Bath Life - Issue 499

ISSUE 499 / LATE SUMMER 2023 / £3

TAKING SHAPE

THE HOLBURNE TELLS THE FASCINATING STORY OF CERAMICIST LUCIE RIE ISSUE 499 / LATE SUMMER 2023 / A POTTED HISTORY

A 10 PAGE

B A T H B O UL E S SPECIAL

THE WONDERS OF WILTSHIRE

FROM CHALKED HORSES TO COMPUTER MUSEUMS IN A CHARMED COUNTY

THE HUB OF IT

HOW TO MAKE CO-WORKING SPACES BEAUTIFUL

POWER DRESSING

A NEW DYNAMIC BATH FASHION SHOW WITH A MIGHTY MESSAGE

WITH A FLOURISH

THE ETHICAL FARM SHOP THAT’S DOING GOOD

PRETTY IN PINK

LET’S GO BARBIE-CORE IN THE HOME

PLUS! BATH LIVES WITH RAJANI NAIDOO / DIVINE DINING AT GRIFFIN INN / CULTURE CLUB WITH LAURA DAWN PYATT

SEPTEMBER

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

6th September – Maggie May: The Rod Stewart Years 7th September – The Carpenters Songbook 9th September – Thank You For The Music

12th September – Stranger Sings: The UK Theatre Premiere 14th September – The Rest Is Politics Live 15th September – Alfie Boe 16th September– 90s Live

Maggie May: The Rod Stewart Years 6th September

18th September – Graham Nash: Sixty Years Of Songs And Stories

The Carpenters Songbook 7th September

Thank You For The Music 9th September

Stranger Sings 12th September

19th September – Aunty Donna: The Magical Dead Cat Tour 20th September – Miriam Margolyes: Oh Miriam!

21st September – Loose Women Live

22nd September – Dexys Presents: The Feminine Divine Live 27th September – An Evening with Adrian Edmondson 28th September – The Makings of a Murderer

30th September – 7th October – Children’s Literature Festival

www.bathforum.co.uk

90s Live 16th September

Graham Nash 18th September

Loose Women Live 21st September

Bath Box Office | 01225 463362

The Makings of a Murderer 28th September

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

EDITOR’S LETTER

WATCH OUT! WALLPAPER BY MINDTHEGAP; W W W.MINDTHEG.UK

T

king out office ce not initi oun the o t ri eting o u ect ut it kin o i It here o n o u en or h e ent uch o our i e n t office h e inc u e to er ock in ri to roo ng h re certi c te e nite re ri k north on on e ent e to the ri ith e o ing ne er cutting n e uti u Georgi n e ue e in the he rt o th e he o Bath Life I no o h ri ork ro th ho e ctu in g r en he hich itte i ore co on o riet th n conte or r i ing u e ut ctu I e ie e I h e nother ork e the o t it o ne hich I h re ith eo e the cit it e e itor o Bath Life I get to e rt o n he te the tor o o n on er u e ent n cti itie h ening here ro co unit g thering ike the th ou e turn to ge or ho ing ten ge eci on thi e r through to the tre night re t ur nt i it ne u ine unche n g er e hi ition ike th t o ucie ie t the o urne u eu een on our co er n o er on ge It uch e ure to e out o office in th th t e k re neg ecte ho e er I king te u er re o ution it hen ou h I o th t hen the c ock ch nge n the e ther get co er It o kno n e on rocr tin tion In ire our e ture ooking t the cor o h re ork ce ge n our think ink interior t rting ge I going to gi e orking he keo er h t i un e there rt e ti unch re i re concert to go to r t

SARAH MOOLLA Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

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© PHOTO BY ABE NOAD, NOAD PRODUCTIONS; INSTAGR AM @NOADPRODUCTIONS

Issue 499 / Late summer 2023 COVER Pictured is Footed Bowl, c.1978-80, and Bowl, c.1975, both

by Lucie Rie. Photographed by Mark Dalton. Both private collection, and feature in Holburne Musuem’s current exhibition. Turn to page 29 for more on Lucie and her works.

13

BATH BOULES

13 BOULEZ VOUS? A ten page special covering all the highs, and the more highs, of the four-day Queen Square fundraising extravaganza

THE ARTS 29 30 39 41

ARTS INTRO The Lucie Rie exhibition at the Holburne WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, comedy, art, and more BOOKS Mr B on the Children’s Literature Festival FILMS What’s coming up on the Little Theatre big screen

GO EXPLORE

44

44 WILTSHIRE In praise of this most wondrous county

FOOD & DRINK

49 FOOD & DRINK NEWS The Mint Room has a new chef 50 RESTAURANT REVIEW Checking out the Griffin Inn 52 FARM SHOP The ethos and eats at the Flourish café

LIFESTYLE 54 57 58 60

FASHION The inaugural Strength in Style Fashion Show SHOP LEAD Wallpaper meets pop art EDITOR’S CHOICE Think pink for your home GARDENS Grow for Life, the local charity helping communities

54

BUSINESS

67 NETWORK Meet cider maker extraordinaire, Martin Thatcher 70 NETWORK NEWS Local business news, views, and interviews 76 WORKSPACES The décor of shared working hubs

PROPERTY

87 PROPERTY LEAD Plans for the derelict printing press site 88 PROPERTY NEWS Final call for Bath Property Award entries 90 SHOWCASE Explore a Freshford dream home

DEPARTMENTS

8 11 27 98

SPOTLIGHT International sport arrives in Bath INSTAS The al fresco manifesto FLATLINE Special delivery for Flats BATH LIVES Meet the University of Bath’s Rajani Naidoo

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Matt Bielby, Nic Bottomley, Marianne Cantelo, David Flatman, Rachel Ifans, Gracie Hanson, Emma Ingledew, Saffron McGlynn, Georgia McGovern, Nyx Morris, Poppy Murphy and Nick Woodhouse Social media assistant Grace Goodall grace.goodall@mediaclash.co.uk 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 Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Matt Gynn matt.gynn@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@ mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, 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 and Bristol.

Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT FROM LEFT: Myles Pillage, Jess Varley, Charlie Brown, Emma Whitaker, Sam Curry, Gina Speakman, Joe Choong, Olivia Green, Guy Anderson, Kerenza Bryson, Ross Charlton and Alex Bousfield

Sport

DYNAMIC DOZEN

The 12-strong Pentathlon GB team, pictured above, are about to take part in the UIPM Modern Pentathlon World Championships 2023, taking place at the University of Bath National Training Centre, 19 – 28 August.

Among those involved is reigning World and Olympic Champion modern pentathlete Joe Choong, who will be bidding to defend his crown at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifying event. He says, “It is always an honour to represent your country, but to be going into a home World Championships as the defending champion is a particularly special moment. We are taking on the very best in the world and the standard of competition is going to be intense, especially with the Paris Olympics just a year away, but the support from the home fans will give us an extra boost.”

This year’s Modern Pentathlon or Ch ion hi re the r t to be staged in Britain since 2009, and will be contested in the new 90-minute format. Spectators will be able to watch the fencing, horse-riding, and laser run live from their seats in an outdoor arena at the Team Bath Sports Training Village, while the swimming section – taking place in the University’s Olympic-sized pool – will be broadcast via a large video screen in the stadium.

The pentathlon competition will be preceded, 19 – 21 August, by the UIPM Laser Run World Championships, t king ce in rit in or the r t ti e hi co ine running and shooting in fast-paced races and will include a para laser run category.

And to mark a month of international sport in Bath, a free exhibition celebrating 100 years of modern pentathlon (and its links with Bath) is currently taking place in the city.

It comprises 24 illustrative panels, which are located at the Vaults next to Bath Spa railway station, and can be seen until 29 August. But even that’s not quite all, as over in Sydney G r en counci g r en te h cre te o er bed based on the World Championship logo.

For more: www.wch23.org

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BANES council garden team have created a flower bed based on the World Championship logo; INSET: The exhibition near Bath Spa station

SPOTLIGHT

THE AL FRESCO MANIFESTO Grab a table outside, while there’s still time

@bathpizzaco

@loveforbathuk

@commonroombath

@there_are_rachelsphotos

@sarahjanemillman

@lorna_s_photography

@noyaskitchen

@coffeewithsummer

@frasertakesphotos

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PHOTO BY DAN BURMAN, FUTUREPROOF CREATIVE; WWW.FUTUREPROOFCREATIVE.CO.UK

SPONSORED BY

BOULEZ VOUS?

Were you there for the merveilleuse quatre days of sun, fun, and boules at Queen Square? If so, see if you can spot yourself in our ten-page special.

And if not, catch you next year!

SOCIETY

BOULE TO BE KIND

Once again the boldest, bestest, and most badass of all of Bath’s boules teams congregated in Queen Square for an extended four-day tournament 29 June – 2 July, to help raise money for local charities. The 32nd year in the Bath Boules illustrious history saw 182 teams battle it out for the trophy of the day – there was joy, sunshine, nail biting finishes, entertainment, DJs, and a whole array of delicious food stalls lining the closed roads adding to the city centre festival feel.

This year’s winners were Portico Designs on Thursday, Sage Developments on the Friday, on Saturday it was The Advanced Party (aka Advance Investments Limited) and on Sunday a group of friends who named themselves The Swingers took home the trophy.

The good natured, locally celebrated competition is in aid of the Bath Boules Foundation which so far has raised more than £750,000 for local charities. Roll on 2024 when we can boule it all again!

For more: www.bathboules.com

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SPONSORED BY

PHOTOS BY BEATA COSGROVE PHOTOGRAPHY; WWW.BEATACOSGROVEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

SOCIETY

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PHOTOS BY BEATA COSGROVE PHOTOGRAPHY; WWW.BEATACOSGROVEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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SPONSORED BY

SOCIETY

PHOTOS BY ABE NOAD, NOAD PRODUCTIONS, INSTAGRAM @NOADPRODUCTIONS

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PHOTOS BY ABE NOAD, NOAD PRODUCTIONS, INSTAGRAM @NOADPRODUCTIONS

SOCIETY

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

SPONSORED BY

PHOTOS BY DAN BURMAN, FUTUREPROOF CREATIVE; WWW.FUTUREPROOFCREATIVE.CO.UK

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SPONSORED BY

SOCIETY

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SPONSORED BY

SOCIETY PHOTOS BY DAN BURMAN, FUTUREPROOF CREATIVE; WWW.FUTUREPROOFCREATIVE.CO.UK

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SPONSORED BY

SOCIETY PHOTOS BY DAN BURMAN, FUTUREPROOF CREATIVE; WWW.FUTUREPROOFCREATIVE.CO.UK

With special thanks to the Bath Grand Cru Petanque Club and its organisers for volunteering as referees for the Bath Boules each year. The friendly club offers opportunities to play boules regularly in Queen Square and even compete up to national level. If you’re interested in joining for fun and improving your skills contact Chris at: garrattc@hotmail.co.uk 24 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

HEADLINE SPONSOR

BATH PROPERTY AWARDS

NOMINATIONS CLOSE SEPT 6 Talk with us about sponsorship:

Category sponsors:

• Connect with leading Bath property businesses, across all sectors • Benefit from a multiple channel marketing campaign, reaching thousands • Stand out amongst your peers at this prestigious, unique event For details: bathlife@mediaclash.co.uk

3 NOVEMBER 2023 | BATHPROPERTYAWARDS.CO.UK | #BathPropertyAwards

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© BETTY BHANDARI BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY; WWW.BETTYBHANDARIBRANDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

“I’m not a religious man, but God bless the NHS”

Special delivery In praise of McMuffins, daughters, and the good old RUH

L

ike lots of people, my wife and I had a baby last week. Well, my wife had the baby, but the baby is indeed jointly owned.

Our last baby was born rather early, bang in the middle of our summer ho i in e on hi orn r ther early, bang in the middle of our summer ho i in e on hi ti e though e ere ooking ck freakishly relaxed about the whole thing. ughter hree the one orn t o u er ago) was screaming the house down at 2am, annoying very much her two older sisters in the adjacent bedroom: “She does this every ing e night i ughter o e ite thi eing the r t ti e i to er had made a midnight squeak in roughly a

year (smug sleep trainer alert!). It was getting tense, I won’t lie.

Having popped in to calm the little bleater with bleary-eyed hugs and my signature six-nursery-rhyme loop, I crept back out to the landing only to see our bedroom lights on full blast. “Why are the bloody lights on?” I demanded to know. As it turned out, Mrs F’s waters had broken and we were into it.

So, what we did next was go to sleep! Up at six, we loaded everyone into my big truck, to e o or cc ri e hru i ou on t ike cc ou re ro psychopath, I once read) en route, and got ourselves back to the more familiar territory ughter hree orn in outh n has always seemed a little odd…) of Bath and the RUH. Anyway, the point of this column isn’t to announce that I somehow now have four

e uti u ughter it to t k rie out the good and bad bits of having a baby with the NHS. Goo it ic o it he i i e and doctors and the anaesthetist were just immense. Calm, fun, knowledgable, brilliant.

And there were bloody hordes of them on the scene when it looked like something complicated might happen. I have no idea h t the i erence i et een our e erience and ‘going private’ to have a baby, but I can’t imagine it being much more than perhaps eating medium rare lamb instead of buttery white toast and sweet builders’ tea. And anyway, NHS toast and tea is just one of the best meals ever invented. It’s right up there ith u ge n gg c uffin Bad bits: there’s only one, actually, and I don’t think it’s the fault of the NHS. I could be wrong. But having to pay to park your car while you’re having a baby seems a scandal.

Over the years I’ve probably dropped a couple of hundred quid at the RUH while emergency medical things were occurring, but it’s not the money. It just seems tight.

Unkind. Unless someone tells me that the ene t ro thi one in hich c eI e thri e I t gru For now, I’ll have to end this article. I have a perfect gift of a new baby in my left arm, a naked (wee-risk) toddler on my right leg, two bigger girls texting me from upstairs about what make up and clothes they want for Christmas, and am typing this one-thumbed on my phone. And I need to cook dinner for my wife, who’s being insane and hanging up laundry in the back garden.

It’s all go. I’m not a religious man, but God bless the NHS. David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on Twitter @davidflatman and Insta @dflatman

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

THE ARTS

© LUCIE RIE, STRAIGHT SIDED BOWL, 1970, PORCEL AIN. PRIVATE COLLECTION. PHOTOGRAPH: MA AK CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS

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

A POTTED HISTORY he current o urne e hi ition ce e r te one o the o t cco i he n in uenti otter of the 20th century, Lucie Rie (1902–1995), with a collection spanning some six decades that follows the evolution of her remarkable life and distinguished career.

At 20 she studied pottery under Michael Powolny at the Vienna Kunstgewerbeschule, a school of arts and crafts, and just some three years later set up her own studio as well as exhibiting t the ri Intern tion hi ition in the e e r o e er in he h to ee u tri to escape the Nazi persecution and settled in London.

