Bath Life – Issue 488

ISSUE 488 / 27 JANUARY – 9 FEBRUARY 2023 / £3

ALL THE ACTION FROM THE BATH LIFE WINTER PARTY

SPRING TERM

OUR HIGH ACHIEVING LOCAL SCHOOLS

SLEEPING BEAUTIES

DREAMY BEDTIME ACCESSORIES

BATHROOM REFRESH

ISSUE 488 / 27 JANUARY – 9 FEBRUARY 2023 / THE AMAZING MS WHITTLE

BIG IDEAS FOR THE LITTLE ROOM

ORANGE IS THE NEW SNACK WHY CITRUS IS A WINTER MUST-HAVE

RADIANT BEAUTY

THE NEW FACIAL WITH GLOW-GETTING RESULTS

NEW WAYS OF SEEING

ALBERTA WHITTLE ON HER THOUGHT-PROVOKING AND POWERFUL HOLBURNE EXHIBITION PLUS ENTRECONF / HAL CRUTTENDEN / RIC RAWLINS

© LOUIS SMITH; W W W.STUDIOWHISK.CO.UK

EDITOR’S LETTER

I

t was June 2020, during lockdown, and my then 15-year-old son told me there was a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Bath.

I thought he’d got the location wrong. It was Bristol surely – our next door neighbour, the city of more than half a million and a much more diverse demographic. Bath, while it has its whispers of liberalism, isn’t exactly renowned for its activism.

And this shows just how wrong I was. That day I was very proud to have been a part of that sociallydistanced but galvanised and united crowd in Green Park. It felt like a day when things were starting to shift for the better, where we were starting to see things a little more clearly, and the start of an era when we would keep learning, keep growing, and keep trying to understand.

Like Bristol, we realised a huge part of Bath’s history is tied up in the slave trade and maybe it was time this was truly brought out in the open.

Within a year the website Bath and Colonialism was launched, which looks at how colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade was reported on and represented in Georgian Bath; Bath Abbey held an exhibition revealing the links between some of the people connected to the transatlantic slave trade commemorated on the Abbey’s ledgerstones and wall tablets; and the Bath Preservation Trust who look after Beckford Tower are working on a new exhibition to re-examine the way in which they share the story of the Beckford family’s profiteering links to slavery.

The Holburne Museum is also a huge part of the story, with much of the Holburne family’s fortune derived from the slavery plantations in the West Indies. It was the recent discovery of a 1722 ledger from a 400-acre sugar plantation in Barbados in the Holburne archives that was the inspiration for our cover star, the Barbadian-Scottish artist Alberta Whittle’s new exhibition (page 14). Being held at the Holburne itself, Alberta’s show is a beautiful and positive example of how the Bath of today will move forward by acknowledging its past.

SARAH MOOLLA Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag Artist Alberta Whittle talks about her new Holburne Museum exhibition (page 14) www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 3

Issue 488 / 27 January – 9 February 2023 COVER Alberta Whittle portrait by Matthew A Williams

68

BIG INTERVIEW

14 ALBERTA WHITTLE The Barbadian-Scottish artist shares the

inspiration behind her new exhibition at the Holburne

THE ARTS 33 34 41 42

ARTS INTRO The New English Art Club WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, comedy, art and more BOOKS Three books about experiencing the world on foot FILM The origins of Spielberg explored

EDUCATION

44 SCHOOL REPORT How Bath’s schools are adapting to the ever-

changing education landscape

FOOD & DRINK

56 RESTAURANT REVIEW The Beckford Group’s newest venture

in Bath, The Beckford Canteen

60 FOOD & DRINK Updates from the tastiest newsfeed in town

SHOPPING 63 64 67 68

SHOP LEAD Nesting for the winter the glam way EDITOR’S CHOICE High-end hibernating BEAUTY The rumours are true – Hydrafacial is that good FASHION Dopamine dressing

BUSINESS

22

73 BATHWORKS Local business news, views, and interviews 77 ENTRECONF Maxine Laceby shares the origin story of Absolute

Collagen at the Entreconf Female Entrepreneurs Dinner

78 BIZ Q&A osh ri ths of i ine ree er ices 80 AWARDS Q&A The Bath Foodbank’s Award-winning impact

PROPERTY

83 PROPERTY LEAD

Bath ased architect re firm is orking on the largest park to be built in the area for decades 84 PROPERTY NEWS Updates from the market 86 SHOWCASE lamoro s li ing o reat lteney treet 92 BATHROOMS Your 2023 style upgrade

DEPARTMENTS

8 11 21 22 98

SPOTLIGHT Bath photographer ins ortrait of Britain INSTAS The January blues FLATLINE Flats on the Instagram sham SCENE Relive the Bath Life Winter Reception BATH LIVES Ric Rawlins on music, movies and questionable fashion sense

44

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@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 Contributors Sarah Baker, Matt Bielby, Nic Bottomley, Marianne Cantelo, David Flatman, Emma Ingledew and Wendy Lyne Group commercial manager Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@ mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Production and 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 / Gemma Bourne gemma.bourne@ mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Carriage Court, 22 Circus Mews, Bath, BA1 2PW. tel: 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk Instagram @TheMediaClash ©All rights reserved.

May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. 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

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

SPOTLIGHT Joe Short’s award-winning portrait of Viktoriia outside their Widcombe home

Portrait of Britain

Bath-based photographer Joe Short has been named one of 99 winners in the 2023 British Journal of Photography Portrait of Britain Awards. The Award is given to images that represent the diversity of experiences in the UK. Joe was recognised for his portrait of Viktoriia Zdrok, who is a refugee from Ukraine and a lodger with Joe’s family.

“I knew I wanted to take a shot of Viktoriia for the Portrait Of Britain as I felt she represented such an overwhelming and important story from the year we had all experienced,” says Joe. “I wanted it to be direct and s ggested sing the ag hich e had hanging from the front of the house.

I felt it was also important to be taken in the street to show the context of the community that so many Ukrainian refugees had arrived into.

“We were both super busy on the day I had in mind to shoot the portrait and the sun had already gone down.

Fortunately there was a wonderful pink sunset in the evening on the street, so I quickly set up a light on the pavement outside our home in Widcombe. For me, the background glow of the sky also works to symbolise war that continues back in Ukraine.”

Viktoriia arrived in the UK in May last year with very little English, but in the short months since her arrival has worked hard to learn and has found work, with hopes of starting university soon.

“Joe Short is a true professional in his field says iktoriia felt s re that all of his portraits deserved an award. The news that it was the photo with my image that was selected was exhilarating to hear!

“I believe the success of this image is hugely important not only for me but for all Ukrainians who left their native country amidst such challenging circumstances. Wearing our blue and yello ag aro nd my sho lders felt immeasurable pride for my country and wanted this image to demonstrate the indomitability of Ukrainians and our desire to contin e fighting for freedom For more: www.joeshort.com

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

© JOE SHORT

PORTRAIT OF A LADY

SPOTLIGHT

JANUARY BLUES In the depths of winter nothing makes our hearts soar like a crisp, clear blue sky

@kaptured_by_cg

@adam_a_wilxpix

@ahappybathonian

@bathstreetphotography

@ glk.media/glk.film

@maxineinbath

@goodcrowdmedia

@travelerduygu

@harrietmedia/baloothebeetle

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

SHINE A LIGHT Alberta Whittle’s new exhibition shines a light on the dark history of the Holburne family

By Lydia Tewkesbury

T Barbadian-Scottish artist Alberta Whittle is reckoning with Bath’s dark history

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

© ALBERTA WHIT TLE BY MAT THEW A WILLIAMS

ARTS

he Holburne Museum is tackling its troubled history through art.

Like a lot of the institutions of Bath, the Museum has historic connections to the transatlantic slave trade. Alberta Whittle: dipping below a waxing moon, the dance claims us for release is a multi-medium exhibition commissioned by the Holburne to tackle this history head on. Through a mix of sculpture, film, collage and poetry at the museum and around the city in locatons including bus stops and a Walcot Street billboard, the Barbadian-Scottish artist addresses the uncomfortable truths of our city’s history, and the possibility of postcolonial healing.

© MY BODY IS ELECTRIC, UNGOVERNABLE. ALBERTA WHIT TLE, WORDS USED ON POSTER, DIGITAL COLL AGE, 2022 COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND THE MODERN INSTITUTE/ TOBY WEBSTER LTD., GL ASGOW

© ALBERTA WHIT TLE L AGAREH – THE L AST BORN, 2022 (FILM STILL); CO-COMMISSIONED AND PRODUCED BY SCOTL AND + VENICE AND FORMA FOR THE 59TH INTERNATIONAL ART E XHIBITION – L A BIENNALE DI VENEZIA; COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND THE MODERN INSTITUTE/ TOBY WEBSTER LTD., GL ASGOW

ARTS

“We’re in a really interesting phase of our history”

Alberta’s Venice Bienaale film Lagareh – The Last Born will also be part of the exhibition; BELOW: Alberta’s posters will appear at bus stops around the city and on a Walcot Street billboard

The Holburne Museum houses the collection of Sir Thomas William Holburne, whose family wealth came from sugar plantations they owned in British colonies like Jamaica, where enslaved people were brought for their labour. This is a common story in Bath’s history, with many famous families including the Pulteney’s of Bath, William Beckford of Bath and the Blathwayts of Dyrham Park having connections to Caribbean plantations.

The Holburne has a permanent exhibit detailing this history, which includes the 1722 Plantation Day Book, a ledger which holds the accounts of the Williams Plantation in Christchurch, owned at the time by Holburne’s great-grandfather, Guy Ball. Books like this would typically have been used to keep track of the movement of products and enslaved people – and a large number of its pages ha e een c t o t l erta’s first colla oration ith the Holburne was surrounding this ledger, when she penned a poem that forms an epitaph for its display in memory of those lost to the horror of the transatlantic slave trade. Now, for dipping below a waxing moon her first m se m commission she returns to the ledger for inspiration. Here, fresh from representing Scotland at the Venice Bienalle, Alberta takes us behind the scenes of creating this vibrant, multi-medium experience...

What inspired this collection of work?

The nucleus of this exhibition was the plantation ledger which the Holburne has in their collection. I was really curious about the relationships between plantations, the built environment and the story of Bath, but also the story of colonialism in the Caribbean. I’m from Barbados, and the plantation from which this ledger would have come is not far from me – it’s in the same parish.

It’s no longer a working sugar plantation, but it’s somewhere I’m quite familiar with.

Talk us through how your work interacts with the ledger

I was really curious about the moments of erasure that exist in that ledger because there are pages that have been very deliberately cut o t of it find it really interesting ho eras re f nctions as a ay to speak of history, but also of power. We’re in a really interesting phase of our history where we’re having big conversations about power and marginalised groups. It’s very exciting to see us in some ways moving out of the phase of forgotten histories or cognitive dissonance, and really actively now trying to think about our relationships to power and to history. The exhibition starts to take on a lot of these ideas thro gh di erent medi ms some of hich I haven’t used before.

When it comes to addressing the complex history of the UK’s relationship with plantation slavery – where do you even begin?

You just have to trust yourself. I believe in trusting yourself and you’ll be guided.

How can institutions do better to hold themselves accountable for their historic connections to the transatlantic slave trade?

I think institutions need to be braver, and they need to trust their audiences more. They need to push forward with really encouraging conversations about the legacy of plantation slavery. It can’t just be ‘we’re going to commission this Black artist and then it’s done’, it needs to be a long-term mission that includes everyone from the director to the invigilators and the volunteers. Listen to the nior c rators and the front of ho se sta and hat they are really interested in pushing forward, because they are meeting the public more.

Everyone needs to listen to each other and stop this top-down approach.

Be brave, be bold and realise it is actually quite normal to show work by women or marginalised groups. It’s not just a token commission.

INSET: © MY BODY IS ELECTRIC, UNGOVERNABLE. ALBERTA WHIT TLE, WORDS USED ON POSTER, DIGITAL COLL AGE, 2022 COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND THE MODERN INSTITUTE/ TOBY WEBSTER LTD., GL ASGOW

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 17

© ALBERTA WHIT TLE 4. SMOKE AND MIRRORS, 2021; C-T YPE DIGITAL COLL AGE, DIASEC MOUNTED ON ALUMINIUM, 64.1 X 90.3CM, 25 1/4 X 35 1/2IN, EDITION OF 5 PLUS 2 ARTIST’S PROOFS, COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND THE MODERN INSTITUTE/ TOBY WEBSTER LTD., GL ASGOW; PHOTO: PATRICK JAMESON

ARTS

You speak often about post-colonial healing. What do you think that looks like?

When I think about post-colonial healing I think about unlearning. I moved to the UK when I was 13 and I’ve been here for more than 20 years, and I was really struck by the lack of education around these histories that my contemporaries had, and that has pursued me all of the way through my twenties and my thirties.

The more we know, the more we can heal. It’s like if I had a sore elbow, and I went to the doctor and learn why that elbow is sore – I can do something about it.

When these conversations are hidden from the public or are neglected either by education, by politicians, by institutions like museums and galleries – it doesn’t give an opportunity to the audience to really understand their place in the world, and I think that’s a disservice.

This is your first museum commission. Are there any big differences in how you’re presenting your work this time?

A lot of the work I’ve been making is actually going to be outside, which I’m really excited about. It’s one of the first times here ’ e had an e hi ition here I’ve engaged with an exhibition space but also with an external space – the grounds of the Holburne, but also the city in places including Walcot Street, not that far from quite a beautiful kitchenware shop, Coopers, who have been very helpful in organising this.

Why Walcot Street?

The history of Walcot Street is a source of inspiration because of a house just down the road from it, which was a home for women and unwed mothers [the House of Help for Feeble Minded Women and Girls]. If you’re going down the street away from the main city centre on the right-hand side there is a space which would have been a home for women, but also criminalised them for being insane. There was a lot of sex work that happened on Walcot Street as well.

How do you explore this in your work?

I’m interested in body politics and the freedom of women’s bodies so ’ e made a ariety of di erent collages that ill e aro nd and a o t Bath – the one on Walcot Street is taken from a poem I wrote for the

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

“The more we know, the more we can heal”

The exhibition includes pieces thinking about woman’s bodily autonomy and freedom; BELOW: Guy Ball’s Plantation Day Book, 1722

exhibition, which is about manifesting desires but also thinking about the body as electric. That’s the phrase I used for the collage on Walcot Street. t’s a self portrait of myself doing these di erent mo ement post res and is thinking about the freedom of movement, whether from a migrant perspective or from a woman’s perspective – especially when our rights to protest are being countered by the hostile environment.

How do the different aspects of the exhibition interact with one another?

The works around Bath really impact the works in the museum. I’ve created a series of sculptures that are bodies in mo ement looking at di erent indigeno s modes of masquerade from the Caribbean and Africa – but also from England, thinking about the green men as well.

They’re in the posture of the limbo, which for me is a way to think about how we manoeuvre through power.

The limbo speaks to the ways in which Black people have had to manoeuvre in certain ways not to be criminalised, or to avoid surveillance, and how women also have to manoeuvre. Power is at the centre of this piece, and how e speak of po er here are also three films that are going to be shown across the exhibition run as well, which again tie in ith these di erent themes What are some of the ways the city influenced the work?

The prominence of dance in the exhibition was very much informed by the literature about Bath – you know, Jane Austen days from the 18th and 19th centuries. I always think of Bath being twinned with Bristol.

Bristol is a port city where the mechanics, the ugliness of slavery might be more visible, while Bath is somewhere people retreat for promenades, for pleas re t’s these facades that find ite interesting How do you hope people will respond to the exhibition?

