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ISSUE 529 / MAY 2025 / £5

YOUR ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE

ISSUE 529 / MAY 2025 / FASHIONISTA BABY!

From supermodel to mega organiser, why Jade Parfitt is championing the Bath Fashion Festival

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INSIDE: The luxury hotels embracing eco-friendly innovations / Falling for fabulous Falmouth / Green fields forever with sustainably sound festivals / Big taste small plate joy with Ricki Weston / The Newt in Somerset heads to the Chelsea Flower Show

A luxury destination for boutique stays, events and exclusive weddings Nestled in the heart of Somerset, just 30 minutes from Bristol and Bath, our 18-acre private estate is the epitome of luxury and elegance. Your stay at Everards Farm

• Accommodation with contemporary interiors, luxurious amenities and private outdoor spaces. • Explore the stunning landscaped grounds of our private estate with woodland walks and climb our hill for amazing unrestricted views. • Nourish your mind and body with our stunning indoor pool, sauna, steam room, cold-water bucket shower and a fully equipped gym.

Events in the heart of the countryside

We understand the importance of creating unforgettable memories. With exclusive use of our estate, your private event becomes a truly bespoke experience tailored to your preferences and desires. • Weddings • Wellbeing retreats • Corporate events • ‘Evening With’ fireside chats. With a host of events already planned throughout the year, there’s always something happening at Everards Farm. Everards Farm, Nedge Lane, BA3 4LR | 01749 233222 hello@everardsfarm.com | www.everardsfarm.com

PHOTOGR APH BY ALE X ANTITCH. JADE WEARS DRESS BY NRBY AND JEWELLERY BY W YLDE JEWELLERS

EDITOR’S LETTER

was lucky enough to be able to attend the Bath Fashion Festival last year and I couldn’t get over how swish, sexy and polished it all was. Admittedly the rain was torrential at times but spirits stayed high at the Holburne. From the catwalk shows to the fascinating talks, taking in retail, exhibitions and art en route. It suits Bath completely, and it’s all thanks to the dynamism of our cover star Jade Parfitt. She was committed, dedicated and unwavering in her determination to make it happen, and has rolled up her sleeves to do it all over again this year – turn to page 24 to find out more. Over on page 44 we have drawn up a programme of festivals for your summertime fun – from nearby fields to city centre hangouts – we can guarantee we’ve got a festival that’s right up your street. We also talk to local luxe hotels on page 62 who reveal their five-star green initiatives to ensure sustainable stays, and on page 78 there’s a fascinating account about the value of ‘green diamonds’. These are South African succulents which are subject to an ever-increasing black-market trade and is the topic The Newt in Somerset has chosen to focus on for its beautiful and innovative RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibit this year. All this plus foodie news, what’s on, business chat and the latest from the property scene. Enjoy!

SARAH MOOLLA

@bathlifemag

Jade reveals the graft that goes into staging the Bath Fashion Festival over on page 24

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 3

INSTAGR AM @AROUNDANDABOUTBATH

Issue 529 / May 2025

BATH FASHION FESTIVAL

24 JADE PARFITT Talking inspiration and organisation with the

supermodel behind Bath’s most glamorous event

THE ARTS 33 34 36 38 42

ARTS INTRO Turner comes to the Holburne WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go CULTURE CLUB The arty picks of Katy Owen ARTS INTERVIEW Word to the wise with Emma Rice FILMS What’s big at The Little

13 38

PHOTO BY STEVE TANNER

COVER ade Parfitt photographed by Alex Antitch. Turn to page 24 for our exclusive interview with Jade about organising the Bath Fashion Festival

FESTIVALS

44 GREEN FIELDS The eco-friendly way to party 55 ON HOME TURF Day time festivals on our doorstep

HOTELS

60 TRAVEL Fabulous Falmouth 62 SUSTAINABILITY Hotels making the five star eco e ort

FOOD & DRINK LIFESTYLE

78 GARDENS The Newt heads to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 83 BEAUTY Colouring in with stylist Lucy Eastment

NETWORK

91 NETWORK LEAD Talking Buro Happold with Claire Smith 96 NETWORK NEWS Business news, views, and interviews 99 CAREER PATH Why Peter Guest launched Bath Family Law

PROPERTY

103 PROPERTY LEAD Plans for the Assembly Rooms 106 SHOWCASE Explore Mount Beacon House

PHOTO BY SIENNA LORR AINE GR AY @KHROMACOLLECTIVE

68 RESTAURANT Ricki Weston is shaking things up at Whatley 72 NEWS FEED Nuggets from Bath’s foodie scene

DEPARTMENTS

11 SPOTLIGHT Shining a light on Bath’s positive stories 13 INSTABATH The city’s purple reign 15 SCENE Hello party people! 21 FLATLINE Flats on why he has to say no 114 BATH LIVES Meet The Mayor of Bath, Michelle O’Doherty

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Victoria Bond, Elsie Chadwick, David Flatman, Ellie Hendricks, Paul Marland and John Mather Commercial director Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Business development executive Ruby Coburn ruby.coburn@mediaclash.co.uk Marketing manager and events executive Olivia Amey Production and distribution manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@ mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Matt Gynn matt.gynn@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Gemma Bourne Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash. co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Media House, 1 Widcombe Parade, Bath, BA2 4JT. tel: 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk. Instagram @TheMediaClash ©All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash. We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath and Bristol. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

8 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT

TO CAP IT ALL

Design a drinks label for a Museum of Bath at Work competition

Stanley Francis, believed to be Bath Rugby club’s oldest living player and now centenarian, has received a special 1865 Club legacy cap from the club as part of his milestone 100th birthday celebrations. Stanley, who made his debut for the Blue, Black and White in 1951, was presented with an embroidered heritage cap featuring his unique Bath Rugby legacy number #1816, to mark his contributions to the club’s rich history. Surrounded by his family and friends the cap was presented to Stanley by club president and

former captain, John Hall, along with current Bath Rugby and England player, Tom Dunn, at the Larkhall Springs Nursing Home. “It was a fabulous honour to receive my legacy cap from the club something I couldn’t have dreamt of and I thank Bath Rugby,” says Stanley Francis. “I am very proud and to be here with my family makes it very special. I loved playing rugby, especially the camaraderie amongst my teammates which is what I enjoyed most.” For more: www.bathrugby.com

LOT OF BOTTLE The Museum of Bath at Work are calling budding creatives of all ages to get involved in its design competition. It is looking people who work or love in ath to design a label for a fi y drink inspired by examples from the old Bath factory J B Bowler & Sons. Bowlers was founded by Jonathan Burdett Bowler in 1860 and based on Corn Street. The business initially started as a mechanical engineering firm and expanded to include bellhanging, locksmithing, brass-founding, and even the manufacture and bottling of mineral water and soft drinks until it closed in the 1960s. The competition runs until 10 August and the winner will receive P passes to five museum events, as well as and being featured in its Bath Bottled exhibition due to open late August. For more: www.museumofbath.org

Bath Rugby and England international Tom Dunn with Stan Francis and Stan’s son Kevin Francis

ON PARADE

Parade Gardens has now scrapped its entrance fee

The Parade Gardens in Bath can now be enjoyed by visitors for free after a pilot event removed the entrance fee and helped attract more than 29,000 visitors to the park. The pleasure gardens in the heart of the city, which are also home to community events, weddings and bandstand performances and, along with the colonnades, was opened for free last autumn in an event for Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Bath Central Riverside regeneration project. The move aims to make Parade Gardens accessible and inclusive for everyone and there are plans to open the Colonnades once again for visitors during the weekend of 30 May and 1 June, alongside a food and drink outlet. Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, says, “Revealing hidden histories of the colonnades and other spaces clearly captured public imagination and we plan to build on this interest by providing more exciting activities in the gardens later this year.” For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 11

SPOTLIGHT

PURPLE REIGN

Around this time of year, every year, without fail, there’s hysteria for wisteria and we’re all for it

@amycaptures_

@aparisianinbath

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@aroundandaboutbath www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 13

SCENE T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS BAT H Liz Robinson, Eleanor Mills and Karen Simpson

The guests enjoyed the talk Kerrianne Gauld and Eve Salomon

Claire Cutting, Juani Swart and Regitse Lewis

Jessica Snape, Sarah Robinson and Emma Foster

Jane West and Geraldine Magnamara

LIFE LESSON

Eleanor Mills and Theresa McDermott

Lorna Bode and Caroline Macvay

As part of the Phenomenal Women series hosted by the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, the journalist, editor and writer Eleanor Mills spoke of her experiences interviewing Theresa May, Harry Styles and the Dalai Lama, and about her bestselling book Much More to Come: Lessons on the Mayhem and Magnificence of Midlife. Next to talk will be the TV producer, presenter, and Chancellor of Bath Spa University Sharanjit Leyl, on 22 May. Tickets cost £15 and include canapés, fi and networking opportunities. Photos by Derryn Vranch; www.vranchvisuals.co.uk

Claire Jones and Wendy Davies

For more: www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

Isabel Saiz, Jane Dziadulewicz and Jo Gillow

Eleanor Mills

Kirsty Anne Wilkie, Julia Adams and Anne Holdoway

I BATH LIFE I 15 XX I BATH LIFEwww.mediaclash.co.uk I www.mediaclash.co.uk

dd DJ Cheba Tasty delights were on the sampling menu

Briony May Williams

PATTY PEOPLE!

Cora Jacobs and John Griffith with a Dan Mayo-Evans photobomb!

Jamie Edwards, Balazs Boda, Drew Taylor and Dan Waite Yen Ting Miu

Guests get a first look at the new Bath Beefy Boys

The award-winning Beefy Boys, founded by Anthony ‘Murf ’ Murphy, Lee Symonds, Christian Williams and Dan Mayo-Evans, threw open the doors to their new Bath restaurant on Milsom Street with a huge party. Guests were invited to try the restaurant's signature cocktails, award-winning burgers and famous milkshakes, with beats from DJ Cheeba and samples throughout the night from Somer Valley Brewery and Bristol Distilling Co. Photos by Pete Lowbridge Photography; www.peterlowbridge.com For more: www.thebeefyboys.com

Shaun Smith, Ollie Mallen, Nikki Heel and Paul Mallen

Jordan and Jessie Carter with friends

16 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Murf, Lee Symonds, Christian Williams and Dan Mayo-Evans

Josh and Steph

Ben Spencer and Quinn Roux with friends

Dan Mayo-Evans, Tremaine Plummer and Anthony Murphy

Tina Ngondo and Milly Aburrow

Jill Hollin

Helen Aburrow and Julie Bew

TIME AT THE BAR Glasses were raised at 44AD Artspace to celebrate connection and community at Milly Aburrow's debut solo exhibition The Salty Crisp Pub in February. It was presented as part of Milly 's graduate residency at 44AD, in partnership with Bath Spa University. The installation paid homage to the quintessential British public house and its power to unite people. Photos by Euan Boag-Butcher of Bath College;

Tony and Rosemary Buswell

www.bathcollege.ac.uk

The Salty Crisp Pub installation by Milly Aburrow

For more: www.44ad.net

Tim Spector and Gaby Roslin

GUT FEELING Professor Tim Spector recently appeared at the Bath Forum in an event hosted by Gaby Roslin, sponsored by Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases (BIRD) and organised by Bath Festivals as part of the ReBalance Bath Festival. The professor spoke about food and health and the recent scientific discoveries that suggest diet and the microbiome can help people improve their arthritis and rheumatic symptoms. For more: www.birdbath.org.uk

Audience members were able to ask questions

18 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

A group of patients invited by BIRD

Celia Mead and Tim Spector

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

M AY / J U N E 13th May – Andy Bell 15th May – Murder Trial Tonight III 17th May - Aljaž and Janette 20th May – Vitamin String Quartet 21st May – The Good, the Bad, and the Rugby 23rd May – Jeneba Kanneh-Mason 24th May – Ruth Jones 29th May – Ben Portsmouth: This is Elvis 31st May – Rude Science 31st May – Chris McCausland 3rd June – Cat Power Sings Dylan 6th June – Austentatious 7th June – Dinosaurs Live 7th June – Luke Combs UK 11th June – Jukebox Idols 14th June – Chris Hadfield 16th June – Wiiliam Dalrymple 20th June – Go Your Own Way 21st June – Oti Mabuse 24th June – Kid Creole & The Coconuts 26th June – Bath Phil & Laura van der Heijden

The Good, the Bad, and the Rugby 21st May

Cat Power Sings Dylan 3rd June

Austentatious 6th June

Luke Combs UK 7th June

Chris Hadfield 14th June

Wiiliam Dalrymple 16th June

www.bathforum.co.uk

Bath Box Office | 01225 463362

FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

“Unless you want never to see your family…you simply have to say no almost all the time”

By appointment only In a sea of requests for free help, Flats explains why he has to get selective

here’s this thing that happens to people once they’ve stepped into what we tend to call ‘the public eye’. This eye ranges from Barack Obama at the top – with million dollar speeches and a full security and logistics detail – right the way down to the shuttlecock factory owner who was mayor of Consett for 18 months in the late nineties. According to one s profile, the same thing happens but to di ering degrees. The thing is being asked to help someone or something, by way of giving it a little PR oomph. It’s like of like cutting a ribbon for a local mattress shop, in that you’re there because folks might know your face, or recognise your technique with the scissors, and this might lead, in turn, to increased visibility for the supposed beneficiary. expect you get what I’m on about. There are two types of request: paid and unpaid. It’s hard to talk about being asked to help with things because of a level of ‘knownness’ refuse to say fame as it makes me

nauseous, so I’m now fabricating synonyms) without sounding like an utter douche. So I’m a douche. Fine. Now and then – along with every other limping, sti -jointed man who ever represented this glowing city’s glorious rugby team – I am asked to lend my face or my voice to a cause. I say ‘now and then’, but it’s more than that. Before beginning this column looked on my phone for five minutes and found 17 requests for unpaid – worthy, but unpaid – appearances in the last seven days. Instagram, X, email, LinkedIn, hatsApp we are o cially available So it happens a lot. This means that unless you want never to see your family, or never to get paid ever again, you simply have to say no almost all the time. This may sound brutal, but until I win the Euromillions, it’s reality. I often sit with my wife and imagine how oppressive life must be for the truly famous. Mind you, we always reason that actual stars – as opposed to local ex-sports jocks – would have teams to handle all that stu . f you re at jock-level so to speak you re

approachable, which is a great thing It’s a great thing because sometimes an absolute gem lands on your screen. My friend – a mum from school – asked if I’d pop up to Combe Down RFC one night to support a training session for girls of all ages. The answer came quickly, and this evening was the evening. The sun was out, the mums and dads were draped over the old clubhouse fence, sipping cold pints, and a parliament of girls from the uite young to mid-teens ve never been great at guessing ages) arrived keen to try their best and to laugh as much as possible. Bob Staunton, the lovely old geezer running the show, introduced me to the girls and if my feet had even threatened to leave the ground, their blank faces saw them thud back down. “David Who?” I added the odd little bit here and there, but the session really belonged to Bob and the girls. They were all brilliant. They listened, they grafted, they learned so quickly I couldn’t quite believe it, and they all had a properly fun, wholesome hour or so of exercise with their friends. As a father of many daughters, this evening felt like exactly the sort of thing I’d love my girls to have a go at. Far from it feeling like I was doing my mate a favour, I indeed feel enriched by the whole thing. And I’ll be back. One or two girls arrived and were a little too nervous to join in, and they were given all the time and distance they needed. Maybe they’ll have a go next time, or maybe they’ll just go up and watch with a iet Coke and a bag of crisps. oesn t matter it s just a good place to be. More numbers are needed up at Combe Down Girls, and I would urge you all to pop up on a Wednesday night to have a look. Great kids, lovely parents, and the occasional appearance from a -lister who retired before half the girls were even born. What’s not to love? David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on i e da id a an and n a d a an www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 21

JUNE 18-19 WATERSHED

WELCOME TO THE MINDSPA For this year’s line-up Visit entreconf.com

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AMBITIOUS Bath Spa University Isio Lombard Odier

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Content Partners Mytton Williams University of Bath, School of Management

BATH FASHION FESTIVAL

BEHIND THE SEAMS JADE PARFITT on cold calling, career paths and what it takes to bring the Bath Fashion Festival into being Words by Sarah Moolla Photos by Alex Antitch

PHOTOGR APHY BY ALEX ANTITCH OF ACE COLLECTIVE MAKE UP AND HAIR BY SOPHIE COX JEWELLERY BY W YLDE JEWELLERS SHOT ON LOCATION IN AND AROUND DUKES HOTEL PRODUCTION MEL HORNER

Jade, did you ever envisage doing something like Bath Fashion Festival, back in the day?

Throughout my modelling career always ran charitable events including charity fashion shows and exhibitions and loved being able to use my contacts to raise funds for causes believe in. love the whole process of gathering people together and creating a fun atmosphere, that being said didn t really think it would turn into a career path back then. What was the inspiration?

ne of the first people met in ath was ane ngham chief exec of ediaClash, the publisher of Bath Life . e went for a co ee and had a really good brainstorm about what love to do and about ath s stylish heritage, and the idea really blossomed from there.

24 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

JADE WEARS NRBY

o know ade Parfitt is to be in awe of ade. Supermodel, presenter, lovely person as it happens, and an absolute grafter. She worked tirelessly all of last year to stage the inaugural ath Fashion Festival FF at the Holburne – she pulled strings, asked for favours, rang all the contacts she knew, and even those she didn t. Together with business partner, the events entrepreneur ickey uke, her dream was realised when the ath Fashion Festival burst into life last September with inspiring workshops, extraordinary industry speakers, panel talks, fabulously glamorous and prestigious runway shows, extraordinary exhibitions featuring the designs of ivienne estwood and anolo lahnik. ven the outdoor space was abla e with food and drink stalls, art work, beauty treatments, style advisors, and a huge variety of retail options with everything from diamonds by Nicholas ylde to sustainable fashion from Albarary. ut not one to rest of her laurels, or let the two torrential rainstorms that happened during the event, dampen her spirits, no sooner than the runway red carpet was rolled up, ade was working on FF 2 2 which is happening – une, again at the Holburne useum. Here we find out more from ade on her journey from catwalk sensation to festival coordinator, promoter, booker and everything in between .

ABOVE: As soon as Bath Fashion Festival 2024 was done, Jade got working on plans for 2025; OPPOSITE: The supermodel, presenter and mum works on the ‘don’t ask, don’t get’ mantra to help her pull in the big names and brands

JADE WEARS ALBARAY

“I will literally cold call people in my address book to see if they want to be involved”

JADE WEARS NRBY

“I want to show my children that with passion and dedication you can make things happen”

JADE WEARS KNIT VEST BY CHARL KNITWEAR AND JEANS BY NRBY

BATH FASHION FESTIVAL

ABOVE: Jade with her business partner, the events entrepreneur Mickey Luke, who she worked with to get the festival off the ground; OPPOSITE: Jade instinctively knew the Holburne would be the perfect venue

It must take a lot of motivation to make something like this happen from scratch…

I think being a mother makes you ambitious and hungry to achieve. I have spent a lot of time raising my three children and was very keen to get my own passion project o the ground – want to show my children that with passion and dedication you can make things happen. Had your career path prepared you for organising an event of this scale?

y background in charitable events as well as my first-hand knowledge of fashion, first as a model, then as a presenter for Vogue, and as a panel host have been vital for getting something as big as FF o the ground. t has been a monumental e ort, and m lucky to have kept such good contacts and friendships going with everyone from press to designers to models that I have met along the way. How much did you draw on your national and international connections and contacts?

wholeheartedly embrace the don t ask don t get rhetoric Having been in and around fashion for the last 30 years, I am lucky to have as many connections as I do, and I am not shy of asking for advice and help. I will literally cold call people in my address book to see if they want to be involved. How long did it take from a nugget of an idea to the fully fledged, – this is happening – moment?

The idea for BFF took a while to percolate and become fully formed,

I had the initial idea when my girls who are now nine and seven were really uite small and didn t have enough time or energy to get it all going. About a year ago when I was about halfway through gathering content and brand sponsors, I had a conversation with Mickey Luke who I had met through friends, he was looking for a fun local project to get involved with and with his input and energy, I knew we would make it work. Did you check out any other venues other than Holburne?

have spent years going along to the Holburne, first with my daughters who attended a wonderful toddler art group in the grounds every Friday morning (Skylarks) and then I put together and hosted a fantastic charity event alongside my friend Alice Temperley in aid of Bath Welcomes Refugees at The Holburne in 2 22. t struck me as the perfect location for FF – it s such an iconic building in ath and along with the beautiful gardens and felt like the ideal location for a fashion festival. How long does putting BFF together take?

t s a constant work in progress. always say it s like doing a giant jigsaw pu le where there are so many pieces to find and moving parts – from ideas, contacting, booking, dates, scheduling, programming, theming, exhibitions, runways, talks, workshops, food and drink, shopping areas, sponsorships – and then in the six months before the event, it s definitely a full time job What does your day look like in the run up to BFF prep?

y days in the run-up to FF are so varied, from press shoots and

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 27

BATH FASHION FESTIVAL

“It was a steep learning curve last year!”

radio interviews to Zooms with brands, working out any last minute programme changes, checking we have the right shoe sizes for the models, ensuring the exhibition has been installed to the designers standards. We are a very small team so it’s all hands on deck for all elements! Anything you’d say is the biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge is always finding the right brands and sponsorship. As you can imagine an event of this scale is expensive to run, but we also want to make it feel diverse and interesting for all our attendees, so we don t want three brands who o er similar styles, but rather an exciting mix where there is something for everyone, from beautiful work wear through to stunning dresses. What’s the most enjoyable part?

