Bath Life – Issue 508

ISSUE 508 / MARCH 2023 / £3

PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOUR

ELEVATE YOUR STYLE WITH FLORALS, STRIPES, SPOTS…

ISSUE 508 / MARCH 2023 / GO WEST!

CURIOUSER & CURIOUSER

BATH’S NEW FESTIVAL AND ITS INAUGURAL WALKING TOUR

ROYAL VISIT

WHEN QUEEN CAMILLA CAME TO TOWN

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THE EVER GREENS

THE ENDURING FAMILY SUCCESS OF GRAHAM AND GREEN

THE FABRIC OF SOCIETY

LUBAINA HIMID’S POWERFUL EXHIBITION AT THE HOLBURNE

PEACHY KEEN

THE DÉCOR COLOUR THAT HAS US FEELING WARM AND FUZZY BATH LIFE AWARDS 2024 PREVIEW!

WEST WORLD

FROM THE CROWN TO THE USTINOV, AND WHY DOMINIC WEST TURNED HIS BACK ON HOLLYWOOD

✚ EXPLORING FROGMORE FARM ✚ CHILLING AT THE BATH PRIORY ✚ DINING AT WHATLEY MANOR

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EDITOR’S LETTER

ou know when you hear your own voice on a recording, and you get the total ick? Yeah, course you do – we all do. So imagine the utter ick of hearing your own dumb voice bellowing back at you for a protracted time and coming ear to ear with your ineptitude, stupidity and total cringe moments. As a journalist it’s an occupational hazard when you transcribe interviews, and during mine with our cover star, a megastar and Golden Globe winner who lives just outside Bath, Dominic West, I counted at least three. To be honest, they all involved blithering, blathering and fan-girling about him in The Wire, and The Crown. They are literally my two all-time favourite shows, and turns out I couldn’t let the opportunity to tell him so slide by.

Fortunately, my sycophantic ramblings aside, the charming and funny Dominic still shines through. The exclusive interview was to talk about his then-upcoming (now current) appearance at the Theatre Royal’s Ustinov in Arthur Miller’s A View From The Bridge, but he’s one of those open and upbeat souls who is happy to talk about everything that crosses his path. Turn to page 18 to find out more, including his reaction to The Crown criticism (he took to his bed), and his views on pig farming in Corsham (he named his after the Trump family), on being the next James Bond (never say never), and on why he loves living so near to Bath (The Bell Inn pub and Corkage restaurant being two big reasons).

Enjoy!

SARAH MOOLLA

We catch up with the actor (and upbeat soul) Dominic West over on page 18

Follow us on @BathLifeMag @bathlifemag

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Issue 508 / March 2024

PHOTO BY VERIT Y GENCO

COVER Turn to page 18 for our exclusive interview with acclaimed actor and Bath resident Dominic West, currently performing in A View From The Bridge at Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov

BIG INTERVIEW

18 DOMINIC WEST On The Crown, performing in Bath, pig-farming daydreams, and living in Corsham

THE ARTS 25 26 28 31 32

ARTS INTRO Lubaina Himid’s exhibition at the Holburne WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go CULTURE CLUB Actor Laurie Brett shares her favourite arts BOOKS Mr B’s reading recommendations FESTIVAL The walking tour from the new Curious Minds festival

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OUT OF TOWN

36 BRADFORD ON AVON An insider’s guide

FOOD & DRINK

42 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Nuggets from the foodie scene, and

talking kale with Verity Genco

44 RESTAURANT REVIEW Catching up with Ricki Weston, the

executive chef of Whatley Manor

LIFESTYLE 53 54 57 58

SHOP LEAD A bedroom shade for sweet dreams EDITOR’S CHOICE Pantone’s new shade is just peachy BEAUTY The Garden Spa by L’Occitane at The Bath Priory FASHION In praise of prints

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BATH LIFE AWARDS 2024

61 PREVIEW A look at what’s coming up at the prestigious event

NETWORK

71 NETWORK LEAD Generations of Graham and Green 72 NETWORK INTERVIEW Fifty years of the lifestyle store 74 NETWORK NEWS Local business news, views, and interviews

77 78 80 84

PROPERTY LEAD The acquisition of Hartham Park PROPERTY INTERVIEW Casper Sunley on North Range SHOWCASE Explore the charming Frogditch Farmhouse INTERIORS Planning the perfect bathroom

DEPARTMENTS

9 11 13 17 47 90

SPOTLIGHT Big shows heading to the Theatre Royal Bath INSTAS Weir and wonderful SCENE Hello, ma’am FLATLINE Flats reports back on his inability to concentrate EDUCATION Victoria Bond on how best to help your child BATH LIVES Meet artist Ruth Sant

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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 Sarah Baker, Victoria Bond, Nic Bottomley, Elsie Chadwick, David Flatman, Verity Genco, Rachel Ifans, John Mather, and Fred Mawer Commercial director Pat White pat. white@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash. co.uk Marketing executive Grace Goodall grace.goodall@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.

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PROPERTY

SPOTLIGHT Arts

SETTING THE STAGE Heading to the Theatre Royal Bath over the next few months is a whole raft of new shows and big name dramas

The Kite Runner is an award winning adaptation of the book of the same name

English Touring Opera presents The Rake’s Progress

Mischief’s new comedy Mind Mangler; INSET: Geraldine Somerville stars in The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

Life of Pi comes to Bath, 22 – 25 May

PHOTO BY JOHAN PERSSON

PHOTO BY ANNA CL ARE PHOTOGRAPHY

David Morrissey comes to the Ustinov

Direct from Broadway, The Kite Runner, based on Khaled Hosseini’s international bestselling novel about a torn apart friendship in Afghanistan, runs 18 – 23 March.

From 21 March – 20 April at the Ustinov, David Morrissey leads the cast alongside Mathew Horne in a compelling Harold Pinter double bill, playing Richard in The Lover and Harry in The Collection.

Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, and sevennights at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End, comic legend Frank Skinner performs his critically acclaimed new show 30 Years of Dirt on 5 May. Geraldine Somerville (Gosford Park, Harry Potter Frank Skinner fi s Cracker) will star performs his new show, 30 Years in Tennessee Williams’ of Dirt semi-autobiographical masterpiece, The Glass Menagerie, from 13 – 18 May. Direct from the West End comes Life of Pi, 22 – 25 May, as part of its first e er tour. The fi e ti e i ier Award-winning stage adaptation also received three Tony Awards following its Broadway première.