I want people to take what they need from it. I think of those ‘make your own adventure’ books – for me exhibition-making is a bit like that. I want to allow the audience to write the next part of the adventure. n For more: Alberta Whittle: dipping below a waxing moon, the dance claims us for release is at the Holburne until 8 May; Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath; www.holburne.org

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Red House Farm, Broughton Gifford A collection of six beautifully designed homes ranging from two to four bedrooms, including five bungalows and one detached house.

01225 791155 ashford-homes.co.uk

Plot 5 – 1.68 acres

© BET T Y BHANDARI BR AND PHOTOGR APHY; W W W.BET T YBHANDARIBR ANDPHOTOGR APHY.COM

FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN “Kids destroy houses. They don’t respect them”

Instant exposure

I

#Pictureperfect life? All lies says Flats nstagram is simultaneously as brilliant as it is awful. It spits out real talk that makes us feel like we’re enough, like we’re doing okay and ith a la y ick it lobs into our lives a vision of such unattainable perfection and style that we instantly feel like underachievers. There are people lying about being happy with their normal-looking bodies, and there are people telling us that their immaculate physiques were created just by drinking green tea at 4am along with a joyless handful of walnuts. There are rich folks telling us that all we must do to get the millions rolling in is to find something e lo e and do that! Okay, if I really – like, really – invest some serious time in eating toast with Bovril, ill e minted o o sh sh And then there are the house shamers.

These ones aren’t quite so bad as the body liars and quasi accidental abdominal

braggarts, but they’re bad alright.

I understand (but am still disproportionately annoyed by) estate agents dressing houses and using silly lenses to make them seem as visually exciting as possible on Rightmove, to the point that the early seconds of some viewings can make you feel like you’ve come to the wrong house. I almost get that. But people who repeatedly post photographs of their homes in which not even a dirty mug or a scatter cushion or today’s pashmina is out of place. I reckon half of them even have their dogs groomed before they begin these ‘just another Tuesday morning’ photoshoots, with a pres ma ly cold oat milk at hite placed just so in a £40 ceramic mug that looks like it’s been nicked from a Babington House. ‘Ah, peace and iet ids packed o to school time to rela ’ h ore o mate When I get back from school runs I have to take breath before I walk back into the house.

Kids destroy houses. They don’t respect them,

and they don’t care that it hurts and annoys you to see them treating the place like doss houses. I invariably walk into a hallway that looks like the rejects bin at Footlocker with ruined, abused Doctor Martins and bloody Nike Air Force Ones (they’re crap – why are people so obsessed by them?) scattered about as if they were as disposable as those plastic hospital shoe co ers oats on the oor and the sofa (so they’ve gone to school without those again then). Last night’s pyjamas on the sitting room oor eca se they like to get changed down here, obviously. Breakfast bowls and cutlery and glasses and cups propped up on the sofa, with a dog licking the enamel o them tter tter carnage o e clean it all up, and they come home and ruin it all again.

The worst room, though, is our bathroom.

We built my daughters their own en suite on their’ top oor t’s serio sly cle er and c te Do they use it? Nope. They use ours and they ruin it. Wet towels, no toothpaste, my nail clippers gone, everything drenched. Toilet a war zone (sorry). Add to this my wife’s refusal to use our tumble dryer (environment etc), and you also have Lakeland’s largest laundry rack, always full to capacity, taking up the only area in the room that an estate agent might call ‘spacious’. It’s like bathing in a leaky phonebox but there’s no soap. And it’s a beautiful bathroom. Really, we adore it and feel very lucky. It’s just that you can’t see it beneath all the reality.

I don’t mind the girls wrecking the joint really; it’s kind of their job, and frankly they’ve more important things to be worrying about.

No, I don’t mind that bit. I just mind people pretending on social media that reality doesn’t apply to them. On that note, I’m about to make myself an espresso. Not because I want one t eca se can’t ha e a normal co ee as Middle Daughter used a gallon of milk on her cereal (which was mine and which she wasn’t allowed. It’s all gone now) before school. Instagram that.

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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 21

SCENE T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS BAT H

David Ghent and Carole Banwell

Ann-Marie James and Rachel King Julie Hedley, James Clark, Katy Lewis and Esme Seddon

Barney Weatherall, Casey Chinnock, Jay Page and Darren Facchini

WINTER GATHERING

Bradley Bailey, Sam Selby and Elliot Cotterall

The glitzy Bath Life Winter Reception took place at The Botanist in December. Bath Life’s friends, advertisers and sponsors came together to celebrate another successful year and raise a toast to the next. Greg Ingham took the stage to give a speech thanking Bath Life’s community for another year of support, as well as share a sneak peek of what’s coming up in the next few months.

Continued on page 24.

Photos by Betty Bhandari;

Karli Young, Kate Abbey and Heather Blyth Andrew Summers and Emma Summers

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

Debbie Boulton and Libby Carter

www.bettybhandaribrandphotography.com

Leslie Redwood, Matt Crisp and Nathan Baranowski

SOCIETY SOCIETY

Joe Stas and Ed Chudleigh

Jane Jones and Sarah Baker

Mark Saint and Eddie Sauvao

Rosie Nottage, Jonathan Jones and Jo Lloyd Lucy Middlefell and Kara Preston

Simon Neill-Ritchie, Steve Fountain, Alicia Sharpe and Laura Malek Lara Beau and Max Simpkins

Kalvin Simmons and Dulcie Selby Matt Gerrard and Oscar Delves

Sam Brice and Lucy Saunders

Pete Helme and Derryn Vranch

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 23

SOCIETY

Sarah Moolla, Victoria Bond, Vanessa Sayce and Eddie Suavo

Dr Helen Curran and Annabel North

Sarah Latham, Charlie Salter and Heather Blyth Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst

Daniel Grimshaw and Annabel Grimshaw Jay Page and Greg Ingham

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

Nickie Portman and Halena Coury

Samantha Vranch and Derryn Vranch

Bathrooms at

No.

5

EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN COMPLETE INSTALLATION 5, The Shambles, Bradford on Avon BA151JS 01225 309110 | info@bathroomsatno5.co.uk | www.bathbathrooms.com

SOCIETY

Henry West and Aaron Evans

Steph Winnard and Rachel Mudd

Andy Chambers and Lorraine Jarvis Elisa Soldaini-Paice, Andrea Richards, Anna Sabine and Amanda Cherry

Helen Curran, Steve Fountain, Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst and Ashley Pocock

THE MASTER BUILDER

or the final Bath Life B siness l of ichard herry oined reg ngham for a li e inter ie he gro p chairman of tone ood ro p shared insights from his long and storied career in the property sector o er a delicio s l nch at the oyal rescent otel and pa or more t rn to page Photos by Betty Bhandari; www.bettybhandaribrandphotography.com

Libby Carter and Clare Evans Rupert Allsop and Jenna Allsop

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

Caroline Taylor and Lucy Beattie

William Kennett and Richard Pratt Mike Saunders-Jones and Charlotte Chamberlain

SOCIETY

Jem Purkis and Val Knight

Lisa Brown and Hattie Brown

Phoebe Middleton and Florence Deasy

Peter Brown, Tracey Fielding and Alex Fielding

Alice Boden and Cathy Gilson

TO BATH AND BEYOND

er g ests ocked to the ictoria rt allery for the la nch of eter Bro n’s e hi ition of ne orks titled Bath, Bristol and Beyond he artist appeared at the la nch to host along ith o amp ell head of heritage ser ices and on Benington manager of the ictoria rt allery Photos by Anna Barclay; Instagram @annabarclayphotos

Dine Romero and Emily Romero Shaw

Adam Brown and Giovanni De Flora Lauren Kriwald and Karen Brennand

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

Sam Daniels and Charlie Taylor

Emily Bysouth and Madeline Tovar

Kirsty Hall and Emma Oliver

Rhiannon Hamilton and Tamzin Moloney Natalie Robinson, George Hartrey and James Gwinnett

Nina Edwards, Billy Norton and Mel Moloughney

Isabel Doyle, Caleb Callen and Martin Poole

BRAIN TEASERS

Richard Reynolds, Ian Griffiths and Andy Moore

Bath’s biggest quiz had a great 2022.

The quiz in aid of Julian House saw 23 companies test their mental metal at the historic Assembly Rooms to win the coveted title of Brain of Bath. With the popular and challenging ‘smells’ round making its triumphant return following the pandemic, other rounds included music lyrics, spelling, geography and 20th century history.

After 120 questions long-time Julian House supporters St James Wine Vaults emerged the winners of the night.

Photos by Anna Barclay; Instagram @annabarclayphotos

Harry Tucker, Joseph Ewins and Mike Dyer

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

Caroline Thomas, Christine Vaines and Kayleigh Bryant

SOCIETY SOCIETY

Amanda Nicholls and James Beck

Louis Dyer and Tom Lynch

Rosie Macey-Welsh, Martin Savage, Abi Harris and Pete Macey-Welsh

Ben Flower, Alec Turnbull and Jonny Tovey

Amelia Stead, Emma Leith and Lili Byles

APPLE OF OUR EYE

he Bath ider o se is o cially open he ne p on Blad d B ildings opened ith a ang last year ith a la nch party attended y aro nd cider lo ers he latest ent re from ity hich also r ns he ork and Bath Bre o se shered in g ests ith e cl si e free drinks close p magic y magician drian ritchard and a so ndtrack pro ided y s Ben dson raham c llins and ick ilkins Iona McArthur, Kieran Crawford and Dave Giddings

Photos by Jae Frederik; www.jaefrederick.com

Victoria Schutz, Alex Steen, Jack Edwards, Dan Crewe, Hannah Pankiw and Fraser Barclay

Ben Jones and Harry Gabriel

Martin Rogers, Anthony Askins, Nikki Askins, Glynn Smith, Linzi Smith and Cheryl Cottrell

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 31

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

You wouldn’t be alone if you’d never heard of the New English Art Club, but back in late Victorian times these guys were big news indeed: formed in 1885 as a youthful, aris in enced ri al to the oyal cademy it helped introd ce mpressionism to the masses and became home to such celebrated names as Walter Sickert, Thomas ooper otch and en ohn ntil pril Bath’s ictoria rt allery is hosting Capturing Life: A Century of the New English Art Club an e hi ition sho casing ork y past and present mem ers from key early odernist and ar artist a l ash to g st s ohn ho painted e eryone from homas ardy to all lah Bankhead leister ro ley to a rence of ra ia ighlights incl de en ohn’s Bust of a Girl with a Bow Before a Pink Background, and the merican painter ohn inger argent’s At Torre Galli: Ladies in a Garden, showing the clear in ence of his friend la de onet here’ll e more than orks y c rrent l mem ers too incl ding c rrent resident eter Bro n aka ete the treet’ all of hich are for sale For more: www.victoriagal.org.uk

Robert Anning Bell (1863–1933), Mermaid and Sea, 1919, oil on canvas, 114.3 x 68.6cm Victoria Art Gallery ©Victoria Art Gallery, Bath

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 33

Dougray Scott, Charles Aitken, and Elizabeth McGovern star in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? playing at the Ustinov until 11 February

WHAT’S ON

© JOHAN PERSSON

28 January 24 February

EXHIBITIONS Until 28 March

PERRY HARRIS Having worked as a punk fanzine cartoonist, a stage scenery painter, an architectural illustrator, and an art technician, Perry Harris’s exhibition at Widcombe Social Club demonstrates talent and range. www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk

Until 30 March

MAISIE WALKER Society Café in Kingsmead Square is currently host to a beautiful, beach-churning exhibition depicting the Pendine Sands Hot Races in Wales by Bath photographer and Instagram fave Maisie Walker. www.maisiewalker. co.uk | www.society-cafe.com

Until 11 April

CAPTURING LIFE: A CENTURY OF THE NEW ENGLISH ART CLUB The NEAC was founded in 1886 by a group of rebellious young artists protesting against their repeated rejection by the Royal Academy, and this new exhibition at the Victoria Art Gallery showcases

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work by members past and present, including Gwen John, Winifred Nicholson, John Singer Sargent, Stanley Spencer, Walter Sickert, Augustus John, Dod Procter and Paul Nash. Turn to page 33 for more. www.victoriagal.org.uk

artist Alberta Whittle, paired with e isting films rn to page for our interview with Alberta, where she talks about the inspiration for her work including the lost slave ledger belonging ancestors of the Holburne family. www.holburne.org

masterpiece exploring one brutal evening, following college prof George and his booze-addled wife Martha inviting a seemingly innocent young couple back for latenight drinks after a faculty party…

Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Until 30 April

Until 3 June

30 January – 4 February

BATH MIND: ART AS THERAPY Jason Dorley-Brown, artist and Bath Mind Ambassador has curated this extensive RUH exhibition featuring 52 artists, many local, with the purpose of raising awareness and much-needed funds for the incredibly important work that the charity Bath Mind does for the local community. On display is an eclectic mix of artistic mediums including painting, illustration, sculpture, photography and even the written word. www.artatruh.org

Until 8 May

ALBERTA WHITTLE An easy winner of What’s On’s informal award for best show title – it’s called Dipping below a waxing moon, the dance claims us for release – this is a major new work built of specially created sculptures and text pieces by Barbadian-Scottish

REVOLUTION, PROPAGANDA, ART: PRINTMAKING IN MODERN CHINA This striking, informative exhibition at the Museum of East Asian Art showcases a series of prints selected from the Muban Educational Trust’s collection of over 6,000 works. It explores artistic trends, political movements and technical developments in modern Chinese printmaking. www.meaa.org.uk

THEATRE / CINEMA Until 11 February

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Elizabeth McGovern, Dougray Scott, Charles Aitken, and Gina Bramhill star in the Edward Albee

PRIDE & PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) This West End triumph (it won a Laurence Olivier Award, don’tchaknow?) is a unique and utterly audacious revamp of Jane Austen’s greatest hit: if you ever wanted to see the Bennet sisters sing You’re So Vain, here’s your chance. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

3 February

IMPROMPTU SHAKESPEARE A show in which the Bard meets improvisation, this female-heavy cast come up with both the story and erse on the y all inspired by suggestions from the audience, creating a brand new one-act Shakespearean drama every night.

