to this application must do so in writing to Licensing Services at the above address or by e-mail to licensing@ bathnes.gov.uk, to be received no later than 16/11/2026 (28 days after the day the application was given to the Licensing Authority). Representations received will be disclosed at an open meeting if a hearing is required.

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 the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is a fine of any amount.

Dated: 13/10/2026

Dated: 23/10/2026

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Sport

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Awful second half as European campaign starts with loss Richard Briggs Reporter

BATH Rugby were unable to build on a 14-10 interval lead and crashed to defeat with a whimper when they opened their Investec Champions Cup campaign on Saturday 17th October. The Blue, Black & White – who reached the semi-finals last season – were undone 32-14 by French side Montpellier Hérault Rugby at The Rec in a Round 1 tie that attracted a capacity crowd of 14,509. Johann van Graan’s side were punished for mistakes, including Joe Cokanasiga dropping the ball with the try line beckoning. But if a 69th-minute converted score had not been disallowed, Bath would have found themselves only four points adrift and a grandstand finish could have been in the offing. That, though, would have been very harsh on Montpellier, who were a high-quality and dangerous side, whereas Bath looked good in the first half but offered little in what was a poor second period for them. Bath thought they had gone ahead in the third minute. Santi Carreras made a crossfield kick, and Ollie Lawrence claimed the ball and offloaded to Max Ojomoh for a try in the right

corner. However, the score was chalked off for a knock-on by Lawrence. Instead it was Montpellier, the EPCR Challenge Cup holders and last season’s Top 14 beaten finalists, who bagged the first try. Stuart Hogg was the scorer, running into the left corner from 10 metres, and his fellow Scotland international Adam Hastings added the extras. However, the Gallagher PREM men were soon level. In the 19th minute, skipper Ben Spencer and Finn Russell combined to set up Lawrence to touch down in the right corner from 10 metres. Russell converted. And in the 25th minute, Bath pulled ahead. Arthur Green picked up the ball from a ruck 10 metres out and spotted a gap to score a try behind the posts. Russell majored. Unfortunately for the Blue, Black & White, the fly-half’s kick produced their final points of the night. Montpellier trimmed the deficit in the 35th minute when Hastings landed a 35-metre penalty from in front of the posts. And the visitors could have changed ends in the ascendancy, as they had a 37th-minute try disallowed. Hastings passed to Justo Piccardo, who swung the ball left. Dimitri Delibes collected superbly and scored in the corner, but the try was ruled out

Bath Rugby ready for the minute’s silence in memory of Hyron Andrews before their Investec Champions Cup defeat by Montpellier Hérault Rugby on Saturday 17th October | Photo © Richard Briggs

for a forward pass earlier in the build-up. Bath seemed certain to score another try when, in the 44th minute, a tap penalty from Spencer enabled Carreras to fire a pass intended for Cokanasiga. But with the right corner at his mercy, Cokanasiga dropped the ball. Four minutes later, Montpellier regained the upper hand. Delibes passed to Donovan Taofifénua five metres out and the winger dived over in the right corner. Hastings failed from the tee so the guests’ lead was just one point,

15-14. But it was extended when Hastings booted an 18-metre penalty from in front of the posts in the 56th minute. Seven minutes later came the moment Russell will want to forget, his attempted pass being intercepted two metres inside the Bath half by Taofifénua who darted upfield and scored just to the left of the posts. Hastings converted to leave his team sitting pretty at 25-14 up. But the Blue, Black & White seemed to have a way back into the game when Josh Bayliss touched down under the posts

with 11 minutes remaining. Russell slotted over the two points before a television match official check resulted in the try being overturned for a neck roll by Ted Hill. Montpellier’s Alex Bécognée then went over from short range just to the right of the posts in the 75th minute, Hastings converting. Before the game, a minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect to 10bet Lions second row Hyron Andrews, who died at his team’s hotel on the eve of their Champions Cup tussle with La Rochelle.