The ng ish Touring pera returns to ath to perform Manon Lescaut on Monday 27 May and The Rake’s Progress on Tuesday 28 May. n a ondon assic Theatre are ac to per or oe rton s ear ess satirica arce What the Butler Saw directed ichae a ot. i ier ard inner u asterson rings another solo performance to Bath following his acclaimed sell-out A Christmas Carol in December 2023, when he presents eorge r e s Animal Farm on 31 May – 1 June. ou e i ier ard inner and ath a ourite Janie Dee stars in Laughing Boy, a brand-new play written and directed by Stephen Unwin, which tours to the Theatre Royal on 4 – 8 June.

Direct from the West End, Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer, creators of the global smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong and series The Goes Wrong Show, bring Mischief ’s riotous new comedy Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle to Bath, 11 – 16 June.

Finally, Party Games!, an acerbic new comedy delving inside the chaos of government by author, journalist and former political adviser Michael McManus, performs 8– 22 June.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

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SPOTLIGHT

WEIR AND WONDERFUL Lucky for us, during these rainy months, that in 1603 the horseshoe-shaped, flood-preventing Pulteney Weir was built

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

ROYAL VISIT

Her Majesty The Queen joined Bath based charity St John’s Foundation to mark their 850th anniversary on 1 February. The visit began with her meeting St John’s almshouse residents for tea and cake in the charity’s chapel, St Michael’s Within, before heading to Bath Abbey, where she was greeted in the courtyard by over 600 school chi dren ro fi e o the oca schoo s that St John’s works with.

Within the Abbey, more than 600 guests gathered for a Service of Celebration that paid tribute to the history and impactful legacy of St John’s Foundation over the last eight and a half centuries. Attendees

included many of the charity’s direct eneficiaries inc uding o der adu ts residing in the charity’s almshouses and local school children supported by its initiatives.

Guests heard a performance of A Million Dreams and Sing from The Voices for Life choir, and – following an address which outlined St John’s future ambitions – CEO David Hobdey invited Her Majesty up to unveil the charity’s commemorative 850th plaque. The plaque will be laid within St John’s city centre courtyard, a place that’s been part of the charity’s home for the last 850 years.

Photos by Beata Cosgrove and Anna Barclay www.stjohnsbath.org.uk

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SOCIETY

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

SOCIETY

SOCIETY

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FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN “Even when a subject matter thrills me, I cannot retain the information”

Reporting back It may be that the signs were always there, but Flats didn’t pay attention to them

M

y parents love it when conversation turns to how their grandchildren – my children – are doing at school. They love it primarily as they love said children and are keen to know how they’re travelling along in their little bubble. Also, they love it as it will eventually give them a chance to tell everyone who’ll listen about my school reports. In short, they mainly read like this: “We have plenty of fun with David, but he doesn’t seem to do any work that we can see.” One teacher, Mr Carter who taught French and whom we all loved, said in one report: “David is the only pupil yet to master the subjunctive,” and he was right. Still haven’t. A term later, around the time when my rugby playing began to become a little more serious, and around the time I discovered the gym, he simply wrote: “David who?” What a hero. Him, not me.

I wasn’t there.

This was a theme that amused nobody at all until probably my early twenties, by which time I’d made good on my Dad’s best friend’s assertion that results at school meant little in the real world. Yes, I am now equating a professional sports environment with the real world.

I got lucky. I was lucky to have parents around to sho e di erent things i e sports. I was lucky to fall in love with one sport in particu ar and to ha e a su cient sta e and a uent up ringing that e a a s had a car to take me where I so wanted to go. I was lucky to inherit an extreme, almost io ent dri e to co p ete. To fight. as lucky to be given a physique capable of such extreme feats – not a physique many would choose otherwise, I readily acknowledge, but one that was put to work and one that largely delivered. ain though as uc to find a career that I loved, and that didn’t require my brain to work like other people’s. I say this

as a man just a few steps into a journey on which I hope to discover why I’ve never been able to concentrate for any length of time.

Why, even when a subject matter thrills me, I cannot retain the information or opinion I love to read. Why I cannot control certain impulses. Why I can’t remember things. Why I continually have great ideas that excite me, but cannot ever – ever – follow up on them.

Why I can feel overwhelmed – like there’s nowhere near enough time – before a school run when all I actually have to do is feed the dog and make porridge. Why I put things o e en things no don t ind doing – until they cause me a problem (yes, beloved editor, like this column!). Why I cannot tolerate certain loud noises when I’m indoors.

By the time you’re 40-ish, if you’re prepared to be honest, you could probably write a pretty decent report on yourself.

I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve seen that my report now would be very similar to my reports then. I do produce work, as it happens, but my methods of preparation to take the stage or to stand in front of a camera are so erratic as to often be all but useless.

Very little has changed.

The more I read, the more convinced I am that I have ADHD. I could be wrong (I’m more interested than worried, as it goes. I’ve made it this far etc etc), but I don’t think I am. The maddening – truly, achingly maddening – thing is that I want to pay for a test to find out once and or a ut I can’t even follow through with booking the thing. Too complicated. Too many options. ope. Tried a out fi e ti es. t s not ear or apprehension, it’s some sort of psychological, behavioural block. I just can’t do it. I wish I could. Maybe it’s time to master that subjunctive…

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 17

In 2005 Dominic was rumoured to have turned down the role of James Bond

HE’S THE DOM Golden Globe winner Dominic West on pig farming, regional theatre, and why he loves living near Bath Words by Sarah Moolla Rehearsal pictures by Johan Persson

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

THE BIG INTERVIEW

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TOP LEFT: In The Wire as Jimmy McNulty with Wendell Pierce who played his police partner, William ‘Bunk’ Moreland; Alongside Elizabeth Debicki in The Crown as the Prince and Princess of Wales; BOTTOM: It took five years to film The Affair with co-star Ruth Wilson; ABOVE: In rehearsals with Kate Fleetwood for A View From The Bridge

o why is Dominic West – the Dominic West of recent international The Crown fame, star of the forever critically acclaimed The Wire, the Golden Globe Best Actor winner – playing the 126 seater Ustinov studio at the Theatre Royal Bath? “Because I thought the whole thing would be in Bath! That’s the only reason why I agreed! I wanted to be near to home. But it’s not – the rehearsals are in London! F***’s sake!

I wouldn’t have said yes if I’d known!” This is followed is a huge uproarious throaty laugh down the end of the phone. He is only joking, of course.

Of course he wanted to do small regional theatre, and he really does love Arthur Miller, and he’d seen A View From The Bridge with the late Michael Gambon which had massively inspired him, so he just had to take the part when director Lindsay osner o ered it.

But actually, as it turns out, he really does love being at his home near Bath, with his family, working on their pig farm, and very importantly, being in easy commutable distance of The Bell Inn on Walcot Street.