Seeing it all come together, and hearing such amazing feedback from attendees and involved brands alike has been an extraordinary experience. I must say, I love being backstage and watching the models and all the teams really working hard and having a great time. What did you learn from last year’s festival, both good and bad, that has shaped how you approach this year?

As you can imagine it was a steep learning curve last year! We were thrilled with all the support and good will we received locally, and to see Jade has been in the fashion industry for more than 30 years

how excited our attendees were to be there for our inaugural event. We had to delay our marketing for the festival last year as we had to ensure we had enough fantastic content to build an entire weekend’s worth of excitement. This year though we have made sure to start spreading the word earlier and tickets are selling well already. As a punter everything looked so slick and plain sailing last year. What was the atmosphere and energy like backstage?

We had not one but two torrential thunderstorms over the festival last year! Water was pouring in backstage and the carpet was sodden for a while, luckily the Number Three hair team got the hairdryers out and dried a lot of it as best they could, but the vibes were always great and everyone remained calm. Fingers crossed for better weather in June! Did many local businesses get involved?

We love working with the fabulous team at Number Three Bath – the owner Fran has been a huge support bringing her fantastic team along to do all the hair backstage and making all the models feel so good before stepping out onto the runway. It was also a joy working with the inspiring team at BSU, and giving some of their students an opportunity to showcase their works o campus, as well as gaining valuable industry insights in ways they may not get until they are out in the workplace. And of course Bath Life has been a huge support – the team’s network is second to none in the area. I was also honoured to be asked to be a judge at this year’s Bath Life Awards, which was a wonderful opportunity to connect with other local businesses and entrepreneurs. Anything you’re particularly proud of pulling off this year?

I am so excited that we have some fabulous icons joining us – my very dear and close friend Jodie Kidd will be giving an interview about her long and varied career from modelling to driving very fast cars, and we also have the fabulous Caroline Hirons being interviewed by BFF regular Ateh Jewel, I can’t wait to hear their conversation. And we hear there’s an exciting takeover in the offing…

I’m so thrilled about this one! The couture designer and illustrator Giles Deacon will be taking over our exhibition at BFF this year, showing both some of his incredible couture archive as well as some of his incredible pieces worn and collected the world over by private clients, red carpet celebrities, and royalty. You’ve obviously got quite a flair for this given the success of last year – do you see BFF taking up more and more of your time as it gets bigger?

JADE WEARS ALBARAY

I do love the scale of the festival as it is, we want to keep its intimacy and sense of fun, which think would be di cult to do it we made it much bigger. My hope is that BFF becomes an annual event in the Bath calendar. I would love to continue bringing fashion to life in Bath and actually, you never know, maybe, just maybe, bring a similar event to other cities down the line.

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Anything that didn’t quite happen for this June, but you’re hoping for next year?

We already have a huge announcement for 2026 but I’m afraid my lips are sealed at this point! Bath Fashion Festival runs 7 – 8 June at The Holburne Museum, ticket prices are £40 for a day entry and just £20 for students and under 18’s Follow all the action on Instagram and TikTik @bathfashionfestival For more: www. bathfashionfestival.com

BATH FASHION FESTIVAL

PHOTO BY BEATA COSGROVE PHOTOGRAPHY

Backstage beauty

Pick a dress, any dress

A whole host of experts came to speak

Ateh Jewel and Ruth Crilly go retail

PHOTO BY BEATA COSGROVE PHOTOGRAPHY

Catwalk moments

PHOTO BY BEATA COSGROVE PHOTOGRAPHY

LOOKING BACK A few highlights from last year

The focus is on style

LOOKING AHEAD Just some of the big names appearing this year

Beauty and style journalist Lisa Oxenham

Fashion designer Giles Deacon

Fashion editor, consultant and creative director Catherine Hayward

Queen of skincare Caroline Hirons PHOTO FROM WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/ MANAVA _COLLECTION

Beauty guru Ateh Jewel

PORTRAIT BY GAUTIER DEBLONDE

Visionary artist Dr Alex Box

Model and TV presenter Jodie Kidd

Fashion journalist and critic Sarah Mower

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 29

ENTER... Nominations: close June 4 Awards: October 2, Aerospace

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For more information Visit entreconf.com Email annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk

Creative Bath Link Stone Advisory Mytton Williams The Visa Office

Finalists’ Reception Evelyn Partners

THE ARTS J M W TURNER, ‘SARNER SEE (‘L AKE OF BRIENZ’)’, C.184 4, WATERCOLOUR AND BODYCOLOUR ON PAPER, IA30. PRIVATE COLLECTION, PHOTOGR APHY © DAVID KIRKHAM FISHEYE IMAGES

S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

A LASTING IMPRESSION This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of possibly the most widely admired and in uential ritish artist of all time, oseph allord illiam Turner – . To help celebrate this, the upcoming exhibition at the Holburne presents a rare opportunity to see Turner at his most experimental and gestural, with works from a private collection, alongside notable contemporaries such as Thomas irtin and ohn Sell Cotman. Impressions in Watercolour: Turner and his Contemporaries opens 23 May and runs until 31 August 2025; www.holburne.org www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 33

WHAT’S ON 10 May – 7 June

EXHIBITIONS Until 24 May

FRAGMENTS ALIGNED This is Bath-based Sohrab Crews’ largest exhibition to date, and includes new paintings, sculptures and works on paper. Roseberry Road Studios; www.roseberryroadstudios.com

Until 31 May

HARRY SIMMONDS orking exclusively in black and white, Harry Simmonds translates what he sees when he is looking at his sitters into expressive, dynamic paintings. This solo exhibition at Le Fou de Bassan, presents a series of new paintings alongside previous works. www.harrysimmonds.com | www.lefoudebassan.com

Until 22 June

MYTHS AND MEMORIES: RENAISSANCE MAPS The curation of more than 40 Renaissance maps demonstrates a range of perspectives and forms on the historical documents, as well as highlighting their incredible artistry. The American Museum & Gardens; www.americanmuseum.org

34 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Until 6 July

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: PRINTERS’ PROOFS OF WORKS BY GREAT 20TH CENTURY ARTISTS Includes proofs from Lucian Freud, Bridget Riley, Peter Blake and Frank Auerbach, shedding light on the contribution made by the expert printers who work closely with artists and undertake the immensely skilled process of inking the printing plates and putting them through a printing press. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 20 December

IN BLOOM How owers have inspired generations of artists from East and Southeast Asia and includes works from Hiroko Imada, Wen-Hsi Harman, Lihong Bai, Ieong Tong Pak and Kristen Kong. Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk

Until 5 January

CAPTURING THE COSMOS Features the incredible nightscape, planetary, and deep sky photography of the local amateur astronomy community in and

Sohrab Crews’ Fragments Aligned exhibition is at Roseberry Road Studios until 24 May

around Bath. There’s also has a programme of starga ing events planned throughout the year where visitors can get tips on taking their own photos of the night sky. Herschel Museum; www.herschelmuseum.org.uk

11 May / 8 June / 13 July

BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FAIR Bringing the best of contemporary and innovative art to reen Park Station, this monthly fair runs from April until ecember, and showcases many local creatives including painters, sculptors, and ceramicists. www.bcaf.co.uk

12 May – 31 August

NICOLAS PARTY: COPPER AND DUST Steeped in art historical consideration and research, Party’s paintings are stylistically cohesive, graceful and idiosyncratic. hile more recent works have incorporated intricate oil paintings on copper, Party is well-known for his soft pastel works on paper and linen, along with site-specific public murals and immersive installations. Holburne; www.holburne.org

17 – 18 May

THE NEWBRIDGE ARTS TRAIL Around 25 artists will be exhibiting their work in ten public venues and homes across Newbridge, with ath Spa niversity joining for the first time and presenting a series of exhibits across its Locksbrook campus. www.newbridgeartstrail.org

17 – 18 May

MODERN ARTBUYER SPRING POP-UP Call in at Cli e rive, impley Stoke, ath to enjoy a contemporary collection of new original paintings and a ordable limited edition prints by artists from the Bath area and further afield. www.modernartbuyer.com

17 May – 1 February 2026

MYTHS & MACHINES This will be the first exhibition dedicated to both Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely in the UK and will illustrate their visionary artistic output and enduring creative collaboration over three decades. Hauser & Wirth Somerset; www.hauserwirth.com

WHAT’S ON

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Sarah Kniveton is one of the 25 artists exhibiting as part of the Newbridge Arts Trail; Alex Payne, James Haskell and Mike Tindall get Good, Bad and Ugly at Bath Forum on 21 May; Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell comes to the Theatre Royal 20 – 24 May; Remythed will be at the Ustinov 15 – 16 May telling stories that reclaim queer history

23 May – 23 September

AXLE ARTS AND SAW Axle Arts and arts organisation Somerset Art Works (SAW) are collaborating in an exhibition of outdoor sculpture at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Exhibiting artists including Dorothy Brook, David Cutler, Barry Davies RCA, Rachel Demuth and Mick Morgan. email: bridget@axlearts.com

THEATRE / CINEMA 15 May

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JANE AUSTEN, ABRIDGED A comic and fast-paced romp through the masterpieces of Jane Austen – heroes, heroines, love interests and her incisive social satire – tackled in just 80 minutes by three nimble actors from Schoolhouse Productions. Mission Theatre; www.missiontheatre.co.uk

15 – 16 May

REMYTHED Five actors take on over 30 characters – including Sheherazade and Lady Godiva – and reclaim queer history, retelling the stories of famous and forgotten LGBTQIA+ figures, with joy at the forefront. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

20 - 24 May

THE MIDNIGHT BELL atthew ourne s New Adventures company transports us to a sultry tavern where lonely-hearts gather to play out their impassioned a airs of

the heart. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

22 – 24 May

SCAFFOLDING Sheridan erry Norton is having a bad day. Her church is closing, Adult Social Care are on her case, and she can t work out the ingredients she needs to make a bomb. So she decides to have a few words with hoever s n Charge. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

MUSIC 13 May

ANDY BELL ead singer with the legendary synth-pop duo Erasure is supporting the release of his acclaimed solo album, Ten Crowns. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

22 May

WISE WOMAN Blending ancient folk traditions with a bold contemporary air, ise oman arrives with a heady collision of lush vocal harmonies, cinematic strings and 90s girl power. Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

COMEDY 16 May

STEWART LEE The deadpan uick-witted comic shares the stage with a toughtalking American werewolf comedian from the dark forests of the subconscious who hates humanity. ho will win Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 35

WHAT’S ON

JENNI ÉCLAIR Jenny invites you to look back at what she can remember before she forgets everything, from sleeping with men who looked like they lived under a carpet to punk poetry, and from being the first woman to win the Perrier Award to becoming a nana. Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk

31 May

CHRIS MCCAUSLAND The much loved Strictly winner delivers a masterclass in stand-up comedy that has literally been ‘yonks’ in the making to talk childhood delinquency, celebrity encounters and rectal examination. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

CHILDREN Until 11 October

PETRIFICATION A ath Royal iterary and Scientific Institution exhibition aimed at children to inform and inspire interest in the wonderful world of fossils. BRLSI; www.brlsi.org

15 – 17 May

ANIMAL FARM Bath Theatre Academy students

perform George Orwell’s allegorical story of oppressors, tyranny and ‘two legs bad, four legs good’. 14+ The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

PHOTO BY STEVE TANNER

30 May

OTHER

Until 27 September

AUSTENS AT THE ABBEY Explore the many fascinating connections the Austen family has to Bath Abbey through a programme of events that includes after hour tours and a Regency church service. www.bathabbey.org

21 May

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE RUGBY: UNLEASHED Rugby stars Alex Payne, James Haskell and Mike Tindall talk behind the scenes of their podcast including what happened when Mike took the show inside the walls of Windsor Castle to meet royalty. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

27 May

AN AUDIENCE WITH LUCY WORSLEY ON JANE AUSTEN The acclaimed historian leads us into the life of one of English literature s most cherished figures. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

Katy Owen, centre, is a sucker for Paddington

CULTURE CLUB with Katy Owen Katy Owen stars as the Professor in Alfred Hitchcock’s North By Northwest staged by Emma Rice’s Wise Children, coming to the Theatre Royal Bath 27 – 31 May. Katy was last seen on stage in Bath last February playing Mother Superior in Wise Children’s critically-acclaimed Bluebeard. Turn to page 38 for our interview with Emma Rice . The last great film I saw Paddington in Peru. I’m not a big film watcher but the Paddington films are deeply moving, witty and funny. You somehow feel deeply for the little bear thing. Magic. A film I could watch over and over again It’s a documentary made by two French brothers called Grey Gardens. It’s about a mother and a daughter living in a dilapidated mansion full of cats and raccoons, in the Hamptons. It’s weird and wonderful. A painting that means something to me Running Away with the Hairdresser by Kevin Sinnott (1947). A Welsh painter. The painting shows a couple running through the streets (probably off to get jiggy). It captures a moment of pure frivolous abandon. Best TV show ever… The Royle Family by Caroline Aherne. One of the funniest,

truest, most painfully wellobserved comedies ever. Brilliant characters. Nothing and yet everything happens. My favourite binge watch A Place in the Sun. I love fantasising about owning a property abroad. I can watch two or three in one sitting. I’m fascinated by the different people and budgets. The book that changed my life The Sopranos by Alan Warner. An amazing ride of debauchery and coming of age, through the eyes of choir girls from a school called Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. It’s like Sister Act – times a thousand. The book I could happily re-read A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin – 43 brilliant short stories about women battling darkness. Extraordinary. Last live music gig I went to I’m not really one for gigs, but when I was in Edinburgh last year, having an afternoon pint, a lady in a folk band sang Chim Chimney to me… A cappella… whilst occasionally banging a tambourine. It was memorable. My desert island disc That’s hard…can I have two? I’m having two. Sunshine On Leith by The Proclaimers. Epically moving and I Know You, I Live You by Chaka Khan – for the boogie. The first single I bought Everything I Do, I Do It For You by Bryan Adams. Hahahaha. My karaoke go-to Hotel California by The Eagles. It’s a beast and so stupidly dramatic. For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Harry Simmonds will be on display at Green Street’s Le Fou de Bassan throughout May

36 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Running Away with the Hairdresser by Kevin Sinnott are they off to get jiggy with it?

G PHOTO BY RICHARD GR ASSIE

oing to see an Emma Rice production can be dangerous. Once you’ve seen one, you’ll be consumed by a desire to see them all; you’ll fret if you don’t manage catch the latest one, and even worse, you may never quite enjoy ‘straight’ theatre again. To paraphrase something The Guardian once said: if her shows don’t make you fall in love with theatre, there’s nothing on Earth that will. mma first came to fame as the co-artistic director of Kneehigh, the groundbreaking theatre company she helped to take from makeshift community stages in Cornwall to the rarefied auditoriums of the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. neehigh shows were a wild ride, filled with heart and wonder; most were are based on myths, folk stories, film and fiction, though there was also a rather divisive Cymbeline at Stratford which strayed far from canon.

RICE WORK A new show from director EMMA RICE is always a major event. Her latest project, though, is something of a departure… Words by Deri Robins

38 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

“’I’m the woman who crushed The Globe, aren’t I? If I didn’t worry about Shakespeare it would be silly to worry about Hitchcock” Given this cheerful irreverence, it’s hard to understand why, in 2 6, the heritage-focused Shakespeare s lobe should have o ered Emma the post of artistic director. When it transpired that they had very di erent notions about the role, they parted ways. Emma retreated to Bristol – a city with which she’d always had a close relationship. It was there that she launched her own theatre company, named Wise Children after the novel by Angela Carter; an adaptation of the same book was their debut show. However, Emma dreamed of uniting all aspects of the company under a single roof. In 2023 she bought up an old Methodist chapel in Frome, rechristening it The Lucky Chance. Several productions have already been created there – most recently the stage adaptation of the 1959 Hitchcock movie North by Northwest, which comes to Theatre Royal Bath next month. ith the cast currently o doing their thing in York, all is quiet and serene at the chapel when I pop in for a visit. The front door (it probably bears a more ecclesiastical name) opens, rather unexpectedly, to a large bar, with

PHOTOS BY STEVE TANNER

THEATRE

ABOVE: Don’t expect Hitchcock. Expect Emma Rice; BELOW: Wise Children regular Patrycja Kujawska as Eve, with

Ewan Wardrop as Roger; INSET: Welcome to The Lucky Chance, the Frome home of Emma’s theatre company

a piano, mismatched furniture, vintage mirrors and bundles of old Ladybird books; “hope for the heart’ and ‘stories for the soul’ are spelled out in pink uorescent tube letters. t looks like a ise Children stage set. Next to it is a lofty rehearsal space with a vaulted wooden roof. “We bought the chapel at the end of Covid,” says mma. d always wanted a home for Wise Children, particularly because of my Kneehigh days [the company worked and lived in cli side barns . hen you re a touring company, you can become so peripatetic that it s hard to feel where the heart is. e paid for it outright, out of the profits from the first few years of trading. t was all from our own hard work, and love it for all those reasons. The original idea was that it would just be for rehearsal rooms and teaching, but then said, let s do a Christmas show in here. So we made that happen. t was magical it makes no sense financially, but we re here for soul, for creativity. Speaking of finances, ask whether the current crisis in regional theatre has had a knock-on e ect on her productions. es. m loathe to admit it, but m trying to think of things with smaller casts. verything costs more now, so when have ideas try to distil them into the simplest form so that we spend our money wisely. e re entrepreneurial and eet of foot. ou can t stick to a business model. ou have to keep moving. t s time to talk about North by Northwest. Unusually for Emma, who normally germinates her own ideas for shows, this one was put forward by a producer friend. Not only that, but genre-wise it wasn t exactly in her wheelhouse, being a complicated thriller.

t s so not up my street t s all plot and almost no emotion, while usually go for all emotion with a very minimal plot. mean, compare it to Brief Encounter, when literally nothing happens, and in this story literally everything happens. ut in the end, thought, this is going to really push my brain in ways that it’s never been pushed – not least in working out the mechanics of the plot. m fascinated by the s setting because it was a time when everybody pretended the war hadn t happened. Nobody thought about therapy or anything. ut in North by Northwest every character would have had a wartime experience, so ve threaded that through. ven the baddies have a gentle backstory. The centre of the story is the nited Nations this beautiful, shining new building. ecause of that ve got a very international cast, and ve put in stories about how people

were dispersed across the world after the war, all with di erent experiences. There s also a who do you believe element to the plot, which obviously chimes with the modern world. t s uite a 2 2 thought, isn t it hat happens if people say you re somebody else and you can t prove it Staging North by Northwest is incredibly ambitious. There s the N itself. There are trains. A chase in a cornfield with a crop duster. Characters hanging o ount Rushmore so how has mma tackled this Has she used video projection, as she did in Brief Encounter No, that would have been too easy. thought the fun of it was that it’s ridiculous to put on stage. e ve got a set of four revolving doors; people come in from one and go out of another, and it gives a real kinetic energy. f the plot was hard for me to work out, imagine what it was like directing four doors in the right place. So we ve got this kaleidoscopic, changing architecture. m not going to give any more away. hen Hitchcock did it, it was pure Hitchcock, and the way do it is pure mma Rice. And given that it s pure mma Rice, you d better believe there’s going to be love and romance. t has one of the most romantic relationships in a Hitchcock film , she says. The acting is always so dry, isn t it Hitchcock doesn t let anybody show any emotion. So ve pulled out the romance. From the films that ve seen, Hitchcock likes women to be victims, but here it’s the opposite. ve is no victim. ve given it a slightly more feminist ending, but it’s all in the original script. There s nothing in that script that m o ended by as a woman. don t think would have wanted to have done his The Birds…” Finally, did she feel the ghost of Hitch hovering at her shoulder while she tackled one of his most revered films No. wasn t anxious about what he might think of it. m the woman who crushed The lobe, aren t f didn t worry about Shakespeare it would be silly to start worrying about Hitchcock. North by Northwest by Wise Children plays Theatre Royal Bath 27 – 31 May; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 39

New website now live!

Upcoming Events 1

Marian Consort – William Byrd Sat 17 May | 7:30pm | Bath Abbey

Martin Clunes Tue 20 May | 7pm | The Guildhall

Romeo & Juliet 2-10 July | Various Times | Garden Theatre Festival

Pride and Prejudice 11-20 July | Various times | Garden Theatre Festival

The Secret Garden Sun 13 July | 1pm | Garden Theatre Festival

SPONSORED CONTENT

RAISED VOICES! Local children reach for the stars with new VOICES FOR LIFE project

ow would you feel about leaving Earth to settle on an entirely different planet? Around 250 primary school children have been asking themselves just that question in music and wellbeing workshops led by local charity Voices for Life. Now, their months of preparation will culminate in a stellar performance of Stardust by Jools Scott and Sue Curtis alongside its thrilling new prequel, The Space Between The Stars, on 18 June at Bath Abbey, 6.30pm – 8pm. The musical works follow a group of children preparing to leave Earth for pastures new and grappling with the challenges this brings. What will be out there? How will they make friends? The journey to their new home won’t be easy. Yet with their courage, determination and openness to new experiences, they’re a force to be reckoned with.

