Bath Life – Issue 494

ISSUE 494 / MAY 2023 / £3

TRAIL MIX

THE ECLECTIC COLLECTIONS OF THE BEAR FLAT ARTISTS

PEACE OFFERING

FIND TRANQUILLITY AT BATH’S LUXE HOTELS

KATE ABBEY ON HOW THE FABULOUS BATH FESTIVAL IS PUT TOGETHER

CHAPTER AND VERSE

POETRY CORNER

THE BEAUTY OF THE NEW ATELIER ELLIS SPACE

108

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AT

PAGES

TH

RATING

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CEL

R AT I NG

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LOCAL FESTIVALS GIVING IT LARGE

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GATHER TOGETHER

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PLUS! VERITY GENCO IN PRAISE OF WILD GARLIC / DAVID FLATMAN TALKS HOLIDAYS / SARAH COYLE ON BEING A CHILDREN’S AUTHOR

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ABOVE: Fabulous festivals

(page 26); BELOW: Wonderful books (page 49)

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his issue contains features about two of my favourite things in the whole wide world – books (page 14) and festivals (page 26). And don’t make me choose a favourite.

I may be loud and gobby now, but as a child I was a quiet nerd who actively enjoyed spending rainy days in hushed libraries. s confidence re alon ith a e then discovered the o of usic in fields M ver first festival as W M in near levedon hich I day tripped to, and shortly after that, thinking myself a pro, I headed to a festival called Glastonbury. We caught the Badgerline bus over to the site. No ticket, no panic, no queues. In my retellin all cool and confident and do n the front clambering on my mate’s shoulders and loving life. But if I’m honest, I remember being slightly terrified as cars eaved a on st the tents so eone as definitel oin to drive over e in slee trying hard not to cry when I saw/smelt the loos, and spending a lot of time hanging around the back in awe of the chaotic spectacle, and quietly wondering if d have een etter o oin to the li rar Nowadays festivals have evolved into slick, safe, and star-studded spaces, and the choice – wowzers – such a choice! From my dream mash-up – festivals with books, such as our very own Bath Festival celebrated on this issue’s cover – to those with food, wellness, history, and even opera at their hearts. I’m sure if look ver hard a even find a festival with a library. Utter bliss!

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

© SHINDIG FESTIVAL PHOTOGR APHED BY NATHAN ROACH / W W W.COALPOETMEDIA.COMI

EDITOR’S LETTER

SARAH MOOLLA

Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

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Issue 494 / May 2023 COVER Kate Abbey, Bath Festival’s head of programming, photographed in Mr B’s Emporium Bookshop by Betty Bhandari; www.bettybhandaribrandphotography.com

14 KATE ABBEY Bath Festival’s head of programming on how

58

Bath’s biggest literary festival is put together

THE ARTS 26 37 38 49

FESTIVALS Best of the local fests ARTS INTRO Bath Society of Artists Annual Open Exhibition WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, comedy, art, and more BOOKS Mr B on the non-fiction choices at Bath Festival

© VERIT Y GENCO

BIG INTERVIEW

LIFESTYLE

53 SHOP LEAD Restoration with Julia Davey 54 EDITOR’S CHOICE On the trail of the Bear Flat artists

FOOD & DRINK

© ELLEN CHRISTINA HANCOCK

58 FOOD & DRINK Verity Genco on wild garlic 62 DINE & STAY Elegance abounds at the Bath Spa Hotel

WELLNESS

64 LUXE HOTELS Five-star wellbeing

GARDENS

74 PLANTED The sustainable events and media platform on its

upcoming Stourhead exhibition

BUSINESS

79 BATHWORKS Local business news, views and interviews 85 CAREER PATH Alice Peternell of AP Equestrian 86 ENTRECONF The Wave founder Nick Hounsfield

98

62

PROPERTY

91 92 94 98

PROPERTY LEAD The award winning Bath Airbnb PROPERTY NEWS Bath College expands SHOWCASE Explore a city centre Brock Street home REIMAGINED SPACE The Atelier Ellis townhouse

DEPARTMENTS

9 SPOTLIGHT Quackery in BOA, and Bath fashion is on the road 11 INSTAS Marvellous magnolias 19 SCENE Capturing Bath’s social scene 25 FLATLINE Flats is on a mini-break 77 EDUCATION Victoria Bond works out the value of extra maths 106 BATH LIVES Meet children’s author Sarah Coyle Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Matt Bielby, Nic Bottomley, David Flatman, Rachel Ifans, John Mather, Harriet Noble, and Lydia Tewkesbury 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

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SPOTLIGHT This rare mid 17th century silver tissue dress is part of the Fashion Museum collection

Bath’s Fashion Museum

FASHION SHOW

Bath’s Fashion Museum may be on a location hiatus while it awaits its new home on New Bond Street, due to open in 2026, but much of the collection is still taking to the runways in the meantime.

T elve a or e hi itions for ieces have een confir ed includin a rare silver tissue dress orn to the court of Charles II, appearing as part of the Crown to Couture e hi ition at ensin ton alace early 20th century embroidered gowns, worn by the Vicereine of India, starring in India in Fashion at Nita Mukesh ani ultural entre in Mu ai and a 1760s court mantua, along with many other 18th century clothing items, going on display until cto er at The ueen s aller Buckin ha alace in the sho Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians.

For more: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

Fundraising

DUCKING AND DIVING Bradford on Avon held its famous duck race on 11 April, with 1,000 yellow ducks and 50 blue ducks being ti ed into the iver von o To n Bridge in Westbury Garden.

The lue ducks ere ne this ear sponsored by the local businesses to ake the first ever Business uck ace The ducks are collected fro the river every year by the BOA

Canoe Club, and the money raised goes to funding other town council co unit events The ri es ere given out by councillor Katie Vigar, the Mayor of Bradford on Avon, who said, “It was wonderful to see so many people at today’s duck race, one of our most popular community events.”

For more: www.bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk

“Quack, quack, quack”

Walking tours

KEEPING PACE

The Ma or s uides ho rovide free historic walking tours for individuals and non-commercial groups, have drawn up their summer programme. Between June and August the group have organised ei ht di erent alks resented over di erent dates hich include to ics such as Bath and the monarchy, Bath’s links with India, and the history and the healing claims of Bath’s famous waters.

The Ma or s uides outfit elieved to have been established as far back as 1934, is made up of 85 formally trained volunteers who accept no payment or tips.

For more: www.bathguides.org.uk Explore Bath for free with expert guidance

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SPOTLIGHT

REAL MAGNOLIAS

Their bloom may be fleeting but, fortunately, Bath’s talented photographers are on hand to capture their beauty

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@bathhistoricvenues

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A NOVEL APPROACH Bath Festival’s head of programming, Kate Abbey, on how the literary juggernaut is pulled together (and, yes, it does involve a lot of reading…)

Words by Sarah Moolla Pictures by Betty Bhandari

Kate pictured in Mr.B’s Emporium, which is Bath Festival’s Official Festival Bookseller

W

ith more than130 events in 50 of Bath’s most distinctive buildings and spaces, the acclaimed literary event, Bath Festival, is returning 12 –21 May. One of those putting it all together is Kate Abbey, the festival’s head of programming, who also works on the Bath Children’s Literature Festival. In previous incarnations she has been a waitress, cinema usher, Cornish pasty baker, children’s holiday camp guide, and worked in telesales and publishing.

Originally from Devon and now living near Bath’s Victoria Park, Kate tells us how she became involved in Bath Festivals, and what it takes to put it together. And overleaf, we meet the rest of the hard working team who share their Bath Festival 2023 picks with us.

Kate, when and how did you first get involved with the festival?

I started my Bath Festivals career in 2017 as a volunteer, looking after a whole host of amazing authors and their events: chatting to them in the green room, sitting in on their talks, helping with the book signings.

What was the motivation to get involved?

I’d moved to Bath with a young family and had een stru lin to find a a ack into previous publishing and PR career. Kate Hall, now our festival executive director, heard me talking about my love of books and music at a school parent’s night out and suggested I come and support the team during festival time.

What were those early days like?

ARTS Authors you’ve enjoyed working with...?

Too many to mention! Stand out names for me would include Elizabeth Day, David Olusoga, Davina McCall, Hilary Mantel, Arifa Akbar and Adam Buxton. ...and any you haven’t?

There was one author, who shall remain na eless ho definitel felt he as the star of the green room, which was hard to stomach.

How have things changed for the Bath Festivals over the years?

The lockdown years, followed by the cost of living crisis, has had an obvious impact on us – and just about every other charity I know.

But it has meant the team has become agile, deter ined and focused We ant to o en up the festival, and I’ve seen us become more collaborative and inclusive – it’s a path the whole team wants to continue down.

“I can be pitched close to 800 books” Talk us through the process – where does someone start on a festival like this?

Running two large in-person festivals, plus one virtual festival, a year keeps our small team incredibly busy. It works out at close to 300 events. The Bath Festival in May takes pretty much a year to create and programme.

We start thinkin a out the es strands curators, artists, venues and partnerships and I go and talk to as many people as I can and see as many events and performances as possible, and I make endless wish lists.

Honestly, I still smile when I think about my first festival t as chaotic and u and absolutely addictive.

I met a whole host of fascinating people – Elif Shafak, Sarah Moss, Colm Toibin, and the a nificent Fa Weldon ho took e for cocktails and talked to me about family, ambition, and love.

I saw the endless energy and enthusiasm the team had for the festival, and left each night after long, long days feeling that I had found my Bath tribe.

When does the actual programming start?

And how did things progress for you?

I talk to a lot of people and I read a lot of books! I also rely heavily on the expert advice from our specialist music and children’s book freelance programmers.

I started by volunteering year-round in the o ce hel in ith an thin and ever thin that needed doing across both our festivals.

That led to a part-time freelance role supporting the head of programming and artistic directors, helping create, develop and deliver certain strands of the festival.

In 2021 I took over responsibility for driving the artistic direction and programming for both The Bath Festival and The Bath Children’s Literature Festival, and was made head of programming in summer 2022.

I have a few months of intensive programming where I talk to publishers and agents about the books and music that we think might be a good fit for us This is all done in con unction ith our marketing, production, creative learning and develo ent tea Whilst e re doin that the team and I are also programming the autumn Bath Children’s Literature Festival and our virtual Reading is Magic Festival.

How do you conduct research into who to choose and how to schedule them?

Do you get sent a lot of material?

I can be pitched close to 800 books for The Bath Festival, and part of the challenge is spotting trends, themes and topics and getting the balance right when you have so many invitations and proposals out. I focus very heavil on findin interestin airs anels and hosts to ake the conversations

And the final cut?

A lot then comes down to budgets, venues and availability. It can be soul destroying when a grand plan doesn’t come through, but equally it’s a massive high to secure something ou kno Bath audiences ill love Watchin Max Porter interview PJ Harvey in front of a sell out cro d last ear as a definite pinch-me moment.

In what ways do you think Bath Festival can keep going for another 75 years?

I think we need to keep collaborating with brilliant people, and always remember our arts charity aims: to spark joy and curiosity through words and music, to take risks and not be afraid of failure, and to continue to grow support from volunteers, members, patrons, sponsors and partners – without them we won’t be able to a ord to kee oin And finally, if you had to pick one, your 2023 Bath Festival recommendation?

Hope in the Dark: Ukraine at Guildhall on Saturday 20 May – a specially curated event for Bath with Charlotte Higgins, Henry Marsh and r achel larke re ectin on coura e culture, loss and hope in the midst of war.

Turn the page to meet the rest of the team and see their festival picks

THE BLURB

How many books do you read a year?

I read quickly, so it’s a lot. I don’t keep lists, but I’d say between 50 and 60 a year for pleasure.

How many specifically for the festival?

I often have to dip in and out of potential festival books. I get pitched close to 800 a year, but definitely try and read another 50 or so in full throughout the process.

Favourite book ever Don’t make me pick! The Robber Bride

by Margaret Atwood, Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel or My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.

Best read this year I’ve just finished The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller and couldn’t put it down. It’s just been published, and Claire is coming to the festival.

Favourite author Probably Maggie O’Farrell.

Next on your reading list Top of a very long list is the debut novel

by Liv Little, Rosewater.

Ever fancied writing a book yourself?

No! I’ve hung out with too many amazingly talented writers to ever hope to compete.

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

ARTS

The Bath Festivals team pictured in Bath Forum, where the offices are based

THE MAIN PLAYERS Ten terrific people work all year round to help put together the Bath Festival...

D

espite the scale and the reach of the Bath Festival, the Bath Children’s Literature Festival, and the online Reading is Magic Festival, the events are put together by a surprisingly small core team, based in the Bath Forum.

Here we meet the crew of ten who do everything from programming to promotion, fro the finance to the hone calls and ask each for their Bath Festival to ick

JASMINE BARKER, HEAD OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Her role is to ake sure as an eo le kno about the festivals as possible.

Festival recommendation Polari Salon at Komedia at 8pm on 17 May. This is an incredibly special event – having a queer night out where we can celebrate LGBTQ+ words and voices. It’s a great addition to the festival.

KATE HALL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ate is res onsi le for orkin ith the hole team to create the best festival experience, with a main focus on production.

Recommends Connaught Brass at St Swithin’s Church at 2pm on 13 May. Aaron ku o la ed an a a in concert in Bath e in and is ack this ear ith his newly formed brass quintet. This is such a golden opportunity to see them at the start of their journey.

REBECCA WHEELER, FINANCE OFFICER e ecca s role is to alance the ooks to ensure

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

that the festivals’ team and its visiting authors and musicians get paid.

Recommends: I always enjoy hearing Dr Mar aret He ernan s eak so a reall lookin for ard to Ho ncertaint an Power Change at Guildhall Banqueting Room at 1.30pm on 16 May. LAURA GARCIA MORENO, PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Works to ensure the s ooth runnin of events Recommends Bolu Babalola and Liv Little at 7.30pm on 13 May at the Guildhall Salon. An evening of chat and music? What’s not to love?

KATE ABBEY, HEAD OF PROGRAMMING AND CREATIVE CONTENT – see page 15 for Kate’s choice.

HAZEL PLOWMAN, HEAD OF CREATIVE LEARNING Her role is to produce festival-focused and year round music and literature projects for children and young people in BANES and beyond.

Recommends Jeremy Deller: Art is Magic at Guildhall at 7pm on 14 May. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear fascinating stories from the career of a Turner ri e innin artist ROSIE CROCKER, MARKETING OFFICER Her role is to help spread festival news far and wide – usually with a combination of bunting, banners, and social media.

Recommends Max Porter presents Shy at Komedia at 7.30pm on 18 May. I’m so excited to learn ore a out Ma s ne ook Shy

through music and words. And what a way to end the night with a drum ’n’ bass and jungle set ro ises to e an evenin like no other VICTORIA WALTERS, CREATIVE PRODUCER ictoria orks across the ro ra in and production teams, researching, shaping and delivering literature events for both The Bath Festival and Bath Children’s Literature Festival.

Recommends ariad lo d Talks to ath ent en rink at the uildhall on Ma 7.30pm. I’m a huge fan of Cariad’s podcast, Griefcast, and this conversation with the onderful ath ent en rink is uaranteed to be warm, wise, compassionate, and uplifting.

IAN STOCKLEY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Ian’s role is growing Bath Festivals’ contribution to the positive impact that the arts can have on people’s lives.

Recommends Bath Festival Orchestra Residency 12 – 14 May, which includes Mo art e uie ith Bath a erata in Bath Abbey on 13 May. The Residency celebrates the unique voice that young talent plays in developing the performing arts.

LOUISA OLDFIELD, DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Louisa has responsibility for nurturing relationships with festival sponsors, partners, patrons and members.

Recommends Concert for the People of Bath at The Forum on 18 May at 7.30pm. This will be a brilliant concert featuring Schools Voices, and showcasing what Bath Festivals’ creative learning and participation is all about. ■ For more, and for the full programme of events, please visit www.bathfestivals.org.uk

Louisa Oldfield

SPONSORED BY

SCENE John Callum and Thomas Sheppard

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

Lucy Stone, Stephanie Massie and Naomi Box

Annie Harman, Martin Harman, Naomi Defroand and Jason Dalley

Sallie Taylor, Jane Hillis, Hazel Plowman, Victoria Walter and Amelia Christmas

FEST-SELLERS

The Bath Festival 2023 programme was launched at the Bath Forum ballroom on 16 March. The assembled 120 guests enjoyed canapés from Robun restaurant, along with speeches from CEO Ian Stockley, chair of Bath Recreation Jason Dalley, head of programming Kate Abbey, executive director Kate Hall, trustee Suresh Ariaratnam, and head of creative learning Hazel Plowman.

