Bath Life – Issue 414

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property @BathLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE CITY

Introducing: the world’s coolest, most precarious staircase

ISSUE 414 / 27 MARCH - 9 APRIL 2020 / £3

TIMELESS ADVICE FOR YOUR

ISSUE 414 / 27 MARCH - 9 APRIL 2020 / INSIDE JOBS

NEXT WEDDING WHETHER YOU’RE 25 OR 75

GROW YOUR OWN FOREST

RULE 1: IT’S BOTH HARDER (AND EASIER) THAN YOU’D THINK

#BathTogether

SEE PAGE 74 FOR HOW

SPRING INTERIORS SMART STYLE FOR TOUGH TIMES

EDITOR’S LETTER

Scandi simplicity cheered up by bright colours; one of many hot interiors trends, this one by Catriona Archer. See p22 for more

A

t the end of 1939, and into 1940, we had something called ‘The Phoney War’: World War II was definitely on, Germany and her then-ally Russia having crushed Poland, and everyone expected Hitler’s ‘blitzkrieg’ tactics to be turned on western Europe. But nothing was happening. Hitler offered peace, though no-one took it seriously. Britain and France held off, not attacking either.

And at home, stuttering preparations were taking place: barrage balloons were strung up, cinemas started denying access if you weren’t carrying a gas mask, and – no fun job this – London Zoo killed all its poisonous snakes, in case they should escape during a Luftwaffe raid and start biting folk.

People were getting married too, a mad rush before the men got called up, but by the spring everyone was getting bored of it all. Was anything ever going to happen? (One newspaper told the people, “Forget Hitler – take your holiday.”) Gas masks started being left at home, stuffed into kitchen drawers and bedroom wardrobes.

And then, on 9 April, the Nazi war machine turned on Denmark and Norway. It was back on, with a vengeance.

That’s what it can feel like now, at least here in Bath – a Phoney War. Many of us are working from home, the toilet roll aisles are bare, but life could be worse. I’ve not yet met a soul with as much as a suspicious cough, or first-hand heard of one either.

(Second hand: plenty.) Or, at least, I hadn’t at the time of writing, at least a week before you get to read this.

By now, of course, everything might have changed.

I might be fully self-isolating myself – or you might.

(David Flatman already is, and it doesn’t suit him; you can read about that on page 21.)

But for now, for me and most everyone I know, nothing much has happened. London is different: “It’s honestly like the apocalypse,” a friend told me the other day. “No-one anywhere. Tubes empty, Oxford Street like 1pm on Xmas Day, lights off in every office, shops all closed. It’s kind of okay here in Bath – quiet but seems quite ‘normal’.”

I’m worried, of course. For our businesses, especially the customer facing ones – all those closed pubs and shops, cafes and theatres, cinemas and museums, restaurants and hotels that make Bath worth living in – and I’m worried for my friends. For me, not so much. (That might change too.)

These are strange times, unpleasantly terrifying and tedious both all at once, and the best we can do is be sensible, keep safe, and look out for each other.

This issue we’ve got plenty of stuff to help you plan for better times ahead – new spring interiors and the latest wedding trends for two – but in the meantime hunker down, sure, but keep active, keep talking to each other, and support local businesses as you can.

Times might be about to get much worse, but we’ll get through it – and if we’ve got to cut ourselves off from most of the best of life in the meantime, it’s hard to think of a better city to do it in than this one. #BathTogether

MATT BIELBY Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

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NATURAL STONE FLOORING TIMBER FLOORING EVERHOT RANGE COOKERS PORCELAIN TILES

Issue 414 / 27 March – 9 April 2019 COVER An incredible staircase – hope you don’t sleepwalk! –

by Broadleaf Timber kicks off our Interiors Special

INTERIORS

22 All the trends that are in, all the trends that are out – and

some of the trends that are both in and out, too

THE ARTS

61 ARTS INTRO Take a walk in someone else’s shoes 62 WHAT’S ON Here’s what you would have enjoyed 68 THE EDGE Slow Painting up at the Uni 73 BOOKS Reads to raise your spirits

95 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Local chefs on TV and more 96 TRY 5 Indulge in the simple comforts of the farm shop

SHOPPING

103 INTRO Diamonds are a girl’s best friend 104 EDITOR’S CHOICE For the love of the polka dot

LIFESTYLE

74 BIG INTERVIEW Co-forest is saving the planet, one tree

(or, rather, one acre of trees) at a time

81 WEDDINGS Self-isolate with your lobster 106 MEET THE MAKER Here’s Planty Kate: she’s got the

coolest nickname, makes the nicest candles, and that’s just the start of her local-centric plans 110 RETIREMENT It’s looking rather tempting right now 178 LIVES Jane Shemilt, doctor turned author

81 170

BUSINESS

119 BATHWORKS Bath businessess making the headlines 127 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES The local experts to turn

to during fat years and thin: legal, financial and more

PROPERTY

169 PROPERTY INTRO Get out your feathers and start

painting! The National Trust shows us how it’s done

170 SHOWCASE Fall in love with this classic Georgian

townhouse in the heart of Jane Austen’s Bath

DEPARTMENTS 11 SPOTLIGHT 13 SOCIETY 19 #BATHTOGETHER 21 A MAN’S WORLD

Editor Matt Bielby matt.bielby@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Editor Lydia Tewkesbury lydia.tewkesbury@mediaclash.co.uk Managing Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash. co.uk Senior Art Editor Andrew Richmond Graphic Design Megan Allison Cover Design Trevor Gilham Editor’s Photo Damon Charles Contributors Nic Bottomley, David Flatman, Wendy Lyne and Clarissa Picot Group Advertising Manager Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Advertising Manager Justine Walker justine.walker@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Advertising Manager Polly Jackson polly.jackson@mediaclash.co.uk Account Manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Account Manager Louis Grey louis.grey@mediaclash.co.uk Sales Executive Callum Staines callum.staines@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution Manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash. co.uk Deputy Production Manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production Designer Matt Gynn matt.gynn@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Jane Ingham jane. ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © 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, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag). 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

© ALE X ANDER J COLLINS

FOOD&DRINK

SPOTLIGHT Bath Spa University

READY. SET. ART.

Cycling

ON YER BIKE It’s time to sign up for this year’s Bike Bath. On 5 July keen cyclers can pick from a 20, 50 or 80-mile ride from one of the three start locations in Bath, Frome and Devizes. Over 1,000 cyclists take part in the panoramic ride around the Somerset and Wiltshire countryside – with plenty of local businesses providing snack stops along the way.

“The idea behind Bike Bath has always been to provide something for everyone,” says Richard Best, event director. “The short route was designed with families, new cyclists, and cycle-commuters looking to spend an enjoyable day trying out cycling with leisure in mind.

For regular cyclists, or those looking for something more adventurous, we have designed longer routes of around 50 and 80 miles to take in some of the more challenging lanes across Wiltshire’s countryside.”

For more: www.iconiccyclingevents.co.uk

Result! Weddings are returning to Frome Town Hall

above: Jeremy Irons declares the campus open; The new campus is in the Grade II listed Herman Miller Factory

ALL PHOTOS BY © CHRIS WAKEFIELD

There’s a route for everyone

Jeremy Irons, chancellor of Bath Spa University, came to town to cut the ribbon on the new Locksbrook Campus. The multimillion-pound new School of Art and Design is a pretty enviable place; flexible studio spaces, workshops and open areas are designed to foster creativity, as well as encourage collaboration across different disciplines. The space is in the old Herman Miller Factory, a Grade II listed building designed by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw in 1976. Bath Spa worked with Grimshaw Architects once again on the restoration project, which has maintained many of the historical features, like the iron work, concrete floor and colour scheme.

For more:www.bathspa.ac.uk/locksbrookcampus

Frome

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

After a long 46-year break, Frome Town Hall is once again open for business as a wedding venue.

“We’re thrilled at the news of weddings returning to the Town Hall,” says councillor Anne Hills. “It’s been so well received, and we’ve already had bookings and enquiries! This welcome return to the Town Hall will see its vibrancy now extend into weekends, and for this wonderful historic building to again truly embed itself into the fabric of Frome life.”

Working as a registry office, you can book a marriage or a civil partnership on specific Saturdays of the year. The Town Hall has a licence, too, so you can have a glass of fizz to settle your nerves first. www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/weddings www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 11

#BathTogether Share your good news

THIS TOO SHALL PASS

@BathLifeMag

SCENE

SO M E O F T H E L A 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 (FO R A W H I LE!)

Anouchka Towner-Coston and Polly Finlay

Dolly Sylvester and Thomas Wynne Thomas Castley, Bella Reynolds and Alasdair Clark

Claire Campbell and Darren Campbell

Connor Pouncy making Bao Buns Jessie Naish and Marianne Pantelo

SUNDAY GIRL

Katy Wyatt and Jeremy Wyatt

Guests filed into Always Sunday House for the recent Always Sunday Social to celebrate the city’s creative offerings – not the mention the place’s new look. Owner Lexi Learmond played host, putting on music from local DJ Ross Wilson, and showing art by Henley-based Stylo and flowers from Nicole De Villiers of Flowers by Blomme – also the in-house florist for Always Sunday House. Foodwise, guests were in for a real treat, with indulgent canapés from The Second Breakfast Club’s Connor Pouncy, cocktails by Jamie Graziano, and (of course!) plenty of Pinot Pinot Wines. www.always-sunday.com Photos by Philip Shone

Lauren Baxter and Toby Helley

Lexi Learmond and Nicole De Villiers

Liz Spurr and Claire Thomson

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SOCIETY

David Wood and Nicky Sewell

Mike Marsh and Ann Marsh

Bell Wall and Fillippa Ross

JOIE DE VIVRE

The Victoria Art Gallery celebrated the opening of their latest exhibition, Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmartre, with a well-attended private view. Select guests enjoyed a sneak peak of the gallery, currently filled with over 80 rare and striking works by Toulouse-Lautrec, Mucha, Steilen and many other greats of the Parisian ‘street art’ era, before it opened to the general public the following day. If you get the chance, this really is a must-see: just one amazingly striking (and often familiar) image after another. www.victoriagal.org.uk Angie Frith and Ruth Morris

Photos by Anna Barclay

Miriam Garbett and Christian Eves The exhibition celebrates the earliest days of both the printmaking medium and modern nightlife culture

Sam Damer and Karen Baldwin Guests were free to explore the whole gallery during the event

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Sarah Bevan and Sue Yates-Price

SOCIETY

Jo Francis-Pope, Sarah Fanthorpe, Alice Ellis and Claire Beazley

Roger Saul

Vicki Cheadle and Sarah Baker

BAGS OF KNOWLEDGE

The mind behind the handbag giant Mulberry, Roger Saul visited Bath from his home nearby to share tales from his illustrious career. From his time as a trainee buyer for John Michael back in the ’60s, to his current project to restore The Ship at Kilver Court and create 10,000 square feet of retail space, Roger wowed the crowds with stories of the major highs and occasional lows of his life as an entrepreneur. www.creativebath.org Jonathan West, Caroline Davis, Ian Cooper and Sophie Cooper

Photos by Derryn Vranch

Tommy Wareham, Simon Watters, Daisy Coppin and Lexi Learmond

ART ATTACK

Georgina de Pass and Yasmin Haln Ione Parkin and David Metcalfe

Jonathan de Pass, Catherine May and Martin Nye

Art UK hosted key figures of Bath’s arts community at a recent event. The charity, which aims to democratise access to public art via its extensive online catalogues, organised the event as a means to raise its local profile.

Andy Ellis, Art UK’s director, was on hand to give a presentation about the organisation, its work in partnership with local collections and how that might benefit Bath’s museums and galleries, in particular. www.artuk.org Photos by Gareth Hoskins

Jonathan Willis and Polina Willis

Marian McNeir and Lady Teresa Lloyd 16 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

#BATH TOGETHER GREG INGHAM

It’s tough, but this too shall pass MediaClash CEO Greg Ingham joins us for the first of an occasional series of columns during the current crisis #BathTogether

“We face this challenge together #BathTogether”

T

here are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.”

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin hasn’t appeared too often in Bath Life, oddly. But his quote was made for the week in March where our worlds changed utterly.

Just before 5pm on the Monday, Britain effectively, largely, stopped.

Offices? To be closed. Pubs, restaurants, cafés? Hmmm…

Schools, colleges, unis? Only a question of time.

That was barely 48 hours ago for me, writing this; it already feels like aeons ago. For you reading this column in the days and weeks to come, the world will have changed completely.

But just as we all know that these are the toughest of tough times, so we all know that these times shall pass. How long that takes, we don’t know. Until then, we stand together in support of each other. #BathTogether.

Look out for each other, look after each other. Check in. We all need help to get through this.

The friendships and sheer decency of people in Bath are such positive forces in good times. In bad times, it’s absolutely vital. We’re sure that we’ll all seek to apply this sort of empathy and thoughtfulness to our family, colleagues, clients and customers. They will appreciate it.

More than that, it’s the right thing to do.

We can all help. And the businesses have the greatest opportunity to help. They have the connections. Time to use them.

W

hat are we doing to help at Bath Life?

Our approach in every issue here, and in our sister magazines in Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter, is to continue to find the good stuff to celebrate – always. We’ll be publishing as normal, in these utterly abnormal times. So please: Contact our deputy editor Lydia Tewkesbury lydia.tewkesbury@

mediaclash.co.uk with your news.

Tag or follow us on Twitter and Insta @BathLifeMag @ BathLifeAwards @BathBoules @CreativeBath and send your messages – we’ll then help promote.

Use the hashtag #BathTogether Tell us about any new initiatives – new support groups, new food distribution, new charity activities.

Anything you know about what companies and organisations are doing to help us all through this.

Look out for our emails with news of our city. If you are not on the lists, please email liam.jones@ mediaclash.co.uk.

Our events like the Bath Life Business Club are on hold at the moment, but of course they will return. We will all celebrate together, just as we did at the Awards in February. Communality matters more than ever.

The mighty Bath Boules..?

Currently hoping to run as planned in June 12-14. If not, then later.

It’ll happen. And by God do we all need to come together for fun, and to raise much-needed money for our local charities.

T

here’s a phrase that goes, “a rising tide floats all boats”. As a business strategy, it’s perhaps a tad inert, if true.

But think of it like this. We all have to find a way of hunkering down, of getting through this.

Of showing love, support and thoughtfulness – always. While just as always supporting our local Bath businesses where we can.

Because when that rising tide comes flowing back in, as it surely will, there will be such joy, such sense of release, such achievement in getting through it – and such opportunity for all of us.

We face this challenge together.

Stay safe.

#BathTogether @bathlifemag

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 19

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A MAN’S WORLD DAVID FLATMAN

Lock up

© TAKING PICTURES

Flats can’t go out; it’s a familiar story.

But there are books and posh telly, and… Ah, but that’s about it

“My diary, normally bulging and varied, has been emptied entirely”

P

eople the world over are facing significantly more difficult tasks right now, but trying to produce an upbeat column remains a challenge. As I type, I am failing a little bit at self-isolation. I’m not failing in that I’m interacting with other human beings, but I am failing to do all the good stuff that one should apparently do when housebound or working from home. Get up on time, they say, get dressed into proper clothes and get into a routine. Do some yoga. Be generally productive.

It’s 12.03pm where I am (Bath), and I am on the sofa in my pyjamas. I have received (without human contact) a notover-the-top shopping delivery (no paracetamol available, nor loo roll or soap or pasta) and put that away, and that’s about it. I’m in isolation, you see, because I came into close contact with someone who may have had Coronavirus (they probably didn’t, as it happens, but take no risks etc).

I’m doing what anybody would do, in that I’m obeying current guidelines and they dictate that I cannot see my children. For whatever reason, not seeing them for this seven-day period (this may change by time of printing) is causing me every bit as much anxiety as the thought of our fair city becoming a dystopian wasteland where my relative heft makes me indeed an ineffective hunter of the rabbits and deer needed for survival.

If they go on holiday without me I’m fine, but this feels altogether different. They of course couldn’t give a toss, and are happily larking about on FaceTime while dotting onto their cheeks a hundred freckles with a Sharpie, and this is what really matters. But I miss them and this makes me unhappy. And this general emotional malaise affects productivity, it seems.

Determined to rise from said slump, I’ve been taking some exercise. Boris tells us that we may

go for walks and, since I live next to a hundred fields, I’m doing just that. And it turns out that Bath’s green environs are both endless on foot and deeply, deeply beautiful. Every daily walk, though, does seem to end up with me opining as to how much better it would be were the children here, getting their clean clothes dirty and ultimately fighting most of the way round. Gosh, I must be fun to live with!

Anyway, bigger issues. We’re all scared. Scared of death and scared of starvation and scared of bankruptcy. My diary, normally bulging and varied, has been emptied entirely until Christmas.

Nada. Not a quid. So, what to do with said fear? Much of the expert advice is excellent and calming, but these measured voices are often lost in the dog fight that is social media. Two steps I am going to take are to commit to reading far less about this whole thing online, instead tuning into the BBC and ITV news programmes daily, and I am going to stay as healthy as I can.

I’m also not going to apologise for watching some great telly. Last night we finished Olive Ketteridge, and it was fantastic. You should watch it, if only for the escapism that feels so good in times of angst. And I’m going to attack (gently) that pile of must-reads. In terms of work, well, there must be some, and I’ll do my best to find it.

Overall, I haven’t done terribly well on the ‘upbeat’ front, but why pretend? In my far-from-expert view, we stand a much higher chance of being okay if we all take care of one another. I won’t be seeing my kids for a bit, and I won’t be stockpiling macaroni.

But I will continue to do the right things, however grinding they might feel. Be kind, and keep smiling!

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on Twitter @davidflatman

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Many trends on display here: lots of foliage, and wild jet Damask carpet from Brintons x Timorous Beasties

SPRING AWAKENING 22 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

INTERIORS 2020

Interior design, a little over all those cool Scandi greys and keen to inject more colour and luxury and flair into our lives, is definitely having a maximalist moment. Keeping in mind that we’ll all be spending more time at home than usual in the coming months, here’s what’s catching the eye, by the people who make our flats and houses look amazing for a living…

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INTERIORS 2020

T

Bold blue becomes a room’s centrepiece in this kitchen by Clair Strong

his year, interior design is finally moving away from the cool, grey, minimalist, semi-industrial Scandi-look that has dominated our thinking for so long, and towards something a little more, well, more. We’re talking bolder, brighter, more daring – certainly more colourful.

“Having spent the last year criss-crossing the UK photographing interiors for my new book, Bold British Design, I’m privileged to have peeked into the homes and studios of many top contemporary designers,” says Emilio Pimentel-Reid, a Bath-based interiors stylist and designer who’s been working with high-end interior style brands (Georg Jensen, Brintons, Ralph Lauren) and retailers (Harrods, Heals) for over twenty years. “Right now, our spaces are evolving in various directions – and they’re all valid. Whether modern, clean and hyperedited, traditional or colourful, many of us are looking to break free from prescribed ideas of how we should live.”

The end result is that there are plenty of trends out there for you to latch onto – or not, your choice. What does seem non-negotiable, however, is that your home choices should not be disposable, but rather things you’d be happy to live with for a while.

As with fast fashion, temporary interior design seems rather out of step with the times…

a contemporary edge, often embodied by modern art and clean lined furniture. “It’s also about making do and mending, about commissioning bespoke handmade pieces and customising reclaimed furniture,” says interior designer Clair Strong. “Mix inherited pieces with flea market finds, and make them work in a contemporary interior.

We all want to express our personality, and this trend demonstrates a rebellion against the minimalist look that’s dominated for years. I see a real shift away from that towards more glamorous, flamboyant décor.”

IN: OLD MEETS NEW “We’re loving the mix of old with new,” says John Law, who heads the interiors team at home-and-gardens designer Woodhouse and Law. “We try to reflect a client’s personality in any scheme we work on, taking inspiration from their personal possessions; perhaps a piece of artwork, or an old radio or record player. It’s always more fun when there’s a story behind a piece, and we’ll often layer these up with additional accessories, both new and old, that compliment and reflect the client’s style. Not only do older pieces offer a more sustainable approach to design, but they have a timeless quality that means they can stay with a client for years (or even generations) ahead.”

“Spaces are evolving in various directions – and they’re all valid”

IN: GRANDMILLENIAL STYLE A maximalist look they call ‘Grandmillenial Style’ – or sometimes ‘the New Traditionalism’ – is having a bit of a moment. It’s sort of old school with a twist, combining elements of classic design – like chinoiserie, scallops, natural fibre rugs and topiary – with

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OUT: PERFECTION People are starting to genuinely enjoy pieces that are worn and have patina; they certainly don’t mind small scratches on antique wood or old stone. Nothing is so precious that they’re scared of damaging it.

IN: HAND-MADE ACCESSORIES “Might supply chain disruptions spell the end for throw away, mass produced home accessories? One can only hope so,” says Emilio Pimentel-Reid. “In the meantime, more of us are craving the hand-

The richest of blues in this living room from Woodhouse and Law: just add gold highlights and big plants and you’ve got the modern maximalism right here

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INTERIORS 2020 made, the imperfect, and crafted products with a story. Top inspiration comes from places like Hauser & Wirth’s New Makers Gallery in Bruton, and 8 Holland Street in Bath – or support our local students and spot new talent at Bath Spa Uni’s shows.”

IN: THE BEACH HOUSE LOOK Okay, okay, there might be a few too many spring showers out there right now to think too hard about the beach, but it’s a look that some believe is about to make a comeback. “We’ve long been enamoured of the beach house look, with flowing linen curtains framing a sea view, worn wooden panelled shacks and woven rope and wood accessories,” says Jim Lawrence of the eponymous Walcot Street lighting and homes specialist, “so we’ve created a range of modern rustic products that can be worked into homes anywhere. The look is laid back but carefully curated, minimalist but with a homely, vintage-inspired feel, new and old in perfect harmony.”

IN: YOUNG ANTIQUE DEALERS “There’s an exciting crop of new antique dealers out there, often in their twenties and early thirties, who are turning their backs on the new,” says Emilio Pimentel-Reid.

“Choosing to live with and create fabulous interiors anchored by well-made timeless The richest colours and materials in this library by Etons of Bath antiques, they’re teaching a new generation the value of re-purposing old chintz curtains linen brand we love is Earthed by William Clark. Based in Northern and more. Several of them are regularly spotted at the Royal Bath & Ireland, they use print technology to produce stunning fabrics.”

West Fairs, just around the corner from Bath. Get there early!”

IN: THE NEW NORDIC “I’m seeing people adding slightly darker, moodier tones and layering up different textures to give their Scandi-style interiors more depth and warmth,” says Clair Strong. “I call it ‘the New Nordic’. People are more relaxed about mixing styles now anyway, and want to create a home to retreat to, where they can switch off from the outside world.”

IN: DECADENT UPHOLSTERY “Colour is coming back,” says Shoscombe-based upholstery specialist Julia Davey, “and while your walls may remain plain, the fabrics used for soft furnishings are getting richer and making a real statement; think playful fringes, frills and ruffles.”

IN: THE DRAMA OF A SINGLE PRINT What could be simpler, yet incite more drama and style, than a room covered in the same print from floor to ceiling? If it was good enough for the overtly glamorous – and timelessly chic – Gloria Vanderbilt, it’s good enough for Bath’s more daring design enthusiasts. “I love bold wallpapers,” says Emilio Pimentel-Reid. “Brands to add punch to your walls – and remember, all four walls please! – include overscale florals at Designers Guild (my top pick is ‘Grandiflora Rose Dusk’); Emma Shipley’s ‘Wilderie’, featuring fantastical beasties for Clarke & Clarke; and the new Seville collection of graphic architectural prints and vibrant botanicals at Cole & Son, which capture the energy of southern Spain. All are great – and make you feel like you’re on holiday!” No bad thing if you’re actually hunkered down at home.

“The fabrics used are getting richer, making a real statement”

IN: VELVET If you’re thinking the ‘in’ above sounds like velvet, you’re right. “With traditional upholstery, each layer is biodegradable – bar the tacks! – so it’s very sustainable,” says Julia Davey. In 2020 she sees both velvet and styles like fluted cocktail chairs having real appeal, and Clair Strong agrees. “Velvet’s everywhere,” she says. “I’ve just bought a gorgeous bright green velvet sofa, and love it; it’s the perfect mix of luxury and comfort. Reimagined in bright vibrant colours, it’s shaken off its fuddy-duddy image and emerged as a wonderful fresh material for sofas, cushions, curtains.”

IN: AND IRISH LINEN “The other luxury fabric that’s seen a great resurgence is Irish linen,” says Mark of Aspect Window Styling of Saracen Street, the high-end blind, shutter and curtain specialist. “An exciting contemporary Irish

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OUT: ACCENT WALLS Just to re-emphasise the point above, the mood now is to go big or go home – so if you love a colour or pattern enough to cover a single wall in it, be bold and do the whole room.

IN AND OUT: INDUSTRIAL DESIGN The world is harsh and cold enough these days, without us deliberately making it harsher. Instead, consider warmer spaces that nurture and envelope. (That said, you can still combine cosy with the odd Edison bulb!) Not that this is a universal opinion, of course: “Minimalist, industrial design is my idea of heaven,” says Bath-based interiors and architectural photographer Pete Helme. “I love smooth concrete surfaces, black corrugated metal and timber cladding, so I don’t want this trend to end – and I hope other people think like me.”

Luxury B&B in the historic city of Bath

143 Wells Road, Bath BA2 3AL | 01225 421238 | hello@tyndallvilla.co.uk | www.tyndallvilla.co.uk | Instagram: tyndallvillabath

INTERIORS 2020

Want to combine the neutral look with actual colour? Woodhouse and Law shows us how

OUT: TRADITIONAL DINING TABLES IN THE KITCHEN An odd one, this, as dining tables are super practical. But, instead, consider comfortable upholstered chairs and coffee tables, perhaps paired with reading lamps – the idea is, you’re creating somewhere you want to hang out, not just work or eat. If you’re the sort of person who tries to grab the sofas at Boston Tea Party, this might be for you.

IN: FUN BATHROOMS Because they’re generally not that big, bathrooms are a great place to experiment and have fun with colour, materials, and wallpaper.

“I especially love the trend for scallop and scale shaped tiles,” says Clair Strong. “Curvy and fluid, their unusual shapes create such striking effects – and also nod towards our increased interest in looking after the oceans!”

IN: BRASS “Even if you love a classic white or grey-on-grey room, brass lighting accessories have a time-worn quality that avoids spaces looking too sterile,” says Jim Lawrence. “We’ve had a huge response to our oversized hand-blown glass pendants too, so it’s clear people are moving towards more natural materials and hand-crafted products – the sort of thing you can take with you when you move home.”

IN: RUGS Now here’s a simple – and cheap-as-chips – fix. “Few accessories lift a room better than new rugs and carpets,” says Emilio Pimentel-Reid.

“Think cheerful flat weave dhurries at Vanderhurd, colourful richly textured Indian floor rugs from Graham and Green and, for minimalists who prefer subtle pattern, Brintons’ Perpetual Textures is your go-to collection.”

“Few accessories lift a room better than new rugs and carpets”

IN: GRAND DESIGNS “Over the past 12 months, we have seen our projects grow in size, as clients are choosing to adapt their properties rather than moving,” says Stephen Graver of the eponymous team of master craftsmen specialising in kitchens, bathrooms and home renovations. “They’re looking at using their homes in different ways, from garage renovations and loft conversions, to changing whole rooms so they’re used for something completely different. We’re even seeing more radical modernisation to listed properties, such as frameless glass walled-conservatories or bright colour used in quintessential country cottages.”