Van Graan: Bath have only selves to blame for match loss Richard Briggs Reporter

JOHANN van Graan admitted that his Bath Rugby side were not good enough and had only themselves to blame for their defeat by Montpellier Hérault Rugby at The Rec on Saturday 17th October. The Blue, Black & White were beaten 32-14 in their Investec Champions Cup opener – and head of rugby van Graan pulled no punches at the club’s postmatch press conference. Van Graan said: “Not good enough. Unforced errors. “I thought we started the game really well. “We conceded a penalty one metre out in the first half, with a clear try-scoring opportunity. “We scrambled really well tonight, just before half-time. “We went in [for half-time] ahead 14-10. And then big moment on 14-10 where we lose the ball over the line. “From thereon in we had more than enough scoring opportunities and, unfortunately, with a few minutes left we scored

the try and we get called back for a neck roll. “So it is unforced errors from our side, which is frustrating.” Asked whether Bath provided a good response following their 7148 defeat at Northampton Saints in Gallagher PREM Round 3 on Saturday 10th October, van Graan said: “Yes. First half, we created enough, we went in ahead. Second half, not good enough. “We created enough opportunities. “We lost three line-outs five metres away from their try line. “If we didn’t create enough, that’s a different conversation. We created enough, we need to finish them. “We played against a good team, and on 14-10 we had an opportunity to go two scores up, on 15-14 [down] we had multiple opportunities to get in front, and on 25-14 [behind] we scored a try and were called for an inaccuracy in the breakdown. So not good enough from our side. “We’re all disappointed and there’s no excuses – we lost this game against ourselves.” With Pool 4 matches to come against Cardiff Rugby (away),

Pretoria’s Vodacom Bulls (away) and Stade Francais Paris (home), van Graan acknowledged that Bath will have to dig deep if they are to qualify for the competition’s knockout stages. He said: “It’s very difficult now. “Our next game is away against Cardiff, and then we’re going to South Africa and then finish off with Stade Francais at the back end of January. “So never too high, never too low. “Frustrating and we’ve got to make sure we sort it out ourselves. “We want to win these games, and tonight we didn’t. “Clearly in [the breakdown] we got beaten tonight, and we didn’t react quick enough or adapt quick enough on the field. We need to be better than that, specifically in that second half.” Back as Bath skipper for the cup game, and making his first appearance of the season following a shoulder operation during the summer, was Ben Spencer. And the scrum-half echoed van Graan’s frustration over the defeat. Spencer said at the press conference: “Firstly, nice to be nice to be back and nice to be

Bath Rugby suffered a 32-14 defeat when they faced Montpellier Hérault Rugby here at The Rec in the Investec Champions Cup | Photo © Richard Briggs

back at home, but I just echo the frustration, really. “I think we created our opportunities, we got into the [Montpellier] 22 a number of times either through building pressure or penalties. “Unfortunately, whether it be the last pass, whether it be not knowing our roles, it was a little bit of a frustrating night. “We were really happy with where we were at half-time and I think we came out of the blocks in the second half really well. “Unfortunately, Joe [Cokanasiga] knocks it on in the corner, and

if we’d scored there it could’ve been a different game. “Loads of frustrations from this evening, whether it be breakdown or not taking our opportunities. And we need to be better. “I think 99 times out of 100, Joe scores in the corner there, and unfortunately he didn’t and it wasn’t to be.” Van Graan revealed at the press conference that Bath’s new signing Dan du Preez will be out injured for several weeks. The back row suffered a torn hamstring in the days leading up to the clash with Montpellier.

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Fisher nets late on to give City third league victory in eight days Richard Briggs Reporter