Expect romance, double-crossing, cross-dressing, and perhaps even a newly coined word or two. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

WHAT’S ON LEFT: Tiger Lily by Tracy Reece Oliviere is part of Bath Mind’s Art as Therapy exhibition at the RUH; MIDDLE: Sara Pascoe brings her latest stand-up show, Success Story, to Bath Forum on 11 February; BOTTOM: See the band Drop in the Ocean play at Komedia’s free music festival day on 10 February

19 February 6 – 11 February

THE LAVENDER HILL MOB Two unlikely, unassuming criminal masterminds plan the heist of the century in this new adaptation of the classic Ealing comedy by Oliviernominated playwright Phil Porter, and starring TV’s Miles Jupp as charming ringleader Henry Holland, whose plans revolve around miniature replicas of the i el o er www.theatreroyal.org.uk

10 – 11 February

THIRST Performer Callum Hughes brings his autobiographical one man show to the Rondo that explores his journey through alcoholism into sobriety using original music, elements of stand up, and storytelling www.rondotheatre.co.uk

14 – 18 February

STEEL MAGNOLIAS Best known these days for the Julia Roberts/Sally Field all-star movie adaptation, but originally a heartarming o Broad ay play this is the hysterically funny tale of six sassy lasses putting the world to rights at their stling ea ty salon t’s got a top cast too, including the likes of Laura Main from Call the Midwife and X-Factor’s iana ickers www.theatreroyal.org.uk

16 February – 19 March

CHARLOTTE & THEODORE Familiar local face Kris Marshall (of Love Actually, Death in Paradise and My Family fame) stars in a timely new play about keeping long-term romance alive in the face of a whole range of contemporary issues and obstacles, not least modern gender politics and cancel c lt re Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU The Little Theatre is doing a special series of screenings designed to be Autism Friendly, by eliminating overstimulation and anything anxiety-inducing: so the lights are left on low, the sound is muted, there are no trailers or ads, and you can mo e aro nd as yo ish e t up, this well-liked Despicable Me spin o www.picturehouses.com

21 – 25 February

HOME, I’M DARLING he ational heatre’s sell o t hit is isiting Bath on its first to r he thought provoking new comedy about a woman’s quest to become the perfect 1950s housewife stars BAFTA-winner Jessica Ransom (Doc Marten) and 1970s icon Diane een www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Every Friday and Saturday

KROWD KEEPERS Upstairs at The Ale House on York Street every Friday and Saturday night, some of the world’s best magicians take to the stage he intimate 35-seat venue, run by resident magician Billy Kidd, promises the sort of award-winning performers who feature on the stages of Hollywood’s Magic Castle, Penn & Teller’s Fool Us, and Wizard Wars amongst others www.krowdkeepers.com

MUSIC

10 February

FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL Get this: an entire free night of local live music (with a pay-as-youwant option in aid of Bath Cancer Unit Support Group), featuring

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

WHAT’S ON acts like Year of the Dog, Nookee, and Drop in the Ocean. And all for a good cause – you can’t say much fairer than that! www.komedia.co.uk

15 February

MOGWAI Scottish guitar band with little time for lyrics, but a great love of slipping from the bleakly tranquil into sledgehammer white noise. www.komedia.co.uk

20 February

THE LORD OF THE RINGS IN CONCERT Two hours of Howard Shore’s music from the movies, taking you from The Prancing Pony to Rivendell, Gondor, Mordor and back again. www.komedia.co.uk

COMEDY 8 February

CHRIS MCCAUSLAND In his new show, Speaky Blinder, the rising comedy star – very familiar from TV panel shows of the Have I Got News For You/Cats Does Countdown ariety finds h mo r in the normal middle age issues of career, family and parenthood. The unique twist, which naturally makes everything much more challenging: he’s blind. www.komedia.co.uk

ABOVE: Catch documentary maker Stacey Dooley in conversation at Bath Pavilion on 7 February; LEFT: Charlotte & Theodore starring Kris Marshall is coming to the Ustinov on 16 February; BELOW: Perry Harris’s exhibition at Widcombe Social Club demonstrates his talent and range

9 February

TERENCE BLACKER The writer, songwriter and columnist’s new show, The Shock of the Old, is about (guess what?) ageing.

(Hey, it comes to us all.) But doing it happily is possible, the message seems to be, if never without at least a little pain. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

11 February

SARA PASCOE This is Sara’s biggest tour to date, and ery di erent to the dating woes themes of her last one, LadsLadsLads. She’s now married with a kid, and Success Story has a di erent i e re ol ing aro nd issues of status and celebrity, and how current fanciness and past failures are all a part of the same story. www.bathforum.co.uk

12 February

LLOYD GRIFFITH Don’t know Lloyd? Well, you will: not least when you see him as Benny-from-Crossroads in Nolly, Russell T Davies’ upcoming ITV drama about the famous soap.

In the meantime, expect dubious impressions, plenty of charm and

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energy, and a remarkable singing voice. www.komedia.co.uk

15 February

HAL CRUTTENDEN Hal’s It’s Best You Hear It From Me tour has a clear focus: his recent divorce after 21 years (and 244 days) of marriage. See Culture Club (across the page) for a chat with Hal all about it. www.komedia.co.uk

19 February

ALAN CARR Why be a National Treasure, says Alan, when you can simply be a Regional Trinket? That’s the name of his new show, up on the big stage

WHAT’S ON zzzzzz``

Old school hot rods having fun on the sands in pics by Maisie Walker at Society

Hal’s heartbreak, our mirth: that’s how it is for comedians, sadly

CULTURE CLUB

…with Hal Cruttenden

but all about celebrating the smaller things in life. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

SPORT

Last Monday of the month

BATH RUGBY FC Bath play t o fello str gglers in the allagher remiership this month first ondon rish on 18 Feb, and then the old enemy, Bristol Bears, on 24 Feb. Fingers crossed! www.bathrugby.com

THE ELECTRIC COMEDY CLUB The Electric Comedy Club is Komedia Bath’s monthly showcase of the finest p and coming comedy talent the has to o er osted y the rilliantly sharp and itty Morgan Rees, each show will feature a pro headliner as ell as fo r rising stars of stand p www.komedia.co.uk

CHILDREN 5 February

ERNIE’S JOURNEY A magic circus theatre adventure (all of our favourite things!), mixing e erything from poetry to p ppetry to stage magic. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

13 – 14 February

HERMIT Bizarre, enchanting and hilarious tch sho a o t a teeny tiny ho se – and whatever mysterious inhabitant might live inside. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Until 18 February

LUNAR NEW YEAR – THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT Celebrate the Lunar New Year at The Museum of East Asian Art ith family orkshops origami sessions and y e ploring the museum’s informative and fascinating collection. Make sure you follow the special trails www.meaa.org.uk

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24 February

OTHER 7 February

STACEY DOOLEY ot a stand p sho and not quite a book tour either (she does have a book, but it’s not out yet), this ‘in conversation’ evening at Bath Pavilion with the journalist/ documentarian/general celeb e plores the mental health crisis in Britain especially as it relates to yo ng people tacey talks po erty addiction, identity and social media. www at oxo e or u

7 – 26 February

REBALANCE BATH – A FESTIVAL OF WELL-BEING his festi al of ell eing o ers the perfect opport nity to reset yo r health for osted y di erent en es and co ering di erent aspects of ell eing over three weeks – from full hotel packages to siness reakfasts there is something for everyone to start feeling good again. www.welcometobath.co.uk

Writer, actor, and comedian Hal Cruttenden best known for TV appearances on such shows as Have I Got News For You and Mock The Week, is touring his new stand-up show, It’s Best You Hear It From Me, about life as a single man – after 21 years of marriage. Expect him to rock up at Bath’s Komedia on 15 February with jokes about (amongst other things) the last dates he went on back in 1999, when ice-breaking topics included the twist in The Sixth Sense, and “isn’t that Boris guy funny on Have I Got New For You?” Here are a few more insights into his cultural life…

Where I plan to visit in Bath If I had time, I’d like to catch a show at the Theatre Royal.

My sister – the actress Abigail Cruttenden – had a supernatural experience with a ghost while doing a play there, and I’d like to see if it’s as haunted as she claims.

The last great film I saw I should say something like The Banshees of Inisherin, because everyone says it’s fab and it makes me sound like I enjoy a film with emotional depth that’s appropriate for my age. But I’ve not seen that yet, because I’m busy. So, instead, I’ll say the Korean zombie film Train to Busan. An unbeatable classic.

A film I could watch endlessly Sideways. As a newly single middle aged man, I feel like it’s speaking my language.

A painting that means something to me I know very little about art, but my daughter took me to a Van Gogh exhibition recently and his work

moves me more than any other.

Bedroom in Arles is my favourite.

My lockdown boxset Married at First Sight is simply head and shoulders above any other exploitative reality TV. Best TV show ever The Office. I know, I’m very mainstream. Stop judging me!

The book that changed my life I’m desperate to say something like James Joyce’s Ulysses so that you’re impressed, but let’s not mess about. The book that changed, and probably saved, my life is Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking.

A book I could happily re-read I hardly ever do, but I recently finished one so beautifully written I’d happily start it over again: English Pastoral by James Rebanks. I can’t believe I so enjoyed a book about farming!

Last live music gig I went to I was at Glastonbury 2017 for work – Radiohead were amazing.

My desert island disc All By Myself by Celine Dion. This would help me kill myself, and avoid a lingering, lonely death.

The first single I bought Showaddywaddy’s Under the Moon of Love. Yes, that’s how old I am.

Your karaoke go-to and dance floor banger...

Never done karaoke, and I don’t believe in non-professionals freestyle dancing after the age of 25. Apart from that, I’m a whole heap of fun!

For more: www.komedia.co.uk

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

Route cause

Three books on pilgrimages, journeys, and walks

“A philosophical contemplation of how working with stone can connect you to the past”

T

he constant deluge and total absence of sun this January might already have put paid to a few resolutions to take more countryside walks. But it’s too soon to abandon hope and, with luck, spring sunshine will soon be rolling in and we’ll be able to don our boots without fear of losing them to the first stile m d ath Working in a city which marks the terminus of the Cotswold Way, I’ve always had a fascination for longer m lti day trails and pathways. In Between the Chalk and the Sea (Headline, £22) Gail Simmons uncovers a long o erlooked ro te that like so many epic tracks, was once undertaken by pilgrims.

For 240 miles The Old Way meanders from Southampton to Canterbury, mostly staying a little inland parallel to the South East coast, passing ancient towns like Chichester and Arundel and skirting the South Downs.

Simmons describes her own journey along the modern version of this path, but also dives into the history of the route’s usage and its recent rediscovery and rebirth. The path’s pilgrimage origins mean that it’s peppered with churches, monasteries and religious houses that used to o er hospitality to those making their way toward the shrine of Thomas Becket.

This history had been long forgotten until being spotted as a red line on a 14th century map in the Bodleian Library. Since that rediscovery the British Pilgrimage Trust have recreated the route and created maps and guides to help navigate its length, to enable any walkers to enjoy its history and the majestic countryside it traverses.

As well as exploring the route’s history and the myriad of characters who would have used it long ago, Simmons revels in the joy

of slow travel – reminding us what it means to put one foot in front of the other to cover ground, instead of reaching for our car keys.

Artist and stonemason Beatrice Searle has also just completed a book about travelling an ancient route of pilgrimage.

The Gudbrandsdalen pathway carves its way through Southern Norway for 500 miles, although Searle preceded that leg of the journey by walking across Orkney and crossing the North Sea by sailboat.

If that’s not epic enough, then consider this eca se she as a year old ne ly alified stonemason her chosen companion was a 30 kilogram siltstone into which she had carved two footprints (inspired by Iron Age stones connected to coronations).

The story of this almost unfathomable quest is set out in Stone Will Answer (Harvill Secker, £18.99), along with an exploration of the mythology and spirituality underpinning the crafting and carrying of the stone that Searle names ‘The Orkney Boat’. This is a book made up of many strands, as memoir mixes with geological history and a philosophical contemplation of the craft of masonry and how working with stone can connect you to the past.

Lastly, a shout out for a book I often recommend on a similar theme, but featuring a walk that dwarfs the others. Crossway

by Guy Stagg (Macmillan, £9.99) describes the author’s solo walk from Canterbury to Jerusalem. The narrative describes the arduous journey and the characters he encounters; but it’s most memorable for Stagg’s personal journey. Reading this or indeed any of these books, is a great reminder of the restorative impact of walking outdoors…at least when the weather’s decent enough for us to get out there.

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

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THE REEL THING EMMA INGLEDEW CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

The Fabelmans is Steven Spielberg’s most personal project to date; Brendan Fraser is winning praise for his poignant role in The Whale; the early tawdry days of Hollywood are captured in Babylon; The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari was first released in 1920

Be entertained these dull winter months with a Spielberg biopic, 1920s German horror, and the tawdry tale of Hollywood’s rise Babylon

Released 20 January

From the director of Whiplash and La La Land comes another tale of ambition and excess.

Visionary director Damien Chazelle moves his gaze to the 1920s, telling a story of unbridled decadence and depravity in the early years of Hollywood. Margot Robbie stars as Nellie LaRoy, a brash and ambitious aspiring starlet from New Jersey, alongside newcomer Diego Calva as Manuel ‘Manny’ Torres, a Mexican immigrant and aspiring filmmaker ho ickly becomes smitten with her.

Emma Stone was originally cast in the lead role, which was announced to be based on Clara Bow, but dropped out due to scheduling con icts after the prod ction as delayed because of the pandemic. After Margot o ie replaced her the role as re orked to ecome more fictional in nat re Babylon features too many famous names and faces to list and its tale of debauchery in the early movie industry is an entertaining watch.

The Fabelmans

Release date 29 January

ilm making legend te en piel erg is ack with his most personal project to date, The Fablemans. Often dubbed the father of the modern lock ster ith a career incl ding some of the most iconic films of all time Spielberg now turns his camera inward foc sing on hat inspired his filmmaking career to begin. The movie follows young ammy a elman a fictionalised ersion of piel erg as he aspires to ecome a filmmaker He soon discovers a shattering family secret

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and m st e plore ho the po er of films can help him see the truth. piel erg rote the film ith long time partner Tony Kushner. Spielberg claims that he has had the idea for a long time but it was the o id pandemic that finally cleared his sched le eno gh to rite it ith his fictional parents played by Paul Dano and Michelle Williams, The Fabelmans is a heart warming and powerful story about the formative years of one of the all time greats of cinema.

The Whale

Release date 3 February

ontro ersial a te r arren ronofsky ret rns for his first feat re in fi e years ith psychological drama The Whale he film follows Charlie, played by Brendan Fraser, a reclusive English teacher with morbid obesity as he tries to restore his relationship with his teenage da ghter played y adie ink The story is adapted from the theatrical play of the same name written by Samuel nter and ronofsky has een orking on this project for ten years. He was delayed y eing na le to find the perfect actor to portray Charlie, until one day he saw a trailer for Journey to the End of the Night starring Fraser and kne he’d fo nd his star and he as right raser’s performance seen as a come ack vehicle for The Mummy actor, has been widely praised and has gained a lot of awards buzz.

Fraser spent four hours each day in the make p department getting fitted ith prosthetics that weighed up to 300lbs. He also orked ith a dance instr ctor for months efore filming to fig re o t ho his character

would move with the excess weight and consulted with the Obesity Action Coalition.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari Screening 5 February

ometimes cited as the first tr e horror film Robert Wiene’s Das Cabinet des Dr Caligari shook filmgoers orld ide pon its first release in n fact the film as so pop lar that at one point it played in a Parisian cinema for seven years.

The story is set at a local carnival in a small German town where hypnotist Dr. Caligari presents the sleep alker esare ho can purportedly predict the future of curious fairgoers o e er at night the doctor akes Cesare from his sleep to enact his evil bidding. he in ence of this film is immeas ra le ith the film ecoming famo s for its expressionistic jagged sets, sinister atmosphere, and psychological terror. Now presented in a definiti e ltra high definition edition the film’s chilling and radical ision is set to grip viewers all over again.

Emma Ingledew is manager at The Little Theatre Cinema, 1–2 St Michael’s Place; www.picturehouses.co.uk

EDUCATION

REPORTING BACK How our esteemed local schools are delivering the best for their pupils

By Matt Bielby

W

hat do we want from our schools? hat they’re creati e and e i le seems a given; academic success remains crucial, of course, but then so are a range of softer and social skills, from an awareness about climate change to ensuring a student’s well-being. In a world of rapid change and increasing globalisation, one where the ever-growing and mutating technology is at the core of so much that e do e ant a school to e re ecti e e ol ing and achie ing t’s a challenge our local schools are embracing in myriad ways. Here are just some of them…

VIRTUAL REALITY IN THE CLASSROOMS

St Margaret’s Prep, Calne; www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk Immersive technology in the classroom is fast becoming a new way to enefit p pils and enhance the c rric l m and is a ro te that t Margaret’s Prep, Calne is utilising with great results. ike allahan head of comp ting e plains f rther here is no sense or enefit in adopting the latest technology eca se it’s a ord or a trend. We considered whether this technology could enhance o r o ering of teaching and learning hether it co ld connect o r pupils with the wider world, and how it could help prepare them for the future. After much discussion, demonstrations and looking at case studies it was clear that this was something we wanted to integrate into our curriculum. Our Parents Association felt the same and generously donated funds to us to purchase eight headsets. ast term o r p pils isited tone ge illages tra elled thro gh a ody follo ing a piece of pi a d ring the digesti e process e o er erupting volcanoes and went back in history to walk with dinosaurs. his is hat irt al eality ed cation allo s he e citement amongst o r p pils is immense and there has een a onderf l as e ha e introduced this technology into the curriculum.”