IN AND OUT: OPEN SHELVING In because it looks great and out because it’s simply not that practical: you have to keep everything incredibly tidy and just-so to make it look good, and it all risks getting dusty or greasy too.

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IN: UPGRADE YOUR LAMPSHADES Another of the easiest ways change the look of a room. “Try a new look on your favourite lamp base,” says Emilio PimentelReid. “In Bath, commission a marbled shade from INQ , or pop over to Tetbury for vintage sari silk shades at Lorfords. Top designer resource Melodi Horne hand-makes all her signature ikat shades, and you can personalise with colour clash linen linings.”

OUT: MARBLE AND GRANITE COUNTERTOPS Yes, they’re lovely – but they’re expensive and don’t wear well: staining or etching are inevitable. Quartz is an excellent alternative, because of its durability and ease of maintenance; ditto porcelains and man-made materials. Even better, new styles of quartz can mimic marble so well it’s hard to tell one from the other. “The sky is the limit in terms of

INTERIORS 2020 choice and finishes,” says Stephen Graver, “and composite materials have developed considerably, so the possibilities are almost limitless.”

IN: HOME OFFICES (AND NOT JUST FOR C-19 REASONS) “We’re all going out less, and even in more normal times many of us need to work from home too,” says interior designer Clair Strong.

“Smart home tech is becoming the norm, and having a multifunctional, comfortable home is becoming important in a busy world.”

IN: CLASSICISM Yes, we’re talking busts and pillars and Grecian details – but treated playfully and with a healthy lack of respect. Embrace them, but don’t take them too seriously. Of course, many Bath homes suit the classic look to a tee anyway. “As we focus on Georgian properties, we don’t really follow fads and trends as such,” says Charlie Salter of Etons of Bath. “That said, it’s not hard to blend classic features with a contemporary twist, or combine neutral tones with splashes of colour.”

IN: OVERSIZED BOTANICALS Particularly in wallpapers. “Used in hallways and, more often, the downstairs cloakroom, these are a fabulous way to embrace the maximalist trend,” says Clair Strong. “A fabulous statement wallpaper in bold clashing colours is something that will spark joy, and make you smile every time you arrive home – or use the smallest room!”

IN: BIG INDOOR PLANTS Because we all want to be a little more green, and plants feel healthy while adding another layer to a space. (Oh, and because fakes rarely cut it: the character of a plant comes from its random organic growth.)

“I just love this trend – and the bigger the better,” says Clair Strong.

“Plants give personality to your home, and are good for your mental health too. Plus, they look great with the Seventies retro trend, or the more natural earthy look we’re seeing more of in 2020.”

IN: LIVING WALLS The natural extension of the above. You may think of this as a design feature from the poshest hotels and restaurants, but a small version can look amazing in a home too, making it beautiful and making you smile.

IN: SEVENTIES STYLE “Not the orange swirly carpets and brown nylon sofas we remember fondly, but a cooler retro vibe,” says Clair Strong. “Warm colours like burnt oranges and rusty reds are becoming popular, and our love of houseplants and macramé hanging plant holders show no sign of slowing down. I’m seeing terrazzo, animal print rugs and hanging rattan nest chairs everywhere. It’s a sexy laid-back look – so think Bianca Jagger, not Abigail’s Party.”

IN: WICKER FURNITURE This, of course, is linked to the above, but it also appeals because it’s so warm, and reminds many of their childhoods; there are lots of ways to enjoy this trend too, through chairs, tables, or lighting. “We’ve seen a definite move towards wicker,” says Denise Withey of Bed E Buys on Lower Bristol Road, “as well as painted Shaker-style wooden bed frames. It’s all part of a back to nature feel.”

IN: GERMAN AND ITALIAN FURNITURE Look for details like sloping sofa arms, metal legs and knife-edge welts.

IN: SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS “Particularly in kitchens, as people are more mindful of the environmental impact of their home projects,” says Stephen Graver.

“The market is responding with some amazing colours in marble, stone, granite and concrete. The days of creams and greys are fading, with colour making a real comeback and clients becoming much more adventurous in their décor choices.”

OUT: BUYING THINGS YOU DON’T REALLY WANT It’s tempting, especially at the end of a project when you’re all decision fatigued, to fill a gaping hole with a temporary fix designed to be discarded in time. Well, don’t! For one thing, that’s hardly a sustainable choice; for another, it sets the wrong vibe, from which you might never recover; and for a third, if you take a deep breath and wait a while, the exact right thing will present itself in time. Patience, after all, is a virtue.

IN: LESS CAN STILL BE MORE “2020 is definitely edging away from the grey walls that have been a mainstay of décor over the past decade,” says Vanessa Sayce of Marmalade House, “instead bringing in freshness through pale greens, ochres or dusky roses, all of which work as warmer neutrals. Less can still be more, but layering up texture is still very much in vogue, with a continuing shift towards natural materials and a sense of ‘earth’.”

IN: DRESSING ROOMS Yes, really. When you’ve got a formal dining room or an extra guest room that’s used twice a year, why not sacrifice it for something you really want and need – like a walk-in-dressing room? That way you’ll suddenly get tonnes of wardrobe space, a room you’ll actually use – and sure, put a futon in the corner and it can double as a spare bedroom those few times you’ll actually want one too.

IN AND OUT: TERRAZZO FLOORING Cold and featureless, plain concrete floors may have been all the rage of late, but it’s getting hard to be excited by them. Consider, instead, terrazzo flooring with pattern, interest and bold design, created when Venitian workers took leftover, odd-shaped chunks of marble and dropped them into concrete flooring, creating higgledy-piggledy shape and colour combinations – it’s not just for airports any more.

Old furniture reborn at Marmalade House

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IN: REPURPOSING OLD FURNITURE “Furniture doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced as trends come and

Stephen Graver makes the most of natural wood grain in this classically styled kitchen – with a twist

go, but can instead be re-invented through paint finishes,” says Vanessa Sayce of Marmalade House. “Whether it’s a bold re-paint of a large dresser, or a creative smaller, accent piece using two or more colours, we can totally transform a look with a simple palette of paint and wax.”

IN: GREEN THINKING GENERALLY “Recycling hasn’t been this exciting since Felicity Kendal and Richard Briars donned their wellies back in the Seventies,” says Catriona Archer. “Discarded materials are being transformed into something beautiful and useful again, while retailers are actively investing in a more sustainable approach to product design and packaging. With this comes a shift towards longevity rather than fads. Reclaimed one-off finds or items that will stand the test of time all help reduce our carbon footprint – and respond well to our yearning for a more curated style.”

IN: CLASSIC INTERIORS Considering the current climate, people tend to want stuff that seems safe and reassuring.

Hence interiors your mum – heck, your gran – would have liked. Sure, life is tough, so does your sofa need to be too?

Marquez of Bath Bespoke. “As well as the standard oak, ash and beech (which benefits from antiseptic properties) are increasingly popular – as, indeed, is wheatboard, the next generation of MDF.” IN: TUBULAR FURNITURE We’re talking a sort of ’80s-style design here: yes, not every trend from that era is easy to swallow, but tubular forms that harken back to that time can be really fun and modern – if done tastefully!

OUT: DISPOSABLE, THROW-AWAY CULTURE “We’re all questioning our disposable, throw-away culture,” says Catriona Archer, “so the first thing I do is try to make the most of my client’s existing items, relocating or rethinking the way furniture, artwork and accessories are used.

It’s a wonderfully quick and inexpensive way to refresh and update a space, and allows us to clearly see where further investment should be made.”

“Sure, life is tough, so does your sofa need to be too?”

IN: CRAFTSMANSHIP “A resurgence of craftsmanship is gaining momentum, and looks to continue into 2020,” says Tom Jones-Marquez, design director/ co-founder of Bath Bespoke. “People appreciate the experience it requires – and the time, care and skill evidenced in the end result.”

IN: WOOD “Thanks to today’s improved finishing technology, wooden worktops can be nearly as durable as any other material,” says Tom Jones-

IN: QUALITY OVER QUANTITY “Real quality is back in fashion,” says Vanessa Garrett of Broadleaf Timber, the wooden floor and door specialists, “so we’re seeing a move back towards solid timber, and a strong focus on environmentally friendly finishes.”

IN: DESIGNER SUSTAINABILITY “Designers are re-assessing their collections and reducing their impact on the planet,” says Emilio Pimentel-Reid. “Some are using by-products of the food industry, from feathers to conch shells, and harvesting these as raw materials for their furniture, while others commit to using only sustainable British timber – or go as far as managing their own woodlands. There is even compostable furniture,

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INTERIORS 2020

Bleached floors from Broadleaf Timber, a great backdrop for spots of colour in books, furniture and art

made in laboratories using biological organisms to manufacture new materials, a process called ‘biofacture’.”

IN: NATURAL MATERIALS “As we all want to live more eco-friendly lifestyles, we make ecologically conscious purchasing decisions and want more natural, earthy elements in our spaces,” says Clair Strong. “Materials like rattan, sisal and bamboo add softness to a room and work well in modern and traditional spaces; besides being good for the environment, they make for amazing neutrals and give an instant feeling of style.”

IN: RECYCLED “Home trends tend to follow fashion, just a little later,” says Rebecca Davies of Knees.

“Recycled products have played a massive part in 2020’s up and coming ranges, so we now offer recycled mattresses made with bottles collected from the ocean by a company called Seaqual. They’re cleaned and made into threads, which then become our beds; we have sofas, cushions and throws made from recycled materials too.”

IN: MISMATCHED KITCHENS “Wall cabinets are often installed in a lighter colour to the base units, replaced with open shelving, or even removed altogether,” says Catriona Archer. “We’re now styling our kitchens in similar ways to the other rooms, with pictures, plants and cherished items on display. Gone is a unified approach, with freestanding furniture and glass-fronted display cabinets bringing a more relaxed mood. Personally, I love updating a kitchen by painting a dresser or island in a different colour to the rest – it’s a quick and inexpensive way to update a space and often allows us to be that little bit bolder with our colour choices.”

IN: ECCENTRIC ELEMENTS AND PERSONAL SOUVENIRS “Give pride-of-place to items collected on worldly travels for an eclectic ensemble,” says Rebecca from Knees. “Or try some of our more unusual pieces, like the light-up clock – or multi-coloured army men!”

“Recycled products have played a massive part in 2020’s ranges”

IN: TRENDS THAT ARE ACTUALLY OUT! Eh? The thing is, just because a trend features on our ‘out’ list, it doesn’t mean everyone hates it – or that you have to rip it out and start again.

“So keep your grey granite minimalist kitchen, but now treat it as the perfect neutral backdrop for the right accessories and additions,” says Catriona Archer. “Sustainable materials and blue or green hues are particularly popular, while ferns and spring herbs breathe life into any space. Add some wicker barstools or natural wooden bowls and even the hardest Nordic look will spring to life!”

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IN: ORIGINAL FEATURES Finally, make the most of that you’ve got. When they were recently refurbishing Tyndall Villa, the Victorian hotel on Wells Road, Bella Zhu both hunted down ‘new’ antiques and did her best to make the most of existing period features. “We went to so many different antique markets to source our decorations,” she says. “You’ll find a pair of harp wall lights from the 1800s in our lobby, for instance, and a stone pillow by the pavement with ‘TYNDALL’ engraved on it, installed when the building was completed in 1870. We love it, and thought we should spotlight it – even if the original builders put it in upside down!” n Emilio Pimentel-Reid’s new book, Bold British Design, launches 18 June; @whatemiliosaw

INTERIORS DIRECTORY Local businesses poised and ready to help with all your home improvement needs this spring ARCHITECTS, BUILDERS, CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY SERVICES

Hapticity Architects and Interiors

3 Gay Street, Bath; 01225 466234; www.aaronevans.com; Award winning architectual practice that’s now been established in Bath for 40 years

01225 443679; www.hapticity.co.uk; Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, Vineyards, Bath; Bespoke service tailored to each client’s individual requirements

Aqua Fortis

Hawker Joinery

Aaron Evans Architects

01225 285500; www.roofersbath.com; Roofing solutions Arttus

Old Flaxmill, Flaxdrayton Farm, South Petherton; 01460 240690; www.arttus.com; Period architectural joinery and interiors – hand carved a speciality

North End, Batheaston, Bath; 01225 858233; www.hawker-joinery.co.uk; The oldest established joinery business in Bath, with a reputation for quality service and workmanship.

Specialising in doors, interiors and cabinetry Plushh Restoration

01761 431354; www.ashleycollinspainting.co.uk; Experienced painting contractors in Bath. Fully insured and licensed

by IPAF for working at heights

07794 319288; www.plushhrestoration.co.uk; Father and son business specialising in maintenance, renovation and restoration of buildings

Bath Bespoke

Saltford Building Services

Ashley Collins Decorating

01225 920900; www.bathbespoke.co.uk; Hartley Farm, Winsley, Bradford-on-Avon; Award winning luxury bespoke interiors and joinery Esmond Murray Architects

21 Van Diemen’s Lane, Bath; 01225 447165; www.esmondmurrayarchitectscom; Award-winning chartered RIBA practice, first formed in 1991 with a new approach to private client residential design, bringing together architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and project management all under one roof

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01225 874676; www.saltfordbuildingservices. com; Specialists in complete building and property development services Sovereign Damp Proofing

01249 716161; www.sovereigndpc.co.uk; Comprehensive service for all kinds of damp-proofing SRA Architects

Queen Square House, Charlotte Street, Bath; 01225 827444; www.sra-architects.co.uk; Award-winning architectural practice

Brintons prove that you can keep things all-of-a-tone, but that tone doesn’t have to be grey

Sydenhams

Hawthorn Grove, Bath; 01225 833585; www.sydenhams.co.uk; Long-standing builders merchants, plus fitted kitchens and bathrooms Timber Windows of Clifton

29 The Mall, Bristol; 0845 652 7300; www.timberwindows.com; Beautiful real timber doors and windows with dedicated installation team Youngs Roofing

01225 421499; www.youngsroofingbath.co.uk; Roofing services and contractor

BATHROOMS Ripples

Chelsea House, London Road, Bath; 01225 447971; www.ripples.ltd.uk; Creators of awardwinning luxury designer bathrooms for decades

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

British Design Academy

07545 170248; www.britishdesignacademy.co.uk; Courses and masterclasses in creative interior design The Marmalade House

The Loft, 1-2 Bartlett Street, Bath; 01225 445855; www.themarmaladehouse.co.uk; Learn how to paint furniture at their popular Annie Sloan courses

CURTAINS, BLINDS, SHUTTERS AND SOFT FURNISHINGS Aspect Window Styling

1 Saracen Street, Bath; 01225 469559; www.aspectwindowstyling.co.uk;

Blinds, shutters, awnings, curtains, poles and accessories The Curtain Exchange

11 Widcombe Parade, Bath; 01225 422078; www.thecurtainexchange.co.uk; A wide range of bespoke and ready-made curtains and blinds Just Shutters

01225 302599; www.justshutters.co.uk; Plantation shutters and interior window shutters Timber Windows of Clifton

29 The Mall, Bristol; 0845 652 7300; www.timberwindows.com; Beautiful real timber doors and windows with dedicated installation team

FIREPLACES AND WOODBURNERS Ignis Stoves

Fire Engine Shed, Unit 6 Colliers Yard, Radstock; www.ignisstoves.co.uk; 01761 437366; Based in showroom created within an old fire engine shed with a fantastic range of wood burners to suit all styles and budgets Mendip Fireplaces (Bath)

The Old Mill, Mill Lane, Monkton Combe, Bath; 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk; Fireplace, stove and chimney specialists with an extensive range of open and wood burning fires

FLOORING AND CARPETS Bath Contract Flooring

4 Kingsmead Square, Bath; 01225 471888; www.bathcontractflooring.co.uk; Specialists in flooring

INTERIORS Boniti

Radstock Carpet & Bed Centre

Broadleaf Timber

Tile & Flooring Bath

Dunsdon Road, West Littleton, Chippenham; 01225 89200; www.boniti.com; Natural stone and timber flooring, decorative tiles, garden furniture with a specialist bespoke design service 134-136 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 463464; www.broadleaftimber.com; Solid wooden floors, plank and parquet, oak flooring, made-tomeasure internal and external oak doors, staircases and joinery

The Old Cinema, Coomb End, Radstock; 01761 432808; www.radstockcarpetandbeds.co.uk; Experts in carpet, vinyl, hard and natural flooring and mattresses 1 Mile End, London Road West, Bath; 01225 31056; www.tileandflooring.co.uk; Family-run business specialising in the supply, installation and restoration of flooring from a selection of hundreds of different styles and materials

Capitol Carpets of Bath

FURNITURE, INTERIORS AND HOMEWARE SHOPS

120-122 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 333341; www.thecarpet.co.uk; A range of affordable carpet and stone flooring

Bed by Bed-E-Buys, striking colour by the new sensibility

The Bath Framer

7 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath; 01225 920210; www.thebathpictureframer.co.uk; High-quality framing services

Haliden Oriental Carpets

98 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 469240; www.haliden.com; Antique oriental carpets, Persian rugs, tribal weavings and antique Turkmen carpets

Bed-E-Buys

Interior Harmony Flooring

5A Chelsea Road, Bath; 01225 483818; www.interiorharmony.co.uk; Specialists for vinyl, carpet and hardwood flooring, floor sanding and wood floor renovation

26 27, Victoria Buildings, Lower Bristol Road, Bath; 01225 313421; www.bedebuysltd.co.uk; Specialist independent bed shop offering first class beds and mattresses

80 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 482748; www.theframingworkshop.com; Box framing, glass and perspex boxes, hand-finished and gilded frames and more

Dible & Roy

Graham and Green

Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon; 01225 862320; www.dibleandroy.co.uk; Fabrics, flooring and furniture at their two-storey showroom

Oriental Rugs of Bath

1 Hallatrow Business Park Wells Road, Hallatrow; 01761 451764; www.orientalrugsofbath.com; Rugs, kilims and various pieces of furniture

Extensive range of paint colours and finishes, sample pots, undercoats and primers, wallpapers and samples, and in-store colour

Farrow and Ball

124-126 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 466700; www.farrow-ball.com;

The Framing Workshop

92 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 418300; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk; Exceptional range of furniture and home accessories in a global, glamorous, individual and life-enhancing style Highgrove Shop

10 Long Street, Tetbury Gloucestershire; 01666 505666; www.highgrovegardens.com; Luxury home and garden gifts Homefront Interiors

10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath; 01225 571711; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk; New, vintage finds, handmade, sustainable, reclaimed and recycled homewares, and decorative interiors pieces and gifts Julia Davey

Green is very much in, and looks amazing on this hand-painted Neptune kitchen

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20 Wellsway, Bath; 01225 738551; www.juliadavey.com; Hand made contemporary homeware and gifts

Knees Home and Electrical

Spitfire Retail Park, Bradley Road, Trowbridge; 01225 754161; www.knees.co.uk; Carefully selected range of kitchen appliances, furniture home accessories Leekes

Beanacre Park, Melksham; 0845 0508240; www.leekes.co.uk; Quality furniture, electricals, home accessories and more Perfect Rooms, Interiors and Upholstery

Silver Street, Gastard, Corsham; 01249 716455; www.perfectrooms.co.uk; Fabrics, carpets, wallpaper, furniture, homeware and gifts Rossiters

38-41 Broad Street, Bath; 01225 462227; www.rossitersofbath.com; Offering quality furniture, accessories, fabrics, plus an interior design service TR Hayes

15-18 London Street, Bath, 01225 465757; www.trhayes.co.uk; Long-standing family-run furniture store

HOME ENTERTAINMENT Moss of Bath

45 St James’s Parade, Bath; 01225 331441; www.mossofbath.co.uk;

INTERIORS Independent home entertainment retailer and solution provider

INTERIOR DESIGN

Clair Strong Interior Design Ltd

Walcot Studio, Old Orchard, 88a Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 426905/07855 797311; www.clairstrong.co.uk; Innovative design for commercial and residential settings both large and small Etons of Bath

108 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 639002; www.etonsofbath.com Showroom offering full range of interior design services Woodhouse & Law

4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath; 01225 428072; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk; Full interior design service; will advise on and source fabrics, furniture, bathrooms and kitchens

INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY

Pete Helme Photography

07789 211424; www.petehelme.co.uk; Professional interior, architectural, property, hotel, bar and restaurant photographer working in Bath, Bristol and South of the UK

INTERIOR STYLING Catriona Archer

07823 884945; www.catrionaarcher.com;

A dramatic use of shutters at Aspect Window Styling

Bright produce suggests the highlight colours in this kitchen

by Woodhouse and Law

Professional, affordable styling for residential and business interiors. Designed to make the most of your existing items, storage and space

KITCHENS

The Bath Kitchen Company

7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath; 01225 312003; www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk; Family business designing unique, beautiful and functional kitchens for over 20 years Cheverell Wood

Cheverell, Hopton Park,

Waller Road, Devizes; 01380 722722; www.cheverellwood.co.uk; Highly skilled craftspeople specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke wooden kitchens, bathrooms, libraries and bedrooms Hobsons|choice

London Road, Bath: 01225 433511; www.hobsonschoice.uk.com; Luxury showroom is dedicated to the world’s leading kitchen brands, including Bulthaup Kelly Marie Hicks Kitchen Interiors

8 Pulteney Avenue, Bath; 01225 481881; www.kellymariekitchens.com; Independent luxury kitchen design with over 15 years experience

Saltford Kitchens

439 Bath Road, Saltford, Bristol; 01225 874676; www.saltfordkitchens.com; Bespoke kitchen and worktop design and installation Shaker and May

L11 Marshall Way, Commerce Park, Frome, Somerset; 01373 764345; www.shakerandmay.co.uk; Specialising in the designing, manufacturing and installation of bespoke kitchens

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

Stephen Graver

Edington Road, Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire; 01380 871746; www.stephengraver.com; Beautiful bespoke kitchens and interiors Westside Design

Lansdown Road, Bath; 01225 864260; www.westsidedesign.co.uk; Kitchens, cabinet makers and joiners

LIGHTING

Antique Textiles and Lighting

Lansdown Road, Bath; 01225 310795; www.antiquesofbath.com; Antique shop specialising in period textiles, embroideries, quilts, antique lighting and chandeliers Jim Lawrence

114-116 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BG; www.jim-lawrence.co.uk; 01225 430691; A stunning collection of hand crafted home furnishings, including lighting, curtain poles, lampshades and more, in beautiful finishes. Made in Great Britain

RADIATORS

Reclaimed Radiators

07540 978408; info@reclaimedradiators.co.uk; A comprehensive range of amazing-looking antique cast iron radiators.

15% OFF*

M A R K I LU X AW N I N G SALE* For a limited time only, we are offering our customers a fantastic discount on all Markilux awnings and accessories.

Make the most of your outdoor area with Markilux awnings and enjoy the summer in style.

01225 469 559 info@aspectwindowstyling.co.uk www.aspectwindowstyling.co.uk or visit our showroom 1 Saracen Street, Bath, BA1 5BR

*Offer applies to Markilux awnings and accessories only until 30th April 2020

TRULY BESPOKE KITCHENS Meeting the highest of standards

SHAKER & MAY BESPOKE HANDMADE KITCHENS L11 Commerce Park Frome BA11 2FB 01373 764345 www.shakerandmay.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

INSPIRING SPACES Celebrating 30 years, BATH KITCHEN COMPANY combines the latest innovation with an old-fashioned pride in quality work. From classic to contemporary designs, local craftsmen to the most exquisite materials, they specialise in delivering exciting spaces tailored to your tastes and lifestyle

F

requently gracing the pages of national magazines such as Country Living, Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom and Period Living, Bath Kitchen Company has designed kitchens at the heart of many of the city’s most beautiful and ground-breaking homes.

Whether it’s a stunning Georgian creation on the Royal Crescent, or an edgy brass-panelled kitchen spilling onto a balcony, the ideology stays the same: inspiring cooking spaces with lashings of lifestyle invention.

The company was established in 1990 at a time when kitchens were becoming commoditised and de-personalised by national chains. So the goal was simple: to offer a more

creative and bespoke service – designing characterful spaces, built by regional craftsmen, using high quality materials.

Still an independent family business, every kitchen they make is unique, because every client is unique. As owner and designer, James Horsfall says, “We’re inspired by people’s tastes, homes and lifestyles. So we create bespoke kitchens that strike a balance between their personal and practical needs.”

James learnt kitchens the old-fashioned way – as an apprentice to his father, straight out of school. Working from his studio in central Bath, he now designs every kitchen himself. He has deliberately steered away from showrooms and salesmen, instead visiting each client

to understand their home and lifestyle. “I’m personally invested in every kitchen we design and build,” he says. “It’s about gaining a deep sense of who you are, how you live and giving clients time and space to create something truly special.” n

7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

Fireplaces, wood burners, gas fires, chimney and flue specialists

Classic to contemporary – concept to completion

• Domestic and commercial roofing specialists • Covering Bath, Bristol and the South West • Trading since 1985 Tel: 01225 421499 Email: mail@youngsroofing.co.uk www.youngsroofingbath.co.uk Braysdown Lodge, Woodborough, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8LN Chesney’s . Barbas Bellfires . Hwam . Stuv . Jetmaster Contact us today or visit our showroom Mendip Fireplaces (Bath) Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7HD | 01225 722706 info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk | www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

P R erfect

ooms

FOR GREAT DESIGN IDEAS, COME & VISIT OUR

INTERIORS SHOWROOM

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THE ARTS 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

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING Well, and displaying. You may have heard, but the folks at the Fashion Museum have declared 2020 the Year of the Shoe, and they’re celebrating with a new exhibition made up of highlights from their stellar, 3,000-strong collection. The oldest shoes on display date all the way back to somewhere around the 1690s, and belonged to Her Majesty Queen Mary – and they’re far from the only pair in the collection to once have adorned royal feet. You’ll spot a pair of Queen Victoria’s boots in the exhibition as well.

As we all know, Marilyn Monroe once said: “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”

Was that true of these queens’ shoe choices? There’s only one way to find out – once it’s open again and you’re not going to be breaking any rules-of-sensibleness, you’ll have to go and have a look yourself.

Shoephoria! from 28 March; Fashion Museum Bath, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street; 01225 477789; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

STOP RIGHT THERE! The following info was correct as these pages went to press, but due to current events please check websites and social media to see if anything’s still on

27 March – 24 April

Enjoy radio like in the good old days at I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again

EXHIBITIONS From 28 March

SHOEPHORIA The Fashion Museum has declared 2020 The Year of the Shoe. They’re celebrating with a display of more than 3,000 pairs, spanning from around 1690 (a red velvet mule with gold and silver embroidery) to a pair of coveted Manolo Blahniks from the ’90s – and even a couple of present day pieces, like some 2015 Dr. Martens digitally printed with an image from Hogarth’s famous series of paintings, The Rake’s Progress.

They’ve got shoes that belonged to queens, princesses and Hollywood icons. Check page 61 for more.

Mon-Sun, 10.30am-6pm; price included in admission (£9.50); Fashion Museum; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

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

Until 20 April

ART AT THE HEART: ALAN BROOK The latest exhibition to grace the walls of the RUH is the work of Alan Brook. The travel photographer spent a year exploring Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands – and this evocative and colourful collection of images is the result.

Mon-Sun, 8am-8pm; Art at the Heart of the RUH, Central Gallery, RUH; www.artatruh.org

Until 25 May

GRAYSON PERRY: THE PRE-THERAPY YEARS An exhibition built from Grayson’s

‘lost’ works, crowd-sourced from around the UK following a public appeal in 2018 to work out where they’d got to. This reintroduction of the explosive and creative pots and plates he made back in the ’80s shines an intriguing light on his use of the pottery medium to address radical issues.

Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm; £12.50; The Holburne; www.holburne.org

Until 26 May

TOULOUSE-LAUTREC AND THE MASTERS OF MONTMARTRE The team at the VAG are bringing bohemian Paris to life through over 80 works by Toulouse-Lautrec, Mucha, Steinlen and many others from the so-influential Parisian ‘street art’ era.

Mon-Sun, 10.30am-5pm; £6; Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

24 March – 5 April

SPRING POP UP GALLERY Jessica Lloyd-Smith has curated a new selection of pieces for Modern ArtBuyer’s latest pop up exhibition. There’ll be a good selection of limited edition prints, original paintings and works on paper in a mix of price ranges. Works from sought-after printmakers Maria Rivans, Bonnie and Clyde, Victoria Topping and Paul Minott will be on show alongside paintings by Caroline Hall, Mark Jassett and Paul Bennett, amongst others.

Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm; Milsom Place; www.milsomplace.co.uk

WHAT’S ON Until 21 June

ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Come celebrate the winner of Architectural Photographer of the Year with an exhibit that shines a spotlight on Bath’s most talented and inventive snappers.

You’ll see prints by the winners in all three categories: Architecture as Entertainment, Bath After the Georgians, and Junior Architectural Photographer of the Year.

Mon-Fri, 1-5pm; Sat and Sun, 10am5pm; price included in admission (£6.90); www.museumofbatharchitecture.org.uk

Until 21 June

NIGHT AND DAY Night and Day: 1930s Fashion & Photographs, organised by the Fashion and Textiles Museum in London, is on display now at the American Museum. Revel in these glamorous post-flapper styles that’ll make you feel like you’re in the smoky nightclubs of yore.

Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm; price included in admission (£13); www.americanmuseum.org

4–25 April

REVERIE AND RAPTURE This collection of recent works

by Richard Cartwright features a selection of the artist’s oils and pastels. Expect wide open spaces with minimal evidence of human life that can’t help but inspire a level of self-reflection in the beholder.

Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5.30pm; Adam Gallery; www.adamgallery.com

10 April – 6 June

SLOW PAINTING Martin Herbert has curated an exhibition of paintings that celebrate the act itself. You know, sitting down and casually painting for a few hours – distraction-free – or enjoying art in the same relaxed way. The entire collection is an ode to living slowly.

Tues-Sat, 11am-5pm; The Andrew Brownsword Gallery, The Edge; www.edgearts.org

PLAYS/SHOWS 30 March – 4 April

top:

Now that’s a look: party like it’s 1929 at The American Museum Richard Cartwright’s atmospheric works can be seen at the Adam Gallery bottom: We bet you didn’t know cricket and drama would go so well together...

Testmatch at the Ustinov proves otherwise middle:

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY This West End hit – it’s been going since 1989, incrediby – has to be one of the most successful rock and roll musicals out there. Packed with hits like That’ll Be The Day, Oh Boy,

Raining in My Heart and Shout, you’ll be dancing in your seat for sure.

Various times and prices; Theatre Royal; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

2 April

THE VIVIENNE AND BAGA CHIPZ SHOW RuPaul’s Drag Race victor The Vivienne, and audience favourite Baga Chipz, are bringing their all singing, all dancing 90 minute show to the city. Oh, and it’ll also include impressions (Trump inevitably makes an appearance) and comedy too. What a treat.

7.30pm; £20; Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk

2 April – 9 May

TESTMATCH The UK premiere of a piece about gender and the legacy of colonialism by the US playwright everyone’s talking about, Kate Attwell.

At a 2020 Women’s Cricket World Cup game, there’s a rain delay and, stuck together in the changing rooms, tensions mount between the England and India teams.

‘Meanwhile’, in Calcutta in 1800, two British administrators run into trouble on the field that could topple the entire Raj regime.

Mon-Sat 7.45pm, matinee Thurs and Sat 2.30pm; various prices; Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

7–11 April

THE TEMPEST In Shakespeare’s final play we meet a stranger and his daughter, living alone on a remote island. There are rumours about the stranger; some say he is a famous artist, others say he’s into dark magic. One day, the stranger, Prospero, spots one of his oldest enemies sailing past the island and decides that the time has come to take his revenge…

Tues-Sat 7.30pm, matinees Wed and Sat 2.30pm; various prices; Theatre Royal; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

9 April

SIMON MUNNERY: ALAN PARKER URBAN WARRIOR FAREWELL TOUR Comedian Simon Munnery is reprising his character Alan Parker, the bedsit anarchist who took the comedy world by storm back in the ’90s. Known for TV film London Shouting, made with Graham Linehan and other big names, as well as Alan’s regular NME column, we’re glad to see him back out on the road.

8pm; £14; Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON 9 April

MITCH BENN & THE DISTRACTIONS A musical comedy showcase of the highest order, Mitch is joined by Kirsty Newton and Ivan Sheppard along with a stellar line up of hilarious musical comedians. Head down for a laugh – and a boogie.

Doors 8.30pm, show starts 9pm; £17; Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk

14–18 April

JANE EYRE This brand-new adaptation by Blackeyed Theatre presents an intimate imagining of the tale of the governess, the brooding bachelor and the mad wife in the attic.

Tues-Sat 7.30pm, Wed and Sat 2.30pm; various prices; Theatre Royal; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

16 April

I’M SORRY I’LL READ THAT AGAIN OFFSTAGE Theatre Group recreates this classic cult comedy from BBC radio of the 1960s and ’70s. Packed with the original gags

by Graham Garden, Bill Oddie et al, this is a joyful celebration of a radio show that ushered in the likes of The Goodies, Monty Python’s Flying Circus and direct spin-off I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.

Doors 8.30pm, show starts 9pm; £12.50; Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk

17–18 April

CAPTAIN BREADBEARD’S BREADY BRILLIANT COMEDY COOKBOOK He’s a captain with a beard made of bread. What more can we say?

This absurd show is packed full of the daily trials and tribulations encountered by a man with floury face fuzz.

Fri 7.30pm, Sat 2pm and 7.30pm; The Mission Theatre; £12 (£10 concs); www.missiontheatre.co.uk

MUSIC 2 April

HANNAH WHITE & THE NORDIC CONNECTIONS With a sound at once current and filled with ’70s-style Americana vibes, Hannah White’s folksy work is political and reflective of her humanitarian work. Her sound is one that makes you stop and take notice.

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

Doors 7.30pm; show starts 8pm; £12; Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

5 April

TRUE STRAYS Counting Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Alabama Shakes among their influences, True Stays craft good old American rock concerned with perennial UK issues: zero hour contracts, the travails of the NHS, the mental health epidemic and climate chaos.

1pm; The Bell Inn; www.thebellinnbath.co.uk

8 April

BETHLEHEM CASUALS The psychedelic jazz-pop septet are touring their brand-new madcap concept record, The Tragedy of Street Dog, about a canine protagonist (‘Street Dog’) embarking on a quest to rediscover the lost music of Manchester.

Doors 8.30pm; The Bell Inn; www.thebellinnbath.co.uk

16 April

WHITNEY: QUEEN OF THE NIGHT Celebrate the life and songs of one of the greatest singers of our time. This outstanding tribute has just come off a highly acclaimed West End run with Elesha Paul Moses in the title role.

Doors 7pm, show starts 7.30pm; £26; The Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

FAMILY 2–19 April

BATH EASTER FUN FAIR Rides, games and snacks for the kids – and a chance to reclaim your childhood if you happen to be towards the older end of the age spectrum. All the rides are only £1 – make sure you bring plenty of change!

Mon-Sun, 1-9pm; Royal Victoria Park; @easterintheparkbath on Facebook

4–5 April

BONHOMME Bonhomme is made out of mud and powered by thoughts: like, what makes a good person?

Immersive and participatory, this philosophical piece by What’s Coming Out of the Box blends story-telling, object theatre and live music.

11.30am and 3pm; various prices; the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

above: If you're still not over Mr Rochester, then look out for this production of Jane Eyre at the Theatre Royal left: Hannah White & The Nordic Connections are on at Chapel Arts below: The less-thanfearsome Captain Breadbeard

WHAT’S ON 10–13 April

CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Pick up your map at the entrance and then follow the twisting trail around the sweeping landscape of Prior Park. Seek out the signs of spring and learn all about the dam project to complete your garden picture. At the end, pick up the reward of a Cadbury Easter treat.

10am-3.30pm; included in admission (adult £7.50, child £3.75); Prior Park; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

11 April

JARRED CHRISTMAS & HOBBIT: THE MIGHTY KIDS BEATBOX COMEDY SHOW Basically all you ever wanted was for the worlds of comedy and beat boxing to combine, right? Jarred and Hobbit have got you covered. Watch the CBBC star and world champion beat boxer making mind-blowing but, more importantly, funny music.

2pm; £8; Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

13 April

THE BRADFORD ON AVON DUCK RACE Over 1,000 rubber ducks will dive off the Town Bridge in BoA for this annual Easter event. Sponsored

by Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath, the day out comes with a fun array of Victorian-style entertainment (can include orange juggling and spinning Christmas puddings) and a circus workshop.

11am; Westbury Garden, Bradford on Avon; www.bradfordonavon.co.uk

OTHER

30 March – 19 April

BATH COMEDY FESTIVAL We could all use a bit of a boost at this point in the year, something to make us feel a bit better despite the never-ceasing rain. Fortunately, Bath Comedy Festival has arrived just in the nick of time. A mix of big names, names the comedy lovers will know, and the odd total newbie, the one thing they all have in common is being capital ‘F’ funny.

Various prices, times and locations; www.bathcomedy.com

1 April

JOHN COOPER CLARKE The ‘people’s poet’, who shot to fame back in the ’70s as one of the most prolific voices of the punk years. His legendary style was put to music by producer Martin Hannett and Mancunian superstars like Pete

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

Shelley from the Buzzcocks, and he featured as a special guest at shows by the Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks and The Clash. Basically, he’s really cool, and he’s in Frome performing from his latest poetry collection, The Luckiest Guy Alive.

7.30pm; various prices; Cheese & Grain, Frome; www.cheeseandgrain.com

2 April

CHANGE THE NARRATIVE, CHANGE THE WORLD? Professor Helen Haste, a psychology academic, is coming to Bath to give a talk about our stories of the future – and why they are usually wrong.

According to Helen, though we all tend to see the future through the lens of the past, if we want to see real change we will need a more ambitious vision.

7.30pm; £5; BRLSI; www.brlsi.org

2 April

IN CONVERSATION WITH SAMANTHA CAMERON Samantha Cameron, creative director and founder of women’s fashion brand Cefinn, will be on hand to shed a light on the philosophy of her Spring/Summer 20 collection. After the talk, guests can have a browse and enjoy 20 per cent off her items.

Doors 9.30am, talk starts 10am; Kilver Court Designer Village, Shepton Mallet; www.kilvercourt.com

9 April

EASTER EGGTRAVAGANZA RACEDAY No fewer than seven live horse races and a whole programme of Easter fun for the kids. What more could you want? Face painting, an Easter egg hunt and a children’s running race should be plenty to keep the little ones occupied while you focus on what's important: the horses, and the money they might make you.

12pm; various prices; Bath Racecourse; www.bath-racecourse.co.uk

16 April

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: A LIFE ON OUR PLANET & SATELLITE Q&A Now 93 years old, David Attenborough has been to every continent on the globe. In this new doc he reflects on some of the most prominent moments of his career.

Afterwards there’ll be a Q&A with Sir David and Sir Michael Palin broadcast live from the World Premiere at the Royal Albert Hall.

7.20pm; £14.20; The Little Theatre Cinema; www.picturehouses.com n

above:

Horse racing and Easter eggs? No wonder they look so happy left: David Attenborough will be beaming onto a screen near you soon below: Mitch Benn & The Distractions are bringing their musical comedy showcase to Komedia

SLOW LEARNERS We all know it: it’s good to slow down, take a deep breath, a moment to ourselves. Up at The Edge they’ve got an exhibition, Slow Painting, designed to help us do just that

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

ARTS

R Cool and white, the Andrew Brownsword Gallery is quite unlike most similar spaces in Bath

emember art galleries? Don’t worry, they’re still out there – albeit mostly not open right now, so always check the details before attempting to visit one – and still rampacked full of amazing art. One of our favourites, and quite different to any of the central Bath galleries, is The Edge arts centre up at the University of Bath, and in particular the Andrew Brownsword Gallery there: we’ve rarely found an exhibition at this place that’s less than intriguing. Particularly so, however, is the new one still due to run midApril into June. Called Slow Painting, it’s a Hayward Gallery touring exhibition designed to make us all sit back, rest a moment, contemplate life a little. In the current situation, this weird combination of the dull and the daunting, it’s easy to get yourself wound up by things. Pictures like these, well, they may just help us chill a little.

“Curated by the writer and critic Martin Herbert, Slow Painting features 19 artists whose works span a myriad of styles, from figuration to abstraction,” says The Edge’s Sophie Evans. “It offers a counterbalance to an increasingly accelerating world, where digital technology has changed the way we experience, consume and create.

Art – like everything else – has reacted to the digital world’s need for images that satisfy a shorter attention span, and that ‘pop’ on the screens of computers and smartphones. Slow Painting instead honours paintings that take their time, and invites us to do the same, presenting an exhibition in which to pause and contemplate. Some have taken long periods to gestate, and others speak of spans of time.”

While figurative paintings invite the viewer to dive deep into their details and narratives, more abstract works provoke a sense of curiosity and discovery. “This is an exhibition that inspires and rewards sustained contemplation,” Sophie says, “from Allison Katz’s paintings, where recognisable components collide as if deliberately holding back from full coherence, to Yelena Popova’s works, which take time for you to even see properly, cleverly using the light and movement of the viewer to reveal themselves.”

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马生拍卖

Ma San Auction in Bath

S P E C I A L I S I N G I N C H I N E S E A N D A S I A N WO R K S O F A R T A large Chinese Song Dynasty (960-1279) black glazed Martaban jar.

SOLD £875 Incl. premium

A Victorian full size upright ‘Penny slot’ Polyphon in walnut case.

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A rare Chinese Qing Dynasty Xienfeng period (1851-1861) cash coin with Yong chop mark.

A Chinese 18th century polished bronze SOLD £2500 censer with raised six-character mark of Incl. premium Xuande to base. SOLD £5040 Incl. premium

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A Chinese 17th century Kangxi period (16611722) Famille Verte dragon and phoenix jar.

SOLD £3250 Incl. premium

ARTS

“It reminds us how valuable it is to take time for ourselves” clockwise from top left: AKGraph (All Is On) by Allison Katz; Garfoni by Lubaina

Himid; and Balcony by Michael Armitage – amazing pieces all

The exhibition also includes a number of works by Turner Prize winner Lubaina Himid and the internationally-renowned Michael Armitage, both artists engaging with time and memory in distinct ways.

Himid’s vividly coloured works uncover buried histories of colonialism, particularly as it relates to British nautical history and the transatlantic slave trade, while Armitage presents dreamlike images on a traditional Ugandan bark cloth, that move between figuration and abstraction, speaking of the instability of memory.

“Our mission at The Edge is to bring together creativity and discovery,” Sophie says, “and to open minds to think in new ways. We believe in the power of creativity to enhance everyone’s lives; one of the ways we can measure this impact is through wellbeing – whether engaging in a creative process, practice or taking time to explore a gallery. That’s why we offer classes in yoga, dance and life drawing, as well as performances and an exhibition programme including tours, talks and special events. The gallery can provide an oasis of calm, to switch off from the everyday. Amidst our fast-paced world, showing Slow Painting feels pertinent. It reminds us how valuable it is to take time for ourselves.”

Slow Painting is a Hayward Gallery touring exhibition, being shown in two galleries across the city: the Andrew Brownsword Gallery at The Edge, University of Bath, and Bath School of Art and Design’s new Locksbrook Campus. It will run 10 April – 6 June; www.edgearts.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 71

FONTHILL garden centre A family run business that’s been growing since 1967.

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BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

Hard times

With many of us on at least semi-lockdown, Nic has dug out some feel good books for the decidedly non-feel good weeks ahead

“Some books are definitely going to be needed – and the right ones”

I

’ve written this column for thirteen years or so now, and never in weirder or more strained circumstances than this. It’s such an uncertain world out there that day-to-day life might look completely different in a few days’ time, when this article gets printed.

What seems more likely than not is that more people than usual will be spending time at home, out of concern for their own health or the wellbeing of others. So some books are definitely going to be needed – and the right ones; to provide distraction or solace.

At Mr B’s we’ve been making some lists on our website around a range of timely themes – on kindness, on recovery and, especially, on books that will make you smile and where not much really goes wrong. I thought I’d pluck three from these lists to highlight here that will work whether you’re isolating or just in need of a lift.

The Offing by Benjamin Myers (Bloomsbury, £8.99) begins in the days after the Second World War and features a young man, Robert, whose father is a coal miner in the North East of England and who is facing a final summer before he too begins his working life. He sets out on an epic walk into the stunning countryside near his home, striking out to the coast at Robin Hood’s Bay. Here his walk is paused as he connects with a much older and peculiar woman, Dulcie, who lives in a dilapidated seafront home.

It’s at this point that this already uplifting coming-of-age story – full of the joy and sanctuary of the natural landscape – takes an even bigger shot of positivity. The kindness underpinning the unexpected friendship between Dulcie and Robert is the perfect tonic when we’re operating in times that require real solidarity and kindness.

And whilst summer months spent eating, swimming and reading may seem a way off right now, there’s nothing wrong with indulging in reading lyrical fiction in which characters connect with one another and learn about themselves.

In a pithier list we put together some books that will make you smile even if life is not so sunny and simple for the characters involved.

It might say something about the reading tastes of the Mr B’s team, but the books on this slightly darker list were almost all ones

we’ve been perennially recommending since we opened. I have no doubt that in times past I’ve discussed The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint by Brady Udall (Vintage, £9.99) on this page, but it’s a now 18-year-old book that is still greatly under-read, even though almost everyone who has read it seems to adore it.

There’s something about the eponymous character, Edgar Mint, that makes readers cheer for him through every twist and turn of his troubled childhood. From the very first sentence of the book, which sees seven-year old Edgar have his head accidentally run over by a mailman, life just keeps on serving him up misfortune.

That initial accident took place as he was wandering near to his Apache mother’s shack; an accident she was too drunk to prevent. After somehow surviving the impact and the three-month coma that follows, the enduring and tragicomic Edgar ends up leading an episodic life including time in a brutal reform school and then a stint with a Mormon foster family, all the while pursuing just one aim – to track down that ill-fated mailman to reassure him that, in fact, Edgar Mint lived to fight another day.

Finally, Julia Samuel’s This Too Shall Pass (Penguin, £14.99) is a timely new book about recovery from the pen of a renowned psychotherapist. Weaving inspirational tales from her interviews with patients over the years, Samuel shines light on humankind’s ability to overcome the most difficult of life’s challenges. The use of real patient stories makes the optimism that ultimately results so much more authentic and valuable.

Along the way, of course, there are tears and tough tales as Samuel’s patients teeter on the brink of massive life decisions or unexpected obstacles, and just barely struggle to cope. But whether it’s disconcerting periods of change, health issues or relationship breakdowns, ultimately what comes across is the fact that those troubled times will pass and life can regain its equilibrium.

Pretty much essential reading for 2020, based on these first few months.

Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; 01225 331155; www.mrbsemporium.com

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There will be paths, and you will be able to visit your Co-forest, but probably not all of it – and certainly not all at the same time

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

FOREST GUMPTION

Co-forest, a project designed to create brand new woodland within 15 miles of Bath – and ultimately to be rolled out nationwide, with new forests popping up hither and thither – is the brainchild of David and Katrina Kelly of Storm Consultancy; what started out as a small initiative to do some good as a team, has now grown into a much larger proposition with real potential impact.

And the best thing about it?

Whatever your budget, you too can get involved…

Words by Matt Bielby www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 75

Family jewellery manufacturers Est 1979

THE BIG INTERVIEW

T

here are a hundred different ways – big and small – to tackle the climate crisis, but the one with perhaps the most potential is an extensive programme of tree planting. To this end, Storm Consultancy – the award-winning digital agency on Bath’s New Bond Street – has a plan: to plant a forest in the vicinity of the city. “At first it was just a cool little project to celebrate our ten year anniversary,” says Storm – and now Co-forest – founder David Kelly, “but when others heard about it they got excited too, and since then everything’s been progressing at quite a lick.”

David started Storm when he graduated from the University of Bath a little over a decade ago, while his wife Katrina runs a freelance marketing consultancy; together, they were two founders of Bath Digital Festival.

They’re also the parents of two children, and spend plenty of time outdoors as a family, gardening and bee-keeping and playing in the local woods.

“On Christmas Day we have a hot chocolate out there,” says Katrina. “It’s a family tradition.”

And it was the oldest of their children, the four year old, who was instrumental to the thinking behind Co-forest.

“She’s very black and white about things,” says Katrina.

“She’s pro-Greta, anti-plastic, and got us talking about what we could do to show that we take those concerns seriously too. With David also keen to celebrate the anniversary of Storm, we soon arrived at a simple idea: ‘let’s plant some trees.’ At least, we thought it would be simple…”

The problem – though a good one to have – was that everything started happening very quickly from here on in, with David telling clients what he was up to, and many saying great; so great, in fact, that we’d like to plant some trees too.

From that came the idea of a bigger project, with £150,000 currently pledged, spread – David says – “between about 25 individuals and entities, a good mix of the two.” That’s enough to get the initial Co-forest: Acorn up and running.

(And not least as a generous private donor has come forward to offer a match fund of up to £100,000.)

So, guys, how’s the first Co-forest looking right now?

David: We’re in a balancing act at the moment: on the

one hand, it would be great if hundreds more people got involved, so we could create an absolutely massive forest. But, at the same time, we want this to be a project that inspires people all over the country to do the same in their own local area, so we don’t want the first Co-forest to be so colossal, it puts people off. That’s one reason the initial funding period is

Katrina and David Kelly, not at the site of the first Co-forest but learning about planting at another project.

“We’re hoping to be able to avoid having to use plastic guards like these for our forest,” they say

“Ideally we’d like to extend the initial forest in time – and plant a second one”

only a couple of months. Hopefully that will result in a good forest, but an achievable one for others to emulate too.

Later, you’ll be able to expand your forest, of course?

David: Or start another one. It all depends on the first piece

of land we end up getting, but yes, if it offers the opportunity to expand then that’s a very good thing. Ideally, we’d like to extend the initial forest in time – and plant a second one too.

The question is, are there 300 companies and individuals in Bath and Bristol who are into this sort of thing – or 1,000?

Katrina: All this talk about forests doesn’t mean that planting trees in isolation doesn’t have value, of course, but they’re just not as good as lots of trees together. When you attach a new forest to an old forest, you’re extending an existing habitat.

These are managed forests, right? You’re not just buying some land and letting nature take its course?

Katrina: No, we’ll be actively planting and managing our

forests, following guidelines from The Woodland Trust.

So we’ll only be introducing native woodland species, and the same goes for any scrub or animal species we might introduce too – though those sorts of details have yet to be worked out, if I’m honest. Ultimately, what we’re aiming for is healthy, native English woodland.

Britain was once all forest, of course.

Katrina: Most of it, yes, and ancient woodlands will

generally look after and replant themselves. Part of the problem is that huge amounts has been lost, to the point where we now have to actively manage it, since the trees

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THE BIG INTERVIEW simply aren’t there in sufficient numbers to reseed the land. These days, if you leave an area alone it will become grassland, perhaps with a few trees dotted about. You wouldn’t get the dense woodland we’re trying to plant.

David: The Woodland Trust has done this many times before, and we’re heavily relying on them for their knowledge. With their help, we can create a successful model for how to do it which we can then pass on to others.

What trees are we talking about? Oak, ash, beech…?

David: All of the above, and more. For commercial reasons,

much of the forest planted in Britain in recent years has been quick growing pine, which brings with it very acidic pine needles. It makes this a very difficult habitat for any British species – flora or fauna – to thrive in. If you look at a pine forest, you’ll see very few shrubs and bushes at ground level, as the soil’s so acidic and it’s so dark under there.

This must all be a steep learning curve for you guys…

David: Yes, but we’re used to that. As a digital agency, we

get involved in all sorts of business sectors, and we’ve found that you can learn five per cent of everything there is to know about any of them very quickly – which isn’t much, but it still puts you in the top 95 per cent of people who know anything.

Katrina: Right now we probably know five per cent of what we want to know, but that still makes us semi-experts. Plus, thanks to The Woodland Trust and EcoWild – who offer woodland based activities, from wildlife exploration to shelter making – we have proper experts on hand.

You’re currently looking at three sites, we believe?

David: You want the right type of land that’s not currently

used for crops, ideally affordable and accessible and of the correct size. Proximity to current woodland habitats is important too. Since we have aspirations for our first forest be a showcase for the concept, it would be nice to have a small eco structure that community groups and schools can use.

Katrina: We’re looking at three possible sites to see which gives the best balance, but we’re also in the early stages of assessing a few others. We hope to have a decision by June.

This isn’t the only carbon offsetting scheme out there.

Katrina: No, but there are issues with many of them

revolving around trust. Essentially, when you send money to support a carbon offsetting project in another country, do you know how much of your money will actually get spent on trees? And beyond that, how do you know what happens to those trees after 10 years? One of the drivers for us is that we wanted to do a local project – that way we can keep an eye on it as it grows, and so can anyone else involved.

David: Many existing planting schemes are single species too, and seem to care less about the wider environmental and ecological factors. Clearly this isn’t all other schemes – but there are a lot of question marks over the ones we looked at.

So, how much harm are we actually doing – you and me, each of us – with the way we’re living today?

David: When we think of ‘harm’, most people jump

to carbon offsetting – and in that respect, according to carboncalculator.co.uk, a family of three could easily produce 15 tonnes of CO2 in a year. Technically, if you planted 15 trees per year, you’d be offsetting that – but that’s not the whole story. Not all of those trees would survive, for one thing, and they’d capture all that carbon over their entire lifetimes – say 100 years – not right away, so by merely planting year-to-year you’re essentially using the carbon now, and paying it back over 100 years. That’s not great, and

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Chaps like this won’t be actively introduced to the Co-forest, but it’ll make a nice home for him

MORE TREES PLEASE How much additional woodland is needed to help the UK reach its zero carbon target by 2050?

1.5 million hectares (roughly: Yorkshire) How do trees make a difference?

They cool the planet by absorbing harmful greenhouse gases and releasing clean oxygen back into the atmosphere.

How does Co-forest work?

You can adopt up to an acre of land, naming your forest plot and even helping plant it, and you can get involved from just £50. Between us all, however, £200,000 will be needed to create one of the largest planting initiatives in the Bath and Bristol area; £500,000 will add a small number of structures for community use too; and £1m+ will enable Co-forest to buy a modest farm, convert it to forest and build substantial structures.

What’s the timescale?

Summer 2020: The first plot of land will be bought.

Autumn 2020: Land prep and fencing begin.

Winter 2020: Planting begins.

ultimately it all boils down to one simple fact: the more trees you can plant now, the better. If you could manage 1,200 today, you wouldn’t ‘need’ to plant any more in your lifetime.

Katrina: The other part of the equation, of course, is that a reduction in carbon created in the first place is far better than offsetting could ever be. If you halve your consumption, you can plant fewer trees – which is why it’s also about having more energy efficient homes and all the rest.

What do you know now that you didn’t at the outset?

David: I didn’t realise how hard it was for small businesses

to get involved in planting woodland! Hence this project.

Katrina: I hadn’t previously considered all the issues that putting the wrong trees in the wrong place can cause. If you plant them in a bog, for example, they can dry it out, and you lose a fantastic natural habitat. It’s been a real learning curve.

How much will people be able to get involved?