BATH City chalked up their third Pitching In Southern League Premier South victory in the space of eight days when they overcame Havant & Waterlooville at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park on Tuesday 20th October. A late goal from Alex Fisher gave Scott Bartlett’s team a 1-0 success to take them up to third spot in the table, level on points with second-placed Uxbridge and a point adrift of table-topping Poole Town. However, the Dorset outfit have a game in hand on Bath, and the West Londoners have played two matches fewer than the Romans. City created the better chances but needed Fisher’s 83rd-minute header – shortly after he arrived from the bench – to settle the fixture, much to the delight of home fans in the crowd of 1,112. Fisher’s goal followed an excellent cross by Enzio Boldewijn. The Hampshire outfit’s best chance came in first-half injurytime, when a Nathaniel Chioma shot was deflected onto a post by Pedro Elawar. But Bath also hit a post, courtesy of the lowly travellers’ defender Finley Walsh-Smith in the 74th minute. Bath: Harvey Wiles-Richards, Joe Raynes, Ollie Tomlinson, Enzio Boldewijn, Pedro Elawar (Scott Wilson, 61), Ollie Chamberlain, Harrison Minturn, Jordan Tillson, Reuben Reid (Seweryn Streczen, 88), Matt Bowman (Alex Fisher, 81), Callum Wood. Unused subs: Dan Greenslade, Jack Batten.

A 30-yard free-kick from Boldewijn – following a foul on Reuben Reid – with only two minutes played set the Romans on the way to victory at West London outfit Hanwell Town in a rearranged league fixture on Saturday 17th October. And with 10 minutes gone, the travellers had a tight grip on proceedings as they led 2-0, Harry Parsons extending the advantage at the Oliver Connell & Son Community Stadium when he put away a cross from Elawar. However, Hanwell twice went agonisingly close to scoring. First, a 25th-minute free-kick from Ollie Turner hit a Bath post. And seven minutes into the second half, Henry Snee struck the Bath bar with a free-kick that took a deflection off Elawar. A Matt Bowman shot was deflected onto the Hanwell bar in the 70th minute. And Fisher headed straight at home keeper Sam Beasant in the 88th minute – but the game ended 2-0. The attendance was 463. City gaffer Bartlett said of the success in the capital: “I really enjoyed it. We went about our work really well. The lads who came on were outstanding as well, they really added to us. “I was really pleased that we got off to a great start. We played some really good football as well, particularly first half, and later on in the second half, when it became a little bit more open. “The first part of the second half, we had to have a really good structure behind the ball. We weren’t as fluid – but you can have periods in football matches where you don’t have it all your own way.

Harry Parsons bags Bath City’s second goal in their Pitching In Southern League Premier South victory at Hanwell Town on Saturday 17th October | Photo © Simon Howe

“But I think on the whole we fully deserved to win and I’m really, really pleased for the players. “It was a great free-kick by Enz [Boldewijn]. And then the second goal was a training-ground movement, really. “We identified a few ways that we felt we could hurt Hanwell and they’re a good team. It’s a really tough place to come, so this’ll end up being a very, very good three points for us. “Every player’s played well today – and if you’ve got a lot of lads doing that, you give yourselves a really good chance. “But we’ve got really good experience in the squad as well. “We’re having to make some tough decisions every Saturday and Tuesday with who to leave out and who to play.” Bath: Harvey Wiles-Richards, Joe Raynes (Matt Bowman, 69), Ollie

Tomlinson, Enzio Boldewijn (Seweryn Streczen, 83), Pedro Elawar (Dan Greenslade, 85), Ollie Chamberlain, Harrison Minturn, Jordan Tillson, Reuben Reid, Harry Parsons (Alex Fisher, 65), Callum Wood. Unused sub: Jack Batten. Jordan Tillson and Fisher were on target to hand the Romans a 2-0 league victory at Evesham United on Tuesday 13th October. In front of a gate of 303 at The Spires & Hartwell Stadium, Tillson’s deflected 25-yarder earned Bath a 52nd-minute lead – and Fisher netted from the spot in the closing stages after handball by Liam Hutt. Bath: Harvey Wiles-Richards, Ollie Tomlinson, Scott Wilson (Enzio Boldewijn, 70), Pedro Elawar, Ollie Chamberlain, Harrison Minturn, Jordan Tillson, Reuben Reid (Alex Fisher,

78), Harry Parsons (Seweryn Streczen, 78), Matt Bowman, Callum Wood. Unused subs: Dan Greenslade, Jack Batten. City will receive Frome Town at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park in the FA Trophy first round on Saturday 24th October (3pm). The Romans will meet Bridgwater United at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park on Tuesday 27th October in the second round of the Francis Hillier Premier Cup, formerly the Somerset Premier Cup (7.45pm). City’s league match at Malvern Town, which had been scheduled for the same evening, has yet to be rearranged.