During this period she also separated from her husband and, to make ends meet, made ceramic buttons and jewellery for couture fashion outlets. Lucie, who also later taught at the Camberwell School of Art, set herself up in a studio near Hyde Park as an independent female potter (a notable chie e ent in e o in te e orking ith oth n Co er n ern r e ch er legacy is considered to be one that pushed the boundaries of studio ceramics through her innovative e eri ent ith i erent g e or n techni ue Lucie Rie: The Adventure of Pottery is organised by Kettle’s Yard, University of Cambridge and MIMA, part of Teesside University, in association with the Holburne Museum, and can be seen until 7 January; www.holburne.org www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 29

© EVAN ZIMMERMAN

WHAT’S ON 19 August – 23 September

EXHIBITIONS Until 25 August

IMMERSION Shay Parsons is a Bath-based contemporary photographer who uses camera movement, abstraction and multiple exposure to bring a painterly and impressionistic style to her pictures. This solo exhibition at Burdall’s Yard follows a Bath pop up gallery. www.shayparsons.com

Until 31 August

STAR-CROSSED MUSEUMS The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is partnering with the Museum of East Asian Art (MEAA) to celebrate the Japanese Star Festival Tanabata, which is a time for people to come together and celebrate the power of love.

The programme of family friendly activities and events includes wishing strip tanzaku crafts and star origami making at the MEAA, and creating a constellation postcard at The Herschel Museum. www.herschelmuseum.org.uk | www.meaa.org.uk

Until 2 September

SUMMER EXHIBITION New work by a selection of artists including Melanie Goemans, Helen Simmonds, and Nathan Ford. www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

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Until 1 October

KAFFE FASSETT: TIMELESS THEMES – NEW QUILTS World-renowned textile designer e ett i t the ictori Art Gallery with an immersive exhibition showcasing 23 of e ett rge n co our u new quilts, adorned with motifs from his print archives, including tri e circ e ot o er n foliage. The show ties in with his forthcoming book, a e assett s Timeless Themes. www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 1 October

CANDACE BAHOUTH: ENCHANTED VISIONS Running in conjunction with the Fassett exhibition is Candace Bahouth’s work, which includes a range of extravagantly e e i he irror ing the back wall of the gallery, along with fanciful candelabras adorned with ir n ro ntic gure ith works for sale. www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 1 October

PAINTED LOVE This fascinating Holburne exhibition looks at the intriguing role of portraiture in the process of marriage in the Renaissance of Northern and Southern Europe.

The paintings not only documented the union of spouses, but also

Head to Bath Forum on 12 September (no, not 11!) for an eerie night of Stranger Sings

celebrate those of families, their wealth, power and land, and the forging of political alliances. www.holburne.org

Until 7 October

RICHES OF THE EARTH An exhibition that uniquely celebrates the beauty of solid chemical compounds, displaying more than a hundred carefully selected mineral specimens from the Bath Royal Literary n cienti c In titution o n collection. www.brlsi.org

Until 22 December

CONNECTING THREADS Taking inspiration from objects in the Museum of East Asian Art’s collection, students from the Art & Design department of Bath College were challenged to create garments which would appeal to their generation. www.meaa.org.uk

Until 31 December

BRICK AMERICA n o the c e u er un creative exhibition that uses Lego to celebrate the famous buildings, faces, and even events of the USA. And amongst the 40 Lego brick models, there’s a replica of Claverton Manor, the American Museum’s home. www.americanmuseum.org

Until 1 January 2024

GRUPPENAUSSTELLUNG A multidisciplinary celebration of Hauser & Wirth’s Swiss heritage, with more than 20 artists, including Martin Creed, Cindy Sherman, Richard Jackson, Jason Rhoades, Mika Rottenberg, Camille Henrot, Pipilotti Rist, Dieter Roth, and Björn Roth. www.hauserwirth.com

Until 7 January 2024

LUCIE RIE: THE ADVENTURE OF POTTERY Celebrating Lucie Rie (1902–1995), one of the most accomplished and in uenti otter o the th centur Features pieces produced across six decades, each following the evolution of Rie’s style. www.holburne.org

Until 22 June 2024

FROM HONG KONG TO BATH Subtitled A Lifelong Journey of Collecting, this exhibition combines a series of rare historical photographs with 30 treasures from the Museum of East Asian Art’s collection to uncover hidden stories of its late founder, Brian McElney. www.meaa.org.uk

4 – 10 September

SOHRAB CREWS AND MICHAEL FALZONI This 44AD artspace show brings together the work of two contemporary artists to create the

WHAT’S ON 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power which has become an international smash hit.

Turn to page 34 for our Culture Club chat with none other than Anne Boleyn (aka Laura Dawn Pyatt) www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Until 23 September

TOP TO BOTTOM: The Bristol-based breakbeat dancemeisters are celebrating 25 years of music at Komedia on 21 September; printmakers Judith Cole, John Dyer and June Wagstaff are exhibiting at Bradford on Avon’s Tithe Barn, 8 – 10 September; the exquisitely beautiful and fascinatingly imaginative mosaic pieces of Candace Bahouth can be viewed at the Victoria Art Gallery

Hermits’ Dance e hi ition oni inti te intro ecti e con truction are a perfect foil with which to view Crews’ more turbulent aesthetic investigations. www.44ad.net

8 - 10 September

THREE ARTIST PRINTMAKERS u ith Co e ohn er n une gt i e h ring the riverside space of the West Barn – ne t to the ithe rn in r or on on or n e hi ition o recent ork inc u ing etching inocut oo engr ing n te ti e judithinbath@gmail.com

10 September

BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FAIR ince it cre tion in the Bath Contemporary Artists Fair has showcased more than 600 rti t inc u ing the ork o uci o tt cro ir t Green rk t tion ringing u the e t o oc conte or r rt inc u ing ne rt hotogr h cu ture te ti e n ore www.bcaf.co.uk

THEATRE / CINEMA Until 26 August

SIX From Tudor Queens to Pop rince e the i i e o enr VIII take to the mic to tell their t e re i ing e hun re e r of historical heartbreak into an

FAREWELL MISTER HAFFMANN One of France’s most successful new plays receives its English language première at the Ustinov.

Paris is under Nazi occupation and oe h nn e i h o ner o e e er ho k hi ong standing employee Pierre Vigneau to swap roles and help save his life. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

1 – 9 September

2:22 – A GHOST STORY Jenny believes her new home is haunted – she hears the same thing e er night n t the e ti e Husband Sam isn’t having any of it ut ith their rien the eci e to it u unti then they’ll know. This award-winning supernatural stage phenomenon has been creeping out the West End and is now about to scare the wits out of the Theatre Royal Bath audience. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

MUSIC

12 September

STRANGER SINGS hi ci oo th t h een selling out both Broadway and the et n i i irre erent t i t on the hit et i erie Stranger Things in it h ir r i ing e ogorgon ock u ter g or Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

15 September

ARETHA & THE SOUL SISTERS erience the u ic o reth Franklin and James Brown’s Funky Divas played live at Chapel Arts.

Delivering new life into old classics including Respect I Say A Little Prayer Think and Natural Woman is the soul power sensation Lisa Grand on oc ong ith the e e e e tet www.chapelarts.org

21 September

KOSHEEN The electronic music showstoppers o heen re ck in u orce on tour n t o e i to ce e r te e r o u ic ect ne ork n o c ic inc u ing Hide U, the massive house dance anthem of 2000. www.komedia.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

COMEDY Every Saturday

KRATER COMEDY CLUB Both up-and-coming and established talent provide the weekend laughs. Previous alumni include Romesh Ranganathan, Tom Allen, Sarah Millican, Daliso Chaponda, and Luisa Omielan. www.komedia.co.uk

Last Monday of the month

THE ELECTRIC COMEDY CLUB The Electric Comedy Club is Komedia Bath’s monthly showcase, hosted by the brilliantly witty Morgan Rees. Each show features a pro headliner, as well as four rising t r o t n u ong t the ne t up-and-coming comedy talent the h to o er www.komedia.co.uk

14 September

MARKUS BIRDMAN Britain’s Got Talent e i n i t Markus Birdman brings his unique charm and wit to the stage with brand-new show Platinum, coming to Bath’s Rondo. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

CHILDREN

ABOVE: Sohrab Crews is exhibiting alongiside fellow artist Michael Falzoni at 44AD, 4 – 10 September; BELOW: Lucia Lovatt is just one of the talented artists exhibiting at the Bath Contemporary Artists Fair

at Green Park Station on 10 September – and who wouldn’t give house room to this owl?

Until 27 August

16 – 18 September

Until 31 August

FESTIVALS

SUMMER SUNDAYS Bath Business Improvement District (BID) host free family-friendly events across the city every Sunday of the month. These include free balloon artist demonstrations, face painting, and the Doggie in the Window trail, ith h n e te og to n across the city. www.bathbid.co.uk AVON VALLEY’S 50 DAYS OF SUMMER The Saltford adventure park includes farm animals, Dinosaur Valley, sand and water play area, a giant slip-n-slide, ride-on train, go-karting, climbing walls, indoor play barn, mini jeep course, craft activities, food areas, and much more. www.avonvalley.co.uk

Until 19 September

ZOG TRAIL Follow a golden star trail around Westonbirt Arboretum, home to one of the most important plant collections in the world, with no less than 15,000 specimens and 2,500 ecie here re o Gru o statues to be spotted, a nature play trail and guided walks, along with the treetop walkway. www.forestryengland.uk

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NEST Two birds decide to make a city tree their home and soon their cosy nest contains a pair of very precious eggs. However, the world below is u o tu n too uick o i the nest. Suitable for 3+. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

24 August – 16 September

IF OPERA A packed programme which runs over various dates includes Umberto Giordano’s Fedora; a jazzinfused Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

by Will Todd; and the classic Mikado

by Gilbert and Sullivan. An added bonus is that all productions take place in the Saddlespan theatre in the grounds of Belcombe Court, the stunning stately home in Bradford on Avon. www.ifopera.com

31 August – 3 September

END OF THE ROAD A winsome and wonderful weekend o e t e t ent ight u Salisbury’s Larmer Tree Gardens.

Acts include Ezra Furman, The Murder Capital, Wilco, Future Islands, and Greentea Peng. www.endoftheroadfestival.com

16 – 17 September

VERVE FESTIVAL Head to Hatch House in Tisbury for a wellness reset focused on nature and getting away from it ong ith oo re un co ter unge oo oo n ith tre t ent c in n in u ne ork ho ou n te night tent oc oo t n r www.feeltheverve.com

OTHER

2 – 3 September

NEPTUNE SUMMER MARKET The Walcot Street furniture emporium reinvents itself as temporary weekend home to orte rti n r n inc u ing o e ine th chee e n chutney company The Cork and ruck e n u t in e c othing company Aspiga. www.neptune.com

3 September

WAG WALK The annual fundraising event of th C t og o e ith t o sponsored dog walks: an early twoi er or hi ier e i e cour e www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk

8 – 17 September

OPEN HERITAGE DAYS here ho e ethor o ree ie e ent to e ooke in th to he ro ote our herit ge co unit

© PAMEL A R AITH PHOTOGR APHY

WHAT’S ON and history. These include tours of hi en ge uch outhcot uri Groun n re Ch ntr Ch e along with talks and activities at the o n th eric n u eu G r en n eck or o er or head to the Assembly Rooms for an exhibition of historical game playing. www.heritageopendays.org.uk

10 September

THE SONGS THE BEATLES GAVE AWAY The Old Grey Whistle Test and C io re enter o rri and former custodian of John ennon chi hoo ho e Co in t k out their o e o the our n rticu r tr ck which Paul and John penned for other rti t inc u ing Ci ck top 10 hit Step Inside Love and Peter n Gor on tr n t ntic ch rt topper A World Without Love. The ho i in ire the C io ocu ent r n Co in ook o the same name. www.komedia.co.uk

16 September

BIG AVON PADDLE oin oroth ou e or the ig on e e o r er k ker n c noei t co e together again to have some fun in the water whilst raising vital funds to help the charity provide crucial endof-life care for our local community. www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

Laura Dawn Pyatt, dressed in green, sings the story of Anne Boleyn in SIX

CULTURE CLUB with Laura Dawn Pyatt Laura Dawn Pyatt stars in the international smash hit musical SIX, which is making its royal return to the Theatre Royal until 26 August. Playing the role of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, Laura – along with her five co-stars – remixes 500 years of historical heartbreak and beheadings in Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’s multi-award winning celebration of Tudor girl power.

The last great film I saw Barbie and Oppenheimer, both incredibly written yet wildly different movies. Yes, I did wear pink slippers to watch Barbie.

The film I could watch over and over again A Knight’s Tale with Heath Ledger – it makes me laugh loads and cry buckets.

The book I could happily re-read The cookbook Pinch of Nom has been opened many times for a yummy meal.

The book that changed my life Everything I Know About Love

by Dolly Alderton – this book was given to me by a friend.

She told me that once I’d read it, I must write my name on the first page and then pass it on to someone else. This book had gone to 24 people before it ever got to me. But it was magical and definitely made my 20s feel a lot less daunting.

Experience the music of Aretha Franklin performed

by Lisa Grand at Chapel Arts on 15 September

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

My binge boxset Normal People – I must have

watched that series about three times now. I was so drawn in by Sally Rooney’s gorgeous story and the acting was sublime.

Podcast pick Elizabeth Day’s How to Fail is my all-time favourite: it’s so great to hear real people’s stories of their hardest career or life turning points, and how they learnt from them. I also love Off Menu by Ed Gamble and James Acaster – they both keep me entertained and laughing along during my long drives on tour.

Last music gig Elton John at Hyde Park last year – such an incredible performance. I’ve always wanted to see him live and I was so glad I got the chance.

Desert island disc Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen would absolutely be on repeat for the rest of my life. As a performer, I am forever in awe of Freddie Mercury.

The first song I remember hearing My dad was obsessed with Earth, Wind & Fire, so Boogie Wonderland and September were always playing in the car.

Earth, Wind & Fire was also my very first concert.

My karaoke go-to It will always be Uptown Girl

by Billy Joel. PlayStation 2’s SingStar 80s had a big part to play in that choice.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

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DATE

K.O.

COMPETITION

OPPONENT

HOME/AWAY

8 Sept

19:30

Premiership Rugby Cup

Cornish Pirates

Away

16 Sept

13:00

Premiership Rugby Cup

Jersey Reds

Home

23 Sept

14:00

Premiership Rugby Cup

London Scottish

Home

30 Sept

14:00

Premiership Rugby Cup

Northampton Saints

Away

6 Oct

19:30

Friendly

Edinburgh Rugby

Away

6-8 Oct

TBC

Premiership Rugby Cup

Exeter Chiefs

Home

14 Oct

15:00

Gallagher Premiership

Newcastle Falcons

Home

21 Oct

15:00

Gallagher Premiership

Saracens

Away

28 Oct

15:05

Gallagher Premiership

Leicester Tigers

Home

4 Nov

15:00

Gallagher Premiership

Northampton Saints

Away

10 Nov

19:45

Gallagher Premiership

Gloucester Rugby

Away

17 Nov

19:45

Gallagher Premiership

Bristol Bears

Home

24 Nov

19:45

Gallagher Premiership

Sale Sharks

Away

2 Dec

15:00

Gallagher Premiership

Exeter Chiefs

Home

*Fixtures are subject to change.