David: That’s another balancing act. On the one hand, we

want people to get engaged with their forest, coming down to plant it and being able to watch it grow. At the same time, we can’t leave them open to the public entirely, especially when they’re young and growing. It’s more likely – and this is a work in progress – that some areas of the forest will be open but others won’t, or that for a couple of months a year organisations will be invited to come down, use the picnic tables, and soak up the impact. But it won’t be the sort of place you can come down and just walk the dog around.

Right – we’re sold, and want to get involved.

Katrina: Then check out the website. It only just went live

– and already we’ve had a number of new people approach us and pledge money, many of them just taking little slices.

And, having read this, we really hope more will want to get involved too.To do so, head on over to coforest.co.uk/pledge

Alright, one final question: what’s your favourite tree?

David: I’ll go with a giant sequoia. They’re obviously not

native to the UK, but their sheer size is always mind boggling.

Katrina: Mine’s always been the oak. I love the shape of the leaves, the acorns, the size, everything. In fact, I love it to the extent that, when we had our son last year, we chose him a name with the initials OAK. n For more: www.carboncalculator.co.uk, coforest.co.uk/pledge

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SPRING WEDDINGS

WE ARE ALL FOOLS IN LOVE And no matter how trying the times, some of us are still on course to get married. So if you’re getting hitched in 2020 – or even if you’re now thinking of putting it back to 2021 – we’ve everything you need to know…

By Wendy Lyne Photos by Alexander J Collins www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 81

ARCHITECTS SPRING WEDDINGS

I

t’s a funny time to be planning a wedding. Just a few months back we were eager to embrace 2020 – there’s something magical about the date, right? So cool for a wedding – but now the picture is rather different.

Churches are shutting, flights are cancelling, many ceremonies are being postponed. It’s hard to see a bright side, except perhaps for this: you’ve got a little more time to decide just what you want, and really get it right.

Over the years, we’ve asked plenty of newlyweds – dozens and dozens of them, many for the late, occasionally lamented Vow Magazine – to think back on what they wanted most for their big day, and one response would come back again and again. “The thing is,” they’d say, “we never wanted it to feel like a wedding.”

Well, fine, we’d think. That sounds exciting. And then we’d see the pictures: all sweeping lawns and honey stone mansions, white gowns and bright waistcoats, a Storm Dennis of flower crowns and macaron towers, and think, hmmm. Yes. It looks lovely – but it’s not really that different from every other wedding, is it?

Not that ‘different’ is an impossible ask, of course, and even a few little twists are often enough to bring things to glorious, distinctive life. Here are a few ways to achieve it, each of which feels particularly 2020 – or indeed, if it turns out that way, 2021…

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TREND 1: Make your guests a real part of the ceremony Last year we had more dogs (and cats!) (and alpacas!) take part in their parents’ wedding celebrations than ever; more often (and usually more usefully) we also saw guests really become part of the wedding – from taking on more active roles in the ceremony to being entertained through specifically set-up interactive opportunities. Basically, the more people are involved, the more fun they’ll have.

TREND 2: Take advantage of package deals Right now, there are some amazing wedding packages about. At The Centurion, for instance – the Best Western nine miles outside Bath, on the edge of Midsomer Norton – they offer two ‘Glass Slipper’ options, which include the venue, meal, drinks, photographer, flowers, the car, the DJ – even the bride’s dress! – for one easy-to-get-your-head-around price. “At the same time though, the bride and groom can compose their own ceremony, choose their own readings, and customise the menu,” says general manager Mark Manley.

TREND 3: Rethink family-style dinner service Yes, it’s a nice idea, but it can disrupt the tablescape design, make a mess, and be awkward with guests reaching over each other, serving themselves and passing things around. Might we be all about to embrace a new formality? Dinners with just one or two courses, served seated, are starting to look super-modern, so perhaps so…

TREND 4: Embrace fake flowers Yes, really: one of the biggest trends this year is the non-traditional flower, not fresh but dried – and sometimes even painted or bleached.

These work on their own or mixed with fresh ones, always adding interest and texture. As part of the new way of thinking about flowers, baby’s-breath is having moment again, but palm and pampas grass, while still pretty, are starting to look a little old.

TREND 5: Smaller, more intimate weddings Just because you’ve scaled down the guest list and the venue size, it doesn’t mean you still can’t have all the super-lush ‘wow’ moments of a grander event. Micro-weddings are larger than a traditional elopement, but don’t involve everyone you’ve known since kindergarten, and their intimacy is its own special kind of fun. Due to their bijoux size – 40 people or fewer – plenty of unique destinations and venues now become options too. (Even better, your budget might stretch to spending a little more per head too!)

“The Holburne is the perfect venue for smaller celebrations,” says Katie Jenkins there. “Couples come to us because they are looking for something a little different, and – by being drawn to an art museum – tend to think more creatively about their celebration, perhaps inspired by the galleries and the beautiful setting of The Holburne and its grounds. Couples who have had the most fun tend to have gone with their gut instincts about what they enjoy, then have extended this to their wedding day.”

TREND 6: Playful bridal gowns More than ever, the hippest brides are looking to wear something a bit more playful and unexpected, letting their personalities come through while setting the tone for the day. Think beyond white – yes, colour, of which more anon – but also think beyond the dress itself, to jumpsuits, separates, perhaps a dramatic cape. High-necked Victoriana is another good one – but think more sexy and modern than ‘first streetwalker in Jack the Ripper’, with ruffled necklines, long sheer sleeves, and periodinspired layers and lace.

SPRING WEDDINGS TREND 7: And mismatched bridesmaids too Because why wouldn’t you want to let your closest friends dress in what they feel comfortable in? Different colours and textures – as long as there’s some linking theme – makes for great photos too. Or dress them all the same, but in trouser suits or DJs, accessorised any which way.

What could be more chic than that?

TREND 8: Take inspiration from art Pick the right piece, and it will give you colour, texture, concepts and mood which you can take from the ceremony to the reception decor; even to the bride’s dress. Start from a favourite single artwork, or from an artist’s entire style and subject matter – what about the wild Paris nightlife of the Toulouse-Lautrec show at the VAG, for instance?

Alternatively, look to other associated creative endeavours, like the work of a favourite film director or fashion designer.

TREND 9: Go bespoke – with everything!

There’s a lot to be said for a wedding package, sure, but if budgets and interest levels stretch to it, there’s real fun and joy to going bespoke.

“Brides and grooms approach us because, in addition our beautiful country hotel and 14 acres of gardens, we offer a flexible and individual wedding service, so the day is just how they want it to be,” says Caroline Mackay of Woolley Grange, the Jacobean manor hotel in Bradford on Avon. “There are no ‘package’ weddings here. We sit down with couples to fully understand their needs and then tailor the day to their requirements (and if they want ideas, we have years of experience). No gimmicks, no premium prices, just a flexible service to ensure that their special day really is special.”

TREND 10: Embrace the rustic Remember how we said formality might be making a comeback? Well, we’re nothing if not fickle, and the rustic look is still hot to trot. “The start of 2019 was all about the rainbow colour pallet, with multi-colour chair sashes and flower table centres,” says Mark at The Centurion, “but this was all replaced at the end of the year by a more rustic look. That will continue during 2020, with vintage items making an appearance too.”

“Why wouldn’t you want your closest friends to dress in what they feel comfortable in?” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 85

SPRING WEDDINGS

TREND 11: Barn weddings are still cool too “We specialise in dressing temporary structures or barn spaces, where there’s some height for chandeliers or draping,” says Simon Gerrard of Crescent Moon, the top-notch wedding and event stylists. “We love a warm, elegant, theatrical atmosphere, which has led us to create ever more wondrous chandelier designs – some of them up to 3.5m tall; they’ve been seen on The X Factor and The Greatest Dancer.”

TREND 12: Go green This is perhaps the biggest trend of them all, and overlaps with so many others on this list. Eco-friendly and sustainable weddings continue to grow in popularity, from small touches – eco-friendly stationers offering recycled and biodegradable paper, say – to caterers buying local produce from organic farms, and florists using flowers that are locally grown and in season. And afterwards? The floral centrepieces get donated to hospitals and nursing homes – or florists work with entire plants rather than cut flowers, so they can be passed on to guests or sent back to the nurseries afterward. (“Carefully chosen wedding suits can be reused, and wedding dresses converted into a ball gown or an evening dress,” says Ben Burhan Aydin of City Tailors.) Even unexpected parts of the wedding can go green. “We’re already on board working with sustainable metals,” says Nicholas Wylde, “and 70 per cent of our work already uses recycled metals. We also encourage requests for Fairtrade gold!”

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BY MARCIA WOOD Artisan florist and interior botanics 6 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath BA1 6AD

@floresn6 www.floresbymwood.com

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SPRING WEDDINGS

TREND 13: Ditch the fireworks Yes, we love the oohs and aahs, but it’s hard not to see them as bad for the environment, overdone, and not very surprising anymore.

(Frightening local wildlife is not a good look, either.)

TREND 14: Hanging gardens Greenery is having a real moment, not just in florals but in draping, ceiling treatments, and furniture too. “The hanging garden theme that started a couple of years ago is still very strong,” says Simon of Crescent Moon, “with many florists incorporating hanging greenery to create a Victorian orangery feel. We are started to see ornate draping re-appear for weddings last year too, and events heavily draped in deep red or green velvet.”

TREND 15: Getting your budget nailed down early on Ensuring you have a healthy budget for whatever elements matter most to you, and don’t blow too much cash on things that don’t, has never seemed more important – or wise. It’s like a house-renovation project – super-stressful if you wing it, and you’re asking for trouble if you don’t allow a buffer. (After all, in one area – at least – you’re bound to go crashing through your original budget.) Basically: get your limits and priorities nailed down at the start.

TREND 16: Get the guests involved So have a loved one officiate at the ceremony – the whole thing suddenly seems much less awkward and disconnected than if it’s some registrar or vicar (or priest or rabbi or whathaveyou) you barely know.

Having someone you both love do it brings so much more heart and sincerity to the ceremony.

TREND 17: Keep the speeches few and short It’s not the blooming BAFTAs. TREND 18: Think big “And be bold too,” says Simon of Crescent Moon, “because that’s the beauty of an event space. Think of your wedding as like a one-nightonly production, a theatre show that allows you to create a fantasy environment. Get creative, and go for instant wow factor – it needn’t be too expensive.”

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SPRING WEDDINGS

“Turn the tables, surprise people, stop the day feeling seen-it, done-it”

Nicholas Wylde rings in this image by Venetia Norrington

TREND 19: Have the happy hour before the ceremony What? Are you crazy? Everyone will be drunk! But maybe that’s the point. Or maybe this is just one possible way to embrace creative timelines that turn the tables, surprise people, stop the day feeling seen-it, done-it. You can add this surprise factor in other ways too, like interactive cocktail-making or unexpected tasting stations. What about one specialising in cheese, or popcorn, or seafood (oysters!), or artisan olive oil (and bread), say?

TREND 20: Swings C’mon, why not? We’ve seen them in art galleries and museums before, and in fancy hotel grounds, so why not your wedding? Everyone loves them, they’re great for photos, and they’re not too hard to install in venues with the appropriate rigging and space.

TREND 21: LGBTQ+ weddings No, of course they’re not new, but some are seeing them become an increasingly important part of their businesses. “We’ve seen a wonderful increase in the LGBTQ+ community feeling more comfortable visiting a boutique jeweller for engagement and wedding rings together, rather than feeling they have to buy online,” says Nicholas Wylde of Wylde Jewellers, the leading Bath jewellery designers. “We’ve loved welcoming more of the community into our stores, and designing bespoke pieces to suit their journeys.”

TREND 22: Go big on colour And the stronger you go, the more refreshing it is: a colourful palette with the richest tones is the bride’s best weapon in terms of getting away from all-white weddings that feel oh-so-bridal. Blue is a particularly easy one to introduce – Pantone Colour of the Year, don’tcha-know – and is unlikely to become overwhelming. If you want to only half embrace this trend, pops of colour in the fashion, the flowers, the linen, the backdrops – and even the food – are really effective too.

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

IN PURSUIT OF PERFECTION

Somehow managing to make the Royal Crescent Hotel look even more romantic than normal for our photoshoot this issue were…

Styling and planning: Lily & Sage www.lilyandsage.co.uk Location: The Royal Cresent Hotel & Spa, Bath www.royalcrescent.co.uk Bridal lingerie: Nancy of Lily & Sage www.lilyandsage.co.uk Flowers: The Rose Shed www.theroseshed.co.uk Hair and makeup: Lips & Locks www.lipsandlocks.co.uk Bride: Tyla Paton @tyla_patonxox Groom: Benjamin Wells @benjemanwellss Table linens and napkins: Table To Dine For www.tabletodinefor.com

Stationery: Victoria Krav www.victoriakrav.com Cake: Edible Essence www.edibleessencecakeart.com Ribbons: Lancaster & Cornish www.lancasterandcornish.com Dress: Lee Petra Grebenau at Morgan Davies Bridal www.morgandaviesbridal.co.uk www.leegrebenau.com Groom’s outfit: Mason & Sons www.masonandsons.com Ring box: La Petit Box www.lapetitbox.co.uk Rings: Grey-Harris & Co www.grey-harris.co.uk Photographer: Alexander J Collins alexanderjcollins. mypixieset.com

SPRING WEDDINGS

Woolley Grange: one of Bath and around’s many amazing country house wedding venues

TREND 23: Go bespoke “We’re one of few places in UK still making bespoke suits using traditional English tailoring methods, with most either retired or right at retirement age,” says Ben of City Tailors. “Having a large team of tailors and dressmakers, we are able to take on any type of work from simple alterations to re-designing a garment, re-sizing a dress, or a bespoke commission. A few years ago we resized a vintage dress from Vintage to Vogue from size 6 to size 16 to be worn at the Oscars, and we also specialise in vintage clothing restoration, which not many do.”

TREND 24: Be unique “We assist clients in realising wedding dreams they didn’t even know they had,” says Nicholas Wylde. “We love customising and creating a pair of wedding bands unique to them, whether that be in personalising something from our in-store collections or designing something truly personal from scratch. We’ve seen clients forgo the traditional date engraving and instead have something they say to each other every day, or we’ve set the couple’s birthstones inside each other’s rings – ‘you’ are the only ‘you’ on the planet, after all, making the true ‘you’ a fantastic source for unique ideas.”

TREND 25: Get off Instagram!

Yes, it’s great inspiration – but consider limiting how much you look at it. Those weddings have all already happened, after all, and there’s no way yours will feel unique if you’re constantly comparing your wedding ideas to ones that already exist.

TREND 26: Close your eyes and dream Just shut them and try to visualise the way you want your guests to feel when they enter and leave your wedding. What’s happening? What do you see? This simple exercise can help you shape a vision that may become your planning framework for the entire event – and it can show you what you don’t want to happen too. n

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“Just shut your eyes and try to visualise the way you want your guests to feel when they enter and leave your wedding. What’s happening? What do you see?”

THEY GOT THE LOVE

Just a few cool Bath wedding contacts Bath Flower School www.thebathflowerschool. com The Centurion www.centurionhotel.co.uk City Tailors www.citytaylors.co.uk

Heart Full of Tea www.heartfulloftea.com The Holburne www.holburne.org Jim Johnson www.photosbyjim.co.uk

Crescent Moon www.crescent-moon.co.uk

Woolley Grange www.woolleygrangehotel. co.uk

Flores www.floresbymwood.com

Wylde Jewellers www.nicholaswylde.com

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FOOD & DRINK S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S F O O D S C E N E

SOUPERSTARS The team at The Green Bird Café on Margaret’s Buildings just handed over a £1,000 cheque to the Bath Foodbank. They’ve been raising money for the last year through their Souperstar campaign, which sees the café give a percentage of the profit from every soup sold to a local charity.

“Over Christmas 2018 we watched the incredibly moving Ken Loach film I, Daniel Blake, which involves a particularly hard to watch scene in a food bank. That was when we decided to donate a whole year’s worth of Souperstar money to the Bath Foodbank,” Green Bird’s Claire Hunton explains. “On Valentine’s Day this year we visited the Bath Foodbank to see how it operates and to hand over the cheque. We had a very informative visit and explanation of the service from their food manager, Grainne Moher.

She was pretty moved when we presented her with the cheque.”

For more: www.greenbirdcafe.co.uk Claire and Henry Hunton of Green Bird Cafe met Grainne Moher, manager of Bath Foodbank, to hand over the cheque

The Mint Room: enjoying life at the top

NUMBER ONE SPOT The Mint Room has been named the number 1 Indian Restaurant in the UK by The Sunday Times. This is yet another accolade for everybody’s favourite spot on Lower Bristol Road, and the team are ‘humbled’ by this latest praise.

They’re known for their food, obviously, but the restaurant also looms large in the community; Bath College students start their hospitality careers there, and the space regularly plays host to charity events like the recent Hope and Homes for Children 25th anniversary event.

For more: www.mintroom.co.uk

STAR OF THE SMALL SCREEN Niall Keating, executive chef at Whatley Manor, is set to appear on the next series of The Great British Menu on BBC2.

This series’ theme is Britain’s Success in Children’s Literature, so each chef will be creating imaginative dishes related to their favourite childhood reads.

Niall has been with Whatley Manor since 2017, where he’s achieved two Michelin stars for his contemporary Asianinspired cuisine.

The show started on 18 March – so catch up now.

For more: www.whatleymanor.com

Niall Keating, Sally Abé, Alex Claridge and Dom Robinson will all appear on the show

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TRY FIVE

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There’s something uniquely comforting about a farm shop. On these rainy spring days, there’s nothing better than pulling up and making the run from the car to the café for a hearty, locally-sourced lunch, followed by a solid hour’s mooching

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FARLEIGH ROAD FARM SHOP Based in Norton St Philip, Farleigh Road runs a great monthly supper club you’ll want to check out. They are three course themed affairs with international influences, Moroccan, Balinese, Brazilian; from their picturesque spot in Somerset, they’re making their way around the globe.

There’s a great local butchery at Farleigh, too – they can tell you exactly where the lamb, pork and beef they sell came from, and none of it’s from much further than 10 miles away. www.farleighroadfarmshop.co.uk

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NESTON PARK FARM SHOP At Neston on Bath Road, the Kitchen is where it all comes together. It’s owned by the same family behind Hartley Farm, so you’ve got five generations worth of farmers behind the tasty combinations on the menu. They serve their own meat where possible (and very locally sourced stuff where not), they bake the sourdough themselves, and, when it’s in season, the salads at Neston come from its big brother, Hartley, too. www.nestonfarmshop.co.uk

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NEWTON FARM FOODS Three generations of the Gay family have farmed at Newton St Loe, and now, together they also run the shop and café out of a pretty 18th century barn in the village centre.

Newton Farm has won all kinds of awards for their produce over the years, and earned a good name among local foodies as a result.

A dairy packed with world class local cheese, a popular deli, pantry, drinks cabinet and beautiful fresh fruit and veg section, make Newton a truly joyful shopping experience. www.newtonfarmfoods.co.uk

FARRINGTON’S FARM SHOP Known for Gert the giant cow – she’s bursting out of the wall as you enter Farrington’s, and has been since the shop opened in 1991 – this Farrington Gurneybased spot is an absolute gem. An organic vegetable farm since 2006, they’ve got a beautifully seasonal range of home grown produce available to keen customers, as well as the café, deli and chip shop to satiate hungry shoppers. www.farringtons.co.uk

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STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM

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PRIOR PARK FARM SHOP Only a short walk away from the city centre on Prior Park Road, this farm shop has the added bonus of being located within Prior Park Garden Centre. We love their selection of tasty ready meals from local producers like Cavendish Cooks of Bath, Cotswold Traiteur and Lodge Farm Kitchen.

These aren’t like anything you’ll find in the freezer aisle in Sainsbury’s – full of real, quality ingredients, it’s dinner with twice the style and half the effort. ■ www.priorparkfarmshop.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

SPRING PUB GUIDE As the world outside grows increasingly strange, there’s nothing we want more than to retreat to the most familiar of surrounds: the pub* * Information correct at time of printing

THE PACKHORSE

Old School Hill, South Stoke, Bath, BA2 7DU 01225 830300; www.packhorsebath.co.uk

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.

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The 17th century Packhorse is situated in the beautiful village of South Stoke just 10 minutes from Bath city centre. The Packhorse is owned by the community following an incredible “buy back” campaign and has been refurbished with all its original character intact. The delicious seasonal menu, created by the talented team of chefs, is made up of great British classics with a more modern twist. Children and dogs are warmly welcomed and there are free walking guides at the bar. The fully landscaped garden has stunning views over the countryside, a perfect place to enjoy the real ales, local cider and affordable wines. James and The Packhorse team pride themselves on friendly service and look forward to welcoming you for lunch, dinner and special occasions.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

THE RAVEN

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

THE RISING SUN

3-4 Grove Street, Bath BA2 6PJ; 01225 425918; www.therisingsunbath.co.uk The Rising Sun Inn offers delicious, freshly cooked food from pub classics to European specialities – vegetarians and vegans are catered for too. They have a good wine selection and great real ales. They also have eight comfortable and characterful en-suite bedrooms. The Rising Sun is ideally situated just off Pulteney Bridge, so only a two minute walk from the centre.

March and April OFFER: Two steaks and a bottle of our Chilean house wine for only £35 on Wednesday evenings.

Food served Tuesday–Friday 6–9pm, Saturday 12–2.30pm and 6–9pm. Their famous sunday lunches are served from 12.30–4pm. Booking essential. Parties and buffets are catered for. Call on 01225 425918 or email therisingsunbath@gmail.com.

THE FOX AND HOUNDS 9 High Street, Colerne SN14 8DB 01225 744847 www.foxandhoundscolerne.co.uk

Come and join Mr Fox at The Fox and Hounds in the heart of the picturesque village of Colerne, eight miles from Bath, where you will be guaranteed a warm welcome.

A family friendly pub with substantial parking and a regular events list, The Fox and Hounds offers a locally sourced menu available seven days a week, washed down with an extensive range of ales.

There is a fantastic and large beer garden for families to enjoy this Spring. There’s also regular live music.

The Raven is a traditional old English pub, an independent Free House, and we take pride in doing what we do well.

Simple, high quality products, with no pretension. We focus on cask ale from small brewers and have been in the CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide every year for the last 14 years. Our locally sourced food can only be described as hearty, traditional pub grub, ten flavours of pie with mash or chips and gravy.

Not in the mood for a pie? Try our locally made sausages or a ploughman’s lunch.

Whatever you do, when you come, bring a good appetite.

Whether you’re a confirmed carnivore, vegetarian or vegan, there’s something for every taste in our range of food and drink. Look out for our regular beer festivals, too. The next is on April 23, celebrating St George and the great diversity of modern British ale.

THE STAR INN

23 Vineyards, Bath BA1 5NA 01225 425072; www.star-inn-bath.co.uk Situated on Vineyards (The Paragon), The Star Inn is Abbey Ales brewery tap and remains a classic example of an untouched multi-roomed English public house, where beer is still served from the jug. First licensed in 1760, The Star Inn retains many of its original features including 19th century bar fittings and wooden benches. Described by CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) as a ‘rare and unspoiled pub interior of outstanding historic interest’, The Star Inn is listed on the National Inventory of Heritage Pubs.

The pub features four separate drinking areas. The smaller bar, used by many of the regulars, features a long single bench known as ‘death row’ where a complimentary pinch of snuff can still be found in tins on the ledge above the wall panelling.

Uninterrupted by juke boxes or gaming machines, chat amongst the locals is the theme along with dominoes, cribbage, shove halfpenny and live music.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Left to right: Yani Fernando (Metro Bank), Matt Pegler (Savills), Kartini Sutoto (Bath City FC), Les Redwood (Citizens Advice – BathNES), Roger Chadwick (Battens Solicitors), Laura Cook (Dotty Ink), Douglas Eason (Citizens Advice – BathNES)

MIND OVER MONEY

To improve people’s mental wellbeing in Bath and North East Somerset, the local branch of CITIZENS ADVICE has begun a campaign aimed at tackling people’s debt issues

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n January, Citizens Advice – Bath & North East Somerset launched their new debt advice service in Twerton, an area of Bath that has been in the top 10 per cent of the most disadvantaged areas in the UK for a decade and where 35 per cent of the children are living in poverty. Last month, they took things further, setting up a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to hire a debt specialist and thereby help more people.

So, how does debt impact your mental health?

Sometimes people get into debt through no fault of their own, such as when a disability benefit is unexpectedly reduced, and the ramifications can be huge. If the person has a pre-existing mental health issue the effect can push them into a downward spiral of increasing debt and worsening mental health problems.

This situation can be exacerbated by demands to appear in court, threats of eviction or goods being repossessed. This can push people to the edge. 2018 research from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute reveals that over 100,000 people in the UK attempt suicide every year due to debt and that debt can be the initial cause of their mental health problems.

How bad is the problem in Bath & North East Somerset?

Bath & North East Somerset’s council intends to reduce the district’s suicide rate to below the national average and to do this they have reached out to stakeholders in the area. Citizens Advice BathNES is doing its part by dealing with client debt issues as a way of improving local residents’ mental health. Debt is the second most common problem the charity’s clients face after benefit issues.

Who is supporting this campaign?

MP Wera Hobhouse is giving her full support to the campaign and said: “As a community, we have a shared responsibility to ensure that those experiencing the dangerous mix of mental health issues and debt have the support they need.”

Bath Mind, a partner of the local Citizens Advice charity, is also doing their bit, working in collaboration and providing information and activities to help people with mental health issues.

Support is also coming from the business community in the form of the Top 52 Annual Partners Club. The club was launched this year and represents a new strategic way of working for the charity. The Top 52 Club of community-minded organisations is championing the Mind Over Money campaign and includes Bath Building Society, Bath City Football Club, Battens Solicitors, Brewin Dolphin, Dotty Ink, Hilton Bath City, Metro Bank, Roper Rhodes, Savills, Truespeed, and Unividual. ■

If you’d like to support the campaign you can do so at www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/mind-over-money. If you’d like to find out more about the Top 52 Club, email les.redwood@cab-banes.org or douglas.eason@cab-banes.org or call 01225 303829. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 101

Successful, well-established year-round language school in the centre of Bath requires

HOMESTAY HOSTS IN BATH to host both short-term and long-term students.

We teach adults and teenagers, and need both single and twin-room accommodation.

For further details, including rates of payment, please contact our Accommodation Manager: Sarah Wringer, Kaplan International Languages Bath, 5 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB Direct Line (01225) 473502, Email: sarah.wringer@kaplan.com

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

PRACTICAL MAGIC At the pretty medieval village of Lacock in Wiltshire, some half an hour east of Bath – go through Corsham and hang a right – jeweller John Watling has been making gold, platinum, silver and precious-stone set jewellery for 30 years now, using skills learnt in his father’s workshop. Now he’s got a cosy new studio in the picturesque village pottery, a tranquil base from which to really up his game, spending more one-onone time with each client to translate their ideas into meticulously hand-crafted pieces. John’s new home is in a quiet courtyard behind the church, and overlooking a cottage which – relatively recently – earned a degree of fame as Lily and James Potter’s house in the Harry Potter films. His bespoke design service typically includes wedding and engagement rings, special occasion jewellery, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cufflinks and brooches, but can extend in any direction you like. Of late? Highlights include a diamond set bee pendant, and a birthstone set open heart necklace.

John’s remodelling service brings – unlikely as it might sound – the idea of recycling to the world of jewellery, allowing stones and precious metal from existing family heirlooms to be reimagined as beautiful new pieces reflecting the current owner’s style. John actually used his own mother’s 22ct gold wedding ring as part of his own wedding band so, he says, he “understands completely how special and emotive this process can be.”