For many of the children, this will be their first time performing on-stage. As with all of Voices for Life’s work, the focus lies not just on nurturing their singing ability, but also developing their belief in themselves and helping them feel part of a wider community. “Being in Voices for Life’s projects was an amazing experience,” enthused one Voices for Life Young Champion, “It gave me the confidence to sing in front of a big audience on my own – something I wouldn’t have thought possible before.” The young explorers will be joined by musical director Katrine Reimers, narrator John Telfer (the Archers) and the Bristol Ensemble. So, if you’re ready to board an Abbey-shaped spaceship for a journey you’ll never forget, book your ticket today with the QR code on the right.

Photo © Martin Tompkins

All ages welcome. For more information on Voices for Life’s work, visit: www.voicesforlife.org.uk

THE REEL THING ELLIE HENDRICKS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Naomi Watts plays a writer who

adopts a Great Dane that belonged to a late friend; The Marching Band is a charming French crowdpleaser; Benicio del Toro and Mia Threapleton portray a complex father-daughter duo in Wes Anderson’s latest feature, The Phoenician Scheme; Fresh from White Lotus Walton Goggins stars in The Uninvited

Legendary Wes, Great Danes, and Walter Goggins are just a few of the reasons to visit the Little Theatre Cinema over the next few weeks The Uninvited

Release date 9 May

Elizabeth Reaser, Walton Goggins, Rufus Sewell and Pedro Pascal star in the tense dinner party drama The Uninvited. Goggins (fresh from hit show The White Lotus), and Reaser (The Haunting of Hill House) are married, and eager to impress new clients at a party they’re hosting, until the unexpected arrival of a confused older lady (Lois Smith) claiming the house is hers, throws a spanner in the works. Issues arise and dynamics are tested with the further appearance of ex-boyfriend Pedro Pascal and the party-drug fuelled Rufus Sewell… Director Nadia Conners brings the cast together in a tangled web of societal conventions, and with drinks owing and tensions growing, this is a party you’ll be glad you weren’t invited to.

The Friend

Release date 9 May

Based on the best-selling novel by Sigrid Nunez, The Friend is a heartwarming and tender look at grief in the big city. Bill Murray is Walter, a father, husband and dog owner, beloved by most and after a tragic event, grieved by all. Iris, played by a wonderful Naomi Watts, becomes the unlikely owner of his mischievous Great Dane called Apollo. Left with a thousand

42 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

questions in Walter’s absence, Iris and Apollo grow to love each other and it isn’t long before Iris loses her heart (and her home) to her new four-legged friend. The Friend, which also stars Carla Gugino, Sarah Pidgeon, Constance Wu and Ann Dowd, is sensitively handled, and a gentle take on friendship and mourning, making this a weepy you’d be sad to miss.

The Marching Band Release date 16 May

Evoking thoughts of a ed and The Full Monty, The Marching Band follows a community brought together by music in the face of factory closures. The story centres on Thibaut (Benjamin Lavernhe) and Jimmy (Pierre Lottin), two brothers raised apart but united by their love of music. After an unexpected hospital diagnosis, conductor Thibaut (Lavernhe) discovers that he was adopted as a small child, separated from his brother and raised in a family far better o than the one he was born into. When asked, his brother Jimmy (Lottin) gladly accepts a transplant request and before long, the brothers are drawn into a musical ploy to save the local factory. The Marching Band is a charming French crowd-pleaser, that deserves the fanfare and critical acclaim.

The Phoenician Scheme Release date 23 May

“I suppose I’m moved by this absurd performance …” Wes Anderson returns with a host of old and new cast members in his 2025 release, The Pheonician Scheme. A wacky tale of business, nuns, crime and family drama, The Pheonician Scheme promises to be a visual feast, with Wes once again teaming up with long-time co-writer Roman Coppola. Fans of Wes will recognise his meticulously framed visuals, saturated colour palette and the o beat wit, ever present in his previous films including Asteroid City (2023), The French Dispatch (2021) and Isle of Dogs (2018). Stunningly stylised, this is a trip into the world of espionage led by a never-better Benicio del Toro as the derring-do millionaire called Zsa-zsa Korda and Mia Threapleton playing his daughter Sister Liesl, who is a nun. They are joined by an exceptional cast including Tom Hanks, Benedict Cumberbatch and Scarlett Johansson. Ellie Hendricks is the Little Theatre Cinema’s marketing manager. The Little Theatre Cinema, 1–2 St Michael’s Place, Bath; www.picturehouses.co.uk

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GREEN FIELDS FOREVER LOVE & PEACE & COMPOSTABLE TOILETS By Sarah Moolla 44 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

FESTIVALS

t’s not enough for festivals to be just about the sounds – they have to be sustainably sound to prove they are evolving with the zeitgeist, save the planet, vibes. Without sucking the joy out of the glorious gatherings and sequin specials, organisers now have to be mindful of the vast amounts of waste generated, the energy consumption, and the carbon emissions. Here we talk to just some the local festival organisers this year to find out pans for 2 2 and to ask them – just how green is your valley?

MAIN IMAGE: Shindig is popping up in Charlton

Park just down the road; INSET: You can relax knowing that Charlton Park is one of the greenest estates in the UK

Shindig Festival, 22 – 25 May, Charlton Park Estate, Wiltshire; www.shindigfestival.co.uk We thought we’d shimmied our last Shindig last year but the shiny happy people special has unexpectedly boomeranged back, this time in Charlton Park which is usually the site of A , who are having a 2 24 o . A clue to Shindig’s vibe is the eclectic team of directors, made up of a DJ and record label owner, circus performer, motorcycle-stuntriding showman, a festival stalwart and an interior designer – all bringing a breadth of creativity, art installations, attention to detail. On the bill This year sees a move away from the drum’n’bass DJ tents to more global sounds and live bands. Artists include Gilles Peterson, Seun uti gypt and oonchild Sanelly. Plus Asian Dub Foundation, Ibibio Sound Machine, Artwork, Gentleman’s Dub Club, ub F , r Scru , an Shake, ardna, Romare (Live) and Luke Una. How green is your valley? “Part of the attraction to move to Charlton Park is because it’s one of the greenest estates in the UK. The park is carbon-zero, and they are dedicated to farmland conservation by fostering biodiversity, improving soil standards, and allowing wildlife to ourish. Not only that there’s an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Plant on site which transforms human, food, and animal waste into biogas. It’s then cleaned and planted into the national grid as biomethane. This is the greenest gas possible, contributing to a sustainable energy supply. Plus we have per cent compostable toilets, eco cups, and a ban on single plastics. The site is just shy of -2 minutes from Kemble and Chippenham train stations, which places us in a good position to encourage more sustainable travel choices and set up eco-travel discounts for everyone who uses shuttle services to the site.”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 45

FESTIVALS

ABOVE: All aboard for children’s fun at the Royal Bath & West Show; INSET: The Shepton Mallet extravaganza is a festival original dating back to the late 17th century; BELOW: Go back in time and appreciate the old days at the Vintage Nostalgia Festival

Royal Bath & West Show, 29 – 31 May, The Showground, Shepton Mallet; www.bathandwest.com From humble beginnings, the Royal Bath & West Show, originally The Royal Bath & West of England Society was founded in 1777 and has endured wars and numerous societal changes to remain a much-loved rural fixture. ts legacy as a sheep exhibition can be seen through the many livestock competitions, but there is plenty for all. On the bill Live cooking demos in the Great British Kitchen featuring chefs and experts Andy Clarke, Lisa Cadd, and eorge gg.. Agricultural displays, live music, workshops, show jumping, vintage vehicles, and stunt performances. How green is your valley? “The

Royal Bath and West Show’s origins can be found in an exhibition of sheep organised by the Society in . From 4 the show changed significantly thanks to Sir Thomas yke Acland, a landowner and former P. He saw that the show could be used to share new scientific agriculture with farmers, by moving it to a new location every year and expanding the pri e categories to include machinery and implements.

The first peripatetic show took place in 2, and it continued as a travelling attraction until it settled at The Showground in Shepton allet in 6 . Planning for the next generation has always been part of agricultural life, and in recent decades the Royal ath est has o ered attractions to inspire children. akeside Farm was launched in 2 2 to demonstrate the field to fork’ journey; and the Discover the Future area is full of engineering and scientific activities.

“Lakeside Farm was launched to de on a e e field to fork’ journey” The Vintage Nostalgia Festival, 29 May – 1 June, Stockton Park, Wiltshire; www.vintagenostalgiafestival.co.uk Vintage Nostalgia Festival is about family – from vintage music, fashion, classic cars, live performances and lots of children friendly events. rganised by a small group of likeminded people alongside the music and dance, activities include best dressed competitions, workshops, vintage village shopping and oldschool theatrical acts. nlike most festivals, NF also allows well behaved dogs. On the bill unco Shakers, Harry The Hounds, Salisbury ig and, The Flaming Feathers, and The andits. How green is your valley? “Sustainability is

at the core of our event. The intage Nostalgia Festival whole ethos has been based on re-use and recycle, from homemade items, to vintage fashion. any of our traders upcycle items including vintage antiques, Classic vehicles are restored rather than scrapped, parts rebuilt and re-used. rist Recycling is used to process all our waste from the festival and we recycle as much as possible. ur aim is always to enhance the local community with NF. ach year we have a nominated charity that we raise funds for and create awareness of the important work the charity undertakes. This year we are working with ulia s House who provide practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, providing frequent and regular support in their own homes, in the community, or at hospices across iltshire and orset. Forest Live, 12 – 28 June 2025, Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire (also takes place High Lodge Thetford in Suffolk, Cannock Chase in Staffordshire, and Wand Delamere in Cheshire); www.forestryengland.uk Origin story Mike Taylor of the then Forestry Commission, now the Forestry England, came up with Forest ive idea in 2 . The first line up featured the evellers and ools Holland with the series then expanding to more sites. Artists over the years have included assive Attack, d Sheeran and londie. On the bill Headliners this year at estonbirt are Sting, Snow Patrol, The Script, Elbow, cFly and Paul Heaton. How green is your valley? ne of the main

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 47

aims of the festival is to raise funds for the wider work of Forestry England. By buying a ticket you are helping us to plant millions of trees each year and maintain the nation’s 1,500 forests so they can be enjoyed for generations to come. “What makes the sites so unique is what makes them so challenging and the event team do an incredible job of transforming the locations and then returning them to their natural state with minimal impact to the surrounding nature and wildlife. “In terms of the events themselves, we have coach and shuttle bus services to get to the sites, a reusable cup scheme at our bars, a ban on single-use plastic and fibre-based compostable serve ware on our food concessions.” Glastonbury, 25 – 29 June, Worthy Farm, Somerset; www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk Glastonbury Festival, founded in 1970 by farmer Michael Eavis, was born green. Now a world-renowned, five-day music and performing arts festival which currently hosts 200,000 people, the early days saw the farm’s produce such the milk, the cider and the straw used directly within the festival. On the bill The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo are headlining. Rod Stewart will

ABOVE: Love and peace and green ethics abound at Glastonbury; BELOW: Forest Live helps maintain the forests of the UK

also be performing in the traditional Sunday egends slot. ther confirmed acts include The Prodigy, i y Clyro, Charli C , Alanis Morissette, and Doechii. How green is your valley? As a festival we ve been exploring new ideas of how to lessen our toll on the land for as long as I can remember – we’ve always tried to take an ecologically thoughtful approach to the way we do things, which we always hoped would inspire people. “My family have farmed this land for generations – having walked here with their cows from Dorset to set up at Park Farm in the 6 s. ooking after the fields, hedges and livestock has always been our number one concern. And today, our big campaign remains ‘Love Worthy Farm – Leave No Trace’. We are striving to leave as little an imprint on the land here as we possibly can. For me, Worthy Farm is what life here is all about. “Glastonbury Festival has always been the first to host alternative solutions to environmental concerns, and over time we’ve watched as those alternatives have become mainstream. In fact, for me, one of the greatest benefits of lastonbury Festival has been giving people the chance to open their eyes to something better, even if it is only for one weekend in the year. “We hope that we can continue to lead the charge in sustainable living by making Glastonbury Festival as green as we are able to and by spreading the word to festival-goers about what will really make a di erence to the environment. “We continue to work as hard as we can on

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FESTIVALS

ABOVE: The brand new Homestead is serious about sustainability; INSET: A lakeside view at Lake Paradiso presented by Valley Fest

the practical things: from encouraging people to travel by public transport to promoting some great new initiatives on waste reduction and pursuing more e cient ways of powering the festival. Today, just as much as in 1970, we have to work hard on our message. Glastonbury Festival is a Midsummer celebration of life and joy, but we must not lose sight of our undertaking to achieve the best possible balance of nature and resources.”

How green is your valley? “We’re serious

about sustainability without shouting about it. Homestead is powered by mains electricity (no diesel), sustainably minded drinkware, and waste is processed on site. Food is sourced locally – including meat from the very farm we will be partying on. “We work closely with Fernhill Farm and local food vendors, and promote nearby artists and comedians. We also have exclusive tickets for locals. Homestead boosts the local economy, supports sustainable agriculture, and shares its platform with South West creatives.”

On the bill DJ royalty Trevor Nelson, the ever-iconic Norman Jay MBE, BBC 6 Music favourite Huey Morgan and more, bringing a high-octane hit of drum and bass energy to the valley. They’re joined by live soul-funk trailblazers Incognito and disco icons Odyssey, with a genre-blending soundtrack spanning soul, funk, disco and global rhythms. Add a Shimmy Discotheque takeover, handpicked selectors and lakeside sound systems, and you’ve got a weekend built to move bodies and lift spirits. How green is your valley? “Located on an organic farm, the event is taking place in the middle of our eco-campsite, Nesta Valley. “We have compost toilets throughout the site, local food traders, wood fired spa facilities and natural crafts and activities for children.”

alle est resents ake aradiso, u ust, Che alle ake, Che a na; www.lakeparadiso.co.uk | www.nestavalley.co.uk This August, on what is usually the Valley Fest weekend, escape to Lake Paradiso – a new kind of festival, dreamt up by the team behind Valley Fest and set deep in the rolling Somerset hills. Nesta Valley becomes a Chew Magna playground complete with wood-fired saunas, hot tubs, handcrafted Bedouin tents and panoramic views. And if you can’t make the dates but fancy experiencing the lakeside ecosanctuary that is Nesta Valley – they’re open 10 July to 10 August with glamping options, live music, a wild spa and kids’ activities.

If Opera, 7 – 17 August, Church Farm, Win eld; www.ifopera.com In the vale of the Westbury White Horse, near radford on Avon, you ll find Church Farm, If Opera’s setting for their 2025 season. Surrounded by a churchyard, garden, duckpond and sometime farmyard, there’s easy access, extensive lawns for picnicking and the Saddlespan Auditorium, which will be installed on fields overlooking the estbury White Horse. If Opera, founded in 1993, has several acclaimed productions to its name and a reputation for artistic excellence, with a focus on supporting emerging artists and enriching the local community. On the bill The 2025 season will present both tragedy and comedy with two of the most

“Looking after the field edge and li e oc a al a been our number one conce n

omestead, ul , ernhill arm, Somerset; www. homesteadfestival. co.uk Founded in 2025 by seasoned festival veterans Will and Jess Lardner, this newbie on the festival scene is set on a working eco-farm on the Mendip Hills, with rolling meadows, big skies, and sweeping views. It’s the kind of place where the sheep outnumber the people (just), and the sunsets stretch on forever. The USP Homestead is a boutique festival for the over 25s – for people who love discovery, good food, and late nights with new friends. Tickets include breakfast and a Bloody Mary each morning. Their motto? ‘Where wild things play.’ But not too many as the capacity is being kept at a very intimate 1,500. On the bill MJ Cole, Warmduscher, Crazy P and Children of Zeus, along with late night DJs and stand-up comic events.

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FESTIVALS

ABOVE: If Opera focusses on supporting emerging artists and enriching the local community;

INSET: We out where? Here! Actively support the local economy by working with local suppliers and organisations

cherished operas in the repertoire, Rigoletto and Orpheus in the Underworld. Alongside this, the popular Picnic Prom features award-winning jazz vocalist and long-time Radio 2 & Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal’s 25th anniversary tour, and to close the season, there is a double bill of two exciting and rare Baroque operas in the historic setting of St Mary’s Church. “The Cowshed by Homewood in a new addition whereby a working cattle barn is transformed into a haven of culinary artistry with a Mediterranean-inspired VIP dining experience. How green is your valley? “From the 2022 season onwards If Opera have been acting on recommendations detailed in the Theatre Green Book, a project started by Buro Happold during lockdown to formalise good practice in the theatre industry and present a clear direction and joint pathway for action towards sustainable theatres. “Some of the measures in place at If pera include o setting carbon emissions from diesel generation used to power the site by using certified clean energy projects and working with designers responsible for multiple productions to simplify construction and promote reusable elements between productions. Theatre sets are built from uropean FSC certified timber wherever possible with the use of water based paints and finishes only and avoiding non-recyclable materials (plastics, composites etc.); costumes are rented rather than creating one-use pieces and any bespoke costumes required are made

using natural fibres. ur stage lighting uses LED sources wherever possible.” We Out Here, 14 – 17 August, Wimborne, St Giles; www.weoutherefestival.com Founded by broadcaster, DJ and record collector Gilles Peterson in 2019 in partnership with two of the founders of the Croatian Festivals Outlook & Dimensions, We Out Here near Dorset and Salisbury features seven-acres

“Theatre sets are built from European ce ified i e wherever possible” of lakes, woodland parkland, and tucked-away spots to explore, this festival home o ers a world of escape into music, arts, dance and sounds systems. There are 15 stages from the large open-air forest dance oors to small and intimate homemade sound systems. The USP WOH joins the musical dots between soul, hip hop, house, afro, electronica, jazz and beyond, showcasing both outstanding live music and some of the best record collections in the world. On the bill Michael Kiwanuka, Rotary Connection 222, Noname, Orchestre Poly Rythmo De Cotonou, Jalen Ngonda, 4AM

KRU, Carl Craig, Leroy Burgess, Theo Parrish, Ben UFO, Josey Rebelle and Channel One. This year, they’re dedicating a portion of programming to celebrate 40 years of The Bristol Sound with artists including Smith & Mighty, Daddy G, Queen Bee, DJ Nature, Roni Size, Om Unit, Yushh, and Peverelist. How green is your valley? “WOH has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability through several key initiatives. We actively support the local economy by working with local suppliers and organisations, and strive to preserve natural nightscapes, evidenced by our 5-star accreditation for work with Cranborne Chase’s International Dark Sky Reserve. In order to minimise light pollution, little caps are placed on all the festoon lights across the entire festival site. “We also contributes to local causes, such as food banks and community spaces, and donates leftover camping items to reduce waste. “Recognised as an ‘Improver’ by A Greener Future, WOH continues to build relationships with local groups and partners, ensuring our sustainability e orts benefit both the environment and the community.” End Of The Road, 28 – 31 August, Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset; www.endoftheroadfestival.com Set up in 2 6 by Simon Ta e and Sofia Genders, EOTR takes place at Larmer Tree Gardens, a stunning Victorian pleasure garden on the Wiltshire-Dorset border, set within the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding

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FESTIVALS

ABOVE: Donations added to End of The Road ticket sales have gone to planting trees; INSET ABOVE: Environmental

initiatives are built into EOTR’s planning ; INSET BELOW: Verve was founded by a group of wellnesss practitioners

Natural Beauty. Beautifully manicured lawns, ornate garden structures, and roaming peacocks sit alongside atmospheric woodland clearings and rolling countryside views. The USP TR o ers a hand-picked line up of indie, alternative, and emerging artists, often before they break into the mainstream, alongside secret sets, woodland stages, and surprise performances. Its size allows for a more personal experience, where audiences can discover new acts up close, and explore art installations in secluded garden paths. On the bill Self Esteem, Caribou, Father John Misty, and Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory How green is your valley? “Our environmental initiatives include no single use plastic, reusable cups, biodegradable cutlery and plates, working with the charity Frank Water, low energy lamps and load sharing generators, and we’ve teamed up with onboard:earth’s campaign, asking for an optional £5 donation when you purchase your tickets. All the donations have added up to over £4,500 which has gone to plant trees, restore and protect threatened ecosystems, preserve wildlife and biodiversity, and support communities on the frontline of climate change.”

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VERVE Wellness Festival, 13 – 14 September, Hatch House, West Hatch, Wiltshire; www.feeltheverve.com Set within the rolling Wiltshire countryside, Hatch House provides a peaceful backdrop with sweeping lawns and ancient woodland. As part of a designated Dark Sky Reserve, it’s an ideal spot for starlit gatherings, forest bathing, and deep reconnection with nature.