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DATE

K.O.

COMPETITION

OPPONENT

HOME/AWAY

9 Dec

15:15

Heineken Champions Cup

Ulster

Home

16 Dec

20:00

Heineken Champions Cup

Cardiff Rugby

Away

23 Dec

15:05

Gallagher Premiership

Harlequins

Home

31 Dec

15:00

Gallagher Premiership

Leicester Tigers

Away

7 Jan

15:00

Gallagher Premiership

Gloucester Rugby

Home

14 Jan

13:00

Heineken Champions Cup

Racing 92

Home

21 Jan

16:15

Heineken Champions Cup

Toulouse

Away

26–28 Jan

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Bristol Bears

Away

22–24 Mar

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Sale Sharks

Home

29–31 Mar

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Harlequins

Away

19–21 April

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Exeter Chiefs

Away

26–28 April

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Saracens

Home

10-12 May

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Newcastle Falcons

Away

18 May

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Northampton Saints

Home

*Fixtures are subject to change.

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BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

I Nic looks ahead to the upcoming Children’s Literature Festival

“Day 1 of the festival is a cunning tion non tion mas ”

t only seems like yesterday that I n ni he the ccounting paperwork and admin from this e r th e ti it ctu was e ter ut re I ooking he to utu n chi ren iter tion o our cit incre i e nnu ou e he er iter ture ce e r tion I o ten re ie the Chi ren iter ture e ti u t e ore it get un er in e te er ut thi e r it ee ike it ke ore en e to ick out o e o the o t enticing e ent uring the u er o ticket c n e n e n e en o e ook re ahead of time. n e ent th t e out to e on o the e ti on tur e te er i cunning ction non ction hu oc i e gr e ter no e i t eur itchcock i oine o ice etecti e e n r ee er in n e ent e oring ho c ue re re e e n cri e o e in the re or n on the ge ee er ook How to be a Detective and Other Crime Fighting Jobs o Cro i n i u tr te ctu ook t the i erent ro e in cri e ghting ro ront ine o ice officer to nger rint e ert I think ki re going to e cin te he ring her t k ith itchcock ho e ur er terie like Waiting for Murder and Murder at Snowfall o Cro re u o ten ion n intrigue he o o ing orning o ute ourite uthor n i u tr tor uo hi i ee e n r h cInt re re in th to intro uce their ne erie or ounger re er AdventureMice he e co ic hort i u tr te r t ch ter ook re u t ri i nt eccentric thi ir re iou co or tion ike Pugs of the Frozen North and Cakes in Space hi ti e their ini cu e hero e ro ce re h enture in e er ook en ing o n otter in Otter

Chaos ee h t the i there n he ing ee into the oce n in Mermouse Mystery i ick ing e ch heir e ent ro i e tor te ing o cour e ut o ch nce to hone our ou e r ing ki Fast forward a week and on the festival’s econ n c o ing eeken there re roun uthor n i u tr tor hitting riou t ge to t k to e er ge o ook o er ro re choo er to teen therine un e e r t noon on tur cto er to intro uce her ne orthco ing ook Impossible Creatures. nce co ie o the ook h en t re che u et ut e e een ro i e i i nt no e out o ho i co er th t hi gr n ther i gu r i n o the et een our or n n rchi e go hich i ho e to o the cre ture e kno ro th n egen o te un e re rk e c reer h inc u e u ti e or r or her no e or chi ren inc u ing Explorer and Rooftoppers) and a major award for her one iece o u t non ction SuperInfinite o the ch nce re th t Im ossi e Creatures i e e er it incre i e it oun in or icture ook o er or o reco en tion or nother uthor i u tr tor co o th n r on n o eo co e together on cto er to ho o their te t tor out their ion te heroine ocket In Speak Up uffin ocket e r ce the o er o rote t in or er to he e her i r r o th t he c n continue re ing out the heroine th t inspire her. ure there c n e no etter the e th n th t or chi ren iter ture e ent or more at estiva s or Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s m ori m o eadin e i ts o n treet at te www mr sem ori m om

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

THE REEL THING EMMA INGLEDEW

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: An estranged father tries to rebuild his relationship with his 12 year old daughter in Scrapper; Passages looks at the pain of betrayal when a gay man embarks on an affair with a woman; Comedy Theater Camp celebrates the energy of amateur theatre groups; and childhood sweethearts are reunited across the continents in Past Lives

By now everybody’s gone Barbie, and Oppenheimer’s been done, so it’s time to turn our attention to the next raft of new releases headed to The Little Scrapper

Release date 25 August

It takes a village to raise a child, but Georgie is oing u t ne on her o n th nk o o ing the death of her mother, scrappy and dreamy 12-year-old Georgie is living happily alone in her on on t u ing her it n i gin tion to re ent eing t ken into c re o e er hen her e tr nge ther rri ickin on appears, she must start to confront reality as the re ui their re tion hi he e ture t o out t n ing e ut both the directorial debut of Charlotte Reagan and the acting debut of 12 year old Lola C e Scrapper i he rt r ing r e ith o e n ection

Theater Camp

Release date 25 August

he ho u t go on hen the oun er o the tre u er choo in u t te e ork falls into a coma, her clueless ‘crypto-bro’ on ro i t ke ith kee ing the the i n r i e running ith n nci ruin oo ing a band of eccentric teachers and students must co e u ith o ution to e their e o e c e ore the curt in ri e on o ening night

Starring and co-directed by self-proclaimed the tre ki o Gor on (Booksmart), Theater Camp is a loving and comedic tribute to the eo e th t run teur r tic he i u ou en e e iece e turing ho e ho t o oung o oo t r inc u ing breakout star Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen) n tti rri on (I Think You Should Leave)

Passages

Release date 1 September

i out rt eo e king tu i eci ion e eci hen it co e to the darker side of love and relationships, are cin ting tch Passages is the te t to enter the c non o t i te ro nce t rring r n ogo ki (Transit) en hi h (Women Talking), and Adèle rcho ou o (Blue is the Warmest Colour), the o o ong ti e e cou e ho e re tion hi i thre tene hen one o the h n ir ith o n irecte Ir ch thi i crue e observed, a damning look at the pain certain eo e c n in ict on other hi e the re too u eing ocu e on their o n nt

Past Lives

Release date 8 September

hen e ro or i e igr te from South Korea to Canada, she left behind her e t rien n r t o e e ung ec e ter n ter or h rrie eric n riter rthur the re reunite or t o te u ogether the e ore e ork the con ront e tin o e n the choice th t ke i e tunning e otion Past Lives i the irectori e ut o Ce ine ong In order to keep the emotions real, Song kept the ctor e r te to he the cene hen the ch r cter n eet in er on hi e nt ctor eo oo n ohn g ro Hae Sung and Arthur) on et or the r t ti e hen hooting their r t cene together in t ke th t en e u in the n cut

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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 41

SALLY NARROWBOATS Invite you to cruise the kennet and Avon Canal. Our holiday boats range from a intimate two berth up to a larger 10 berth family boat.

You can travel down to Bath for a long weekend or if you have more time travel east and take on the Caen Hill flight.

DAY HIRE • WEEKLY & SHORT BREAKS CANALBOAT HOLIDAYS SKIPPERED CRUISES • CREAM TEAS Holiday hire on one of our traditional narrowboats: 01225 864923 Enquires@sallynarrowboats.co.uk www.sallynarrowboats.co.uk

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THRINGS MEETS… ROCKETMAKERS

THRINGS partner Mike Tomlin meets Richard Godfrey, the co-founder and CEO of software developers ROCKETMAKERS Mike Tomlin: What is the story behind Rocketmakers and what do you do?

Richard Godfrey: We’re a bespoke tech agency, born and bred in Bath back in 2007 to create ground-breaking, innovative software. We wanted to stand out and combat the trend of low-quality products being churned out at the time.

Today, we work with businesses ranging from start-ups where the owner just has an idea that they want to get off the ground, all the way to wellestablished firms aiming to be their own disruptors.

Our name came from The Rocketmakers, a book I’d found about a group of people that constructed rockets. I felt it resonated with our desire to be involved with other business’s ‘lift off’ and, to this day, that same book still sits behind my desk as a reminder of that ethos.

Over the past 16 years, there have been so many success stories and we’ve had the pleasure of working on a wide variety of projects, including the original software for the ‘giving platform’ Neighbourly as well as the medical records system for the UK Sports Institute, which was used in Rio and Tokyo Olympics.

MT: What sets Rocketmakers apart from your competition?

RG: I’ve always had a vision that the perfect project for us brings together the fundamentals of innovation, quality, and purpose; something new and interesting that is the right product for the job and helps make the world a better place. That mission to have a positive impact on the world

was why we became a B-Corp earlier this year.

We enjoy working side-by-side with our customers to create something special that exceeds our collective expectations, and sometimes will make the commitment to invest in their business, which we find aligns us perfectly in focusing on their success.

MT: Have you always been based in Bath?

RG: Yes. We first set up at the University of Bath Innovation Centre before moving to Manvers Street and we have never left.

There is a creativity in Bath that is dynamic and strong. It’s also a beautiful place to live and one that is well known internationally.

MT: What are the biggest challenges in your industry?

RG: In the start-up and scale-up space, where investment is a key driver fuelled by interest and appetite, there currently seems to be a lot of hesitancy as people wait to see what happens next for the economy. There’s also a lot of doubling down on keeping existing products going, rather than pushing something new which, when you’re a business that thrives on the new, isn’t that exciting.

As a tech firm, we are also looking at the two sides of the coin around artificial intelligence (AI) as it’s both a challenge and an opportunity. With the world now seemingly fully on the bandwagon, we need to make sure that the digital divide doesn’t grow even wider as a result but instead that everyone is brought on that journey as the technology evolves.

MT: But there are still opportunities with AI in your view?

or Elizabeth Bennet to tell you all about Mr Darcy, it’s all very exciting stuff!

RG: Most definitely! I consider myself a massive optimist and am always looking at how we can use technology to make what we do better.

Alongside AI, it feels like technology is going to be leveraging 3D in different ways and we wanted to be on the cusp as that happens. We don’t know exactly how or when but, over the past few years, we’ve been spending a lot of time working out how we can bring that world together with AI, effectively bringing ChatGPT to life.

This has been through scanning 3D models of a person’s face, and then incorporating text-to-speech and lip-syncing as well as the farreaching knowledge of modern AI to create a virtual person that you can converse with. Whether that’s bringing to life an infinitely smarter version of myself, a Roman Centurion who can tell you all about our historic Baths

MT: What is the future for Rocketmakers?

RG: Our goal has always been to have an impact by creating technology used by millions of people. Our future will be to continue our involvement in new and innovative things that drive purpose and we’re very excited for the worlds we’re yet to explore.

To find out more about Rocketmakers, visit www.rocketmakers.com n

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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 43

EXPLORE

THE WINNING WAYS OF WILTSHIRE From marvellous museums to extraordinary excursions, we travel the county that has it all o r a ron nn and orris 44 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

F

ABOVE: There are eight of these beauties galloping over the Wilts countryside; BELOW: Shopping and dining made picturesque in Corsham

rom chalked white horses romping across Wiltshire’s patchwork hills to a National Trust owned village, and from a museum celebrating the history of computers to or u o utter ie i t hire h ore th n it fair share of wonderment. Here we select a few of our ourite ot or u er tri kicking o ith those extraordinary hillside carvings…

WHITE HORSES OF WILTSHIRE

There are eight of these galloping chalked hillside beauties to be spotted and rounded up during your Wiltshire travels, including the White Horse of Westbury, which is believed to be the oldest white horse in the county, dating back some 300 years. There’s also the 90ft by 90ft Hackpen Horse, cut to commemorate the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838, and the Devizes White Horse, the newest of Wiltshire’s White Horses, cut in 1999 to mark the Millennium.

© CHRIS DAW

CORSHAM

This historic town is situated in the Southern Cotswolds. It has a rich history dating back over a thousand years, known for its attractive buildings, scenic landscapes, and charming character. As well as events throughout the year, their high street is lined with a variety of in e en ent ho c n u ou c n o t in itt e uni or shopping thanks to Corsham Town Council’s Back to School Trail, o ering choo hoe t tion r ook g unch o e h ircut o o et th t en o ho i g oo t ke the to the o ie co ect e

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

EXPLORE

and comics store, Automattic Comics – what they don’t know about Star Wars, Spider-Man, Pokémon et al isn’t worth knowing. Later in the year, 7 – 15 October, look out for the Peacock Arts Trail that celebrates the arts of North West Wiltshire. And if you fancied a luxe stop over, and making the most of your Wiltshire wanderings, just 15 minutes from Cor h i countr hou e i ing t it er e t the cre n e star estate Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa.

LACOCK

The village of Lacock is owned by the National Trust, its historic rchitecture king it o u r oc tion or n te e i ion productions including the Harry Potter movies, Pride and Prejudice, and Downton Abbey. A wander through the village reveals many shops, cafés, and pubs. The vast National Trust house is a wonder to behold, and the Henry Fox Talbot Museum is worth a visit for any budding photographers. A former resident of Lacock, Henry Fox Talbot is famous for inventing the photographic negative, and the museum houses some of his groundbreaking work and the cameras he used.

STOURHEAD

tourhe i reg r e one o the ne t e e o n th centur picturesque landscape garden and has long been owned by the National Trust. It is renowned for its stunning combination of architecture, art, and nature, creating a harmonious and immersive experience for i itor ong ith ho e r t o chi ren cti itie ro ugu t it ho ting our i erent u ic n inc u ing The Secret Garden, As You Like It, Robin Hood, and Sense and Sensibility.

MARLBOROUGH

Sitting beside the River Kennet, in the valley of the chalky Marlborough Downs, is the small market town of Marlborough.

Among the many gems worth seeking out here is the elegant, community-focused Parade Cinema, complete with balcony and int ge in ire interior hich h en to e the r t ne in ie cine or e r e n hi e running ro e te er to October, there’s the Marlborough Literature Festival, with Sebastian Barry, Alice Slater, Sara Wheeler, Kate Summerscale, and Frank Cottrell-Boyce just a few of the illustrious names appearing.

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

EXPLORE WESTBURY

Surrounded by rolling hills of lush countryside, Westbury is the perfect spot for a quick stop for walkers and cyclists. One major landmark is the well-known Westbury White Horse, as well as the Iron Age hillfort, Bratton Camp directly above it. But it isn’t all about going back in time: Longleat is just next door, and between 8 – 10 September it’s hosting a special display of over 115 animal-themed hot air balloons. The Sky Safari takes place throughout the day, starting at 7am when the oon r t t ke to the k n ni hing ith night ho t

BRADFORD ON AVON

There really is something for everyone in this quaint little town, with charm and atmosphere to rival Bath itself. The Lamb Yard has a muchlauded artisan market every Friday, and there’s the Town Lock Up, an old jail cell, once a 13th century chapel, on the town bridge, jutting out over the river. Plus the River Avon, which cuts through the heart of the to n o er ot o o ortunitie or e ing out inc u ing c noe hire at the Lock Inn; paddle boarding with the Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team; or you could travel the eight miles from Bath via a rowing boat, hired from the Bath Boating Station.