CLIMATE AWARENESS

Kingswood School, Bath; www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk In response to the climate emergency, Kingswood made a commitment to adapting the school operations towards carbon neutrality by 2030. ohn a ies senior dep ty head and ice principal says s a school we believe our most important role is to ensure our young people

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

“Immersive technology in the classroom is fast becoming a new wa to ene t pupi s

Pupils at St Margaret’s, Calne are embracing Virtual Reality headsets for learning

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EDUCATION develop as independent and creative leaders who are well-informed of the issues facing the world today and tomorrow. To that end, we have introduced a Year 9 course exploring the UN ‘Global Goals’, through which students work in collaboration to create innovative solutions to real-world social and environmental problems.

“Pupils have the opportunity to take on a range of leadership roles connected with sustainability, including: a sustainability representative on our senior prefect body; a sustainability coalition that meets reg larly and is made p of st dents teachers and s pport sta ho shape school policy and practice; and a student-led group called the ‘Kingswood Eco Alliance’, who meet weekly to plan initiatives for our school community.”

JOINT WINNERS

Millfield Prep School, Street; www.millfieldschool.com illfield rep chool as cro ned oint inner of ndependent rep chool of the ear at the ann al ndependent chool of the ear Awards 2022. he school as ointly a arded the prestigio s title alongside rd reck chool in cotland oth for e emplifying geographical si e and other di ersity in the sector’ illfield rep ere recognised for supporting pupil’s mental health and well-being in the wake of the pandemic, launching the innovative Well-being Curriculum in eptem er he c rric l m hich as implemented y former headmistress hirley hayler and dep ty head pastoral racey a ell proactively teaches pupils to identify poor well-being and empowers them with the skills to improve it. t dents ha e a eekly min te ell eing class in addition to reg lar ersonal ocial ealth and conomic d cation and PE lessons, to learn and explore through a series of nine activities including meditation, yoga, mindful walk and talk and soul food. The concepts explored link seamlessly to the school’s values Be Kind, Be You, Be Curious, Be Challengers and Be Brilliant.

ABOVE: At Kingswood School, students take on leadership roles connected with sustainability ; BELOW: Millfield Prep has an award-winning well-being programme

“Students have a weekly 40-minute well-being class”

xxxxx

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EDUCATION MUSICAL HIGH NOTES

Royal High School, Bath; www.royalhighbath.gdst.net An A-level student at Royal High School Bath recently performed with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall. Lily, currently in Year 12, is a talented singer and was successfully accepted into the prestigious choir at the age of 11. She performed with the choir as part of their annual Christmas Concert, accompanied by a full symphony orchestra. She will also be singing at the Royal Albert Hall in April 2023 as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain.

Lily, who is studying music and is also a music scholar at the Royal High School Bath, says, “With the excellent facilities at the music school, I have been able to fully immerse myself in my A-level studies and use the recording studio and high-level technology that the school o ers erforming in school concerts and choirs has also impro ed my confidence not only as a performer t also as a person.”

COMMUNITY MINDED

Bath College, Bath; www.bathcollege.ac.uk Bath College were once again the proud sponsors of the Bath alf amily n n and the o cial massage tent at the Bath Half Marathon in October. The event was held over two days with the base/Runners’ Village in Royal Victoria ark and on the at rday the mar ee as f ll of family-friendly activities with a college careers’ dress-up box, some animal critters, a criminology crime scene, and an impressive array of face painting and hair glitter from the beauty department. The fun r nners all ore Bath ollege randed t shirts and sta took part in the 0.8-mile run with their children.

On the Sunday, the sport, beauty and complementary/spa therapy students provided more than 130 massages for aching runners who had completed the 13.1-mile course.

TOP OF THE CLASS

Ralph Allen, Bath; www.ralphallenschool.com The Times has recently named Ralph Allen School one of the best comprehensive schools in the South West, based upon combined attainment grades achieved at both A-level and GCSE. Andy Greenhough, the school’s headteacher says, “It’s not normally my

“Performing in school concerts has also improved my on den e ABOVE AND INSET: Royal High School Bath student Lily recently performed with the

National Youth Choir of Great Britain; BELOW: Students from Bath College were on hand to help at the Bath Half

style to shout about achievements but this is such a great validation of o r ork t holeheartedly s pports o r approach of orking ith the whole student and shows that we deliver grades at the highest level without focussing solely on academic progress.

“We support young people to develop and mature into wonderful individuals who can go on to succeed and contribute to their own comm nities here er that ill take them his is the ethos of o r school. I see smiling happy faces every day, lessons where students are safe and are keen to learn ta are pro d and happy to ork here and this then re ects in the care and s pport they gi e to st dents e’re striving to be number one next year. We can do it.”

APTITUDE DEVELOPMENT

Monkton Combe School; www.monktoncombeschool.com t the onkton om e senior school ear st dents ere recently introduced to a new aspect of the curriculum, aptitude development, which the school is piloting alongside a number of other schools and organisations here has een significant de ate aro nd the place of aptit de de elopment in ed cation also kno n as soft’ skill development – and its importance.

Joe Sidders (deputy head learning) explains why they believe in aptit de de elopment at onkton om e ithin the rich c rric l m that e o er o r p pils at onkton aptit des are de eloped in ery diverse and extensive ways. As such, the challenge for us is not so much to include them, it’s to uncover them. e held a conference last ne for schools called aking the Implicit Explicit’ where we shared the ways in which we could bring aptit de de elopment o t of the shado s and make it more o io s for our pupils. As this happened, we would give them the opportunity for more o io s feed ack and as a res lt more o io s progress

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

“The Times has named Ralph Allen School one of the best comprehensive schools in the South West” ABOVE: GCSE and A-level success won Ralph Allen school a nod from The Times; BELOW: Monkton Combe is emphasising aptitude skills like problem solving

“We have introduced the pilot toYear 9, explaining that their teachers o ld ag opport nities for them to gather e idence for t o partic lar aptit des olla oration and omm nication’ and reati e hinking and ro lem ol ing’ each p pil ill choose one of these t o to foc s on self assess and s mit e idence for teachers to assess

PERSONAL TUTOR SYSTEM

Bath Academy, Bath; www.bathacademy.co.uk he aftermath of the pandemic has led to significant changes in ed cation not only in the role of online learning and more e i le learning en ironments t predominantly in st dents’ mental health and ell eing Bath cademy has responded to the need to s pport st dents on a deeper le el eyond academic life and to e e en more adapti e to their indi id al needs and circ mstances ith the ersonal tor system Bath cademy’s racey llis e plains t the start of the academic year in eptem er the college enhanced the system y de eloping a personal t tor team ith psychotherape tic co nselling e perience to pro ide holistic s pport and act as mentors to g ide st dents and help them cope ith constantly e ol ing circ mstances and ncertainty he college has also e panded its ersonal e elopment rogramme y pro iding more espoke one to one interactions making real face to face connections more accessi le to st dents hether it’s ith ni ersity representati es medical professionals or mindf lness coaches ncreased links ith medical schools ni ersities charity projects, and previous students have also proven valuable to st dents ho feel lost in the competiti e academic orld and reminds them that e eryone has a di erent st dent o rney

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

EDUCATION REVISION COURSES

King Edward’s School, Bath; www.kesbath.com tarting in pril ing d ard’s chool Bath ill o er aster re ision co rses for and le el st dents from across the local area preparing to take e ternal e ams ne t s mmer s one of the top performing schools in the o th est ing d ard’s is ell placed to o er a tailored re ision programme allo ing p pils from across the local area to enefit from the school’s e cellent standards of teaching and s pport nderpinned y consistently o tstanding and le el e am res lts he co rses ill e deli ered y s ect specialist teachers many of hom ha e head of department or e aminer e perience le el and st dents can choose p to t o s ects to st dy o er the co rse of the fo r day programme cy iners the aster re ision lead at says t the end of the re ision programme e ery p pil ill also recei e a report ased on assessments carried o t thro gho t the co rse o ering ad ice to oth p pils and parents regarding the ne t re ision steps ahead of sitting final e ams in the s mmer

ILLUMINATING LECTURES

ABOVE: KES is offering revision sessions to GCSE and A-level students from across the local area; BELOW: Bath Academy students have a Personal Tutor System to support students’ mental health

Dauntsey’s School, Devizes, www.dauntseys.org s part of a ntsey’s ercers’ ect re series the school hosted e erend ichard oles for an entertaining and tho ght pro oking talk last year ften referred to as Britain’s fa o rite icar’ e erend oles addressed the challenges he faced gro ing p as a gay teenager in ettering in the late s and his s se ent escape to ondon seeking a li ea le life’ e spoke of his rise to fame ith he omm nards and later the de otion of his life to od

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 51

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

EDUCATION

“Reverend Coles addressed the challenges he faced growing up as a gay teenager in the 1970s” ABOVE: Reverend Richard Coles visited Dauntsey’s for the school’s Mercer’s Lectures programme; BELOW: Prior Park College students excelled in their Extended Projects

Mina, one of the students who attended the lecture, says, “We were incredibly fortunate to have the chance to hear from Reverend Coles.

His accepting and open-minded approach to life, and his diverse life experience made for a truly inspiring and memorable evening.”

Earlier in the term, the school had welcomed historian, broadcaster and award-winning author, David Olusoga and former Depop director, Zoe Bayliss Wong, as part of the Mercers’ Lectures Programme, and this year Colin Ingram and Richard Browning will be visiting the school.

OVER AND BEYOND

Prior Park College; Bath www.priorparkcollege.com Sixteen U6 students at Prior Park College have completed their EPQ (Extended Project alification ith per cent eing a arded grade A*- C. The varied and fascinating project titles included: Was Rudolf Kasztner a hero or a villain to the Hungarian Jewry during the Holocaust?; What were the psychological and behavioural impacts of quarantine and lockdown on children and adolescents during the Covid-19 pandemic, and how can they be reduced?; To what extent did the activities of am ridge nalytica e ect the residential lection and o significant as the contribution of the factor of chance to the lack of any fatalities during the successful water landing of Flight 1549? With an analysis of the engineering and physics behind the events of 15 an ary n

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 53

SPONSORED CONTENT

BRIDGING THE GAP Dan Li-Dunford (Dan Dan)

E

nglish-Chinese Services (ECES) is an education agency founded

by Dan Li-Dunford, to meet the growing demand for intercultural education and communication.

ECES cooperate and work with educational institutions, parents and teachers to support the academic and personal development of the student. Dan Dan shares her experiences in the industry...

Tell us more about ECES international education services I am the founder of ECES, an education agency and guardianship company with offices in central Bath. We offer professional expertise and advice to prospective Chinese and other international students who are wanting to pursue their education in the UK. We have established partnerships with a significant number of independent schools and universities where we have carefully placed students and where they have succeeded academically and thrived in their personal development.

How does your guardianship service work?

We offer a unique, person-centred approach featuring close communication with the students, their parents and educational institutions. This support is tailored according to their needs, whether highly academic or vocational. We believe that good school results are not the only focus of education, so we offer a range of real-life experiences to help students to grow healthily and happily.

In this way we act as a cultural ambassador between the parents and the education establishment, and as a tutor and mentor to our students on their learning journey.

How ENGLISH-CHINESE EDUCATION SERVICES (ECES) is changing the game for intercultural education What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

After providing such close personal support, the reward is to see my students flourishing as well-rounded human beings, successful both academically and personally. I am most proud when I see my students’ lives changed from one of under-achievement to one of success in finding their unique talent and passion for excellence. It is rewarding that through our services they can achieve self-confidence, reallife skills and hope for their future.

training has been delivered to many higher educational institutions and independent schools across the UK. We also provide bespoke courses for companies who want to do business in China and who require expertise in understanding their market, the Chinese people, the business culture, or the Mandarin and Cantonese languages. The courses can be delivered on the business premises or at the ECES offices in central Bath.

What are the challenges of your job?

The biggest challenges are trying to overcome stereotypes and cultural barriers. It is hard to make some Chinese parents realise that Oxbridge and their children’s exam results are not the only mark of success and that there is value in subjects such as art, sports, drama and music. Helping students to adapt to the demands of the UK education system is not easy and the changes do not happen overnight, but we continue to build skills within our students to support independent learning, problem solving and team working.

“IT IS REWARDING THAT THROUGH OUR SERVICES STUDENTS CAN ACHIEVE SELF-CONFIDENCE, REAL LIFE SKILLS AND HOPE FOR THEIR FUTURE.”

Tell us more about the training courses that ECES offers We provide teaching across all GCSE and A-level subjects within the UK education system, as well as bespoke IELTS training for international students whose first language is not English, to help them reach the required academic standards.

We offer a programme in cross-cultural education to help UK teachers better understand Chinese students’ learning behaviours and to advise effective ways of communicating, in order to improve learning outcomes and personal development. This

What are your hopes for 2023?

After a difficult few years, I hope that the Year of the Rabbit will be a positive one for the international student market. The re-opening of China should see travel restrictions reduce and society and business return to something approaching pre-pandemic levels. ECES looks forward to working with parents, schools, and businesses to deliver our quality education services in this growing marketplace. n For further information please do not hesitate to contact us by phone, in person at our Bath offices or online at www.eces.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 55

THE BECKFORD CANTEEN

Lydia Tewkesbury visits the Beckford Bottle Shop’s new sibling

T

here’s a new spot in town causing a bit of a stir. The Beckford Canteen is the latest o ering from the Beckford ro p a powerhouse of West Country pubs and restaurants that count the Beckford Bottle hop and he Bath rms at ongleat among their n m er he a o t the place is lo d the shoes it has to fill o tsi ed the Bottle hop p the road is a fa o rite of ay aynor after all and the distance from its reno ned si ling only a short walk up Bartlett Street. he contin ed se of the Beckford name has also contri ted to the h m t e okes illiam Beckford of Beckford’s o er a reference once synonymo s ith the glit and glamo r of eorgian life these days rightf lly o ershado ed y the family’s in ol ement in the slave trade. With Bath’s institutions tackling these tro led histories more on page a o t that incl ding Beckford’s o er itself it’s a choice that feels o t of step ith the times t’s a shame eca se the space is definitely of its time

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

it’s gorgeo s n the former eorgian greenho se acated y en shi early last year the space has een totally transformed y se eral layers of arro Ball and a considered palate of dark greens and whites against rich oak oors and f rnit re here’s a crisp rela ed i e enhanced by well-placed accessories like the striking green Wedgwood cabbage plates that pepper one wall (play spot the white one) and the low pendent lights that drip from the ceiling emanating that lo forgi ing glo here are elements of the Bottle hop a o t the place in the ine list and one of the enefits of pro imity is if you’re dying for a Beckford wine not supplied by the anteen yo can pop p the road pick p a ottle and drink it in the Canteen for an additional corkage charge t for the most part its o ering is distinct here the Bottle hop feels all ine ith a side of small plates at the Beckford anteen the nostalgia inf sed men packed with British classics (sardines on toast! rarebit!) takes centre stage he rainchild of head chef eorge Barson the classic meets contemporary men is inspired y his origins in the e on food scene here he started