“Our environmental initiatives include low energy lamps and load sharing generators” The USP Launched in 2019 by a group of wellness practitioners and creatives who saw the need for a more intimate, nurturing kind of festival – one rooted in nature, healing, and conscious connection. On the bill Renowned yoga teachers, sound healers, breathwork guides, and inspirational speakers, alongside intimate live music, nourishing food, and curated rituals designed

to restore and inspire.

How green is your festival? “Sustainability is embedded into every layer of Verve. We prioritise local suppliers, compostable materials, and eco-conscious partners. All attendees are encouraged to bring reusable items, and we operate a full ‘leave no trace’ policy. Our décor is largely recycled or repurposed, and we seek to o set our carbon footprint via carbon credits. Verve champions local – from food producers and wellness practitioners to artists and musicians. “Most people are surprised to learn just how much of the festival is built by hand – from the woodland altars to the ambient lighting. Our creative crew arrives days early to lovingly craft a magical, ephemeral world from scratch.”

FESTIVALS LEFT: Get ready to party for free on 16 May;

INSET: There’s a new collaboration between Bath

Children’s Literature Festival and Longleat

and fresh ideas to venues, including the ld Post ce on New ond Street. The festival kicks o with the Fa pening Night Arty Party on 2 ay followed by a whole host of events including an exhibition curated by Ashley Cerrino, at The ld Post ce, a paper fashion workshop at The Holburne Museum, and an interdisciplinary collection at 44A Artspace.

ON HOME TURF

Festivals for those who like their own beds

on’t fancy camping / driving / overnighters? Relax, we know some of us finding sleeping intents too intense and travelling a bore, so we’ve sourced these ‘on our doorstep’ events that supply all the cultural and musical thrills you can want, without the need for wellies. Party in the City, 16 May; www.bathfestivals.org.uk Helping kick o the ath Festival, 4 city centre venues including churches, museums, pubs host a whole range of artists including Ishmael Ensemble, Zac Ware, Ninotchka, The Arkansaw and Jukebox Collective. Singing in ath Abbey is the rchestra of verything, Voices for Life and Harmony Rising, and ath Philharmonia s creative choir. There s also street theatre from The Natural Theatre Company. The 2, plus participants has given their time for free so the whole community can enjoy the evening without charge. Check out the new free Party in the City app to plan your evening. Bath Music Festival and Bath Literature Festival, 17 – 25 May; www.bathfestivals.org.uk The uildhall, ath Abbey, St Swithin s Church, Waterstones and The Mission Theatre are just a few of the settings for a whole galaxy

of stars descending in the city. Highlights include Robert Macfarlane, Ruth Jones from Gavin and Stacey, Sayeeda Warsi, Susie ent, en kri, Raynor inn, Carol Klein, Jojo Moyes and Lionel Shriver. The music festival comprises 4 classical music concerts featuring internationally acclaimed names such as pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, guitarist Sean Shibe and cellist Guy Johnston, who will be playing all six of ach s Cello Suites over three concerts. Look out for the Festival of Choirs hosted by on onie at reen Park Station which will be transformed into a choral wonderland with the help of Rock Choir & Vocal Works and The Good Afternoon Choir and others. There’s also the guided walking tours, run by Fred awer Tours.

Bath Fringe, 23 May – 8 June; www.bathfringe. co.uk Highlights taking place in around 22 locations in ath, many of which are free or work on a pay-whatyou-like scheme, include the psychedelic folk force of nature aisy Rickman, essex punk legends The SubHumans, a tentative return to free entertainment on the street – with The edlam us , the first live big band dance event in ath for years with The ig R and, a comedy night with integrated dinner at Wood’s, plus a huge choice of shows staged at The Rondo, The ission, and urdall s ard. Queer Bath, 26 May – 30 June; www.queerbath.co.uk Helping celebrate Pride, ueer ath takes place across some of ath s most historic and beautiful sites including The Holburne Museum, The American Museum ardens, R S , The Roman aths Pump Room, ath Assembly Rooms (National Trust), eckford s Tower, and the Museum of ath Architecture, each revealing new layers of T stories hidden within their collections and architecture. From Roman ruins to eorgian galleries, these venues o er a perfect setting to explore queer history and culture.

“ The whole community can enjoy the evening without charge”

Fringe Arts Bath, 23 May – 7 June; www.fringeartsbath.co.uk Fringe Arts ath Fa , which was established in 2 by a group of artists and creatives, is about opening up free exhibition opportunities outside traditional gallery settings o ering a test-bed for emerging artists and curators to explore new ideas. For 2 2 Fa will bring creativity, curiosity,

Festival of Nature, 7 – 15 June; www.bnhc.org.uk The UK’s biggest free celebration of the natural world is back for its 22nd year and in 2 2 it s diving into a brand-new theme water. From paddleboarding sessions on the River Avon to fun and educational family activities at SouthGate, this year’s festival invites people of all ages to explore ath s waterways through art, science, storytelling and adventure. Look out for an atmospheric outdoor screening of

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PHOTO BY BEATA COSGROVE PHOTOGRAPHY

FESTIVALS

ABOVE: The Festival of Nature is back; INSET ABOVE: The streets come alive during Carnival time; INSET MIDDLE: Tongues of Fire are performing at part of Bath Fringe; INSET BELOW: Family fun at Bath’s Foodies Festival

the 2021 Australian documentary River at Bath Quays on 8 June – followed by a special Q&A on protecting local waterways. Bath Carnival, 12 July; www.bathcarnival.co.uk Impressively coordinated by Stu Matson, Bath Carnival is a glorious technicolour explosion of sights, sounds and samba on the streets of Bath. Last year enjoyed by around 16,000 Bathonians, visitors, and tourists, the carnival also hosts a whole range of activities including the SuperPirates play area, Holburne Museum workshops, puppets and live music at Sydney Gardens, plus an aftershow at Komedia.

and family-friendly areas. Bath Children’s Literature Festival, 26 September – 5 October; www.bathfestivals.org.uk The festival, which is UK’s largest standalone children’s book festival, is welcoming some of the biggest and best loved names in the world of children’s books to a family audience of thousands. This year it is teaming up with stately home and safari park Longleat to provide even more exciting opportunities and a broader audience. This year also marks the 18th anniversary of Bath Children’s Literature Festival, which was founded in 2007 by John and Gill McLay, who remain artistic directors. John says, “We’re thrilled to be working with Longleat this year. They are the perfect partner for the Bath Children’s Literature Festival. We both love families, and animals, and history, and we are both committed to entertain and educate young people in a fun way.”

“The UK’s biggest free celebration of the natural world is back”

Foodies Festival 29 – 31 August; www.bathfestivals.org.uk It’s a foodie fusion with music from Blue, Symphonic Ibiza, Luna and Scouting for Girls appearing at Victoria Park alongside chefs from both Bath and beyond. Look out for Chris Cleghorn from Michelin-starred The Olive Tree, Fang Yu -Lin of Sugarcane Studio, and Liam Goldstone, from The Elder and Brassiere in Bath. There’s also a shopping village, a Great Taste Market, BBQ masters at work, chilli eating competitions, a silent disco, fairground rides,

56 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Bath Film Festival, 17 – 26 October; www.filmbath.org.uk Get ready for a city-wide celebration of cinema that invites you to see the world through another lens. From international films and exclusive preview screenings in Bath’s beloved cinemas, to immersive events in some of the city’s most

renown venues, FilmBath transforms how we experience stories on screen. Add in ‘Inspiring Industry Days’ and the glittering IMDb Awards, and you’ve got one of the most exciting dates in Bath’s cultural calendar. Curious Minds: A Festival to Ignite Ideas, March 2026; www.curiousminds.org.uk With over 40 events across the city, this vibrant festival is all about fresh thinking, big conversations and unforgettable moments. Expect inspiring talks, film screenings, live podcast shows, creative workshops and walking tours that delve into Bath’s stories and beyond. From bestselling authors to boundary-pushing artists, Curious Minds brings brilliant people and curious audiences together for something truly special.

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REC FEST: ONE WEEK TO GO! The countdown is on for BATH RUGBY’S Rec Fest on Saturday 17 May

he countdown is officially on and the wait is almost over. Rec Fest will return next week and it’s shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before! Hosted by Bath Rugby, this season’s edition promises to turn up the volume, with even more live entertainment, family fun and festival vibes packed into the day. Taking place in the heart of the city, the event doubles up as Bath Rugby’s final home game of the regular season, as the Blue, Black and White take on Leicester Tigers. Expect live music, interactive partner zones, street food, and free entertainment – all woven into one unforgettable day out. Gates open three hours before kick-off, giving supporters plenty of time to grab a drink, enjoy some food, soak up the music in the sunshine and get stuck into the entertainment before the rugby action begins.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE BANDSTAND

This year’s entertainment will take centre stage (literally) on the Rec Fest Bandstand, with a line-up curated by Bath Rugby featuring a mix of Q&As with special guests and live music throughout the afternoon. Full details will be revealed very soon.

FREE FAMILY FUN ALL AFTERNOON

Rec Fest is packed with free activities for the kids, making it the perfect family day out.

• Face painting: Young supporters can wear their colours with pride, thanks to free blue, black and white stripes from a talented face painter. • Test your aim and show off your passing skills with Dick Lovett’s ‘Perfect Pass’ challenge. • Keep an eye out for Max the Mascot, who’ll be on the prowl throughout the afternoon. • Inflatables and interactive games. This isn’t your average matchday. Rec Fest offers a host of Club Partner activations and extra experiences that bring a true festival feel to the day: • Rugby Buckets: Take an old Bath Rugby shirt and have it transformed into a bucket hat, made on-site for the ultimate summer accessory • Oddballs: Head to the Oddpod for a free check, a conversation that could save a life and yes, you’ll walk away with a free pair of pants! • Viñalba Wine Tasting: Sample a handpicked range of Viñalba’s finest – all complimentary • Thatchers: Spin the wheel for a chance to win prizes and surprises throughout the afternoon And that’s not all – even more partners will be joining the fun, with further details set to be announced very soon.

THE HEADLINER: BATH RUGBY V LEICESTER TIGERS

Head to the Tunnel of Noise and join fellow supporters in giving the players the welcome they deserve – big cheers, high fives, and serious energy, soundtracked by live drumming and the smooth sounds of the saxophone. After this, take your seats for the main event. Enjoy the pyro show as players run out onto the pitch, with Jamma de Samba setting the scene, followed by 80 minutes of action-packed rugby.

TICKETS SELLING FAST

With so much happening before the match even kicks off and over 13,000 tickets already sold, Rec Fest is expected to sell out. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Bath Rugby’s biggest day of the season yet!

FOOD AND DRINK

Supporters can refuel throughout the day with loads of local street food options, including family-friendly vendors. Whether you’re tucking into something tasty or sipping a cold pint in the sunshine, it’s the perfect setup for a proper summer party at The Rec.

Scan the QR code to buy tickets! Upgrade your matchday with hospitality at the Blue, Black and White Club by visiting: www.bathrugby.com/hospitality

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TRAVEL

FALLING FOR FALMOUTH With its own festival, glorious accommodation and wondrous scenery this small Cornish town is punching big By Sarah Moolla

60 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTO BY LEE STEPHENS

t’s a game we play every time we go away – the ‘could we live here?’ game. Rugged coastlines, forever horizons, indie shops, quirky quaint streets all score highly. But Falmouth, oh Falmouth, had us at Merchants Manor Hotel & Spa. We’re staying in the boutique adults only retreat and we’re in one of the residences. It’s all soft greens, muted greys and crisp clean white sheets there’s two big double bedrooms, two high end bathrooms, a large living and dining area, and a private decked courtyard with a hot tub. It’s all dappled in sunshine and we’re only half joking when we tell the brilliantly helpful Nick, the general manager, that Falmouth can go explore itself – the apartment is divine, one of the loveliest we’ve ever stayed in. But fortified with a bottle of Knightor, a Cornish champagne the owners have kindly left for us, we head off and soon we’re fizzing with excitement. Falmouth just has that vibe – welcoming and inclusive, and also cool and arty. It’s easy to navigate beach to beach by foot, and this section of the coastline is stunning. The wide arc of golden sand on Gyllyngvase Beach; the clear water swimming cove of Swanpool which adjoins Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve; the rock pool scattered Pendennis Point which is the mostly northerly of the beaches and Castle Beach dotted with some ridiculously Instagrammable seaside blue and yellow beachhuts. Some two miles out is

ABOVE: The glorious Gyllyngvase beach; BELOW: There’s picture perfect moments at every turn Falmouth turn; INSET: Mine fronts on to the Brewery Yard courtyard

BELOW: The sumptuous, don’t make us leave, accommodation at Merchants Manor Hotel & Spa;

INSET ABOVE: Fine dining at Mine; INSET BELOW: Wanderfal shines as a small, cleverly curated, indie festival

FALMOUTH DIARY 23 – 26 MAY Falmouth Food Festival; www.falmouthfoodfestival.com

13 – 15 JUNE The International Sea Shanty Festival; www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk 13 – 15 June The Falmouth Classics – racing and classic boat parade; www.falmouthclassics.org.uk UNTIL JANUARY 2026 Surf! exhibition at The National Maritime Museum Cornwall; www.nmmc.co.uk

Maenporth Beach with fabulous views across Falmouth Bay towards the imposing Pendennis Castle, a Tudor-era artillery fort constructed by Henry VIII. Walking is the way forward in Falmouth, which is just 3.5 square kilometres, compared to Bath’s 29 square kilometres, which illustrates just how dinky but perfectly formed this Cornish town is. And yet its harbour is one of the deepest in Western Europe, which accounts for the vast array of boat types to be seen bobbing about on the bay. It’s not surprising that water also plays a huge part in the Falmouth way of life – the docks, the harbour, the sailing history and of course the water s orts fro boating, surfing, to the not so old water swimming. What Falmouth doesn’t seem to have is that aloof moneyed vibe – it doesn’t feel like the second-homer tribe have ripped the soul out of it. There’s a genuine sense of friendliness and community. It may be down to the nearby art college or that this is the weekend of the

“Falmouth just has that vibe – welcoming and inclusive, and also cool and arty” Wanderfal festival –but looking around at the diverse and cool crowd, this is a town that feels inclusive, contemporary and progressive. ust onfess this isn’t our first ride on the Wanderfal rodeo – we went last year on the advice of festivalling friends – and were smitten by its charm and seemingly slightly ramshackle and friendly nature. Curated by The Cornish Bank, who previously transformed a 17th-century bank into a vibrant arts cafe and music venue, this two-day April festival takes in multiple stages and venues throughout Falmouth making it a great way to discover the area. Local talent sits shoulder to shoulder with the bigger names and the ood is buo ant ortified b our earlier dinner of a Hawaiian poke bowl – all run h fresh a ours with eda e beans and Asian slaw and a deliciously punchy Hawaiian Sunset house cocktail, before we know it we’re down the front and out way past our bedtime. Day Two we’re taking it down a notch and one restorative pick-me-up Merchants Manor breakfast later, we meander around the shops – vintage and curio stores, bookshops, cafés, upscale clothing stores, gift shops and joyously, the famous Trago Mills. We nibble on a couple of fish a es fro the u h re o ended Harbour Lights Fish & Chips and watch the soft buzz of the evening set in, in a picture erfe t al o e an ed b boozers and bars with proper pub bench seating including The Star

and Garter, The Working Boat and The Front Tonight we’re dining at Mine – and we are told by all, this is simply the best restaurant in Falmouth and beyond. Located in the Brewery Yard courtyard of the shabby chic cocktail bar Chintz, Mine, with its open kitchen and pared back décor, is giving canteen feels but is serving up Michelin Guide food. The classic well crafted menu centres on local and seasonal Cornish produce with options like Cornish trout rillette with squid ink crumpet, and pan roasted on fish tail ser ed with wild garli tartare and salt hake fritter. Open Thursday to Monday between 6pm and 9.30pm means booking is a must and we really mean that, it’s a must. The food is exceptional – every dish is elevated in taste – the meat is buttery velvet soft, the heese sou is shar , rea and as light as air, and the trout a delicate, nutty sweet a our On the day we’re leaving I’ve been booked with Mijeong for a 30 minute massage in the Manor’s gorgeous spa space and it’s absolutely a azing it’s not ust the fir ressure but her lovely calming aura makes this a winner. It’s time to check out but we procrastinate our return and find oursel es he ing out estate agents’ windows for the ‘could we live here?’ game. We love you Bath, but this is a close run thing… For more: www.falmouth.co.uk

OUR STAY

Merchants Manor Hotel & Spa; www.merchantsmanor.com Kona; www.konabar.co.uk Mine; www.restaurantmine.co.uk Wanderfal festival; www.thecornishbank.co.uk

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The Newt in Somerset is often referred to as a working farm with rooms

GREEN IS THE NEW GOLD STANDARD The local luxury hotels leading the eco revolution By John Mather

HOTELS

rue luxury goes beyond opulence – it re ects a deeper consciousness. As travellers grow more environmentally aware, the hospitality industry is being called to redefine what it means to o er a five-star experience. uests increasingly expect the brands they support to align with their values, and sustainability is rising to the top of that list. nter the ecological approach a way for luxury hotels to blend indulgence with integrity. From geo certified golf courses to kitchen gardens, eco-minded hospitality isn t just a trend it s the future. ut perhaps most importantly, ecological luxury proves that comfort, beauty, and responsibility can coexist. t o ers guests the chance to enjoy the finer things in life without compromise Here our local hospitality experts prove that in the world of luxury hotels, green isn t just a colour – it s a standard.

HOME PRODUCE

nnovative design is paired with the freshest produce from our gardens, beautiful country walks, and exclusive experiences, says Andrew Foulkes C of hospitality at The Newt in Somerset, which is often referred to as a working farm with rooms. hile much of The Newt s 2, acres of land is used for arable and livestock farming, our acres of formal gardens prove the main draw for over 2 , visitors each year. e also grow, make, butcher and bake some of the finest produce in the South est. From meat for our butchery, apples for our cyder to milk for our cheese, and fresh garden produce for our restaurants and veg boxes – all produced in harmony with the land and the uni ue conditions here in Somerset. All the garden and vegetative food waste is now recycled on site to create tonnes of high- uality compost annually. ur first full-time resident entomologist, Tom liver s big focus for the year is a biodiversity audit. The data from his learnings will inform our conservation programmes at The Newt, ultimately protecting and promoting essential biodiversity. ver on page we also find out about The Newt s RHS Chelsea Flower Show project .

ABOVE: The Bath Priory’s kitchen garden is a valuable resource for the chefs;

BELOW: Smart systems monitor the watering of Manor House’s championship golf

course to ensure not a drop is wasted

KITCHEN GARDENS

uilt in as a private residence, on land once owned by The Priory of ath Abbey, The Bath Priory with its architecturally gothic characteristics is discreetly situated on a tree-lined residential road on the west side of the city. t was purchased in September 4 by the rownsword family, who have added their own distinctive style to the property and its four acres of beautiful gardens. The gardens are an integral feature of the hotel including a uni ue kitchen garden, regional general manager urval urand tells us more. Tucked away behind a stone wall, beyond the huge cypress tree, the ath Priory s kitchen garden is one of the most popular areas of the gardens, and helps to reduce kitchen miles to ero for the goods grown within it. ith raised beds and gravel paths, it s easy to explore and so is not only a valuable resource for the chefs, but also of great interest to guests. The team grows a wide variety of fruit and vegetables espalier and fan trained apple, peach and uince trees line the walls, along with fruits including blackberries and tayberries, while depending on the season, vegetables might include fennel, mangetout peas, butternut s uash, and cavalo nero, alongside some less common varieties including unusual potatoes and sweet French peas. There s also an abundance of herbs, including favourites mint, rosemary and sage, alongside more unusual lemon verbena, ginger mint and sorrel, and pretty edible owers including violas, calendula and borage.

WATER SAVING

e take water saving seriously, particular at the golf course, says en il Arendse, general manager of The Manor House, a 4th century countryside Corp accredited retreat in Castle Combe and

“All garden and vegetative food waste is now recycled on site” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 63

HOTELS part of the xclusive Collection, with historic rooms and suites, ichelin star dining and a championship golf course. Here we have smart systems to make sure we use every drop of water e ectively and responsibly – this includes PS accurate sprinkler systems, a luetooth moisture system taking over reading across the course a day so we re watering properly, but only where needed, and we ve our own 4 , cubic metre reservoir which is filled by rainwater and oodwater from the y rook River, irrigating our entire golf course with no mains water additions. These e orts mean that our golf course is geo certified. e aim to buy the majority of ingredients from within a mile radius to reduce carbon footprints and support local farmers with a focus on seasonal ingredients. For example, we use milled our from Shepton allet, and harvested rapeseed oil from Frome. ur sustainably sourced seafood and meat is sourced directly from the farms to avoid unnecessary food miles. These farms include Huntsham farm based in Herefordshire who specialise in traditional ritish breeds raised, and angley Chase rganic Farm who are under five miles from the restaurant. e buy in only whole animals and butcher these on site making sure to eliminate any waste and to maintain our nose to tail approach. e also work with lio – taking leftover food from events and packaging up and sending to local families in need and where possible kitchen waste products are repurposed by mixing into our soil on the estate as a slow-release fertiliser.