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hope everyone enjoyed the Welsh Racing Festival at Chepstow this month. Bath was well represented, with plenty of hours put in by the team supporting our colleagues, from moving rails and hurdles to assisting during racing itself. It is always good to lend a hand at another Arena Racing Company course, and I think plenty of camaraderie was had. Back at Lansdown, we held our penultimate meeting of the season on Monday 19th October and were very well supported, with 92 horses declaring on ground described as good. Four non-runners on the day still left us with 88 runners taking part, which made for a busy afternoon. We were fortunate to enjoy a lovely sunny autumnal day, with the ground mainly good to soft following 3mm rainfall during

the early hours on Monday, and conditions suiting the time of year nicely. The weather looks set to change quite considerably now. At the time of writing, a significant amount of rain is either already falling or on its way, and the forecast suggests it could continue right up to our final fixture on Thursday 29th October. If that proves correct, we are likely to see the softest ground we have raced on all season. That is certainly not unusual for our final meeting, but it will be a change after the drier conditions we experienced for much of the summer. The rainfall will be very welcome, not just here at Bath but at jump courses across the country. Many have continued to feel the effects of the summer drought, with some adapting their fixtures

to hurdle races only, and others have had to abandon meetings while they wait for conditions to improve. I know how challenging it can be to prepare a safe racing surface when the weather is against you, so it is encouraging to finally see some meaningful rainfall arriving for those courses as the National Hunt season gets under way. Monday also saw a special milestone for the Pipe family, as we welcomed Jack Pipe to Bath for his first ride under rules after completing his time in pony racing. His family were there to support him, and it was particularly pleasing to see legendary trainer Martin Pipe in attendance too. I had a brief chat with Martin to welcome him back to Lansdown, and he mentioned that it had been many years since he last

visited Bath. Jack enjoyed a good first spin round the track, finishing fourth on a horse trained by his father, David Pipe. It was a nice moment for the family and a pleasure to have them with us. There was also somewhat of a personal connection for me, as during my time riding as a conditional jockey, I rode a winner for David on a horse called Main Fact. It was great to catch up with him again, this time from the other side of the weighing room in my role as clerk of the course! Our final fixture on 29th October is now fast approaching, and there is still plenty to look forward to. We will be presenting the award for Bath’s Ride of the Year, as voted

for by our annual members. The votes are now in, so keep your eyes peeled as our annual members take to the winners’ podium to present the winning jockey with their award following one of the standout rides of the season. As we head towards the end of another busy year, I would like to thank everyone who has supported Bath throughout the season, from the trainers, owners and jockeys to our racegoers and, of course, the team who work so hard behind the scenes. Hopefully we will see plenty of you at Lansdown for our final meeting of the year on 29th October. I look forward to finishing the season on a high, whatever the weather has in store for us.

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Bath City Women mark milestone with 3-1 win Richard Briggs Reporter

Friday 23rd October – 7.45pm

Bath Rugby v Gloucester Rugby (Away) Gallagher Prem – R4 Saturday 31st October – 3.05pm

BATH City Women celebrated a major milestone with a fine comeback win on Sunday 18th October. The clash with Stockwood Wanderers Women in South West Regional Women’s League Division One Central was the Romans’ 100th game since their formation in 2022. And City marked the occasion by beating the South Bristol outfit 3-1 at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park for the 50th victory in their history. But that is not enough for Bath boss Matt Abreu – he wants the 1st XI to climb into The FA Women’s National League. After the win over Stockwood he said he was “unbelievably happy”. But he added: “We’ve come a long way since our first game, at Pen Mill. “Over these last 100 games we’ve created stability. “We’ve gone from not having a women’s team at all to having four strong women’s teams with the under-18s, the development team, the first team and the walking team. The pathway’s strong. “I know this is a celebration of 50 wins, 100 games, but I think we want to be looking forwards and our ambition goes far beyond that. “We want to be hitting the National League – and the sky’s the limit with the new ownership coming in. “So we really want to push forwards and let’s hope for the next 100 we’re sitting nicely in the National League and achieving all the goals we want to achieve.” The match with Wanderers got

Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks (Home) Gallagher Prem – R5

Bath City FC Saturday 24th October – 3pm Bath City v Frome Town (Home) FA Trophy 1 Tuesday 27th October – 7.45pm Bath City v Bridgwater United (Home) SPC2

off to a miserable start for City, as Jess Evans suffered a serious knee injury with only seconds played. And Stockwood compounded Bath’s woes by going in front in the seventh minute, a corner from Ruby-Mai Ashman finding its way into the net. Abreu’s side battled back and Adella Clarke hit a post before, in the 35th minute, she pivoted in the box and drilled in the equaliser. The Romans moved ahead on the hour. Paula Abboud – who came on for Evans – opened her goal account for the team by scoring from the spot after she was fouled in the box. And Abboud struck again late on, this time following a cross by Brooke Steventon-Smith. Tara Taylor, City’s captain, said: “It was really difficult seeing Jess go off, as it would be with any team member. “Then you obviously reset, get back in, then we conceded that weird sloppy goal. “But we seem to dig in and

sometimes do better when we have to come back. “Obviously you don’t want to play like that but everyone then sort of went ‘Oh, that’s not good enough, we want to get it back’. “And then obviously you get the attacks and get the goals.” Bath starting XI: Lucy Clay, Amy Key, Jess Evans, Abby Gray, Lara Allan, Tara Taylor, Adella Clarke, Beth Edwards, Rosie Burridge, Brooke Steventon-Smith, Tia Mahadevan. The Romans will turn their attention to the first round of the League Cup on Sunday 25th October, when they face Wells City Ladies at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park (2pm). Bath City Women Development had no game on Sunday 18th October but will host Paulton Rovers Ladies Reserves in a Somerset County Women’s League Division One fixture at Peasedown St John Recreation Ground on 25th October (2pm). Odd Down Women made it backto-back victories in Somerset

County Women’s League Division One when they thrashed Wellington Wildcats 6-1 at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground on 18th October. The promoted Down had a difficult start to life in the county top flight, suffering three straight defeats. But they won 4-3 at Paulton Rovers Ladies Reserves on Sunday 27th September and have now tamed the Wildcats to move up to seventh place in the 10team league. Katie Minty (2), Falisha Shahbaz (2), Macy Jones and captain Kira Macer netted for Odd Down, who led 2-0 at the interval. Keeper Alice Stott was named the winners’ player of the match. Odd Down starting XI: Alice Stott, Emmie Hawkes, Tara Froud, Annabelle Grey, Falisha Shahbaz, Sophie O’Brien, Dani Macer, Salma Jimenez, Kira Macer, Macy Jones, Katie Minty. The Down will go to Banwell Ladies for a league clash on 25th October (2pm).

Saturday 31st October – 3pm Bath City v Poole Town (Home) League

Get Involved Whether you’d like us to include your upcoming fixtures within our pages, or submit a match report for publishing, our team would love to hear from you. Please send fixtures lists for your team to sport@bathecho.co.uk and we’ll add your next event to our calendar. If you have photographs that we can use (with relevant permissions), we’d also like to include them within these pages, on our website and social media. We’re happy to host match reports from across Bath and the local area. Please send them to sport@bathecho.co.uk with the subject Match Report. Please limit the length to 400 words.

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Crossword answers - Issue 140 (09/10/2026) Across: 1 The Firm, 5 Granada, 9 Raphael, 10 Sceptic, 11 Of a piece, 12 Search, 13 Genoa, 14 Light rail, 18 Addressee, 19 Sumac, 20 Sparse, 23 Basildon, 26 Orderly, 27 Triplet, 28 Extinct, 29 Redwood. Down: 1 Turbo, 2 Explained, 3 Inanimate, 4 Molecules, 5 Gush, 6 Adele, 7 Altar, 8 Alcoholic, 13 Gladstone, 15 Goes after, 16 Testified, 17 Armadillo, 21 Audit, 22 Siren, 24 Noted, 25 Cyst.

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