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POLKA DOT WALLET, £95 This black leather Comme Des Garcons zip wallet would be cool anyway, but the white polka dots really make it sing From Found, 17 Argyle Street; www.foundbath.co.uk CLARA JUMPSUIT, £130 Double up on the key trends: breezy ’70s retro jumpsuit styling and playful polka dots Anthropologie, 1-4 New Bond Street; www.anthropologie.com

CONNECT THE DOTS It might be a print perennial, but the design world’s gone extra dotty for spots this season

PINOCCHIO RUG, £245 These 90cm multicoloured wool rugs are here to make you smile in three ways: because of the way they look, because the name references Danish liquorice sweets, and because they’re handmade from renewable materials in Nepal From Hay, 36-37 Milsom Street; www.hay.dk

METALLIC SPOT BLOUSE, £39 Now amazing value (it’s down from £135), the dots here bring a little bit of golden sparkle to otherwise sensible navy cotton From Brora, 6 Bridge Street; www.brora.co.uk

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ECOFFEE CUP, £10.95 Banish single-use coffee cups with this green polka dot 14oz alternative, to be used again and again (and again) From Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

ED’S CHOICE

ARVID RANDOM DOTS SHIRT, £95 Because guys can wear dots too, especially in these summer-friendly tones from Nudie Jeans From John Anthony, 28 High Street; www.john-anthony.com SPOTTY CAT MUG, £8.50 Because we could all do with a little cheering up, and the goofy look on this moggie’s face might be just the thing From Flamingo, 7 Widcombe Parade; www.flamingobath.co.uk

BLUE DOT CERAMIC LAMP, £175 Bringing a bit of interest to tastefully neutral decor, or a calm counterpoint to more maximalist looks: your choice!

From Graham & Green, 92 Walcot Street; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

JANOD BIKE HELMET, £23.99 Okay, okay, so having your dots in a grid inside one giant dot is pushing the edges of this theme a little, but still counts; also available in blue and red From My Small World, 19-21 St Lawrence Street; www.mysmallworld.co.uk

MAMA B SPOTTY PINAFORE DRESS, £110 Kinda subtle (random black dots on a grey-green dress) yet also quirky (a fitted bodice turns tulip wide towards the bottom), we like this one From Blue Women’s Clothing, The Loft, 1-2 Bartlett Street; www.bluewomensclothing.co.uk

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MEET THE MAKER

GROW THROUGH LIFE

Kate Clark went from fashion design to houseplants to her latest venture, a collection of scented candles, reed diffusers and soaps. We took a peek behind the scenes…

By Lydia Tewkesbury Photos By Jen Allan Photography

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e have made no secret of our love of four legged friends here at Bath Life, so when I arrived at Kate Clark’s house and was greeted by her lovely cocker spaniel, Amber, before being ushered inside for a coffee and a brownie (this was a few weeks back, in a pre-social distancing world before my office was in my bedroom), I was immediately very happy with the situation. A rainy Tuesday transformed into a good day in a matter of moments as I settled into Kate’s comfortable kitchen, the scent from one of her own candles, the red-labelled Hera, on the table filling the room with a homely fragrance – a blend of rose musk and jasmine.

Kate became Planty Kate when her love of house plants started to take over her life – and her home. You might recognise her from the Frome Independent, where she started selling her plants during the height of her obsession – as well as a few local shops around the area. Over time, the brand has evolved in sync with Kate’s interests. These days, you’ll see the name Planty Kate primarily associated with the candles, reed diffusers and – very soon – soaps she formulates and crafts herself. Her collection is available through her website, Etsy shop and a few local stockists, including The Art Cohort on Chelsea Road and the Green Bird Café on Margaret’s Buildings, as well as out-of-town spots like the Bird Box Café just down the road in Box. Being a local maker is central to the ethos of

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Kate’s company, from the ingredients she uses to the other businesses she chooses to collaborate with – she wants to sit at the heart of Bath’s creative community.

“There are so many amazing people here in Bath and, naturally, I am drawn to other creatives,” Kate says. When she was selling plants she worked with local potter Simon Wright to create unique, locallysourced plant pots (he uses silt collected from the River Avon in his works), and Sarah Dominic, another potter based in Corsham. She’s keen to open that collaboration up in her latest venture, too. One of her new soaps, for example, includes goat’s milk – a fantastic ingredient for creating products suitable for sensitive skin – which she’s sourcing from Bruton Dairy. Some of her products contain honey, which she’s also getting from nearby – though settling on that was a bit of a process, as initially she had been keen to go organic. “I spoke to a supplier who had organic honey and I wanted clarification on where it was sourced from – it was Chinese organic honey, it turned out,” Kate explains. The amount of air miles that’d add to her products wasn’t acceptable to her – for Kate, buying local isn’t just about supporting the community, though that is part of it, it’s about creating a sustainable business model. “If you don’t dig around you don’t find those answers, so in the end I spoke to Solsbury Honey, and yes their bees aren’t organic because they’re free to fly around Solsbury Hill and the market and gardens nearby, but I love the fact that it’s local. It’s a business that really cares about what it does and, to me, keeping it local and being quite ethical about it is what matters.”

This concern with ethics is key to Kate’s business model, and she sources as much as she can either from within the UK or Europe. She has been very intentional about her approach to ingredients to facilitate that. Her candles, for example, are made of rapeseed wax. She looked into soy, the fashionable eco-friendly alternative

“There are so many amazing people here in Bath”

left: As we spend all our time at home, we need scented candles more than ever; above: Planty Kate herself – or Kate Clark, as she’s also known

MEET THE MAKER

left: Kate with Hayley Breen of GeoAttic and Holly Bower of Scout & Sage Spirits; above: Brizo candle

everybody is into right now, but again, she would have had to ship it in from Asia, so she needed to find something from closer to home.

“The best European equivalent, and the wax that burns most nicely, is rapeseed wax. I love the fact that rapeseed, as a crop, is a very green one. Traditionally you plant it on fallow fields because it’s good at bringing nutrients back into the soil. It’s not stripping the soil, and I love that about it.”

Another factor Kate considers is her essential oils – where they come from, yes, but also how they are harvested. “I would not currently use Indian sandalwood, because it has been over harvested and that has caused great damage to tree numbers and ultimately natural environments.Rosewood and vanilla are other examples where questions have been raised over their harvesting, so you won’t see these essential oils in my products. That said, it’s like most things – moderation is key. If an ingredient is well harvested and carefully sourced, and I have a clear understanding of that process, then I would of course use it.”

It’s been a steep learning curve – her background is retail, where for many years she worked as a fashion designer, supplying many of the giants of the high street like Oasis, House of Fraser and Mint Velvet, amongst others – but the science part of making candles, diffusers and skincare was entirely new. She wasn’t without her disasters. Grapefruit essential oil, it turns out, is a tricky beast and putting it in a candle can accidentally cause what she described as “a bit of a fireball”. Grapefruit scent (UK sourced, paraben free) rather than the oil was the best way to go.

“I’m quite calamitous,” she says. “You use lye when you make coldpressed soap which, first of all, can burn before it dries off and goes off in the curing process. When I started making soap I did it in rose gold Birkenstocks and spilled a lot, so these Birkenstocks looked like a Pollock painting by the time I’d finished. And my feet were burned!”

But with every bar of soap that exploded (yes, that happened), she figured out a better way of doing things. “You know what? You learn by making mistakes.”

Having other people to turn to during this process has been vital, and through social media and meeting others in the local business community, Kate has amassed an army of testers ready to help her with her formulations – fireballs and all. “I couldn’t be doing what I’m doing without the support of so many other people around me – predominantly, I have to say, women. It’s not just testing, but marketing too – so many great women have stepped forward and helped. It feels like a nice shared energy.” A single parent herself, so well versed in the balancing act of running a business and a family, Kate is particularly keen to work with other business-owning mothers in the community as Planty Kate grows – already she works with Jen Allan, a photographer (her work is all over these pages) and another working parent. “There are so many gifted women out there that have got so much to give.”

In her years working in a busy design studio in fashion, Kate became used to that collaborative element, of creatively bouncing off others, and she wants to recreate that in her business now. She’s started by working on a project called Gifted Makers with Holly Bower of Scout & Sage Spirits and Hayley Breen of GeoAttic. Together they’ve produced a beautifully curated gift box, which features a candle by Kate, a bottle of Scout & Sage gin and a gorgeous geometric necklace from GeoAttic – and they’re currently looking to expand the project to include other local makers.

Kate has a lot happening right now. The week I saw her she was about to put her house on the market with a view to getting a live/ work space in the city – currently she has a unit in Bradford on Avon where she makes most of the products. She’s also working on a skincare line – right now she’s finalising hand and body lotion, but she plans to eventually move into bath products and hair care too. “I know that all our lives are busy and we squeeze too many things in, so I just want products that bring a bit of joy to people’s lives,” Kate says. “A couple of minutes using them should add something positive to your day.” n

“You know what?

You learn by making mistakes”

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For more: www.plantykate.co.uk

THE GOLDEN YEARS Life in a retirement community: sort of like university halls, but mature

By Lydia Tewkesbury

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here is a certain amount of stigma associated with retirement villages. ‘Am I giving up my independence?’, people wonder. The truth is, their function is to do the opposite. Living in a retirement village enables independence and facilitates community – they’ve even been found to promote health and wellbeing in older people. Also, they’re super fancy. You can expect beautifully designed apartments, landscaped gardens, restaurants and shops as well as resident groups (crafts are a big one, apparently) and things like exercise classes to keep the community happy and engaging with each other. Basically, you go on living your life as before, with added luxuries and the knowledge that someone always has your back.

Usually we’d suggest you go and visit the lovely retirement villages we’re talking about below. Due to current events, they are closed to the public right now, but make a note to do so when they reopen.

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RETIREMENT WADSWICK GREEN

This lovely spot is based just three miles outside of Corsham town centre. You’ve got 25 acres of grounds – all very well cared for and beautiful – mature trees and wildlife ponds mingling with the contemporary development to keep the countryside feel.

“At the heart of the community is The Pavilion, a hub of social activity, which houses the dining facility, The Greenhouse restaurant and coffee shop/bar, a spa complete with an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, as well as a hair salon and fully equipped gym,” says Angela McKimmie, sales and marketing director with Rangeford Villages, owners of Wadswick. They’ve also got raised bed allotments for gardening and a village green where residents can often be spotted having a game of croquet.

We quite want to move in, to be honest.

“Community is at the heart of Wadswick Green. The concept of the village is so those over 60 can enjoy life and make the most

“Community is at the heart of Wadswick Green”

of the action-packed event programme, which has something for everyone. Residents can be as relaxed or as active as they please, and with a wide choice of social activities they’re sure to find lots of like-minded people to share experiences with.”

Retirement villages cater for older people no matter their state of health. Some residents do need daily care, and there is provision at Wadswick for that too. Care is organised with the aim of keeping residents in their homes for as long as possible, so staff take a flexible approach to things – this means they’ve got everything from ‘reablement’ packages, that are there to support someone back to independence after an illness or fall, right through to daily assistance and even end of life care.

So, what would Angela have to say to anyone nervous about taking the plunge?

“Move sooner! All of our residents say they wished they moved to Wadswick Green sooner – it’s far better than they imagined.” www.rangefordvillages.co.uk

Those landscaped gardens, though...

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RETIREMENT Doing retirement the modern way; inset: Beautifully designed rooms it’s not hard to imagine relaxing in

“Residents are never far from the wider city community” LAMBROOK COURT

This ultra-modern, Bath-based retirement village owned and operated

by Retirement Living Plus is another great option for the over 70s. It offers oh-so-stylish one-and-two-bedroom apartments with all the mod cons – including underfloor heating. Yum – and some of them have private balconies and patio areas too.

“Lambrook Court also features an on-site bistro, which serves fresh and nutritious meal options for residents every day, a communal lounge, which is ideal for socialising with friends and new neighbours, beautifully landscaped gardens to relax in, and a convenient guest suite should friends or relatives wish to stay,” says Geoff Bates, head of marketing for McCarthy and Stone South.

Residents also have the benefits of city life, of course, with all the amenities of Bath right on their door step. Larkhall is in walking distance too, so residents are never far from the wider city community, not to mention parks and walks.

All of the care packages at Lambrook Court are provided by YourLife Management services, and residents are in the driving seat: they can create a package around their unique situation, allowing them to be as independent or as cared for as they need. Obviously conditions fluctuate, so it’s very easy to change up your package in sync with changing needs.

Despite all this, a lot of people still feel nervous about the prospect of living in a retirement village.

“According to Later Living UK’s Healthier and Happier report, the average person aged 80 living in a retirement community feels as good as someone 10 years younger,” says Geoff. “We understand that choosing to downsize to a retirement property can be a big decision, but it is one that will allow them to enjoy their retirement years.” www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk

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RETIREMENT AVONPARK RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Just six miles outside of Bath with sweeping views over the Avon valley, Avonpark offers a mix of luxury studio apartments and houses – depending on what you’re after. The homes have all the mod cons you could want, along with considerate touches like walk in showers and eye-level ovens as well as wide hallways and doorways to accommodate residents with mobility issues.

“All our villages are focused on the wellbeing of our residents,” says Carrie Edwards, marketing director of Retirement Villages Group.

“Avonpark offers a great food experience, not only in the restaurant but through the delivery of freshly cooked chef inspired meals. The village also incorporates a village shop where residents are able to buy essential items including freshly cooked meals that are frozen on the day and are then able to be heated up and enjoyed in our residents’ own homes.”

Residents of Avonpark also enjoy services including a minibus operating five days a week to take them to Bath and the surrounding towns, a hair salon, lounge, conservatory, library and even their own visiting GP on site twice weekly. Care – or ‘support services’, the preferred terminology at Avonpark – ranges from help around the house to more personal support.

Key to life in the village is community. Loneliness is an epidemic, particularly among the elderly, and living in a retirement community like Avonpark can be a great way to combat the problem.

“You can catch up with your reading in the library, take a seat at movie night or create that masterpiece in the art club. There’s also a range of exercise and wellbeing classes, such as yoga and tai chi, there are bridge clubs, gardening, the list goes on,” says Carrie. “We are all about community – retirement villages are what being part of a community is all about. It’s knowing you can come and go as you please, but with the knowledge and comfort that there are staff and friends around to keep an eye out for you.” n www.retirementvillages.co.uk

A cracking spot with amazing views across the valley; top: Live in the midst of your community at Avonpark; middle: There are plenty of places to meet up for a tea and chin wag, like this rather lovely conservatory

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

“You can catch up with your reading in the library, take a seat at movie night or create that masterpiece in the art club”

ADVERTISING FEATURE

What better time to put your affairs in order?

Local legal expert HELEN STARKIE offers some sage advice for the current climate…

T

he Corona Virus dominates the news and the reality that any of us could be seriously – potentially fatally – affected by it is sinking in. There is a noticeable shift in people’s willingness to discuss the possibility of serious illness and death – usually not ‘hot topics’ of conversation!

Confronting one’s own mortality is a difficult thing, but we are all going to die one day and who knows what other complications may beset us before that day comes. Facing up to the reality of this, as people are now, means that this is being seen as good a moment as any to put in place proper legal arrangements for when illness or death strike. We have seen a noticeable increase in instructions for reviewing old and preparing new Wills and Powers of Attorney. People are getting round to doing what they have always been going to do ‘tomorrow’.

As might be expected, many of those who are contacting us are in the government’s newly defined over–seventies group, but there has also been a sharp increase in the number of younger people realising that they, too, are vulnerable and need to have a proper package of arrangements in place.

What arrangements should everyone, regardless of age, have in place?

First, a Will. The laws of intestacy do not always (in fact rarely) produce the outcome people think they will and want – and if you want to appoint the right people to look after your children if you die whilst they are young, minimise exposure to Inheritance Tax and care fees, and ensure that those you leave behind are financially protected, then you need a professionally drawn Will. The potential financial and practical benefits of doing things properly will significantly outweigh the cost involved. The disasters caused by inexpertly drawn Wills can be extremely expensive to unscramble – if they can be unscrambled at all!

Secondly, a Lasting Power of Attorney for your property and finances. If, at any time, you become too unwell to manage your own finances then the attorneys (who will be people in whom you have absolute trust) will be able to step in and help you do it – or if you are too ill to make any decisions at all for yourself, will be able to make them for you.

“THERE HAS ALSO BEEN A SHARP INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF YOUNGER PEOPLE REALISING THAT THEY, TOO, ARE VULNERABLE” This means keeping the financial show on the road, ensuring that bills are paid, entitlements collected, etc., and protecting against accounts being frozen by banks and building societies just at the moment when cash-flow is probably at its most significant.

Thirdly, a Lasting Power of Attorney for your welfare. This works in the same way as a financial Lasting Power of Attorney in that attorneys are authorised to help you make (or where appropriate, make themselves) decisions such as where you might recuperate after a hospital stay if you are still too unwell to return home. In the absence of such authority, even if you are fully self-funding, the Local Authority may well arrange for you to

recuperate somewhere you would never have chosen.

Of these three, your Will (or a later version of it – you should keep it under review) will certainly come into play eventually. Your Lasting Powers of Attorney may never be needed, but will be invaluable if they are. I like to think of them as akin to a fire insurance policy. No-one ever feels cheated at the end of the year if they have not had a fire and have therefore not had obvious value for money from their premium. What they are buying with that premium is peace of mind. The same applies to Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Many of you will be confined to barracks in the coming weeks. What better opportunity to put your affairs in order? I urge you to do it! ■

Helen Starkie Solicitor 38 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2NT; 01225 442353; www.helenstarkie.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 117

SERVICES GUIDE HOME CARE

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It’s the city’s business

BATHWORKS THIS ISSUE >>AWARD WINNING SAM WILSON STUDIO (119) >>WOMEN IN STEM (120) >>MEET JAKE NASH-WILSON (122)

BEST OF THE BEST

Sam Wilson, Sara Springett and Alison Currill at the awards

© NEIL O'CONNOR

Sam Wilson Studio has won a gong at the Rural Business Awards. The Cotswolds-based designer has a shop on Milsom Street, filled with Sam’s drawings and lino print designs inspired by countryside life.

Sam specialises in countryside chic, like so “We’re delighted to have won the National Rural Business Award for the Best Rural Creative, Artisan or Crafts Business,” says Sam. “At Sam Wilson Studio, we aim to share the beauty of the English countryside with our customers by introducing them to gorgeous luxury homeware and gifts, manufactured to the highest standards within the UK. We are passionate about keeping the arts alive and hope that this success will inspire other rural artisans and creatives to follow in our footsteps.”

For more: www.samwilsonstudio.com

The time is right to start preparing your entry for the Creative Bath Awards

© SOUL MEDIA

They’re judging you An impressive panel of judges for the fourthever Creative Bath Awards has been revealed.

Each of them utterly independent of the Award organisers, they’ve been chosen from right across Bath’s creative scene; they will meet – perhaps virtually and perhaps in person – to decide the winners later this year. Indeed, the line-up this time around looks particularly strong and eclectic: Dan Allen (Bath Spa University), Gill McLay (Bath Literacy Agency, and Events of Wonder), Glynn Hayward (Complete Control), James Binns (Network N), Lorena Siminovich (Wild + Wolf, and Petit Collage), Lucy Wendover (Aardman), Megan Witty (Witty Event Management) and Nick Vellacott (Highlight PR).

“We’re thrilled to welcome our panel of judges to the Creative Bath Awards,” says Vicki Cheadle, community leader at Creative Bath. “Choosing the winners is always a tough task – but we’re confident that this diverse panel will make excellent decisions.”

Nominations are now open via the Awards site, and any company or organisation in the area can enter, free of charge. Entries can be made in multiple categories, and finalists will be announced in May. To get involved with the Awards through sponsorship, please email Vicki: vicki@creativebath.org creativebathawards.org @CreativeBath

www.mediaclash.co.uk MEDIACLASH.CO.UK I BATH LIFE I 119 115

BATHWORKS

NEW to Bath

PHENOMENAL WOMAN University of Bath environmental engineer and specialist in sustainability Professor Marchelle McManus has won the Academic category of the 2020 FDM everywoman in Technology Awards. These annual awards celebrate a handful of the most impressive women working in STEM. Marchelle is co-director of the Centre for Sustainable & Circular Technologies and a professor of Energy and Environmental Engineering. Her work primarily focuses on the life cycle impacts of different technologies, and how they use power and resources in the most effective and sustainable ways.

“Winning this award is such a surprise, especially after meeting some truly inspirational nominees who are creating life-changing technologies,” she says. “It’s been wonderful meeting women working across all areas of science and engineering, all of whom have done exceptional things. I know

that this network will enable people to make STEM more inclusive and diverse and solve the real global challenges we are facing. I cannot wait to make the most out of the opportunities that will follow this.”

For more: www.bath.ac.uk/research

One of Orlando’s delicious creations...

CHOUX BOX PATISSERIE Marchelle McManus

© SOUL MEDIA

BOULESED OVER

Let le celebrations commence

Bath businesses were primed and ready to snap up Bath Boules team tickets when they went on sale on 25 March. The much-loved annual charity fundraiser is currently still due to take place on 12-14 June, and will see 192 companies competing in Queen Square, but for the very latest ticket information you should of course keep an eye on social media and the new Bath Life newsletters.

Companies who’ve missed out on tickets so far can snap up the last few at www. bathboules.com now, with the guarantee of an automatic transfer should the event get postponed.

All proceeds from the Boules go to local charities and, in 2019, a staggering £42,587 was raised. Organisers are 120 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Meet the new characters on the Bath business scene

hoping to raise even more for 2020, the event’s 30th anniversary.

“This year, it will be more important than ever to back the Boules,” says events director Steph Dodd. “Vital charity donations can only be achieved with the support of wonderful companies who step up to support the Boules in any way they can, and in turn get to enjoy the wonderful networking, branding, team building and do-gooding opportunities it brings.”

Many thanks to all who’ve supported the event so far, led by the Bath Boules Headline sponsor, Brewin Dolphin.

Big Boules sponsors this year include Archers Marquees, Great Western Wine, Novia, OJO Solutions, Reside, Ruffer, Saltford Building Services, Savills, Simple Recruitment, Sub 13 and Truespeed.

Little Boulers include Archus, B&NES, Bath Ales, Carter Jonas, Citizens Advice B&NES, Enlightened, Groupia, Mckenzie & Co, Minuteman Press, Moore Stephens, Royds Withy King and many more.

To find out more about the event and how you can get involved, please contact Nell: nell.robins@ mediaclash.co.uk ; bathboules.com

After working as a pastry chef in Michelin starred kitchens for a decade, Orlando Partner wanted to start a business that made French pastry fun and accessible for everyone.

First, tell us a bit about the Choux Box Patisserie I wanted to use my knowledge to create something that was both delicious and playful. I chose to focus on choux buns because they perfectly incorporated both of these ideals. They are such an underrated treat and I was excited to bring them back to life with some extra sparkle, so everyone can enjoy them.

How are you doing things differently?

I've loved taking the classic French choux bun, combining it with fun contemporary favours and colourful presentation to create exciting celebration pieces that are both pleasing to the eye and the taste buds. We offer a few different services from party favours to showstopper towers, which is our spin on a croquembouche. They make the perfect alternative to a cake or centrepiece for any event, bringing together choux buns, macaroons, chocolate work and fresh edible flowers. One of the favourite flavours has been the lemon Meringue Pie choux. Imagine a choux bun stuffed full with vanilla creme Patisserie and lemon curd and then finished with torched Italian meringue, lemon sherbet and confit lemon zest!

What have some of the challenges so far been in starting the business?

Like with any new business, it’s been difficult to find ways to introduce myself to new clients. There are so many wonderful independent businesses out there that it’s been tricky to show people why we are different. It has been so rewarding though, and the response we have had has been really positive – which makes me excited about what’s to come.

For more: www.thechouxboxpatisserie.com

BATH SPORTS NEWS Bringing you all the latest in local sporting news

BUSINESS MATTERS DIARY

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC

From networking breakfasts to invaluable evening classes, make a note of the courses and events that will help your business flourish Listings were correct at the time of print, but may have changed due to COVID-19 developments. Please check with organisers before attending

Bath netballers experienced a pretty serious second wind

ROOTING FOR THE UNDERDOG Team Bath Netball is – or perhaps we should say, was – having an impressive start to the season. An exciting second-half performance saw Team Bath turn a five-goal deficit into a 63-51 victory over The Wasps in their recent match.

“I felt we planned particularly well for the game and the girls stuck to task. It was a real team

effort, but I thought Imogen Allison and Rachel Shaw were absolutely sensational, and their ability to make decisions while in the air allowed us to open up the attack,” says Anna Stembridge, Superleague head coach. “The crowd were brilliant; you could feel the atmosphere and that makes such a difference for us.”

For more: www.teambath.com/netball

2–3 APRIL BUSINESS ACCELERATION GROWTH HUB WORKSHOP This amazing opportunity offers companies specialising in the areas of sustainable technology, digital innovation and advanced engineering the opportunity to spend two days with expert speakers in workshops tailored just for them and their business.

9am-5pm; University of Bath Innovation Centre; www.bath-setsquared.co.uk 6 APRIL ONE TO ONE BUSINESS SUPPORT Whether you’re looking to write your business plan, understand accounts, develop products, finance your business, market, build a website or figure out HR, the experts at the Business Support Service can help.

9.30-10.30am; The Guild Coworking Hub; www.coolventures.co.uk 16 APRIL WOMEN MEAN BIZ This event features a one-minute business introduction round, where keen networkers will have the chance to talk about their work with a group of like-minded business owners. Get advice and make connections.

12-2pm; £30; No.15 Great Pulteney; www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk

Ripples' award-winning bathroom

MAKING RIPPLES

Ripples won Bathroom Design of the Year at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards. The winning art deco style bathroom, complete with bespoke iron panel, panelled mirror and freestanding traditional bath, was designed by Ana Rezende, senior designer at the Bournemouth store.

Since opening their first shop in Bath way back when, the company has gone on to win armfuls of awards for their bathrooms.

“It’s great news to see a Ripples designer winning such a fantastic award that demonstrates the excellent work Ripples do for clients across the showrooms. We are incredibly proud of Ana and the beautiful design she has presented here,” says Paul Crow, MD at Ripples. www.ripplesbathrooms.com

GIFTS THAT KEEP GIVING

The charity chalets at the 2019 Bath Christmas Market collectively raised over £26,000 for their causes. Last year’s market saw organisers Visit Bath add another charity chalet due to the sheer number of applications, so they were able to support double the number of charities this year – a huge 36 in total.

Each day during the market a different charity took over one of the chalets. B&NES Dementia Action Alliance, Bath Rugby Foundation, Foodcycle Bath, The Forever Friends Appeal, Bath Child Contact Centre, Dorothy House and CCS Adoption were among the charities supported. www.visitbath.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 121

BATHWORKS

consultation through to the finished design, we work with our customers to create their dream piece. We offer a 3D design service to allow customers to visualise their creations prior to manufacturing. We even allow customers to select their own diamonds and gemstones, which is highly personal and allows us to work with customers on quality and price.

We can then put together someone’s dream design with the gemstones they have chosen to create the finished piece. The whole process usually takes four to five weeks.

ONE TO WATCH

Jake Nash-Wilson Manager of the Bath branch of S.P. Green, Jake is a highly qualified jewellery expert How did you get to where you are? Have you always worked in the jewellery industry?

My career in jewellery began at the age of 18, when I first found an interest in diamonds and began selling jewellery to customers in a high street retail environment in Bristol. A few years later I decided to study a BSc in Gemmology and Jewellery studies in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

During my studies I worked for a bullion dealer and then, after that, a diamond dealer in the Quarter, before graduating from university and finding my permanent home with S.P. Green & Co. Then, in October 2018, we made the exciting decision to open our first shop outside of the Jewellery Quarter and chose Bath as the perfect location.