RESTAURANT

at i er ottage efore taking ight to ondon for a fe years here he tried his hand at a range of ig hitters like ia ante inner y eston Bl menthal and amie li er’s ifteen in orth ondon to name a fe e as at ild y art hen the Beckford ro p l red him ack to the est o ntry for the anteen e’re gratef l they did eca se his men is a ea tif lly realised concoction of comfort foods and ooh hat’s that options fter entering past the stling open kitchen and picking o r ine the Beckford icpo l de inet started ith the chestn t so p arm the cockles e perience it as s eet and ttery and ser ed ith a gorgeo s cro ton slathered in cream cheese and topped ith pretty little ro nds of ttern t s ash y friend mean hile ent for the smoked eel trikingly arranged aro nd a right orange egg yolk the t es of meaty fish came ith tangy roasted leek t as a dish she had ne er tried efore and she left an eel con ert t the anteen seasonality is the order of the day and as a egetarian for me this means root eg hich can e delicio s or land depending on the hand in the kitchen ort nately my earthy yet s eet celeriac main ser ed on a ed of green sa ce ith a dollop of cr me fra che and topped ith a rry of crisp fried onions as a di ine e ample of root eg done right y friend’s meal also in ol ed celeriac this time a side to her main of perfectly tender enison its deep meaty a o rs rightened y refreshing mo thf ls of pear and the oody ite of spr ce tips ddings ise let myself do n a little it ent ith the petits fo rs my don’t really kno hat that is’ pick of the e ening hey ere nice eno gh a selection of f dgey c es chocolate tr es and a green s eet that reminded me of a giant fr it pastel t it as my friend’s clotted cream apple ith so rdo gh that really stole the sho he cheesecake like clotted cream ase came topped ith tart ste ed apple and a cro n of delicate s ooping so rdo gh thins t as a l rio s e perience and one looked on en io sly as che ed my f dge hich to e fair pro a ly o ld ha e en oyed more ere it not for the comparison ith stylish s rro nds and gorgeo s food the Beckford anteen is itho t a do t a tri mphant addition to the gro p’s impressi e repertoire they st might ant to reconsider the name n

“A warmthe-cockles experience”

DINING DETAILS

open in the spring with space for 40 covers

Beckford Canteen, 11 Bartlett Street, Bath, BA1 2QZ; tel: 01225 338470; www.beckfordcanteen.com

Prices starters cost between £4 - £14; mains £19 - £26; desserts £4 - £14

Opened 6 January 2023 Owners Beckford Group, founded by Dan Brod, Charlie Luxton and Matt Greenlees Head chef George Barson Opening hours Wed – Sat: 12:00 – 16:30 and 18:00 – 23:00 Sun:12:00 – 18:00 Type of cuisine Modern British Covers 40 Outdoor space A ‘secret garden’ is set to

Drinks Wines and beers and there are premixed classic cocktails which are canned in-house. Wines can also be purchased at the Beckford Bottle Shop and opened at the Canteen for a small corkage charge Vegetarian options Yes. The menu is small so there aren’t loads but it’s a quality over quantity situation Disabled access No Atmosphere It’s a treating-yourself-to-thefiner-things vibe

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 57

• 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

Sothys has arrived at Aquarias Spa Experience luxurious spa treatments and new spa days Since 1946 Sothys has represented French excellence in professional treatments for beauty institutes and spas.

Each Sothys formula combines inspiration from nature and scientific rigour and is based on 4 founding principles: sensoriality, safety, efficiency and naturalness.

Sothys is a world of extremely refined emotions and sensuality, a legendary name that represents excellence and prestige in some of the most luxurious locations around the world. In each of their innovations, they pursue the idea of responsible beauty, respectful of the skin and the environment.

A full day spa experience from £240, which includes full use of the spa facilities, a 30-minute Sothys Tailor-Made Body Treatment and one 90-minute facial chosen from a selection of Sothys facials.

Call Aquarias Spa on 01666 827 070 or email aquarias@whatleymanor.com to make a booking Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury, SN16 0RB whatleymanor.com

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Wellness lives at Whatley

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

RIGHT AS PIE

IN SEASON VERITY GENCO makes the case for blood oranges Cold, wet, dark. All this, and the holiday season has just ended. Typically, January is not the month for gastronomical celebration, but it is not entirely without delicious seasonal arrivals to make the most of.

January is the time to let colourful winter citrus inject their light into our lives and kitchens. Grapefruit in red, pink, and yellow taste the sweetest in the winter months, and the most popular annual preserving event begins around this time, when Seville oranges arrive from Spain to Britain on mass. Sour and unpalatable eaten raw, their s eet sharp itter a o r makes them perfect for marmalade.

The real seasonal citrus jewel, though, is the blood orange. If you haven’t caught blood orange fever yet, what are you waiting for? When I’m out keenly shopping for them o r ldfield ark greengrocer shop keeper cuts one open for me to reveal its esh and identify the reed he t o types can be hard to tell apart. While I’ll take hate er lood orange is on o er ’m always looking out for the Moro variety.

It has deep dark crimson hues, with a reddish orange peel co ering the esh he other one yo ill easily find goes y the name of arocco identified y the small red dots in its esh reating a ni e t o tone stippled pattern, while less red than

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

© VERIT Y GENCO

Blood oranges have arrived to cheer up blue January

Pieminster is set to open on Westgate Street this February. The company hailing from Bristol is all about making delicious and award-winning sustainably made pies. From old favourites like the Moo (British steak and ale) to vegan options such as their British Pie Awards Supreme Champion holder, the Mooless Moo range.

“As an independent West Country family business we’ve always felt like Bath is practically home,” says John Simon, founder and managing director of Pieminster. “We know the city has a huge cohort of passionate pie lovers with excellent taste, so it’s just been a matter of waiting for the right position in the city to become available.”

The certified B-Corp is bringing all the favourites to its new Bath hub along with the brand-new Tikka to Ride chicken tikka pie and the madefor-sharing gravy fondue.

For more: www.pieminister.co.uk

the Moro, they are just as spellbindingly beautiful. These oranges have more to o er in health enefits compared to the everyday orange, too. Like the rest of the citrus family, blood oranges are high in vitamin C, making them a powerful immune-boosting fruit. They are rich in potassium, carotenoids, polyphenols, and dietary fi re hat sets them apart from their regular orange counterpart, however, is a powerful antioxidant pigment called anthocyanin, also found in other superfoods like blueberries. Anthocyanin reduces in ammation and helps pre ent o idati e stress from free radicals, so adding blood oranges to your diet can help your body counteract and detoxify your system.

Blood oranges are sweet with just the right amo nt of tang freshly s ee ed blood orange fruit juice drink is a refreshing way to kick-start your day; or, you could transport yourself to Italy with a blood orange, fennel and burrata salad; blood orange crepe s ette is on the men for pancake day; and the sight of a blood orange upside-down cake will bring joy to the family table.

For more recipe inspiration, follow Verity on Instagram @ ort eflavour w ere s e e s arin more ood oran e re ipes t rou out t e mont

Pieminster is opening a new space on Westgate Street

FOOD & DRINK

NEWS FEED Under 10s eat for free at The Coconut Tree

New-to-Bath burger joint Milk Bun hand make all their burger buns on site

TASTE OF FREEDOM

Kids under 10 can now eat for free at The Coconut Tree. The authentic Sri Lankan restaurant on Broad Street will be feeding littles ones for nothing until March. Kids can choose from a childfriendly menu of Sri Lankan classics including a Cheesy Hopper (a type of pancake made from rice o r and cocon t milk, topped with melted cheese); crispy chicken nuggets and egg fried rice.

“We understand that getting the whole family out to eat can be a challenge and so wanted to give families the opportunity to enjoy a visit with us for an even better price,” says Rashintha Rodrigo, co-founder of The Coconut Tree. “We’re encouraging people to try new, try fresh, try fun, try Sri Lankan.” www.thecoconut-tree.com

READER’S CHOICE

The Olive Tree Restaurant has been named one of the UK’s top 100 best dining destinations by the Harden’s Guide.

The Michelin Star restaurant in the Queensberry Hotel is the only Somersetbased restaurant to achieve the accolade.

The 32nd edition of Harden’s Guide is the only UK restaurant guide sold in bookshops based on feedback from regular diners rather than a group of professional inspectors, and collates the information from an amazing 30,000 reports based on a survey of 3,000 diners. www.olivetreebath.co.uk

GO WILD

Wiltshire-based maker of fresh condiments racklements has a rand ne a o r The special edition wild garlic sauce uses a careful balance of hand-picked wild garlic, honey and mustard to create a sauce that is the perfect partner for pork tenderloin, hot smoked trout or pan-fried pollock among many other dishes. Tracklements can be found in a range of Bath shops including Prior Park Garden Centre, Newton Farm Shop and Waitrose with more stockists available on the website. www.tracklements.co.uk

BUNS OUT There’s a new burger place in town.

Founded by brothers Tom and Matt De Michele, Milk Bun started life in Bristol when Matt decided it was time to leave his Corsham-based pizza restaurant, Viva La Pizza for pastures new.

“The pizza restaurant had run its course and we wanted to do something new and exciting, and we felt that the burger game was missing something,” Tom explains. “We then opened our first restaurant in Bristol in March 2021 to a brilliant reception, which has then led us to expand and open in our home town of Bath.”

Finding the right home for the Bath restaurant took over a year – so when their spot on Lower Bristol Road came free, the pair leapt at the chance.

“People can expect original recipes and homemade Milk Buns that are made in our Bath site fresh every single day. We feel there is something for everyone, from a sweet (ish) burger with peanut butter and chilli jam to a spicy burger with Chimichurri mayo and fresh chillies, a BBQ burger and the classic Bronx burger, which is our in-house cheese burger,” says Tom. For more: www.milkbun.co.uk

BREAK THE CYCLE

FoodCycle has released a research report highlighting the importance of community dining.

The national food charity, which provides free community meals and has a Bath outpost at Nexus Methodist Church at Nelson Place, recommends community dining as the answer to tackling loneliness and food insecurity. The report by social eating and community food systems expert, Dr Marsha Smith of Coventry University indicates FoodCycle highlights the importance of that shared meals like those delivered by FoodCycle communal dining help people feel welcome and cared for, and build community and social resilience.

Dr Marsha Smith says, “FoodCycle projects o ering opport nities to eat ith others sho ld e ie ed as anchor organisations at the heart of delivering services to communities, and many more of them are needed.”

FoodCycle meals are open to all, and guests range from low-income families, people a ected y homelessness people ho are lonely and those ho cannot a ord to y food. No questions asked, you can just turn up and take a seat.

For more: www.foodcycle.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 61

SMARTY DRY CLEANING

Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away

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Bath Life team 01225 475800

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

DREAMSCAPE

Why waste time being cold, wet, and busy when you can hit the snooze button, roll over, boost your immune system and lower your risk of heart disease to boot. That’s a lot of lie-in positivity right there, so we’re advocating going undercover for the next month or two. t is ital tho gh yo optimise yo r hi ernation conditions first and we’re loving this Hindu Bloom wallpaper by Mind the Gap. Inky dark ith a delicate ndian oral design it pro ides an ideal edroom backdrop to sweet dreams.

Hindu Bloom by Mind the Gap from its World Of Fabrics collection, costs £195 for three rolls, can be sourced via Woodhouse & Law, 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 63

CORE COLLECTION MATTRESSES, PRICES START AT £246 Based locally and specialising in only mattresses, Sleep & Slumber’s ore ollection is chosen for the specific e perience they o er and the needs they suit. Whether incorporating memory foam, cutting edge technology modern style or l rio s nat ral fillings the team can advise exactly what’s needed for the best night’s sleep ever.

From Slumber & Sleep; www.slumberandsleep.co.uk

SLEEP MEDITATIONS BOOK, £10 Welcome calm by restoring energy with the meditations in this beautifully illustrated book specifically ritten to help slo do n a sy mind and relax into a restful night's sleep.

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

SLEEP SPRAY BY EARL OF EAST, £20 A gentle sleep mist with notes of mandarin, lavender and frankincense designed to spray above your bed and pillows. Allow the mist to settle into the linens to aid relaxation and promote a restful sleep.

From Julia Davey, 20 Wellsway, Bear Flat, Bath; www.juliadavey.com

TAKE COVER

Use these darker months wisely and indulge in a little high end hibernating LUNA SELF HEATING EYE MASK, £4.50 Discover the calming powers of the award-winning Luna Eyes Self-Heating Eye Masks that have been created to help you completely n ind all hile drifting o into a relaxing slumber.

From Consciously You, 1 Kennington Road, Bath; www.consciouslyyou.co.uk

SOFT WOOL THROW, £80 Crafted from pure wool and handwoven in the UK, this grey and French mustard stripe and herringbone throw is ideal for an an extra layer of winter snuggling.

From Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk

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

EDITOR’S CHOICE

LAMPE GRAS 205 TABLE LAMP, WAS £397 NOW £337.45 This simple yet robust lamp, designed in 1921 by Bernard-Albin, remains popular with artists, architects and those updating their home interiors thanks to its classic design and user friendliness.

From Holloways of Ludlow, 37 Milsom Street, at www o owa soflud ow om

BEFORE SLEEP REED DIFFUSER, £38 Snuggle into soft blends of lavender and cedar, with this locally made, carefully blended essential oil and perfume edroom di ser From Aery Living, www.aeryliving.com

WARDLEY FOUR POSTER BED, PRICES START AT £1,795 This four-poster bed exhibits Shaker-inspired clean lines with elegant tapering posts and feet.

It comes in king and super king sizes and the solid oak frame cuts a stately silhouette.

From Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com

BLUE VELVET UPHOLSTERED DOG BED, £440 Because pets need luxury shut eye too. The pale blue velvet upholstered interior and exterior have double-piped edges, and the cushion pad has a removable cover. The wooden frame that encases the luxurious upholstery is a distressed hand-carved wood in a hite ashed finish From French Bedroom Company; www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

KING PALMETTE HEADBOARD, £1,550 Make a statement in your bedroom with this striking palm leaf-shaped, grey-green headboard, which is both handmade and hand-painted.

From OKA, 26 – 27 Milsom Street, Bath; www.oka.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 65

1/3 OF CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 ARE LIVING IN POVERTY IN BATH. At The Nest Project we aim to serve families who are experiencing financial pressure, by providing free clothing, equipment and toiletries to children under the age of 5 in BANES. We want to help give children the start in life that they deserve.

We need your help to make this happen!

DONATE ITEMS You can donate good quality second hand items to us, by emailing donations@thenestproject.co.uk Or you can order items we need directly from our Amazon wish list.

VOLUNTEER We have several volunteering opportunities, from helping us sort donations and serving at our toddler groups, to helping us gain funding or support from local businesses.

GIVE FINANCIALLY We rely on funding to cover running costs. You can give financially to us so that our project can continue to have a positive impact on our community.

To find out more about our project and how to donate to us, head to thenestproject.co.uk/give or scan the QR code! Thank you for helping us to help others.

BEAUTY LEFT: The Platinum Hydrafacial wand operates like a vacuum; BELOW: Dr. Lucy Facial Aesthetics uses Obagi Medical, considered the gold standard of skincare; INSET: Sarah was seeking a more youthful and plumper look

GLOW GETTER

It’s a ready, steady glow experience for Sarah Baker when she gets the Platinum Hydrafacial

T

he HydrafacialTM is just as amazing as any rumours you’ve heard about it. Seriously, it’s a power packed treatment with a glorious ‘ta da’ moment that ill most definitely gi e yo the wow factor and it does that immediately – yes, straight away. Aaaand, it is not evasive, which means that this is a treatment for everyone.

Dr. Lucy Facial Aesthetics is led by the gorgeous Dr. Lucy, an ex-dentist, (so you know you’re in good hands) who has created a wonderfully welcoming environment at her idcom e clinic and ho o ers ‘transformational facial aesthetics’. So, a sol tely they o er Boto rofhilo fillers and Regenerative treatments, but they also o er the latin m ydrafacial as a treatment and as a pre-treatment, creating healthy and natural-looking skin.

This facial is perfect as prep for a special event but also the best way to breathe life back into a face that has had a busy December and needs a winter-time boost. It is an awardinning treatment that deto ifies and deeply cleanses the skin whilst also rejuvenating with active botanical ingredients. It uses a state-of-

the-art machine with various attachments and nozzles and in so doing has better penetration and longer lasting results than any facial performed by hand. The wand operates like a vacuum to open the pores, extracting impurities and dead skin cells whilst also allowing actively boosting ingredients to penetrate deeply. It is also a wholly bespoke facial with consideration given to individual skin care needs.