SWINDON

Not always top of everyone’s must-see Wiltshire list, but there’s an incredible array of varied, unique, and fabulous things to do and see in this large town. For shopping, there’s the Swindon Designer Outlet, hich inc u e the r n u er r o i ger n e ker For transport and history lovers, there’s Steam: The Museum of the Great Western Railway. For nature lovers, Coate Water Country Park is a 56 acre reservoir which was originally built in the 1820s and now

has splash and play parks, a pitch and putt, picnic and BBQ areas, and a rowing club. Swindon also has the Wyvern Theatre, the ATB skate rk utter or ith ini oo n the u eu o Co uting home to the world’s largest collection of working historic computers.

DEVIZES

o e i te ui ing e i e h ore th n o the ut on t rite thi o u t nother hi toric i t to n hi i ce o ing ith the ti e e i e ut oor Ce e r tor rt C i charity on a mission to celebrate and highlight high-quality community ocu e rt C root re r nte in the to n i r nt carnival history, which began in 1912 as a way to raise money for a cottage hospital, and has now grown to become one of the biggest free outdoor arts events in the South West, with the procession taking place this year on 2 September.

TISBURY

The largest village in Wiltshire’s Nadder Valley, Tisbury contains 2,000 years of rich and varied history, from small, quaint stone buildings to Victorian red brick properties.

The West Wiltshire Downs, upon which Tisbury sits, has been awarded an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s easy to see h o ing hi c r et the countr i e the ouri hing greener bustles with wildlife, and the historic buildings scattered across the e n e high ight the re cu tur igni c nce One of such buildings is the Old Wardour Castle. Originally built in the 14th century by Lord John Lovell, it was designed as a luxury residence for the wealthy to enjoy lavish ‘royal-like’ living.

For more: www.visitwiltshire.co.uk

OPPOSITE FROM TOP: The landscaped gardens of Stourhead; full steam ahead at Swindon’s Museum of the Great Western Railway;

stop off and stay at the luxe Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa; BELOW: the 14th century Wardour Castle

“The West Wiltshire Downs has been awarded an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”

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

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

The open fronted barn for dining is located at the couple’s home

BARN STORMERS! Steve and Jules Horrell, previously of Roth Bar & Grill in Bruton, have just launched the eponymously named Horrell & Horrell, a new micro dining experience located at the couple’s home in Sparkford, Somerset, in an open fronted barn with outdoor kitchen.

The menu of Steve and Jules, who have worked i e i e or e r i ce e r te ho e grown harvest from their six and a half acre plot, encompassing the kitchen garden, the fruit and nut tree e i e he ging n the ock o e en lambs. It will also feature produce gathered from the very best local farmers, growers and bakers.

Up to 20 guests will be welcomed with a complementary garden spritzer before being seated at a long sharing table, providing an intimate and convivial dining experience. Whilst Jules gathers herbs, leaves and vegetables from their kitchen garden, Steve i cook the in e ent o er re in ur o e ui t outdoor kitchen. Examples of dishes from the four course menu include garden artichoke fritti with basil onn i e n r e n n utter ie eg o home reared lamb.

For more: www.horrellandhorrell.co.uk

EVERYTHING TO GAIN

Steve and Jules Horrell have worked together for 15 years

The dishes are devised from the home-grown harvest

The Gainsborough Brasserie is the hotel’s new restaurant

The revamped dining space has just reopened at the Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel on Beau Street and will be renamed the Gainsborough Brasserie.

A spokesperson says, “It will serve a perfectly executed, informal brasserie menu complemented by an excellent selection of world wines. The dinner menu will feature the best produce from local farmers and artisan producers, cooked to perfection in a contemporary British style to be enjoyed in a fun and vibrant atmosphere.”

For more: www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

FIRST CLASS

The Mint Room has a new chef

The Mint Room has a new head chef – KK Anand, whose credentials are pretty mint. Not only has he cooked for the Sultan of Brunei, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Bill Gates, he has headed up a number of Indian restaurants all over the or inc u ing the e t r o te in eh i n Hoppers in London.

Originally from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, India, KK specialises in expertly marinated KK Anand has cooked tandooris and Indian breads. Moe Rahman, for A-listers all over owner of the luxe Indian restaurant on Lower the world Bristol Road, says, “KK Anand is a talented chef who h er e oo or n i ter o er the or n we’re looking forward to having him here with us in Bath.”

For more: www.themintroom.co.uk

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

THE GRIFFIN INN

One of Bath’s oldest inns enjoys a pleasantly low-key rebirth, remaining a ‘proper pub’ with real character while upping its food game considerably

By Matt Bielby

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he e r n i ort nt one the r t where licensing records actually included the name of each Bath pub. Back then, the likes of Weston, Twerton, Widcombe and Bathwick stood outside the city; the brandnew Royal Crescent still had metaphorical plastic on its seats; and – oh, yes – the United States of America was just getting started. A strange and very i erent or then ut re rk o e thing were the same. For instance, people were still eating and drinking in many of the same pubs we know now: The Bell, The Green Tree, The Saracen’s Head, The Star, n he Griffin then roun e r o king it o similar vintage to nearby Queen Square.

In ore recent e r he Griffin h gone through the ch nge in the e r it one o n th pubs to bar the social scourge of the era, “customers with coloured spiky hair and bondage pants” (aka punks); in the e r it h eco e itt e o e r re frequented haven of the professional drinker; and this century it’s been reinvented as a cosy, narrow, much more convivial gastro pub, with the rare option of rooms to t in u t ir ut though th e took it on in (meaning it’s now part of the St Austell family), it’s gone through numerous managers and approaches in recent years, few seeming to make a go of it for very long, with gaps where it’s stood closed in between.

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

One such temporary closure took place this winter, distressing one regular so much he decided to do something about it – which is where the story gets exciting. Restaurateur Roger Payne used to drink here on Bath Rugby days, and though now a Bath resident, most of his business interests have been in London over the years: the likes of Ginza St James’s in Mayfair, and both Shaka Zulu (which used to serve springbok and zebra) and the glitzy pan-Asian Gilgamesh in Camden.

In recent years, however, he’s had more local interests too, owning the high-end Japanese restaurant Robun on George treet n no he Griffin he ook in i e h been refreshed (plenty of giant gold feathers, spiky plants – clearly the rules of entry have changed since 1981! – and duck-bodied lamps from Graham and Green), and the enthusiastic Rycroft Pillinger has been brought in to run it, variously of the Moon and Sixpence and Richard Fenton’s Firehouse Rotisserie.

The eight bedrooms have been refreshed too, each ith i erent ook n ee to the t n on the midweek night we visited – all were full. The kitchen’s been redone, the suppliers upgraded (Lovejoys of Melksham and Larkhall Butchers now prominent), and the new, appealing and constantly changing menu built around pub classics with a contemporary twist. The day we went, there was ham, egg and chips, a chicken and Korev ale pie, a chargrilled lemon chicken salad, and

RESTAURANT

three burgers (beef, chicken and vegan): at £14 – £18, all were reasonably priced. If you’re more in the mood for sharing, cheese and charcuterie boards are £15ish, and, at lunchtime, there’s a choice of wraps and sandwiches t think h nger r or i n Emmental toasted bagel.

The starters menu, too, seems geared for mass appeal hi e o ering e ur ri e he ho ou n t e te te ro enc h n ngou tine ou or falafels with hummus, olives, bread and lemon labneh sauce (both at £9)? In what we felt to be the spirit of things, however, we went as trad as we could.

Smoked salmon with dill Feta cream and pickled cucumber (£12) came artfully presented on a rectangular plate: curls of salmon at top right and bottom left, generous smears of cream in the opposite corners, a little pile of bread and greenery in the centre, and lemon and cucu er ing the g It re h rich n itt e bit zingy. And the prawn cocktail with Blood Mary mayo o generou o choo g u right n e t ith the rge r n rticu r ne n the sauce, while making its presence felt, too polite to shout. (The fact it wasn’t too overloaded with gloop, so the lettuce didn’t go soggy, was recognised and appreciated.)

All in all, a strong start.

For mains, we went for two of the options you’d be e t ike to n e e here h nk ith utter mash, spring greens and heritage carrots (£18), and cod and prawn paella with fresh rocket (£18). The lamb was excellent, lurking in a rich auburn sauce under a sea of deep greenery (Italian green beans, broccoli and the like) with mash to the side, while the paella – generous with the r n n ith e cooke o ke co itting on to h re e th o our hi e o ging the co on o o er oing the rik Then, for afters, a crisp lemon tart with a berry compote and a chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce and Laycock dairy ice cream (£7 each), both rich, tasty, delighting in their contrasting sweet/tart, hot/cold elements, and in no way stingy with the sauce.

It ee to e th t nu erou thing ke the ne ook Griffin ork r ther e co con i i ce ith ent o u ing et i to ook t e cho en fairly priced menu that does the simple things with better ingredients and more style than most; a fun, inventive front of house; and a shape and proportions that centre a real sense of history. That it’s so close to the middle of town – as we said, Queen Square’s just around the corner et ee o the e ten tr ck he too Here’s to the timely intervention that’s rescued it, then, n to n ro ch ou ut one on king ir t of things over the next few years.

Hell and the Devil (as they’d have said when this place was built), here’s to the next quarter-millennium!

“Does the simple things with better ingredients and more style than most” DINING DETAILS The Griffin Inn, Monmouth Street, Bath, BA1 2AP; tel: 01225 302829; www.thegriffinbath.co.uk Opening hours: Weekdays 12pm – 11.30pm; Fri – Sat 12pm – 1am; Sun 12pm – 9pm Food served: An ever-changing selection of pub classics (some refreshingly old school, but given a modern spin) and the odd surprising outlier, made with more love (and better ingredients) than strictly necessary Prices: Pretty reasonable: lunches and starters mostly under a tenner, mains and burgers £14 – £18, puds £7 Drinks: It’s a pub, so quite a selection: the likes of Gem, Tribute, Amstel and Moretti on tap, and an interesting wine selection by bottle or

glass, starting at £23 a bottle. Cocktails too, by well-known mixologist Tony Vegan, ranging from familiar favourites (Negroni, Espresso Martini) to such rare fare as a Fluffy Bandit or a Peanut Butter Old Fashioned, which we tried (it was like a boozy Werther’s Original, in the best possible way) at £10 or around Dietary options: Plenty that’s vegan, vegetarian and gluten free, all neatly marked up on the menu Access: Fine for the taproom by the bar, but the parlour and snug at the back (up steps) and loos (down lots of steps) might be an issue Atmosphere: We liked it – chatty and laid back, but with cosy, intimate corners to sequester yourself in as required. Doubtless louder on rugby days!

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

FLOURISH Rachel Ifans finds good food and a good ethos are flourishing at this farm shop

Y

RESTAURANT

ou could be forgiven for thinking that plans to include the carbon footprint of each dish on the menu and to Flourish is Just Another Farm Shop. Farm re i ection o the ite ith uch orthie i o er e o ho ee e to o o co ee ho ith n eehi e thi goo tu i e h n o the te h ng in ecent h te ure re et e tier in around for so long, including the head chef, Rosa Scott, who has been at the early 21st century, and they only got more Flourish since the very beginning, back in 2021. popular during the When we visited, the restaurant was lively pandemic when … n u ut it h re e non re uri e DINING DETAILS well, no one needs ee too e t the rge oor to cei ing reminding of those windows enjoying a rather grey view of Kelston Flourish Kitchen, Glenavon Farm, 331 Bath Road, Saltford, Bristol BS313TJ; tel: 01225 536644; k n t k Roundhill. The drizzle didn’t dampen our www.flourishatglenavon.co.uk kee cu o oci i ing spirits and we managed to peruse the extensive Opening hours Kitchen: 8am – 5pm (hot food In Bath and surrounds, we have a healthy unch enu hi e i u t neou ticking o the stopping at 3pm) from Monday – Saturday; 9am – cro o r ho the re tu the items on my plus one’s list of Things We Need 3pm on Sunday landscape almost with the regularity of hay To Talk About (sounds a bit scary, but it’s not: Type of food served Delicious hearty breakfasts bales, ranging from huge enterprises that it’s my mum, and it’s just the minutiae of life we made with high quality local produce, fresh and inc u e o t h rket n re th ike to e ith o er unch fulfilling lunches and mouthwatering crispy Italian ork ho to teen tin rn e ing nothing u cho e ko t o en t re stonebaked pizzas but local cheese. and I went for the hot ciabatta steak sandwich Covers 126 indoors and 60 outdoors There’s nothing wrong with farm shops, with fries, both accompanied by a sparkling Prices Mains £7.50 – £15.50; desserts and cakes of course, but sometimes you can’t help but e er o er rink hi ork unch £3.50 – £5.50 wonder if they’re more about cash cows than after all!

Drinks A wide range of drinks including beers from dairy cows, and whether the owners are more Well, my mum’s food was almost bigger local breweries and a delicious selection of wines, interested in milking their customers for money than her when it arrived, but she made valiant cocktails, soft drinks and hot drinks – with coffee than feeding the local community. inroads into the lightly spiced koftas which made by ethical supplier Easy Jose Not so with Flourish on the A4 between came accompanied by red cabbage, red onion, Dietary options Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free Saltford and Keynsham. Flourish is a B Corp, fresh mint, watercress and tzatziki. choices, or alternatives for people with allergies which is a stamp of authenticity for companies My tender rump steak, from Stilman’s Farm Recommendations The Flourish burger is a firm playing a part in positive change. It means they in unton i e to u in the oo h favourite among regulars. These are made in house have to meet the highest standards of social and by the butchers using Stillman’s Farm beef, buffalo sat on a gorgeous goopy mix of mustard mayo, mozzarella from Laverstoke Park and salami from environmental performance and prove how caramelised onion, pickled cucumber and Trealy Farm the nce ro t n ur o e rocket, and was cooked perfectly à point. The In real terms, this means Flourish is about rie ere o t t n cooke u t o eo e net n ro t in e u e ure In Other options on the menu include soup n in u tr th t c n e rut in ter o ero of the day, tart of the day, and a picnic lunch hour contr ct n ck o ene t ouri h i option – which turned out to be a sausage roll an exemplary employer: they pay Living Wage, or a Scotch egg with coleslaw side salad and working hours are sustainable and they operate chutney, which seriously tested my resolve on ene t ou ore ike ee in cor or te the steak decision. Flourish also has a pizza en iron ent c c e to ork che e ecent oven, with numerous authentically Italian ho i o unteering n ro t h re to ing on o er n treet oo e ection Inclusion and diversity is also important here ou get oo re itt re e to them, and they have three neurodivergent ith the ike o u o o re ro te young adults from HCRG Care Group on the team. Flourish works u h n ic ineg r to reduce impact on the environment with technology to minimise e roun e o the e ith t o c uccino e ore enturing out oo te o r ne n r in ter u hing oo he oh e into the drizzle, full and happy, and the week’s List worked through.