Turn to page 26 for more on the Bath Festival, which begins 12 May. Brian Woodford, Marion McNeir and Ian Stockley Sarah Moolla and Georgette McCready

Photos by Nick Spratling www.theofficialphotographer.co.uk

Rosie Crocker, Kate Hall and Laura Garcia Moreno

Nick Spratling, Gena Goldfield and Pam Twohig Kate Hall, Suresh Ariaratnam and Kate Abbey

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SPONSORED BY

SOCIETY

Alison Treble

Tom Lang, Channy Lee, Elliot Cotterell and Olly Gerrish

James Greenland, Mark Tyrrell and Matthew Weaver

PROPERTY RIGHTS

Luke Brady, Sophie Hipwood, Alistair Heather, Matthew Pegler, Mia Whitbourn-Vaughan, Belinda Bradley, Jack King, Jasmine Turner and Lucian Cook Amy Southby, Judith Allison and Brittany Watson

More than 100 guests recently gathered at the Apex City of Bath Hotel for the Savills Local Property Insights event. Along with networking opportunities over drinks and canapés, experts discussed the trends shaping the Bath property market with buyers and sellers. There were also presentations from the Savills expert panel: head of o ce listair Heather avills head of residential research Lucian Cook, and director Matthew Pegler.

Photos by Pete Helme

Patrick Brady

www.petehelme.co.uk

Nathan Sheppard, Jamie Barrow and Sami Attia

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Annya Parson, Lesley Gerrish, Guy Gerrish and Debbie Hicks

SPONSORED BY

SOCIETY

Jessica Smith and Debbie Rodrigues

Ann Haworth

Zulu Masinga and Palesa Masinga

COLOUR WORKS

Guests were treated to kaleidoscope of colour at the Abbey Hotel’s launch of its recent exhibition by the awardwinning artist Lisa Todd. The exhibition forms the basis for her Ubuntu ‘I am because you are’ art and homeware collection, which is made by, and helps to support, skilled crafters in South Africa.

Photos by Hillary Carr

Debbie Rodrigues, Lisa Todd, Kathleen Hall and Lucy Nash

www.lisatodddesigns.com

HELLO SWEETIE PIE

Jeremy Clarke and Becky Blake

Alex Farley and Ben Parsons

Pieminister, the new restaurant on Westgate Street in Bath, recently held a launch to celebrate its arrival in the city. More than 40 guests enjoyed champagne and Pieminister’s own lager, Pie.P.A, along with its famous Mothership pie feasts, which come served with mash, gravy, peas, Cheddar and crispy onions.

Photos by Ryan Thomas

Adrian Boreman Simon Jefferies and Sarah Baker

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

www.pieminister.co.uk

Paige Rawlings serves up a Mothership

Ginny Payne and Betsy Francis-Mearns

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FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

“Anyone fancy looking after the dog and my executive fleet of kids?”

Holiday taker Why Flats, always a steadfast homebody, is now a late convert to the vacation…

F

or a long while I was rather anti the whole spend-loadsto-stay-in-a-hotel-that’sclose-to-my-actual-house movement. I was also largely uninterested in big holidays. I was happy enough at home, and didn’t see the need to spend money on such frivolities, when I could spend it on trainers and organic meat instead. I think a career in sport made me sick of queueing at airports, and of dela ed i hts and of ein served awful little meals on cramped planes.

Then I went to The Pig at Combe in Devon, and then I went to Mallorca. I’ve written about The Pig before in these hallowed pages, so I shan’t knowingly repeat myself, but I will say that the luxury, the food, the vibe and, above all else, the service,

changed my view for good. We’ve been back thrice since, and now love to try to book in the odd night at one posh hotel or another (this happens very rarely, in reality, as I have 78 children).

For our maiden Mallorca trip we chose a hotel recommend by a trusted family member. It was very small, so couldn’t ever be classed as busy, and the breakfasts were said to e e ic ital stu think there ere onl roo s ut o viousl e first arrived poolside and saw a bloke in a Gloucester Rugby t-shirt next to the only available lounger. There ensued a short, rugby-based question and answer session, but he was a lovely bloke and his wife told him in no uncertain terms to leave us alone (in truth, it was me who carried the chat on as he was very good fun). Then we arrived for our maiden brekkie, only to run into a Bath

Rugby fan at the pastry table.

Amazing, really. Twelve rooms, over a thousand miles from home, two West Country rugby nuts. Again, the woman in his life saw sense and hooked him away just as he was asking me to call his mate back home on his phone for a quick hello – a common but always-odd request.

We cycled to town, we sunbathed, we read (I read. My wife tries her best but just wants to talk about nothing instead. I know hellish and e ate The ere five lissful da s of near- uiet and the ere the five days that changed forever my approach to holidays and mini-breaks. We’ve just booked again, actually, as we have a baby coming and that generally signals an extended interruption to one’s freedom of movement.

And we just got back from a family trip to South Africa. I know, very smug. It might mean that Daddy has to skip the odd Tuesday night ribeye for a while and eat beans and pasta instead, but it was all worth it. What a place, and what memories for les infants.

The next hotel destination is Coombeshead Farm in Cornwall, with all their lovely bed linen and co ee and i s and ve ies t s ust a out findin a date that orks an one fancy looking after the dog and my executive eet of kids Thou ht not not uite a mini-break addict yet, but I am living proof that you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks.

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on tter t n n nt t n

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 25

FIELD OF

VISIONS

It’s a world of fun at WOMAD

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

Sarah Moolla brings you the vibes of this year’s local festivals

FESTIVALS

I

f you’re from these ’ere parts, then you’ll already know there’s more to a West Country festival than just laston ur We ve ot ore arties in fields than avis has cows (maybe). And some of them don’t even involve mud.

We have festivals that cater for the young, the old, the ravers, the rockers, the party-goers, and the poets. There are also the festivals that specialise in food, art, wellness, literature (turn to page 14 for more on our very own Bath Festival), o era ani als ou na e it and ou ll ro a l find it on our Somerset doorstep. And don’t worry if camping isn’t your bag; many are close enough to commute, and some are designed with the fair weather day trippers in mind.

SHINDIG FESTIVAL

When 25 – 28 May Where illin ton state Whitelackin ton l inster What’s the vibe? Shindig started life in 2014 in Bruton as a party for

© NATHAN ROACH / W W W.COALPOETMEDIA.COM

just friends and family, and despite its subsequent growth, still retains that kindred spirit atmosphere.

There is no main stage, but instead an arrangement of marquees – also handy for ensuring rain does not stop play. Shindiggers, as the festival goers like to call themselves, love to dress up – there is no such thing as being over-sequinned here.

Who f the fact dance- o le ends ister led e featurin ath Sledge, are headlining doesn’t have you heading immediately to l inster then e aren t fa il ther attractions include satirical news reporter, Jonathan Pie; London post-punk band, Warmduscher; the original queen of reggae music, Dawn Penn; artist, producer, re i er and founder of hantas rol lkan avid odi an a legend of Britain’s reggae dancehall; one of the most celebrated and acco lished s in Britain Nor an a MB and BB Music’s and Bath’s favourite adopted son, Huey Morgan. www.shindigfestival.co.uk

“If you like your festival to be a ‘journey’ then you’ve come to the right place”

Never knowingly under-dressed at Shindig

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

FESTIVALS ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW

When 1 – 3 June Where Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet What’s the vibe? The Royal Bath & West Show has its roots in

Taunton, where it started in life as a travelling show in 1852; in 1965 the show found its permanent home in Shepton Mallet.

This is a wonderful and hugely popular old school loving-the-land show, which features dog shows, cattle parades, show jumping, vintage tractors, alongside music performances, a cheese marquee, celebrity chef demos, and regional food and drink stalls.

Who The Imps Motorcycle Team Display are one of this year’s Main Ring attractions, and the Horticulture Village has had a revamp this year, with some amazing gardens on display, including one by The Newt in Somerset, who are bringing their Chelsea Flower Show

Garden. There’s also interactive farming fun in Lakeside Farm, including an appearance or two from Tractor Ted. Pitch up If you wanted to stay for the three days the site does have non electric grass camping pitches and showers. www.bathandwest.com

THE VINTAGE NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL

When 1 – 4 June Where The countryside of Stockton Park, Wiltshire What’s the vibe? The clue is in the festival’s title – this is an outdoor

celebration of all things retro. Visitors are encouraged to wear period attire, and if you arrive looking a tad too modern day, there’s the Pearls Pin Up beauty parlour. Fabulously fun dance classes abound – and yes, you can can-can. For the vintage motor enthusiasts, this is car heaven with hundreds of old vehicles on display.

Who If you know your swing, jazz and jive, then the line-up is a veritable who’s who. And if you don’t, you’ll soon be seduced by the throwback sounds of The Jack Tars; The Junco Shakers; Riley K; Harlem Rhythm Cats; the Louis Louis Louis Band; and The Retrotones. www.vintagenostalgiafestival.co.uk LEFT: Show jumping at the Bath & West Show in Shepton Mallet; BELOW: The Vintage Nostalgia Festival is proper old school

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

FOREST LIVE 2023

When 8 – 18 June Where Westonbirt Arboretum, near

Tetbury, Gloucester

What’s the vibe? Not so much a festival

as a major outdoor live music series which does the environment good. Yes, really. Going to a Forest Live concert helps Forestry England create beautiful places for people to enjoy, run important conservation projects, and keep growing trees. Last year it planted some 6.8 million trees and was able to care for 1,500 woods and forests sustainably.

Main stage players On 8 June is Paul Weller, with special guests Far From Saints and guest support from Seb Lowe; 9 June sees Tom Grennan, special guest Matilda Mann and support Liv Dawson; and on 10 June it’s Jack Savoretti, with special guest Natalie Imbruglia. www.forestryengland.uk

“Last year it planted some 6.8 million trees and was able to care for 1,500 woods and forests sustainably”

Tom Grennan is just one of the artists performing at the Forest Live music series

© TA AVI ARUS

FESTIVALS PUB IN THE PARK

When 16 – 18 June 2023 Where Royal Victoria Park, Bath What’s the vibe? Something of an absolute must in most Bathonians’

diaries now, thanks to a star line-up of great food and contemporary music – this is where chefs and singers get equal billing.

Curated by Tom Kerridge, the three-day event is a cleverly woven tapestry that manages to cater to both the high end pub grub food connoisseur and the up-for-a-party crowd.

Who Hosts this year include Marco Pierre White, Matt Tebutt, Jimi Famuwera and Leyla Kazim. The gastro foodie stalls and vans are being manned by The Hand & Flowers, Noya’s Kitchen, Bar 44, The Bull & Last, and The Hardwick. Music comes courtesy of Judge Jules and Example on the Friday night; Bjorn Again, Badly Drawn Boy, McFl and a uar kills on the aturda finishin ith uke Bo Marley Revival, and Gabrielle on the Sunday.

Also on the Saturday, in a rock’n’roll’n’cook mash-up, McFly’s Danny Jones is cooking on the main stage alongside chef Chris Babe. www.pubintheparkuk.com

WOMAD

When 27 – 30 July 2023 Where Charlton Park in Malmesbury, Wiltshire What’s the vibe? Billed ‘the world in a weekend’, and they really mean

it. Artists appearing are from all over the planet including Nigeria, Jamaica, South Korea, Portugal, Peru, Mali, USA – the United Nations list of talent goes on and on. There are also wellness areas, children are

“This is where chefs and singers get equal billing” LEFT: Pub in the Park comes to Victoria Part in June;

ABOVE: Estonian nu-folk duo Puuluup are performing at WOMAD

well catered for, and the food choices are pretty global. If you like your festival to be a ‘journey’ then you’ve come to the right place.

Who Making a welcome return to WOMAD with his high-octane shows is the musical and political pulse of Afrobeat dynamo Femi Kuti, with his super sharp jazz-funk band the Positive Force. Horace Andy, one of the lead vocalists with hip hop collective Massive Attack, and his band Dub Asante Band, bring their classic dub sounds. Far from your average indie band, the recently reinvigorated Bombay Bicycle Club will perform a raft of their multi-dimensional tunes, laced with folk and electronica, while Peruvian legend, the ex-culture minister and threetime Latin Grammy winning singer Susana Baca – who has been the re-e inent voice of fro- eruvian usic for over five decades ith her pure vocals – will be making a rare appearance. www.womad.co.uk

THE GARDEN THEATRE FESTIVAL

When 21 July – 5 August Where Holburne Museum Gardens, Bath What’s the vibe? Sip a cooling drink under a warm sunset, enjoy

a su erti e icnic and eco e i ersed in the orld of firebreathing dragons, car chases and convicts, Shakespeare galore, beautiful cabaret, slapstick and laughter at Bath’s only open-air theatre.

It’s magical and, at times, hysterical.

Who When these guys say ‘something for all the family’ they aren’t kiddin The festival kicks o ith Impromptu Shakespeare (21 July), followed by Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood by Paulus, the Cabaret Geek (22 July); David Walliams’s Bad Dad by Heartbreak Productions (23 July); The Great Gatsby by Tethered Wits Theatre

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

FESTIVALS Company (25 July); Doctor Dolittle by Tethered Wits Theatre Company (26 July); The Spirit of Woodstock by Something Underground Theatre Company (27 July); As You Like It by The Three Inch Fools (28 & 30 July); Robin Hood The Three nch Fools ul and finishes ith e is arroll s The Jabberwocky & Other Nonsense alf o hich performs 1 – 5 August. www.gardentheatrefest.co.uk

IF OPERA

When arious erfor ances over various dates startin u ust and ending 16 September Where Belco e ourt Belco e oad Bradford on von What’s the vibe? If Opera is a repertory ensemble company creating o era in a ne a to ne audiences t is the onl o era co an ased in the Bath area and is co itted to furtherin the cultural ecology of the area.

The roductions take lace in the addles an theatre hich is in the rounds of the stunnin statel ho e in Bradford on von Belco e ourt This allo s audiences the chance to e lore the eautiful rivate ardens and also icnic there efore each sho Whilst the su er ni hts at Belco e are lorious do rin ar clothin for later in the evenin hen it can feel a it fresher Who There are four roductions runnin across f era s season erto iordano s stor of love urder and etra al Fedora the jazz-infused Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Will Todd and otr Tchaikovsk s fair tale a out the transfor ative o er of love Iolanta these three are all ori inal f era roductions ith the Bristol nse le lus the a ard- innin harles ourt era s five-star production of raucous satire The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan. www.ifopera.com

ABOVE: The theatre company Nine Inch Fools will be at the Garden Theatre Festival; BELOW: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland performs at If Opera festival

“Whilst the summer nights at Belcombe are glorious, do bring warm clothing for later in the evening”

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

FESTIVALS VALLEY FEST

“Get on my land!”

When 3 – 6 August Where Chew Valley, Chew Magna, Bristol What’s the vibe? “Everyone needs to get on my land!” urges the

© GIULIA SPADAFOR A

festival founder Luke Hasell, and he’s not wrong. Expect hedge-tohedge Somerset sparkle, and arrive hungry. Great food is very much part of this festival’s DNA. The menu includes feasts, cooking over fire and lent of de onstrations fro uch-loved re ional chefs and more. Look out for our very own Noya Pawlyn of Noya’s Kitchen (yes, again!) who will be demoing, alongside Josh Eggleton from The Pony Chew Valley and Mark McCabe of Michelin Green-Starred The Ethicurean restaurant.

Who It’s a whomping soundtrack with Soul ll Soul, The Kooks, Bananarama, Norman Jay MBE, The Legends of Goldie Lookin Chain, DJ Flight, Ishmael Ensemble, Bibi Tanga & The Selenites, Honeyfeet and crowd favourites Ibibio Sound Machine. Arcadia are returning with their Afterburner stage in the Alchemist’s Playground. www.valleyfest.co.uk

ABOVE: Arrive hungry is the Valley Fest recommendation; RIGHT: Feel wonderful at

the VERVE Festival; BELOW: Spot your Glastonbury-going pal on the small screen

BEST OF THE REST OF THE FESTS

Glastonbury Festival, 21 June – 25 June; www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk Okay, you may not have a ticket, but you’ve got a telly.

Headliners include Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses, Lizzo, and the legendary Elton John.