“We live in a little tiny hamlet near Corsham in Wiltshire, moved there si ears ago. The ids got to a certain si e and didn t rea fit in the house in London anymore, so we thought it time to move out. I had gro n up in he e d in the countr side and had that onging to get out into the fie ds. e anted the to get a sense o fie ds and ri ers and animals and things. We ended up having lockdown there, all the kids started school in Bath, and, well, now it’s really home. We’ve got chickens and pigs and have a great time.”

As well as the chance of working near home, the Ustinov opportunity a so o ered an escape ro the scrutin and the pressures rought a out fi ing The Crown, in which Dominic played Prince Charles in series fi e and si . The high acc ai ed a ard inning et i sho

is watched by 73 million households worldwide but came in for some high profi e criticis to ards the end. t a as uite di cu t ecause it as uite contro ersia he sa s ut ust thought d o e to get back to doing what I really like doing, which is theatre – something can rea get teeth into. ha en t done theatre or a out fi e ears and it’s a good way of reminding you that you can act. Get the muscle going again because A: you can pit yourself against these great roles; and see how you stand up, and B: you can learn from them.

“And it doesn’t have me constantly trying to not say the wrong thing to journalists!”

“An audience has enthusiasm and this really feeds a performance”

TOOK TO HIS BED

There are a lot of exclamation marks in Dominic’s speech, indicative of his energy, joie de vivre, and good humour, but he’s also upfront how the critics’ backlash of The Crown left its mark on him.

“I knew we did a good job but the reviews didn’t pan out too well. You all work incredibly hard and do amazing work. Then, oh f***, no! It’s not being given its due. If you read the reviews you’d think it as ust a oad o nonsense that as dashed o in a inute. id he read actually read the reviews, then? “Oh yes, all in one go, and then I took to my bed for a couple of days.” Then comes the huge laugh, a pause and then a atter o act o rea did. ortunate he soon realised those actually watching the show loved it. “People from everywhere – Colombia, Ireland, all over the world – they tell you they adore it. That s here ou shou d rea get our gratification ro .

By some unjust anomaly, HBO’s The Wire, in which Dominic played po ice detecti e i c u t or ing in the desperate io ent drug, gang and poverty-stricken city of Baltimore, and which is often cited as one of the best TV dramas ever created – Shakespearean in its range co p e it eaut and enduring appea su ered a si i ar ate.

“It never got nominated for a single award!” he exclaims. “The Wire

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FINE ART AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS

HOME, ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES 25TH MARCH DESIGN & MID CENTURY 28TH MARCH

THE BIG INTERVIEW

“If you’re in this job for the a aim o re oin e disa ointed

ne er on a thing Then rando in the fi th season it as no inated or sound design. re e er the riter and producer a id i on as hopping ad at that one no ination. e pre erred the c ean s eep o not a sing e one. t didn t in the sound design a ard in the end though so that s so ething. ortunate not inning things and ad re ie s ha e actua he ped shape his positi e approach to his cra t. thin that Wire e perience rather ade e a it rea istic a out a ards and re ie s and things. ou re in this o or the acc ai ou re going e disappointed. nd it see s to ha e certain strengthened his enthusias and desire or i e theatre s direct connection ith the audience. The theatre is a a out co p icit et een an audience and an actor. t s hat ou get ro a i e per or ance as opposed to through a di erent ediu so an audience s energ ine ita a ects ou. ou no here the aughs co e here the shoc s are hen the gasps happen and this ine ita a ects ou. n audience has enthusias interaction and this rea eeds a per or ance.

The ath theatre audience had a read de onstrated their enthusias or his stino per or ance pre the sho starting ith the tic ets or the near one onth run se ing out a ost i ediate . as he surprised t as a a ing o e er do thin there s a hunger or theatre here that ou don t uite sense in ondon. There s the danger peop e there i ee the e a read seen the p a so can t uite e othered. oes the ephe era nature o theatre a so appea to hi right no in contrast to the ig production nu ers es definite . got into acting ecause ou do so ething er intensi e or a finite a ount o ti e. i ed that. The per or ance is gone the run is gone and it s a o er. nd then i ou do episodic T it sort o goes on and on and on. t doesn t see to end. The Wire as an e ceptiona thing to do ut it does dri e ou cra a ter a e ears ecause the start riting our i e into it. then soon a ter did T e air ith uth i son and that as another fi e ears in the tates. nd it s prett u on in erica.

LIVING STATESIDE Dominic pictured in rehearsal for A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller, which is set in 1950s America about a family of Italian heritage living in Brooklyn

espite the huge acc ai success and opportunities or hi in the tates he chose not to sta ong ter and capita ise on that. t as er uch a crossroads o ent or e straight a ter The Wire. directed one o its ast episodes and rea o ed it. thought going to sta and tr and e a director or a it. o did. did go around erica and and did get to shado directors and had so e directing ead or . ut a so had an eight ear o d daughter ac in ng and and

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

THE BIG INTERVIEW GO WEST!

Dominic’s quick fire round Favourite actor to work with Historically, the late, great Helen McCrory. I do love working with Imelda Staunton – I’ve done four films with her now, as well as The Crown. She’s brilliant and no-nonsense.

Would like to work with I’d love to work with Carrie Mulligan. She’s extraordinary in Maestro.

Film of the moment Anatomy of a Fall.

Dominic and wife Catherine in their Glin Castle in Limerick, which is available to hire

my wife and I had just had a baby, and none of it was going to suit a big move to America. So, put simply, children got in the way, and thank goodness they did!”

He has continued to direct in the UK, and is working on a few pro ects one o hich he hopes to get o the ground er soon maybe... The slow pace at which these projects are happening, he says, is partly down to funding, but moreso he blames his habit of getting distracted. “It’s much harder work directing,” he explains. “As an actor ou re ast in first out. or a director it s the other a round and it is slow and takes a lot of persistence. I’ll be trying to push for a fi ant to a e and then sudden so eone co es a ong and goes ‘Why don’t you do this job? It’s already up and running, and you can start tomorrow.’ This is why nothing’s materialised yet, but I hope it will. I’ve got a couple of stories I want to tell.”

PIG FARMING

In between acting and directing projects, one of Dominic’s other big passions is the pigs he has at his Corsham home. “We’ve got 12 of them at the moment. I live between two farms, so I’m very friendly with the farmers, and they’re helping me out by taking the piglets to fatten them up.” Is this his plan B, then? Pig farming? “Yes!” he enthuses. And then: “Actually, no. I’m not sure I can make a career out of it. We slaughtered our first so and no e can t eat her. oor ar a. ar a es the boar was red and ginger so we called him Donald. And so the sows are na ed a ter his i es. e e got e ania and ana e t He’s also passionate about Ireland, where his wife Catherine it era d a andscape designer is ro and here the o n a cast e. t s in ast e in the est o re and. ctua can ou put the e site in and sa it s a ai a e or a i reunions and ar it ahs [Cue that huge throaty laugh again]. t s an a a ing p ace and e go there e er hrist as. ou d he e er consider a o e there ie would love that, but it wouldn’t be practical for us to commute for work from Limerick. Also, we’ve made a really nice life for ourselves in Bath.