What drew you to S.P. Green?

S.P. Green epitomises the traditional family manufacturing business. The company was established in the famous jewellery manufacturing area

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

of Birmingham in 1979 by Stephen Green, and the business is still a family affair, with Steve and Elaine’s two sons now also working in the business.

The experience in manufacturing is what really sets S.P. Green apart from other jewellery offerings on the high street, and why I was very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the S.P. Green family.

So, then: tell us about the S.P. Green shopping experience.

What can customers expect when they visit?

A warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. We like to listen to a customer’s requirements and find or create something perfect for their special occasion – whatever that might be. We pride ourselves on having incredibly experienced staff that are very well educated in jewellery, to ensure that every customer receives the best possible service and advice when looking for that special piece.

We offer a huge range of ready-made

jewellery, bespoke and remodelling services, as well as a range of preowned jewellery.

You have a BSc in gemmology, right? Can you tell us a bit more about what that is?

Yes, I studied for my BSc in Gemmology and Jewellery studies at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery.

As a gemmologist we learn to identify and value diamonds and coloured gemstones. A big part of the course was becoming a qualified diamond grader and jewellery valuer. However, being a bachelor of science degree, it also involved rather in-depth physics and chemistry, such as the electromagnetic spectrum, chemical composition and formation, as well as crystallography.

You offer a bespoke design service as well. How does that all work?

Right from the initial design

What about trends? What does everybody want right now?

Diamonds are always popular historically, and to this day round diamonds have always been the most popular in jewellery. However, more recently fancy cut diamonds have grown in popularity, with shapes like ovals and pears in high demand.

We’ve also found that coloured gemstones, specifically sapphires and emeralds, are very popular in Bath – we stock a fantastic range of both in our shop.

When it comes to sourcing precious stones, ethics is a massive part of the conversation. Tell us a bit more about ethical sourcing.

Of course, ethical sourcing of diamonds and gemstones is very important. In 2003 an organisation was set up known as the Kimberley Process, whose sole purpose was to promote ethical trading and prevent the flow of conflict diamonds. Since the formation of the Kimberley Process, S.P. Green & Co is known to only trade with members of the Process, who guarantee the ethical origin of their goods.

However, with a lot of diamonds now coming out of Canada, Australia, Russia and Botswana, there are plenty of ethical sources out there.

Finally, what’s your favourite part of your job?

There is so much I love about jewellery and this industry. One of the best things is the joyous occasions for which we get to meet our customers.

Engagements, weddings, anniversaries – it’s really special to be able to share that with people and hear their stories.

Of course, working with such beautiful and fascinating products is always a fun luxury as well.

For more: www.spgreen.com

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PROSERVICES

2020

ARCHITECTS

B US I N E SS SE R V I C E S / FI N A N C E / L AW / PR O PE R T Y

THE CITY AT

WORK MEET THE PROFESSIONALS MAKING THE CITY BUZZ

MEDIACLASH.CO.UK 1

ARCHITECTS

ADVERTISING FEATURE

SETTING THE AGENDA Meet the shining stars of Bath’s professional services’ community, from creative directors to financial experts who help your wealth grow, and a myriad of other professions in between

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 129

ADVERTISING FEATURE LEGAL

BLB SOLICITORS

BATTENS

Tell us a little about your business

Roger Chadwick

Tell us a little about your business;

Battens is what we call a full service law firm, which means that we try to provide all the legal services which our clients may need during their lifetime. With seven offices Battens is one of the largest Law firms in the South West.

Tell us about your community/charity involvement;

Through the Battens Charitable Trust, Battens gives over £40,000 a year in donations and sponsorship.

Applications to the trust can be made from any deserving local charity or cause, the trust sets the criteria for funding each year and the trustees determine who will benefit from the awards granted.

Battens are one of the founder members of the Bath Citizens Advice Top 52 club providing both financial assistance and free legal support to the CAB.

Richard Lowes, partner

We have a strong regional presence and have been established in Bath for nearly 40 years. As a law firm, our success is based on developing long term relationships. Typically, our clients are business start-ups, owner-managed businesses and serial entrepreneurs. Over the years we’re proud to have played a role in their continued growth and success.

What areas do you specialise in?

In Bath, we have a full-service commercial team whose expertise includes business sales and acquisitions, corporate matters, commercial property, landlord and tenant and property disputes.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

It’s definitely the personal touch. While modern in outlook, we believe we have successfully avoided the faceless, corporate image associated with many law firms. From first contact, you may be surprised to be put straight through to the most appropriate solicitor, but in that way we can swiftly establish your goals and start working with you to achieve them. We’re also very proactive in keeping clients abreast of changes in law and procedure which may affect them and their business going forward.

Did you know?

We work extensively with clients and other professionals in the leisure and hospitality industries. These sectors are currently facing unprecedented challenges, especially in Bath where the local economy is so dependent on tourism. Despite that, a number of our clients are bucking the trend and investing substantially in both new and existing ventures in and around the city.

For more: 1 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2DU; 01225 462871; Richard.lowes@blbsolicitors.co.uk; www.blbsolicitors.co.uk

What areas do you specialise in;

I am a commercial property solicitor which means that I act for companies and individuals either granting or taking leases or buying or selling land for either commercial or residential development.

What challenges are your clients facing;

The High Street is undergoing radical change. The rise of internet shopping, escalating business rates and increasing car parking charges have made the High Street a less attractive place to shop. It is hard to see the retail sector surviving without a change in policy to encourage greater use of the high street and a change in shopping habits leading consumers back to the High Street and away from the internet.

Did you know

Battens set up its own bank a few years ago which went on to become Virgin Money.

For more: 01225 536870, roger.chadwick@battens.co.uk; www.battens.co.uk

Frank Scott-Ashe, Richard Bowater, Caroline Entwistle, Stephen Bishop - Managing Partner and Mike Hansom

ADVERTISING FEATURE BURNINGHAM & BROWN SOLICITORS Tell us a little about your business

Burningham & Brown is one of Bath’s best-known Private Client Practices specialising in Residential & Commercial Conveyancing, Wills, Probates & Trusts. Your matter will always be dealt with by an experienced, qualified and regulated Solicitor who you will be able to contact easily.

What achievement as a Firm are you most proud of?

We are proud of the fact that in a world which is becoming more ‘automated and less personal’ we can still provide an excellent and competitive service in a friendly, approachable environment making our Clients feel valued knowing that we have their best interests at heart. 100% of the Clients in our surveys last year said that they would use us again.

Tell us about your Charity involvement

The office has a Charity events program, our last donations included Motor Neurone, Julian House, The British Heart Foundation and CLIC Sargent. We have also raised over £10,000 for the RUH Forever Friends Appeal through the RUH Will month.

Did you know?

Burningham & Brown has always had strong connections with Bath Rugby. The original Partners met on the rugby field playing for Bath. A little-known fact is that David Gay, our Managing Partner, who played for Bath, Harlequins and England holds the distinction of being the youngest number 8 to play for England aged 19 years and 316 days at Twickenham, England V Wales, on the 20th January 1968.

For more: 20 Queen Square,Bath BA1 2HB; 01225 320090; law@bbsolicitors. co.uk; www.burninghambrown.com

“WE HAVE RAISED OVER £10,000 FOR THE RUH FOREVER FRIENDS APPEAL”

GOUGHS SOLICITORS Thomas Boyce, partner

Tell us a little about your business

Goughs is a Wiltshire-based law firm with offices as little as a 20 minute drive from Bath. We provide a wide range of legal services for individuals and businesses. .

What achievement as a firm are you most proud of?

Goughs is proud to boast one of the largest family departments within the region with 11 practicing lawyers totalling an impressive 155 years of experience amongst us. With this wealth of knowledge and expertise we are continuing to grow and attract clients from further afield, which will lead to the need for further recruitment in 2020.

What areas do you specialise in?

As a family team, we have a breadth of specialities ranging from prenups and post-nups to separation and divorce and matters involving children. We are extremely versed in dealing with complex cases which may require a range of expertise. Recognising the local client need, we have developed a ‘sector’ approach to cover all legal needs within specific areas; these include farming, healthcare, property investment, the armed forces and private wealth. Within these areas our family team DID YOU KNOW? will collaborate with other Goughs has been providing departments to provide a legal services since 1882 more holistic approach for when the first branch opened in Calne. Since then our clients. we have been expanding and in February 2020 opened our 7th office.

You can find us in Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Melksham, Trowbridge and now Greenways Business Park.

For more: 01249 444499; info@goughs.co.uk; www.goughs.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 131

ADVERTISING FEATURE HELEN STARKIE SOLICITOR Helen Starkie

When was your firm founded and by whom?

I founded the firm in 2010. I had worked in large regional firms managing large departments for the previous fifteen years or so. I had become disillusioned by the modern trend, in larger firms, of basing everything around fee-earning targets, rather than customer (and staff) satisfaction. I wanted to get back to the old values of having time and giving personal service to clients.

Tell us a little about your business

We work in comfortable, relaxed surroundings at our new, larger offices at 38 Gay Street and our services (and our premises) are entirely geared to the individual. We specialise in Court of Protection work for those (young or old) who cannot manage their own affairs, powers of attorney, wills, probate, trusts, tax-planning, issues surrounding residential and nursing care and domestic property issues.

MOGERS DREWETT

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Tells us a little about your business

Our service really is personal. Clients are not passed around an anonymous ‘team’ for different exercises. We offer home and hospital visits at no additional charge and do not limit our work to the purely legal aspects of a situation – for example we are happy to deal with issues such as ensuring that clients in care have appropriate clothing and furnishings with them when they move into care.

In house our style is open and friendly, non-hierarchical – and fun.

We spend a lot of time laughing!

Did you know?

Despite being a small firm (only six of us) we manage to raise as much for charities (primarily, Amnesty International, the RUH and Dorothy House) as any of the larger businesses in town!

For more: 38 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2NT Tel: 01225 442353; 07799 338386; hs@helenstarkie.co.uk; www.helenstarkie.co.uk

Sean McDonough

Mogers Drewett is a leading South West based law firm with offices in Bath, Wells, Sherborne and Frome offering a variety of legal services for private and commercial clients.

How have the last 12 months been for you?

It may not have escaped anyone’s attention that 2019 was a big year for us. From a change in management structure to an office move in Bath, 2019 was an important year in our continued commitment to being the law firm our clients [want/need] us to be. The change has not been easy and has resulted in us saying goodbye to colleages who have contributed to the firm’s success to date, but necessary to ensure we are in the best position to move forward.

What plans do you have for 2020?

We are excited for 2020! With our new management team in place and having fully settled into our new office at the heart of Bath’s new business district at Bath Quay, we are ready to make the 20’s our best decade yet. We are about to welcome a wave of new recruits to the business. Building on the reputation of our agricultural law specialists, Frank Collins and Jonathan Cheal (recently entered into the prestigious Legal 500 2020 Hall of Fame), our Wells Office will become our agricultural hub, with a number of talented lawyers recruited to join our agricultural and commercial property teams. On the back of a record year for our commercial team, we also managed to attract an experienced corporate lawyer relocating from a London firm, to add to our growing Bath based commercial team. We are also welcoming recruits into our private client and residential conveyancing teams and we are delighted to welcome Louise Kelly back to the firm as our new Head of Marketing.

These are just some of our exciting new projects for 2020 there will be more so watch. this space.

For more: St James House The Square, Lower Bristol Rd, Bath BA2 3BH; 0800 533 5349; www.mogersdrewett.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

MW SOLICITORS LTD

Tell us a little about your business

At MW Solicitors we pride ourselves in providing a full range of legal services for you, your family and your business. Our Solicitors offer an accessible, affordable, personal service so you can deal with real people, close to you, who know you.

ROYDS WITHY KING

What areas do you specialise in?

Tell us a little about your business

Our specialist Solicitors provide advice across the widest range of legal disciplines on the High Street including; Buying and Selling Property, Child and Family Law, Clinical Negligence, Commercial Property, Criminal Defence, Divorce, Employment, Extradition, Leasehold, Litigation, Personal Injury, Property Disputes, Wills, Trusts and Inheritance Law. What sets you apart from others in your sector?

When you talk to MW Solicitors you are supported by our full network of offices with over 250 legal professionals able to provide you with the help you need. Our diversity means that we speak over 30 languages so you can be confident in getting the right advice you need no matter where you are from. Our offices are in accessible high street shops, so if you have a legal problem, come in and talk to our experts.

Did You Know?

MW Solicitors is highly regarded by our clients with over 2000 five star ratings on Google. We are one of the 3 Best Rated Solicitors in Bath for Employment, Family, Personal Injury, Property and Criminal Defence Law. We have a network of over 25 offices, so you are never far from accessing the justice you deserve.

For more: 020 3551 8500; enquiries@mwsolicitors.co.uk; www.mwsolicitors.co.uk

Graham Street

Royds Withy King has been the fastest growing mid-market law firm in the UK over the past 10 years and was voted Best Managed law firm in 2019. We are head-quartered in Bath but have offices in London, Oxford and Wiltshire plus a growing hub in Bristol.

We’re the leading experts in Bath for legal services, especially for those with a level of complexity (whether across private and business practice areas) and particularly for inheritance planning or buying or selling a business.

Tell us about your community/charity involvement

We have supported and promoted TEDx Bath since it started, and raised money and awareness for nominated local charities – this year it is Julian House. We’re the official legal partner of Bath Rugby.

How have the last 12 months been for you?

We have been strategically growing for the long term by investing in key areas such as private wealth, residential development, rural businesses and supporting entrepreneurs.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

To quote one of our clients: “Expertise and knowledge that I was hoping for, but also the ability to listen and understand, and to act swiftly and thoroughly. And all of this overlain with a friendly and personable approach.”

What is your staffing model?

There has been significant ongoing investment in our people and technology processes in anticipation of future market trends.

What challenges are your clients facing?

We are acutely aware that this is a time of significant challenge, but with challenge comes opportunity, enabling us to bring our brand (‘ahead of the curve’) to life by really getting to grips with the issues on behalf of our clients.

Did You Know?

We believe we are the only law firm in the UK to have a digital legacy portal for our clients; it’s called LIFESAFE ® For more: 5-6 Northumberland Buildings, Queen Square, Bath BA1 2JE; 01225 459999; www.roydswithyking.com

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ADVERTISING FEATURE STONE KING

David Whitworth, partner

Tell us a little about your business

We are a national law firm based in Bath with expertise across the education, charity & social enterprise and business sectors as well as private client, offering the full range of personal services.

Although we are national, Stone King remains committed to Bath and our recent joining forces with fellow Bath private client firm Mowbray Woodwards in 2019 is testament this.

We are dedicated to our community, both by supporting local charities and events but also through initiatives such as our Bath litter pick.

What areas do you specialise in?

“ALTHOUGH WE ARE NATIONAL, STONE KING REMAINS COMMITTED TO BATH”

I’m a Partner in the Trusts & Estates Team. I help clients to protect their family and assets by drawing up Wills, advising on inheritance tax planning and on establishing and running trusts. I joined the firm from Mowbray Woodwards and am based at 3 Queen Square, across from Stone King’s long-standing offices at number 13.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Our private client team is made up of some of the top experts in their fields, which has been further bolstered by the newly combined practice, which almost doubled the team. This means we can assist with whatever life has in store as we help our clients to plan for the future and protect themselves and their loved ones.

Did you know

SHARP FAMILY LAW Richard Sharp

Tell us a little about your business...

Sharp Family Law is the largest niche firm of family law solicitors in Bath. We specialise in helping clients to minimise conflict and maximise results, so that they can move forward successfully into the future.

Since our inception, we have been committed to fostering a constructive and strategic approach to helping clients control costs and achieve the best possible outcome. We are recognised for our expertise in helping clients resolve issues in a constructive, cost efficient manner through out of court options, including Collaborative Law, Mediation and Constructive Negotiation What are the strengths of your company...

An interview process conducted in 2014 revealed that clients felt very supported by our solicitors, received good advice from them, were encouraged to concentrate on what was important to them and their families, and saw costs managed within budgets. They also believed the firm looked out for what was in their best interest. It is responses like that which explain why we do the work we do. It is the reason I founded the firm in 2007. It means a lot to us to know we are making a positive difference in our clients’ lives.

For more: 01225 448955; www.sharpfamilylaw.com

“IT MEANS A LOT TO US TO KNOW WE ARE MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN OUR CLIENTS’ LIVES” 136 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Stone King has a continuous working history in Bath for 235 years.

For more: 13 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HJ; 01225 369002; www.stoneking.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE ACCOUNTANTS

CLEAR VISION

Matthew Rogers, managing director Tell us a little about your business

THRINGS

We are a caring, down-to-earth team providing accountancy, tax, payroll and also wider business growth services such as board support and marketing strategy reviews.

Many people in Bath will know Rob Walsh, who owned the majority stake in Clear Vision Accountancy from its inception in 2004 until August 2019, when I took over as its owner.

I had been working alongside Rob for 10 years and continue to uphold the client-focused values he established.

My team are empathetic and responsive to our clients’ needs which makes our business a great place to be.

Tell us a little about your business

What areas do you specialise in?

Michael Westbrook, Tax Planning & Trusts partner Although a national law firm, Thrings has been in Bath in some shape or form for three centuries. Now a modern and agile business, Thrings’ specialist legal teams work together to advise private individuals, entrepreneurs and family businesses, all the way to multinationals across a range of sectors and locations.

Our well-established reputation for assisting Bathonians with their private legal matters, as well as those living in the surrounding rural areas, is reflected in Thrings’ expanding Private Client team here in Queen Square. In the past year, we welcomed two experts in private wealth and inheritance: senior associate, Penelope Munro, and associate, Jermaine Smith. Kathryn Bew has also recently joined us as a highly experienced family lawyer.

Because of the historic nature of the city, conveyancing in Bath is a specialism in itself. We’re proud to have had our Private Property team recognised at the recent Bath Property Awards for its role in some particularly high-value property transactions and prestigious developments in and around the city.

What plans do you have for 2020?

In 2020 we will be building on our reputation as strong private client advisers, working alongside our commercial lawyers and agricultural experts to guide our clients through the complex matters that arise from one’s private, business and property interests.

Did You Know?

Blockchain could have a significant impact on the way legal services are provided. Our experts are helping clients seize the opportunities the technology presents (and mitigate the risks) – this includes for private individuals.

For more: 2 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HQ ; 01225 340000; www.thrings.com

Making it our business to understand our clients and supporting them on their journey via the provision of management information which aids business growth, and highlights opportunities to protect their health and wellbeing.

What challenges are your clients facing?

We work with business owners experiencing challenges to varying degrees.

These challenges tend to boil down to three key matters; money pressure, team hassle and a loss of ‘mojo’ for running their business.

The number of clients we take on that are ‘working blind’, without the necessary clarity over their business numbers, still surprises us. This means they miss out on information which helps them make better, informed business decisions, deflect potential issues and develop a disciplined and accountable team.

Did You Know?

Our team members rarely change. The average length of service across our team is 9.5 years.

This level of team retention supports our goal to provide familiar and knowledgeable support to local business owners.

For more: 1 Abacus House, Newlands Rd Corsham SN13 0BH; 01249 712074; www.clearvisionaccountancygroup.co.uk

“WE WORK WITH BUSINESS OWNERS EXPERIENCING CHALLENGES TO VARYING DEGREES” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 137

ADVERTISING FEATURE CONCINNITY CONSULTING Anna Goodship

Tell us a little about your business...

I took the decision to leave my previous role as finance director and start my own consultancy business nearly two years ago, in July 2017.

Having worked in the finance sector for 14 years, I wanted to share my expertise with other organisations who have a desire to grow and develop their business, but don’t have the resource or experience to do that by themselves.

So, Concinnity Consultancy Ltd was born. It started with my values – a blend of expertise, honesty and my desire to integrate myself into my client’s business to truly understand what will work for them. My brand then followed – I wanted to differentiate and stand out from others in the sector.

In summary, the business offers a flexible solution to finance, operating at finance director level and working within the business on a variety of services specifically tailored to the business needs – for example, management accounting, cash flow planning, budgeting, team development or process improvement, often working alongside the business’s external accountant.

Over the past year I haven’t stopped! This coming year I plan to continue as I have been. I am truly delighted that I took the leap and started my own business.

What achievement as a firm are you most proud of?

I have always wanted to run a half-marathon. My Dad had a severe stroke 10 years ago and it had always been one of my goals to raise some money for the Stroke Association. Working a full-time, fairly demanding job I had never felt I had the time to train for one. As I started my own business in mid-2017, I decided my first year of business (when I would have more work-life balance!) would be the time to do this.

It didn’t completely go to plan. I planned to run the Bath Half in March 2018. I started training in November and by the January I had a badly torn hamstring! I had raised over £2,300 so was pretty determined to run it after months of physio. Needless to say I was one of the few people who was pleased by the first ever cancellation of the Bath Half in 2018. Partly recovered, I went on to run the two-tunnels half marathon in May and ‘earn’ my sponsorship. I was really proud to be the Stroke Associations top fundraiser and was given a celebratory bottle of champagne!

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

I would say I’m pretty unique in what I offer – a flexible finance director who is happy to work as many or as few hours as my clients need. So, for some clients it will be a few hours a month, whereas for others I’m on site one day a week.

I would also describe myself as ‘non-corporate’ – that doesn’t mean to say I’m not highly professional with strong integrity, it’s more about being really approachable and friendly (and, of course, trustworthy and honest).

What makes working in Bath special?

I love the fact that even though it’s a World Heritage Centre, which makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, it’s a perfect size – small enough to feel homely and welcoming.

It’s a great city to work in, because there is so much diversity and culture – there’s a real buzz during the day and, of course, it’s equally lively at night too. I also love the variety of restaurants and eating places, from street food to 5-star gourmet specialities, all placed so close to each other. Plus, the beautiful Somerset countryside that is literally on our doorstep – I genuinely wouldn’t want to live or work anywhere else.

I’ve also met some wonderful clients and partners to work with, through a great networking circle – Women Mean Biz. I’ve found it really beneficial meeting every month for lunch and sharing working practices, challenges and opportunities.

0800 170 1779; www.concinnityconsultancy.co.uk

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PEARSON MAY

Matthew Rutter BSc (Hons) FCA CTA Tell us a little about your business

Pearson May is a leading firm of Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers with our Bath office located in Great Pulteney Street. The firm was established in Bath nearly 180 years ago, and we strive to help our clients pay less tax. Our clients are local, regional, national and international.

What makes working in Bath special?

More so now than ever before, Bath is a vibrant and eclectic mix of business and pleasure. Against the backdrop of our beautiful city, Pearson May provides advice to owner managed businesses, fellow professionals, and private individuals who value a quality personal service – and paying less tax, of course!

What challenges are your clients facing?

With ever increasing government regulation, managing your business and tax affairs requires ever more specialist professional advice. At Pearson May many of our senior staff and partners are Chartered Tax Advisers, as well as being qualified accountants.

Did You Know?

It is highly rewarding to give back to our community and, as part of this process, Pearson May organises a popular Charity Golf Day in support of local charities. The event attracts business teams across all sectors and has been taking place every September for more than 20 years now.

In total we’ve raised a six-figure sum for the charities concerned.

01225 460491; www.pearsonmay.co.uk

“BATH IS A VIBRANT AND ECLECTIC MIX OF BUSINESS AND PLEASURE”

PG OWEN & CO, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Director Ian Gillard

Tell us a little about PG Owen’s history...

It was established in 1871 by David Owen, one of the founding fathers of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. In 146 years, this current management team is only the fourth in the fi rm’s history. We are more than just accountants and tax advisers. We offer a complete one-stop source of all financial support, be it financial services through our parent company or legal services through our associate company.

What advice would you give to any considering accountancy as a career?

A good analytical mind is required, a desire to offer the very best advice to all clients, both large and small, and a degree of determination to treat every obstacle as a challenge is essential.

Is there anything you are monitoring that might impact your line of work?

We are always keeping an eye on anything that may affect us and our clients, including making tax digital. And, undoubtedly, Brexit will provide challenges at all levels. For many businesses, the impact of the major increases in national living wage allied to increased auto enrolment pension contributions will mean that pricing issues will be at the forefront of many businesses.

For more: 124 High Street, Midsomer Norton, Bath BA3 2DA; 01225 422183; www.pgtax.co.uk

“WE ARE MORE THAN JUST ACCOUNTANTS AND TAX ADVISERS. WE OFFER A COMPLETE ONE-STOP SOURCE OF ALL FINANCIAL SUPPORT, BE IT FINANCIAL SERVICES THROUGH OUR PARENT COMPANY OR LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH OUR ASSOCIATE COMPANY”

RICHARDSON SWIFT Jon Miles, tax director

Tell us a little about your business

We’re the largest chartered accountants based solely in Bath, which means our clients enjoy a truly local and personal service with forward thinking advice. We really get to know our clients too so can be more proactive, especially when it comes to long-term planning.

What challenges are your clients facing?

The financial impact of Coronavirus on local businesses is a serious concern. The government estimates that up to a fifth workers could be off work as a result of the virus at its peak (source: BBC, 3 March 2020).

The Chancellor announced a package of measures for SMEs in his recent Budget to help ease the financial losses from the Coronavirus and we’re helping clients to access these. However, more government support is needed urgently, particularly for businesses in the hospitality and events sector.

In addition, we’re advising clients to check their insurance policies, as it may be possible to claim for additional financial losses they incur as a result of the virus, if they have cover, from 4 March 2020 onwards.

What do you like most about your job?

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, professional or investor, there’s always the challenge that the more successful you become, the more tax you pay. It’s a nice problem to have of course and I enjoy the challenge of helping these clients; this can involve structuring their businesses as efficiently as possible for the long-term or up to an exit, as well as managing their tax risk.

Did you know?

Half of our tax team are Chartered Tax Advisors (CTAs), which is the most advanced tax qualification in the UK. Only 5% of professional accountants are CTA qualified so we have a high level of tax expertise for a firm of our size. This allows us to offer a much fuller range of advice, including more complex Inheritance Tax Planning, R&D Tax Credits, company share schemes and preparing for a company sale.

For more: 11 Laura Place, Bath, BA2 4BL; 01225 325580; info@richardsonswift.co.uk; www.richardsonswift.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE HR CITRUS HR

Kirsty Senior, co-founder & HR consultant Tell us a little about your business…

Citrus HR helps small businesses comply with employment law and manage their people. We have built software which makes it really easy to manage holidays, absences and all the usual employee information.

And our team of friendly HR experts help customers with all their staff issues.

What sets you apart?

Most HR service providers tie you in for a year (or longer!). Citrus HR’s rolling monthly contract that can be cancelled at any time, is our biggest point of difference.

Of course, we prepare the usual employment contracts and policies that every business needs. But as soon as customers start working with us it’s how we do what we do that makes them stay.

Our friendly, expert staff listen and come up with creative ideas suitable for each customer. We’re big enough to have in-house lawyers backing up our HR team and publishing small-business friendly legal updates for added reassurance, but small enough to really care.

Our web-based software helps in far more ways than people realise, creating efficiency and saving time. It’s exceptionally easy to use, and sends reminders for all kinds of things from birthdays to servicing fire extinguishers and key employment dates…

We’re also just launching the UK’s easiest, quickest payroll, which we’re super excited about!

COLLIVER CONSULTING

What challenges are our clients facing

Tell us a little about your business…

Right now - Coronavirus, of course! It’s devastating for some, and really tough for everyone. We’ve offered advice that goes far beyond the legal obligations, and we are updating our advice multiple times a week at the moment. Exhausting but important.