VERVE FESTIVAL

When 16 & 17 September Where Hatch House, Tisbury, Wiltshire What’s the vibe? Set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,

Hatch House’s 18th century gardens, and views for miles over the Wiltshire countryside, are the perfect setting for a wellness reset focused on nature and getting away from it all. But do not think this is all broccoli smoothies and downward dogs – the vibe is decidedly upbeat, ith a ood-fired sauna cold ater lun e ool a Woodland a ith treatment cabins, and, along with the daytime mindfulness workshops, ou ll find late ni ht tents Who Speakerwise – Katie Brindle with Transform How You Feel in One Minute; Nick Ede – The Revolution of Kindness; and Tom Granger – Harmonic Breathwork. Foodwise, look out for Bath’s Nook with their poke bowls; Turkish inspired street food by Provenance from Tis ur and alis ur - ased Bluestone ine ards fi ar ■ www.feeltheverve.com

Chalke Valley History Festival, 26 June – 2 July; www.cvhf.org.uk Where history is celebrated in Broad Chalke, near Salisbury with talks, performances, experiences, demonstrations and retro music.

Speakers include the former Prime Minister John Major, gardener and presenter Alan Titchmarsh, TV historian Dan Snow, and author Tracy Chevalier.

Green Man Festival, 17 – 20 August; www.greenman.net We’ve gone slightly further afield for this festival, set in the glorious Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly known as the Brecon Beacons), but it is so celebrated and revered, it has become known as the Welsh Glastonbury. Devo, Spiritualized, and First Aid Kit are just a few of the main attractions.

End of the Road, 31 August – 3 September; www.endoftheroadfestival.com In Salisbury’s picturesque Larmer Tree Gardens, just one of the sweetest, most delightful festivals in the land. Future Islands, Greentea Peng and Ezra Furman are just a few of the names from an exciting and eclectic line-up.

Forwards Festival, 1 & 2 September; www.forwardsbristol.co.uk Ann inner city two day event located on Bristol Downs with a leftfield line-up that includes Aphex Twin, Primal Scream, Jockstrap, Arlo Parks, oh, and Leftfield.

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

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

HIGHLY PRIZED

The Bath Society of Artists Annual Open Exhibition, now in its 118th year, has opened at the Victoria Art Gallery, bringing with it a vast array of artistic talent. The submissions for 2023 reached record levels with more than 1,200 entries being put before the selection panel, which this year included gallerist Peter Slade, 2022 Young Artist Prize winner Millie Claxton Keys, and Victoria Art Gallery senior curator Nathalie Levi. Nathalie says, “Hundreds of artworks are on dis la and ou ll e sure to find so ethin ou like and a e even take ho e ith ou Visitors to the exhibition, which runs until 24 June, can also vote for their favourite exhibit, and the artist with the most votes wins the £600 Public Choice Prize. Other prizes include the Bath Society of Artists Prize, Bath Society of Artists Young Artist Prize, Bradford Gallery Figurative Prize, and Bath Society of Artists Prize for a 3D work.

For more: www.bsaorg.uk | www.victoriagal.org.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 37

WHAT’S ON 6 May – 2 June

Candice Rouse is just one of the many artists exhibiting at the Bath Contemporary Artists Fair on 14 May at Green Park Station

EXHIBITIONS

20 & 21 May

NEW WORKS New ceramics from Jane Sheppard and Mizuyo Yamashita, and new paintings from Comhghall Casey and Laurie Steen, make up this Beaux Arts late spring exhibition. www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

NEWBRIDGE ARTS TRAIL 2023 Now celebrating its 12th year, the Newbridge Arts Trail brings together professional and nonprofessional artists at 14 venues, which will include exhibitions, demonstrations and drop-in workshops. www.newbridgeartstrail.org

13 May — 29 July

26 May – 1 October

13 May – 10 June

LIAM STEVENS Liam Stevens is a London-based artist who grew up in rural Somerset and works in layered pigment washes with pencil on canvas and constructed reliefs. His creations are composed of repeated lines and forms, creating a sense of rhythm in the negative space.

Francis Gallery; www.francisgallery.co

14 May

BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FAIR Since its creation in 2020, the Bath Contemporary Artists Fair has showcased more than 600 artists across 13 fairs at Green Park Station, bringing the best of local conte orar art includin fine art, photography, sculpture, textiles and much more. www.bcaf.co.uk

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

PAINTED LOVE This is a major exhibition at the Holburne looking at the role of portraiture in the process of marriage in the Renaissance of Northern and Southern Europe.

The paintings not only documented the legal union of spouses, but also celebrate the union of families, their wealth, power and land, and the forging of political alliances. www.holburne.org

Until 8 May

WYLYE VALLEY ART TRAIL The award winning Wylye Valley Art Trail returns for another e citin art-filled ten da s rtists and makers in 73 venues across south west Wiltshire, including Lizbeth Spurgeon, Alex Kennedy, and Suzie Beauvoisin, will welcome

visitors to their studios, workshops and exhibitions. www.wvat.co.uk

Until 31 May

GARDEN SCULPTURE TRAIL Curated by Andrew Illingworth from FiveTwo, who specialise in garden sculpture, this collection arranged in the grounds of the American Museum features 40 sculptures made by British artists. www.americanmuseum.org

Until 3 June

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

Until 4 June

UNLIMITED: ART FOR EVERYONE IN THE 1960S The first ever retros ective exhibition devoted to the Bathbased inventor and entrepreneur Jeremy Fry’s ground-breaking

Unlimited collection, with the works being shown for free at the Assembly Rooms. www.holburne.org

Until 4 July

AMERICA IN CRISIS This show, which includes an interactive experience, is an American Museum partnership with the Saatchi Gallery and juxtaposes images of current US troubles with photographs from more than half a century ago. www.americanmuseum.org

Until 7 October

RICHES OF THE EARTH Although minerals have many practical uses, their aesthetic qualities are often overlooked.

This free exhibition celebrates the beauty of these solid chemical compounds with more than a hundred carefully selected vibrant and striking specimens from the Bath o al iterar and cientific Institution’s collection. www.brlsi.org

THEATRE / CINEMA 9 – 13 May

GUYS AND DOLLS

WHAT’S ON a pandemic through contemporary dance. Together they documented the experience by working remotely over nine months to create and rehearse four 15-minute sections looking at the various stages of lockdown. And now the results are being performed at the Rondo Theatre. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

MUSIC 7 May

© JAN MALMSTROM

ABOVE: The Royal Opera House’s production of The Sleeping Beauty is being screened live at Little Theatre on 24 May; MIDDLE: The two-time Grammy Award nominee Eric Bibb is playing Cheese & Grain on 13 May; BOTTOM: Jane Shepherd is exhibiting her new ceramic works at Beaux Arts from 13 May until 10 June

Frank Loesser’s celebrated musical comedy about rolling the dice and falling in love under the bright lights of Broadway is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy.

And now it’s coming to the Theatre Royal Bath stage with a Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society production. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

24 May

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s ravishing music and Oliver Messel’s sumptuous designs with this true gem from the classical ballet repertoire being screened live at the Little Theatre, with an encore performance on 29 May. www.picturehouses.com

23 – 27 May

STUMPED Stumped is a brilliant darkly witty new play by Shomit Dutta, starring Andrew Lancel and Stephen Tompkinson. It explores an imaginary friendship between playwrights Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter, who both played and loved cricket. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

1 & 2 June

UNLOCKED During lockdown the dancers of Nova Grace Productions took to Zoom to connect and explore life in

SITKOVETSKY TRIO Returning to the Wiltshire Music Centre, the Sitkovetsky Trio, consisting of Wu Qian (piano), Alexander Sitkovetsky (violin), and Isang Enders (cello), bring a dramatic programme of striking works, from the austere opening chords of Shostakovich’s haunting Piano Trio No 2 to the stormy, identically-named intensity of Mendelssohn’s ever-popular Piano Trio No 2. www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

10 May

JIM MORAY Jim Moray’s 21st anniversary tour is a celebration of two decades of his innovative and genre-defying approach to folk music. He pushes the boundaries of traditional folk, infusing it with elements of electronica, rock, and even hip-hop to create a unique sound.

Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

13 May

ERIC BIBB The two-time Grammy Award nominee, with multiple Blues Foundation awards, Eric Bibb comes to Cheese & Grain to promote his latest and much acclaimed album Ridin’, a deeply personal collection inspired by true stories from African American history. www.cheeseandgrain.com

15 May

JAMES James, who formed in 1982 and have released 16 studio albums, selling more than 25 million copies with their recent run of Top 5 albums, are bringing their James Lasted tour to Bath Forum, along with a full orchestra and gospel choir. www.bathforum.co.uk

COMEDY 6 May

ANGELA BARNES: HOT MESS Comedian Angela Barnes (Mock The Week, Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and former

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

WHAT’S ON chair of BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz) has good intentions but trying to live your best life, as it turns out, is really bloody hard. Ustinov Studio; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

13 / 20 / 27 May

KRATER COMEDY CLUB More up-and-coming and established talent providing the weekly laughs. On 13 May catch Ingrid Dahle, 20 May is comic Robert Whittle, and the 27 May night features a BSL interpreter.

Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

31 May

A SKETCH SHOW A Sketch Show is a 75-minute chaotic journey through the minds of Jack & Jordan, two comic dudes who also happen to act. Expect appearances from a confused Yorkshireman, some imaginary girlfriends, and the mysterious Pine Nut. Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

CHILDREN Until 31 July

THE WILD ESCAPE Victoria Art Gallery is taking part in The Wild Escape, a nationwide project uniting hundreds of museums, schools and families to find nature in useu s hildren are invited to find a favourite ani al in the gallery and create an artwork imagining its ‘escape’ back to its natural habitat, which can now be seen online. www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 19 September

ZOG TRAIL Thanks to amazing augmented reality technology, you can follow a golden star trail around Westonbirt Arboretum, which is home to one of the most important plant collections in the world, with 15,000 specimens and 2,500 species.

There are also ru alo statues to e spotted, a nature play trail, guided walks, the treetop walkway, and events including the ARB Show, which runs 12 –13 May. www.forestryengland.uk

FESTIVALS 26 May – 11 June

BATH FRINGE FESTIVAL The Bath Fringe describes itself as “a festival of all the arts, with few rules as to what should be in or out – it’s what people want to do, and what venues in Bath want to put on.” BFF events include jazz, soul and funk nights at Green Park

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

Brasserie, performance poetry at The Bell, folk music at Chapel Arts Centre, children’s plays at Alice Park, and more. www.bathfringe.co.uk

26 May – 11 June

FRINGE ARTS BATH FESTIVAL Fringe Arts Bath (FaB) is a platform for contemporary visual arts in Bath and beyond, providing early-career and emerging curators and artists with a showcase for their work. The event is free to attend, occupying empty shops, unusual spaces and making appearances around the streets of Bath for t o arts-filled weeks. www.fringeartsbath.co.uk

OTHER 12 May

BINOCULAR AND OPTICS SHOW Held at Chew Valley Lake, with a near restaurant fish and chi van, and spectacular views, this is an opportunity to try out the latest binoculars and telescopes from some of the leading manufacturers. www.icegroup.co.uk

18 May

DAVID DOWNTON Enjoy dinner and conversation with one of the world’s most lauded

ABOVE: Now celebrating its 12th year, the Newbridge Arts Trail is back 20 – 21 May with Brian Elwell just one of the many artists participating; RIGHT: Musician Jim Moray comes to Chapel Arts on 10 May; BELOW: Andrew Lancel and Stephen Tompkinson star in Stumped, at the Theatre Royal 23 – 27 May

WHAT’S ON fashion illustrators David Downton, in collaboration with Gray M.C.A, in an event deliciously entitled It’s All True. David, who has worked with everyone who’s anyone in the celeb/fashion world, including Dior, Valentino, Paloma Picasso, Cate Blanchett, Joan Collins and Iman, will be in conversation at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, sharing his behind-the-scenes tales from the world of fashion and celebrity. www.royalcrescent.co.uk

22 May

AL MURRAY Al Murray not in the comedy section? Yup – in this instance the comedian, who is also a military aficionado is hookin u ith the Military History Group at Bath o al iterar and cientific Institution to deliver an online talk about his new book Command, which explores the careers of some of the leading commanders. www.brlsi.org

1 June

BEN FOGLE The Countryfile presenter and all round adventurer Ben Fogle brings his new tour Wild to the Bath Forum, sharing his stories of hope, possibility and positivity from his extraordinary encounters around the world. www.bathforum.co.uk

2 June

JOHN COOPER CLARKE One of Britain’s most beloved and in uential riters and performers, the Bard of Salford brings his I Wanna Be Yours tour to Bath Forum, where he’ll be waxing lyrical. www.bathforum.co.uk

2 June

STEVE HARLEY ACOUSTIC BAND The original Cockney Rebel shows no sign of slowing down, after more than 50 years of touring. www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk

Liza Pulman performs in A Couple of Swells at the Ustinov

CULTURE CLUB with Liza Pulman Liza Pulman is performing at Ustinov Studio on 19 – 20 May alongside Joe Stilgoe in the musical show A Couple of Swells, featuring new arrangements of loved duets, legendary showtunes, and classic chanson Francais.

Liza’s 30-year career has encompassed music, theatre and comedy, from Glyndebourne Opera through West End musical theatre and as one-third of the British satirical comedy group, Fascinating Aida. Most recently, Liza Pulman Sings Streisand played the West End, and her new show, The Heart of It, started its 2023 tour at The Other Palace in London.

Best TV show ever…

I have to say I, Claudius, as my father, Jack Pulman, adapted it for TV in 1976. It was seminal, with a cast full of our finest actors, including my mother, Barbara Young. She ended up murdering Claudius with a poisoned mushroom. I never ate mushroom soup again!

A film I could watch over and over again When Joe Stilgoe and I came together to create this show, we discovered a mutual obsession for the 1953 film The Bandwagon. Apart from a great score, wonderful performances and amazing dance-sequences, it really is a movie for anyone in our profession to indulge in.

A painting that means something to me A lithograph by the Ukranian/ French/Jewish artist Emmanuel

Angela Barnes is trying to live her best ‘hot mess’ life in Bath on 6 May

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

Mané-Katz that tells the story of a Jewish wedding where the bride falls in love with one of the musicians and runs away with him. I’d see it when performing in Israel with Fascinating Aida in 2004 but couldn’t afford it.

So my friend and our pianist, the late, great Russell Churney, bought it for me and I paid him back with my first earnings. It means the world to me.

My desert island disc I’d probably go for the comedy sketch The Moose, by Woody Allen from his stand-up years.

It is the most perfect bit of comedic structuring and writing I know and, no matter how many times I hear it, it still makes me laugh to my core.

Preferred podcasts I live in Cornwall and I’m a big walker, so nothing makes me happier than putting my walking shoes on and plugging into a good podcast – This Cultural Life, Full Disclosure or The Rest Is Politics. I can’t listen to audio books at all, but discussion, political analysis or a really in-depth interview as I walk is my way of decompressing.

Favourite arts place in Bath Has to be the Theatre Royal – for the dressing rooms alone. I’d love to say I’ll be visiting one of the myriad historical or cultural venues that make Bath what it is but, in truth, I’ll probably just go to Anthropologie.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

BATH LIFE AWARDS LEISURE & TOURISM WINNER 2023 How did it feel to win a Bath Life Award?

We were thrilled to win a Bath Life Award after a number of years supporting the night-time economy partnerships across the city.

Where do you keep the Award currently?

is la ed roudl in the

ain o ce

What’s the best part about working for The Forum?

t s the road ran e of e citin events e o er meaning that there is something for everybody at The Forum across the year.

What are some of The Forum’s winning qualities?

We are a family here at The Forum and we hope that this sense of community, love of the building, and passion for the arts shines through.

Being one of the largest venues in the region, the people of Bath and beyond get to experience the level and quality of acts that you would normally find onl in uch lar er cities Why do you think the judges chose you?

We’d like to think that the judges recognised our impact on the city, the quality of our programming, and the uniqueness there is experiencing an event within the walls of the fantastic Forum.

What was the key point you wanted to get across in your nomination?

The Foru o ers so ethin for ever one and is a fundamental part of life within the cultural o er in Bath hilst also ein the ho e of the city’s newly emerging arts hub if you like.

What has stood out for you in the past 12 months?

Our post-Covid recovery has been phenomenal, boosting our own success and those of the restaurants, hotels, and bars around us given the size of the audience that we draw to the city.