There s no etter to n. t s so up i ting and eauti u . oing do n the river in a canoe, which we do in the summer. I just love it here.”

Before the end of the interview, it’s irresistible to ask him who should e the ne t a es ond there s een a s e o na es again in the press, and in 2005 Dominic was once very much in the frame to play the superspy but was rumoured to have turned down the part. “Who should be the next James Bond?! Well, me, of course. It could still be e. oger oore as not uch ounger than e. do it Te the do it nd as e sign o that huge ho eso e oo o a augh of his is still ringing around the room.

Dominic West is joined by Kate Fleetwood, Nia Towle and Callum Scott Howells in the new production of Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge, directed by Lindsay Posner, performing at Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio until 16 March. On 25 May it transfers to the Theatre Royal Haymarket for 11 weeks.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk | www.glin-castle.com

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

Favourite show to have appeared in I did a kind of circus show with the Argentinian De La Guarda in the ’90s. That’s probably the show I enjoyed the most.

Favourite book Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Huge but amazing – don’t be put off by its size, read the first page.

Favourite TV show I’m a big Bake Off fan, and at the moment I’m loving Slow Horses with Gary Oldman.

Favourite place to visit in Bath I love the Rec. I used to play my rugby and am now a Bath fan.

I know Jon Hall, ‘el presidente’, so I go with him a bit.

Football team I used to be a Sheffield Wednesday fan, but that rather put me off! My boys are obsessed with football, so I’ve got more into it since becoming a dad. They both support Liverpool, and my boy also played for Bristol City academy.

Where to eat in Bath Richard Bertinet is a good friend of mine and I did his baking course a while back – me, him and some of the boys like to go to Corkage. Also, after being on a waiting list for nearly six months, we’re finally trying out Noya’s Kitchen supper club in a few weeks.

Where to drink in Bath I love The Bell on Walcot Street. It’s such a perfect pub.

As well as The Crown, Dominic worked with Imelda Staunton in the 2014 film Pride

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THE ARTS PHOTO BY JO HOUNSOME PHOTOGRAPHY

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

INTERWOVEN Flowing in and around the Holburne Museum right now is 400 metres of vibrantly coloured and intricately patterned Dutch wax fabric. It has een designed to re ect the o e ent o oceans and ri ers that ha e been used to transport cotton across the planet and over centuries.

The artwork, created by Turner-prize winning artist Lubaina Himid, also tells the tales of those exploited to support the industry, from the enslaved people from Africa who used to pick raw cotton in the southern states of America, to the workers who migrated from South Asia to operate looms in East Lancashire.

In the major installation Lost Threads the artist continues her life-long exploration of the making of clothing, and the histories of colonisation, female labour, migration and globalisation within that trade.

Lubaina Himid: Lost Threads is on at Holburne Museum until 21 April; www.holburne.org www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 25

WHAT’S ON 23 February – 30 March

Emanuel de Carvalhois one of the 23 artists making up Hauser & Wirth’s Present Tense exhibition

EXHIBITIONS Until 14 April

GWEN JOHN: ART AND LIFE IN LONDON AND PARIS This much acclaimed retrospective, soon to come to a close, explores the paintings of Welsh artist Gwen John (1876-1939). Known for her self-portraits, quiet domestic interiors, and portraits of other women, this collection explores her remarkable career. www.holburne.org

Until 14 April

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE LADYBIRD BOOK ARTISTS A collection of books and original artwork from the distinctive Ladybird series, curated by Helen Day, is on display at the Victoria Art Gallery, revealing how the illustrators played an enormous role in the extraordinary success of the company. www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 21 April

CATHERINE DUCKER Using the work of Catherine Ducker, who produces paintings that sing with colour and light, the Emotion in Colour exhibition at

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

Victoria Art Gallery aims to create so t ca spaces or peop e to find solace. www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 28 April

is putting up for auction her painting A Safe Place to Land to help raise money for Bath Welcomes Refugees. www.bathartfair.co.uk

PRESENT TENSE This Hauser & Wirth group exhibition, a collaboration with 12 other galleries, provides a platform for 23 artists. Includes pieces from Ania Hobson, Victoria Canton, Sholto Blissett, Emanuel de Carvalho, Shawanda Corbett, Sang Woo Kim, Ebun Sodipo, Paloma Proudfoot, and Gray Wielebinski. www.hauserwirth.com

27 February – 3 March

Until 22 June

16 March – 7 April

DRAGONS, DRAGONS, DRAGONS A fun, informative, and visuallyinspiring family-focused exhibition with trails and activities that incorporates over 50 dragonthemed objects from the museum’s extensive collection. www.meaa.org.uk

23 – 25 February

BATH ART FAIR This is hosted at the Bath Pavilion, and brings together over 90 independent artists from all over the countr . rganiser ce arfie d

LISK GALLERY POP UP Lisk Gallery (based in Liskeard, Cornwall) is being hosted by 44AD, showcasing art works alongside antiques and vintage furniture.

Artists and retailers include The Cornish Potter, Nicky Knowles, Ed ur es and The ath hap. rofits go to the RUH’s Art at the Heart initiative. www.44ad.net ERIC WALROND Bradford on Avon Museum is hosting an insightful exhibition on former BOA resident, the writer Eric Walrond (1898 – 1966). He was author of Tropic Death and part of 1920s New York’s Harlem Renaissance cultural community of Black creatives, and moved to the small market town in the mid 1930s. www.bradfordonavonmuseum.co.uk

18 – 31 March

THE SOLID AND THE FRAGILE The Bath hub of the Cotswolds

Sculptors Association is holding an exhibition of sculptures at 44AD. Featuring 11 artists with works made especially for the show in a range of materials, including ceramics, metalwork, textiles, glass, wood and stone. www.44ad.net

THEATRE / CINEMA Until 16 March

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE In the intimate setting of the Ustinov, BAFTA Award winner Dominic West (The Wire, The Pursuit of Love, The Crown), Kate Fleetwood (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), and Callum Scott Howells (It’s a Sin) star in Arthur Miller’s masterpiece, a study of one man’s place in the close-knit Italian/American community of 1950s New York.

Turn to page 18 for an exclusive interview with our cover star, and the leading man, Dominic West. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

13 – 16 March

RENT A rock musical based on Puccini’s La Bohème that narrates the story of

WHAT’S ON

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Join Reginald D.