THE GREEN TEAM

At DoubleTree by Hilton Bath, we re dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and enhancing our sustainability e orts, leading the way for hospitality businesses in ath, says rady Smith, general manager of the city centre 6-bedroom hotel. e have established a dedicated reen Team to implement and keep track of our progress, share ideas and educate our guests and team. e are working with home grown local initiatives and global Hilton ones. n addition to our environmental e orts, we care about our local community and the ABOVE: The views across Bath from the Hilton on Walcot Street which has received the Green Tourism Gold Award; BELOW: Bath Spa Hotel works closely with Elemis a certified B-Corp company

“We have established a dedicated Green Team” people within it. “The hotel is actively working towards, and have been recognised by, several internationally recognised certifications, including reen ey, a standard of excellence in environmental responsibility, and the reen Tourism old Award, the world s leading sustainability accreditation. “We have water restrictors installed in showers across all bedrooms to reduce the amount of water we use. ur towel opt-out scheme also reduces the amount of water used on a daily basis. y using limato software, we are calculating the carbon footprint of all dishes, and displaying these on our menus so guests can make informed choices whilst dining with us. e are also in the stages of implementing innow, an A supported food bin that monitors waste, and decrease food waste by per cent within the first year of implementation.

WORLD LEADING

Bath Spa Hotel, which is part of the MacDonald Hotels & Resorts roup, has recently been certified silver by reen Tourism, a world-leading sustainability standard for tourism, events and leisure businesses. Stand out elements noted by the judges included a strong commitment to sustainability, with a wide range of low-carbon activities and authentic local experiences available to guests. The luxury venue was praised for its e orts in supporting the local economy and fostering community connections through cultural and educational opportunities. Supply chain provenance was commended, alongside initiatives to conserve water, promote biodiversity and encourage responsible travel. “The hotel has an excellent array of local, low carbon and specialist educational and cultural experiences promoted to guests, says Raj Chakraborty, regional general manager of the Sydney Road rade -bedroom hotel with 2AA Rosette dining, spa and seven acres of beautiful gardens. This not only provides an excellent choice to guests but also develops strong community bonds and helps the local economy. uests are also encouraged to use public transport with the hotel even o ering an incentive to guests who choose to arrive by public transport. There is a great commitment across the board to not just monitoring water but also to conserving its use and uality. The hotel also works closely with lemis, which is a certified -Corp company. For more: www.thebathpriory.co.uk | www.exclusive.co.uk | www.hilton.com | www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk www.thenewtinsomerset.com

64 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

GREY’S AT WHATLEY MANOR Executive chef RICKI WESTON’S informal small plate menu brings about a refreshingly upbeat vibe By Rachel Ifans

“Juicy sweet mussels, and salty pops of roe”

RESTAURANT

ining for me has transitioned recently. vegetarian with options such as wild garlic panisse, sour cream and People want to be more in control these chives cauli ower, pomegranate, and pinenut and butternut s uash days; it’s more about getting together rather with harissa and yoghurt dressing. Sea, as you might guess is seafood than having a formal three-course meal. People and includes spider crab croquettes with garlic aioli and prawn tortellini want something fun and they want to share food with coconut bis ue. and is meat – beef fat brioche, lardo and paprika and the experience.” And and middle white pork belly, hispi ragu, and cider it’s with these sentiments mustard sauce. DINING DETAILS that the Michelin-starred Each dish looks like clever balance of hefty Grey’s Restaurant at Whatley Manor Hotel & executive chef, Ricki Weston substance and soft subtleties, turning away from the Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury SN16 0RB. has launched a new small-plates concept in Whatley obvious and making it extraordinary. The steamed Tel: 01666 822 888; www.whatleymanor.com Manor’s Grey’s restaurant, which has traditionally bun with mushrooms and spicy mayonnaise is Open Dinner is served Monday to Sunday always been à la carte. actually a pillow soft bao bun with an earthy, meaty from 6pm. Traditional Sunday lunch is served It’s also a concept that embraces the local shitake grilled mushroom and is confetti’d with from 12pm – 2.30pm. Grey’s serves lunch on community; Ricki is hugely passionate about miniscule sprouts of edible purple ower. Sunday only; an all-day dining menu is served Whatley Manor and he’s on a mission to make it The tuna tataki was a generous portion of in the drawing room, garden room or hotel bar, Monday – Sunday from 12 noon). more accessible for non-hotel guests. He’s got the s uare-cut slices of seared to a crisp fish to give a after-work, slightly more relaxed crowd in mind, smoky taste yet was soft pink, super fresh, rare in Chef Ricki Weston is executive chef at Whatley Manor, overseeing the hotel’s the ones who want to order two plates at a time and the middle, that zinged into life thanks to the zesty full culinary offering including Michelinend up staying all evening, or the ones who fancy pear and ginger ponzu dipping sauce. starred restaurant, The Dining Room. Ricki a sundowner and nibbles at golden hour on the The steak tagliata was another rare delight – is pioneering a sustainable approach to fountain terrace. He tells us, “I made it a big menu thick slabs of buttery steak swimming in a robust gastronomy, scrutinising every ingredient’s deliberately, so that people will find it hard to choose pepper sauce. The mollusc chowder was a huge hit locality and adopting new methods, in line and come back for more. We’ve also upped the music with the wider hotel’s journey to net zero. – creamy soup with juicy sweet mussels, salty pops a bit in the restaurant and I’m hoping if we get the of roe and small balls of satisfying pasta. Style of cuisine Ricki describes his style as influenced by classic British cooking. vibe right in there, we’ll start to get some regulars One thing of many things Ricki is a master at is coming back week after week. e open at half five. how to use herbs. It was a revelation how evocative Grey’s décor The style is chic, light, bright What’s to stop people coming down for some Iberico and spacious interiors – curvy, duck-egg blue some of these herb avours can be when amplified leather banquettes, deep velvet armchairs ham and wine and they’ll be home by seven? – like parsley. Much maligned as a boring garnish, and French grey walls. But don’t think for one moment that the food has often ignored, the powerful use of it in the mollusc Outdoor space Yes, the Kitchen Garden taken a backseat to vibe – in fact it seems to have chowder was a delicious memory hit. The clean, Terrace. focussed Ricki’s skills even more. “It’s all about the green, grassy and slightly bitter edge brought the Prices Starters and sides cost between: tastiest of food and stripped back completely – so seafood avours together beautifully. £6- £14, Earth, Sea, Land sharing plates cost two or three ingredient led things are on the plate. Another layer to small plates heaven was the between: £7- £25, desserts cost between: For instance, with the tuna tataki, we use British tuna £7 - £14 sommelier having guided us to a couple of excellent in a dish that celebrates a very traditional Japanese wine choices; a light and tasty Nebbiolo red which Disability access Fully accessible for guests technique, and then we do pear and ginger ponzu was complex but fresh and complemented the full with disabilities. sauce as opposed to the usual citrus avours. And of avours of the food, and a albec, a mediumIn a nutshell Simple ideas, beautifully course it’s about being inspired by the ingredients that executed in a sumptuous yet sociable setting. bodied spiciness that did a good job of cutting we have around, that are both local and in season.” through the delicious food for attention. We were advised to choose four dishes from the The setting of Whatley Manor, a 19th century new menu – and we’re also warned, with a smile, this might be tricky. Cotswolds manor house with 23 rooms, with 12 acres of gardens and spa Each dish – there’s 20 small plates to choose from – sound delicious, has always been one of ‘luxe traveller stay’ but Ricki’s accessible, upbeat and the three ingredient descriptions does work – everything sounds and delicious menu might just be the ticket to pull in the locals for a appealing. No over-fancy descriptions to bamboozle or deter. There’s summer’s evening wine and dine. For us Bathonians, the 20 miles or so to five categories – arth, Sea, and, Sides and ittle elights. arth is Whatley is no big deal when the small plates tastes this good.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 69

BAR & GRILL S I G N A T U R E C O C KT A I LS CHARCOAL GRILL F I R E & F L AVO U R

www.se7enbath.com 7 Edgar Buildings, Bath, BA1 2EE 01225 484433 | info@se7enbath.com

RECIPE HALVA, DARK CHOCOLATE & SESAME COOKIES MAKES 20 COOKIES

For the past five years, home cook ROSIE KELLETT has been living communally with six others, making delicious seasonal food on a budget of £25 per person, per week. On 3 June she will be visiting Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath to talk about her first cookbook, In For Dinner, in which she shares her 101 low-effort, high-reward, veg-forward recipes to nourish the soul

runchy, chewy, salty, sweet, this cookie has it all. If you’ve never tried halva before, I highly recommend hunting it down – it’s a sweet sesame treat that’s sort of crumbly and soft in texture. When baked into this cookie it becomes a perfectly caramelised, nutty, chewy addition. ou can find halva in most major supermarkets, but failing that, any Middle Eastern store will have it in abundance. These can also be cooked from frozen, and I always like to have a box in the freezer ready to go.

Ingredients: • 250g unsalted butter, softened • 300g light brown sugar • 1egg • 200g halva, cubed (150g for the cookie mix, 50g for topping) • 2 tsp vanilla bean paste 2 g plain our • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 1 tsp sea salt, plus more for sprinkling • 150g oats (100g blended into a our , g left whole • 1 tbsp sesame seeds, plus more for rolling • 100g good-quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped

Method: 1 In a stand mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar until just combined. Add the egg, 150g of cubed halva and the vanilla and mix again until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. 2 n a separate bowl combine the our, bicarbonate of soda, salt, oats both our and whole), sesame seeds and chopped chocolate. 3 Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until a dough forms, then shape the cookies into 20 equal-sized balls, each weighing roughly 55g – I do this with an ice cream scoop so they are all the same size. 4 Roll each cookie ball in more sesame seeds. Using the remaining 50g of halva, press a piece ofhalva into the top of each cookie and put them on to a lined baking tray that fits into your freezer. 5 Freeze the shaped cookies for at least an hour, or until you are ready to bake. The cookies will last well in the freezer for up to 3 months like this. 6 When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 180°C/160°c fan/gas mark 4 and line a baking tray. Space the cookies out so they have enough room to double in size and sprinkle

72 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

each one with a little aky sea salt. 7 Bake for 12 minutes, then take the tray out and sharply tap it on a hard surface - this de ates the cookies and gives them a thin, crinkled texture. Put the tray back in the oven for a further 3 minutes. 8 Leave to cool completely on the tray, or until they are cool and firm enough to handle – there is nothing quite like a warm cookie fresh from the oven. 9 In a stand mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar until just combined. Add the egg, 150g of cubed halva and the vanilla and mix again until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. 10 n a separate bowl combine the our, bicarbonate of soda, salt, oats both our and whole), sesame seeds and chopped chocolate. 11 Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until a dough forms, then shape the cookies into 20 equal-sized balls, each weighing roughly 55g – I do this with an ice cream scoop so they are all the same size. 12 Roll each cookie ball in more sesame seeds. Using the remaining 50g of halva, press a piece of halva into the top of each cookie and put them on to a lined baking tray that fits into your

freezer. 13 Freeze the shaped cookies for at least an hour, or until you are ready to bake. The cookies will last well in the freezer for up to 3 months like this. 14 When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 180°C/160°c fan/gas mark 4 and line a baking tray. Space the cookies out so they have enough room to double in size and sprinkle each one with a little aky sea salt. 15 Bake for 12 minutes, then take the tray out and sharply tap it on a hard surface - this de ates the cookies and gives them a thin, crinkled texture. Put the tray back in the oven for a further 3 minutes. 16 Leave to cool completely on the tray, or until they are cool and firm enough to handle - there is nothing quite like a warm cookie fresh from the oven. In for Dinner: 101 delicious a ordabl r ci s to batch cook shar and n o by Rosie Kellett (Square Peg, £27) For more: www.toppingbooks.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

WINNING WAYS Iford Manor Kitchen, near Bath, has won Best Newcomer in the

YES CHEF The Greenhouse Restaurant, located in The

Pavilion at Wadswick Green in Corsham, has a new head chef, Richard Frankham, who brings more than 25 years of culinary experience. Richard’s training started at the Hilton Hotel in She eld when he was only years old. He has since worked at AA 2-rosette kitchen, the Michelinstar awarded Burlington Restaurant, and a 4-star hotel in Guernsey. “The Greenhouse Restaurant is a fantastic space and has a very good reputation that I’m keen to take to the next level,” says Richard. “I pride myself on creating dishes that incorporate fresh, seasonal and local produce. The fact that Wadswick Green has its very own kitchen garden is nothing short of fantastic as it will allow me and my team to create varied and avourful menu options. For more: www.thegreenhouseatwadswickgreen.co.uk

Josh Eggleton MBE has devised a new menu

PONY UP! The Pony Chew Valley restaurant

just outside Bath and owned by Josh Eggleton MBE and sister Holly ggleton has just completed a five-year renovation ahead of their 20th birthday next year. As well as a restaurant and cookery school, The Pony now comprises ornamental and edible gardens, beehives and orchards, allowing Josh and the team to have greater control over their produce and processes, utilising ingredients sourced just a few steps from the kitchen. New additions also include an orangery style restaurant space to the rear and a new menu format which takes inspiration from the produce grown in the kitchen gardens, with dishes such as Brixham scallop, glazed pig cheek, and carrot puree; whole lemon sole served with sea herbs and celeriac sauce; and chocolate hazelnut choux bun with hot chocolate sauce, caramelised hazelnuts, and hazelnut praline. Upcoming cookery classes include foraging walk on une, introduction to bread making on 6 une and a children’s cooking summer school that runs 2 – August. For more: www.theponychewvalley.co.uk

The Iford Manor Kitchen team celebrate their Best Newcomer Award; INSET: Ayesha Kalaji is Best Trencherman’s Chef 2025

PHOTOS BY GUY HARROP AND SALT MEDIA

Richard Frankham is the new head chef at The Greenhouse Restaurant

Trencherman’s Awards 2025. The South West’s most prestigious hospitality awards were unveiled at a ceremony at Homewood, near Bath, on 24 March. Iford Manor itchen was also a finalist in the est Front of House category. wner manager Marianne Cartwright-Hignett, who attended the evening along with husband and co-owner William Cartwright-Hignett and executive chef Matthew Briddon and his wife Klaudia, says, “When William and I created Iford Manor Kitchen and Café, we wanted to provide visitors to our famous gardens with an improved food experience. However, we never expected to be where we are now and working alongside such a phenomenal team, every one of whom deserves this award.” ther nearby winners included Ayesha alaji as Best Trencherman’s Chef for her modern Middle Eastern cooking at Queen of Cups in Glastonbury and S P in ruton for Award for nnovation and Creativity. For more: www.ifordmanor.co.uk | www.trenchermans-guide.com

INSET: Dishes are inspired

by the produce grown in the kitchen gardens; BELOW: The new orangery style space at the Pony Chew Valley restaurant

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 73

Bath’s coolest creative night: Komedia, May 21 Everybody is welcome: creativebathawards.org

Headline Sponsor

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To be involved, contact: info@creativebath.org

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SPRING PUB GUIDE

From real ales to riverside views, we explore a few of the best local drinking and dining options

THE RAVEN

6-7 Queen Street, Bath, BA1 1HE 01225 425045; www.theravenofbath.co.uk

THE BELL INN

103 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BW thebell@thebellinnbath.co.uk The Bell is a traditional and legendary 300 year old community owned pub and live music venue owned by over 700 members, offering a haven from the bustle of city life. Free live music is to be found on Monday nights, every other Tuesday night, Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons showcasing a wide range of local and international musicians and acts. There are also DJs every Friday night and all day on Saturdays plus an open mic night on Thursdays The Bell stocks a good selection of real ales and is regularly featured in The Good Pub Guide. There are fresh cooked pizzas available on Wednesdays and Friday to Sunday, which can be enjoyed indoors or outside in the sheltered beer garden The Bell is proud sponsors the Orchestra of Everything and is a Living Wage employer.

The Raven is a traditional old English pub and an independent free house that takes pride in doing what it does and doing it well. Simple, high-quality products, with no pretension. It focusses on cask ale from small brewers and have been in the CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide every year for the last 20 years. The locally sourced food is hearty, traditional pub grub, with ten flavours of pie to choose from, all served with mash or chips and gravy. Not in the mood for a pie? There’s locally made sausages or a ploughman’s lunch. Whether you’re a confirmed carnivore, vegetarian or vegan, there’s something for every taste on the delicious menu. With three bars over multiple floors, you’ll be sure to find a seat to enjoy your time here – from the cosy library nook on the top floor to the ample outdoor seating surrounding the pub. The Raven is a thriving, buzzing and welcoming space.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 75

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THE RAM

20 Claverton Buildings, Bath, BA2 4LD The Ram: 01225 481488; www.therambath.com Widcombe Deli: 01225 313037; www.jjbeanos.com

MANDALYNS

13 Fountain Buildings, Lansdown Road, Bath, BA1 5DX 01225 425403; www.mandalynsbar.co.uk Tucked behind George Street on Fountain Buildings, Mandalyns is Bath’s oldest – and favourite – gay bar. A true local gem, Mandalyns has proudly served the LGBTQ+ community (and its allies!) for years and years, offering a warm welcome, great drinks prices, and good vibes all week. Open until 3am on most nights (closed Tuesdays), it’s one of Bath’s latest-opening venues making it the perfect place for post-work drinks, midweek karaoke, impromptu celebrations, or a big night out. Once a month, the venue lights up with its ever-popular drag cabaret nights featuring top and award-winning performers from across the UK. Mandalyns, which is also available for private hire, is more than a bar. It’s a standout choice for socialising and regardless of who you are or who you love, Mandalyns is a space where everyone is welcome, and everyone feels at home.

The Ram and Widcombe Deli have teamed up to create a quirky community space for Widcombe. It opens early for pre-work coffee and breakfast, serves lunch all day then transitions into a pub with a quiz, live music, pies and sports on TV in the evenings. It’s a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy and a real community asset. It has outdoor seating on Widcombe Parade so you can enjoy watching the world go by with either a coffee, a wine or a beer with friends or even on your own to grab a bit of peace and quiet. The friendly staff are on hand to help you unwind however you choose to spend your time with us. The food is all freshly prepared and baked on site every day, and the range of drinks is fantastic so it really does have something for everyone. Seating is generally first come first served but the team can accommodate bookings for larger groups or if you have specific requirements. The Deli Co are also in Larkhall and in central Bath at The Abbey Deli and offer outside catering and afternoon tea on request. Please get in touch with the team. directly if you need more info.

THE OLD CROWN INN, KELSTON Kelston Road, Kelston, Bath, BA1 9AQ

01225 233065; hello@oldcrownkelston.com

THE COEUR DE LION

17 Northumberland Place, Bath, BA1 5AR 01225 463568; www.coeur-de-lion.co.uk One of Bath’s hidden gems, the Coeur De Lion is a cosy traditional pub full of period features located in the heart of the city in the pedestrianised Northumberland Place opposite the Guildhall. It enjoys the distinction of being Bath’s smallest pub, with signs above the seating reminding customers to ‘budge up’ and is almost, as far as the owners know, the only pub of this name in the country. Attracting both friendly locals and adventurous tourists drawn to the fantastic Abbey Ales beer, diverse mix of conversation and traditional classic pub food – bangers and mash, fish and chips and locally made Celtic Pies – The Coeur De Lion particularly comes alive on Bath Rugby days both before and after games.

76 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Just a stone’s throw from the Cotswold Way and a short stroll from Kelston Roundhill, The Old Crown Inn is the perfect countryside escape. Nestled on the outskirts of Bath, this charming historic pub offers cosy interiors, a beautiful garden lodge, and an award-winning beer garden. Tuck into seasonal dishes, cracking Sunday roasts, and relax with a drink from the well-stocked bar with something for everyone. Inside the pub, cask ale lovers will appreciate the antique beer engine that ensures a quality pint, setting it apart from the rest. Warm, welcoming, and full of character; The Old Crown is a favourite with walkers, day-trippers, and locals alike. Why not enjoy a summer’s evening walk from Bath? Follow the Cotswold Way to Kelston Roundhill, then unwind with a well-earned pint before hopping on the bus home – the stop’s right outside!

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HOP POLE INN

Woods Hill, Limpley Stoke, Bath, BA2 7FS info@hoppoleinn.uk; www.hoppoleinn.uk

THE SEVEN STARS

Winsley, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2LQ 01225 722204; enquiries@sevenstarswinsley.co.uk; www.sevenstarswinsley.co.uk The Seven Stars is a family-friendly, dog-friendly country inn and gastro pub, located on the edge of Bradford-on-Avon, just 10 minutes from Bath. Serving fresh, locally sourced, seasonal dishes to suit all appetites, the pub is all about great food and a warm welcome. There’s a sunny garden and a marquee at the rear of the property where it hosts a number of live music events throughout the year. Take a look at the online calendar for more details. This place is always worth a visit and as one guest put it: “Deserves the Seven Stars in its name!” Also if you sign up to the Seven Stars’ newsletter during May, you can get 25 per cent off your food bill.