We are particularly proud to have hosted The London Symphony Orchestra, Jack Whitehall, The Neighbours International Tour and many other household names.

What do you love about your work?

I guess many people would think I would talk about our fantastic customers or famous acts and of course those are major contributors to the joy of working at The Forum. But behind the scenes

The Forum is a family stretching back through time for nearly 90 years.

From then until today a group of committed sta o ened the doors to serve the people of Bath and come together as the Forum Family. My greatest joy is to be the head of that family.

How can people work and collaborate with you?

For the public it’s a question of simply supporting your local venue and coming to whatever shows take your fancy. For businesses it’s to recognise the partnership that there is between the arts and commercial organisations. Those usinesses need sta fro the area and those sta need a reat lace to live We contri ute to Bath being that great place and so actively seek partnerships in all sorts of ways, from sponsorships to corporate hospitality through to considering hosting their meetings and events here, and even perhaps sharing some of their resource in terms of training and development opportunities that might otherwise be out of the reach for sta in the cultural co unit What are you excited about right now?

Obviously, there is no way I’m going to be talked into mentioning just one event!! So, I can’t pick a favourite, but I am personally so looking forward to Bath Festival this year, whose headquarters of course are based at The Forum.

This year they have such a vibrant array of diverse events both here and across the city at a ran e of a orda le rices side fro our local o erin s e elco e national and international tours every year.

What shall we look out for from The Forum in the next year?

2024 will see the 90th birthday of the Forum buildings, so beloved by so many in Bath for which we are planning a big birthday bash – but don’t tell anyone, it’s a secret! You can also expect our usual wide range of events from household names to bespoke programming.

The Forum 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath BA1 1UG www.bathforum.co.uk

The Forum team with their award

The Forum is the people’s venue and so there is always something for all the people.

What do you feel are your USPs?

Our breadth of programming from children’s shows to events for the more mature audiences mark us out as the venue for all. We are uniquely independent in a regional marketplace, structured in a di erent a What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Don’t put your daughter on the stage….but if you do, make it at The Forum!

Tell us about your team.

It’s less of a team and more of a family. The nature of the work means that we spend not just our days, but our evenings and weekends together. We eat together, we laugh together, we try not to cry together, but we don’t half rock’n’roll together. And that of course is why Bath loves us and we love Bath.

Tell us something we didn’t know about you/The Forum?

You can trace world history across the pages of old newspapers that are cast into our concrete roof, and we seek to shape the future of our world by providing the experiences and events that i ht a ect the future eneration so that they in turn might change if not world history, then at least our local area.

WINNER

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

REAL TRANSFORMATIONS A case study from Dr Lucy Middlefell of DR LUCY FACIAL AESTHETICS

W

e’re lucky enough to have some very lovely patients and this lady was kind enough to let me share her journey with you.

We first met in December, and she told me she was getting married, and wanted to look her best. As a new mum she felt tired and washed out. Concerns were her marionette lines – these are the lines that appear under the corners of our mouth and make us look sad. She also didn’t like her frown lines – these are the lines that often make us look cross even if we’re not!

“SHE WAS GETTING MARRIED, AND WANTED TO LOOK HER BEST. AS A NEW MUM SHE FELT TIRED AND WASHED OUT”

Both Dr Lucy and Dr Rebecca are qualified dentists and have collectively 35 years between them. The goal is to listen and find the treatments that suit the patient.

In the case of this lady, the goal was to first improve her skin which was looking grey and unhealthy. We prescribed the Obagi Nuderm system, a prescription skincare range and within three months her skin looked healthy and glowing.

The next suggestion was anti-wrinkle treatment to treat the lines on her forehead and around her eyes. We opted to achieve a natural look, softening the lines which made her look relaxed and well rested.

Finally – a thread lift. This is a non-surgical procedure that lifts the tissues and as you can see in the photos – sharpens the jawline, softens the marionettes and improves skin laxity. The results, pictured right, speak for themselves.

If you have a special occasion on the horizon and might like to make some changes, please do keep in mind that real transformations take time but it’s never too late and, even if you’ve only got a month before the big day, we can usually help! ■

10 Rossiter Road, Widcombe, Bath BA2 4JP Tel: 07496 230618; Email: info@doctorlucy.co.uk www.doctorlucy.co.uk

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BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

True story Nic on a few of the non-fiction offerings at this year’s Bath Festival

“Tim Marshall looks to the skies to ask how the politics of space might change our world”

I

n this second part of my annual overexcited preview of the imminent Bath Festival, I’ve pulled out the non-fiction events that ost anticipating. Whichever section of a bookshop you tend to gravitate towards, there’s likely to be an event for you – the Festival’s programme seems to have it all covered, from politics to health, from history to pop culture and from art to memoir.

The second Saturday of the festival (20 Ma o ers the chance to hear fro ournalist and academic Gary Younge, whose new book Dispatches from the Black Diaspora (Faber, £14.99) collects his writings from years reporting on black life, racism and land ark historical o ents a ectin the black diaspora. Younge was there when Nelson Mandela e arked on his first election campaign, he was there again when America elected Barack Obama, and over the years he has delivered insightful interviews with cultural and political icons such as Maya Angelou, Stormzy, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He’ll talk about his life of reportage and the change he’s seen, how it came about and what’s still possible with author Colin Grant.

Tim Marshall has single-handedly ade eo- olitics a su ect accessi le and fascinating for everyone with his books Prisoners of Geography and The Power of Geography (Elliott and Thompson, £9.99). Each used ten maps as a starting point to explore the current and potential future state of global politics and became huge bestsellers, utterly absorbing readers who might never have previously thought a out readin olitical non-fiction He’s in Bath on Tuesday 16 May to discuss his latest book The Future of Geography (Elliott and Thomson, £20), in which he looks to the skies to ask how the politics of space might change our world. This book, and his talk, promises to be a truly eyebrow-raising look at astro-politics, covering the dynamics of international competition for progress in space in terms of technology, exploration, military strategy and territorial rights.

There’s plenty in the Festival’s programme this year on looking after ourselves and one another, including an entire strand by guest author curator Cathy Rentzenbrink, who’ll be interviewing authors such as Katharine May and Kit De Waal on the theme of How to Feel Better. Following on from that strand is an appearance on Sunday 14 May by Russell Foster, whose book Life Time (Penguin, £10.99) adds to the recent reawakening (for want of a better word) of our awareness of the importance of sleep. Mixing science with practical advice, Life Time is crammed with unexpected connections and research on the body clock, revealing along the way the enefits of an earl - ornin alk on our evening sleep, the right time to take our meds or when best to eat our meals.

Lastly, the Festival has plenty in its programme about the culture and history of books themselves. And where better to start than with the Bard himself ? Professor Emma Smith is back at the festival after two previous acclaimed appearances, but this time to chair an event with two authors looking frankly at the history of Shakespeare (Saturday 13 May).

Farah Karim-Cooper is the author of The Great White Bard (Oneworld, £22), in which she examines ‘otherness’ in Shakespeare’s writing – starting from her own love for his work but considering how uncomfortable representations in his plays can be and how we can still see the plays as inspirational and relevant now, despite that discomfort. Karim-Cooper appears alongside Sophie Duncan, whose Searching for Juliet (Hodder, £25) explores the Renaissance origin stories behind Shakespeare’s ultimate tragic heroine. f course if none of those four oat our boat, there are another 137 events over the festival’s ten days that might… so we’ll see you 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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 49

SPONSORED CONTENT

THRINGS MEETS… TRUESPEED

THRINGS managing partner Simon Holdsworth meets James Lowther, CEO of TRUESPEED Simon Holdsworth: Can you tell me a little about Truespeed and its history?

James Lowther: We’re a Bathbased full-fibre broadband provider on a mission to bring ultra-fast and ultra-reliable connectivity to the South West.

The business was founded in 2014 by local people from the Chew Valley frustrated by bigger providers constantly overlooking the South West as a priority.

Today, we employ more than 260 people from across Bath and the surrounding areas and supply ultrafast full-fibre broadband to both individual residents and larger local enterprises such as Thatchers, Yeo Valley and Charlie Bigham’s.

SH: What sets you apart from the rest of your market?

JL: We want to live up to the ‘True’ part of our name just as much as the ‘speed’ element, and so there are two big points that differentiate us from our competitors – providing both a better broadband connection and better customer service.

While most people are told by their providers that they get a fibre connection, in reality, it’s only the length of their street before becoming an antiquated copper network. We, meanwhile, are using our own infrastructure to roll out a brand-new full-fibre network across the region that we build from scratch. This means it travels the whole way at the speed of light, connecting customers to a broadband service like never before.

But it’s not just slow internet speeds that people are tired of. They’re also tired of being

taken for granted by their service provider and considered just a pot of cash. While so many of our competitors are pushing doubledigit price rises and leaving frustrated customers on hold for half an hour to speak to someone, we’re doing things differently. This includes aiming to answer the call within 30 seconds and committing to price freezes this year with no sneaky in-contract price rises.

SH: What are the key challenges you face in your industry?

JL: With so many companies trying to roll out fibre optic networks, this industry is very much locked in a race and our challenge is to grow as quickly as possible to be able to meet the ever-increasing demand. In ten or even five years’ time, the demand for streaming services alone will mean everyone will need a fibre connection, regardless of whether they are in the centre of town or on the outskirts.

There are many companies, often national providers, who just target the easy to connect areas in the centre of towns and cities.

They move on quickly, leaving as much as three quarters of the area underserved, including many out-of-the-way areas that face the slowest connections in the country. Our race is very much to cover entire towns, not just to pick and choose the cheapest and easiest to connect locations.

SH: Congratulations on winning at the Bath Life Awards this year!

What is it about the city that continues to inspire Truespeed to call it home?

JL: Thank you! It was wonderful to be recognised at such a fantastic

event that showcases the city and the close-knit community of people doing great things across Bath.

It never ceases to amaze me what a depth and quality we have in the city in all fields, and while we have an amazing tourism offering, it’s really the business and voluntary community that makes people want to live and work here. We are at the centre of an amazing hub for talent, with the two universities, the college and a wealth of amazing tech ventures across the wider region.

our goal of 500,000 by the end of 2025.

It’s a huge target so, in order to do this, we are scaling the company as much as we can.

We’ve recruited around 120 new colleagues in the past year, with another 23 starting this month alone. We are continuing to boost every area of the firm, and it’s great that all the new career opportunities we’re offering will in turn benefit the local economy in Bath. n

SH: What does the future hold for Truespeed?

JL: Continuing our journey of growth is a top priority for us.

At the end of 2021, our network covered around 37,000 properties and now we have just passed 70,000, almost doubling the size of our network over the course of a year. We want to double it again this year and continue towards

2 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HQ tel: 01225 340000; solicitors@thrings.com www.thrings.com

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

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SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

IN EXCELLENT RECONDITION Julia Davey, best known for her eponymouslynamed gift shop in Bear Flat, is collaborating with Sasha Roberts and appearing as part of the Bear Flat Artists’ Open Studios, 27 – 29 May. Together they are showcasing their new range of bespoke furniture and lampshades, made to order in a unique range of fabrics. Sustainability is at the heart of what they do, and commission work is also undertaken for the restoration and re-covering of both modern and traditional furniture.

© NAOMI JANE PHOTOGR APHY

For more: www.juliadavey.com| e r t rt t o u

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

TWIN FROGS PEN HOLDER

BY ANDY RHODES, £60 This piece by Andy, who specialises in hand-built sculptures in clay, involved making a coiled pot and then attaching hand-made frogs while still wet. andy@andrewrhodes.me.uk

TRAIL MIX

BATH ABBEY BY BEN HUGHES, £1,500 Ben Hughes is a self taught landscape and portrait artist.

Predominantly painting in oils, he has exhibited widely across the south of England, and is a member of the Bath Society of Artists. www.benhughesart.co.uk

The Bear Flat Artists’ Open Studios returns 27 – 29 May and is celebrating its 20th anniversary with 42 artists appearing at 23 venues

SILVER LINK CHAIN BY RACHEL KERRISON, £200 Rachel, who is the founder of Bear Flat Artists, has retired but still likes making jewellery. Each link is formed and hammered, and her work is unpolished except by the hammer. rachel.kerrison39@gmail.com

SUMMER BY SHAY PARSONS, £195 Shay creates abstract and impressionistic photographs of nature, particularly seascapes. She works with long exposure, camera movement and multiple exposures to make painterly, beautiful images. www.shayparsons.com

MUSSEL STERLING SILVER EARRINGS BY KAREN PARKER, £50 Karen creates contemporary jewellery from precious metals.

Line, shape and form inspire her work, which often leads to asymmetric designs that work well as a collection or single pieces. www.karenparkerjewellery.com

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

EDITOR’S CHOICE FIELD OF DAISIES BY JAMES HALSALL-FOX, LIMITED EDITION PRINT, £89 a es uses Fu fil i ital ca eras that have a uni ue a ilit to recreate the fil aesthetic, but he is becoming increasingly dra n ack to s ecialisin on fil ca ture www.halsall-fox.com

HEART EARRINGS BY CAROLE BAYLISS, £28 Carole’s jewellery is handmade using 100 per cent recycled sterling silver The desi ns re ect her love of the sea featurin s irls s irals and s lashes of colour www.zimzalajewellery.co.uk

STARTING OVER BY ANNA KOT, £680 While being particularly interested in ho the structural ele ents ork to ether nna ho is one of the founders of the en tudios also enjoys discovering what the unexpected can contribute and incorporates both in her abstract paintings. www.annakot.co.uk

MISTY START BY RICHARD GARDINER, £290 Richard’s more abstract paintings evolve fro a va ue idea throu h the a lication of aint dri s colours and nu ers of la ers The ai is ore a out feel and at os here than realit www.richardgardinerartphoto.weebly.com

HORSEHAIR RAKU CERAMIC LAMP BASE BY KATE MARSHALL, £125 The unglazed lampbase is re oved fro the raku kiln at approx. 600°C, and horsehair is applied. This then burns and fra les creatin its o n uni ue and eautiful atterns www.katemarshallceramics.co.uk

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

Bistro Chef is a family run independent business, based in Bath, owned by French Chef Christophe Lacroix and his partner Magalie Touret (from Ma Cuisine in Larkhall).

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© VERIT Y GENCO

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

IN SEASON Why VERITY GENCO is wild about wild garlic

A

leafy green bulbous perennial named ransom, more commonly known as wild garlic, is a spring highlight for foodies. Until recently it’s been a wellkept secret of foragers and seasonally focused chefs, but in the last few years, as the interest and knowledge in foraging has rocketed, it’s become a must-eat ingredient in the spring food calendar, with tons of online recipes available that will inspire even a tentative or beginner forager to go in search for it.

Wild arlic ourishes on the edge of damp woodland near brooks and shaded streams.

You can visit the 18th-century landscape garden of Prior Park and enjoy a beautiful yet pungent stroll, as wild garlic grows in abundance and is available to pick. Small green shoots start to appear in mid-February, but its season is quite long, as by mid-April it reaches its full luscious green-leafed glory. It’s common to come across concentrated areas here the reen leaves and u hite starsha ed o er heads uite literall car et a large area of woodland; the chive-like aroma is strong even on approach, and you can smell a garlicky perfume even whilst driving past areas

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

where it grows. The green leaves, ste s o ers and even the bulbs are edible and can be eaten raw as well as cooked.

The avour is much milder in taste, though, compared to its strong, vivid smell.

Finely chop both the leaves and stems: they are great for seasoning savoury dishes in the same way you would use a garlic clove. The larger leaves can be wilted like spinach or used to enhance the avour of a leaf green salad. Your wild garlic should be washed thoroughly before used and, once picked, is best stored in the way it was found, in a cool, dark place like the fridge.

Whizz wild garlic into a pesto, create a wild garlic salsa or whip it into butter to add to the centre of a chicken kiev or homemade garlic bread. My favourite spring dish is pea and mint soup with homemade wild garlic scones.

For step by step wild garlic recipes and inspiration, head over to Verity’s nt r e ort e our Spring time is the perfect time to forage for wild garlic

© VERIT Y GENCO

Verity suggests adding wild garlic to homemade scones

FOOD & DRINK

IN THE CRESCENT MOMENT

The Cheap Street store

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath has relaunched its highly anticipated Montagu’s Mews restaurant and bar space with a new concept, in addition to a brand-new heated dining terrace.