What’s it feel like? A bit weird to be honest, although not at all intense and also quite relaxing, which I wasn’t really expecting.

My session included a mild peel and I also had some light therapy, and lymphatic massage ending with a hyaluronic acid boost for a serious glow up.

The Platinum Hydrafacial is performed by Kara, who has crossed the Atlantic bringing with her years of beauty and aesthetic knowhow from her time with Sephora amongst other stellar brands.

For extra punch, Dr. Lucy uses a brand called Obagi Medical which is known in the aesthetics industry as the gold standard of

skincare. These products are designed to reduce the visible signs of ageing, designed and tested for every skin type and are woven through the Hydrafacial, handpicked by Kara after a thorough initial assessment of skin needs and personal goals.

For me that was hoping to promote a more youthful and plumper look.

Lucy and Kara are together a hugely knowledgeable duo, and you might think that would be intimidating but you’d be wrong, they are wonderfully warm and obviously enjoy seeking out the best treatments for their clients.

The hour-long experience at the clinic was f n informati e and impressi e Best of all my skin looked incredible, and radiated a glow that lasted for a good part of the next seven days. It would be remiss of me if I didn’t add that the Platinum Hydrafacial, which starts at £130 per facial, works best as part of a series of treatments t e en as a one o this is highly recommended. n For more: Dr Lucy Facial Aesthetics, 10 Rossiter Road, Widcombe, Bath; www.doctorlucy.co.uk

“It’s a power packed treatment with a glorious ‘ta da’ moment”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 67

FASHION

STYLE AWAY THE WINTER BLUES Lift your look with mood-boosting colour Words by Marianne Cantelo

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onvincing the psyche that this is the season for new beginnings takes a ridiculous amount of willpower – it’s grotty and chilly and days are short and vile. Up until the mid-18th century the new year in the UK began on the 25 March, time of euphoric spring blossom, burgeoning bulbs and splashier sunshine – it makes sense doesn’t it? If you want to make permanent positive changes and ‘rebirth’ yourself, pick a season where the odds aren’t stacked against you?

Since we’re now stuck with this illogical Gregorian calendar and most of us can’t a ord the l ry of armer climes oosting motivation now seems a priority to avoid complete stagnation until spring. Christmas was momentarily e ecti e in cheering s p ith its sparkle and sensuality, but overindulgence makes you feel stodgy and stale. Isn’t it time to time to inject some new serotonin style into our lives?

DOPAMINE HITS Maybe you’ve heard of ‘dopamine dressing’. It’s a beautiful thing, dressing like a bird of paradise every day. However, just like dopamine, it’s addictive but not necessarily sustainable being that ‘high’ all the time. You might also not want to be known as ‘that person who fell into a bag of skittles.’ You love clothes, but want to wear them, rather than them wear you. If you want serotonin style on the other hand, it’s a lot more subtle but still fun – it’s a mood that you can take anywhere, simply.

You can bring light into your look, from the moment you put on your knickers in the morning. Sheer clothing and visible underwear, is a reoccurring nod to the nineties that’s very now. Choose bras in vibrant contrasting colours that are designed to show and peek through. Even if they don’t, just being aware of a more lively set of underwear will keep your spirit elevated throughout the day. Similarly, a satin camisole in a candy colour, under a cosy cardigan is a lustrous layer that references coming spring o ers poking thro gh hea ier earth SUNSHINE YELLOW Andrea Richards, a Bath-based interior stylist and fashion designer who specialises in personal colour analysis through her company Fundi, says she has noticed the resurgence of yellow in clothing. “Following Pantone coupling their Illuminating yellow shade with their Ultimate Gray in 2021, it is a colour that has seeped into many collections over the last few years. Normally associated with spring and summer, wearing it in the icy months of winter is like cloaking oneself in the radiance of warm, golden sunshine. It’s such a happy and optimistic colo r and the trick is to find the tone that works with your skin tone.”

An easy way to up the yellow is to upgrade your hosiery with socks and tights that are also designed to be seen, or classic skirts and trousers, enhanced with pick-me-up pops of colo r that create ashes of s nshine as you walk. When you feel mentally e ha sted and yo r post re is drooping, you’ll see your feet and can’t help but prop yourself back

up again and stride with new energy. Similarly one bright staple piece, like a sunshine yellow, or grass green skirt, is endlessly versatile with blouses, knits, tailoring and simple sweats.

Invest in a pre-spring coat. This is a warm coat in a classic cut, but with a bright ‘wake the f**k up’ colour or print in a fresh tone distancing you from richer, weightier colours. You can dress in head to toe black, chuck on this coat and you are transformed, work ready but bold and cheerful – and perfect with denim on the weekends.

“You don’t want to be known as ‘that person who fell into a bag of skittles’” IN THE BAG There’s plenty of practical boots, sneakers and shoes in acid bright or neon colours that are smile inducing but still sophisticated when paired with traditional neutrals. These will take you right through to the season of sandal wearing – a classic shape in a vibrant colour that won’t date but will always delight.

Perhaps the simplest serotonin staple is a beautiful statement bag. There are plenty out there with witty motifs and designs – time to dig out your vintage Lulu Guinness? Choosing a bag that is a conversation piece, promotes connection and laughter. Whether you embrace the toy trend, gladiatorial chain embellishment, or opt for a retro shape, turning an essential everyday item into a source of constant pleasure requires minimum e ort and in okes p re oy simply y s inging on the end of your arm.

Marianne Cantelo is the business development project manager for Dorothy House Hospice Care. The charity has 25 high street shops across the region selling fantastic pre-loved items which provides a large part of their income, plus it also has an online shop.

For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

Model: Holly Reynolds Pryce; Instagram @Hollyreynolds_pryce Photographer: Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com MUA and hair: Chantelle Moody; Instagram @chantellemoody.makeup Styling: Anna Power and Marianne Cantelo Venue: Rondo Theatre, Bath; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

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SHOPPING LIST 7

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1. Hand-knit pom pom cardigan

by Little Lies, £140, from Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com 2. Macha boots in ocean special

by Chie Mihara, was £340 now £238, from Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 3. Skinny fit red jeans by Desigual, £94, from Gaff Clothing, 29 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www.gaffclothing.co.uk 4. Squiggly twizzle earrings in matte red by Samuel Coraux, £29, from Blue Women & Home at The Loft, 1-2 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.bluewomensclothing.co.uk 5. Camel military zip v-neck jacket

by Taion, £115, from Found, 17 Argyle Street, Bath; www.foundbath.co.uk 6. Opaque tights in pumpkin, £6.99, from Deadly is the Female 59 Catherine Street Frome; www.deadlyisthefemale.com 7. Mini Sadie satchel in double yellow classic smooth calf, £885, from Mulberry, 38 Milsom Street, Bath; www.mulberry.com 8. Pin buckle leather belt in pink, was £24 now £12, from Sassy & Boo, 9 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.luellafashion.com 9. Yellow and black spot box pleat skirt in size 14 by Dorothy Perkins, £14.99, from www.dorothyhouse.shop 10. Aurora coat in recycled cream boucle, £600, from Cabbages & Roses 3 West End, Bruton; www.cabbagesandroses.com

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

ê alloy wheel repairs ê bumper scuff repairs ê paint scratches ê dings & dents removal ê window tinting ê ecu remapping ê paint correction ê headlight restoration

qu ick quote send a picture via text or email

t:

07917 44 54 54

E:

info@car w izard.co.uk

www.car w izard.co.uk

SERVICES GUIDE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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GUIDE to SERVICES in the CITY

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Call us on 07906 507228 to find out more www.airready.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL THE BATH LIFE TEAM ON 01225 475800

STONE SPECIALISTS

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JEWELLERY

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BATHWORKS THIS ISSUE >>ENTRECONF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS DINNER (77) >>BIZ Q&A HI-LINE (78) >>AWARDS BATH FOODBANK (80)

© IWAS/AUGUSTO BIZ ZI

The Team GB wheelchair fencing team: Joshua Waddell, Piers Gilliver, Oliver Lam-Watson and Dimitri Coutya

Life at the sharp end

T

The University of Bath unveils a new facility for the Team GB wheelchair fencing squad he University of Bath has opened a new dedicated training facility for the worldleading Great Britain wheelchair fencing squad that has been based there since 2015.

World champions and Tokyo 2022 medallists Dimitri Coutya and Piers Gilliver were on hand for the grand opening, where they gave guests from the University, the English Institute of Sport (EIS), British Fencing, UK Sport and other partners a thrilling

demonstration match. The purpose-built facility in the Team Bath Sports Training Village (STV) will provide a permanent home for the worldrenowned GB squad, who have been based in various locations around the STV for the past seven years.

“It is great to have this dedicated space for our squad to train in,” says Peter Rome, lead coach on the Wheelchair Fencing World-Class Programme.

“We have enjoyed tremendous success at Paralympic, World and European level in recent years and this centre will allow us to build on that, while also continuing to grow and expand the programme going into Paris 2024 and beyond.”

The opening came after the team’s triumphant return from the 2022 IWASF European Championships in Warsaw, Poland, where they picked up four gold medals.

“We are proud to host the incredibly talented wheelchair fencing squad at the University of Bath and it has been truly inspiring to see the hard ork of athletes coaches and s pport sta at the STV translate into phenomenal success on the international stage,” says Stephen Baddeley, director of sport at the University. “We are sure this new national centre will help the programme go from strength to strength.”

For more: www.teambath.com

MEDIACLASH.CO.UK www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 115 73

BATHWORKS A Bath Spa creative writing incubator has won Arts Council funding

GREAT ESCAPES here’s a rand ne tra el company in to n Bespoke eta ays specialises in trips to o theast sia c rated y orton t hilip ased fo nder and Hem Patel. British born and of Indian heritage, Hem lived and worked in o theast sia for many years an e perience that inspired his em’s disco er tours’ where he led groups of no more than eight through culturally enriching e periences that didn’t st hit the tourist hotspots.

With the launch of Bespoke Getaways, he is no o ering day tours of Thailand, Vietnam and India.

“It is of utmost importance to me to listen and understand what the customer wants before their tour,” says Hem. “This way, I can tailor the itinerary unique to them, at their pace, with the opportunity to see and e perience places most tourists won’t see, including secret locations and no el e periences Working with small groups, I can arrange a variety of activities for di erent people simultaneously, with the option for di erent Hem Patel founded Bespoke activities at any point.”

Getaways to explore beyond For more: the tourist hotspots www.bespokegetaways.co.uk

A GOOD YARN A Bath Spa University creative writing incubator has been

awarded £600,000 by Arts Council England. The total investment of £603,060 will go to Paper Nations, which sits within the University’s Research Centre for Transnational Creativity and Education (TRACE), and will be used to nurture a love of and appreciation for writing in people of all ages and from all walks of life, across the region and beyond.

“We are delighted to see the University’s contribution to the cultural and arts sector recognised in this way,” says rofessor ohn trachan pro ice chancellor for esearch and Enterprise at Bath Spa University. “I would like to congratulate all those involved in achieving this mark of national esteem. As a university, we are committed to continuing to make a positive impact within the South West of England and this investment will enable us to reach even more people.”

The Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio rganisation stat s carries significant national prestige and aper ations is the only Bath ased organisation to secure investment in the latest round of funding.

For more: www.papernations.org

The Roman Baths and Pump Room won three awards at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards. The Bath favourite tourist haunt won Gold for Wedding Venue of the Year, Bronze for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and Bronze in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category.

“We are thrilled to have won these prestigious awards, hich recognise the hard ork p t in y o r sta year ro nd to pro ide an a ard inning e perience for all of our visitors,” says Kevin Guy, leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council. The three awards were a feather in the cap of a fantastic 2022, which saw the Baths rated n m er one attraction and n m er eight est rated attraction in the world by Tripadvisor.

The attraction grew a lot last year with the addition of the ne oman ym re ealing ne er seen efore e ca ations and the la nch of the lore earning entre hich o ers school children and comm nity gro ps the opportunity to learn about the history of Roman Britain where it actually happened.

For more: www.romanbaths.co.uk

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

The Roman Baths picked up a Gold award for Wedding Venue of the Year

© AMY SANDERS

GOOD AS GOLD

The Wiltshire Air Ambulance flew 670 times last year

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC The Wiltshire Air Ambulance Aircrew had a jam-packed 2022. The team undertook 1,061 missions across Bath, Wiltshire and the surrounding area, using the helicopter a total of 670 times.

“We have a very dedicated aircrew – consisting of pilots, critical care paramedics and doctors – who respond to emergencies, on average, three times a day, 365 days a year,” says Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s director of income generation and communications, Barbara ray e kno it is a really di c lt time for the country right now, with fuel and energy bills rising along ith in ation contri ting to this current cost-of-living crisis.

“However, we remain ever grateful to our amazing donors and local businesses who continue to support us and help raise the £4 million it costs each year to keep our air am lance ying and sa ing li es www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk

SPECIAL VISITOR

Bath-based charity, the Research Centre for the Care of Older People (RICE) received a visit from Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath. CEO Melissa Hillier, research and medical director Dr Tom Welsh and president of RICE Professor Roy Jones were on hand to provide a tour and explain the work of the Memory Clinic, RICE’s clinical trials and dementia research.

“I was hugely inspired and impressed by the dedicated sta at the emory linic when I recently met up with this independent charity in Bath,” says Wera. “They are providing much needed support for patients and their relatives living with dementia as well as vital research into this devastating illness.”

For more: www.rice.org.uk

PERFECT CHEMISTRY

Chemists from the University of Bath will be partners on two major research collaborations to help improve water quality of UK rivers.

Professor Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, from the University’s Water Innovation and Research Centre will lead the Bath research team for two projects investigating the impact of chemicals on fresh ater micro es and the e ects of livestock manure entering the waterways. Bath is in ol ed in t o of only fi e pro ects each worth over £1.5 million, funded by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Defra as part of the £8.4 million Understanding changes in quality of UK Freshwaters programme.

For more: www.bath.ac.uk

© BET T Y BHANDARI

HIGH FLYERS

Richard Cherry shared stories from a long career in property at the Bath Life Business Club

BUSINESS CLUB

BRICK BY BRICK

Richard Cherry, group chairman of Stonewood Group joined us for a live interview over lunch at the Bath Life Business Club in December – you can find photos from the day on page e shared stories from his career, which began at Countryside Partnerships 35 years ago, where he worked alongside his father and brother. After leaving that job in 2017 he became co-chairman of Stonebond Properties and also took on a chairman role (non-exec) with Castle Combebased Stonewood Group. In this excerpt of a wide-ranging interview, he shares his experience with Stonewood so far…

How did your involvement with the team at Stonewood begin?

When my wife and I decided to move to this wonderful city, we bought a house in Lansdown Crescent and a lovely chap called Matt Aitkenhead, who is the CEO at Stonewood came to see us. I loved the Stonewood approach, the quality results that they produced, and the culture was fantastic. I got to know the guys and had the opportunity of investing in their business – that’s how my role started, and it’s been a wonderful experience.

Turnover has increased significantly in the last few years from £20 million to over £100 million. Why do you think that this?

Going back six or seven years, Stonewood was primarily a high-end refurb contracting specialist. They did a bit of new build, but anted to get more in ol ed in that field that’s where I came in. They have expanded that side of the business, but the contractor side as well.

Of the £100 million about £70m is contracting and £30m or so is from house building. The size of projects has grown too. Six years ago, the average size of project would be about

half a million, it’s now £5 million per project.

The business does a lot with high-net-worth individuals – the Newt in Somerset for example.

Do you have plans to expand?