“There are plans to rewild a section of the site wit a wi dflower meadow and beehives”

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

FASHION

FASHION STATEMENT

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The inaugural Strength in Style Fashion Show shimmies into Bath’s Assembly Rooms Words by Marianne Cantelo

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rags and indulging, but maybe there is a way ashion has always walked hand of creating a worthy but also a fun reason to in hand with controversy (think go out, that makes us feel community focussed faint inducing corsets and sky high and valued. It became clear to Heidi and Lizzie wigs), politics (the Iron Lady’s that working together as charities could weave handbags and Ferragamo shoes, together a stronger network of supporters, versus the punk movement’s safety make the most of diverse skillsets, cement in n t rt n n high ro e g orou relationships, and create an event that could philanthropy (the Met Gala, doesn’t require become part of the fabric of Bath itself. explanation). Critics might say that the So the Strength in Style Fashion Show was obsession with the external is shallow but in reality, what you wear, when conceived, a two part show, a fusion of fashion n co ion the r t rt rich t e tr you wear it and who you wear of clothes supplied by local beautiful boutiques it in front of, can be world including Grace & Mabel, Blue, Portman, changing and in the most House of Leopards, and Boho, and being positive of ways. modelled by those with stories to tell.

It was with this in mind The two charities also wanted to highlight the Strength in Style Fashion Show came about how important second hand clothing sales are for fundraising, and how looking good and – a fashion show being supporting healthcare can also be a sustainable held at the Assembly choice that protects future generations.

Rooms on 28 September.

It is a collaboration between Dorothy House was (fashionably) late to the rt ut the ch rit o e to re ho o the Bath-based cancer Heidi what can be done with donated clothing, support charity We Get It, the Roberts making style accessible, regardless of budget.

Children’s Hospice South West, They are piecing together a few of the and Dorothy House Hospice gorgeou n ro their u Care, with the aim of bringing shops and making a visual together high octane glamour, patchwork of delight with sustainable style, and a Children’s Hospice South powerful message about West Shop loveliness, for the healthcare needs of part two. our community.

The night promises And how did it come to be an explosion of about? A business colour, music, bubbles, brunch meeting that led goodie bags and to an inspirational chat. goodness hosted by a big Children’s Hospice area name style icon. So along fundraiser Heidi Roberts, with the ethically sourced n i ie e er o e n e ort e e eg nt Get It, posed the question: Lizzie Heffer clothes (that will, of course, be how can we create an event very much dopamine hit on-trend) that promotes our charities’ goals, you’ll be awash in that feeling of being with the same magnetic pull as the city itself ? Looking back, when Bath In Fashion was a part of something very beautifully positive. running it i icit it e to e t or events, with our style focused citizens excited For more: www.wegetit.org.uk and inspired by visiting designers, creatives and fashion world innovators. How, they wondered, Marianne Cantelo is the business development project would we harness that same level of interest for manager for Dorothy House Hospice Care. The a more meaningful cause, pulling together the charity has 25 high street shops across the region selling need for joy, colour and frothiness in our daily fantastic pre-loved items, which provide a large part lives with a purpose? In these harder times, of its income, plus it also has an online shop found at people feel guilty about putting on their gladwww.dorothyhouse.shop 54 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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SHOPPING LIST

1. Gwen earrings, £12.50, from House of Leopards, available through Etsy; www.etsy.com 2. Namiko Culottes by Baum Und Pferdgarten, were £199, now £99, from Grace and Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 3. Volker Lang Mata handbag in vintage apple, £245, from Blue Women & Home at The Loft, 1-2 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.bluewomensclothing.co.uk 4. Vintage Etam jacket size 10, £15.99, from Dorothy House; www.dorothyhouse.shop 5. Pink ring, £69, from Portman, 28 Milsom Street, Bath; www.nickieportman.co.uk

“A fusion of fashion and compassion”

Photographer Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com Model Angelica Baines Makeup Chantelle Moody; Instagram @chantellemoody.makeup Styling Marianne Cantelo and Eleanor Tasker Venue The Curfew, 11 Cleveland Place West, Bath; www.thecurfewbath.co.uk

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

C I G I

ink in the ho e hou n t e e con ne to uch out o e conce t gen er eci c nur erie et think ink think it or i e h re it ith o u n it e er here e re o ing thi o t ro e ith unch in he G er e ign th t t ke c ici n o rt the un into it throo e roo re roo thi ker o o ink c n ring energ to any ce Stockists Etons of Bath, Carriage Court, 22 Circus Mews, Bath; www.etonsofbath.com

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

PINK RETRO ALARM CLOCK, £12.95 This bang on trend retro-style pink alarm clock by Rex London even has glow-in-the-dark hands.

Stockists of Rex London are Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

IN THE PINK

SEA FAN IX (PINK-BLUSH) BY JO DE PEAR, £850 Two colour unique screen and woodblock print. Screen rinte cr ic r t co our ith oi e oo ock econ colour layer on top. Hand-printed by the artist and a varied edition signed as 1/1.

Modern ArtBuyer; www.modernartbuyer.com

Barbiecore isn’t going anywhere in a hurry; in fact, the rose-tinged trend is now seeping into our homes

KETI SAND AND DUSTY PINK BLOCK BASKET, PRICES START AT £25 These gorgeous Fair Trade Keti colour block baskets are handwoven by small co-operative women’s weaving groups in south western en C n e u e o er ot n nter for indoor plants as well as any home organising, and come in three handy sizes.

From Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret’s Building, Bath; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk

POETS' CORNER PARTY TRAY, £38 This pink and green birchwood tray design is inspired by the home of Victor Hugo at the Place des Vosges in Paris. (And we like to think the name was also inspired by a certain part of Bear Flat.)

From Avenida Home; www.avenidahome.com

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

PINK GLASS PLANT MISTER, £11.95 A plant owner's essential for hydrated plants, this glass mister, made of soda lime glass and copper, features a coloured glass bulb and an industrial spout.

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

EDITOR’S CHOICE

PINK VELVET BUTTONED CHAIR, £1,205 The sumptuous result of a Sofas tu co or tion ith i urr oun er o he ink ou e he u co ection not on e ture i ite e ition r ch ir ut o gorgeou pink plump cushions. rom o as t ew ana a is r www so asandst om

ROBERTS REVIVAL PETITE DAB BLUETOOTH PORTABLE RADIO, £99 u er cute retro t e r io th t t into the o our h n ut e i er o ern oun ith i ct C n e e i itche et een r io n connecte i uetooth or i e tre ing From Moss of Bath, 45 St James’ Parade, Bath; www.mossofbath.co.uk

THE EMILY WOOL THROW, £69 hi u h ink o t n co er cent oo thro in herring one e ign ith t e i u ti unction o to h e roun the ho e roun our hou er on coo e ening thro on the o or runner t the en o the e or it o e tr r th From The Salcombe Trading Company; www.salcombetrading.co.uk NANCY'S BLUSHES MODERN EGGSHELL PAINT BY FARROW & BALL, PRICES START AT £31 This true pink is named after the cru tiou ro cheek o uch o e oung gir c e nc he u i ting h e i ttention gr ing hen ire ith right hite n o ething eci hen contr te ith u h green From Farrow & Ball, 124-126 Walcot Street, Bath; www.farrow-ball.com

ENGLISH ROSE STEM, £16 It doesn’t get much more classic than an English rose. This lifelike soft pink te e ture one o er in u ou oo e t o er u co ete ith er nt green e e n thorn te From Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com

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

GARDENS

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Gro or i e i the oc ch rit co itte to rein igor ting orgotten ce n king g r ening cce i e to Words by Nick Woodhouse Photos by Taylor Woodhouse-Law

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he rain started in earnest I rri e to eet e ri ge irector o ther eutic g r ening ch rit Gro or i e e he ter in the e g r en o tunne or hi e urroun e to to ine un er nte ith rench rigo g r ic r ing on o ti er et n intric te i u tr te o r i t the t k or the eek nt nu r king c ge ick corn o er ot u oreg no e h the g r en to our e e th t n other the ite regu r e co e g r ener ro k o i e o ering e ce to tho e e eriencing n iet i o tion e re ion or o con ence the r in ce r e t ke e on tour o the e g r en itting on the ringe o the i ge o

Formed by friends Martin Geake and Ted itch e in Gro or i e oun e to provide a safe environment for those in need o u ort n o ce one in hich the cou connect gro n e rn ne ki e took on the ro e o irector u t t o onth go h ing re iou orke tru tee or the ch rit oc G n n i g r ener he i cute re o the i ct o g r ening on ent he th her o n i ion her ne o ition h een uite e rning cur e ithin o her irector hi t rting the ch rit ro che the C ture Gardener’s World to e e ture on their ri e ening ho he co er ge e ro t n co e o o e the ch rit in o e ent in he ig e ut g ine the org ni tion nu er o ne u e o unteer n tho e ooking to g r en ithin the e ce hi t n o tho e oining the e ion kee u in the g r en other t ke the ti e to it to re ect to e ro ect n ger ne c ter i keen to embrace this and has o i ion or the g r en uture In hi intric te et i e n or the ce i itor re e co e ith n in or orn ent g r en one th t o er co ort n u ort in ther eutic gent e nner inuou e o e nchier n runu un er nte ith o ering erenni i cocoon inti te e ting re or tho e ooking to connect ith other the ce i o er co unit hut e rge cur e e ting re ro hich to en o the ie to the i i e on the ri ing hi e on nt here h e een cho en not on or their e ut ut or their e icin n e i e ro ertie ith the e ene t o eing ttr cti e to ee n i i e too irroring the ourne o re tor tion e n ering th e i itor through the i r nt cutting g r en to the g r en eget e e i out in c e n ine en e o or er o c rit he

“It was founded to provide a safe environment for those in need of support and solace” e ton t oe It ifficu t to i gine th t ut onth go the ite n n one ock e onging to the uch o Corn he high in ee he ch rit h tr ition run e ion in ri te g r en o ne ri ri the e er or i un e to ten their g r en in e en ent he e g r en i the ch rit r t e ic te g r en ho e ce o re tor tion he groun ere c e re n e cre te o o ing the rinci e o the no ig etho t r t u t ot toe ere gro n o the ce i ur ting ith ro i e n ro uce eek n or ge inter er e ith c en u n corn o er eet e n eir roon e n r ing u c ne he te ro e ton r C i o ten e oun icking ro uce ro the g r en o ering ource o inco e or the ch rit

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

cro the ne it n orch r nte o e e r go the i ge h re co unit ce er recent e r the ce h eco e ut orgotten no un er the te r hi o the ch rit the orch r i gr u eing re tore ith recent nting o ne ruit tree ing to tho e e n e r nte re iou gener tion t e r the r t nnu e re ing t the orch r one th t i e re e te thi cto er en to thi i n o ortunit to e in o e in icking cho ing u ching n re ing n to e e ith our er o n ott e o e uice he ch rit ri e it e on eing cce i e o i e to hi t in i i u c n e re er through their e ite or e re erre their G oci re cri er or i ge gent not h e the e n to e i get to the g r en t e ton t oe o the ch rit h recent unche erie o ree eight eek g r ening e ion t th rk e rt ent in the cit o ictori rk t rting in e te er the cour e i he ro i e the nece r ki to cre te her g r en e n ne re u orte in thi e nor tr ine in oci ork n horticu tur ther n ico ho run their e ne outre ch g r ening e ion in n roun the cit he r in return I i re e to e he i gi ing the e n e tr tering too u t in c e thi ho er i g in hort i e urture et een hu n n nt un ue tion reci roc ore er intert ine For more: www.growforlife.org.uk

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

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The gardens are on the outskirts of the village

© @GROW_ FOR _ LIFE/ INSTAGR AM

of Newton St Loe; the space is bursting with produce; Grow for Life was founded in 2015; the charity prides itself on being as accessible as possible to all; the orchard was planted some 50 years ago by the village as a shared community space

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

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

MEET THE HEALTH & WELLBEING EXPERT We talk to the experts who can help you feel good about yourself

DR REBECCA WIGNALL BSC BDS DR LUCY FACIAL AESTHETICS info@doctorlucy.co.uk; www.doctorlucy.co.uk

NATALIE GREENE

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I qualified as a dental surgeon in 2012 from Liverpool University. I have been practicing as a dentist ever since and then seven years ago started working in aesthetics.

What are the benefits of a personal trainer (PT)?

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We teach the proper form and technique to reduce injury and maximize those results. Accountability, regular sessions help keep people motivated.

What advice and guidance would you share with a new client?

Try and leave your pre-conceptions at the door.

There is a common myth that people who have aesthetic treatments look fake, but it really doesn’t have to be this way. If a feature bothers you or you’re concerned about the ageing process – it’s okay to explore options. I’m always happy to offer complementary consultations and talk you through the options.

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What advice would you give someone considering having a PT? It truly is worth it, there’s so much misinformation out there especially when it comes to women’s health.

Having a PT means a tailored plan specific to your needs, fitness level and any health considerations.

Plus it’s motivation, support and encouragement throughout your health and fitness journey.

Describe how you personalise a treatment plan…

As a dentist, I view everyone who walks into my clinic as a patient. The treatments I offer are medical and therefore I treat each patient as an individual, devising a bespoke treatment plan which focuses on their needs and wishes.

Do you have a preferred treatment?

Probably lip filler. And it’s not just for the young.

Lip filler can rejuvenate a face at all ages.

Do you specialise in a particular area?

Strength training especially for women aged 40 and over. A lot of women feel like lifting weights is not something for them, but the truth is it’s the best thing for so many people.

Natalie Greene

Which method of exercise do you prefer?

I mainly stick to strength training, so lifting weights but for my cardio I like to walk. Luckily Bath and the surrounding areas have plenty of wonderful walks.

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

SPONSORED CONTENT COLIN CLARKE

ROMAN FITNESS BATH info@romanfitnessbath.com www.romanfitnessbath.com/prices

RO FEILDEN-COOK

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I love the outdoors and I love fitness. What’s better than exercising and watching the sunset surrounded by a positive and friendly group of people? After numerous sessions in the gym, which came very repetitive, I missed interacting with people and having a team to spur me on. I knew I needed something more social to keep me motivated and help me achieve my fitness goals. At the gym, sometimes we don’t speak to people for months!

That’s why I wanted to create an outdoor fitness company.

What led you to become a personal trainer?

Exercise brought me out of one of the darkest times of my life. I was severely anxious after my son was diagnosed with a life limiting condition.

Exercise, much to my own surprise, turned out to be the way forward, to helping me and allowing me to be kind to myself. Not only that, but the strength and energy I gained helped me cope with my son’s care a lot better. Years later I became desperate to spread the magic of exercise and help as many women as possible exercise, hence becoming a PT!

What are your professional goals?

I want to make fitness affordable for everyone by offering different membership plans. Our membership starts from only £27 per month for one class a week to £37 per month for unlimited classes. We have three ability groups from beginners to advanced. One of my goals is to see members advance through the groups as their fitness improves. I love seeing people’s faces when they complete the final set of press-ups.

THE SHE COLLECTIVE 07702 541960; contact@wearetheshe.com

Colin Clarke

What advice would you give to somebody who hates exercise?

If you’ve never enjoyed exercise, it may be that you’ve simply never made it to the ‘magic 10’.