Designed by Shelley Reiner, director of London based interior design company Suited, the re-imagined space is now an e ortlessl ele ant restaurant and chic ar space incorporating a modern palette of colours and textures, and now with more

informal, inviting seating.

The menu, created by head chef Martin Blake and his team, has a strong focus on locally-sourced ingredients, with exquisite, modern dishes being served. Martin is passionate about incorporating quality produce from local farmers and suppliers, such as lamb from Whaddon Grove farm and Wye Valley asparagus. Look out for a review of our visit in an upcoming issue.

For more: www.royalcrescent.co.uk LEFT: The redesigned interior of Montagu’s Mews; BELOW: the restaurant has a strong focus on locally-sourced ingredients

Homemade raspberry jam doughnuts

DONUT MIND IF WE DO!

Best kno n for creatin the orld s first sourdough doughnuts, Crosstown have now set up permanently in Bath on Cheap Street.

Along with its famous sourdough concoctions, Crosstown Bath will also be servin u s ecialt co ee hand ade cookies, small-batch ice cream, artisan chocolate, and an award-winning selection of its vegan doughnuts, which are made by hand every morning.

The store also o ers es oke event catering, which includes corporate iftin services co ee carts dou hnut walls, and ice cream scoop bars.

For more: www.crosstown.co.uk

JOIN THE CLUB

Vegan vanilla doughnuts made with sourdough

Georgie Everett of the Wild Pear catering firm

On 19 May the Pasta Laboratory in Lansdown is the venue for a new supper club from The Wild Pear. Chef Georgie Everett, who also works as a chef at Babington House in Frome, will be serving up a four course meal that will include herb crusted hake, and strawberry and elder o er avlova eor ie ho also o ers a private chef service, says her love of avours ste s fro her childhood on Exmoor, The Wild Pear is where she enjoyed “the holding a supper freshest produce imaginable”. club at the Pasta For more: www.thewildpear.co.uk | Laboratory www.pastalaboratory.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 59

SPONSORED CONTENT

SPRING CAFÉ GUIDE When it comes to coffee shops in Bath we’re totally spoiled for choice.

Here are two of the best

CAFÉ LUCCA

1 Bartlett Street, Bath 01225 333 844; www.cafelucca.co.uk Located on Bartlett St within the same unit as concept shop The Loft the award winning Café Luca is an elegant ceilinged space with an outdoor section for sunny days. Breakfast includes warm Belgian waffles, free range eggs from Clarence Court, croissants, toast and bacon brioches along with freshly ground coffee. Lunch offers a Mediterranean influenced menu with a fresh seasonal salad bar available every day along with gourmet paninis, signature melts and quiches made on site together with one of the largest selections of cakes and sweets in Bath. Open Monday-Saturday 9am–5pm, Sunday 10am–4pm.

THE COLUMBIAN COMPANY

6 Abbey Gate Street, Bath, BA1 1NP abbeygatestreetbath@thecolombiancompany.com; www.thecolombiancompany.com The Colombian Company was founded by Jhampoll Gutierrez Gomez, a Colombian born British Citizen, born out of his passion for his home and origin. The goal to reconnect with his roots to deliver the UK all that Colombia has to offer.

Alongside his other half, Veronica, Jhampoll delivers specialty Colombian coffee boasting an assortment of delicious food and beverages. The Colombian Company also delivers thriving culture through a vast selection of Colombian merchandise.

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

BATH SPA HOTEL What is the best kind of luxury? The understated kind, of course.

Harriet Noble finds it in a undance at Bath a Hotel

I

s there anything better than a night-time swim?

I forgot how magical it could be in the depths of the late hours a oatin in onderfull warm water looking up at the just-about-toblossom branches that frame the darkest of blue, starry skies. The contrast of heat on my body, and the hit of the cool evening air on my face is soothing away the stresses of the day. The only noise is the rush of bubbles that appear every five inutes fro the various aterfall and seating areas in this outdoor hydrotherapy pool. I am at the Bath Spa Hotel, enjoying an evening spa session before supper at their onsite restaurant, The Vellore, and an overnight stay.

Because this hotel and restaurant is sort of tucked away – it’s on Sydney Road, about a 20-minute walk from the heart of the city centre – you could easily have lived in Bath your whole life and never frequented it. When you do, you can’t quite believe it’s taken you so long to discover it, because it is vast. And very grand. Sporting 131 rooms, and sitting on six acres of landscaped, and rather beautiful, private grounds, this is a hotel you want to explore – and get lost in, too (I did, numerous times!). A top tip could be a gym membership

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

here – it wouldn’t feel like exercise when the setting is five-star surel lso it could e hand after dinin here more of which later.

There are dra in roo s ith roarin fires cos library rooms, dark wood-panelled bars, and a multitude of event rooms where they host weddings, conferences, gala dinners, etc. It’s traditional, historical, and I want to curl up with a gin and tonic in pretty much every room I visit. On my lovely tour I discover the building used to be a nurses’ training college; gaggles of former nurses from back in the day still come back to the hotel for reunions and to reminisce about kissing boys out on the lawn here. Happy times, one hopes!

In keeping with the rest of the hotel, The Vellore is a thing of classic beauty; it is a former ballroom, no less, with sparkling chandeliers, a domed ceiling and huge doors out onto the terrace. It’s quite an experience just to dine in this space. Restaurants just aren’t made like this anymore.

The traditional/contemporary English cuisine showcases the best in-season ingredients, with classic dishes given an imaginative sprucing up. Myself, a nonfish eater and friend a ve etarian have no ro le s

“This is fi e t r gorgeousness”

DINE AND STAY

findin dishes that oat our oats For starters have the house s oked duck reast hich co es ith eer ickled onion istachio ranola and a ort la e t s a eautifull alanced dish not to ention a su re el colourful one ith the shar ness of the ickled onions cuttin throu h the ello s eetness of the la e M dinin al has the salt aked artichoke en o in earth outhfuls of the ve ith a s atterin of s ashed ha elnut The real hi hli ht for her is the ve an cheese hich is crea and delicious not al a s a iven ith ve an cheese For ains al has the BB la ed celeriac hich co es ith roccoli ickled turni and a carrot ur e ith kale This is a cele rator feast of ve cooked ever hich a ith te ture variations had steak and chi s hich hit the s ot essert sees the arrival of a cara elised hite chocolate anna cotta ith all sorts oin on it a hone oat cru le oran e el hone leaf tuile t is roclai ed crea and insane have the lack err arfait hich co es ith u kin cake lack err hantill and fresh lack erries delicious s eet ode to the n lish countr side M roo for the ni ht is eautiful su re el co forta le four- oster ed ith a s acious dra in roo reat vie s over the surroundin hills of Bath and t o athroo s There s a lot of leasin detail here The athroo is a solutel eautiful a or eous ath ith a tell ne t to it if ou reall ant a ro er soak There s a reat co ee akin achin too ith ever choice of co ee and tea ou could think of lus so e oodies on the ta le like their ho e ro n hone t s lu e ut in kee in ith the rest of the hotel classic tasteful never arish The ve done a s art thin here in ho the ve arried the ast ith the resent No od ants sa the lu in or food of ester ear es eciall fro the let s e honest these are the ele ents that have een odernised successfull The athroo s are slick as ou like hile the dishes e cel at creatin inventive conte orar versions of fa iliar fare ver thin else a out this lace rovides a reall co forta le and co fortin e erience of a classic n lish countr house hotel With the irth of nsta ra an hotels and restaurants have fallen on interiors that ill et the ost likes or dishes that re uire a reveal o ent so that the can e videoed But hen ou ve ot the oods ou don t need to do this Hotel Bath a has oth st le and su stance ■

DINING & STAY DETAILS Bath Spa Hotel, Sydney Road, Bath BA2 6NS; tel: 0344 879 9106; www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Vellore restaurant Opening hours are 6.30pm10pm, and it offers British traditional with a contemporary cuisine spin. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options available.

Cost: Starters cost between £11 – £16, mains £18 – £40, desserts £9 – £15.

Drinks choice: Wine pairings with each course on the dinner menu; good selection of wines, beers and spirits.

Other food and drink offerings: Afternoon tea, including handmade sandwiches, cakes

and scones, on site. Check out the Colonnade bar, which has a fine selection of cocktails, aperitifs, digestifs, Champagne and Armagnac, and also a freshly prepared menu of light meals.

Spa: Indoor pool, steam and sauna rooms, and an outdoor hydrotherapy pool.

Spa treatments: A great selection of bespoke massages, facials and beauty treatments. They also offer spa treatments to people living with and beyond cancer.

Anything else? The hotel hosts a range of events, including proposals, weddings, gala dinners, baby showers, hen dos, conferences and meetings.

Hotel calibre This is five-star gorgeousness.

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

LUXURY HOTELS

FF

N

How hotels are becoming positively mindful

T

By John Mather

he best of the best luxe hotels aren’t always a out five star ratin s a trouser ress in the ardro e or even roo service The re a out s itchin o literall ettin a a fro it all ou ant to ste throu h the doors and immediately feel calm and tran uil Whether it e throu h a sli htl hidden location to transport you far from the addin cro d or a thou htful d cor of uted colours soft te tures and lush furnishin s For so e it s a hi h-end s a ith lu urious treat ents and for others a range of mindful activities designed to promote relaxation and re uvenation all can ake a ini- reak feel like it has had a i u i act Here e talk to ust a fe local-to-Bath hotels and ask the to talk us throu h their eace o erin s

HEAVEN SCENT

t ei hton House Bouti ue uesthouse there s cal to e found inhalin dee l ner Bella hu e lains d sa one of the reall s ecial thin s a out us is the house scent We elieve a lovel aro a is very important in terms of a space making someone feel relaxed and at ho e o e have selected our house scent and our toiletries ver carefull F M is a rand fro en ark ade fro hi h- ualit essential oils su tle and ins ired travel nature and the ourne of discover hich ver uch atches our vi es at ei hton ei hton House as ori inall uilt in as a detached house ith lar e rounds around the uildin The ne ei hton House ro ect as co leted in Nove er hen the house as decorated ith desi ner li htin and e ce tional art ieces The interior as in uenced anish ho e desi n hich is fa ous for a i isin co fort ith lu ur touches

TAKE A DIP

With ar a ient te eratures a rela in at os here and heated oolside loun ers there s no etter lace to en o total tran uillit than in our fitness and ellness facilities hich include a s i in ool sa s the e it of Bath Hotel content e ecutive rin allacher We ve looked to re ect the rela in at os here of Bath and there s a stea roo sauna and sho er e erience situated in and around the

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

Leighton House Boutique Guesthouse uses scent by FRAMA

The beautiful gardens of the Bath Spa Hotel

“A hidden location to transport you far from the madding crowd”

LUXURY HOTELS pool area for ultimate comfort, and enjoyment.

“Elsewhere, the hotel’s décor is fresh, chic and simple, created to instil a sense of calm when guests are in and around the hotel. The neutral- ut- ri ht colour alette that o s throu hout the edroo s creates a positive but relaxed space and an uplifting ambience.

“The in-room amenities are sourced from world-leading and awardwinning sustainable skincare brand, Antipodes. Their luxury products are made from natural and organic ingredients.”

GOOD NATURED

ABOVE: Combe Grove is now recognised as a Centre of Health and Wellbeing;

BELOW: Enjoy the warm, ambient temperatures of the Apex City of Bath Hotel pool

“Among the many truly calming spaces here, one of the loveliest is probably our gardens – seven acres of stunning private grounds which include the fountains and ponds,” says Camy Mitchell, wedding and special events executive of the Bath Spa Hotel. “The Tufa grotto was built in the grotesque style by General Andrews shortly before his death in 1858. At the time it cost £1,000. It is made from uncut stone from Combe Down, stream eroded limestone, and Tufa rock. It was once described as ‘a place where in the summer heat the most delicious quietude and repose may be enjoyed.’

We are ver roud of our a nificent collection of old trees the oldest of which is a grand Cedar of Lebanon, situated in the centre of the front lawn. We have recently acquired two handmade beehives, which house over 100,000 native British bees. Important pollinators, the ees feed on the e tensive ardens and ild o er eado s “Inside, the hotel aims to encourage comfort, rest, relaxation, re uvenation and a sense of cal n ever edroo ou can find fresh white linen, robes and slippers and Penhaligon’s toiletries. We have beauty therapists on hand at the spa who specialise in Elemis treatments, plus a thermal suite, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, and a 15-metre heated indoor pool.”

“We’ve looked to re e t t e rel n t o ere o t

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

LUXURY HOTELS PEACE OF MIND

Combe Grove, once an established hotel and country club, is now reco nised as a entre of Health and Well ein and o ers the otential for eace of ind to last a lifeti e This isn t a out uick fi es with an overnight stay in a four poster bed, but long term medically measurable and sustainable health programmes with a focus on improving metabolic health. at e is o e rove s di ital arketin e ecutive e lains ore Treat ents and thera ies here not onl o er o ents of har on and rela ation ut also healin and discover With a hand icked enu of e ert ractitioners e ers and retreat visitors can e erience a transfor ative selection of holistic treat ents includin re e olo shiatsu acu uncture structural inte ration myofascial release, herbal medicine, naturopathy, cranial sacral osteopathy, and osteopathy to enhance their wellbeing.

“After the successful launch of the Metabolic Health Retreat, we are also introducin five further s ecialist eta olic health retreat programmes focussing on prediabetes, menopause, gut health, pre-op and fertilit The first s ecialist retreat for redia etes co ences on 29 May, and the menopause retreat on 19 June.”

This is health taken seriously, and in a beautiful country setting.

Combe Grove is located within 70 acres of verdant woodland and meadow overlooking the stunning Limpley Stoke Valley. There are fre uent li ses of roe deer ad ers fo es and ra its across the estate, and the abundance of wildlife is supported by a mosaic of woodland, scrubland, grassland, hedgerows and a large spring that feeds several rivulets within Eastwood.

At the top of the estate, nestled near the woodland, is a thriving organic kitchen garden, with a ‘no dig’ philosophy allowing the soil io e to ourish o e rove is also ho e to a ock of rescue hens and two goats, called Yarrow and Burdock, who are assisting in the rewilding of the land.

BELOW: Art is a focus at the Abbey Hotel; ABOVE: Views across the city from DoubleTree by Hilton Bath

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

Afternoon Tea at Henrietta Garden A hidden gem in the most peaceful of settings @The Roseate Villa Bath A quintessential English tea tradition with a few touches of modernity, Afternoon Tea at the Henrietta Garden is an unforgettable, charming experience. Enjoy a delightfully delicious tea, brimming with homemade treats.

Tuck into warm scones, selection of delicate finger sandwiches and moreish indulgent cakes, made by The Roseate Villa Bath fabulous bakers.

Served every day from 2pm – 5.30pm

Exclusive Offer: APEROL SPRITZ ON US Use code #SUMMER when booking an Afternoon Tea Reserve Now:

Contact us: 01225 466329 | reception.trvb@roseatehotels.com |

@theroseatevillabath

LUXURY HOTELS TO OUR ART’S CONTENT

Abbey Hotel Bath has 65 well-appointed, recently refurbished edroo s an of hich o er vie s of the cit ut also accordin to the hotel s arketin ana er arah Moon it s the re ular e hi itions that can hel invoke a sense of ell ein Man of the exhibitions in our Artbar don’t just support local artists, but also local charities n the last t o ears alone e have raised vital funds for Bath u Foundation Bath Mind and our current e hi ition is o eratin in con unction ith local ho elessness charit ulian House ll art ork is for sale and enefits fro its o n rivate vie evenin here local edia residents and uests are invited to ro se the art and eet the artist This o ortunit acts as a reat latfor for the artists to be able to showcase their work in a professional exhibition style, often to a much wider audience than they would ordinarily be a le to access

A GREAT SCAPE

reat vista can rin a out a sense of cal and des ite its cit -centre location on Walcot treet ou leTree Hilton Bath o ers so e eautiful ers ectives of Bath anda ones sales director ith the hotel e lains ou leTree Hilton Bath hich cele rates ears since it first o ened in is one of the lar est hotels in the cit ith uest edroo s four eetin and events s aces and it also oasts The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel has just launched a selection of new spa days

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

so e s ectacular vie s Fro an of the roo s uests can see the iver von the ack of ultne Brid e and the or eous eor ian architecture includin Tuscan-st le rollin roofto s on hillside residential areas in Bath The hotel is ideall laced for uests to e lore the cit includin the an cit centre reen s aces as all are full alka le includin The ircus o al ictoria ark and dne ardens The hotel also has a co it ent to sustaina ilit and res onsi le touris ou leTree Hilton Bath recentl received the reen Touris ilver ccreditation sa s anda ur latest o erin in our Hilton Meet ith ur ose ro ra e is the o tion of car on neutral eetin s and car on trackin This ena les us to easure the car on i act of an event and then o set it investin in a ortfolio of hi h- ualit car on reduction ro ects ith our artner li e o

WRITTEN IN THE SPAS

The ains orou h Bath a hotel has ust launched a selection of ne s a da s availa le for non-sta in uests to relive the ancient ractice of social athin in Bath s treasured aters The Bath House erience lasts u to four hours here uests can take the aters and en o the Bath House circuit at their o n leisure Ta in into the ori inal o an Bath s rin s the natural ther al ater of Bath is the core of the a illa e Bath e erience o erin a conte orar ers ective

“The abundance of wildlife is supported by a mosaic of woodland”

Combe Grove overlooks Limpley Stoke Valley

LUXURY HOTELS

“We all know the importance of horticulture on wellbeing”

Catch a glimpse of the fallow deer herd at THE PIG near Bath

on the city’s thermal water heritage. Beginning with an aromatherapy blending session, the Bath House circuit includes the chance to bathe in three natural thermal pools of varying temperatures, use of the aromatic steam room, ice alcove, infrared and traditional saunas, as well as access to the fully equipped gymnasium and relaxation terrace.