Hunter at Komedia on 3 March for an exploration of separating “what’s true and what’s real”; Squirrel is looking for their stash at The Egg on 23 March; During the Bath Art Fair, organiser Alce Harfield is putting up for auction one of her paintings, A Safe Place to Land, to help raise money for Bath Welcomes Refugees; The Curious Minds festival launches across the city 7 March

Grammy nominated, multiplatinum recording artist as well as being an accomplished radio and TV presenter, and he’s coming to the Bath Forum. www.bathforum.co.uk

23 March

RACHEL SAGE This amazing NYC singer/ songwriter has shared a stage with Beth Hart, Howard Jones, and Ani DiFranco and will be at Chapel Arts showcasing an adventurous fusion of poetry, jazz, Americana and classical music in the vein of Leonard Cohen. www.chapelarts.org

COMEDY

3 March

a group of young artists struggling to create a life in New York under the shadow of AIDS. Performed at the Rondo by the newly formed theatre group Maple Theatre Company. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

MUSIC 9 March

BATH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Bath Abbey Girls’ Choir and a esfie d ir s choo hoir directed by Huw Williams, join Bath Symphony Orchestra at Bath Forum for a performance of Holst’s The Planets. www.bathforum.co.uk

13 March

JUST MY IMAGINATION Groove to the timeless hits of Motown legends The Temptations, as the ultimate celebration tour Just My Imagination comes to the Bath Forum, performed by a cast of dynamic West End performers and musicians. www.bathforum.co.uk

16 March

MICHAEL BALL He’s a leading musical theatre star, a double Olivier Award-winning,

REGINALD D. HUNTER In these supercharged sociopolitical times, the challenge is more and more to become able to separate what’s true and what’s real. Join Reginald D. Hunter at Komedia for an hour of exploring the phenomenon of seeing through the bulls**t. www.komedia.co.uk

8 March

CONNOR BURNS One of Scotland’s fastest rising comedy stars talks relationships, submarines, and family drama at the Rondo. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

10 March

GEOFF NORCOTT eo is on a ission at o edia as he tries to unpick what’s happening with your average bloke.

Remember them? The ones that toxic masculinity has ruined it for. www.komedia.co.uk

14 March

BATH COMEDY CLUB It’s burgers, laughs, and rising comic talent at Nowhere bar on the Lower Bristol Road. www.bathcomedy.com

23 March

PAUL FOOT Following a sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run award-winning and trail-

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

WHAT’S ON blazing comedian, Paul Foot comes to Rondo with his Dissolve tour to reveal how he discovered the secret of life on the outskirts of Lancaster.

Along the way he gets distracted ir i ichard o cious lollipop ladies and what Jesus might have achieved if he’d been a plumber. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

CHILDREN 9 – 10 March

THE FARMER AND THE CLOWN a c o n ounces o a passing circus train in the middle of nowhere; now separated from family and friends, they’re rescued by a kindly farmer. Suitable for ages 3+. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

OTHER

Laurie, third from left, is one of the Calender Girls performing at Theatre Royal Bath

7 – 28 March

CURIOUS MINDS: A FESTIVAL TO IGNITE IDEAS Curated by Bath Arts Collective, this new event features more than 30 book talks, live performances, fi screenings riting or shops and even a walk or two. See page 32 for more. www.batharts.co.uk

15 – 16 March

BATH DECORATIVE ANTIQUES FAIR Celebrating its 35th edition showcasing everything beautiful, including paintings, furniture, textiles, mirrors, and collectibles from all eras and covering all styles. www.bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk

CULTURE CLUB with Laurie Brett Laurie Brett, best known for her role in EastEnders as Jane Beale, is performing at the Theatre Royal Bath, 5 – 9 March, in a brand-new production of Calendar Girls The Musical, written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth. Laurie’s TV roles also include Waterloo Road, Shetland and Traces, and she recently starred alongside David Tennant in Channel 4’s Deadwater Fell. Stage credits include Band of Gold, Les Misérables, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The last great film I saw Everything Everywhere All at Once, starring Michelle Yeoh as a laundrette owner who goes on a surreal, crazy adventure, is simply stunning. It was just really funny and not what I expected. I love that film.

A film I could watch over and over again There are two, maybe three. The Godfather Part II, just because it’s wonderful! True Romance is a film that I adore, and one of the least likely to have been written

by Tarantino, and then There’s Something About Mary, which never fails to make me laugh.

Martin Aitchison was one of the many talented illustrators for the Ladybird Books whose work can currently be seen at the Victoria Art Gallery

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

A painting that means something to me I do love Monet – oil paintings such as the various Water Lilies

– and also Sunflowers by Van Gogh. I’ve seen them many times at places like the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam.

Favourite TV guilty pleasure The Channel 4 real life TV show about competing B&B owners, Four in a Bed – that’s my true guilty pleasure.

The book that changed my life George Orwell’s 1984. It’s an incredible book. I used to have a first edition copy of it, but I sold it because it was just sitting there in my safe at home. I would love to get another copy at some point.

My desert island disc I have such an eclectic taste in music, from Tchaikovsky to Queens of the Stone Age to Led Zeppelin to house music to Patsy Cline. But if I was pushed, I think it would be Insomnia by Faithless.

Dance floor banger I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan Current podcast recommendation The News Agents with journalists Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel, and Lewis Goodall. They’re currently hosting a weekly US politics podcast in the run-up to the 2024 US presidential election.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Now taking r bookings fo y Mother’s Da ch ar M th 10

Discover the culinary treasures of the Mediterranean at Pomegranate Meze, nestled within the enchanting walls of a beautiful chapel on Walcot Street. Immerse yourself in the essence of Greek and Turkish cuisine, where every dish tells a story of tradition and taste.

We can cater for large group bookings. If you have a birthday, anniversary or a special occasion to celebrate please get in touch.

Pomegranate Meze | 88 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BD 01225 462992 | info@pomegranatebath.co.uk www.pomegranatebath.co.uk

Hartham Park Estate

WEDDING FAYRE 3rd March 2024

Launching weddings at our Georgian Mansion this Spring!

English Country House | Exclusive Use | Tailored Catering | Interiors to wow | On the day booking incentives Meet a curated list of the best suppliers across Bath, Wiltshire & The Cotswolds

Register for free at weddings@harthamparkestate.co.uk

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www.harthamparkestate.co.uk/weddings

SPORT FOR ALL

SHINING A LIGHT ON TENNIS AT LANSDOWN

TENNIS FOR ALL

All through the year, at the best sports club in Bath. Offering tennis, squash, racketball and croquet

From beginners to county level players, for all ages. Daytime and evenings all through the year

GREAT COACHING

WELCOMING CLUBHOUSE

Friendly, experienced coaches for juniors, beginners and team players – individually or in classes

with friendly staff, the café-bar is open all day, every day

New lights at Lansdown ensure all year round sports for all ages and levels.