This refers to the tenth completed workout, which is usually around where the magic kicks in – improvement to your sleep, confidence, and energy.

Up until that point, it is all about setting yourself up for success to keep going, in my experience community and accountability are key to this.

Can you foresee any fitness trends emerging over the next year or so?

I believe outdoor fitness will keep growing. Fitness is so much easier and enjoyable when exercising outdoors with friends.

Ro Feilden-Cook

ZITA ALVES

ZEST BOOTCAMP www.zestbootcamp.co.uk;

fitnesszita

TONY LARKMAN

Has wellbeing always been an important part of your life?

No, I was the overweight, non-exercising, asthmatic who wasn’t healthy, energetic or as Zesty as I am now. I think this is why I’m so passionate about helping women over 40 to feel great.

What sets you apart from others working in your area?

I have great empathy with those who haven’t come from a sporty background, who may have injuries, who are overweight, or those who may be menopausal.

How important is it to spend time outside?

I never realised the value of being outdoors when I was a gym based personal trainer, however after 14 years teaching classes outdoors I absolutely love how good it makes you feel mentally and physically. We all spend so much time indoors, often connected to technology that time in nature rebalances our nervous system, which supports our short term and longer term health. The best thing is that it doesn’t cost anything to get outdoors.

Peri-menopausal women having difficulty sleeping really benefit from a morning walk in daylight.

When I run retreats, it’s often the time in nature that the women remember the most.

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

What sets you apart from the others working in your area?

I am not a natural born lover of exercise, and I don’t find eating healthily easy, therefore I understand the mindset these women experience and I feel I have the tools to help them navigate their wellness journey one step at a time.

TONY LARKMAN PERSONAL TRAINING 07713 809358; www.tonylarkman.com What are the benefits of your PT sessions?

Firstly, strength training. This is where I start with clients. Strength training improves bone density, builds muscle, boosts metabolism, and importantly, enhances mobility. And there is the fitness element. Cardiovascular training improves heart health, burns calories, enhances endurance, reduces stress, and increases flexibility. And by focusing on nutrition with natural wholefoods that nourish your body, aid recovery, and improve well-being, the beneficial changes to your physical and mental well-being are immediately apparent.

Zita Alves

Tony Larkman

What sets you apart from the others working in your area?

Over 30 years of experience in fitness, strength, nutrition, well-being and rowing competitively, both nationally and internationally. As a former rower and trainer on the wrong side of 50, I understand the issues that older populations have when exercising as I experience them myself. With my younger clients, I help them to avoid the pitfalls of unhealthy fad diets and new fitness trends that promote unrealistic claims. All of my programmes enable clients to achieve their goals, whether it’s an international competition, a local 5k fun run, to be able to move, or to just feel better and look great.

SPONSORED CONTENT RACHEL DAVIES

HANNAH WEISBERG-MEDDICK

REGISTERED NUTRITIONIST AND HEALTH COACH rachel@racheldaviesnutrition.com www.racheldaviesnutrition.com

IIR MAR MARR THE REFLEXOLOGY ROOM BATH 07895 266165; www.thereflexologyroombath.co.uk

What led you to work in health and wellbeing?

After years of working stressful jobs, I struggled with digestive issues, hormone imbalances and anxiety, almost believing this to be the norm. It was only after I improved my own nutrition and lifestyle by nourishing my body and mind properly, that I discovered the tools to cope with a busy lifestyle. I’m now passionate about supporting others to do the same.

What would you say is your philosophy regarding health and wellbeing?

My approach is to understand the body as a whole.

I evaluate how all the body’s systems are working, identifying any nutritional deficiencies, and getting to the root cause of symptoms. Everyone has a unique set of life experiences and circumstances, so I develop personalised programmes for each of my clients.

It’s not about restrictive diets or expensive protocols but understanding how to bring your body back into balance, empowering and coaching you through the changes.

Talk us through the services you offer I offer one-to-one programmes that combine nutritional therapy and health coaching. I work in-person at The Bath Practice on Monmouth Street, as well as online.

I also work in corporate wellbeing offering lunchtime talks, pop-up nutrition clinics, and content writing on nutrition and health coaching.

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a complementary health therapy that can be effective in promoting deep relaxation and improving wellbeing. It is based on the theory that all of the bodies systems and organs are reflected in the feet, face, and hands. Working these areas helps bring them back to balance and therefore aiding the body to work at its optimum.

Rachel Davies

Tell us a little about the treatments you provide?

I offer foot, facial and hand reflexology. I am trained and experienced in reflexology for women’s health, lymphatic drainage, as well as maternity and reproflexology (reproductive) where I help support couples with their fertility journey.

Any areas and practices that you specialise in?

I am the only zone face lift practitioner in Bath.

This award winning holistic facial treatment includes reflexology, massage and crystals.

This leaves my clients feeling blissed out with a smoother glowing face to match.

Hannah Weisberg-Meddick

What advice would you share with someone considering having a treatment?

Reflexology can benefit people of all ages and can help mitigate the ever increasing levels of stress in daily life. It works on an individual basis, so give it a try to see how it can benefit you.

MIRELLA LAMARINA

SOLPOWER YOGA 07814 292851; www.solpoweryoga.co.uk What is the best way to start a journey into yoga and well-being?

I get asked this often, and my response is that every small step is a great place to start. Taking just five minutes a day to just be – sitting quietly with eyes closed can shift one to a place of calmness. My own journey started just like that.

Getting to know who I am happened when I allowed myself to experience my thoughts in silence while practicing yoga on my mat or by simply sitting. Moving the body consciously, linking it with the breath, is a life changing practice.

AMBER EDENBROW

PRECISION PILATES STUDIO 07725 316 923; www.precisionpilatesstudio.co.uk

Mirella Lamarina

Tell us a little about your Solpower classes I provide yoga classes at two beautiful studios in Bath. I also run yoga retreats in Puglia, Southern Italy. This is a fantastic opportunity for transportation; to take time off, deepen one’s practice and find a fresh outlook to life. My next one is 24 September to 1 October 2023.

What else do you offer?

On top of yoga teaching, I also offer Reiki sessions and holistic counselling therapies. My work has a broad approach to all aspects of wellbeing to help people to reach their highest potential.

Amber Edenbrow

Talk us through Precision Pilates and what it offers We are a boutique style studio offering Pilates and Barre classes for all ages and abilities from teens to our oldest client in their mid 80s. There are very little studios around that offer Barre fitness classes, and we currently run three per week. Due to high demand we run four weekly Platinum Pilates, classes for older adults who want to work at a slower pace. Our Pilates Reformer and Wunda Chair Pilates sessions are very popular now and we offer this on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis.

We take great pride in knowing all of our clients by name, and are passionate about ensuring we give individual attention to each and every one of them.

What are some of the benefits of Pilates?

Pilates is a whole body integrated strength and conditioning programme. Our body works as a whole and when certain regions are not performing optimally or are not aligned properly, the whole body will find a way to move using another muscle or joint in a less efficient manner. This altered biomechanics over time will lead to injuries elsewhere in the body. Pilates will help to improve alignment as well as strengthen and stabilise weaknesses within the body to allow the body to function properly. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 65

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LOOK ON THE BRIGHT CIDER LIFE MARTIN THATCHER ON THE CORE VALUES OF HIS SOMERSET-BASED APPLE EMPIRE

©@JONCRAIG_PHOTOS/INSTAGRAM

CIDER HOUSE RULES At fourth-generation family dynasty Thatchers, it’s clear the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…

Words by Georgia McGovern

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

THE SUCCESS STORY of Thatchers isn’t just about greattasting, world famous cider. It’s also a tale of family dynasties, apprenticeships, and good ‘core’ values, as we discovered when Martin Thatcher – MD of Thatchers cider – was interviewed by MediaClash’s chief exec Greg Ingham at a recent Bristol Life Network Lunch.

From its home base at Myrtle Farm in Sandford, at the foot of the Mendip Hills, Thatchers has been dedicated to honing the craft of ciderking ince ith the th generation now ready in the wings to keep the tradition alive.

Martin, who represents a fourthgeneration of cider-makers in the business, has farming in his blood, describing it not as a career, but an all-consuming way of life. It’s precisely this kind of immersive thinking that has propelled Thatchers into its top spot in the South West –

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the r t ti e non ger or eer h ever achieved the status. It currently exports to over 20 countries around the world, producing over 100 million litres of cider.

If you strip away all the layers of ucce n ue h t ou n t the very core of Thatchers is family, from so many of them continuing to live on site, hosting regular business conversations around the kitchen table, to maintaining the annual tradition of wassailing.

Thatchers’ values are not just passed down through the bloodline.

Martin and daughter Eleanor spend a full day with every new employee joining the business, and make a point of being available, re ent n in touch ith t ensuring the culture and family All together now…

“Drink up thee cider!”

ethos is spread to all corners. This even applies to the16 – 18-yearolds; Thatchers has just agreed to take on 22 more apprentices this September. As Martin says, the business is all about “training people for the next generation” – and these guys have the opportunity to complete apprenticeships with three generations of Thatchers as mentors.

The business teaches seven principles. “Do the work and the money will follow,” is just one; “make great cider customers will love, sell it at the right price, and the money will o int ining re ut tion n doing the right thing are both key to sustaining this family business.

Martin credits his father with setting the company on the right track – including the introduction

of a non-executive director with perspective from outside the family, restoring the balance of decisions.

This is not the only lesson Martin has learned from his family, inheriting from his grandfather the message that a money-making business can still be kind, generous and fair. hi etho in uence the cre tion of the Thatchers Foundation, putting in over a million pounds over just four years, to ‘give back’ to the local people and infrastructure, changing people’s lives for the better.

Of course, with all family businesses comes the issue of succession. Few companies reach the ourth et one th gener tion ut Thatchers has mastered the art of passing down responsibility.

Initially working at his uncle’s farm, Martin moved back to Myrtle Farm to manage deliveries, taking over duties from his father until, through a gradual transition, Martin was left in charge.

So, how will Martin address the future issue of passing the business down to his own children, Eleanor and Peter? He describes the moment of succession as a sweet spot: when you have built up comprehensive

DID YOU KNOW?

Thatchers cider has been made on Myrtle Farm since 1904.

When William Thatcher first began making cider, his farm workers willingly accepted the amber nectar as part of their wages; perhaps not unrelatedly, they had a reputation of being ‘the best workers around’ . . .

“DO THE WORK AND THE MONEY WILL FOLLOW” MARTIN THATCHER Thatchers Cider

knowledge but no longer have the vigour to drive the business forward, that is when the next generation should step in with their energy and new ideas. The trick is not leaving too soon, but also not too late.

How will Thatchers look in the future? While keeping apples and pears at the heart of the range, it’s already expanded to include ition our uch or nge and lemon, as well as the increasingly popular alcohol-free cider.

With tastes in the cider industry’s audience often changing even before the next generation of apple trees mature, Thatchers strives to be ahead of the curve. And while the family ri e it e re on it e ort in sustainability and regenerative agriculture, to push things even further Martin’s son Peter has plans to make the Thatchers farm entirely e ufficient through hi ting the energy supply to biogas.

But if there’s a single line running through all this growth and opportunity, it’s the simple endeavour to remain a family business.

As Martin says, “from a family business point of view, it is not about now, it is about the future, about building a sustainable business.”

For more: www.thatcherscider.co.uk

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

ON THE UP

MOGERS DREWETT has announced several new appointments and created a new people development role, following a year of record growth. The legal and financial planning firm, which has offices in Bath, Wells, Sherborne and Frome, has appointed employee development and coaching specialist Ben Morris in the brand new role of head of people and performance; residential property lawyer Robin Phillips as partner; and new trainees Scarlet Clemens, Harry Durston, Charlotte Padfield, and Daniel Cockhead.

The retail complex is committed to sustainability initiatives; INSET: Clarks Village is celebrating 30 years as the UK’s first shopping outlet

VILLAGE LIFE hi onth ee C rk i ge ce e r te e r ince it o ene eco ing the r t ho ing out et It ui t in on the ite o the C C rk ctor ui ing t co t o i iion ith the cre tion o ore th n o hi e o e o the origin ho uch enetton ierre C r in r ng er n r h re no onger there C rk i ge h continue to e o e n in riou ne tore h e rri e t the co e in treet inc u ing e t ett n ugo o he centre h o rtnere ith ch ritie e i e n he rtner hi to u ort oc

oung eo e into e o ent n e uc tion n it continue co it ent to u t in i it h een trengthene through initi ti e th t inc u e ro uce nter o ering ree eget e or the oc co unit ne ee rien e o n re n the ui ing o ir o e Chri i centre irector t C rk i ge ut et ho ing continue to e r ourite or ho er n ith the riet o tore o ening e e re een thi e r e re ooking or r to e co ing e en ore gue t to C rk i ge in the e r to co e For more: www.clarksvillage.co.uk

Mogers Drewett trainees Charlotte Padfield, Harry Durston and Scarlet Clemens

BATH PRESERVATION TRUST has appointed three new trustees to its board: Annabel Thomas MacGregor, who is a director of the international education charity English-Speaking Union; Donna Speed, who is CEO of We The Curious; and Julian Gooding, an experienced lawyer and compliance professional.

RELAY RACE

o ie ott n on nne ho turne their o e o the no ic i ing into c reer h e et u the co n r oo ke hich eci i e in cre ting u e i ing ce in n rro o t n c er n o ie e in ho it t rte uke e ere tr e ing in u tr i hen e oun out e ere h i e ecting our rt o eci e to he ck to the u o t n i e on the ter in on on ithin th t r t e r e reno te our n rro o t eo e o e it o e i it g in n g in o er the ne t our e r n in tot reno te n rro o t he cou e ho no h e three chi ren

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

n i e on the ter ne r th ton then e n e their u ine o ering n tern ti e o tion the no turn n into ho e h en too he e ince h their ork e ture on the u tr i n rogr e Better Homes & Gardens Australia he e o u t unche r e ticket t e co etition ith ri e o u ur o t orth he inner on t u t in ni he ro uct the i e e to choo e cert in e ign e ture inc u ing out n ture n tting e in o ie e ho e to e e to ch nge o eone i e ith thi co etition For more: www.marwoodmakes.com

© MIKE BROGDEN

TRANSFORMERS

Mollie Pottas and Jason Pannell’s business idea was inspired by their love of the open road and open waterways; INSET: Marwood Makes specialises in boat and van interior transformations

he r t e er unning ut o i e C i te e hich thou n o eo e cro the t ke u the ton to in ire the n tion to t ke co ecti e ction to re ch net ero e through th t onth he ton hich tr e ing ro en e i to ig en o er ourne e through th ro the o thou e to i co e unior choo th e C erton n then un u e uct e ore o ing onto r or on on unning out o i e co oun er n ho on he re u e the o er o ort to iter connect the n incre i e ro ect t king ce roun the ith n un roken ch in o rtici nt For more: www.running-out-of-time.com

Widcombe Junior School receive the baton as part of the Running Out of Time Climate Relay

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BUSINESS DIARY

Astronaut Anne McClain studied for her masters at the University of Bath

6 SEPTEMBER Bath Property Awards, nominations close; www. bathpropertyawards.co.uk 26 SEPTEMBER Bath Life Network Lunch with Bath Rugby’s chief executive Tarquin McDonald at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa; www.eventbrite.co.uk

Astronaut Anne McClain, a former student of the University of Bath, was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding contributions as a colonel in the US Army and her remarkable NASA career. The honorary Degree of Doctor in Engineering was presented during the university’s graduation ceremony at Bath Abbey in July.