Dating back to 1580, The Hop Pole Inn is a 15th-century Grade II listed gem, lovingly restored by the local community and reopened by Hannah Randall and Charlie Rawlings in January 2025. Sitting in the heart of Limpley Stoke, this historic pub champions a farm-to-fork ethos, serving real ales, local cider, and delicious dishes crafted with ingredients from nearby suppliers – including Charlie’s family farm just a mile away. With a beautiful garden for sunny days, two roaring fires for winter evenings, and many scenic walks and cycle routes (including the canal) right on the doorstep, The Hop Pole offers a warm welcome all year round. Four-legged friends are, of course, welcome too! Steeped in history and buzzing with new life, it has quickly become the beating heart of the village once again, for locals and visitors from further afield.

THE CATHERINE WHEEL

The High Street, Marshfield, SN14 8LR 01225 892220; www.thecatherinewheel.co.uk Eight miles north of Bath, The Catherine Wheel is a 17th century coaching inn in the historic village of Marshfield. With the frontage and façade dating back to 1680, the building first became an inn around 1740 and was originally known as The Star, changing its name to The Catherine Wheel in the 1780s. The Catherine Wheel, which is dog friendly, is a great place to visit before or after taking one of the many fantastic walks in the countryside close by, including the Cotswold Way and Limestone Link, as well as being a great base for nearby attractions such as Castle Combe and Westonbirt Arboretum. Along with first class accommodation, The Catherine Wheel is known for its real ales and wholesome food freshly prepared by the highly regarded kitchen team using local produce, with both lunch and dinner menus.

TIMBRELLS YARD

49 St Margarets Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1DE 01225 869492; www.timbrellsyard.com Nestled on the banks of the River Avon in the heart of Bradford on Avon, Timbrells Yard is a stylish riverside inn with charm in every corner. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building, this relaxed yet refined spot combines rustic character with contemporary flair. The restaurant serves a vibrant, seasonal menu championing locally sourced ingredients, from hearty breakfasts to modern British dishes perfect for long, lazy lunches or candlelit dinners. With 17 individually designed bedrooms many offering river views Timbrells Yard is ideal for both weekend escapes and midweek treats. Whether you’re sipping a local ale by the fire or enjoying a sunny riverside brunch, you’ll find laid-back luxury and warm hospitality in equal measure. A true gem in one of Wiltshire’s prettiest towns.

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GARDENS

The STORY of the R N A N

The Newt in Somerset heads to the Chelsea Flower Show bringing with it a touch of South Africa By Nick Woodhouse

n a first for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, The Newt in Somerset will bring a genuine South African succulent garden to the heart of the capital. The installation will recreate the landscapes of The Karoo,a vast semi-desert stretching across four provinces of Africa’s most southern country. Deriving its name from the Khoisan term for ‘land of thirst’, the region is famed for its low rainfall, cloudless skies and extremes of hot and cold. An almost impenetrable barrier to early explorers and travellers trying to make their way north from Cape Town to the fertile lands of the Highveld, the region is home to the few plants that can survive those extremes; namely succulents and low scrub bushes. Over the years, these resilient succulents have adapted to thrive on varying rock types in the Karoo, making them an appealing choice for urban gardeners, drawn to their ease of maintenance and benefits to air uality. Sadly, this has gone hand in hand with a ourishing blackmarket trade in these water-wise South African succulents, often referred to as ‘green diamonds’. Botanical gardens around the world are struggling to counter this decline, unable to conserve the rarest and most threatened species due to a lack of space. The Chelsea show garden aims therefore to highlight the beauty and spirit of these indigenous plants, recreating one of the world’s most remarkable, endangered ecosystems. t will feature rare specimens from plant families, including the ora of Nama ualand to the country s south-west, and the thicket vegetation of the Cape to the south-east. isitors will experience a uiver tree forest’ on a shale hill, and shimmering uart fields dotted with small, gem-like succulents. The show garden’s designer and in-house estate architect at The Newt, Katie Lewis, hopes that the space will help us greater

understand these tenacious plants at a time when they – and the region’s long-established microclimates – are under a further threat; that of ongoing climate change. The garden will comprise six key areas, with a rich colour palette of earthy reds and browns, reminiscent of those of the Karoo. Aimed at guests of all ages, the installation will incorporate playful, multi-sensory components, bringing nature to life through interactive viewing portals and a dolerite ‘rock piano’. “Trying to capture the essence of di erent succulent landscapes and condensing them into one composition had its challenges,” concedes Kate. “We built both scale models and full-scale samples to help our thinking evolve.” To help her achieve this bold vision, Kate worked closely with Cornell Beukes and Ernst van Jaarsveld, Master Botanists at Babylonstoren, The Newt’s sister estate in South Africa. Set against the backdrop of the Simonsberg Mountains, this historic fruit and wine farm dates back to 1692, but is best known these days for its magnificent formal gardens. Greatly impressed by the work of Patrice Taravella at Prieuré Notre Dame d’Orsan in France, owner Karen Roos commissioned the French architect to design the gardens at Bablylonstoren in 2007. The resulting space boasts over 300 varieties of edible and medicinal plants including stone and pome fruits, nuts, citrus, berries and herbs, all harvested throughout the year for use in Babylonstoren’s two farm-to-fork restaurants. Along the garden’s edge, a natural stream ows to the erg River. Here, indigenous wild olives ourish n their shade a collection of some 7,000 clivia lilies explode in a spectacular display every spring. A little further along the waterway sits the Succulent House. The open sides of the long, roughhewn wooden structure allow the desert breezes to pass through the space, one lined with clay planters of every shape and size;

“These resilient succulents have adapted to thrive on varying rock types”

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South African succulents are often referred to as ‘green diamonds’

home to an immense collection of around 3,500 plants. Ernst van Jaarsveld joined Babylonstoren on his retirement in 2015, having spent over four decades at Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, where he planted and curated the Botanical Society Conservatory. He hopes that the Chelsea Flower Show garden will not only highlight the country’s vast diversity of succulents but will also inspire visitors to combine rocks and plants to create something beautiful in their own homes and gardens. t all starts with stone, since stone begets soil,” says Ernst. “The better your soil, the better you eat. Most of the smaller succulents are easy to grow at home. One can propagate them by either seed or cuttings.” Ernst was joined at Bablylonstoren by assistant horticulturist Cornell Beukes in 2022. The two share a deep love for the natural world and regularly go on veld expeditions to collect rare plant and rock material. “There are few things that give me greater joy,” says Cornell, “than seeing Ernst’s excitement when we finally find the plant that we scaled mountains for. To be a part of this journey with him, to share in the enthusiasm and laughter in the middle of nowhere, it’s an incredibly special feeling”. Throughout RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which runs 20 – 24 May, the garden team at The Newt will be joined by nine of their colleagues from Babylonstoren, looking to share their knowledge and experience with the event’s anticipated 168,000 visitors. And after the show, the garden will have a new life here in Somerset, relocating to The Newt as a permanent display, with the aim to continue raising awareness of waterwise plants and endangered species. For more: www.thenewtinsomerset.com Nick Woodhouse is co-director of the interior and garden design company Woodhouse and Law at 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath; www. woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Katie Lewis the Newt in Somerset’s house

estate architect who helped design the project; the show garden aims to highlight the beauty and spirit of succulents; the RHS Chelsea Flower Show installation will recreate the landscapes of The Karoo; Dr Ernst van Jaarsveld and Cornell Beukes, the master botanists at Babylonstoren, The Newt’s South African sister estate; views from the Succulent House in Babylonstoren

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NEW BUSINESS THINKING Bath MBA alumna, GIOVANNA LAUDISIO, created a plant-based plastic alternative to build a sustainable future, bead by bead.

n the Bath MBA, I learnt the di erent skills required to manage a business, from operations and change management to finance and marketing. particularly enjoyed the entrepreneurship module, which made me realise wanted to try something di erent from a corporate career. After graduating, spent some time working at a venture-building company whose mission was to build more startups. y time there solidified my love for the start-up world and inspired me to build my own. n2 , co-founded Naturbeads with two professors of Chemistry and Chemical ngineering at the niversity

“WE INGEST FIVE GRAMS OF PLASTIC EVERY WEEK – THE SAME AMOUNT FOUND IN A CREDIT CARD”

of ath – to reduce and eventually prevent microplastic pollution. ve always had a passion for sustainability. Naturbeads mission is to replace microplastics using biodegradable plant-based cellulose. icroplastics are intentionally added to many products we use every day, such as cosmetics, paint and so much more. As a result, it is estimated that we ingest or inhale about five grams of plastic every week, which is the same amount found in a credit card. Plastic has been found in human brains and even in placenta, meaning future generations are in contact with plastic in their mother s womb. There is not much knowledge on the e ects of microplastics, although there are new studies that say people who have plastic in their arteries are more prone to heart attacks. ecause microplastics are so small, we re unable to filter them out of the oceans or soil. The best way to reduce microplastic pollution is to prevent it from entering the environment in the first place.

agreements with companies interested in using Naturbeads in their products. e expect an o cial launch in early 2 26. ur long-term goal is to replace microplastics in all applications, from cosmetics to life sciences. nnovation is at the heart of what we do. ife in a startup is never boring – as C , say my title stands for Chief verything cer Naturbeads is at an exciting stage and starting to make a real di erence. e are really looking forward to succeeding, given the challenges brought on by microplastic pollution. Pictured: left and centre, Giovanna. Right: the Naturbeads team. o find o oea o o ec i e M an o en o e e en on ida Ma a or Thursday 17 July at 5pm.

a end a

am ambitious to achieve something that nobody has done before. After years of applying for funding and optimising our product, we are currently signing commercial www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 81

BEAUTY LEFT: Is green the colour in which to be

seen?; INSET: Colour analysis will help refresh your look and your wardrobe; BELOW: Lucy can be found at Number Three salon in Bath once a month

FLYING COLOURS

Can ‘getting your colours done’ really make you look ten years younger? By Victoria Bond

t’s not often a conversation weaves together plastic lunch boxes and Botox. But I am sitting in front of a mirror in a studio overlooking the Assembly Rooms – part lab; part loft – about to discover if switching up my shade of Uniqlo jumper can be as powerful as an expensive beauty treatment. “Colour analysis was big in the 80s and then became a bit na like Tupperware parties,” says stylist Lucy Eastment. “But when you wear the right colours, imperfections are blurred. It’s like an instant facelift.” Lucy has used colour analysis in her stylist toolkit for years but has recently seen demand for consultations sky rocket, especially among teens and twenty somethings. igital in uencers are all over the analogue fashion styling trend, and videos with the hashtag #ColorAnalysis (yes without the ‘u’ unfortunately!) have now racked up over one billion views on TikTok. Interestingly, Lucy says her younger clients who are “all about neutrals” sum up a pared back modern approach to exploring colour that doesn’t mean you “end up looking like a children’s TV presenter.” So, does GenZ have a point when it comes to helping this middle aged tester give good face? I’ve arrived for my appointment, as per Lucy’s instructions, concealer and foundation

free. It feels like I am about to have a haircut but instead of scissors, Lucy sets to work with her rainbow carousel of drapes, methodically adding and peeling away coloured scarves as ponder my re ection. t takes a few minutes for my eyes to adjust to the process but I begin to see the di erence as the hues come and go. A deep mocha gives my cheekbones a little lift and, oh my, my under eye bags definitely look less baggy. The wrong green and I instantly look washed out like I haven’t slept well in weeks. Colour analysis works by pinpointing your season (autumn, winter, spring or summer); your tone (warm or cool); and the right clarity (muted or bright). I’m warm autumn, and I honestly feel like joyfully kicking up a load of leaves when Lucy shows me a personalised colour chart at the end of the hour that she promises will “take all the overthinking out of your next clothes shopping trip.” The only downside is that I can’t spot a single dot of black in my perfect palette. Do I need to dump three quarters of my current wardrobe? “No, It’s designed to be used as a guide, not a rigid do / don’t. Actually, a lot of my clients don’t suit black but we work to break up blocks of less attering colours with the right jewellery and accessories.” Lucy tells me I should stick to gold not silver; and even jots down my perfect shade of red lippy.

“Ever notice that when you wear a colour you get more compliments?”

I could kiss her. My main takeaway is not a shopping list but a new found sense of colour confidence. Lucy says,“Ever notice that when you wear a colour you get more compliments?” Breaking away from black can make an outfit look way more pulled together and expensive, especially as we age.” Nailing your correct everyday colour can also save time. “A lot of us have busy lives. If you only have a few seconds to pull on a hoodie before the school run, make sure the hoodie works for you. No reason why your skin can’t pop even if you are wearing nothing else but moisturiser.” Honestly, I was a little sceptical about colour analysis – thought there must have been a good reason why it was consigned to the leg warmer drawer of history. But I went straight home, armed with my digital iPhone swatch, and tried on clothes that I’d shied away from for years. I looked like me; but on a good day. For the price of a good cut and blow dry, I now have a skill for life. Sold – to the girl in the yellow jumper. For more: www.styledbylucy.com Lucy’s offers private colour analysis appointments at £95 for an hour, once a month at Number Three in Bath with her next available date 4 June. To book: DM on Instagram @style_by_ lucy or email info@styledbylucy.com

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MEET THE HEALTH & WELLBEING EXPERT From acupuncture to nutrition and from memory clinics to holistic healing, Bath’s health experts share their insider knowledge for improved wellbeing NICKY LEWIS

DEISIE WELLNESS nicky@deisiewellness.co.uk www.deisiewellness.co.uk/mallorca

Tell us about your background... I am passionate about charity work and helping others less fortunate. I am a trustee for Teen Yoga, and a patron and trustee for the Rachael Kundananji Foundation which is an amazing charity based in Zambia, that educates, sponsors and mentors aspiring female footballers. At the age of 50 I decided to retrain as a yoga teacher and founded Deisie Wellness (named after our twin daughters Deia and Siena). I teach yoga, breathwork and meditation classes in my studio overlooking the beautiful valley in upper Swainswick and host annual yoga retreats at the wonderful La Residencia in Deia, Mallorca What is your wellness philosophy? I wholeheartedly embrace holistic wellness based on Ayurvedic principles of listening to your body and practising healthy habits that encompass a plethora of factors such as diet, sleep, exercise, meditation/ relaxation, daylight, screen time, stress levels and mindset. For instance you may prepare a super healthy meal but if you feel stressed whilst eating that meal, the body may not be able to absorb the vital nutrients. What do you like best about working in Bath? I’m so very grateful for the beautiful countryside, walking in which is free, accessible and so very good for our physical and mental health, the gorgeous architecture and wonderful sense of community… and my family and I are keen supporters of Team Bath Netball and Bath Rugby.

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TIINA DAVIES

FINWELL hello@finwell.fi; www.finwell.fi What led you to work in health and well-being? In my twenties, I viewed food primarily as fuel and didn’t know or consider its impact on my overall health and well-being. After making some simple tweaks to my diet, I experienced an almost immediate boost in my energy levels and overall mood. In 2013, I took a significant step by qualifying as a nutrition advisor. This diploma deepened my understanding of the link between nutrition and health. I became increasingly interested in the holistic approach to wellness. I started to recognise that the body and mind are intrinsically connected. How we eat impacts our physical health, mood, hormones, sleep and energy levels. Motivated by this growing awareness, I decided to leave my stable 9-to-5 job to further my studies, ultimately gaining the qualifications to become a transformational health and nutrition coach. What is the best way to motivate a client? Motivation for my clients comes from the understanding that a sustainable way to make new habits and behaviours stick is usually by taking baby steps. I never recommend making a complete lifestyle overhaul at once. Instead, we discuss their obstacles and together address them one at a time. One of my missions is to educate my clients on how diet, sleep, movement and stress management are linked. It is extremely motivating as they experience first-hand how simple dietary and lifestyle changes affect their mood, energy, stress and blood sugar levels.

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HEIDI LERNER REARDEN HEIDI HOLISTIC HEALING heidi@heidiholistichealing.com www.heidiholistichealing.com

Do you specialise in a particular area? Yes, I specialise in holistic energy healing for both people and their environments. I’ve been a Reiki Master since 2008 and offer one to one sessions at Bath Natural Remedies on Saturdays and Well Bath on Wednesdays. Remote Reiki is also available, allowing healing to be received from the comfort of your home. I teach all three levels of traditional Usui Reiki at Well Bath and offer personalised consultations in Feng Shui and House Healing to support the natural flow of energy in homes and workspaces. As a Feng Shui Consultant with over 15 years of experience, I help clients create spaces that feel aligned, balanced, and nourishing. I believe our inner wellbeing is deeply connected to our outer surroundings and with care, both can be brought into harmony. I teach meditation and workshops on our living Environments at Combe Grove, The Metabolic Health Centre and also hold Group Reiki and Meditation sessions there for staff members, helping to support their wellbeing. As a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, I guide classes that focus on stress relief and inner balance. With over 20 years of experience, I’m here to support your healing journey, inside and out. What advice would you give someone considering having a treatment? Be open to the experience and trust that healing can happen on many levels, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual. Whether through reiki, ‘ThetaHealing’, meditation, energy healing, or feng shui, my approach creates a space for deep rest and realignment. Every session is personalised, aiming to help you reconnect with your inner peace and bring balance to both you and your environment.

DEBBIE BULL

BSc (HONS) BSc PODIATRY. Lic Ac, CALMER ROOMS 07897 308607; www.calmeracupuncture.co.uk What led you to acupuncture? I worked for years as a specialist podiatrist in the NHS and then lectured in healthcare but, when I became ill due to severe digestive issues, I tried everything that Western medicine could offer but did not improve. In desperation I tried acupuncture. It helped so much that I ended up retraining as an acupuncturist! What conditions can acupuncture help with? Although it is often used for pain relief, it can also help with anxiety, insomnia, fertility, headaches and menopausal changes. How does it actually work? How it works is still not completely understood but, it has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system through the release of neurotransmitters, and this can aid in all manner of health conditions. What if people don’t like needles? The needles we use are thinner than a human hair and rarely cause discomfort. However, for people who would like the benefit of acupuncture but have a fear of needles, then acupressure is available. It involves gently pressing on the acupuncture point instead, which has a similar effect.

DR TOMAS WELSH

RESEARCH & MEDICAL DIRECTOR, REMIND UK PRIVATE MEMORY CLINIC 01225 476420; info@reminduk.org Tell us about your background... As a consultant geriatrician at ReMind UK’s private memory clinic, I specialise in applying cutting-edge research to clinical practice. I lead one of the few centres in the UK at the forefront of new treatments and ways to keep people with dementia living well for longer. Talk us through the services you offer... At the private memory clinic, the initial consultation with me is a space to discuss all your concerns in a supportive and unrushed environment. Loved ones are welcome to join the consultation. Following a multidisciplinary assessment, we aim to provide a clear diagnosis and advice on next steps. You’ll receive a detailed expert report which can be shared with your GP for seamless ongoing care. What advice would you give someone considering having a memory assessment? If you or a loved one have experienced changes to your memory or cognition, don’t delay getting an assessment. An early and accurate diagnosis means accessing the right treatment and support as soon as possible. For some memory conditions, this can mean slowing down decline and for others staying independent for longer.

KATE GARDEN

BSC(HONS) DIP ION IFMCP FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER, REG. NUTRITIONIST, KATE GARDEN HEALTH info@kategarden.co.uk; www.kategarden.co.uk What led you to work in health and wellbeing? My curiosity for natural medicine was ignited, as a child, when my dad who is a vet, told me he corrected certain behaviours in dogs by changing their diets. Since then, I’ve always been fascinated with the way our diet and lifestyle can profoundly affect our health and mood. What sets you apart from the others working in your area? I’ve been working in nutrition and health for over 22 years (yes I am that old!) so I have a range of clinical experience around gut, brain and hormone health. I’m really lucky to have been trained by some of the best doctors and teachers worldwide and I am the only nutritionist in Bath that is certified by the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM). I’ve also been trained by Dr Dale Bredesen in the States on his signature programme that reverses cognitive decline, an area that I’m super passionate about. What is the key to a healthy diet? A minimally processed diet, high in the three P’s – plants, protein and polyphenols, is one that I generally suggest. Different diets work for different people, depending on their genetic make up and their unique microbiomes, so working with a nutritionist on a bespoke plan that uses targeted laboratory tests can really elevate your health.

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LINDSAY FURNESS

BRADFORD ON AVON MASSAGE 07968814241; www.bradfordonavonmassage.co.uk

What is your philosophy regarding health and wellbeing? The best advice I can give for physical and mental wellbeing is to really tune in to what your body needs, it will always let us know and the more we disconnect the louder it gets, until we can no longer ignore it. When you wake up in the mornings have a quick check in, how does your body need to move then lean into those movements, stretch out stay a little longer go a little deeper into a stretch, really listen to what your body is telling you. Apply this to your mental wellbeing as well, every emotion is a lesson don’t suppress them, sit with them feel them all, it’s okay not to feel great all the time. When you need to nurture yourself give yourself grace be kind to yourself. Self care is vital! Think about the advice you would give to a loved one then apply that to yourself. What sets you apart from the others working in your area? At Bradford on Avon Massage we are reading your body, there are no one size fits all, set routines. You’re getting a truly bespoke experience every time. This is what keeps our clients coming back again and again. That intuitive touch that comes from years of experience and training. How do physical and mental health connect? I see on a daily basis the effects of chronic stress on the physical body and how chronic pain can in turn affect your mental wellbeing. This is why massage is such a fantastic tool for managing both. As well as working to ease sore muscles we are also engaging the parasympathetic nervous system and realising endorphins, bringing your body and nervous system back into balance leaving you feeling clam and soothed.