The business is in a very good place, but our plan is to grow it organically and ‘bolt on’ regional o ces t the moment head o ce is in astle om e and e ha e o ces in astle arey and Kidlington in Oxfordshire. I can see a situation where we gradually roll out and every couple of years may e a ne o ce might open in a ne region. I want organic growth rather than trying to do too much too quickly.

Do you have any advice for businesses that are currently experiencing big growth?

The key is to get people from outside of the business to help you. The input of non-executive directors, whether from other sectors or your own, is incredibly helpful. It opens your horizons, especially as a growing SME where you’re moving from working in the business – being involved in the every-day detail of things – towards working on the business more.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?

People are absolutely the number one. As you grow, it’s about obviously having good people around you, but also empowering those people within a strategic framework. I think that’s fundamental to success.

The Bath Life Business Club is a regular networking un eaturin a ive interview wit a prominent ure in the local Bath business community. Check our social media @bathlifemag for tickets and the latest updates.

For more: www.stonebondproperties.com | www.stonewoodbuilders.co.uk

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

PHOTO @JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

BATHWORKS

Maxine Laceby in conversation with Greg Ingham

BUSINESS CLUB

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS

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What does it take for a woman to succeed as an entrepreneur? Where does the inspiration come from? And is it ever too late to begin?

poiler alert it’s ne er too late i ing proof is a ine ace y the fo nder of sol te ollagen and o r chief speaker at the ntre onf emale ntreprene rs dinner held in ecem er at on orge otel n a room packed ith female leaders and for ard thinkers the e ent egan ith a pre dinner con ersation ith arah errick of ipple nergy and isa n in of eignite cademy he ig inter ie of the night ho e er as ith a ine a former f ll time mother ho no r ns a million ea ty siness The origin story s a ine approached she had an epiphany after a ing her yo ngest da ghter o to school one day fter years of toiling at the maternal coalface she as finally free to do hate er she anted em arked on a fine art degree at ol erhampton she says ring my first year at ni ersity decided to do an art pro ect stripped myself of make p let my hair go grey and ore dirty clothes anted to see if as a oman of a certain age o ld disappear t made me realise ho desperately insec re as had a yello post it note on my mirror saying yo are eno gh looked at myself physically emotionally and spirit ally and

one of the first things did as to start making and drinking my o n one roth hich finally led to the collagen ith a ig leap to the rest of it nderestimated myself she admits he’d soon orked o t the enefits of the collagen in the one roth created the s pplement for me and my friends B t no ody o ld listen to me h my god this cra y middle aged oman cooking p ones eah pro a ly o ldn’t listen to her either did lots of research co ld arely s itch on a comp ter t did some oogling and orked o t that hene er let the one roth settle a elly o ld form on top and something told me it as that elly that as doing something and orked o t after a fe months that the elly as collagen hat’s so eird is that my eldest da ghter arcy’s ork at ni ersity as on collagen o o io sly disco ered it and then she did lots of ork on it o e ork together Ready to launch longside smoother feeling skin and glossier looking hair and nails collagen s pports yo r energy le els and is a great oost of protein a ine and arcy disco ered that many collagen ta lets ere filled ith fillers and inders and ere also fo nd in lo dosages so they opted for li id collagen hich is kno n to o er the est a sorption

rate rom here they talked ith doctors and scientists and set o t to o er the first premi m type hydrolysed marine collagen drink in the smallest most concentrated ready mi ed li id dose oes a ine think that the initial sense of eing nderestimated as a sp r for her to pro e herself

“YOU ARE YOUR BIGGEST ASSET” h per cent ’m no a patron of the rince’s r st there’s a lot of kids ho come thro gh ith ery to gh ackgro nds and can relate to them and say to them all yo ’ e got skills that yo do not kno yo ’ e got Next steps hen started sol te ollagen said to my team of fo r ant in and o t in three years B t three years came and ent e had a lot of money in the ank eca se e ne er spent the money t e needed strategy and in estment nd so in ecem er e sec red in estment and e sold shares as a family e had fo r o ers on the ta le e didn’t go for the one hich o ered s the most money e didn’t go to the one that o ld gro s the fastest eca se e anted to en oy the o rney e ent ith the one hich as most h man that e co ld ork ith

e’ e no got a great and hen ent for in estment at the eginning said ill not e the going for ard ’ e done all right till no t need some ody ith e perience so e attracted a rilliant and a chairman ho is the former of he’s ery challenging t like that nterestingly a ine says that gender isn’t necessarily an iss e hen it comes to senior appointments t really doesn’t matter to me y int itions are al ays really really good don’t see male female’ o e er hen it came to choosing the it had to e female e’re a female first rand nd e do think di erently nd eca se of the sector e’re in can see sometimes the chairman might not get that and that’s okay eca se think yo need a mi t re for anything to ork Go with purpose pen ltimate estion for a ine s there something inherently recognisa le a o t female entreprene rs compared ith the male e i alent r does it ltimately oil do n to skill l ck personality and circ mstance so that eing female is arely a factor n my e perience the men that ’ e met in siness tend to go into siness for a specific reason hey see a gap an opport nity hereas omen go for a p rpose inally hat ad ice o ld a ine gi e to any anna e female entreprene rs o t there y iggest piece of ad ice to any ody and say this a lot ith the rince’s r st and it’s something ent thro gh myself is to ring yo ’ to the party o are yo r iggest asset regardless of hat that looks like spent the early years of my siness career looking to other omen looking at men n the end it doesn’t matter hat lang age yo speak t doesn’t matter ho yo present yo rself hether yo ’re selling a prod ct or siness or ser ice eca se yo ill appeal to some ody else like yo and act ally e ery area needs to e co ered l ays ring yo to the party he e ent as held in association ith B rges almon and o tts o r thanks to them and to the on orge otel The next Entreconf event takes place in June; for updates see www.entreconf.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 77

BATHWORKS

“WE DO OUR BIT TO KEEP THE SOUTH WEST SAFE AND LOOKING BEAUTIFUL” sports teams with kit sponsorship (Bruton U10’s in 2022 among others in the South West). We see our role as a good employer looking to develop local talent and as the fourth emergency service in times of adverse weather conditions. We also employ o er sta

BIZ Q&A

Josh Griffiths

H

The Hi-Line manager on arboriculture, warning signs and how to live well with trees

i-Line is one of the UK’s leading arboriculture companies o ering tree management and surgery across domestic and commercial projects. The company also o ers a respected training programme with a range of courses in ar oric lt re osh ri ths manager for the Bath and Somerset area tells us more…

What drew you into working with trees?

I started working for Hi-Line as a tree surgeon when I was 16 during summer holidays lo ed eing o tdoors and getting paid for it was a bonus. After ni ersity came ack to tree s rgery and after working my way through the di erent roles no manage a growing team of tree surgeons in and around the South West.

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

What exactly does tree management involve?

Tree management/arboriculture for me is the practice of how to live with trees f done ell trees are a great asset to our lives. As an arborist your role can vary – it could start with advising on which species would be est to plant here to so rce from and how to plant correctly. Once planted trees need help to establish into healthy mature specimens. As the size grows so do the potential issues – this is where good surveying and recommendations are crucial to ensure continued health.

How do you know a tree is in good shape?

As a homeowner you may look out of your kitchen window on a windy day and wonder whether those swaying trees are safe. Trees grow in accordance with the environment they are in meaning that hen healthy they typically can withstand most stresses.

What warning signs should we look out for?

Mushrooms in the form of fungal brackets or toadstools on or near the base of the tree can indicate decay. Cracks or splits in the stem or branches will make trees mechanically eaker fter hea y inds some trees can partially uproot leading them to lean. The other sign is the leaves. Any significant changes to the density of the cro n colo r and shape of the leaves can indicate the tree is stressed and in need of some care.

How do you see your company’s role in the community?

We do our bit to keep the South West safe and looking beautiful. This ranges from surveying and surgery works around busy roads to back gardens. e s pported t eters ospice the Southwest Air Ambulance and Children in Need as our nominated charities for 2022 and support local

One of the services Hi-Line offers is training – why is this important to you?

Arboriculture like many industries is s ering ith sta shortages and our training department is helping to solve this. We’re helping to train the next generation of arborists. In 2021 we ran 157 courses and trained over 600 people. Since we started it in 2019 our Fast Track Trainee Arborist Programme has trained up over 20 ne ar orists some of hom ha e now progressed into team leader roles.

How does Hi-Line think about environmental impact?

As a company formed by en ironmental professionals environmental sustainability is enshrined within our day-to-day business operations and forms the heart of our project delivery. s a siness e ha e adopted a sustainability roadmap and are identifying how we can become Net Zero by 2030. We’ve committed ourselves to using battery powered hand tools and when the technology allo s e ill e mo ing o er to electric/hydrogen vehicles.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

Giving people the knowledge to help them see their trees in a di erent light elping to sho the enefits of trees and the steps that are needed to keep risks acceptable means we’re leaving the landscape in a better place.

For more: www.hi-line.co.uk

BATHWORKS

© SOUL MEDIA

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

Grainne Moher and Sue Fourie celebrating Bath Foodbank’s win

The finalists are decided and it’s only a few short weeks now until the Bath Life Awards ceremony on 23 March.

If the social media celebration has you feeling left out, then you’re in luck. It’s not too late to get involved in the Awards. There are a range of sponsorship packages available that come with all sorts of benefits from your branding in the programme to the chance to present an Award to a winner on stage.

For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2022 Grainne Moher, manager of the BATH FOODBANK reflects on what a Bath Life Award meant to the charity

B CIVIC WINNER SPONSORED BY

ath Foodbank provides three days’ nutritionally alanced emergency food and support to people in crisis The Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust net ork of food anks in the and one of the many pro ects nder enesis r st Bath he enesis r st e ists to o er immediate practical help to people ho are h ngry homeless and lnera le and pro ide long term help and opport nities for them to re ild their li es How did it feel to win a Bath Life Award?

t as a real pri ilege to e considered amongst all the other orthy organisations in Bath t as so nice for the e ort of the ery small sta team and the do ens of ol nteers to e recognised and cele rated 80 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Where do you keep the Award?

t is displayed in o r

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en e o ce

What made 2022 your winning year?

The Foodbank, with all the volunteers, did so ell ringing the comm nity together d ring a di c lt time to meet a great need local people s pporting local people he team sho ed great e i ility and commitment hey had to transition to a deli ery ser ice eca se of the pandemic and then in cto er transition ack to distri tion centres n the midst of all this the ood ank as still ere a le to do more than the year efore What’s different about your charity?

The Bath Foodbank is unique in that it totally relies on the generosity of the comm nity to f nction specifically ol nteers and a ide ariety of organisations in Bath his past year many Bath area schools ch rches companies other organisations and individuals were essential to the f nctioning of the ood ank e only ha e t o part time sta

“TO BE ABLE TO HELP PEOPLE WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST MAKES IT ALL WORTHWHILE”

What’s your favourite part of your work?

To be able to help people when they need it most is hat makes it all orth hile also en oy orking ith all the ol nteers and my colleag es e’ e got a great team and ’ e made many good friends o er the years And what’s the hardest part?

anting to sol e e eryone’s pro lems and kno ing that e can’t t’s di c lt seeing the hardships some people in o r city ha e to face can’t imagine hat it m st e like to orry a o t not ha ing food hen yo r children come home from school Can you share a moment where you really felt the impact of your service?

It was realising that just sitting down and having a con ersation ith someone can ha e a h ge impact on ho they feel o many times hen people come to the ood ank partic larly for the first time they ha e their head do n feeling em arrassed and an io s t they lea e feeling a little etter after a c ppa and a chat What’s something people might not know about the Bath Foodbank?

ot only do e pro ide food t e try to help in other ays too or many special treats are o t of the estion so e try to pro ide a it e tra special family treats d ring the school holidays toy o chers at hristmas other’s ay treats aster eggs and more For more: www.bath.foodbank.org.uk

PROPERTY P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

Brabazon Park, with view of the lake and the YTL Arena Bristol

Application granted

BY THE LAKES OF BRABAZON

It’s only the largest new urban public park in the South West for decades The largest urban park in the South West for over 50 years has received planning permission. South Gloucestershire Council has recently approved plans for the creation of a six hectare sustainable public park at the centre of Brabazon, an entirely new neighbourhood being built by YTL Developments on the giant ro nfield site that as once the famo s ilton irfield aro nd miles from Bath The park will be designed by Bath-based landscape architects Grant Associates, and located between The Hangar District and the future 17,000-capacity YTL Arena Bristol.

The design will revolve around a one-hectare lake, and take inspiration from the area’s rich aviation heritage. (This place was, after

all, instrumental in the development and manufacture of dozens of important aircraft, from the World War II Bristol Blenheim and Bea fighter to assorted ir ses and e en the BAC Concorde.)

Highlights of the park will include assorted play spaces (from table tennis, pétanque and outdoor workout equipment to an entire adventure playground) as well as a Heritage Trail, connecting the Brabazon Hangars with the Aerospace Bristol Museum. There’ll be a distinctive waterside and wetland environment, a oating oard alk a range of independent lakeside cafés and restaurants, a new network of walking and cycle paths, and landscapes ranging from intimate gardens to picnic lawns,

plus extensive new wildlife habitats.

“We’re delighted planning approval has been achieved for Brabazon Park, a new recreational and ecological landscape space at the heart of Brabazon and a focal point for its new community,” says Danny Eagle at Grant Associates. “We look forward to working with the YTL Developments’ team on the next phases of the project through to its construction. We envisage that the new park will create a long-lasting legacy of landscape and nature to be enjoyed by residents, workers and visitors to this exciting new quarter of the Bristol and South Gloucestershire area.”

For more: www.brabazon.co.uk | www.grant-associates.uk.com

sbsdesignandbuild.com 01225 874676 info@sbsdesignandbuild.com

PROPERTY NEWS th

HEAVEN & EARTH Bath ey’s ootprint regeneration pro ect has een recognised ith a sle of a ards he ey together ith Bath ased architects eilden legg Bradley t dios on the residents’ ard at the first ational h rches ards ack in cto er not to mention Architecture Journal’s rchitect re ard for comm nity and faith ildings and a ighly ommended at the orld rchitect re esti al he rade listed ey has een repaired and f t re proofed thro gh a m in estment the stone historic oor as relaid lo car on nder oor heating sing aste heat from the city’s nat ral thermal springs introd ced the interior re modelled ith ne learning and m sic spaces introd ced and a espoke rehearsal st dio for the strong choir created in the once damp eorgian and ictorian asement eneath the pa ements of ingston arade he ational h rches ards dges call the end res lt an e emplar of ho a year old ilding can ecome a pioneer for a ne s staina le f t re oth in this cent ry and the ne t For more: www.bathabbey.org

Bath Abbey: now spick and span for the next 12,000 years

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ho si

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Councillor, Kevin Guy; managing director of Aequus Group, Tim Richens; and Councillor, Tom Davies

r

GREEN STREETS Bath and orth ast omerset en oyed a spring and s mmer a t mn inter clean this year thanks to the co ncil’s one o in estment in lean and reen’ teams think more reg lar street cleaning gra ti remo al litter picking eed killing a igger iss e than it sed to e as chemical eedkiller is no longer sed and especially the c tting ack of o erhanging egetation one of the most common complaints nd tho gh co ncil orkers did m ch of it local ol nteers ere and are asked to take part too For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

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

Happy faces, clearer streets

For the last three decades, there have been no new a orda le homes for social rent a aila le from Bath and orth ast omerset o ncil t that’s no changing ith the con ersion of the former co ncil o ces at e ridge ill into se en one and t o ed energy e cient apartments his is st the first step in a m B omes programme hich ill pro ide ne general needs co ncil ho ses Beca se of their pro imity to the sta ill e prioritised his demonstrates the co ncil’s commitment to play a direct role in the deli ery of ne lo cost homes hich ill transform the li es of the residents ho li e in them says o ncillor om a ies For more: www.homesearchbathnes.org.uk

PROPERTY

CONNAUGHT MANSIONS tr t yo r st in this converted ballroom, where life is like dancing on air

By Wendy Lyne

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

T

here’s something quite magical about the oncerural Bathwick Estate, just across the river from the 18th century city, and transformed into a bold and majestic new town following the arrival of Pulteney Bridge in 1774, one of Bath’s great game changers. Despite its great proximity to the modern city centre, this remains a calm, genteel part of to n ery di erent in feel to the stle just a few minutes away, and so the perfect location for a luxurious, serene pied-à-terre.