Anne is an alumna of the University of Bath, having pursued her master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at the university between 2003-4, thanks to a Marshall Scholarship.

She says, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the University of Bath and be back in this beautiful city. My time at Bath was transformative, and it helped me on the path for my career as an astronaut.

“The University of Bath nurtures curiosity, innovation, and perseverance, qualities that are essential for ucce in n e I ho e th t journey can inspire current and future students to pursue their dreams relentlessly, no matter how audacious they may seem.”

After graduating from the university, Anne made her way to NASA’s prestigious astronaut program after serving as a pilot, instructor and test pilot for the US Army, including a decorated period of active service in Iraq. She is also an accomplished athlete, having competed in England’s Women’s Premiership Rugby and played for the United States Women’s National Rugby Union team.

For more: www.bath.ac.uk © UNIVERSIT Y OF BATH

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2 OCTOBER Bath Life Network Lunch; www.eventbrite.co.uk 3 NOVEMBER Bath Property Awards; www. bathpropertyawards.co.uk 9 NOVEMBER Bath Life Awards, nominations open; www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

Chris, fourth from left, with his silver medal; INSET: Chris in action 2023

NICE TRY! Stone King paralegal Chris McIntosh has returned from the Central American and Caribbean Games (CACG) with a silver medal for Jamaica after competing in the men’s Rugby Sevens.

Chri ho ork in the r co erci ro ert te in Bath, has represented the Caribbean island since 2018, travelling around the world to play for the team ection te kno n the Croc hi e r n took place in El Salvador and saw the Crocs score an early try before being beaten into second place by the favourites, Colombia. The silver medal now puts Jamaica in contention for what could be the team’s Olympic debut in Paris 2024.

Chris says, “Representing Jamaica is a privilege, and I am so lucky to be able to compete in a sport I love while seeing new countries and gaining new experiences. Although it was disappointing not to take gold, we are delighted with our silver medal and looking forward to doing even better next tournament.”

For more: www.stoneking.co.uk

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

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“VITAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TO THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR – HIGHLY IMPRESSIVE!” THE BATH LIFE AWARD JUDGES

to eng ge ith e i e ork orce n enh nce agency working. This resulted in the greatest rise in e n our th r nch h e n er ge o 200 shifts per week in the local area.

We have welcomed 22 new employees, in roles such as recruitment consultant, administration and accounts, as well as 18 superchefs in the last year – and recruitment is ongoing.

It’s a punch-the-air-for-joy moment for Sarah and Tanya

BATH LIFE AWARDS WINNERS

CATERING SERVICES INTERNATIONAL

Sarah Davis, operations director for this recruitment specialist, on the value of winning a Bath Life Award PEOPLE SERVICES WINNER SPONSORED BY

So, Sarah, how did you find the process of entering the Awards?

Listing all of our achievements over the previous year was quite phenomenal and uplifting. While we strive to meet the needs of local businesses, we often fail to see what we have achieved, until we stop to evaluate and put it into writing.

What was it like on the night?

Tanya Booth, our group accountant, and I were excited to attend such a glamorous event and meet like-minded people from local businesses. We really enjoyed networking with everyone and developing a few new relationships.

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

Who did you meet?

We met the teams from Radio Bath, Triangle, BCG and Rocketmakers. We enjoyed some great banter on our table, and discussed a potential interview with Radio Bath, to highlight the focus on mental health within the recruitment sector.

Any collaborations as a result?

We also met with Natalie Sherman and the team from Naturally Social. We have discussed negotiating a contract to collaborate with them in regards to our digital marketing.

What were your top highlights?

Aside from winning an award, bumping into some existing friends like Anna Johnson from Select Science, who was entertaining the Juice Recruitment team. It was also great hearing such positive feedback from the judging panel.

Why do you think Catering Services International won an Award?

We have worked tirelessly to address the hospitality t ffing cri i n e h e e e o e ke tr tegie

What does winning a Bath Life Award mean for your business?

Winning one is great recognition for all of the hard work of every employee we have, giving us a sense of pride and opening up further opportunities with local businesses. It’s also a useful tool in recruiting oc t Any advice for someone else thinking of entering next year?

Don’t be shy about boasting of your achievements.

Sometimes you can get so bogged down with work that you don’t realise how much your company has chie e or ho uch the oc re ene t ro your services.

For more: www.cateringinternational.co.uk | www.bathlifewards.co.uk ,,

THE POWER OF THE BATH LIFE AWARDS 2024 Planning is well underway for the 2024 Bath Life Awards, which will once again be a mighty celebration of the best of Bath businesses, innovators, charities, and creatives.

Due to take place on Thursday 29 February 2024 at the Bath Pavilion, there are opportunities to be a direct part of this spirit-raising, community-praising event, with various sponsorship packages on offer, all backed by multi-platform promotion.

For further details, email pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk, annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk, or kate.griffiths@mediaclash.co.uk For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

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NEW BUSINESS THINKING Emily Quinn, BSc Business alumna of the UNIVERSITY OF BATH, SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, on how she manages her self-confidence

“THANKS TO MY TIME AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BATH, MY CONFIDENCE HAS SKY-ROCKETED” EMILY QUINN, alumna of the University of Bath School of Management

B

efore starting at the University o th I n t er con ent tu ing the c u ine cour e meant I was frequently presenting to u ience n orking in te hich u he e out o co ort one n o e e to tr thing I ne er ou h e other i e In t

thir e r I i i onth ce ent en e in he ir in e rk I o e it o uch th t I continue orking rt ti e throughout n e r I o ere u ti e ro e u on gr u tion ooking into ne rket o ortunitie oth in the n ro en eci i e in techno og th t ch nge h t o i e or c inici n n tient e e o ing te to o e he thc re or r hi i ri ri or ent he th er ice e i ere tru t ch ritie n the ri te ector h t i erent out n ge ent tructure org ni e through e n ger t r t thi

en i our t hi e n ork i n ging te not eir to e

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ne er he r o thi o orking ce ent tu ent I e ecte o eone to e te ing e h t to o ut there nt ter getting u e to the unu u org ni tion tructure I re i e ho re r ing it ro e c n e rie I nt n I c n get in o e ith riou ro ect cro the u ine t n ge ent e n I c n t ke e er o ortunit th t co e I tr ing to learn as much as I can to shape my gr u te e erience to r the righte t uture o i e

culture at events such as the School of n ge ent t u ni en ou e n in ront o c e ic or the choo u ine t re k t o e ition i eing e ic te to chie ing our go ou c n o n thing th t ou ut our in to en i ou re c re tr it It i e o re r ing Are you a graduate of the School of Management?

Connect with us to share your story: alumni@management.bath.ac.uk For more: www.mayden.co.uk

h nk to ti e t the ni er it o th con ence h k rockete n I h e the i it to get tuck in n tr ne thing ce ent e erience contri ute i e to thi g ining re or u ine e erience I e e o e r ctic ki I c n u e in the ork ce t king itt e te or r I u en o e here I ne er thought I e o I re re ent n ro ote en uni ue

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

THE AESTHETICS OF A WORK ETHIC

From modern artworks to a clean white desk, and from vintage suede to vibrant hues, we look at the thinking behind the décor of co-working hubs 76 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

CO-WORKING OFFICES

“The high-end nis es reate a relaxing yet professional vibe”

O

nce u on ti e in our to e k or i e office we might have decorated our personal space with a lucky gonk, a silver framed photo of a loved one, an unloved spider plant. Over the years the work scene has evolved, not least the rise and rise of co orking office hu here re n e ti te n counting uch hu in the th t ot o h re e k o ho o the e office uti i e cor th t cre te nce et een n en iron ent th t i co ort e n one th t encourages professionalism and productivity for everyone? Here we ask oc co orking hu e ert or their in ight n ro che Rengen House is a boutique co-working space on Argyle Street with dedicated workspaces, social and quiet areas, meeting rooms, and secluded call pods; www.rengenhouse.com Firstly, please talk us through the Rengen House décor…

Property associate Jo Lloyd: ur Georgi n to nhou e et o er three oor h een e uti u re tore ret ining the origin ch r cter n ch r o the ui ing hi t en uring e o er our e er the o ern ci itie the e ect ro u e ui e office ch oor h er i erent ee he i e n u er oor o er high en ni he n coo re ing et ro e ion i e ith co ort e e ting u h e et urni hing n r co our ette o green n go he u er oor out hich inc u e e e ui e kitchen o or oci e n co or ti e ee he i e oor h i i r ee ut i uieter ce What is the thinking behind the use of opulent colours?

he rich co our che e co ine ith re iu ni he h een e igne to ro i e touch o u ur hi t o ee ing r n in iting It i out te ing ro ho e i e into co ete i erent en iron ent Any outdoor space?

e oh e rge out i e terr ce hich o er the o g in re h ir n ot o n tur ight in the orking mental positivity.

ortunit to gre t or

Glove Factory Studios is a rural workspace found in Holt, Wiltshire, with co-working and private studio spaces set in private parkland with event and venue hire; www.glovefactorystudios.com What are the aims of the Glove Factory’s interiors?

Hollie Markham, commercial operations manager: he o ecti e h een to create workspace environments that steer well clear of over-sanitised, ig noi cro e n con u ing con gur tion G o e ctor Studios focus on varying design aesthetics around an industrial theme to cre te i tinct interior th t ee connecte e ctor in i erent oun c e ith noi e or ing co ering n in u tion hi e incor or ting e i e n o e urniture th t c n e i cco o te rger eeting n ore re kout ce How do you use colour and light?

Colour is essential in completing a calming environment that remains sensitive to the industrial heritage and natural materials sourced for the n t out o i oo t eto int ge ue e tretche o er oo ing e t n r c ing n o t e et n uette n occ ion ch ir co e together h r oniou to ro i e the e t o i e orking en iron ent ot nece ri ne re e tion ut e nee n tur ight to thri e It kick t rt our o c ock n ect our energ e e o e know how important it is to include as much natural daylight in our ro ch o i e en iti e e igne ork ce oo e ith n tur ight co e ith the o ern ene t o n ur n e erience The elegant Rengen House is set over three floors

And the beauty of your outdoor surrounds?

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

CO-WORKING OFFICES t t

e i e e i e e i e ti n in in e t eet n t e

e

t fi e it ent e n t eet

Please talk us through your spaces…

Managing director Jamie Williams: We keep communal areas and individual rooms in all of our buildings light, airy and bright to enable the businesses that occupy the various spaces to put their own stamp on things. Rooms are set up with white desks and quality executive chairs, and we use plants not only in a nod to our own ‘green’ branding, and for the aesthetic, but to aid occupants in their health and wellbeing, as the c n i ro e ir u it n re uce tre in n office en iron ent Any artwork?

We’ve incorporated a lot of art into our buildings, which is proven to reduce stress levels and increase and inspire creativity. We keep the artwork modern, but try to maintain relevance to the city and the businesses that occupy the premises. Last year we worked with the designers, and our customers, at Sparkloop to create a collection of original artworks called Views from the Pavement, which capture the beauty of the city of Bath, whilst also acknowledging (and gently raising awareness of) the obstacles faced by the vulnerable sectors of the local community.

In what ways does the Bath Offices décor help productivity?

ABOVE: From giant purple blooms to acres of parkland, Glove Factory engages

strongly with nature; BELOW: Hartham Park is pure 18th century Georgian luxury

nature and the outdoors. Stress relieving access to nature is on tap with 20 acres of parkland available to take a break in, and, if you enjoy wild swimming, most of our membership packages include membership of Glove Dippers, a cold-water outdoor swimming club. Glove Factory Studios is a place that welcomes contrast, where rural meets urban, work meets play and old meets new. t e i e e ent

e

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et in e n e i e t

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i e

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What does Hartham Park look like?

e e ie e re ck ro ch to office cor n e ign he give our customers a sense of autonomy, allowing their brand to shine ithin the conte t o our er ice office ce hi e n th t hen clients visit, their brand sparkles the brightest.

Being in the presence of plants has been found to stimulate creativity n ro e o ing i itie he n tur n i u e ing elements of plants can inspire innovative thinking and encourage fresh i e hi c n e to incre e ro ucti it rticu r in ro e that require creative thinking or problem-solving skills. Greenery also creates a connection with nature and provides a visual break from the u u office en iron ent hi connection c n he re uce ent fatigue, improve mood, and increase overall satisfaction, promoting better mental health and, subsequently, productivity.

General manager Michael Ogden: We’re home to a large array of spaces with o ething or e er one he n ture o the ui ing inc u ing high ceilings and huge windows and doors to bring the outdoors in, creates an engaging environment where people are more likely to feel focused.

And being contained within an 18th century Georgian house, steeped in history, also provides its own source of intrigue which can inspire those inside.

Talk us through the interior…

Variety is critical – with our furniture, for example, we have everything from soft seating for short sit-down stints and back supporting desk chairs to break out sofas, pods and booths, long tables for hotdesking, n touch o n e ting ith in or co ee t e ch urniture ite er e ur o e n then there o the o o the ork ce It is designed to encourage movement in and around the co-working en iron ent ro i ing ergono ic ene t ue to u er not o itioning themselves for prolonged periods in one place.

Use of strong colours and art can act as stimulants, while embracing nt n n ture h ro i e o iti e e ect on h ic n ent e eing he e ign cor n cce orie o co orking ce c n give users an extra edge in terms of their frame of mind and mental health when meeting with clients, or being creative and productive.

And we hear the grounds are pretty special too…

Hartham Park is nestled in picturesque parkland in the Wiltshire countr i e It ro i e t rk contr t to u cit e office n meeting space, with fresh and clean outdoor air, immediate access to green ce n n ture ie to in ire cre ti it n ck o tr ffic to navigate.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 79

CO-WORKING OFFICES Interaction, based in The Vaults on Bartlett Street, Bath, has been designing and building workspaces for more than 30 years What is Interaction’s approach to co-working office design and décor?

Scarlett Copsey, business development and marketing assistant: We are on i ion to ni h oring office e rtner ith co orking ci it tor to e i er o e o the o t in iting inno ti e n i gin ti e ce n the re u t th t Inter ction co or te ith other in i i u hi t energi ing through o e ign choice o ing the to o their e t ork In ir tion n cre ti e cor e e ent ti u te thinking n ro e o ing ong t te n e re not h out co our Talk us through Interaction’s design approach to a work hub

ce ith i r nt n energi ing h n inte ur i ure to ring o e o to orking Co our theor ugge t th t en er oothe e o encour ge cre ti it green ro ote concentr tion n ue enh nce r in unction o t e ting ct n in or re or eo e to get to kno e ch other gro ing net ork n o tering co unit hi e co un unch t e he to re uce i oe th t en e o orking in i o tion What about the design of individual piece of furniture?