8 tennis courts lit with the latest LED technology for brilliant evening play.

For more information about the club and our range of membership options, contact the office on: 01225 425763 or e-mail: reception@lansdownclub.co.uk The Lansdown Club, Northfields, Bath BA1 5TN | www.lansdownclub.co.uk

IDEAL GIFT FOR BUDDING TENNIS PLAYERS!

Our gift vouchers can be used towards membership or to spend on food and drink at the bar!

Available to buy from the office.

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

R The spirit of adventure abounds in Nic’s latest reading selection

“Chakraborty’s novel weaves together folklore, Arabic mythology and the pursuit of glory”

emarkable female seafaring adventurers seem to be everywhere in my book sphere this winter. Some fictitious so e rea . nd a larger than life in one way or another.

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by hannon ha ra ort arper o ins £9.99) is about to emerge into a handy cro s nest si ed paper ac and i e the per ect inspirationa reading atter or anyone looking for adventure on the seas.

Though there aren t an sai ors ho d e hoping or this uch ad enture suspect. hen the action egins ina is a notorious pirate queen who has attempted to ea e the pirate i e ehind her no that her daughter is gro ing up. course as ou d e pect the te ptation o one ast ucrati e ut incognito o to pro ide the nest egg she s ai ed to secure so ar is ust too strong. hat see s at first to e a standard run orphs into a peri ous ission across a trou eso e agoon and a idst the rescue e orts that ensue her true identit is re ea ed. ro then on ina has itt e choice ut to put the o d cre ac together or one fina heroic turn in a ission that has it a a princess to rescue sea onsters and genera peri ap ent . ha ra ort s no e ea es together o ore ra ic tho og and the pursuit of glory in a barnstorming thriller.

Unlikely seabound adventuress Maralyn is one ha o the er rea protagonist coup e at the heart of Maurice and Maralyn: A Whale, A Shipwreck, A Love Story by ophie hirst intage 18. . nd she s er uch the dri ing orce ehind the adventure they embarked upon. ter eeting in the 1 s aurice and ara n i ed a er t pica su ur an i est e unti the ound the se es itching

or so ething a itt e di erent. espite i ing in er a out as and oc ed a cit as the can uster the decide to ui d a oat with the intention of emigrating to New Zealand by sailing all the way there. hirst s ascinating ourna istic account o their stor detai s their ig decision the preparations the underta e and then o course hat turns out to e a o age raught ith dra a. ro isions are cra ed into e er crann o the oat no space goes unuti ised and the end up a oat in a cra ped stress inducing esse ri ing ith cans o ood. nd that s a e ore the co ide ith a ha e and are cast adri t in a dinghy with no propulsion or means of co unication. ro that point on e re in genuine arger than i e and et so eho it is rea i e thri er territor as e atch these unlikely seafarers attempt to survive alone on the ocean. ast a ord a out a c assic ro one o the t entieth centur s great e p orers and tra e riters re a tar . e recent een reading tar s The Southern Gates of Arabia ando ouse 1 . hich recounts a ourne on the ed ea and then arious eans across the ra ian interior ro den in e en. t the ti e the Hadhramaut Valley was virtually unknown to Western travellers (let alone solo female ad enturers and tar sets out in particu ar to disco er the ost cit o ha a. er ourne a ong ran incense trade routes is u o ad enture un a i iar andscapes and encounters ith re ote peop es and p aces ut it s tar s incredi e agnetic riting that a es this a ust read for anyone who likes to explore distant lands ro their ar chair.

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

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

WONDROUS WALKABOUT

Inside the quirky and inquisitive walking tour of Bath launching as part of the new Curious Minds festival

By Fred Mawer

T

hink you know Bath? Think again. As part of the Curious Minds festival (see the box to the right for more details), Fred Mawer, along with his e o ue adge ua ified guide Phil Arthur, has created a walking tour entitled At Least 50 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Bath. “The tour will bounce across centuries and over themes – architecture, literature, famous people, TV/ fi ocations and so on e p ains red. ach thing we pick out will be describable in no more than a minute or so. Therefore there will be no standing in one spot for ages, and no ength histor essons ere he se ects ust a few of the little known highlights along the way.

A MOSTLY GREY PHONE KIOSK

The cast-iron K6 telephone kiosk at the top of the Gravel Walk across from No1 Royal Crescent is classic in design, but not in colour.

When installed in 1952, the box, now Grade II listed, was painted mostly in battleship grey, the thinking being that customary bright red would be too garish for the elegant surroundings.

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

A DEFACED STATUE

Flanking the big west door of Bath Abbey are the church’s patron saints, St Peter on the left, St Paul on the right. That St Peter’s head looks weird is all to do with the Civil War, when it as opped o par ia entar so diers.

Subsequently the face has been re-carved into what was originally St Peter’s beard.

AN OLD GHOST SIGN

Bath has dozens of ‘ghost signs’ – faded writing on shopfronts and side walls advertising former uses and trades. The ghost signs on this Milsom Street façade date back to the early 1820s. With books expensive to purchase in the Regency era, there were as many as ten libraries in Bath where you could rent reading material.

GEORGIAN TAXI OFFICES

ou anted to a e a short ourne in ath in Georgian times and didn’t fancy walking, you could be carried from A to B by longsu ering chair en in a sedan chair. Thin 18th-century taxi service. On Queen’s Parade ace ou find a pair o chair en s odges the only surviving ones in the country – where the chairmen would rest up.

ABOVE: This phone box was painted grey in 1952; BELOW: The exceedingly strange face of Bath Abbey’s St Peter statue

ARTS A BISCUIT TALE

Above the entrance to Belushi’s, on the corner of Green Street, can be seen the profi e o r i ia i er. e as the first chie ph sician at the ath enera ospita hich su se uent eca e the o a inera ater ospita . The doctor is est no n or in enting a dr hea th iscuit or his patients. The iscuits ere ater so d ro a shop on these pre ises and ath i ers are sti purchasa e toda inc uding ro aitrose in The odiu across the street.

A VICTORIAN POST BOX

n aura ace stands a rare sur i ing e a p e o a en o d pi ar o a though there is in act another on reat u tene treet. ast et een 18 and 18 en o ds are he agona in shape and decorated at the top ith acanthus ea es and a ud as a finia . The are na ed a ter their designer ohn ornha en o d.

PECULIAR STREET LETTERING

an o the cit s street na es are attracti e car ed into ath stone. ut the ettering or ingston ui dings is unusua .