It also holds two-hour yoga workshops that run 10am to noon on Sundays 21 May, 25 June, 24 September and 19 November, led by expert teachers Bex Bridgford and Lana King. Held in the tranquil setting of the Chapel, it starts with QiGong and Breath, followed by Yang and Yin style yoga practice and closing with the sounds of the crystal bowls and a guided sleep meditation.

GARDENING LEAVE

We all know the importance of horticulture on wellbeing and THE near Bath is o erin free uided tours of its itchen ardens The team of Kitchen Gardeners will take you through the walled Kitchen Gardens, where you can explore the veg patches and raised beds.

There’s a peek inside the polytunnels used to protect plants from the elements, and support all year-round growing. Further promoting the at-one-with-nature vibe is a look around the fruit cages, and a chance to see the estate’s chickens, the pigs, the beehives, and catch a glimpse of the fallow deer herd. ■

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

HOTEL DIRECTORY

Abbey Hotel Bath, 1-3 North Parade, Bath; www.abbeyhotelbath.co.uk Apex City of Bath Hotel, James Street West, Bath; www.apexhotels.co.uk Bath Spa Hotel by MacDonald Hotels, Sydney Road, Bath; www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Combe Grove, Brassknocker Hill, Bath; www.combegrove.com DoubleTree by Hilton Bath, Walcot Street, Bath; www.hilton.com Gainsborough Bath Spa, Beau Steet, Bath; www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk Leighton House Boutique Guesthouse, 139 Wells Road, Bath; www.leightonhousebath.co.uk THE PIG near Bath, Hunstrete House, Hunstrete, Pensford, Bath; www.thepighotel.com

BATH SPA HOTEL

Unwind in complete luxury and enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, a fabulous spa and outstanding food. It's the ultimate destination for relaxation in a peaceful corner of Bath city centre.

Sydney Road, Bath BA2 6NS | 0344 879 9106 | www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/bath

Coronation Celebrations at Whatley Manor Join us to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla the Queen Consort with a month of very special indulgences. Cocktails, Royal Afternoon Tea, relaxing treatments, a ‘Fit for a King’ stay and jubilant celebrations.

Why not make this a Royal Afternoon Tea and enjoy one of our specially created Martini’s to raise a toast on this memorable occasion.

Royal Afternoon Tea – £49.50 Coronation Afternoon Tea – £37.50 Afternoon Tea is served Wednesday – Sunday from 2pm Grey’s restaurant serves lunch Thursday – Sunday, 12 noon to 2.00pm, and dinner from 6pm Wednesday – Sunday Jazz Sundays with lunch on selected dates – £49.50pp Book online, call 01666 822 888, or email reservations@whatleymanor.com

Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa Easton Grey Malmesbury SN16 0RB whatleymanor.com

F FN T

a eters the co-founder of the online latfor lanted on the i ortance of ro otin sustaina ilit and the u co in e hi ition in tourhead Words by Nick Woodhouse Pictures by Ellis Reed

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t s ind as s eak to a eters co-founder of lanted the arketin latfor that showcases businesses who place nature and sustaina ilit at their core a s ust een out ka akin and see s re arka l cal for so eone dee in re arations for their ne t e hi ition Planted Country. eturnin to tourhead this une follo in its de ut last su er the three-da event ill see an e tended and e tensive ro ra e of nature- ased talks and orksho s alon side a ealth of e hi itors o erin desi n-led solutions to the current cli ate e er enc

The couple maintained their ties with ondon launchin their first event Planted Cities, in Kings Cross, then in Broadgate. Sam and e orah ere keen ho ever to e tend their o erin e ond ondon The choice of tourhead for the latfor s first such o erin Planted Country as a natural one The had eco e ever-a are of the re arka le net ork of ur ose-driven co anies here in the West ountr usinesses esta lished not ust to ake rofit ut also to hel co unities and the lanet alike Whilst an of these usinesses i ht have sho roo s and o ces in ondon their heart and ori ins ere often to e found a stone s thro fro their ne ho e a and e orah also discovered a natural ali n ent ith the values of the National Trust art-o ner of the house and ardens at tourhead Not onl did the share si ilar values on re enerative far in and rene a le ener ut also the i ortance of access to nature as a force for ood for eo le oth h sicall and entall Planted Country ill e one of an events aligned to the Great Big Green Week. sta lished in the countr s lar est cele ration of action to tackle cli ate chan e and rotect reen s aces runs this ear fro to une ast ear s cele ration sa over a uarter of a illion eo le oin or anisations and edia outlets in events across the countr combining to put greater pressure on the overn ent to take cli ate chan e seriousl This ear s talk ro ra e at Planted Country, titled Cool Design, Sustainable Future, looks at how we can best respond to that cli ate un redicta ilit and its destructive e ect on natural s ste s unnin across nine talks over the event s three da s the ro ra e ill e coordinated and hosted reno ned desi ner liver Heath liver has lon een a lo al authorit on io hilic desi n an evidence- ased ove ent that looks to enefit our health and ell ein throu h s aces that o er i roved

“Bestowed the title of ‘Godmother of Design’” For a and fello founder and artner Deborah Spencer, Planted was a coming to ether of assions n a ard- innin s orts ournalist and edia ca ai ner a ho ed to co ine his love of the outdoors ith a reater understandin of sustaina ilit Havin launched interior desi n sho designjunction in 2010, and being bestowed the title of od other of esi n the Evening Standard e orah had eco e increasin l a are of the astefulness of such events and as keen to create an alternative one ith a ini al i act on the environ ent usin the re ur osed the rec cled and the reused n soon after the irth of their dau hter the cou le oved fro north est ondon to the Wiltshire villa e of Tis ur in search of a ore eanin ful connection to the outdoors t as here ith a little hel fro friends that the air created lanted a latfor for nature- ased usinesses and or anisations ro oted sustaina l throu h events and edia

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

connections to nature This ear liver ill e oined in the series of talks H helsea edal inners harlotte Harris and Hu o Bu ardenin authors oel shton and arr l Moore Helen Bro nin fro the oil ssociation and nd ato co-founder of Wildfar ed lon side a co rehensive series of ell ein and ractical orksho s in the Festival tent this ear also sees a series of children s orksho s oin the fold for the first ti e Focussin on ins irin nature- ased educational ieces the event ill also hold a schools da on the Frida This ear s event ill also see further additions to its e hi itor list Fro ifest le arden o erin arden furniture usin ethicall sourced aterials to the arden tools of Ni aki ins ired a anese desi n the list of co anies is ide-ran in each lacin nature and sustaina ilit at their core Man such e hi itors are also local to tourhead fro Bruton s r anic Bul s to fa ric and lifest le rand Bon ho have recentl launched Bee Bal hand ade in o erset usin ure o erset ees a s intervie ith a co es to an end, the wind is still blowing a gale at the other end of the hone Nature as it should e ssertin its su eriorit instillin cal ness in disru tive ti es re indin us all that hat surrounds us is precious, and should be cared for at all costs Visit Planted Country, 9 – 11 June, Stourhead, BA12 6QF For more: www.planted-community.co.uk

Nick Woodhouse is the co-director of interior and garden design company Woodhouse & Law on 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath; 01225 428072; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

GARDENS

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Co-founder of Planted Sam Peters; many of the

exhibitors are local to Stourhead; designer Oliver Heath, far left, is hosting many of the events; fellow Planted founder and partner of Sam, Deborah Spencer; there will be a series of wellbeing and practical workshops in the VERVE festival tent

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

SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

Maths can be overwhelming for many people, regardless of age

Do the maths

Working out whether the Prime Minister’s new maths-to-18 qualification adds up

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mid the recent headlines on percentages (mortgage rates) and long addition (soaring cost of living) came one from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that a Great British ‘antimaths mindset’ was holding the economy back. His solution? All school pupils in England should study maths until the age of 18.

Actually this was just one element of a new government plan to reform maths in schools that the pesky journalists (presumably good at English, not maths) pounced on. The PM had put together a panel of calculator-clutching advisors, including education leaders, mathematicians, and business leaders to find a s to address the fact that the UK’s numeracy levels are si nificantl elo the average for developed countries.

It’s estimated that 49 percent of the UK’s working-age population have the numeracy levels of a primary school child.

A shiny new post-16 ualification otentiall introduced as soon as 2025, would expand maths education

in line with the majority of countries in the international league tables, including the United States, Australia, Norway and Japan. But critics were quick to pose their own number problem: where would the teachers come from to teach the new course when there is already a massive shortage of maths teachers? Mr Sunak needed to show his working out.

There is a uch dee er a in the plan to ‘force’ pupils to do maths beyond GCSE, however.

Maths is anxiety-inducing in the way many other subjects are not. Britons’ average response to maths ranges from mild dislike to loathing, and it’s regularly inherited from parents who say they hated maths and it’s perfectly normal to want to get the whole thing over with. In fact, research by mathematics professors at the University of Plymouth’s Institute of

Education, says not passing on your own negative experience of learning maths can be the single most important thing parents can do to help their child do well in the subject.

Clearly we need to look at ways to reduce maths anxiety before we ask pupils to tackle it for two extra years.

According to an international study of over a million pupils published in the National Academy of Sciences in the United States, there are two main ways to do this: make sure teachers are well trained so u ils have confidence in their ability, and reduce the amount of homework. Professor Sue Johnston-Wilder and her team at the Mathematical Resilience Network says the UK also needs to take a long hard look at the all-or-nothing exam system that increases anxiety and sees 175,000 children fail GCSE maths every year. Better

“Why don’t our kids learn about mortgages, pensions, or interest rates?”

to have a greater emphasis on continuous assessment than a new assessment.

Sam Sims, the CEO of National Numeracy, an independent charity that promotes the importance of ‘everyday maths’, agrees. A nu erac ualification that would be “more like a driving test or ass ort-st le certification which everybody could pass and which gives young people more confidence could ork onders to cheer up attitudes to maths. So might more of an emphasis on real life maths that our children might actually use when they leave school.

Why don’t our children learn about mortgages, pensions, or interest rates on credit cards in maths lessons? Functional maths that doesn’t frighten the living daylights out of the next generation. Now that does add up.

Victoria Bond is the founder and CEO of School Guide, an easy-touse website that helps parents explore the best schools in the area, including catchment maps and parent reviews.

For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 77

It’s the city’s business

BATHWORKS THIS ISSUE >>COMMUNITY STONE KING (80) >> AWARDS VOICES FOR LIFE (83) >>CAREER PATHS AP EQUESTRIAN (85)

Top of the pop ups How an empty unit has become a valuable commercial site for more than 32 small businesses in Bath

Carole Waller (above), Clare Hubble (right), and Georgia Cox (below) are three of the six artists making use of the Commercial Hub on 15 New Bond Street

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ust over two years ago, 15 New Bond Street was just another empty unit in Bath – until it became repurposed by Bath council. During the week the unit, known as the Commercial Hub, is a space for council teams to work from, and at the weekends it becomes Made in Bath, and is used by indie businesses, artists and creatives to showcase their work. Since the launch of this venture, the No 15 space has hosted 32 small local usinesses and traders and su orted non- rofit or anisations Terri Gough of BANES explains: “The Vacant Units Action Project was launched in 2020 when vacancy rates in some streets in Bath city centre were at 30 per cent. To address the cumulative impact of empty shops on the high street’s vitality, the team worked on an initial pilot with a collection of local arts groups, cultural stakeholders, landlords, and council teams to take over the windows of vacant shops with 3D art installations, window animations and arts pilots.

“The second phase of the project was four longer-term pilot projects to develop and test ideas around future high streets. These projects have involved the creation of e i le s aces to su ort arts local business, cultural and community uses. Current locations are in Unit 14, Midsomer Norton; Make Space, Keynsham; the Made in Bath pop-ups; and Twerton High Street.”

From 12 – 14 May, the Commercial Hub is hosting the pop-up Six @No15, which is a group of six local creatives – Shay Parsons Photography, Undercover Studio, Clare Hubble, jeweller Tania Harvey, artist Georgia Cox, and designer Carole Waller.

“Long term,” reveals Terri, “there are plans for the Made in Bath o -u s to e relocated to the ne l ac uired ld ost ce building on New Bond Street, so support can continue long term for independent traders.”

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

MEDIACLASH.CO.UK www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 115 79

The Somerset Toiletry HQ, Soap Bar Cafe

Founder of The Somerset Toiletry Co, Sakina Buoy

SOAP STORY The Somerset Toiletry Co, based on the outskirts of Bath, has expanded its space into a derelict former pub in the village of Clutton, and in doing so has added a café which hosts both community events and workshops.

The independent family business, which has been creating luxe toiletries since 1999 and now supplies body care and home fragrance to 55 countries worldwide, was founded and is o ned akina Buo ho sa s The ove o ered the o ortunit to o en a caf ift sho and o er free head o ce space to the homeless charity, Billy Chip.”

For more: www.thesomersettoiletryco.co.uk

Bath Christmas Market is back on 23 November

CULTIVATING GOOD RELATIONS Bath la fir tone in has given a helping hand to Mentoring Plus by sprucing up its garden at the Riverside Youth Hub. The tone in tea ade up of solicitor apprentices and trainees, spent an afternoon tidying up the area and adding new plants, followed sessions at the la fir s headquarters to help the cohort continue their career development.

Lisa Garbelotto, Stone in s kno led e and learning manager, says, “The group has been keen to do a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activity for some time, and we were really pleased to be able to help such a respected and worthwhile organisation.”

Mentoring Plus helps support children and young people across Bath and Somerset who are facing challenges through mentoring schemes, youth clubs and an activities programme.

For more www.stoneking.co.uk | www.mentoringplus.net

Left to right, back row: Davinia Davey, Ammaarah Chothia, Sarah Mohammed, Leanne Shears; front row: Duncan Hutcheson, Emily Ball

SUPER MARKET Bath Christmas Market, which last year boosted the local economy by an estimated £50 million, is inviting applications for the 2023 event. This year it will run for 18 days, opening on 23 November and closing on 10 December, with approximately 180 chalets and hrist as carts on o er Details from an independent survey carried out by the South West Research Company, revealed the 2022 market attracted an estimated 426,000 visitors over the 18-day event – which was up from 403,000 in 2019 – and that all associated additional spend was estimated at approximately £34.3 million, compared to £25 million in 2019. ouncil leader evin u sa s es ite issues like the rail strike, the weather, and the economic climate, Bath Christmas Market was not only hugely popular with visitors, it also received praise from traders and local businesses.”

For more: www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

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

BATHWORKS

IN BRIEF NEW BUILD

Steve Burnard has joined Bath Building Society’s ecutive o ittee as hief Transfor ation cer with a focus on digital transformation. Prior to joining the ociet teve s ent al ost ten ears at lo ds Bankin rou and onths in Ne ealand involved in the earl sta es of a ne l for ed reen nvest ent Bank For more: www.bathbuildingsociety.co.uk

Kamal Ali is a Bath Spa University graduate

PRAY TELL

Steve Burnard of Bath Building Society

ANOTHER DIRECTION

a fir Monahans has recentl a ointed its second new director in three months to join its fast-growing team. lice ls ore oins the fir after a nu er of ears at leadin accountanc fir s to focus on orkin ith o ner ana ed usinesses lread an active e er of the local usiness co unit lice ill e ased in Tro rid e and Bath alon side Beck oun ho as a ointed as a director earlier this year.