Did you know…

Our recently launched Allergy & Dietary preference support has rocketed to our most popular feature after Holidays and Absences!

For more: 18E Charles St, Bath BA1 1HX; 0333 444 0165; info@citrushr.com; www.citrushr.com

Fiona Colliver

Colliver Consulting provides HR support to SMEs, specialising in professional services. I relocated from London having spent over a decade partnering with senior management to resolve problems and deliver results. I now spend my time advising business owners on anything people related.

Work/life balance – how do you get it right for you?

I am very passionate about this. I’ve previously benefitted from a flexible environment which really increased my loyalty and engagement. I don’t get a choice about work life balance now, as I have young children. I’m available during school hours then work flexibly at other times.

What areas do you specialise in?

Relationships. I have a broad skill set and I’ve been fortunate enough to work in businesses where my clients wanted me to partner with them on all key projects. People turn to HR in a crisis and I thrive on that. I think what I’ve found since setting up Colliver Consulting is that people want HR advice but they also need a sounding board. Often there is no obvious person in smaller businesses to act as a trusted adviser, and that’s where I come in.

Did You Know?

I found my first client after advertising my HR services for free on social media. (They remain a client, unfortunately for them they didn’t get anything for free, but a local charity did instead).

For more: fiona@colliverconsulting.co.uk; 07841401693; www.colliverconsulting.co.uk

“PEOPLE TURN TO HR IN A CRISIS AND I THRIVE ON THAT”

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ADVERTISING FEATURE FINANCE BATH BUILDING SOCIETY Tiffany Hardie-Albutt

Tell us a little about your business...

We are a building society headquartered in Bath and we offer mortgages and savings. We have a small mortgage team which aims to offer a high standard of personal and flexible service; and we are known for our flexible approach to underwriting. All applications are judged on merit and decisions are made on the basis of the applicants’ individual circumstances by experienced underwriters rather than computers. We offer a range of niche mortgage products that wouldn’t be found on the high street, those that help out customers with unusual circumstances. On the savings side the fact we are focussed on Bath enables us to offer a more personal service. We see all our customers as individuals rather than numbers and we always endeavour to provide our members with attractive savings rates.

The society can trace its origins back to 1904 when it was set up originally as a friendly society. It used members investments to buy property to rent, becoming a building society in the 1950’s lending money to people in the city to buy their own homes. To this day we enjoy great support from the city of Bath although we also operate throughout England and Wales.

Tell us about your involvement in the community...

As the main sponsor of the Bath fireworks event at the Rec, in conjunction with The Rotary Club of Bath, we have helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds over the last 42 years. Along with this we also run the firework safety poster competition in primary schools and most people who have attended a primary school in Bath will have taken part in our Firework Safety Poster Competition over the years. In 2018 we handed out £6,500 to eight charities and community groups from the local area through the Bath Building Society’s Annual Charity Awards scheme. Last year we also sponsored the Bath Festival of Motoring, The Rotary’s Carol Service and the Boules Tournament that MediaClash organise in the City.

Tell us about your involvement with charities...

The Society sponsors a hot air balloon over Bath (run by Bath Balloons) which enables us to give away a limited number of tickets each year to good causes in and around Bath for fund-raising purposes.

01225 423271; www.bathbuildingsociety.co.uk

“OUR CHARTERED STATUS IS A REFLECTION OF OUR COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONALISM, ETHICS AND LEARNING, ALL OF WHICH TRANSLATE INTO HIGH QUALITY FINANCIAL PLANNING” BECKFORD JAMES

Patricia Lake BSc (Hons) Dip PFS CFPCM Chartered MCSI Senior Partner Tell us a little about your business…

We are a Chartered firm of Independent Financial Planners. Founded in 2009 by three like minded and very experienced advisers with a common objective to put the client back at the centre of the financial planning process, we have grown organically, bringing on new trainees as well as more experienced advisers and partners, and now have offices in Birmingham and London as well as our head office in Bath.

Financial Planning begins by working out what’s important to you in life and how to plan your finances accordingly.

Independent means we work unrestrictedly across the whole market to find the most appropriate solutions for your needs.

Our Chartered status is a reflection of our commitment to professionalism, ethics and learning, all of which translate into high quality financial planning.

Work/life balance – how do you get it right for you and your staff?

Work /life balance is important for everyone in order for a business to run successfully and happily. Our staff, both full time and part time, all work very hard during the day, but there is a great team spirit and we also enjoy a lot of social time with colleagues and their families, in Bath and further afield, with events ranging from the more energetic trekking up Snowdon, a summer party and bbq for families, and regular offsite social events throughout the year.

On a personal level it can be very difficult as a business owner to switch off, but my family including grandchildren are a great distraction, and spending time with them or being in my garden and caring for my various animals including keeping bees, keeps my feet firmly on the ground.

What challenges are your clients facing?

As I write we are going into unchartered territory with Covid 19 restrictions to movement now in place, and many clients are naturally worried about the impact of this on their portfolios and future lifestyles, as well as the more urgent health and wellbeing considerations.

One of the benefits of financial planning rather than just advising, is that the financial modelling we do with our clients takes account of potential market downturns. For some of us this is the 11th market downturn we have experienced in 33 years and we understand that now is the time to sit tight and keep your head.

At Beckford James we have been proactive throughout in contacting our clients to reassure them of our actions, and all our advisers are available to discuss and address concerns, whether working from our offices or, for now, remotely. We have always been a business built on relationships, not transactions. Now more than ever, our clients appreciate being able to face these challenges together with a trusted and experienced adviser.

For more: Queen Square House, Queen Square Place, Bath BA1 2LL 01225 437600; www.beckfordjames.com

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ADVERTISING FEATURE BREWIN DOLPHIN

Tom Annear, assistant director

Tell us a little about your business

We give our clients the confidence to make transformational financial decisions. We do this by educating them so that when we ask them to take our advice, they can move forwards with the confidence of knowledge, rather than simple trust.

Brewin Dolphin arrived in Bath last year with the acquisition of Epoch Wealth Management. What made Epoch a well-respected firm continues now; clients also benefit from the clout of a FTSE 250 company that’s been investing money successfully for over 250 years.

What is your staffing model?

In order to provide a highly bespoke service, each planner has a paraplanner (gifted technically but non-client facing) and an administrator. In this way, should a client call in, there are at least two people in the office who know the client’s situation and who can help them. In addition to the client facing staff, the office has a number of operational staff whose role is to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Many small firms will have adopted a client centric focus; partly because it allows them to differentiate themselves from the larger players, who compete more on cost. We have retained the same client focus we did as a small firm but can now also access an investment and cost proposition that many smaller firms won’t be able to compete with.

Did you know?

The value of investments and any income from them can fall and you may get back less than you invested.

For more: 01225 487772; www.brewin.co.uk/bath

HANDELSBANKEN BATH Simon Cropper, branch manager Tell us a little about your business

Handelsbanken is a local relationship bank built on sustainable values. We offer individual and corporate banking as well as wealth management with high levels of bespoke customer service.

Handelsbanken Bath has been in the city since 2007, and we moved to new premises on Henry Street in 2018 to meet the growing demand for our personal service.

What achievement as a firm are you most proud of proud of?

For eleven years in a row we have been voted top for customer satisfaction in an independent survey of British banking customers (EPSI Rating Oct 2019). Customer satisfaction sits at the very heart of Handelsbanken’s business model, and each branch operates as a local business which means they know their customers well and understand the local market and community.

What makes working in Bath special?

Bath is such a vibrant city, yet still small enough to have a great sense of community. Being part of the business community and involved in charity and social events means there is never a dull moment given the plethora of activities throughout the whole year. Whether social or business, my favourite thing about working in Bath is always bumping into someone you know.

Did You Know?

Handelsbanken has over 200 branches across the UK, and we have no product or sales targets. Empowered employees make the majority of decisions in the local branch, based on customers’ individual requirements, whether they have personal, corporate or wealth needs, or a combination of all. In Handelsbanken we say ‘the branch is the bank’.

For more:7 Henry Street, BA1 1JR; 01225 311222; sicr01@handelsbanken. co.uk; www.handelsbanken.co.uk/bath

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ADVERTISING FEATURE UNIVIDUAL

Scott Gurd, APFS chartered financial planner

PATENT ATTORNEYS

What achievement as a firm are you most proud of?

Qualifying to become a Chartered advice firm as well as personally a Chartered Financial Planner will always be one of my top achievements. Becoming Chartered is the gold standard in many industries and one of the highest levels of qualification you can get as a financial adviser. It instils confidence in my clients that I have the extensive and up to date knowledge to provide them the advice they need on money matters. More recently though, we were awarded the Pension Transfer Gold Standard and then at the end of last year, myself and Greg Harris were named by New Model Adviser as two of their Top 35 Financial Advisers under 35. It is great that a family-run ambitious business like Unividual can achieve these accolades and put Bath on the map for financial advice.

What challenges are your clients facing?

A lot of people don’t class themselves as investors but in reality most of us are, even if we simply have a work-place pension. It doesn’t matter what is happening in the world, whether its Coronavirus, flooding or Brexit, if it impacts the economy, it has the ability to impact your financial situation. Especially in the short term these challenges can often be an unnerving experience. When you couple that with changes to government legislation and the simple fact that we are living longer, it is no wonder the need for financial advice is at peak demand for people making life changing decisions year on year. Especially as companies like Unividual are helping people realise that you don’t have to be “rich” to need a financial adviser and advice can be affordable.

Clients face challenges. We help clients understand and learn, but most importantly, we are that proactive voice and helping hand that navigates clients through the good times and the harder times, educating them on when to make decisions, but equally when to sit tight and not make rash choices.

For more: Sterling House, Upper Bristol Rd, Bath BA1 3AN; 0330 353 0150; www.unividual.co.uk

BRYERS LLP

Tina Rees-Pedlar, Trade Mark & Design attorney Tell us a little about your business:

We specialise in assisting clients with intellectual property (IP) matters, whether that involves inventions, designs, branding or other implementations of ideas important to a business. We work with companies operating in different industries and in different countries, and with people having all sorts of different backgrounds.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Our philosophy is to be approachable and pragmatic, so that people feel comfortable to contact us with whatever IP related query they have, whenever they have it. We pride ourselves on tailored services, visiting our clients regularly. Our recommendations are more effective the more we understand the relevant commercial circumstances, and so we like to stay in regular contact with our clients so we can learn of any changes that may alter our advice sooner rather than later. Although we are based in Bath, we are happy to travel or to use conferencing technology to avoid our office location becoming a barrier to establishing and maintaining business relations.

What makes working in Bath special?

“A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T CLASS THEMSELVES AS INVESTORS BUT IN REALITY MOST OF US ARE” 144 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

I have worked in many of the UK’s large cities, but Bath is greatest location I have ever worked in. I have been working in Bath for 4 years and always in awe of a buildings in the city, the general cleanliness of the streets, the magnificent parks and greenery on our doorstep. Bath also has a wide variety of Festivals, Our team of attorneys have Community and Charity an exceptional set of skills outside of their day to day events, you cannot avoid jobs, and consists of: whilst working in Bath and • A Championship Horse almost always join in. Bath Jumper is an exceptional city with a • A FA Qualified Football sense of Community, and that Coach is why I believe it is one the • A Professional DJ best locations to work.

• A Custos Testudo For more: 7 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 • A Scuba Diving Instructor 2PH; 01225 428877; post@ bryerlaw.com; www.bryerlaw.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE PROPERTY AARON EVANS ARCHITECTS LTD Kevin Murphy RIBA, managing director Tell us a little about your business

Aaron Evans Architects is a multi-award winning, architectural practice based in the centre of Bath. We provide full architectural, heritage, project management and master-planning services to a wide range of clients including individual property owners, private companies, charities, developers and PLCs. We can offer you expert advice regardless of project size or value. In 2018 we won the inaugural ‘Bath Property Award’ for Architect and the ‘Bath Life Award’ for Property in 2019.

What areas do you specialise in?

We specialise in securing highly sensitive and complex planning and listed building consents. We are experts at delivering challenging projects in Bath, the south-west and throughout the UK in similar planning environments. We work in the residential, both new build and conversion of listed buildings, as well as education, commercial and retail development sectors. In fact, any project that requires an imaginative, viable and sustainable solution. We enjoy a challenge!

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

We are specialists in Bath. Our unrivalled planning track record and extensive archive of projects, built and unbuilt, provide us with a unique insight into development in the city. There are few sites in Bath for which we have not prepared either a masterplan or a design proposal in the past 40 years. Alongside DID YOU KNOW? this, we undertake smaller, Many of us are University bespoke commissions and of Bath alumni, three of us studied together in the 80s. have delivered over 100 listed Long standing employee, building consents in the city.

Mark Wooding, is currently For more: Aaron Evans Architects building his own self-build, Ltd, 3 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2PH; eco-house.

01225 466234; kevinm@aaronevans.com; www.aaronevans.com

BATH LEASEHOLD MANAGEMENT Sarah Dedakis, managing director Tell us a little about your business?

We are independent, block managers providing proactive, communicative and transparent leasehold management services including managing service charges, company accounts, day to day and planned maintenance whilst adhering to and keeping abreast of the ever-changing and complex leasehold legislation.

We manage a variety of buildings in the South West from Georgian conversions to purpose-built luxury apartment blocks.

Tell us about your community/charity involvement…

We feel it is imperative to ‘give something back’ to the community so we pledge to donate 5% of our net profit to charities. Given that humans make up only 0.01% of life on Earth, we feel that looking after and protecting the wonderful animals on our planet is imperative. We help via our donations to perhaps those lesser known charities and Sarah is also a trustee of a charity and volunteers as Financial Officer for a notfor-profit organisation.

What challenges are your clients facing?

Many owners of leasehold property feel that running a Residents Management Company is as straightforward as arranging cleaning and the occasional ‘odd job’ along with simply filing the annual accounts.

The truth is far from this in that Leasehold legislation is extremely complex and confusing and owners are putting themselves and their asset at risk by not being conversant with the rule and regulations that must be followed when carrying out management company activities.

Lack of knowledge is no defence so we can remove the stress and provide effective and compliant management.

Did You Know?

We help our planet by using only electric vehicles during our course of business.

For more: 3 Chapel Row, Bath BA1 1HN; office@sarahdedakis.co.uk; 01225 632179; www.bathleaseholdmanagement.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE KNIGHT FRANK

Sam Daniels, senior negotiator

Tell us a little about your business…

Knight Frank deals with property across the world and is proud to be a private partnership. We believe taking a personal approach is crucial when interacting with our clients as it gives us a detailed understanding of how we can connect them with the perfect property, be it residential or commercial.

What predictions do you have for the sector in 2020?

Current predictions remain difficult in light of the current situation with Covid-19 however 2020 has started of very strong. Within Bath and the surrounding areas we anticipate seeing the continued release of the pent up demand we saw building in 2018 from buyers and sellers.

Looking ahead at Knight Frank’s market forecast we can see that growth within the UK and locally isn’t as strong as it has been over the past years prior to Brexit, however the South West predictions show a 1% increase in 2020 and a 3% in 2021, seeing the South West with a 15% increase over the next the 5 years.

What areas do you specialise in?

I specialise within the city market of Bath, whether it is an apartment or a house, dealing with the core and prime properties. We also have a very strong country team that deal with properties outside of the city.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any property related enquires.

We would love to help.

Did You Know?

Knight Frank sold Stonehenge to Cecil Chubb as a present to his wife.

She gifted it to the nation three years later.

For more: 4 Wood Street, Queen Square, Bath BA1 2JQ; 01225 325992; +44 7811 849 628; sam.daniels@knightfrank.com; www.knightfrank.com

“KNIGHT FRANK DEALS WITH PROPERTY ACROSS THE WORLD AND IS PROUD TO BE A PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP”

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Dedicated to finding the most secure, long-term outcome for separating and divorcing clients

Family transitions, including divorce, are difficult.

Protecting what matters most in uncertain times

The way you divorce or resolve your family matter shouldn’t add to the turmoil. Many people who come to us are looking to reach settlements that protect the best interests of both them and their children, for the long term.

Call, Skype, FaceTime Richard Sharp to find out how our experienced family lawyers can guide you towards a constructive outcome that enables you and your family to move on with life.

Bath 01225 448955/ 07798 606740 4 Queen Street, Bath, BA1 1HE richard@sharpfamilylaw.com

Office also in Bristol www.sharpfamilylaw.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE SAVILLS

Luke Brady, director – head of Bath office and southern residential division Tell us a little about your business?

Savills is one of the world’s leading property companies offering multidiscipline expertise in the city of Bath and surrounding countryside.

When was your firm founded and who by?

Savills was founded by Alfred Savill (1829 – 1905) who set up the business at Rood Lane, London in 1855 as “Savill and Son”. For over 160 years, we’ve offered outstanding property, specialist services and expert advice to clients, helping them with their property decisions and ambitions. Savills now has 600 offices worldwide with over 39,000 employees. Savills Bath opened in 1989 and is a flagship office for the company.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

MEA CHARTERED QUANTITY SURVEYORS Mark Saint, director

Tell us a little about your business

MEA is a practice of Construction Consultants providing Project Management, Quantity Surveying and Building Surveying services.

We work throughout the UK for a wide variety of clients in both the Private and Public sectors. Our experience covers new build, refurbishment, alterations and conservation work.

How have the last 12 months been for you?

Busy… but in a really good way! We moved from Chippenham where we had been for 25 years to Central Bath. This has proved to be a great move as we are quickly establishing ourselves here and are working with some fantastic new clients.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

We have a reputation for being proactive project team members. We recognise the true value of teamwork - from experience, successful projects are founded on collaboration.

What makes working in Bath special?

Bath is a city with a significant number of architects, so it works well on a practical level. We love working in this city. One of the most rewarding aspects is the ability to walk to project meetings. Not only does it mean that we can be there very quickly and easily, without harming our planet, but it also contributes to our well-being by getting the opportunity for a bit of fresh air and exercise in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Did You Know?

Our sister company ‘Building Schools for Nothing’ also operates from our Bath office.

For more: 26 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HX; 01225 337793; southwest@ meaconsult.co.uk; www.meaconsult.co.uk

“WE HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BEING PROACTIVE PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS” 150 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Savills Bath provides multi-discipline cross-sector advice to help clients achieve their property needs from residential, rural and commercial sales to development, planning and even renewable technologies.

Savills offer over fifty service lines worldwide. 100% client focussed, Savills is the only organisation that seeks feedback via questionnaire from every buyer and seller in order to continually strive for excellence.

Savills Bath is one of the company’s top ten residential businesses in the country. We have been involved in the changing shape of the city advising clients on the planning, disposal and development of key brownfield sites in the city including the MOD sites, Bath Riverside, Hope House and Walcot Yard.

For more: Edgar House, 17 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EN; bath@savills.com; 01225 474500; www.savills.co.uk/estate-agents/savills-bath.aspx

“SAVILLS IS THE ONLY ORGANISATION THAT SEEKS FEEDBACK VIA QUESTIONNAIRE FROM EVERY BUYER AND SELLER”

ADVERTISING FEATURE MEETINGS AND CONFERENCE VENUES BEST WESTERN PLUS CENTURION HOTEL Mark Manley, general manager

Tell us a little about your business?

We are a 45 bedroom 4 star hotel, nine miles south of Bath. We have 3 conference rooms, restaurant, health club and a 9 hole parkland golf course. Our conference rooms will cater for 2 – 120 delegates in various room layouts.

When was your firm founded and who by?

In 1918 L&F Jones was founded & started as a confectionary business, which was a big hit in our local villages. Catherine Jones named the company after her two daughters, Leona & Francis.

In 1978 Fosseway golf club was purchased with a 9 hole golf course.

The Centurion hotel was built alongside the Fosseway country club & opened in 1987 with 17 bedrooms & our first conference room. In April 1991 this was enlarged to 44 bedrooms with additional conference rooms.

Our hotel joined Best Western in 2007, in 2011 we achieved our PLUS status - only the 11th hotel in the UK to achieve this accreditation at this time.

SRA ARCHITECTS LLP Emily Giles

How have the last 12 months been for you?

Tell us a little about your business?

At SRA Architects we employ a simple but effective creative approach that steers our thinking and informs all our design work. It is only by listening and understanding the needs and aspirations of our Clients that we can fulfil their creative vision. By questioning ideas and processes we can find solutions which are successful, sustainable and often surprising. Designing is what excites and inspires us. Sharing this passion with our Clients makes the creative journey enlightening and enjoyable. Our values determine the way we work and are the driving force that helps us achieve our aspirations as a Practice for our Clients.

What achievement as a firm are you most proud of proud of?

In architecture, achieving simplicity is not easy. It takes commitment, clear focus and creative thinking. We believe and specialise in the positive impact of simplicity. Simple architecture costs less to build, is delivered more quickly and is easier to maintain over a building’s long life. Simplicity delivers award-winning solutions that meet the requirements of our Clients, as well as looking beautiful. We see our finished buildings as a celebration of a journey taken. We are proud of the creation of a simple and elegant solution that’s a joy to use and which stands the test of time.

Due to the continued increase in our conference business within the last 12 months, we are constantly updating our offerings. With the recent release of our new buffet lunch menus.

Our 24 hour day delegate rate includes – Room hire, tea & coffee, bottled water, hydo-juice, fruit bowl, buffet lunch, visual aids, AV equipment & stationery. Evening meal & an overnight stay with breakfast.

Did You Know?

Our Matrix equipment used in our on-site gym is also used by the Redbull F1 team!!

Our Head Chef Sean Horwood has achieved 2 AA rosettes for our restaurant!!

For more: Best Western Centurion Hotel, Charlton Lane, Radstock, BA3 4BD; enquiries@centurionhotel.co.uk; 01761 417711; www.centurionhotel.co.uk

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Making the architectural journey simple, rewarding and enjoyable for the Client and design team. To make this possible, we choose the most suitable team of people for every project, so we can deliver the best solution for our Clients. Each member of the team brings a fresh perspective. We exchange our thoughts and views positively, pushing each other to develop new skills, share knowledge and celebrate our landmark moments together. It is important to us that we deliver an architectural journey that is enjoyable. To us, a collaborative approach to the design and construction of all projects is key. Through hard work, commitment and creative flair we deliver elegant architecture that is both considered and distinct.

DID YOU KNOW? Some of our Clients have been working with us for over 25 years, since the formation of the practice.

For more: Queen Square House, Charlotte Street, Bath BA1 2LL; 01225 827444; www.sra-architects.co.uk

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BSc MRICS Chartered Surveyor Mark Vincent Surveying provides surveying and valuation advice on residential properties primarily across North Somerset, Bath and North-East Somerset and West Wiltshire. As a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and with experience of properties ranging from modest studio apartments through to multi-million pound country estates, Mark’s advice is impartial and provides peace of mind to his clients.

Operating in and around Bath, Bradford-on-Avon, Bristol, Frome, Midsomer Norton, Shepton Mallet, Trowbridge, Warminster, Wells & Westbury – Mark provides a wide range of services related to the value and condition of residential property, including: • Homebuyers reports • Building Surveys • Valuations Mark is independent of estate agents and financial institutions which means he gives unbiased advice and can offer complete peace of mind with Professional Indemnity Insurance cover to RICS requirements.

mark@mvsurveying.co.uk 07922 557100 | 01225 581591 www.mvsurveying.co.uk

1-07, 3 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2FJ

It’s all about peace of mind…

Bath based since 1992

This is what cavity wall tie failure, due to corrosion, is

ADVERTISING FEATURE CHADWICK BUSINESS CENTRES Richard Douglas, managing director Tell us a little about your business?

Chadwick Business Centres is a serviced office operator established nearly 6 years ago as a spin-off from Chadwick Holdings, a private property investment and business funding company.

We currently have 10 centres across the UK with our Trim Street site in Bath having launched at the end of 2019.

Rather than having a standard ‘one size fits all’ template, all our locations are different and unique. We focus on working with property partners for sourcing our opportunities and then developing a theme around the location, building style and market dynamics.

We operate out of large multi-storey tower blocks, stand-alone modern developments, converted snooker halls and all things in-between.

In Bath we operate from a beautiful Grade II listed building, which adds to our eclectic portfolio!

What plans do you have for 2020 and beyond?

We plan to steadily grow the business into the long-term to develop a national network with representation in all key cities and markets and to expand those that we already operate in.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Our clients and business partners often tell us that it’s our staff.

We asked our team to articulate what it was they felt made our business a unique place to work. The overwhelming consensus boiled down to ‘Relationships, Integrity, Commitment and Excellence’.

We strive to make these our guiding principles in terms of all business dealings, both externally and internally.

DID YOU KNOW? We also provide funding for start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the property sector.

For more: Chadwick House, 6 Hallam Road, Clevedon, N. Somerset BS21 7SF, sales@chadwickbc.co.uk; 01275 795395; www.chadwickbc.co.uk

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We are a specialist law firm providing advice in all areas of intellectual property protection and enforcement, including:

 PATENTS  TRADE MARKS  DESIGNS  COPYRIGHT 

Our personalised services are tailored to fit your business, helping you to achieve your commercial goals 7 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2PH

01225 428877

www.bryerlaw.com

post@bryerlaw.com

bryers

@BryersLLP

ADVERTISING FEATURE BUSINESS SERVICES BATH BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION Julie Cooper, BBWA chairwoman

Tell us a little about your business?

Established in 1996 by Debbie Hobbs, Bath Business Women’s Association is a not-for-profit organisation run by a volunteer committee of business women. The aim is to provide a friendly, supportive forum for like-minded women to network and share business experience in an informal setting. Membership is free and the benefits of belonging to BBWA include monthly networking events, newsletter and the chance to exchange ideas and information with others.

What plans do you have for 2020 and beyond?

BBWA celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2021 – a quarter century of networking is something to shout about! We’ll be launching a new logo and branding, plans include a black tie dinner and guest speaker as well as our usual monthly networking in some great venues. Watch this space!

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

There are many women’s networking groups; each has its place. BBWA puts no pressure on any member but encourages everyone to make others aware of who they are and what they do. We are proud to support those just starting out as well as those in long established businesses.

Free membership means open to all. Membership is 600 strong which means an immense amount of sharing, laughter and hopefully, everyone leaving with that feel-good factor. (85) For more: julie.cooper@bbwa.com; 07730 132 330; www.bbwa.biz

DID YOU KNOW? BBWA makes a point of networking with 6th formers from Bath Royal High? This gives a chance for them to talk about their ambitions as well as giving an insight into business as they start their working lives outside school.

A popular event, often talking to over sixty young people. Sharing knowledge is a great experience for everyone!

BATH PRESTIGE HIRE LTD Daniel Reid, director

Tell us a little about your business?

Bath Prestige Hire Ltd offers prestige vehicle hire to Bath and the surrounding areas. The business was founded in 2019 with the aim of offering a luxury service synonymous with the City of Bath.

What areas do you specialise in?

We specialise in self-drive hire and we also offer chauffeur services.

Our cars include a Ferrari 488 Spider and a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. All vehicles can be hired for as little as 24hrs, or as long as a week.

The chauffeur service is tailored to the exacting requirements of each individual customer.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Price and service. We are the most competitively priced business of this type in the UK. The service we offer is bespoke to each customer, which includes delivery and collection to the customer’s chosen location/s as standard. We are confident that you won’t find better value or better customer service anywhere else!

Did You Know?

We sell gift vouchers – why not treat someone to the ultimate experience! Gift vouchers can also be purchased for our chauffeur service, for those who might prefer the passenger seat. Both the Ferrari and the Porsche are remarkably straightforward to drive, seemingly just as much at home driving around town as they are on a deserted country road.