This is ecause it is ritten in phonetic shorthand the in ention o ir saac it an. n the ate 18 s the ui ding here as it an s print or s the ourth honetic nstitute.

The unusual lettering on Kingston Buildings

Fred Mawer Tours offers guided tours of Bath and beyond. The tours are led by Fred, a Bath resident and award-winning, professional Blue Badge tour guide, or by another expert local guide, and can be booked by individuals or groups. Bath tours range from introductory overviews that are ideal for first-time visitors to the city, to more off-the-beaten-track itineraries such as those covering Lansdown’s less-visited crescents, and thematic tours focusing on subjects such as TV and film locations, or the city’s sparelated history or its royal links.

For more: www.fredmawertours.co.uk

FROM TOP: At one

time Bath had ten libraries; chairman’s lodge and sedan chair on Queen’s Parade; Dr Oliver invented a most healthy biscuit; Bath has two rare Penfold letterboxes

GROW EVER MORE CURIOUS...

Curious Minds: a festival to ignite ideas runs from 7 – 28 March 2024 in multiple venues across the city. Highlights include the BBC’s international editor, Jeremy Bowen, on the current situation in the Middle East; Polari Salon, London’s award winning LGBTQ+ evening celebrating queer prose and performance; comedian Robin Ince on the adventures of scientific curiosity; writer and historian Peter Frankopan and writer and scientist Adam Rutherford, who will discuss climate change; and Bryony Gordon, the pioneering author and campaigner who will talk about her new book, Mad Woman.

There are also screenings of Whoopi Goldberg’s film The Associate, and Lorna Tucker’s Someone’s Daughter, Someone’s Son, a new documentary exploring homelessness which is followed by a discussion with Julian House.

Local talent and venues are also being celebrated with a Songwriters’ Festival curated by Matt Owens; there’s an evening of jazz and conversation with writer Varaidzo and award winning jazz musician Orphy Robinson to launch the Bath-based

Join songwriter and musician Matt Owens for the Songwriters’ Festival

book Manny and the Baby; a guided walk and writing session using Cleveland Pools and The Holburne Museum as inspirations with writer Jo Nadin; and a writing day at Persephone Books with Harriet Evans and Juliet Pickering.

The festival kicks off 7 March at Komedia with The Big Bath Pop Culture Quiz, hosted by local drag performer Mother.

For more: www.batharts.co.uk

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

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

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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

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SPONSORED CONTENT

THRINGS MEETS… THE IDLE BIRO THRINGS Associate Megan Alexander meets Pahrnia Parsons, also known as the portrait maestra THE IDLE BIRO Megan Alexander: How did the Idle Biro start?

MA: Why do you only use a biro?

Pahrnia Parsons: Drawing has been a healthy obsession of mine from the moment I could pick up a pencil.

During my early twenties, I developed a strong appetite for exploration and started travelling around the world, often giving my art away to individuals I stayed with as a token of appreciation.

It was much later when I realised my creative tendencies could be turned into a profession.

While in Australia, a friend requested I draw their aunt whom I’d never met. Although I found it a bizarre request, I agreed when he offered to pay.

Following the positive feedback, as well as the confirmation that my art held sentimental and monetary value, I entertained the idea that this could be an additional stream of income, but most importantly a way to keep myself creatively fulfilled.

Come lockdown, I decided to take the leap. Overworked and underpaid at work, I decided to channel all my energy into one thing: drawing. From the start of April 2021, I drew relentlessly for a fortnight with the purpose of selling. Well, I have not looked back!

PP: The minimalist approach to equipment and colour has made me appreciate the importance of proportion and detail. Biros are unforgiving with mistakes, so my focus is intense, and I become consumed with each project. This level of work commitment puts me in a state of alert equilibrium where I feel most aligned with my goals and purpose.

Plus, my revered piece of equipment is a desktop staple all over the world. I usually have a handy box of Bic pens on me but if I am out, it won’t take long to find a biro nearby.

MA: What kind of art do you do?

PP: I am a portrait artist whose pieces aim to illicit emotion or to educate and inspire. I create content that details the trajectory of the piece, from the initial brainstorm phase to the finishing touches of the pen stroke. I adopt hyperrealism with a biro with the objective of capturing the subject’s personality.

MA: You’re quite an active person outside of your art, aren’t you?

PP: I am always on the lookout for new physical challenges no matter the extremities. I’ve always found myself doing things that test my stamina and mental endurance. The only other time I’m pushed to this level, psychologically, is when I curate large exhibitions, or draw large scale hyperrealism under tight time deadlines.

Competing in the Brazilian Ju-Jitsu World Championships in Las Vegas last year was a defining moment, having only trained for four years. Previously, I had participated in Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins in the Middle East where our team endured similar conditions that the Special Forces undergo daily.

Five years ago, I fell head over heels in love with both skydiving and running.

Whether I am jumping out of a plane or sprinting through the pastoral landscapes of

Bath, both sports provide me the space to detach and transcend – a privilege for sure.

MA: What’s next for the Idle Biro?

PP: This May, I have my biggest exhibition to date, which will be held at the RUH as part of the hospital’s Art at the Heart series.

This was done in collaboration with Longleat Safari Park; Whereby a photographer and I took a trip to the Park in Summer 2023 to capture photos of the amazing animals there which I have been busy recreating in Biro in the months since.

Curating this has been a passion project devised in October 2022 whereby a series of unfortunate events cut my global travels short and led me to revisit my hometown.

I couldn’t be happier with life’s course as this exhibition will be my proudest yet. Not only do I get to showcase my work where I was born and raised, but a third

of each sale will be donated to the RUHX, contributing to patients the extra extraordinary care they each deserve.

On 2 May, I’ll be hosting a launch event at Rengen House, ahead of the exhibition, where people can come along, learn about the art, the journey and the cause. Keep an eye on social media for all the details.

To find out more about the Idle Biro, visit theidlebiro.com or follow on Instagram via @theidebiro. n

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

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

The unique architecture of Bradford on Avon

GETTING TO KNOW YOU We get the inside track on all things Bradford on Avon, from those in the know

By Elsie Chadwick Main pictures by Chris Daw 36 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTO BY CHRIS DAW

OUT OF TOWN

“The buildings that surround us are incredibly rich in history”

T

ABOVE: The distinctive medieval nine arch bridge that runs over the River Avon; BELOW: Bradford on Avon resident and property search agent Jenna Travers shares her local recommendations

here’s only one way to get under the skin of a place, to rea find out hat it has to o er and that s to as a local. We can all see the ridiculously picturesque allure of Bradford on Avon, with the river meandering a i through the ar et to n s heart an ed ush greenery, and a legacy of architecture that dates from medieval times sitting shoulder to shoulder with its hone hued neigh our ath. ut hat does a resident see i ing there – are its charms lost on them after a while? And what a out the e er da i ing ro ood shopping to walking the dog? Here we talk to three locals who ha e the inside inte on hat ies eneath ehind and e ond the eaut o rad ord on on...