Not that the apartment we’re looking at here is anywhere near as bijou as that term might suggest.

Indeed, Connaught Mansions, on the prominent Laura Place corner where Great Pulteney Street meets Henrietta Street, was originally built as one of the city’s grand Georgian hotels, and Flat 27 has

largely een con erted from that ery instit tion’s first oor allroom his means yo get ele ated ceilings impressive triple aspect panelled windows with leading details and e en an ornate ceiling dome ith e erything presented in pale ne trals creams greys taupes and the most muted of blues – you get a space that somehow both soothes the soul and smacks you et een the eyes he at is nat rally ilt aro nd its h ge ’ y ’ central li ing space part sitting room part kitchen part dining area ith a corridor o leading to t o irt ally identically si ed edrooms think ’ y ’ oth ith fitted ardro es and en s ites hich yo pick as yo r master is p to yo tho gh the more o io s candidate does enefit from oth a ooden panelled dressing area and a slightly larger bathroom with nder oor heating Recently refurbished by London-based interior designers amish incent the main li ing area is awash with tactile fabrics and high-end design: there’s a handmade oak kitchen with Arabescato Italian marble

s rfaces hard ood ooring a rap aro nd seating area traditional cast iron radiators fancy espoke light fittings and e en a small st dy t cked a ay ehind rittal style arched doors ndeed the hole apartment has een ilt ith practicality as m ch in mind as style alongside all the o st there are t o loft c p oards a utility cupboard in the hall and even a much-soughtafter pri ate parking space to the rear his part of to n has a fascinating history reat Pulteney Street was at one point intended to be twice as long as it act ally is ith the entirety of ydney ardens t a giant ro nda o t in the middle hile the Laura Place fountain right outside this very property was a last-minute replacement for a planned Nelson’s ol mn like to er he street’s residents had initially f ndraised for this eagerly then rapidly t rned against it as it as eing ilt it as they decided st little too m ch his at at onna ght ansions is similarly spectac lar t so tastef lly p t together it’s hard to image any isitor on first seeing it do m ch more than nod in respectf l admiration

HOUSE NUMBERS Guide price

£875,000

Square foot

1,098

Bedrooms

2

Bathrooms

2

For more: Knight Frank, www.knightfrank.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 87

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MEET THE LETTINGS EXPERT Helping you navigate the buy-to-let market with ease

DENISE LATHAM

LAURA LARKIN

WINKWORTH 01225 829000; www.winkworth.co.uk

HF LETTINGS LTD

lauralarkin@hflettings.co.uk; www.hflettings.co.uk Why should landlords work with a letting agent?

We have seen more and more “accidental landlords” in recent years, seeking advice on whether they should use an agent when they are currently self-managing their rental.

Being an “accidental landlord” as opposed to an investment landlord can sometimes mean that they are not up to speed with current legislation. Having met with various landlords recently that were considering using an agent, I found that they were not compliant surrounding the electrical safety requirements and EPC’s. Both of which could see the landlord with hefty fines. With the cost-of-living crisis impacting everyone, including landlords, an agent’s fee will be far less than the fines imposed for non-compliance.

Do you advise on purchasing buy to let properties?

There will always be positives and negatives to purchasing a buy-to-let property and with many landlords trying to leave the buy-to-let market, there certainly could be deals to be done. I would strongly advise that when looking at purchasing a property that you intend to rent out, do your research around the predicted EPC changes and what this could mean for the property you are looking to purchase.

Whilst there is some talk that changes will come into force in 2025, this is not yet confirmed, but I do believe that this will undoubtedly come into force at some point and will have a huge impact on a lot of landlords and their properties.

Denise Latham

Laura Larkin

WILL MASLIN

NICOLA WILKES

ASPIRE TO MOVE 01225 444333; www.aspiretomove.co.uk Why should customers choose you as their agent?

My passion is property, and some might say I was born into it as my parents both run successful independent agencies, located in the Cotswolds. People should contact me for honest, professional and trustworthy advice.

Can you advise on purchasing buy-to-let properties?

Absolutely and especially in Bath where demand is high. Whilst you might not get the same initial returns as stocks and shares, property will offer a stable, consistent return in the long term. Property continues to be a sound investment.

How can your services add value for a landlord?

A property is usually your biggest asset, so you want to ensure you protect it. Therefore it is essential you choose the right agent, and most importantly, reliable tenants. We ensure we consistently review rents to maximise your return and that the property is well looked after for future capital growth.

What are some of the key mistakes you see landlords and tenants making?

Not using an established, honest letting agent like Aspire To Move. Just take a look at our customer reviews on Google.

What advice would you give to potential landlords?

Property remains a sound investment. New builds should offer a good yield as well as lower maintenance, and attractive to tenants because of their energy efficiency. We continue to see a high demand for rentals from young families in the area. However, hands down the most important thing for landlords is to be aware of the complexity and volume of legislation. From taxation to EPC ratings and legionella, compliance is critical.

Which professional accomplishment has made you the proudest?

With all the challenges the pandemic and the upheaval of the past couple of years have thrown at us, I’ve been incredibly proud of how quickly and successfully we’ve adapted as a business. Every single member of our team stepped up to ensure our tenants and landlords continued to receive the expert advice and support we’re known for, helping clients navigate difficult situations with greater ease and peace of mind. Going above and beyond is second nature for us and enjoying recognition with Gold Awards from the British Property Awards in 2019/ 2020 and 2021/2022, as well as the many thank you emails, phone calls and gifts the team received, is proof that being professional, reliable and friendly is a winning formula for us.

THE APARTMENT COMPANY 01225 303870; www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

Will Maslin

Nicola Wilkes

What are the key values of your business?

The customer journey is our highest priority. This applies to both our landlords and tenants. We aim for a relationship that is professional but approachable, with communication being top of the list. Our aim is to ensure smooth-running tenancies where the properties are maintained to a high standard, thus increasing the value of the landlord’s asset.

Tell us something about yourselves and why people should contact you?

I am a very experienced property expert in the field of lettings with over 16 years experience across the industry, and four as lettings manager with The Apartment Company. Myself and the Lettings Team (Georgie, Tessa and Nicole) are passionate about ensuring we maintain up-to-date industry knowledge and compliance, coupled with excellent customer service.

Can you assist with buy-to-let purchases?

My experience in the Bath apartment market enables me to advise on purchasing a suitable buy-to-let property from a city centre studio, to a more palatial three-bedroom apartment. I can advise on suitability of location, current demand for a specific property type, presentation of your prospective purchase, and of course rental valuation.

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

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The five trends set to take over our bathrooms in 2023

By Lydia Tewkesbury

Ripples is embracing the maximalist look this year

BATHROOMS

“Xxxxxxxxxx”

N

ABOVE: Fired Earth recommend bold and bright bathrooms; BELOW: Switch up chrome fittings for matte black to make an impact like Hobson’s choice

ew year, new bathroom? Far too often an afterthought, we’re making the case that the bathroom is the unsung centrepiece of any home – and 2023 is your year to up the style stakes. There is nothing quite like the feeling of comfort that comes with stepping into an exquisitely decorated bathroom. It gives luxury, calming vibes and oozes a put-togetherness we all cra e more of in o r li es ere e spotlight fi e trends to take yo r bathroom to the next level.

1. BOLD COLOUR

“While white continues to be a popular choice for bathrooms thanks to its timeless association with cleanliness and spa-style serenity, here at Fired Earth we’re predicting rising demand for bold colour and dark, dramatic schemes over coming months,” says Colin Roby-Welford, creative director at Fired Earth. “If you’re brave enough to take the plunge, there’s something incredibly relaxing about being surrounded by deep, jewel-inspired palettes. Inky blues, velvet-blacks and deep reds s ch as ired arth’s B rnt ed ingfisher tiles ill look partic larly stunning in candlelight. There’s no need to worry about dark meaning gloomy y opting for eye catching finishes s ch as shimmering metallics and iridescent glass you’ll be able to ensure that even the darkest scheme is full of interesting and luxurious touches, exactly what today’s bathrooms are all about. I’m always really excited to see customers embrace designs that they love rather than feeling that they should play it safe, so this is a trend I’ll be watching closely.”

2. MAXIMALISM IS IN

hey say trends come ack aro nd and e are seeing a definite resurgence for seventies styles and shapes,” says Neil Curtis, senior designer for Ripples. “From wavy patterns to curved furniture, this trend is all about being brave and bold and embracing the maximalist

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 93

BATHROOMS

Fired Earth’s designers are getting creative with tiling for 2023

style we saw in the seventies. To me, maximalist design provides the feeling of comfort it fills the athroom ith a more homely and oyf l atmosphere and gi es yo that sense of feel good on the inside if done correctly of co rse here is often a misconception that ma imalism m st e o ercro ded and e cessi e hich is hy most people go for a minimalist approach hen it’s simply a o t eing smart ith the choice of materials colo rs and te t res eing sed and the placement of each of those things hen mastered e en the most sat rated of colo rs and the oldest of patterns can gi e calm

3. STATEMENT WALLPAPER

n athrooms that are not f lly tiled decorati e ater resistant allpapers can o er opport nities to add character ill stration and personality to a space says harlotte right senior design cons ltant at o son’s hoice his relati ely simple option can ickly transform a room and e refreshed hene er yo feel like a change itho t the need to rethink the entire athroom he shape of athroom f rnit re can e as e pressi e and eye catching as decorati e alls or light fi ings

4. ACCESSORIES ARE EVERYTHING

tepping a ay from chrome fittings can o er ne opport nities to create is al interest and po erf l accents contin es harlotte at o son’s hoice atte lack rass are has ecome more idely a aila le and is likely to remain a pop lar choice for homeo ners looking to create a striking contrast s a note of ca tion tho gh in hard ater areas like Bath e o ld recommend the se of a ater softener to red ce the ild p of limescale haking p yo r lighting options is another great ay to t rn p the

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

atmosphere according to o ise ome designer ith Bathrooms at o onsider this at the design stage t’s important to ha e di erent lighting options in order to ad st to soft lo lighting for rela ation o n lights on a dimmer s itch feat re lights in recesses or light p feat re areas in yo r athroom and of co rse candles are onderf l

5. EYE-CATCHING TILE LAYOUTS

s part of the trend to ards more eclectic athrooms athroom tiling is ecoming increasingly creati e says says olin o y elford creati e director at ired arth en the simplest hite tiles s ch as ired arth’s ne o th li otton tiles can e sed to form ea tif l decorati e layo ts erring one and che ron designs are partic larly pop lar and e en something as simple as a ertical rather than hori ontal tile layo t can add interest and a sense of te t re to the most pared ack scheme s ell as inspiring tile layo ts there’s also a trend for mi ing and matching tile formats and finishes for e ample decorati e mosaics mar le glass and stone to achie e schemes that are f ll of is al appeal and personality n

YOU HAVE BEEN READING

Fired Earth, 11 Broad Street, Bath; www.firedearth.com Ripples, Chelsea House, London Rd, Bath BA1 6DB; www.ripplesbathrooms.com Hobson’s Choice, London Rd, Bath; www.hobsonschoice.uk.com Bathrooms at No.5, The Shambles, Bradford on Avon; www.bathbathrooms.com

“The relatively simple option can quickly transform a room”

Instead of tile, try a bold water-resistant wallpaper a la Hobson’s Choice

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Visit their showroom to see the latest ranges and more of hat they can o er 1 Park Road, Bath BA1 3EE; Tel: 01225 337276; www.schmidt-bath.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 97

BATH LIVES

“The Little Theatre in Bath was my education in cinema” I’m proud to produce multimedia for Together for Short Lives as my day job. As

RIC RAWLINS

The filmmaker on the local inspiration for his horror film, and having movie star knees Ric was born in Bath and went to school at St Stephens and then Beechen Cliff.

After moving to London, he became a music journalist and published a biography of the Welsh indie band Super Furry Animals. He later returned to Bath to focus on filmmaking, and won a Charity Film Award for the Kenya-set documentary Alice and Agnes.

He now produces horror films with his own production company, Festival Day Films, and his debut feature film Rewilding is streaming on Prime from February.

School was like a comic book drawing academy. filled

my rough books with graphic novels, mostly featuring people diving out of explosions. They ere inspired y the films as in lo e ith Speed, Die Hard, Jaws films that r n on the rails of jeopardy.

My teenage friends and I were once surrounded by police cars in Victoria Park. We’d been

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

filming an action mo ie and someone had noticed us waving plastic guns around at midnight.

The Dell was the scene of an FBI chase, the duck pond the scene of a ietnam ash ack But mostly Victoria Park was the scene of crimes against fashion: I used to roller skate while wearing very baggy clothing!

Being a music journalist opens a lot of strange doors.

You want a chat with Lou Reed? tep this ay o ee ith The KLF in Brick Lane? No problem. I met my wife at a music festival and the next week she was having an argument with Gary Numan.

Going to Glastonbury as a music journalist is the best.

You’re never more than 20 feet away from a secret backstage bar. The photography pit is an interesting place to e yo ’re standing squarely in-between some massive band and 50,000 screaming people. It feels like a fighter et is taking o in your face.

a parent of two amazing kids I can’t imagine how tough it would be for one of them to fall seriously ill, but the charity makes life as bearable as it can be for families in that situation. I’ve visited several children’s hospices and they’re a sol tely oyo s places yo ’d be surprised.

The filmmaking idea came out of a trip to the Rondo Theatre.

I recognised one of the actors from a production of Hound of the Baskervilles and took him out for a drink. He told me who all the good local actors were and suddenly it all seemed possible. The Rondo and Mission Theatre are constantly putting on amazing productions, and my goal is do the same ith film My film Rewilding was inspired by the Bath countryside. It’s a

folk horror anthology shot around o r ea tif l satellite illages Box, Swainswick, Corston and Newton St Loe. For me, the genre ‘folk horror’ is about the friction between our pagan and Christian histories the ea ty of the fields as well as the strange terrors buried beneath them. It’s kind of an archaeological horror.

On the first day of shooting we buried someone alive in a field. This was for a scene where

a character is sacrificed y a c lt Unfortunately the farmer we rented the land from hadn’t told his sta a o t this and they came o t in a tractor only to find people in white robes standing in a circle around someone buried up to their neck. We had some explaining to do.

The Little Theatre in Bath was my education in cinema. The

building feels like it’s come out of a erman e pressionist film all strange attics and weird angles.

I can’t think of anywhere more perfect to premi re my o n film My next film is a ghost story set on the River Avon.

The romance of the barge community fascinates me and it’d be interesting to bring some of them in as actors. The challenge is to make it bigger, better and more professional than the last film made or why bother?

My wife, Maz is a crochet superstar. She’s on the cover

of crochet magazines, she’s a crochet in encer on nstagram and she’s even getting into Glastonbury for free next year to sell crochet there as she keeps reminding me through a smug face.

My secret Bath is the boat rental at the Batheaston toll bridge. For £30 you can spend

a summer’s afternoon drifting down an idyllic stretch of the on atching dragon ies and listening to woodpeckers.

I played a Roman centurion in the film Gladiator. One

of thousands, mind you. They filmed the opening attle sequence in a forest next to my university and recruited all the st dents to shoot aming arro s at each other. And yes, you can see me. You can see my knees.

They appear very clearly for about half a second. or more www rewi din

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