For more: daniel@bathprestigehire.co.uk; 07969 035943; www.bathprestigehire.co.uk

“OUR CARS INCLUDE A FERRARI 488 SPIDER AND A PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4S” 156 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

High Quality Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services Roadside parking outside shop for loading/unloading

CURTAIN CLEANING 20% DISCOUNT Van service available 6 Monmouth Place, Bath BA1 2AU Tel 01225 311595

We produce a wide range of creative events for businesses, individuals and cities, including: • • • • • • • • • •

Product launches Gala dinners Awards evenings Charity auctions Business meetings Experiential events Team building days Private events & parties Citywide public art events Exclusive motorsport & powerboat experiences • Research and development • Project management

To discuss ideas for your next event, email megan@wittyevents.co.uk or phone us on 01225 340697 We'd love to hear from you!

www.wittyevents.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE CANDO CLEANERS Kamil Bryla, director

Tell us a little about your business?

I started Cando Cleaners when I realised there was a need for a more proactive approach to office cleaning in Bath as some of our clients explained how their previous cleaners lacked in consistency.

Our business is all about the “can-do” attitude so it made sense to incorporate that in its name (also the pun sounded too good to pass on!).

One of our goals as a company is to really advocate for cleaning and its importance as it is often underestimated. We use non-toxic cleaning products, eco-friendly procedures and provide our team with all the training to ensure our clients receive a fully bespoke service and well maintained working space. With passion and the right attitude we are here to really put efficient commercial cleaning on the map.

How have the last 12 months been for you?

The last twelve months have been excellent. We had growth as a company and hired even more skilful, passionate people to join our amazing team. We started new contracts with an array of clients whose feedback and rapport with are excellent.

What plans do you have for 2020 and beyond?

2020 will mark our expansion on a nationwide scale starting with Manchester and Liverpool. Of course, we do love Bath as our hometown and plan on growing our presence and getting more involved in all the events and charity work happening in the city throughout the year.

Did You Know?

We have quite a few well known clients in Bath who have trusted us in keeping their workplaces the best they can be, including MediaClash, publishers of Bath Life Magazine.

For more: 9 Stirtingale Avenue Bath, BA2 2NQ; 01225 292 404

CITY TAILORS Ben Aydin, partner Who Are you?

Founded by my brother Mehmet and I in 2010, we’ve been a business at the heart of Bath city, providing bespoke tailoring for ladies and gentleman, dressmaking, offering clothing alterations for general public, local retailers and boutiques.

What’s special about the way you work?

Quality of our service and work is well known by clients, our ethos is based on understanding your needs, good listener and working together to provide you with seamless, complimentary tailoring service.

Mehmet and I have a wide range of experience including clothing manufacturing & training from Saville Row tailors, this gives us the expertise to deal with all tailoring requirements. Having a large team on site gives us ability to carry out most challenging work in short deadlines.

What are you looking forward to in 2020?

We are looking forward to expanding our made to measure suit service to ladies suits and casual wear, to increase the number of team members.

How have the last year been for you?

“ONE OF OUR GOALS AS A COMPANY IS TO REALLY ADVOCATE FOR CLEANING AND ITS IMPORTANCE AS IT IS OFTEN UNDERESTIMATED”

DID YOU KNOW? We are the only bespoke tailors in Bath and the south west who offer handmade suits to both ladies and gentleman, all suits are designed and made on the premises using the finest British fabrics.

We are one of few places in UK who can carry out vintage clothing restorations.

It has been a great year for us, we launched our made to measure suit service, offering more affordable alternative to the bespoke/handmade for those on lower budget but wants to have the experience of having a tailor made suit.

For more: 25 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DG; info@citytailors.co.uk; 01225920263; www.citytailors.co.uk

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THE ACCESSIBLE, INFORMED AND CARING ACCOUNTANT RELATIONSHIP YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS NEED With an average of 9.5 years’ service at the firm, our team provides business owners across the West Country with a familiar and knowledgeable relationship.

The kind that helps your business grow as well as providing the personal support you need throughout your journey as the owner.

Our investment in understanding you and your business means we deliver the financial insights you need to make informed business decisions, deflect potential issues and develop a high-performing team.

Call 01249 712074 to find out more.

Clear Vision Accountancy Limited 1 Abacus House Newlands Road Corsham SN13 0BH www.clearvisionaccountancygroup.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE DATASHARP INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS Brad Snow

Tell us a little about your business

I wish there was a simple way to summarise! We’re a business communications company based in Bath. Our areas of expertise are VoIP phone systems, Internet connectivity, network security, business mobile phones and video conferencing together with the consultancy, design and deployment skills required to bring these technologies together and create the best solutions for our clients.

We like to build solid and long-lasting relationships with our customers by understanding their business goals, (saving money, securing against the latest cyber threats, saving travel time by using video conferencing, etc.) and by providing exceptional maintenance and support services once the installation of a new system is complete.

What challenges are your clients facing?

There are some huge challenges associated with creating flexible environments that allow staff to work, communicate and collaborate with colleagues easily - both inside and outside the workplace - while, simultaneously managing the security around those environments.

Cybersecurity is always a big talking point. We’ve helped many clients manage their network security requirements and it continues to be one of the most important growth areas for us.

Also, many modern businesses are embracing video conferencing but the key to successful deployment is breaking down the barriers to adoption by making sure users understand the benefits it offers and making meetings super easy to join, without needing to get the IT Dept involved. Face-to-face meetings won’t be disappearing any time soon but being able to connect people quickly and efficiently by removing the traditional constraints of time and distance can have a huge impact on productivity. And these days, that means on every device – even the phone in your pocket!

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Our keen focus on customer service keeps our partners happy and we have a fantastic 1,000 sq ft technology centre at our office that allows our clients to come and get hands-on with the 30+ technology solutions that we provide.

Our dedicated support team routinely solves issues within a few minutes of them being raised. They either become an extension of internal teams or clients can outsource their support needs to us completely.

Most importantly, we retain our clients for many years, so we must be doing something right!

For more: 08000 328274; www.datasharp-ic.co.uk

IGNITION STRATEGIC DESIGN Adam Lloyd-Smith, director

Tell us a little about your business?

We’re a brand communications agency based in the centre of Bath, with a client list ranging from a FTSE 100 retailer with operations in nine different countries to smaller local businesses and entrepreneurial sole traders.

We help our clients to establish and grow relationships with their customers through strategic thinking, exciting ideas and beautiful design. We enhance reputations and change opinions. We balance creativity with commercial objectives.

We make brands better.

What achievement as a firm are you most proud of proud of?

Sometimes challenge can bring out the best in you. We finalised a management buy-out of Ignition in 2007 three weeks before the financial crash - great timing! But an agile repositioning of the agency (concentrating on our core strengths) and two years of long hours, creative excellence and a number of significant business wins resulted in a steadied ship, a wider client base and a more focused offering.

Describe your offices?

Our studio is in The Old School House attached to St. John’s Church, just off Manvers Street. It’s been our home and inspiration for almost 25 years and, like any old building, the layout is ‘quirky’ but packed with DID YOU KNOW? character. It’s centrally located We’re sponsors of Bath City and provides amazing views FC, with our logo sitting across the city - we love it here. proudly on their shorts. We love supporting our local club and fingers crossed they end the season with promotion. COYR!!

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For more: The Old School House, St Johns Court, South Parade, Bath BA2 4AF; 01225 444174; www.ignition.uk.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE WITTY EVENT MANAGEMENT LTD Megan Witty, events director

Tell us a little about your business?

We produce a wide range of creative events, from product launches, to gala dinners, charity auctions, product sampling, pop-up cinemas, private parties, outdoor festivals, business meetings, team-building events and exclusive motor sport and powerboat experiences. Owned by former ITV and BBC producer Megan Witty, we are probably best known for organising the popular Owls, Lions and Pigs of Bath sculpture trails, which raised £350,000 for local charities.

What makes working in Bath special?

The World Heritage city, with its stunning crescents, festivals, independent shops and surrounding countryside is a wonderful place to work, but what really brings it to life is the incredible variety of leading tech, cultural and creative businesses hidden away behind the Georgian facades.

How have the last 12 months been for you?

Busy! We produced a series of pop-up sampling events from a converted tuk-tuk at venues such as Tobacco Dock, Olympia and the NEC for the world’s largest brewer, AB InBev. We also organised the ‘Lions of Windsor 2019’ sculpture trail, which featured a giant pride of supersized lions decorated by leading artists and designers, including Dame Zandra Rhodes, displayed across Windsor to celebrate Queen Victoria’s 200th anniversary.

Did You Know?

Witty Events organised an ‘Evening with Boris Johnson’ charity auction when he was Mayor of London and produced the annual ‘24 Hours in Bristol’ photographic competition, which saw 10,000 photos of the city taken on competition day each year.

For more: megan@wittyevents.co.uk; 01225 340697; www.wittyevents.co.uk

OJO SOLUTIONS

Nathan Baranowski, managing director Tell us a little about your business?

We are an award-winning team of techies, digital creatives and strategists, who provide strategic digital thinking and beautifully crafted technology to help people see what’s possible and make it happen.

OJO is at the forefront of innovation, solving our client’s problems of today and fuelling their ambitions for tomorrow. Incubating start-ups that seek to disrupt the norm, enabling enterprises – small and large – to maximise their digital potential, to punch above their weight, and enabling charities to do more with less and deliver greater impact for their cause.

What areas do you specialise in?

We love everything digital and know how to take wacky ideas and messy problems and transform them into positive digital strategies that impact on behaviors and shape people’s futures. Creating and building beautifully designed, functionally rich user experiences, that uniquely knit digital solutions and experiences using existing and bespoke technology, so that you can achieve your goals faster Tell us about your community/charity involvement…

Through 2019 we have continued to support charities to do more with technology, donating free time to local and national charities to enable them to strategically understand their digital potential. This has included donating £15K of studio time to develop Helifun a fundraising game for Wiltshire Air Ambulance which has enabled them to engage new supporters and attract new funds. To top that off Nathan, ran 100K for the charity raising £6,812!

“WE ARE PROBABLY BEST KNOWN FOR ORGANISING THE POPULAR OWLS, LIONS AND PIGS OF BATH SCULPTURE TRAILS”

DID YOU KNOW? We have big plans for 2020 and they start with a move into the centre of Bath. We look forward to hosting you at our “new home” party later this spring!

For more: The Old Gas Warehouse, Bradford on Avon; nathanb@ ojosolutions.com; 01225 220 155; www.ojosolutions.com

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• Complete tailoring service for ladies and gentleman • Alterations and Repairs on all Garments • Made To Measure Suits and Shirts • Bespoke / handmade Suits and Separates • Ladies bespoke tailoring • Bridal wear and Evening wear Alterations • Re-sizing and Re-Designing Suits and Dresses • Replicating your old favourite clothing

25 Milsom Street, Bath, BA1 1DG

t: 01225 920 263

info@citytailors.co.uk

www.citytailors.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE TRANSFORM COMMUNICATIONS LTD Veronica Hannon, managing director Tell us a little about your business?

We are a thought leadership consultancy. What does that mean? Well, we help you build your authority through great communications. Our content is not light or fluffy. Instead, we deal with serious subjects in a highly engaging way. We’re pretty serious practitioners ourselves.

Decades of experience means we get your business. That’s why we say we will transform your communications.

What areas do you specialise in?

We love working with dynamic and ambitious B2B organisations who are scaling-up, growing, in a period of change, or looking to exit. You will benefit from our insight and intelligence that brings your marketing communications to life.

What challenges are your clients facing?

Being heard in a noisy market is one of the greatest challenges for our clients, especially ambitious companies who want to grow quickly.

It might be you want to engage potential clients, increase visits to your website, build up your database of prospects, or demonstrate your knowledge and expertise through the media and influencers. Great content is what helps cut through that noise and engage your market.

SOS DESIGN

Did You Know?

David Rutty, creative director

Tell us a little about your business?

“It’s less about us and more about you” - even though we are promoting ourselves today we are first and foremost, unwaveringly, client focused.

This enables us to deliver meaningful, accountable creative work, developing a strong working relationship with our clients resulting in a greater understanding of their business requirements and objectives.

The results are evident in our continued success with many long term, happy clients.

We’re a team of 5 women and one man (the one and the only Mr Daniel O’Connor). Yet, we have three male brains and three female brains between us. Curious? Find out more check on LinkedIn #allthebrains For more: 54 Frome Road, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LA; veronica@ transformcommunications.co.uk; 01225 863846; www.transformcommunications.co.uk

What plans do you have for 2020?

2020 is an exciting year for us as we will be celebrating our 20th year!

Reaching 20 in 2020 provides a great springboard for us to spend time refreshing, relaunching and driving ourselves forward for the next phase of the business. We’ve started the year with some exciting projects including support of the ‘Billy Chip’ - a local social initiative helping the homeless.

What challenges are your clients facing?

Well, apart from the continued uncertainty that we have experienced in the UK and globally over the last few years; I think the big challenge for clients now is how best to communicate DID YOU KNOW? with their customers and One of our key strengths are - our photoshoots? We love broader audience. It can be doing them and have been tempting to chase the latest fortunate enough to create platform without considering and produce successful if it actually fits with their photoshoots in the UK customer base. There are and abroad. We specialise no ‘magic bullets’; messages not only in the stills appear across multiple photography; from food channels both on and offline, to architecture, but also it’s choosing the right tools fashion and model shoots. for the audience and using We have certainly met them effectively that delivers some amazing characters positive results. along the way, including the legendary Jerry Hall - she was some character!

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For more: The Granary, Priston Mill, Priston, Bath BA2 9EQ;01225 318366; www.sosdc.co.uk

“BEING HEARD IN A NOISY MARKET IS ONE OF THE GREATEST CHALLENGES FOR OUR CLIENTS”

SERVICED OFFICE SUITES

PRESTIGIOUS CENTRAL VIBRANT MEETING ROOMS VIRTUAL OFFICES 6/7 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB hello@trimstreetbath.co.uk 01275 795 395 www.trimstreetbath.co.uk

COLLIVER CONSULTING HR Support on a retained, hourly or project basis for SMEs HR Services offered: PROJECT WORK

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

Finding time to focus on people elements can be hard. Colliver Consulting can help you run a variety of HR projects such as job evaluation, benchmarking and behavioural frameworks.

We can provide advice or carry out all manner of employee relations matters such as disciplinary, absence, flexible working, redundancy and grievances.

RECRUITMENT

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Finding the right person is key and we can assist you by screening candidates, interviewing and utilising personality and psychometric tests.

Ensuring a manager knows how to manage is vital and we can customise training to suit your needs.

CONTRACT, HANDBOOK AND POLICIES Ensuring your documentation is up to date and compliant protects both the Company and the individual. We can provide templates or review existing documents.

AND EVERYTHING ELSE Every day advice, maternity queries, mergers and TUPE. Just give us a call and we can assist.

Depending on the work we can offer a retained, hourly or project rate. Contact us to find out more:

07841 401693 | fiona@colliverconsulting.co.uk | www.colliverconsulting.co.uk

PROPERTY P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

NEW!

BIGGER PROPERTY SECTION

Inspiration

FEATHER LIGHT TOUCH

Got some period wood you don’t like the look of? Then get your feathers out, and take inspo from the Old Staircase at Dyrham Park How do you like your stairs? With carpet? Bare wood? Or how about bloomin’ huge?

If it’s the latter, you’ll admire the restored Old Staircase – yes, its name is that simple – that’s just been opened at Dyrham Park, the National Trust site some eight miles north of Bath, as part of a £10m improvement project. Now redecorated and the wood ‘re-grained’ – it had been painted white-and-gold, masking the black American walnut beneath – it’s the first major milestone in Dyrham Park Rework’d, a project to create, they say, “an engaging and meaningful journey into the 17th century” while at the same time giving people more space to eat, shop and play. More prosaically, it means there’s now a way to get upstairs again.

Wood graining is a period technique designed to make a cheaper wood look like an expensive one – to do this, feathers are often used instead of brushes – and here seven experts took six months trying different finishes and graining styles to get exactly the right look for the period. More re-graining will take place in the Great Hall later in the year, and there will be work to the car parks, play facilities and gardens too.

But back to the staircase, now vastly improved. “It’s fantastic to see it as it was originally intended,” says project manager Tim Cambourne. “And as well as looking great, there’s no longer a weight restriction – so we don’t have to limit the numbers using it at any one time.”

For more, and to visit to see the staircase, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/DyrhamPark

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Showcase

EASY ELEGANCE

Up towards the corner where Gay Street hits the Circus sits this handsome double-fronted townhouse; for a taste of classically elegant Georgian living, you could hardly do better

By Wendy Lyne 170 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PROPERTY

S

ome school groups might still giggle at the name of this road – though far fewer than of yore, we suspect – but everyone loves Gay Street, and not just for its name. (Not that it’s unique in this: New York also has a Gay Street – and it’s actually in the big LGBTQ+ region of Greenwich Village too – as do Baltimore, Horsham in West Sussex and Knoxville, Tennessee; that said, of all the world’s Gay Streets, only Rome’s was actually deliberately designed to be gayand lesbian-friendly.)

What our Gay Street has going for it is location above all – linking Queen Square to The Circus, how could it be more central? – and, just behind that, universally handsome looks, a row of townhouses (most of them Grade I listed, as this one is) marching up the hill, and named for renowned surgeon and Bath MP Robert Gay, who’d leased top architect John Wood the Elder the land upon which he built this road, and the Square below it too.

No18 Gay Street is an especially elegant and wellappointed example of the breed, planned by JWTE but completed in 1759 by his son, John Wood the Younger.

It’s right at the top, on the quieter stretch of right next to the Circus, and as such is an integral part of Wood’s grand plan for “the most important architectural

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PROPERTY

sequence in Bath”, which also, of course, included the Royal Crescent.

From the outside it’s a handsome, honey-stone building in the classic Georgian style – though slightly wider than most around it – while inside there’s even more to admire. Original details abound, most notably and immediately the rather fine grand staircase, with its gorgeous wide mahogany handrail on turned spindles, which brings light and grandeur to the entire house.

There are elaborate and beautifully restored ceiling cornices on both the ground and first floor too, and chandeliers and other fancy light fittings throughout.

This being a Bath townhouse, you’ll be living over a number of floors – five, in fact – which is not only good for the calves, but also means it’s easy to get away from other members of the household when required. The 17’2” x 16’ sitting room is on the ground floor, enjoying a dual aspect with large sash windows, a very cool marble fireplace, arched alcoves and intricate cornices.

There’s also a fair-sized study on this level, overlooking the courtyard garden, and a cloakroom.

Up to the first floor, and you’ll find the drawing room – if it suited you better, this could become another bedroom, of course – along with a family bath/shower room. Keep going and you’ll find the second floor master bedroom and guest bedroom, this one with a WC and walk-in shower; since there’s a connecting door between the two bedrooms, you could turn this entire

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floor into a master bedroom suite, one boasting the most generously sized of dressing rooms. At the top, three further bedrooms – one nice and big – with another shared bathroom.

All very nice, but you might be wondering where the kitchen is. Well, you go downstairs to the lower ground floor, of course, a much more extensive area than those above it, which largely comprises a big kitchen/ breakfast room – presented largely in white to make the most of natural light – with hand-built units, a limestone work surface and a big four-oven AGA. There’s a formal dining room down here too, as well as access to the courtyards – two tiny ones at the front, and a larger rear one in an Italianate style. There are also extensive vaults down here stretching under the pavement, comprising three equally-sized 20’ long spaces currently used as a home cinema room; a second, more casual, dining room; and a storage room with all the utilities.

Beyond all these there’s another separate cellar too, this one with its original wine storage bins.

Outdoors, you don’t get much – just those courtyards, though the rear one’s plenty big enough to entertain in, or enjoy a quiet and secluded summer meal or wine – but there’s tonnes of public green space nearby, not least in the form of Royal Victoria Park. And parading in that general direction from here on a summer’s evening? Well, what could be a more Georgian pleasure than that?

HOUSE NUMBERS 18 Gay Street, Bath Receptions 6 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 3 Total size 3,800+ sq ft Outside Rear courtyard and two front courtyards Price £1,950,000 For more: Savills, Edgar House, 17 George Street, Bath BA1 2EN; 01225 474500; www.savills.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

What questions should you ask when viewing a rental apartment?

Peter Greatorex from THE APARTMENT COMPANY gives you the essentials

A

s you view an apartment, it will be easy to get lost in your thoughts about how to turn it into your home. Many of the questions you need to ask may get forgotten, or you may even be wondering what it is that you should be asking. So, what questions should you ask when viewing a rental apartment?

WHAT ARE THE BILLS? It’s important to understand all the monthly costs before you commit to renting an apartment. You will be required to pay all the bills related to that apartment, such as utilities, council tax, and insurance. Make sure you check whether you are eligible to pay anything towards service charges, too.

WHO DO I CONTACT? We hope that your tenancy is incident free, but over time you may require a repair or

two. Therefore, you need to know who to contact, whether that be a letting agent such as ourselves, or whether the landlord will be taking charge of any maintenance.

CAN I PAINT? You will tend to find that the majority of the apartments we manage are all decorated neutrally, but you may wish to decorate a room to suit your taste and style. The decision on whether or not this is possible is always down to the landlord, but remember you will need to return the room back to the colour it was when your tenancy started.

DO YOU ALLOW PETS? As a nation of animal lovers it’s not surprising that the number of tenants looking for an apartment that allows pets is increasing. Again, this decision is down to the landlord, but there are things you can do to help your chances. If

you have rented a property before that has allowed you to have a pet, ask for a reference from the landlord or letting agent.

When viewing an apartment with The Apartment Company, we will do everything we can to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. If you’re looking for a new rental apartment, give our lettings team a call – we could have exactly what you seek. n

For more advice visit our blog at www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk Sales: 01225 471144 Lettings: 01225 303870

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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

HAPTICITY ARCHITECTS & INTERIORS LTD

Hapticity Architects Ltd provide a bespoke service tailored to each client’s individual needs for all stages of residential construction projects, from feasibility studies to interior packages. Their designs counterbalance contemporary interventions with historic properties, creating exciting spaces for modern living.

Tel: 01225 443679/07494 901999; www.hapticity.co.uk

SHUTTERCRAFT SOMERSET

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

www.clairstrong.co.uk

Bath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. From classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesney’s, Barbas Belfires, Hwam, Stuv and Jetmaster. Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD. info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk, Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

ETONS OF BATH

Shuttercraft Somerset provide premium madeto-measure shutters and blinds for your home.

Shuttercraft give you the best privacy whilst retaining style with a huge variety of colours and materials to choose from. Price matching available on like for like products from your local expert.

Contact your local expert, Simon today.

Tel: 01225 459 389; www.shutttercraft.co.uk

Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company 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

WESTSIDE DESIGN

CHEVERELL

www.westsidedesign.co.uk

www.cheverell.co.uk

Westside Design is a family-run Bath based company offering a tailored design, manufacturing and installation service for all aspects of cabinet making and joinery. Specialising in contemporary bespoke kitchens and interiors.

Contact Michael on 01225 330843 or 07976 268458 or email info@westsidedesign.co.uk

MENDIP FIREPLACES

Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues.

Contact Clair on 01225 426906 or 07855 79731

www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

Cheverell is set in the heart of Wiltshire with a stunning showroom and workshop, offering a full bespoke design, manufacturing and installation service in kitchens, bedrooms, and interiors. Established in 1989 it has over 30 years of experience to guide you through the whole process. Cheverell, Waller Road, Hopton Park, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 2GH; Tel: 01380 722722;

Founded in 2006, Etons of Bath is the UK’s only specialist interior design practice focussed on refurbishing, renovating and reinvigorating Georgian and Regency homes and hotels. Their team of 12 interior designers, planners and project managers can help you design and deliver classically inspired interiors that add value, turn heads and improve the use of space.

Tel: 01225 639002; www.etonsofbath.com

BONITI

Boniti is based on the outskirts of Bath and offers a wide range of quality interior and exterior products: natural stone and timber flooring, Everhot range cookers, garden furniture and Kadai firebowls. As well as the vast selection of products on offer, a friendly and personal service is at the heart of all that they do.

Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 177

BATH LIVES

“A writer could drown in too much time” is sluggish, a tweet or letter from a reader to say one of my books has meant something makes all the difference; meeting readers at talks is one of the huge pleasures of this job.

As a mother and doctor there were boundaries I could never cross; as a writer of psychological suspense there are almost none. I can delve

JANE SHEMILT A few years ago, Jane made the leap from GP to best-selling author, and she’s not looked back since Ten years ago I enrolled on a Creative Writing MA at Bath Spa University in Corsham Court, just outside Bath. After

a lifetime of medicine this was a ticket to heaven. By the end I had the first draft of my debut, Daughter, and not one but two writing groups. We still meet monthly for workshops, feedback and discussion and go on yearly retreats together. I often go to talks hosted by the independent bookshops in Bath – Topping & Company and Mr. B’s Emporium of Reading Delights – sometimes given by the brilliant tutors I met during my time at Bath Spa, including Tessa Hadley, Andrew Miller, Richard Kerridge and Tricia Wastvedt.

As a GP you’re privileged to hear your patients’ stories and if you are lucky, you can make a difference. It’s

impossible to regret being a doctor, but finding writing

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again when my five children had left home fulfilled a cherished ambition. I came from a medical family, and aged 18 I was inspired by a gap year in Africa to opt for medicine. I thought I could pick up writing later, not realising quite how much later that would be. When home became peaceful, I began to write.

I wrote my first book with the aim of making the best story I could. Now, a few books

in, the core process of crafting story is still the same; I sit in a quiet room with pen and paper drawing out the plot, character arcs and chapter plans, then tap out the sentences. There are more deadlines now, but that’s helpful – a writer could drown in too much time. Edits can be tough, but it’s also a privilege to have someone alongside, invested in your story, helping you write the best novel you can.

On a bad day when the writing

right inside the hearts and minds of my characters to find out what it is they want and what it is they fear. In this genre, I can create an ambiguity which is true to life – no one is wholly good or bad. Also neurobiological research reveals that reading suspense results in the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine; as the plot unravels, readers receive little hits of these reward chemicals and are then compelled to read on. An addicted readership is what every writer dreams of.

I draw on the experiences of my years as a GP. Not so much my patients’ stories, but the emotions we shared:

fear, loss, grief, anger, hope; what it feels like to confront despair; the way most stories don’t have neat endings and the fact that some do. Readers are curious to know what goes on behind the scenes in a doctor’s surgery, so I can show them the routines, the exhaustion, the worry and the elation that are all part of job.

Researching my third novel, How Far We Fall, I brought my reader into the operating room with me. I actually watched my neurosurgeon husband perform an eight-hour operation while I sat nearby, wearing clogs to avoid the puddles of blood.

Little Friends is about three families in London, thrown together when one of the mothers offers home-based lessons for dyslexic kids. The

adults become fascinated by each other and forget to watch their children. As adults, we collude in the fiction that children are better off together, whereas the opposite can often be true – as portrayed in Lord of the Flies, an inspiration for Little Friends.

The story was also a response to John Updike’s Couples, a novel about adulterous parents, whose children give them the excuse to get together for barbecues and parties. We never see what those children get up to but, in Little Friends, we do.

Coffee, a dog walk, even shopping can be experiences to relish when you’re working on a laptop all day; the colour

of those oranges, the smell of that bread! I do yoga and Pilates to unwind cramped muscles and we often go to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, where my first novel was set. I read in every moment I can, adore theatre with friends, films and good TV dramas: all grist to the mill. Then there are settings to research; the Mani in the Peloponnese was the perfect backdrop for the children to play their wicked games in Little Friends, as the adults flirted in the sun. n

Jane’s latest book, Little Friends, is available now (£7.99, Penguin); www.janeshemilt.com