For more: www.monahans.co.uk

For er teacher and Bath a niversit M esi n Te tiles raduate a al li has invented the orld s first atented interactive ra er at a al s otivation for the M alah Mat as that his infant son Ha a as stru lin to understand here to lace his hands knees nose and forehead hen usin a traditional ra er at to to erfor alah a ra er ractised Musli s five ti es a da “I wanted to get him something that ould ake it easier for hi to learn and hen looked online there as nothin availa le sa s a al o ot la to out and started desi nin this interactive ra er at Future’s Zillah Byng-Thorne

nitiall the idea as ust to create a sin le hi h ualit roduct that ould hel children learn ho to ra ut following viral social media success – with illions of vie s on TikTok a ne version of the at as later develo ed for adults to hel the develo and erfect their ra in techni ues Together with his wife Fatiha and his arketin ana er le Fell a al has founded a co an ased in Ne ort that no sells M alah Mat in ore than countries around the lo e ith re ion-s ecific versions in no less than di erent lan ua es For more www.bathspa.ac.uk | www.mysalahmat.com Bristol’s Watershed is hosting EntreConf on 22 June

Alice Elsmore

ENTRECONF RETURNS Follo in its successful first t o ears as a virtual event ntre onf is ack on une at The Watershed in Bristol ith a hole host of fresh ins iration for startu s and esta lished usinesses alike The live conference ill feature e ert insi hts anel sessions and roundta les ith the ke note s eaker illah B n Thorne ho has transfor ed the u lishin fir Future fro a valuation of a fe illion to over illion

The se erate ntre onf ards have also een launched ith no inations no o en The ards ai to re ard entre reneurial e cellence in ulti le areas includin technolo ro ert science the edia and eco erce eventeen inners ill e chosen a anel of e erts ith on s distri uted at a cere on on e te er at the Bristol Museu rt aller For more: www.entreconf.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 81

BATHWORKS

The season may be over but there’s still all to play for, with Bath City Football Club o erin local fir s the chance to s onsor its shirts. The annual Shirt Sponsor Draw means companies can enter for £350 and have a chance of winning the top prize of seeing their business’s logo on the front of the Bath it F en s first tea for the whole of the 2023/24 season – plus pitchside hoarding, and programme and digital advertising worth almost £5,000.

Back of shirts and shorts sponsorship are up for grabs for other winners – and every entry gets a free season ticket. Bath City partnerships manager Carole Banwell says, “Every week the Bath City shirt is seen by thousands of fans on the pitch and via our extensive social media, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Web and our newsletter – totalling some 50,000 followers across the platforms.”

Entries close on 18 May and the draw will be made at the Partners Tournament on Friday 19 May. The club’s current shirt sponsor is local pub the Belvoir Arms, while other recent winners have included Rocketmakers, BWW Communications, and Bristol Airport.

For more: www.bathcityfc.com Make your name with a Bath City FC shirt

© W W W.VR ANCHVISUALS.CO.UK

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Tessa pictured with Kirsten Mulcachy, project and events coordinator for Voices for Life

BATH LIFE AWARDS WINNERS EDUCATION WINNER VOICES FOR LIFE SPONSORED BY

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he aim of Voices for Life is to inspire primary school children to e ha and confident throu h sin in confidence and wellbeing projects. Here Tessa Armstrong, founder and executive director, on why she entered the organisation for a Bath Life Award 2023.

What prompted you to enter the Bath Life Awards for this year?

I thought it was really important to highlight how much Voices for Life had achieved in such a short space of time. The charity was only set up during lockdown in 2020, and started its direct work with children in June 2021.

Setting up during lockdown seems like strange timing…

I was expecting many people to question the idea of setting up a singing and music charity during lockdown. No one knew when we would be

allowed to sing together again. However, it turned out to be the best time to form Voices for Life, as the support we received enabled us to be ready to use music to revive healthy social interaction.

How did you find the actual process of nominating yourselves?

The process really highlighted for me the incredible support we have received from Bath, and enterin allo ed e to re ect on this and e so thankful to all those who support us and deliver our services.

What was it, do you think, helped impress the Bath Life Awards judges?

In 2022 we reached 1,000 children in Bath and Wiltshire, with 80 per cent of children engaged in the ro ects sho in i roved confidence We also grew the team by 12, and increased our annual income by over 30 per cent.

What would you say winning the Award means for your business?

We have to fundraise for all our income and that can be hard work, so the Award is a huge boost to Voices for Life. Plus, the recognition of what we do is really appreciated. I have taken it to rehearsals for the children to hold and have a look at – they are all really proud!

For more: www.voicesforlife.org.uk

BLA JUDGES SAID, “THE PROJECT HAS PROVIDED CONFIDENCE TO OVER A THOUSAND CHILDREN FROM DEPRIVED AREAS” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 83

BATHWORKS

“WHY DID I START UP? WELL, WHAT ON EARTH ELSE WAS I GOING TO DO?” all the rest of the hus andr that oes with horse ownership.

CAREER PATH

Alice Peternell

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The AP Equestrian founder on why her horse livery and training business makes her heart go giddy up

lice Peternell is a Grand Prix dressage rider ho as a ualified dressage coach, helps train others to succeed in the sport. She is based at the Ford Farm equestrian complex in Hinton, from which she also runs her horse oardin sta les and e i le liver services uestrian Alice, what was your early experience in this field?

I learnt to ride as a small child and evented at on clu co etitions and as instantl hooked Fortunatel arents ere ver su ortive as the reco nised that this as so ethin that reall had a assion for and could actuall do Have you always been around horses, then?

I grew up and went to school ust outside Bath and s ent

childhood riding horses along the ridle a s and lanes and a art fro livin for s ells in Holland here orked and trained ith Bert utten t o ti e l ian and World Master of ressa e rand ri have re ained in this area as it rovides a great base for equestrian sport and has allo ed e to develo career over the ears Was there one pivotal moment?

M first real reak ca e hen rou ht the talented five ear old rnie Wendelicht u throu h the ranks fro oun riders co etitions to rand Prix; he went on to be long listed for the tlanta l ics Tell us a little about AP Equestrian t uestrian hich as esta lished in e rovide horse oardin stabling, schooling for horses, riding facilities and rider trainin We have some of the best equestrian facilities in the region, including an indoor arena,

which allows riding and training all ear round What was your inspiration for starting up the company?

Well hat on earth else as oin to do onl had one lan hich as to ork ith horses and as oin to do that no matter what. I started rentin out sta les at the ack of arents house and it re fro there Thirt ears later e have a sta le ard sittin a on st acres of eautiful countr side Tell us a little about your team… ll of our tea have een involved ith horses fro a oun a e in a variet of ack rounds and disci lines The ensure that the da to-da needs of horses sta led ith us are taken care of This ives horse o ners the lu ur of ein a le to s end ualit ti e ith their ani als and en o ridin ithout havin to orr a out uckin out sta les and

Who are your clientele? ur clients are varied and include ever one fro us rofessionals to students ho ant to en o ridin ut do not have the ti e co it ent that a lar e ani al takes We also have serious dressa e and eventin co etitors ho ish to ake use of our facilities and e ertise to maximise their horse’s potential.

What are the tougher aspects of your job?

When the sun is shinin it is literall the best job in the world. But when it’s freezing cold, pouring with rain, and ou re so tired ut ou kno that ou still have et out and ake sure the ani als are looked after it s hard ur horses don t do da s o the still need uckin out feedin e ercisin even if it is hrist as da t s o that de ands care and attention da s a ear Is there someone in business that you particularly admire? train re ularl ith the international l ic rider arl Hester He has entored e for an ears and is so eone hose o inion hi hl value in all things equestrian.

Any achievements you are personally proud of?

I guess winning at the National ha ionshi s as a definite highlight, and also being selected to ride for countr it akes all the ears of trainin hard ork and dedication worthwhile.

For more: AP Equestrian, Ford Farm Stables, Hinton; www.apequestrian.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 85

© PHOTO BY JON CR AIG

© PHOTO BY JON CR AIG

BATHWORKS

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Nick in conversation with Greg Ingham at Avon Gorge Hotel

At our latest EntreConf dinner, NICK HOUNSFIELD of The Wave explained how he took a slice of the ocean and put it in some fields just north of Bristol, creating the first inland surfing destination of its kind in the world

N

ick founded The Wave in 2010, starting with a budget of just £500 and a vision of rin in surfin nature and ‘blue health’ to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. After building a team and raising £30 million, it opened in Bristol in autu n as the first lace in the world to use ground-breaking Wavegarden Cove technology.

In his pre-Wave life, Nick – just like his dad, his wife, sister, brotherin-law and sister-in-law – had been an osteopath. “We called it the family practice.”

And then came the trigger moment: Nick’s dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. “He died at Bristol o al nfir ar ade a slightly crazy promise to him that I would do something in his name that he’d be really proud of.

Something that would pull together all of his passions, which happen to also be my passions: looking after people’s health.

“I made that promise at that time, not even knowing what I was getting myself into. And then, slowly, seeds

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

of an idea started coming through.

About creating a space where people could engage, which could also turn into a business.”

Nick knew the importance of creating a killer team who bought into the vision. “When you truly trust people around you, anything’s possible. I needed a team who were way more bright than me to be able to work out the legals and the financials and all the rest of it Through luck or judgment, Nick chose the right people. What advice would he give to any entrepreneur looking to appoint advisors?

“First of all, choose the one that actually backs you and doesn’t char e ou to start o ith But then it’s about making sure you’re working with somebody you can scale up with, who is willing to treat you and the absolute grassroots as though you were the most high-

“WHEN YOU TRULY TRUST THE TEAM AROUND YOU, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE ”

in usiness of all ti e a out treating you with the respect that says what you’re bringing forwards is just as important as if it was Elon Musk, standing front of them.”

For the first t o or three onths says Nick, “we were like rabbit in headli hts none of us had ever done what we were doing at that time before. It felt like we had the eyes of the whole world watching us, waiting to see how we were going to react to tricky situations.”

In early 2020 – as if the pandemic were not enough – Nick su ered a stroke trau atic for an one ut for a ver fit an in his early 40s, who had just launched a business, a potential disaster.

“Again, it was about trusting the people around me. I needed to raise another five illion ounds to save the business and make sure that our sta ave- akers and investors were all right, while not being able to communicate the need to make sure that they were all right.”

So did the experience changed him as a manager? “Yeah, massively.

Through [recovering up at The Wave] I realised that a massive part of my rehabilitation was being in

EntreConf attendees heard how Nick Hounsfield founded an inland surfing space in Bristol

blue spaces around water. It gave me a renewed vigour to be able to message how important being by water is to people’s health and wellbeing.”

It also cemented Nick’s determination that The Wave should be for everyone.

“I realised that it was still being used by the lucky few. We weren’t et fulfillin our vision hich as about all ages, all backgrounds, all abilities. Right at the start we’d known it’d be really easy to market surfin to hite iddle class ales We knew that it would be really hard to do the opposite.”

This year, Nick has concentrated on more social impact work, trying to reach out to communities that would not normally have the ability to use The Wave and also to re ect diversit in his o n sta “It’s been working, but we’ve got a long way to go.”

For more: www.entreconf.com | www.thewave.com

EntreConf returns on 22 June at Watershed with a whole host of fresh inspiration for start-ups and established businesses.

NEW: nominations are open for the first EntreConf Awards on 28 September, celebrating entrepreneurial excellence and recognising the vital roles of advisors. For full details, see www.entreconf.com

THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN

GREAT MINDS THINK… DIFFERENTLY Stimulation, insights and valuable connections at conference for entrepreneurs and business owners Attend EntreConf

22 June 2023. Watershed, Bristol ASSOCIATES

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

ABOVE: The Jane Austen House’s picture framing was done

by Looking Glass of Bath; RIGHT: This property is where the author worked on some of her most famous novels

Refurbishment

THE COMPLETE WORKS The Jane Austen House in Bath wins an Airbnb award At the end of the last year, Airbnb held its inaugural UK Host Awards and amongst the seven winners was Maxwell Lamb for his Bathbased property, the Jane Austen House.

The apartment, which won Best Design Stay, is located in Jane Austen’s family dwelling on Sydney Place, where she lived from 1801 and as one of the first ro erties in Bath to be purpose-built with running water and a sewerage system. It is also where Jane usten finished editin her novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey, and started work on The Watsons.

Maxwell says, “The apartment’s design is

a somewhat eccentric and eclectic blend of a Victorian gentleman’s cabinet of curiosities, my own family’s history, and Georgian decor.

“I bought the apartment in 2013, and lived there with my wife Anna for a fair few years, which allowed us to really feel the property and design the interior based on my own intimate knowledge of the space.

“We are, of course, limited by the fact that the property is Grade I listed; however, I believe in the importance of preserving architectural heritage, and working within constraints can be its own reward.”

During the process of re-designing the property’s interior, Maxwell and Anna used many local business. “We couldn’t have done it without the quality workmanship of local companies like Reedec Ltd, who hung our wallpaper and created the map room, which is covered in nautical maps,” says Maxwell. “The shower room was completed by Pietra Wood & Stone, the beautiful reupholstery of the antique chairs done by Walcot Upholstery, and the picture framing is by Looking Glass of Bath.”

For more: www.airbnb.co.uk

sbsdesignandbuild.com 01225 874676 info@sbsdesignandbuild.com

PROPERTY NEWS Product design

AMAZING GRACE Alice Grace, who runs an eponymously named interior design co an has ust launched the usiness s first ever roduct line The items include a nightstand, bedside cabinet, storage cabinet, desk and a tra all of hich have een ade Bath Bes oke ho specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of large scale internal and e ternal oiner ro ects lice sa s rafted fro British oak our ver first ho e ares collection has een eticulousl considered and uilt to last Ti eless in desi n the five ieces have een created to e assed do n throu h the enerations to eco e ite s of true eanin “The collection was inspired by an antique mirror I inherited fro rand other The iece had not onl a eautiful ar oak finish ut also soft curved details hich added a entle softness to the fra e For more: www.instagram.com/alicegraceinteriors

ABOVE: Alice Grace, on the right, and her colleague Alexa Weston, with the new five-piece oak collection

Improvements

ON CAMPUS Bath olle e is e andin and refur ishin the facilities at o er alle a us in adstock Brand ne orksho s are ein uilt to house the College’s new engineering suite, which will be open for usiness in e te er rades include the installation of t o e anine oors to rovide additional teachin s ace for electrical and ulti-skills students and the s ace ill also house the Buildin nfor ation Modellin and Ful a uite nvest ent is also ein ade into additional teaching spaces and the refurbishment of the dedicated otor vehicle orksho creatin conte orar teachin s aces su orted di ital technolo For more: www.bathcollege.ac.uk

Holm is to create seven bedrooms above its restaurant

Restoration

COMING HOLM n ul this ear Hol in outh o erset ill o en seven en suite edroo s a ove the restaurant follo in a a or renovation ro ect Working with Architect Gundry & Ducker, the bedrooms will mirror the eclectic aesthetic as the restaurant below, ith ori inal features of the s uildin restored to sit alon side odernist oiner id-centur furniture and conte orar art orks In addition to the bedrooms, the upstairs will also feature a i ed-use studio s ace to e used as a loun e for overni ht uests as ell as a s ace for a id- ornin ilates class or takin in so e art on dis la local artists t ill also serve as a venue for drinks rece tions rivate functions and co unit events For more: www.holmsomerset.co.uk

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

Bath College’s Sommer Valley Campus is expanding

PROPERTY

BROCK STREET

I

A Grade I home with A1 credentials

By Rachel Ifans

t’s the perennial debate: is it best to live in the town or the country? Both have their advantages and their drawbacks: hustle and bustle and convenience versus space, greenery and fresh air. A wise woman once told us: “If you’re going to live in the city, live in the heart of the city, next to a park.”

Or to put it another way, it’s all about location, location, location. The suburbs are where most of us live, of course, which makes the location of this beautiful Brock Street property all the more wondrous.