Inc u ing i erent t e o orking re ro n uette e t to too to cu hione r ch ir en ure o ortunitie to thri e e e i ri te ooth n high enche or re ing re kout ce king u e o riet o te ture c n gi e ce ore e th n i en ion o t e ting i co ine ith h r oo et e et n nting to cre te t cti e n ti u ting en iron ent hi t thi i not on r n e co ing it o ike to ro ote cre ti it n co or tion

“We’re not shy about colours” 80 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ABOVE: Bath Office Co keep décor pared back to allow the client’s brand to shine BELOW: The multi-site co-working Runway East, designed by Interaction

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From private suites that exude professionalism to vibrant communal areas that encourage networking, you’ll find the perfect fit for your vision. Our serviced offices adapt to your changing needs. Whether you have a two-desk requirement or a fifty-desk requirement, we provide customisable spaces that evolve with your growth.

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WHOSE BODY IS IT?

Often the first question family members ask is not about the probate exercise itself, but what the deceased person wanted done with their body. Burial? Cremation?

Donation of organs? Where should the body or ashes rest at the end of the day?

Local legal expert HELEN STARKIE answers…

I

t is surprising how often people record their wishes in respect of the above issues with their solicitor without having discussed them with, or even mentioned them to, their close family members.

Research shows that a quarter of deaths in England and Wales are followed by a family dispute and over a fifth of these concern the final resting place of the deceased’s coffin or ashes. Of the disputes disclosed an astonishing 49 per cent are reported as reaching their peak during the funeral itself!

Where family members have different views as to what arrangements should be made, what happens? Whose wishes prevail? There are three basic rules which apply: • Nobody owns the body.

• The person entitled to possession of the body is the person who is under a duty to dispose of it. The right of possession starts at the moment of death.

• A cremation authority must hand over ashes to the person who delivered the body to it for cremation.

But these are not going to sort out every dispute and, even within these rules, there are inconsistencies and room for argument. As the body is not owned by anyone it follows that it may not be gifted, bought, or sold. However, statute specifically permits a body (or parts of it) to be donated to medicine or science.

Until the end of the last century it was generally accepted that, whilst the contents of a will were legally binding as far as the deceased’s property was concerned, as the body could not be owned and was therefore not ‘property’, wishes regarding the disposal of the body were not binding; simply an expression of wishes. However, this assumption has been challenged in the Human Rights Act 1998 which acknowledges the right to freedom of conscience, thought, and religion.

The person with a duty to dispose of a body has the right to its possession – but who is that?

One might assume it to be the closest relative, but that is not necessarily the case. ‘Next of kin’ is not a recognised legal status.

• A hospital has the right to retain a body if it believes it to be infectious or the death to have been caused by a notifiable disease.

• The coroner then has first right to possession – but only temporarily, for the purposes of establishing the cause of death.

“THE PERSON WITH A DUTY TO DISPOSE OF A BODY HAS THE RIGHT TO ITS POSSESSION – BUT WHO IS THAT? ONE MIGHT ASSUME IT TO BE THE CLOSEST RELATIVE…” It must then be released.

• If there is a will, the person named as executor (whether or not a family member) is next entitled to take possession.

• If there is no will, the person entitled will be the person who has first right to apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration.

• Under a separate set of rules, the parents of a minor child have a duty to arrange for the body’s proper disposal.

In cases where a family is divided – perhaps a second marriage after an acrimonious divorce – there can be disputes amongst the deceased’s family members about what should happen, not only in relation to the funeral

itself, but also in relation to the body or ashes.

It is not unusual for the person responsible for disposal to reach a compromise with different family factions – say some of the ashes to be scattered or interred at one venue and others at another. But where there is more than one executor and they cannot agree between them, then it may be a matter for the courts to decide. In such cases as have come before the courts, judgements have not been consistent.

The first lesson here is, as it has been in relation to so many of the topics I have written about, to talk, if you can, to members of your family and discuss with them what you have in mind and why. And tell your solicitor what you have in mind and why, and get it reflected in your will. That could save a lot of trouble at the end of the day.

Helen Starkie Solicitor 38 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2NT. tel: 01225 442353; www.helenstarkie.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 85

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

The former Pitman Press building has been derelict since 2007; INSET: Founder of the site, Sir Isaac Pitman

New development

HOT OFF THE PRESS

The former Bath Press premises to be transformed into a mixed use development site igni c nt re i enti e i e ue e e o ent ite on the o er ri to o in th h een rought to rket i ten ing to ro i te cre the ite h re o ution to gr nt nning er i ion or e e o ent o high u it e ing eu o rt ent n to nhou e It o ro i e c r rking ce n c c e tore ith c cit or ike he ite hich h een c nt ince origin ho e to the it n

re it

oun e ir I c it n in n ho orn in ro ri ge n h ue e ic te to hi in th e e ie ou te o horth n n n e t i he e itor rinter n u i her on n in u tri c e hi e n o the ui ing ere e o i he un er re iou con ent the ront ge o the origin rint ork hich i oc i te h een re er e together ith the origin chi ne he ro o e e e o ent e igne rchitect C

n n c e rchitect cgregor ith incor or te the re ining hi toric e e ent ith conte or r rchitecture ro o ing high u it teri throughout en or irector ith i e re e ighte to e o ering the or er th re ite to the rket ite o thi n ture n c e re e ce tion r re in th n e en ore o tho e ith et i e nning er i ion For more: www.savills.co.uk

sbsdesignandbuild.com 01225 874676 info@sbsdesignandbuild.com

PROPERTY NEWS Lesley is the new head of residential property at Goughs

New partner

ON THE LADDER

© VR ANCH VISUALS; W W W.VR ANCHVISUALS.CO.UK

Goughs Solicitors has welcomed a new partner and head of residential property, Lesley Warren, who joins the r Green office on the outskirts of Chippenham. She says, I trong e ie er th t e ecti e and regular communication is crucial in ensuring client satisfaction. I aim to make the entire legal process as stressfree as possible for my clients, ensuring they fully understand the legal advice I provide.”

For more: www.goughs.co.uk

Bath Property Awards

BUILD IT UP

Get ready to celebrate Bath’s property scene

The dynamic Bath Property Awards, which celebrates all aspects of the property sector, return on 3 November at the Apex City of Bath Hotel. Nominations are open now until 6 September, and categories include architect; suppliers and services; civic development; residential agent; contractor; and coworking spaces.

As well as entering the Awards, other opportunities include sponsorship packages e igne to he oo t co n ro e through multi-media campaigns.

For more: www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

Award winning

PLAN AHEAD Bath and North East Somerset Council Planning Service picked up two prestigious awards at the RTPI South West Awards for Planning Excellence ceremony, held in Taunton recently.

The planning team won both the Planning Authority Team of the Year and the overall Planning Excellence Award at the RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) Awards, which are designed to showcase and reward outstanding achievements in planning.

Councillor Matthew McCabe, cabinet member for Built Environment and Sustainable Development, says, “The RTPI Awards recognise the hard work and commitment of our planning service, and the important role that planning plays in addressing the issues of climate change, reversing biodiversity o n the hou ing or i it cri i cro th n orth East Somerset.”

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

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

Bath & North East Somerset Planning Service team at the Awards

FRESHFORD HOUSE Explore a Grade II home with charm, poise, and village views Words by Gracie Hanson Pictures by Inigo

F

ound in the centre of the charming village of Freshford is this wonderful Grade-II listed, double-fronted Regency house. Set in an idyllic position overlooking Somerset’s verdant Avon Valley, the house has striking views over the village’s earliest building, the Church of St Peter, the tower of which dates back to the 15th century. Constructed in the early 19th century, the house unfolds over 1,700 sq ft, inc u ing our e e roo n g oriou outh e t facing roof terrace. Framed by hills and woodland, these natural boundaries enclose the village and emphasise its secluded nature within the landscape. re h or i oun in the on e t the con uence of the Rivers Avon and Frome, just six miles southeast of Bath. It lies in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within a local conservation area that covers the entire village and the nearby hamlet of Sharpstone. Much of the village’s charm derives from its narrow streets lined with rubble stone walls, where gaps reveal vistas over the dramatic open landscape.

From the early 17th century through to the Victorian era, the cloth trade proliferated here, taking advantage of water power from the two rivers to power textile mills. For a while, laundry was sent to Freshford to be he n rie in the countr ir in uencing the village’s vernacular, with many buildings from that time remaining beautifully intact today.

This imposing house is constructed of honey-coloured oc tone in ne h r t e he in entr nce it behind a set of cast-iron railings and a private front garden. The central six-panel door, set beneath a fanlight with hexagonal and diamond glazing, opens to a generous hallway. The kitchen/dining room to the right is a wonderfully bright room lit by a large sash window with its original shutters. White-painted cabinetry, including smart glazed cupboards perfect for displaying ceramics, is set beneath black granite worktops. The room is crowned by intricate original cornicing. There is ample space in the centre for a dining table and chairs, n ne o k oor o r h e een e un er oot

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

PROPERTY SHOWCASE PROPERTY

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 91

PROPERTY SHOWCASE

n the o o ite i e o the oor n i o e r ing roo nce g in rge h in o ith hutter o ight to our into the roo r ing gorgeou ie o the hi toric church et ter o en oo urning re ce r the roo o itione et een t o rche co e g in the roo i ecor te ith ne origin cornicing he h e t u e u co t cu o r here t irc e cen to the to oor here there n ition itting roo inte in r gre ro rro hi cou e i ou e generou e tr e roo ho e er it e ture n origin nte iece e o e ui t in cu o r n o en ook he e cro the n ing g r en roo e roo tu h o ing g e oor hich o en tr ight onto e ight u terr ce here re urther three e ro ortione e roo on thi oor e t o throo ut ck to th t rge g e i o ing oor ong the e terior o the r t oor g r en roo hich o en irect onto the ciou outh cing terr ce recent con tructe the current o ner hi re i co ete ri te king it the er ect ec u e ot to en o orning co ee or ounge in the ternoon un e ith hite e e o ic ro n rin tone it ee ike the g r en o e iterr ne n i he terr ce h e ce or otte nt n or cre ting ore e or te ri te g r en hi e g et een the urroun ing ui ing ro i e g i e o the countr i e roun

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

“It feels like the garden of a Mediterranean villa”

HOUSE NUMBERS Bedrooms 5 Guide price £1.15million Century built 19th Minutes drive from Bath 20 For more: www.inigo.com

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Over 30 Years Experience

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AN EVOLUTION OF VALUES

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

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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”

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

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

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TR HAYES

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NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family

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th e ing re ce oo urner g re chi ne n ue eci i t ro c ic to conte or r conce t to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesney’s, r e re tu n et ter Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, at in o@mendi re a es at o Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

BROADLEAF

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

Broadleaf are the UK’s leading manufacturer and ret i er o e uti u oo ooring ith uni ue and unrivalled range of solid and engineered plank and parquet. Open since 2022 their extensive Bath showroom showcases the complete collection. Visit their e ert rien te to n in ir tion i cu your project and pick up samples. 134 – 136 Walcot St; 01225 463464; www.broadleaftimber.com

PERFECT ROOMS

Originally from Perth in Scotland, Perfect Rooms owner, Sue, is a creative interior designer by heart with an enviable eye for detail. Passionate about creating new schemes that are designed to impress, she has a portfolio of clients up and down the country that cannot speak highly enough of her incredible work. To arrange a consultation for interior design services, do not hesitate to get in touch.

Tel: 01249 716445; www.perfectrooms.co.uk

Clair Strong Interior Design is a boutique, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as e hote ort c u office n other co erci venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 690019; www.clairstrong.co.uk

PLUSHH:

Gu r ntee out t n ing ui u it to c project management and truly amazing customer care. Specialising in the domestic market, from concept to completion. Their expertise covers all aspects of building refurbishment, renovation and outstanding property maintenance packages.

Tel: 01225 767148; www.plushhrestoration.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 97

BATH LIVES

“I wanted to marry Spock in Star Trek” It was an exciting, supportive and wonderful environment to grow up in. It was easy

to pretend apartheid did not e it e t rien ere ro Malawi, the Netherlands, and Taiwan. When we went across the border to South Africa and people stared at us because we ere i e grou e thought it was because we were so cool!

I returned to South Africa

to complete an undergraduate degree in law, and it’s then that I faced the reality of apartheid. I was the only woman of colour in a law class.

After my first degree, I worked in an innovative higher education institution that developed a new model for universities in postapartheid South Africa. I left South Africa to pursue a Master’s degree at UCL in London, and then a PhD at the University of Cambridge. Hugh Lauder, a professor at the University of th e ine h n he encouraged me to apply for a job at the university.

RAJANI NAIDOO

The university professor on her life in South Africa and her love for Claverton Down As well as being the Vice President of Community and Inclusion at the University of Bath, Rajani also holds a UNESCO Professorship, and is the co-director of the International Centre for Higher Education Management at the University. Born in South Africa, she now lives in Claverton Down with husband Jurgen Enders, who also works at the University.

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

I was born in South Africa during the apartheid regime.

I attended Waterford, which is part of the United World College alliance and brought chi ren o i erent ethnic groups and nationalities together in a neighbouring country. Nelson Mandela’s daughter Zinzi and the actor Richard E Grant attended Waterford at the same time as me, and Richard Attenborough is a trustee.

I initially assumed that Bath would be dull, and so

I commuted from London for two years. Now, some 20 years on, I love living here. It is a beautiful, friendly city with wonderful architecture and views.

I live in Claverton Down and

I enjoy the peace and quiet of the neighbourhood. I can walk past horses and sheep to Rainbow Woods while being very close to the city centre.

Something I really appreciated during the pandemic.

Biggest achievement?

Linking fairness and inclusion ith e ce ence in re e rch n teaching is becoming more and more integrated into everything that we do as a university. So

much of our research has real impact on making the world a better place.

My German-born husband, Jurgen Enders, and I have such different backgrounds yet we

grew up reading the same books, listening to the same music, being involved in similar causes… So being with him always feels like being at home.

One of my most prized possessions is a little envelope

presented to me by my niece Antara when she was three and I was leaving South Africa to return to the UK. It consists of a coin, a sea shell, a ‘magic’ feather and a scribble.

I love to devour novels late into the evening when I have the time.

I play the piano, listen to music and paint. I also try to repair things for the ure o o ing o ething

When I was young I wanted to marry Spock in Star Trek

because he was so intelligent, and I thought he would be a good challenge.

I recently had an amazing dinner prepared by Dan Moon

and hosted by Sarah Moon of Yuzu at their pop up restaurant. Every dish from the multi course menu was sublime and utterly delicious.

Dan is such a talented and innovative chef and Sarah is lovely.

My other favourite restaurants are Robun and Bandook.

The Bell Inn on Walcot Street is one of my favourite places in Bath. It is community owned

and run, has real ales, live bands, n re re e n i e atmosphere – it is a down-to-earth counterbalance to the ‘picture postcard Jane Austen’ Bath.

For more: www.bath.ac.uk

500 COMING SOON THIS SEPTEMBER TH THE 500 EDITION