DR CARLA WILCOX

BMBS BSC (HONS) BMEDSC MRCGP, CORSHAM CRYOTHERAPY www.drcarlaaesthetics.com What qualifications and experience do you have? I qualified from Southampton Medical School in 2016 and now work as a local GP. I love all things skin and for the past year have been privately offering removal of benign skin lesions using cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen) in my Corsham-based clinic. What would you say to a client who was thinking of booking with you? Don’t be afraid to book in for a consultation. We will go through your medical and medication history and inspect the lesion with a dermatoscope before proceeding, to ensure it has benign features only. If you have a skin tag, age spot or wart that’s been annoying you then why not book in – freezing takes only seconds! Do you offer any other treatments privately? Currently, it’s just cryotherapy but from summer 2025, I will be offering other aesthetic treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections and microneedling. How do we book to see you? I manage my own bookings via email: carla.wilcox@doctors.org.uk or via social media @drcarlaaesthetics on Instagram and Facebook. More information can be found on my website: www.drcarlaaesthetics.com

JOSIAH BARKER

HELEN PETTEMERIDES

What led you to work in health and wellbeing? My journey stemmed from my love for sport during my childhood, where I was fortunate to have strong role models in my coaches, whom I now strive to emulate in my work. My passion for maximising human performance inspired me to pursue a degree in sport and exercise science at the University of Bath, and since then, I have proceeded to impart what I’ve learnt to others through my work.

What sets you apart from others working in your area? Our two studio gyms in Batheaston are aimed at those who would feel intimidated going to a mainstream gym. We attract many older clients and those with medical conditions, we are able to give them expert advice and provide an encouraging and friendly atmosphere. These clients don’t seem to be catered for at other gyms.

What are the benefits of the classes that you offer? The Little Gym is not just a place for gymnastics development; it is a comprehensive child development setting, where we follow a curriculum that addresses physical, cognitive, and social development. I believe gymnastics is an excellent medium for facilitating this growth due to its full-body engagement, the complexity of its movements, and the determination and resilience required for success.

Do you specialise in a particular area? The team of personal trainers all specialise in different areas from cardiac rehab to working with clients who have Parkinson’s, MS or those who are recovering from a Stroke. We also help clients with osteoporosis and arthritis.

PROGRAMME DIRECTOR, THE LITTLE GYM BATH 01225 981358; www.bath.thelittlegym.co.uk

Has health and wellbeing always been important in your life? Once crucial to my success in sport, my health and wellbeing have since evolved into more than just a personal responsibility. They directly impact my ability to perform my job effectively, ensuring the safety of the children I teach, which is my utmost priority.

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PETTEMERIDES PERSONAL TRAINING www.pettemeridespersonaltraining.co.uk

What are the benefits of your personal training sessions? As we have an older client base, we provide exercises to help make everyday tasks easier such as carrying the shopping, gardening and running around after the grandchildren! We also concentrate a lot on balance exercises to prevent falls, as they say – use it or lose it!

“AS WE HAVE AN OLDER CLIENT BASE, WE PROVIDE EXERCISES TO HELP MAKE EVERYDAY TASKS EASIER”

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LIZ CREW

THE SCULPTURAL FACE www.thesculpturalface.as.me; thesculpturalface

What are the benefits of the treatments that you offer? For me, the true benefit is helping someone reconnect with themselves. My treatments go beyond skin-deep, they offer a moment to slow down, to breathe and to feel cared for. Of course, we work on lifting, brightening, and softening lines, but what I see most often is the emotional shift. People leave not just glowing, but lighter, more grounded. That’s the beauty of combining therapeutic touch with techniques like acupuncture, along with results driven skincare, it supports both the skin and the nervous system. It’s a total reset. What is your philosophy regarding health and wellbeing? I believe true wellness and beauty begins with balance. Healthy, glowing skin is a reflection of inner harmony, physically, emotionally, and energetically. My approach blends holistic and modern techniques to support the body’s natural healing systems. I see skincare as a ritual of selfconnection and self care, not just a routine. Tell us about the range of treatments you provide your customers? I offer a curated selection of facial treatments tailored to each client’s skin and lifestyle. These include cosmetic acupuncture, sculpt and lift facial massage, inter oral massage, lymphatic drainage, and advanced facials using high-performance skincare. Each session is designed to relax the nervous system, target skin concerns, and boost overall wellbeing-leaving clients lifted, glowing, and deeply restored.

“TREATMENTS GO BEYOND SKIN-DEEP, THEY OFFER A MOMENT TO SLOW DOWN”

DAVID GUMBLETON

FOUNDER, THRIVE BATH 01225 698 524; reception@thrivebath.co.uk; www.thrivebath.co.uk What led you to work in health and well-being? When my father was diagnosed with dementia, we explored hyperbaric oxygen therapy – and the results were remarkable. His clarity, memory, and overall function improved in ways I hadn’t expected. That experience inspired me to delve into the science behind it and investigate other technologies that help the body heal itself. What I discovered led me to launch a dedicated wellbeing centre here in Bath, bringing together advanced, evidencebased therapies in one supportive space. What is your philosophy regarding health and well-being? We believe the body has a powerful ability to heal – when it’s given the right environment. Many symptoms are the result of deeper, systemic imbalances. That’s why our therapies focus on wholebody recovery at a cellular level, working to restore energy, reduce inflammation, and support regeneration. Tell us about the range of treatments you provide. Our flagship treatment is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but we also offer red light therapy, PEMF, hydrogen inhalation, and hydromassage – all delivered in custom-designed pods. We specialise in combining therapies to create bespoke protocols that help people recover faster, feel better, and thrive.

CHERI WILKINS

TONI WATERFALL

What’s your background? Although most people know me as a hypnotherapist, my path has been multi-layered. I began in naturopathic nutrition, drawn to how food links to emotion and self-worth. I later trained as a yoga teacher, which deepened my understanding of the body–mind connection. Over time, I’ve added NLP, counselling, and IEMT to offer client-led therapy that supports deep, sustainable shifts.

How did you come up with the idea for starting your own business? Extracted all started thanks to my debilitating insomnia – I was stuck in a cycle of prescription sleeping pills that left me feeling hungover. When my husband and I looked into natural alternatives, we couldn’t find a single supplement that combined everything I needed in the right dosages... so we made one. After three years of development, we launched Sleepee. Since then, we’ve created eight more targeted formulas to support everything from joint pain and bladder health to dry eye relief, anxiety and skin hydration, with lots more on the way.

CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST, UNIQUE BALANCE 07717290708; www.uniquebalance.co.uk

What sets you apart? I work with people who are curious about how to connect more deeply with their authentic self. I believe real, lasting change can happen quickly, especially when we take a wholeperson approach. I don’t see myself as the expert in someone else’s life. My role is to walk alongside clients as they create transformation that resonates beyond the therapy room. How do you define wellness? It’s the ability to tune into yourself and recognise what you need. Sometimes we need challenge to grow; other times we need rest to integrate. Wellness lives in that fine line between the two. With selftrust, you get better at knowing when to lean in or pull back, and how to set your own direction.

EXTRACTED SUPPLEMENTS 23 Broad Street, Bath; toni@extracted.co.uk; www.extracted.co.uk

What makes Extracted supplements so effective? There are so many supplement brands online, but few offer truly effective, science-backed formulas. Ours are made in the UK with no fillers or binders, just potent, purposeful ingredients. Each formula centres around a hero ingredient that’s clinically proven and often breaking new ground. After initially being online-only, we’re now very proud to be opening our first shop in Bath. This means we can now speak to customers face-to-face and support them in finding exactly what they need. What’s in the pipeline for Extracted? Along with an expanding core team, we have several new supplements poised for launch in the coming months to help with everything from hair loss and weight management to menopause symptoms and immunity. It’s a busy but exciting time at Extracted right now!

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WIN A ROLEX WATCH AND LOUIS VUITTON HANDBAG BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION has collaborated with Watches of Bath to offer luxury raffle prizes to support the charity’s mission of helping vulenerable young people

very ticket, every prize, Every 1 matters. At Bath Rugby Foundation, our mission is simple but powerful: to change the lives of vulnerable young people. Through education, inclusion, and community support, we strive to build confidence, develop life skills, and create pathways to independence. But none of this is possible without the generous support of those who believe in what we do. That’s why our Rolex and Louis Vuitton Raffle is about so much more than luxury prizes – it’s about giving every young person the chance they deserve. For just £10, supporters are in with the chance to win a timeless Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch and a beautifully crafted Louis Vuitton handbag – both iconic symbols of quality, excellence, and lasting impact. But the real value of your raffle ticket goes far beyond the prize. Every ticket purchased helps fund our work with children and young people across Bath and the surrounding area – many of whom face challenges such as poverty, disability, exclusion from education, or a lack of positive role models. Through programmes like our Alternative Learning Hub, Hi5! Clubs, and ADVANTAGE for NEET young adults, we give them the tools, support and belief they need to thrive.

“EVERY TICKET PURCHASED HELPS FUND OUR WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS BATH AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.” This raffle forms part of our Every 1 Matters campaign – a reminder that no young person should feel invisible, and that every one of them is worthy of opportunity, support, and care. Whether it’s helping a teenager re-engage with school, building self-esteem through sport, or preparing someone for their first job, your support helps us make sure that no one gets left behind. We believe change happens one young life at a time. And by entering the Rolex and Louis Vuitton Raffle, you become part of that story – part of the reason a young person smiles, grows, and succeeds. Every ticket funds hope. Every prize changes young lives. Because Every 1 Matters.

ENTER NOW! WIN a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, 41mm full stainless steel, with the classic blue dial, and a Louis Vuitton brown monogram coated canvas and Vachetta leather Alma PM handbag. Prize draw on: Monday 16 June 2025 Promoter: Halena Coury

Registered with: Bath and North East Somerset Council

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or visit bathrugbyfoundation.rallyup.com/ rolexlouisvuittonraffle/Campaign/Details

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 89

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NETWORK PHOTO BY NARR ATED FR AMES; W W W.NARR ATEDFR AMES.COM

THE CITY’S HOTTEST BUSINESS NEWS

FORGING AHEAD CLAIRE SMITH OF BURO HAPPOLD ON BUILDING THE OLYMPIC STADIUM AND WORKING WITH BILLIONAIRES

BATH LIFE AWARDS

The Arts winner reveals their joy

TOURIST TRADE

Visit West on the merits of Bath

HOWDY PARTNER! Pearson May promotion

IN THE RUNNING

The 50 members of Team Bath Rugby

NETWORK LEFT: Claire Smith spoke with Greg Ingham about her role at Buro Happold; BELOW: The interview took place at Walcot House

MAKING SPACE

Buro Happold’s CLAIRE SMITH on what really makes a new building special and why she changed her walk to work

Words by Elsie Chadwick Photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com

he recent Bath Life Network Lunch at Walcot House welcomed chartered civil and structural engineer Claire Smith to talk about her role with uro Happold, a company she has been with since 1992. Claire is a partner and the South West market lead with the engineering consultancy. ith its distinctive o ces by the river s edge, uro Happold is known for its interdisciplinary approach, combining structural, environmental, and infrastructure engineering with cutting-edge digital technologies, and is as much a part of the Bath

landscape as the spaces it helps create all over the world. Founded by Sir dmund Happold in ath in 6, it has grown over the last 50 years into a global leader in innovative, sustainable design solutions, with o ces in countries, and employing 6 sta in the ath o ce alone. Here are a few highlights from Claire’s interview with MediaClash chief exec reg ngham, sharing her experiences and insights...

“I REALLY LOVE A BUILDING RESCUE!”

What were some of the challenges with the Olympic Stadium? The challenge there was the time scale but what was important was the legacy. When we designed it we planned for it to be a lot smaller once the Olympics finished, but it ended up with the opposite happening – it was expanded rather than reduced. What’s your approach to these projects? A lot of projects people focus on the actual buildings themselves rather than the spaces around them. When we did the Olympic Stadium the masterplan that went with that was this park that was to be enjoyed by the general public, which was as important as the landmark building. I think in lockdown we all really felt that – the joy there was in outdoor public spaces.

Are there more pressures, or differing approaches, when working on very public projects such as the Millennium Dome? t s actually no di erent in approach to any other project because in fact it makes it easier because everyone leans in. Everyone wants it to happen and to make it work. Tell us about Newark Works I love that building – I really love a building rescue! Having walked past it for nearly a decade or more, having the chance to rescue that building was fantastic. When you went inside it when it was derelict, you could view the old Stothert Pitt cranes, which for an engineering geek like me was brilliant to be able to see before it was all stripped out. I’ve changed my walk to work so I come over the bridge and walk towards Newark Works. It gives me joy and makes me happy every morning.” Do you have a preferred route to market, and what are you working on now? My preferred route to market is the private client – they have much more autonomy. I’m currently working for a billionaire in the States building a campus for , people in ong Ashton. t s huge, and as well as building the o ces and re uired areas for that business, it s about the spaces and parkland that will be open to all the residents who live in the area. For more: www.mediaclash.co.uk | www.burohappold.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 93

NETWORK Photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com Elaine Ward, Ewan Tavendale and Annabel North

Sarah Glover and Hollie Markham

Joanne Fisher, Alison Watson, Richard Goodwin,Benjamin Smith, Ian Lloyd, Annie Kelly and John White

Ruby Coburn

It was a great reception for Claire’s interview Richard Puleston, Kelly Vowles, Martin Smith, Chum Pham, Will Woodand and Claire Smith

David Dixon

Matthew Weaver

94 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Misty

Pudding is served

Jack Flower

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• Wide range of unit sizes available, from 300- 7,000 sq ft, available on a refurbished or unrefurbished basis • Flexible tenancy terms with access available typically within 7 days

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NETWORK NEWS

Unplugged with Laura Hughes, founder of The Digital Detox Club

ON THE UP Team BRF raise money at the Bath Half

MORE THAN 70 runners from different Bath businesses, including Mogers Drewett, Savills, Knight Frank, Novia Global, Juice Recruitment, Prw Group, and E.Park Solutions came together to form Team Bath Rugby Foundation for the recent Bath Half, and managed to raise £26,635 for the charity. www.bathrugbyfoundation.com

GOING OFFLINE Perturbed by the ever-increasing amount of tech infiltrating our lives, aura Hughes has decided to build a movement that allows people to switch o and connect with pop-up events at caf s and spaces in ath. She explains, At The igital etox Club, attendees leave their phone in our secure phone motel on arrival, and spend a few hours connecting with others, chatting, reading, journaling, playing games, learning doing something new, or just chilling out in their own way enjoying a little time away

from the constant pull of technology. Recent igital etox Clubs have included an evening hangout at Rengen House on alcot Street, and a lakeside sauna, journaling and fire-pit session at love Factory Studios. t s wonderful creating an atmosphere you can only experience when everyone is o ine, says aura. t s like the world outside is temporarily paused, and there s nothing else like it. For more: www.digitaldetoxclub.co.uk

CHRISTMAS BONUS atest figures from a survey commissioned by ath North ast Somerset Council reveals that 2 24 s Christmas arket brought in an additional 6 .4m spend to the city. An estimated 444, visitors over the 18 days of the event resulted in this significant economic boost for ath, including a recordbreaking number of local stallholders taking part in the market and having a platform to expand their businesses. The report also found that the average visitor spend per person per day went up from 2 per day in 2 2 to more than , with per cent of the overall visitors saying the Christmas arket was their main reason for visiting the city.

96 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

BATH CITY FC has named James Moore as their Premier League Community Captain in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the game and society through his work on a variety of foundation programmes. James says, “I am very proud to have been nominated as the Community Captain at Bath City FC. It has been fulfilling to be involved in so many fantastic projects that have benefited Bath City Manager Darren people in our local Way and community captain community.” recipient Jamie Moore www.bathcityfc.com

Christmas Market 2024 brought in an additional £60.4m spend to the city

Bike Bath is supporting the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance this year

Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, says, The overall 4 . m turnover for businesses and more than jobs supported wouldn t have happened without this magical event taking place. This year the market returns 2 November and runs until 4 ecember. For more: www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

BIKE BATH 2025, the largest independently run cycle event in the region, is returning to the Bath Rec on 15 June with three fully supported routes of 27, 54 or 77 miles, and has selected Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance as its nominated charity. www.iconiccyclingevents.co.uk

PHOTO BY BET T Y BHANDARI PHOTOGR APHY

Matt Perry Victoria Robinson head of music at Oldfield School attended the celebratory night with Jon Gore

BATH LIFE AWARDS

THE ORCHESTRA OF EVERYTHING FOUNDATION ARTS & CREATIVE WINNER

SPONSORED CONTENT

NATIONAL INSURANCE & MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES KICK IN FOR BUSINESSES Matthew Rutter from Bath-based chartered accountants and tax advisers PEARSON MAY tells us more about these new measures

s announced at the autumn budget in October last year, the planned changes to national insurance rates and thresholds have now come in to effect, from 6 April 2025, as well as changes to the national minimum wage. Both these measures will potentially be very costly to businesses, so it is important to be fully aware of the implications and the changes introduced. We take a look below at these measures, and some others affecting business owners as the new tax year commences, in a little more detail.

EMPLOYER’S NATIONAL INSURANCE INCREASES The employer rate of national insurance contributions (NICs) has increased from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent from 6 April 2025, whilst the main rate of employee NICs has remained unchanged at 8 per cent. Furthermore, the secondary threshold (the point at which employers become liable to pay NICs on an individual employee’s earnings), which was set at £9,100 a year for 2024/25, has reduced to £5,000 a year from 6 April 2025 until 6 April 2028. Prior to 6 April 2025, the NIC employment allowance allowed businesses with employer NICs bills of £100,000 or less in the previous tax year to deduct £5,000 from their employer NICs bill. From 6 April 2025 the government has increased the employment allowance from £5,000 to £10,500 and removed the £100,000 threshold for eligibility, expanding this to all eligible employers with employer NIC bills. The increase to the employment allowance will help some smaller businesses and may mitigate the increases in the rate of employer’s NICs, as well as the reduction in the secondary

threshold, but for many businesses, the 1.2 per cent increase in the rate, coupled with the significant reduction in the threshold to £5,000, will outweigh the benefit of the increased employment allowance.

NATIONAL LIVING WAGE AND NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE The previously announced increased rates of the national living wage (for those aged 21 and over) and national minimum wage (NMW) (for those of at least school leaving age) have come into force from 1 April 2025. The rates which now apply are as follows: • National living wage: £12.21 per hour • NMW (aged 18-20): £10.00 per hour • NMW (aged 16-17): £7.55 per hour • NMW (apprentices): £7.55 per hour The apprenticeship rate applies to apprentices under 19, or 19 and over in the first year of apprenticeship.

SOME OTHER CHANGES From 1 April 2025 for corporation tax purposes, and 6 April 2025 for income tax purposes, double cab pick-up vehicles (DCPUs) with a payload of one tonne or more are treated as cars for the purposes of capital allowances, benefits in kind and some deductions from business profits. The existing capital allowances treatment will apply to those who purchased DCPUs before April 2025. Transitional benefit in kind arrangements will apply for employers that have purchased, leased, or ordered a DCPU before 6 April 2025. They will be able to use the previous treatment until the earlier of disposal, lease expiry, or 5 April 2029. Whilst the main rates of capital gains tax

(CGT) on assets other than residential property and carried interest were increased with effect from 30 October 2024, the rate applying to individuals claiming business asset disposal relief (BADR) or investors’ relief, increased from 6 April 2025. As a result, the rate of CGT payable by those selling their business (or other assets qualifying for BADR) increased from 10 per cent to 14 per cent for disposals made on or after 6 April 2025. The rate will increase again to 18 per cent for disposals made on or after 6 April 2026. The above is for general guidance only and no action should be taken without obtaining specific advice.