Heritage oozes from every corner of this grand family home, with an award-winning courtyard and walled garden, and it’s slap bang in the centre of the city. It sits on the corner of Brock Street and the Circus, a oneminute hop to the heart of Bath and its businesses, shops and nightlife. Follow Brock Street a little further along and you have the expanse of the Royal Crescent, where there’s greenery and trees and open spaces galore down nearby Royal Avenue.

That’s the location sorted, then, but what about the house itself? As you might expect, it’s got a pretty impressive backstory. Built by John Wood the younger, it’s Grade I listed and has views of the Circus from the front and side and Royal Victoria Park to the rear.

The first thin that hits ou hen ou alk in is the

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

“Built by John Wood the younger, it’s Grade I listed and has views of the Circus” HOUSE NUMBERS Bedrooms

5

Bathrooms

3

Floor space

5,382 sq ft

Guide price

£3.75m

What else? 5 parking spaces For more: Bowerhouse, 4 Bladud Buildings, Bath; www.bowerhousebath.com

sense of space. The entrance hallway is a real statement s ace ith a orkin fire lace and a s ee in cantilever staircase decorated in a style that’s modern hile not esche in its storied ast n the sa e oor there’s a dual aspect study – just to make concentrating on work instead of looking out of the window that much harder! – as well as a dining room with views of the ircus and a li ht-filled kitchen li the stairs to the first oor and ou re reeted by something genuinely unusual – an oval drawing room. Granted, all our furniture is designed around right angles but it’s such a cool space that you could definitel ake it ork There are five oors in total ith five edroo s five rece tion roo s and sorr to disa oint lovers of symmetry – three bathrooms. The main bedroom is on the second oor ith hu e vie s of the ark as seems only right for a house of this heritage, it has a dressing room attached and an en suite with a big clawed-foot tub.

Headin do nstairs the lo er round oor has a two-bedroom suite with private access, perfect for visitors and teenagers, or even visiting teenagers.

It also houses a number of vaulted storage rooms, which have no doubt held some fascinating things over the centuries, much like the rest of this stylish, historic house.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 95

SPONSORED CONTENT

AN EVOLUTION OF VALUES

Peter Greatorex discusses the evolution of PETER GREATOREX UNIQUE HOMES – the rebrand

I

n today’s ever-changing business landscape, businesses always evolve and their focus can shift. This is what has happened at Peter Greatorex Unique Homes. We have always been a niche property broker, but now we’ve positioned ourselves in the prime and super-prime property markets. As we have been spending time working on strengthening and developing our brokerage, we wanted our brand to reflect our quality service, our passion for beautiful presentation and values. We therefore decided that we needed to rebrand to reinforce our position as a leading luxury service within the local property market.

Rebranding is not only about updating logos or refreshing websites; it’s about representing a quality service.

We provide a customer-centred approach which exceeds expectations and leads to customer loyalty and advocacy. Word of mouth is a critical driver of our growth, and it was essential that this was represented in our new branding.

Values play a critical role when it comes to rebranding. They are like the roots of a tree, firmly planted in the ground, which uphold the branches and leaves above. When a company undergoes a rebrand, its values serve as a guiding force that determines the direction and outcome of the process.

Focusing on our values gives us a sense of purpose and direction. We also wanted to ensure we created an emotional connection with our clients. Our clients are at the heart of what we do.

We are known for our beautiful presentation, whether that is the bespoke marketing strategy we curate for our clients or how we present our business. Beautiful presentation helps to create a memorable and lasting impression with a cohesive branding package that includes all areas of what we do. Working with an outstanding branding agency, we agreed on a sophisticated look that truly represents where we are now.

With 30+ years in property, Peter has built an agency and brokerage that exploits modern technology to the full, combined with a more traditional commitment to personalised service. He has marketed and sold some of the area’s most amazing homes, from iconic Clifton Victorian homes to grand Georgian residencies and exceptional rural retreats.

Agile and versatile marketing is key in today’s property market, particularly in the high-end segment. Many sellers prefer a more discreet approach, and this is an area where we have been particularly successful. Our point of difference is that we proactively seek homes that are not necessarily on the market.

We match homes with buyers through our own network of pre-qualified contacts and prospects. As a result of our proactive approach, we have built a strong database of high net worth individuals looking for prime homes in the Bath, Bristol, and surrounding areas.

Rebranding is a big undertaking. We are proud of the result; it reflects our prime property focus as well as our values, service, and beautiful presentation. It encompasses our discreet selling specialism with our client-centric approach. We believe our branding now better conveys our differentiation in an ever-changing world. ■

“AGILE AND VERSATILE MARKETING IS KEY IN TODAY’S PROPERTY MARKET, PARTICULARLY IN THE HIGH-END SEGMENT. MANY SELLERS PREFER A MORE DISCREET APPROACH, AND THIS IS AN AREA WHERE WE HAVE BEEN PARTICULARLY SUCCESSFUL”

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

4 Queen Street, Bath, BA1 1HE Tel: 01225 904999 info@petergreatorex.co.uk www.petergreatorex.co.uk

PAINTED LOVE

Atelier Ellis founder Cassandra Ellis on curating art, mixing paint, and moving to Bath Words by Lydia Tewkesbury Photos by Ellen Christina Hancock

C

assandra Ellis, the colourist, author, and founder of the handmade paints specialists Atelier Ellis, has just opened a gorgeous, tiny four storey townhouse on Walcot Street. As well as being a home for Atelier Ellis’s quiet palette of handmade aints assandra ill e curatin e hi itions on domesticity and living arts, as well as hosting conversations about the home, and inviting artists and artisans to spotlight their work. cross the four oors assandra ai s to e lore the richness e otion and hu anit of colour ith u co in e hi itions Hands, Hearts and Humans and Memories and Marks and Fragments – both aiming to transcend the idea of what a shop means to the community. To mark its launch, the townhouse is hosting a special Beginnings e hi ition the Bath- ased New Zealand-born photographer Jessica MacCormick, through until the end of May. Also on display is 50 Cups, a playful take on the humble drinking u fro he eld- ased akers otter West ho ill e creatin individual mugs as a warming mark of gratitude to new friends; each vessel ein di erent and earin the ark of its aker The round oor hosts the Mi in oo here the telier llis tea i and resent colours on re uest ith all aints ade to order To celebrate this new beginning, Cassandra has created a palette of nine hand ade aint shades in an ode to Bath ca turin the uni ue tones and emotions of the city. Atelier Ellis will also be opening their own allot ent near so sta can lunch to ether on local seasonal roduce Here e find out ore a out assandra her vision and her ne found love for Bath

PROPERTY

Cassandra Ellis with the 50 Cups display by the Sheffield-based makers Pottery West

Can you tell us a little bit about your background. We hear you’re from New Zealand originally…

I grew up in Papakura in South Auckland, and studied economics before moving into the worlds of set and event design in New Zealand and ursuin love a air ith te tiles throu h various co issions natural dyeing, and also writing a number of books. I moved to England from New Zealand – for the second time – in 2008. It was right at the beginning of the recession and, though I had worked in magazines and art direction for a long time, that wasn’t an option anymore. I decided to apply the skills I’d acquired to property, and began buying and selling in ondon and usse hich eventuall allo ed e to set u telier llis And what was your inspiration in creating Atelier Ellis? This is no ordinary paint company, is it?

Atelier Ellis was born from our belief that home can be an uplifting container for the life, stories and memories that happen there. Our intensely-pigmented, en terré colours are designed to envelop you and create spaces that are welcoming, calming and cocooning. We craft our colours like an artist, using up to ten pigments to create the erfect co le and nuanced shade ver colour is oth fa iliar and comforting, imagined from timeless human, nature and art-based ideas.

Our palette is designed to create the perfect backdrop and a framework for creating the stories that place you at the centre of your home.

What inspires you when it comes to style and décor?

For e it has al a s een art travel nature ords te tiles ooks and humanity. I would say it’s always a feeling, an emotion, that inspires me – rather than an actual colour that I’ve seen. I am a maven by nature so I am very research heavy. I tend to circle around an idea, research it and then the colour comes.

The Walcot Street townhouse is Atelier Ellis’s new flagship store

“I wanted to create a domestic space where our customer could feel the colours” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 99

PROPERTY Why did you choose Bath to expand Atelier Ellis?

Bath is beautiful. It’s full of lovely people and independent businesses and, of course, the visual aspect of it is joyous. There is fantastic food and co ee eautiful countr side and an incredi le inde endent stores ou are also inutes a a fro all sorts of to ns and cities Bruton Fro e Bristol troud that o er reat contrast We have visited an ti es over the ears and one da e stood in front of a house that as for sale in the centre of the cit and said let s o Do you also live here now?

es e are ased here havin oved fro ondon ike ever one ou choose to live so e here ased on ork ud et or love for ost of our life and then so ethin or a fe thin s ha en and ou need or have the o ortunit to chan e For e an incredi l serious illness and then arria e to lon ter love in ade us rethink ever thin We had een livin that life of art ti e cit and art ti e countr and it ust eca e too uch There as a ver true need to live ith less so that e could have ore life ore o and ore eaut We have our store studio and co an allot ent all ithin t o iles of each other ith our house in the iddle t ust see ed a ver lo ical ste Talk us through the townhouse on Walcot Street. What is the ethos and purpose?

n essence the Walcot treet to nhouse is our ne a shi store and a do estic s ace here e elco e all to i erse the selves in our alette and find ne a s of tellin the stor of ho e loved the fact that it as a ro er house ith a sho front aint colours are fairl ne ulous creatures in that hat ou see in a retail environ ent ill look ver di erent at ho e nd so anted to create a do estic s ace here ABOVE: Atelier Ellis is no ordinary paint company; BELOW: The space is designed to help clients ‘feel’ the colour

“The intensely-pigmented, en terré colours are designed to envelop you”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 101

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PROPERTY

Each room in the townhouse has its own colour palette

our custo er could feel the colours and think a out hat environ ent the ould like to create and live ith rather than honin on one colour that on t necessaril ork once the et it ho e We al a s sa er cent hu an and then er cent house What was your vision for the décor of the interior of the house? Are you a planner?

er uch so there have een onths of thou ht dra in s and research to think a out ho e ould like the s ace to feel anted it to e uiet s are ut detailed ith as uch ne ative s ace But also like to iterate ecause uildin s thro ou curve alls that ou have to ive in to We had arches fro a revious tenant hich thou ht ere false The aren t and so the circular sha e of the then infor ed a chan e in other desi ns ne curve on its o n is lonel ut re ectin the curve ith the sha e of our indo seat ade a conversation You’ve also made some new shades of your paint inspired by Bath…

Naturall felt ins ired to create a ne alette to cele rate the o enin and our collective ove to Bath - a tri ute to the surroundin cit to creative freedo and to the rh th ic i ration of irds that arks the chan in of the seasons in in the rass atchin the soar s oo and la in the air Hearin the seein the and feelin the the ark seasons ti e and nature at her ost refined ver ear the e in a ain la in the foundation for a ne fa il a ne season and a ho eful nest nd the o er colours that are eautifull honed ethereal and stirrin in their co inations Talk us through the colour scheme. What is the palette and why did you choose it?

We have three custo er facin roo s and a connectin stair ell and the each have their o n alettes and a s of usin colours and finishes ver solstice the alette ill chan e ut for our launch the store is

“We craft our colours like an artist”

coloured in ith our nine ne colours ur first oor front aller is ver dark usin Under Wood a dark reen on the alls an un ainted li e laster ceilin and Aged Black indo s hereas our first oor front aller is li ht usin Tamaki on alls and ceilin and Zumai on the indo s and a secret Blockprint Yellow cu oard The roo s are tied to ether ith Hummingbird dark lue oors The staircase t ists and chan es fro dark to li ht and our sho front is in our ne soft ink Beginnings anted to sho case di erent a s of usin colours ou can have a lilac radiator if ou ant to Did you have any moments of doubt, or worry that the design wouldn’t come together?

l a s

What was the most challenging room to design?

The ost challen in thin as ensurin that the hole s ace felt suita l do estic hilst ein a retail s ace and akin sure it o ed Do you have a favourite room?

think the first roo round oor sho front is ver lovel We rec cled old oak oorin to create a eautiful indo seat and dis la shelvin for our hand ainted colour cards The li ht co in throu h the indo s akes it a ver elco in lace to e And a favourite item?

The indo seat hich To fro roove ade ith such incredi le thou ht and care We have na ed it To s ench as a thank ou to his crafts anshi Have you started on your own home yet?

We are a out to start restorin our ne ho e in Bath thinkin a lot a out hat ould like this ho e to feel like for us for the lon ter For more: Atelier Ellis, 98 Walcot Street, Bath; www.atelierellis.co.uk Got an amazing local property? Want it to feature in Bath Life?

Contact sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk

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

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EMPOWERING YOUNG CARERS TO REACH THEIR POTENTIAL The Young Carers Development Trust was created following the incredibly low statistics of young carers in West Wiltshire accessing higher and further education. Today we operate across the South-West and beyond, with webinars that reach across the UK. We aim to inspire and nurture young carers to achieve their potential. Our approach is to work with local young carers services to identify young carers with real potential who are unlikely to succeed without targeted support. We empower young carers to strive for ambitious goals, to advance in life and to become active, inspiring role models for others from backgrounds similar to their own.

Young carers are at the centre of everything YCDT do, from involving them in the future direction of the charity to ensuring we have Trustees and staff with first-hand experience of life as a young carer.

“It’s been really nice to have someone to talk to and get advice from outside of my family.

It’s good to know there’s someone there just for me” Tilly shares her experience of working with her Development Mentor.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I know I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for YCDT” Sammy

For more information, please visit www.ycdt.org.uk Young Carers Development Trust, The Carers Centre,Woodlands, Lower Bristol Rd, Bath BA2 9ES info@ycdt.org.uk | 07368 366660 |

youngcarersdevelopmenttrust

The Young Carers Development Trust is a charity (1150197) and a company limited by guarantee (England and Wales No. 07771110).

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BATH LIVES

“I understudied on a show starring Felicity Kendal” pudding aside. But it’s the best kind of hard work. Also people who work in children’s literature are very lovely.

Once a book is published it’s out of your hands. In a way,

PHOTO BY AMY CASSIDY

it’s no longer yours. I found the experience slightly unsettling the first cou le of ti es t s otten easier with the last two.

SARAH COYLE

The children’s author on the joy of finding a job that legitimises day dreaming Sarah Coyle has had several picture books for children published, her most recent being Pick a Story a Dinosaur + Unicorn + Robot Adventure. Her previous roles have included bartender, receptionist, waiter, temp, kitchen assistant, actor, and office administrator.

Sarah lives in Fairfield Park and has two children.

British not cottish or rish either ind erha s Bath ill take e in

Like many who have wandered Bath-wards I grew up in London. South London, to

I wrote a great deal as a child.

be clear. My dad’s Glaswegian.

M u s rish This eans a Not n lish a also Not

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

I was very well behaved at school. The idea of not doing

hat as told terrified e So I have always been awed by rule reakers ve ot uch better at it as an adult but there’s still a lon a to o until full - ed ed trou le

enerall stu ased on a es I played about hierarchical deer called Silver Hooves and orphaned fairies with scurvy. ade the ooks self

titchin a es and ar lin card oard covers re-read so e recently. They are truly awful.

Terri le indless drivel I understudied on a show starring Felicity Kendal once.

She is as delightful as you would i a ine and orked on that sho for onths f she d een a piece of work there’s no way she could have kept it on the downlow that long.

I had a baby and so couldn’t do the usual things I did to

be creative like auditioning for ‘less attractive best friend’ in un aid inde endent fil s But had to do so ethin o e an to write. Then I began to write picture books. A light was turned on t hasn t turned o since I have found an industry that legitimises my daydreaming.

I won’t say it’s not hard work.

Anything really good usually is,

I am learning to play the guitar. In another life I would

have been in a band as lead singer/guitarist. In another life I would have been good at singing. The sound would be e tre el retentious alternative electro rock folk blues with an orchestra thrown in. I have never tried to rite a son scared of hat i ht unleash I have to say, I bloody love living here. oved fro

London just over a year ago. like to alk Fro Fairfield Park you can walk into town, you can walk out to green, you can walk to Larkhall. The south of Bath is a ster to e But looking forward to cracking that ster soon

My favourite Bath indie shop is American Dream Comics.

A treasure trove for anyone into their co ics or ra hic novels It’s well hidden. It has a blue door. Happy hunting. ■

The Pick a Story series by Sarah Coyle, with illustrations by Adam Walker-Parker, is published by Far Shore.

For more: www.farshore.co.uk

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