“BOTH THESE MEASURES WILL POTENTIALLY BE VERY COSTLY TO BUSINESSES, SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE FULLY AWARE OF THE IMPLICATIONS”

Matthew Rutter BSc(Hons) FCA CTA Pearson May Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers Bath, Chippenham and Trowbridge 37 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DA 01225 460491; mail@pearsonmay.co.uk www.pearsonmay.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 101

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MAIN IMAGE: How the Ball Room might look for the new visitor experience; INSET: Bath Assembly Rooms has closed for the work to be carried out

Renovations

MAKING HISTORY The Assembly Rooms closes until 2027 for the £18m refurbishment The Bath Assembly Rooms has temporarily closed its doors as a major conservation and construction project begins, aiming to transform the Georgian landmark for a 21stcentury audience. The closure marks a pivotal moment in the National Trust’s ambitious £17 million redevelopment, with the revamped site scheduled to reopen early 2027. The extensive works include reinstating many original features and introducing a new Georgian-inspired staircase to replace the s additions fresh oa oor will grace the Ball Room, while the ten Georgian chandeliers, which have illuminated the venue

for over 250 years, are being restored and rewired for future use. To improve accessibility, a lift to all four oors and a hanging la es toilet will be installed. Environmental upgrades will include air source heat pumps and a new electrical substation, contributing to the Trust’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. Alongside structural upgrades, a new immersive visitor experience is being de elo ed le en fi tional hara ters, based on real 18th-century individuals, will guide guests through the world of Georgian Bath, revealing the grit and glamour of ball nights. “We’re uncovering the history of the Rooms

and bringing it to life through the eyes of characters from all walks of life – from débutantes to servants,” says Alice Graham, experiences and partnerships curator for the National Trust. The project has so far raised £2.4 million of its £3.2 million fundraising target, with further support welcomed through the Luminaries donor programme where anyone can contribute £250 in return for a package to sta u dated and ontribute to this signifi ant piece of history. For more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/luminaries

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 103

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APRIL PROPERTY MARKET UPDATE Jack Flower, founder of FLOWER PROPERTY, crunches the numbers to check out the sector’s growth

s May is now underway, let’s have a look at what happened during April in the Bath residential property market. Data below is from 1 – 22 April 2025.

RESIDENTIAL SALES April so far has seen 218 new instructions, 162 sales agreed, and 39 exchanges. These numbers are largely similar to 2024, except exchanges which was already at 82 by this point in April last year. However, Easter weekend this year being in late April will have impacted heavily the number of exchanges. The average property price in Bath (STC) was £603,440 and £491 per square foot. This is modest growth from April 2024, where the average price per square foot was £459. The average time from an offer being agreed to completion is 123 days, or 4.04 months. To get an accurate valuation for your home, make sure your estate agent provides a detailed list of comparable properties to support their valuation. Overall, the market seems resilient and steady – with growth, but no sign of an impending boom.

RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS Lettings remains incredibly competitive, with little stock available and high demand. So far in April there have been 192 instructions, 191 lets agreed, and 74 move-ins. The average rent achieved for a let agreed in April was £1,790 PCM and £2.16 per square foot (up from £1.91 in March 2024). This increase in price per square foot may not seem it, but in fact represents continuing huge growth in the sector. Lettings looks to continue to remain competitive as the number of new instructions are not increasing the supply of stock enough to address the current imbalance between supply and demand.

the Easter timings this year). Expect modest growth and prices to continue to rise slowly in the sales market. In lettings, expect a continuation of low stock levels and quickly rising rents.

ABOUT FLOWER PROPERTY At Flower Property we exist to turn property aspirations into lasting, flourishing legacies. Property is more than just transactions, it is about growth, transformation and care. We will guide you through your property journey with deep market insight, integrity, and long-term thinking. Together, we can create flourishing futures.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN THE COMING MONTHS? There are no immediate indicators that the market is about to dramatically change. The stamp duty changes (which took effect 1 April) had a more modest effect on the market than we might have predicted, as April 2025 transaction levels were largely the same as April 2024 (excluding number of sales exchanges, where the difference is largely attributable to

Flower Property; tel: 07886 214323; jack.flower@exp.uk.com; www.jackflower.exp.uk.com; @jackflowerproperty www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 105

PROPERTY

TH T P

Cosy but magnificent, and enjoying – we don t joke – one of the most spectacular views in all ath, ount Pleasant House is unique, and uniquely desirable By Paul Marland

ow here’s a rather wonderful home, in a prime location, enjoying amazing views, and interestingly laid out too – currently as the main house plus no fewer than four separate ats, the tiddlers together bringing in a sizeable monthly income under assured shorthand tenancies. With a core built in the late 18th century, Mount Beacon House naturally has a fair few stories to tell. Once it controlled cottages and almost six acres of local pasture; it almost doubled in size when an entire new wing was added in the early 20th century; and though it was apparently once owned by the Stothert family – of engineering firm Stothert Pitt – it spent many decades as a nursing home. The current owners have had it a good thirty years, though, and oversaw its re-conversion back into an amazing family home, while taking the Edwardian wing and Coach House to create those handy little

106 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

“The western wing of Mount Beacon House contains no fewer than three separate apartments”

income generators. Positioned on Richmond Hill in ansdown – go up ansdown Road, head right at St Stephen s Church, then second right and follow the road around – it enjoys two separate gated driveways, with substantial o -street parking at each. The principle entrance is on the east wing, and opens into the main house through a large hallway: to the left the grand drawing room, sat within a curved bay and overlooking the garden, and to the right an equally impressive Shaker-style kitchen that ows into a large family room-cum-dining room, o ering surprisingly modern open-plan living for such a grand old house. This family room – a recent addition but in a complementary style – o ers tall, vaulted ceilings and French doors out onto the patio, while there’s storage, a utility and a loo here too. n the next oor up, the curved bay houses a similarly impressive dual aspect living room, with large oor-to-ceiling windows that lead out onto a curved balcony above the garden. n the landing you ll find a glazed conservatory above the entrance porch, while

across the way is a whopping great dual-aspect study. There’s a big bedroom and shower room on this oor too, and a family bathroom plus five further bedrooms on the two oors above one of these is the master bedroom, again within the curved bay and enjoying both an en-suite shower room and the most astounding views over ath. Naturally, many of these rooms are versatile enough to be pressed into all sorts of alternative uses one of the bedrooms could become another study, perhaps, and in the past there’s been a billiards room on the ground oor. And we haven t even mentioned the cellar, divided into a pair of twenty-foot rooms which could serve as workshops, storage, or even – let s say – a gym and a cinema room.) ut that, of course, is not all. The western wing of ount eacon House contains no fewer than three separate apartments, one per oor, all entered via a separate front door found at the end of a pretty gravel walkway with a stone balustrade and sweeping steps in the front garden. The ground oor apartment boasts

HOUSE NUMBERS Bedrooms 6 (main house), 16 in total Bathrooms/loos 4 (main house) Approx floor area (main house and flats) 7,725 sq ft Approx floor area (inc coach house, cellar and outbuilding) 9,125 sq ft Garden and grounds 1.41 acres Guide price £5million For more Savills Bath, 21 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DE; 01225 474500; www.savills.com

three bedrooms, two receptions, a kitchen and bathroom above there are two beds, a living room, kitchen, bathroom and cloakroom and at the top, three beds, a living room, kitchen and bathroom. n addition, there s the delightful Coach House at the rear of the house, with its own living room, kitchen, bathroom, a couple of bedrooms and a courtyard garden too. hat you do with each of these long-term is up to you, of course, but they re all currently rented out quite happily. e ve already mentioned the joys of this location, but really should emphasise those views one last time they uite something, taking in the Circus, the back of the Royal Crescent and pretty much ath entire. Also outside are almost an acre and a half of walled landscaped garden, much of it laid to lawn on three separate tiers, with a ha-ha between each, and surrounded by rather fine specimen trees and mature shrubs, some believed to be as old as the house itself. An important building, and peerless in many ways, this would make a very special home indeed.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 107

Chadwicks Interior Architecture & Design consultancy is based in the South West of England founded by award winning interior architect and designer Chad Evans, offering the very best in residential and commercial interior architecture and design. Please take a look at what we can do for you and contact us with any questions about our services, to discuss your project and book an introductory meeting. Our areas of expertise Interior Architecture | Interior Design Branded Environment Design Listed Building Interiors | Bespoke Design ■ An exceptional residential and commercial design service ■ Decades of top-tier experience ■ An agile and passionate consultancy ■ Focused personal service, with only a select few projects live at any given time ■ Work independently or alongside your project team ■ Cost-effectiveness with lower overheads than larger firms ■ Only one point of contact throughout the project

07307 429048 chad@chadwicksdesign.co.uk www.chadwicksdesign.co.uk “The devil is in the details”

FO R LE SA

A BEAR FLAT BEAUTY

BATH STONE PROPERTY tells us more about Engadine, a beautiful six-bed detached property located in the thriving community of Bear Flat

E Top: The Good Bear Cafe in Bear Flat Below: The view over Bath from Alexandra Park

ngadine is a stylish detached six-bedroom house that has been fully renovated and extended. Upon entering, you are greeted by an internal vestibule with a period glazed door into a spacious hallway with beautiful, warm ar uet floori ituated o the rou d floor is a cosy sitti roo with a lo bur i re a d a feature window looking out to the front of the property. Opposite the sitting room is a large room that is currently used as an office but could be a playroom or additional living space. On the rear side of the home is a stunning open-plan kitchen and dining room with a cosy reading area. This room benefits from a full wall of bifold doors, which seamlessly link into the garden and alfresco seating areas. The kitchen comprises of a Corian worktop and an electric induction hob with the addition of one useful gas ring. There is a large central island with seating on one side and storage on the other. Also included are two integrated ovens and space for an American-style fridge/freezer. Alongside the kitchen is a cloakroom and a separate utility room/boot room ideal for busy families, hiding all the shoes, coats, and laundry. Although, a functional room; it is still a lovely, light, and bright room. An additional benefit to the rooms on the ground floor is a spacious en-suite bedroom, ideal as a guest suite or an older child’s room. With the right permissions and building works, this could be converted into a self-contained annex with a private entrance. Situated behind the ensuite is a workshop/large storage room entered from the garden. If converted into a kitchen/living space and with some modifications to the ensuite, you could have a lovely selfcontained annex ideal for either a holiday let for additional income or separate living spacious for a relative. On the first floor, there are two further en-suite bedrooms, the primary suite offering the addition of a dressing room. The five bedrooms on the first floor have been thoughtfully positioned to feel private and comfortable, with a luxurious family bathroom. A stunning addition to the first floor is a balcony offering stunning views and catching the sunset over Bath. The detached property is centrally located on the plot, offering ample parking and an electrical charging point to

the front of the property with access to the rear garden to the side. The rear garden has been perfectly landscaped and designed to offer a spacious alfresco dining area, level lawn area, and additional seating area for the morning sun, perfect as a breakfast or morning coffee spot. The home has been beautifully thought out around practical family life with additions of underfloor heating and censored lighting whilst still offering style and luxury fixtures and fittings.

COMMUNITY

Situated in Bear Flat, a friendly residential area south of Bath’s city centre. Known for its vibrant community, good schools, and convenient location, making it a popular choice for families. Bear Flat boasts a vibrant high street with independent cafés, pubs, and shops, as well as a small supermarket and pharmacy. Whilst also provides easy access to Bath Spa station and the city’s amenities, making it perfect for families who still need to commute between London and Bath or Bristol and Bath. In this leafy part of Bath is Alexandra Park, with its stunning views and playground, which is a popular spot for residents. If you are looking for local clubs to join, Bear Flat Cricket Club, also known as “The Bears,” is a local sports club. Or there is the Bear Flat Association, which is a membership organisation that works for people who live, work, and visit the area. They encourage a sense of local community, bringing people together. The area is in the catchment area for our good state schools, including Widcombe Infant School as a primary school, Ralph Allen School, Beechen Cliff Boys School, and Hayesfield Girls School as secondary schools. It is also close to a variety of options for private education such as Prior Park College, Monkton Combe School and King Edward’s School. Bath Stone Property, Bath branch 01225 422224 Midsomer Norton branch 01761 360144 sales@bathstoneporperty.com www.bathstoneproperty.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 109

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AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT FUTURE FOR BATH S&J SOLAR ENERGY and ECOFIX are shaping sustainable living in Bath

&J Solar Energy and Ecofix share more than just a passion for quality craftsmanship, they share a vision for a more sustainable, energy-efficient future for Bath. From the start of their collaborating, it was clear they were aligned in both values and vision. As specialists in solar energy S&J Solar Energy and mechanical and electrical services Ecofix, they realised that by joining forces on projects they could offer clients something truly exceptional: a complete, seamless solution that blends environmental responsibility with technical excellence. They’re proud to say that their work spans some of Bath’s most beautiful and forward-thinking homes. Whether it’s a listed Georgian townhouse or a cuttingedge new build, the combined team works

“BOTH COMPANIES ARE PROUD TO BE ROOTED IN THE SOUTH WEST, WITH BATH HOLDING PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE FOR THEIR TEAMS”

hand-in hand to deliver elegant, energy efficient results without compromise. S&J has been part of Bath’s landscape since 1981. With over four decades of experience, they have built their reputation on designing and installing high-quality solar systems that are not only efficient but also sympathetic to the character of the city’s historic architecture. Their clients trust them to deliver smart, reliable solar solutions that reduce their carbon footprint and enhance the value of their homes. Ecofix, established in 2018, brings a forward thinking approach to mechanical and electrical services. Their expertise covers underfloor heating, ventilation systems, full electrical rewires, and smart home integrations. Their technical knowledge and strong attention to detail align seamlessly with S&J’s solar installations enhancing the quality and consistency of every project they deliver together. When you bring them onto a project, you gain a unified team that communicates clearly and works efficiently. There’s no handover between disconnected contractors – they manage it all with professionalism and transparency. This integrated approach streamlines the process, reduces delays, and delivers better outcomes for homeowners. Both companies are proud to be rooted in

the South West, with Bath holding particular significance for their teams. Together, they’re committed to modernising beautiful, historic properties with high performing, eco-conscious systems, preserving their charm while future proofing their function. Whether you’re renovating, building new, or upgrading your energy systems, S&J Solar Energy and Ecofix are here to support you at every stage. Let’s build a brighter future together.

S&J Solar Energy: 130 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BG; tel: 01225 951223; email: enquiries@sandjbathsolarenergy.co.uk; www.sandjbathsolarenergy.co.uk Ecofix UK Ltd: Unit 2, Minto Road Industrial Estate, St Werburghs, Bristol BS2 9YW tel: 0117 251 0121; email: info@ecofix-uk.co.uk; www.ecofix-uk.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 111

NORTON MASONRY LTD Stonework Specialists & General Builders

8 PICKFORD FIELDS, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4XU

Tel: 01761 232906 Mobile: 07901 712232

Email: nortonmasonryltd@hotmail.co.uk

www.nortonmasonryltd.co.uk Over 30 Years Experience

Established since 1981 S&J Roofing Bath specialise in all aspects of roofing including: Historic Roof Replacements • Heritage Lead Work Specialist Single Ply Flat Roofing • Full Range of Roof Repairs

Showroom/Office: 130 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BG | 01225 951223 enquiries@sandjbath.co.uk | sandjbath.co.uk Proud sponsors of:

Repairs, Restoration • Alteration of Stone Buildings New Build • Stone Cleaning • Stone Carving • Fireplaces

SPONSORED CONTENT

FOR THE HOME Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for spring

SANDRIDGE STONE is a local craft-skills

business specialising in all aspects of building and restoring local Bath Stone properties. It can supply and fi all stone re uire ents for new builds or e tensions he tea ’s heritage s ills ualified stone asons are also e ert in re airing and restoring e isting stone on listed ro erties in order to fulfil lanning re uire ents Boundary Farm, Berryfield, Melksham SN12 6EF; Tel: 01225 703733; www.sandridgestone.co.uk

BATH GRANITE & MARBLE LTD has o er ears e erien e honing their s ills in rafting e uisite it hen wor to s, bathroo ladding, anit units and ore ith their e ellent re utation for high ualit and deli ering e e tional ser i e the are onfident in bringing the natural beaut of stone into your home. Mention ‘BathLife’ to secure a 5% discount on our ne t order Tel: 01373 472325; email: info@bathgranite.co.uk; www.bathgranite.co.uk

Bath’s leading fire la e, wood burner, gas fire, hi ne and ue s e ialist ro lassi to onte orar , on e t to o letion, their tea of e erts an wor with ou to a hie e our erfe t interior Brands in lude hesne s, Barbas Bellfire, estfire, to a , az o and unter et in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD; info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk; Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH

TILE & FLOOR or o er

ears, ile loor has been synonymous with the supply of a range of top-tier design-led materials and professional installation ser i es ur o it ent to ualit has forged enduring relationships with discerning homeowners overseeing their ersonal ro e ts, as well as with design and onstru tion rofessionals ser ing the ro ert industr iting news We are now also conveniently located at Chippenham M4. Tel: 01225 310561; www.tileandfloor.co.uk

NO17 INTERIORS offers a range of bes o e

interior design services. Based in Bath and with vast e erien e in designing and installing de elo er show ho es, hotels and residential ro erties for ri ate lients, isa has the nowledge and s ills to wor to an brief or budget, whether loo ing to redesign, u date e isting furnishings or si l o ission new curtains. email: lisa@no17interiors.co.uk; tel:07977 271503; www.no17interiors.co.uk

JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family

www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

www.clairstrong.co.uk

Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bes o e, hand ade it hens, Bath Kit hen o an become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003

lair trong nterior esign is a bouti ue, reati e o an based in Bath, ro iding a wide range of ser i es for both residential and o er ial lients er ortfolio of ro e ts in ludes the design, ro e t oordination and sour ing for so e of Bath’s ost beautiful residen es, as well as hotels, s orts lubs, o es and other o er ial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905;

bes o e, tailor ade, lient fo used interior design consultancy service based in Bath. Specialising in residential interior design and providing a truly personal ser i e ada ted to ea h lient’s needs, ennifer’s uni ue style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary ho es he ai is si le to reate s a es that bring o , re e ting her lients’ lifest les and ersonalities Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com

business s e ialising in ainting and de orating, lastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other ro ert restoration e us ha e built a re utation for the highest standards of wor anshi with e erien e across a range of projects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a o lete o it ent to customer service and health and safety Tel: 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 113

PHOTO BY PAUL GILLIS; W W W.PAULGILLISPHOTO.COM

BATH LIVES

“It’s been wonderful to meet the many amazing people who make this city tick” I wanted to become Prime Minister when I was growing up. Not sure about that now

though…

The role of the Mayor of Bath is primarily ceremonial and civic, and it carries a long

tradition dating back over 800 years. While the position no longer holds political power, the Mayor still plays an important role in the city’s public and community life. This could be greeting members of the Royal Family to litter picking with children – I did both in one day once.

MICHELLE O’DOHERTY The Mayor of Bath on litter picking, cello-playing, and local boozers As well as being the current Mayor of Bath, Michelle O’Doherty works in foreign rights sales for the Bathbased children’s book publisher, North Parade Publishing. She has two children, aged 20 and 18, and was elected as Councillor for Newbridge ward in 2017.

When I arrived here aged 18 with a suitcase and a cello,

I came to Bath from Birmingham in the 90s to study Music at Bath Spa University, and fell in love with

I think I was an exasperating child at school. I was a bit scatty

the city immediately. I loved the honey coloured stone and the beautiful old buildings in the city – it felt like was in a film.

114 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

I never imagined I would one day be mayor of this amazing city. ven when first got elected in 2017, I didn’t think it was a role for people like me. It was a real honour to be nominated and elected by my fellow councillors to perform as Mayor.

(still am!) and would always be in trouble for forgetting to do my homework or messing about in class. I wasn’t particularly naughty, just perhaps a bit of a daydreamer and master procrastinator.

One of the best moments was awarding Honorary Freeman of the City to Adam Fergusson, who wrote The Sack

of Bath. It’s an honour that is not often bestowed, so it was really special to be able to share the moment with him and his family. It’s also been wonderful to meet the many amazing people who make this city tick – real unsung heroes who work exceptionally hard, mainly voluntarily, to make our community what is it.

I have worked for North Parade Publishing for the past 14 years. My job there is foreign

rights sales and production – it’s a busy role, but I really enjoy it and it’s given me a few travel opportunities that I might not have had otherwise. I fell into publishing completely by accident, as I had planned to be a professional cellist. I got a job in publishing as a stop gap, but

that stop gap has now lasted well over 20 years. I have two boys, Will, who is 20 and works with the local handyman firm Handful of Help, and my youngest, Eoin is 18 and is just finishing his A evels at eechen Cli . feel very fortunate to have been able to bring them up in Bath. My most prized possession is my cello. It’s not particularly

old, but it was bought for me by my granddad when I was a teenager. It’s been a bit neglected in the past few years, but one day I hope to be able to go back to playing regularly again. I used to play in Bath Symphony Orchestra until life got too busy, and I really miss it. I live in the Newbridge/ Weston area. I love the fact

that the countryside is at the top of my road, but I am within a ten minute walk of both Chelsea Road and Weston village, and the city centre isn’t too far away. There’s a lovely sense of community where I live – people are so friendly. I love sitting in my garden in the summer; it’s so quiet and peaceful.

I love a proper local boozer –

my favourite is the Charmbury Arms in ldfield Park. A proper pub where you will always get a good pint, a friendly welcome and a great laugh.

For more: www.mayorofbath.co.uk

Bath Fashion Festival is back! Set for the 7th and 8th of June at The Holburne Museum. Jam packed with fashionable fun, you can expect to see an exciting fashion show, fascinating panel talks, a world class exhibition, immersive workshops, pop-up shopping, our fantastic beauty area, food and drink, and interviews with some industry icons! Get your early bird tickets now via Eventbrite/ www.bathfashionfestival.com and follow @bathfashionfestival for more exciting updates.

bathfashionfestival www.bathfashionfestival.com