First up, we ask Jenna Travers, who owns an independent property search company, what she loves about BOA The ui dings that surround us are incredi rich in histor an incredi e inheritance from the Saxon Church to the Norman Bridge, the medieval splendour of the Holy Trinity Church, the largest existing Tithe Barn in England, through to the Queen Anne and Georgian architecture it is most famous for. It’s this architecture that gives Bradford a unique feel; it is truly ritain at its est.

“The limestone houses rise up the steep side of a valley, and the ri er is spanned a edie a ridge co p ete ith chape .

There are so an di erent and eauti u houses in rad ord on on ranging from the medieval, Georgian, Victorian to the modern. As it’s set on the side o the a e the ie s ro the houses are reathta ing. ts ariet o outi ue shops ca s restaurants acti ities and pri ar and secondar schoo ing a es it an idea p ace to ring up a a i . t

is a small town that works for all ages, and is only a 12 minute train ride to ath ith a that it o ers.

Jenna’s BOA recommendations ou re oo ing or good ua it eat at a orda e prices ou need to visit Meat at The Shambles. t is a traditiona a i run utchers and hris and e go a o e and e ond ith their ser ice and a a s with a smile and good humour.

“If you have a dog you need to visit DogHouse where your pooch can have a groom whilst you have a great ua it co ee and peruse the shop or an thing ou could imagine that your dog might need.

“Sassy and Boo is always a pleasure, a place to see what lovely clothes you might want for your latest night out or just trendy casual ear. secondhand is ore our i e then the lovely Fiona Leach owns a variety of secondhand shops including Secondhand Rose hich has the est ua it second hand ite s e seen an here. ou can rea up our da ith a co ee at the er popu ar Little Rituals ca hich has recent opened there’s Little Barn BoA, which is another new co ee p ace the Tithe arn and co e e ening time you can go to The Bunch of Grapes, which has the largest selection of gins you could imagine along with an a so ute de icious enu.

“If you are looking for activities, the rowing club is extremely acti e and in the su er ou i find ots o padd e oarders setting o ro arton ar a ong the on to onc i here ou can do some wild swimming or stop in at The Cross Guns. The canal path ends itse to great i e rides and there are an c u s ou can oin such as BoA Rugby Club.”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 37

Ham Green, Holt, Wiltshire, BA14 6PX Tel: 01225 308541 info@formosakbb.co.uk formosakbb.co.uk

COME FOR THE CHARACTER, S T AY F O R T H E S E R V I C E .

TIMBRELLSYARD.COM

OUT OF TOWN

“It’s a great community”

Steve Gibson, general manager with Timbrell’s Yard t s a great co unit ith a i o ong term locals and people moving out of the city to here or a etter a o i e. t s a o e ocation or tourists anting to sta and e p ore and a great stop o or those tra e ing on to orn a or the ots o ds. e re a ini ath. e e got si i ar gorgeous golden stone buildings, independent shops and restaurants, but without the coach parties. nd the aterside ocation on the River Avon and the Kennett & Avon canal is si p antastic.

Steve’s recommendations “The Bunch of Grapes is a great family-run pu restaurant ith an a eso e tasting enu. used to or ith their e ce ent head che Ton and e re sti good riends.

There re ots o great esti a s in the area and If Opera s su ers season at e co e ourt is one o the est. t s in the heart o rad ord on Avon and the landscaped gardens are g orious. Their icnic ro is great un. or a a it s a steep c i ut head up to e ton and The Tor to see the o d ea ers cottages and the ie s to a is ur ain and the est ur hite orse. ou e out o reath ut it s e orth it.

ABOVE: Timbrell Yard’s Steve Gibson says the town is a mini-Bath; BELOW: Stuart Morgan

wishes his business, Ashford Homes, had moved to Bradford on Avon sooner

Stuart Morgan, managing director of Ashford Homes ha e had the p easure o or ing in rad ord on on or near fi e years, since the business moved from Melksham, and, quite honestly, we ish e had done it sooner or the usiness and a o the sta .

“Bradford on Avon has a rich history and is quite rightly renowned for its architectura eaut . The to n s pictures ue streets and the ast arra o architectura st es ean ou can rea sense the historica significance o the to n it s as i ou are stepping ac in ti e.

The oca scener encourages ou to get outside and en o a re a ing a hether that e o er a ee end or in our unch hour. The ca s and bars give you a wide variety of options for food and drink and there are lots p aces ou can satis our cu tura tendencies.

There s a rea sense o co unit here as e ith an oca c u s sports and music festivals, and markets throughout the year, bringing residents together. nd despite its rura setting it has great transport connections especia ro the rai a .

Stuart’s recommendations don t thin there is a ad pu in rad ord on on ut gui t pleasure is the Three Horseshoes, a great old fashioned pub with a good i e usic scene. Pablos is my go-to restaurant, serving some of the best tapas in the area in a re a ed at osphere in the heart o the to n. The Wiltshire Music Centre is a tremendous venue for all types of music, and not ust oca ta ent ut or d reno ned artists ro a genres. or a a d suggest par ing at the Tithe arn and a ing the cana to onc i or a pint in the Cross Guns, or a slice of cake back at the Tithe Barn café. or a haircut se era o the gu s or the o ce go to The Barber Lounge i e is a egend

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

OUT OF TOWN

THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF BRADFORD ON AVON Ashford Homes – the award-winning homes and property developer – Doric House, Middleton Drive; www.ashford-homes.co.uk The Barber Lounge – traditional gents Barber Shop – 43 St Margaret’s Street; www.thebarberloungeboa.com Blake & Bull – independent supplier and repairer of Aga range cookers and accessories – Hartley Farm; www.blakeandbull.co.uk Bradford on Avon Museum – volunteerrun museum of the natural and historical heritage of the town of Bradford on Avon upstairs within the library building – Bridge Street; www.bradfordonavonmuseum.co.uk Bradford on Avon Rugby FC, Broom Ground, Ashley Lane, Winsley; www.bradfordonavonrfc.rfu.club Bradford on Avon Boat Club, 4A Pound Lane; www.boabc.org.uk

The Cheese Shop – cheese and deli produce specialists – 5 Market Street; www.cheese-shop.co.uk Digital Wonderlab – a digital agency that craft digital experiences using creative technologies – 10 Kingston Road; www.digitalwonderlab.com DogHouse – pet shop, dog café and grooming salon – 1 Lamb Yard; www.doghouse.co.uk Formosa Kitchens – contemporary kitchen designers – Ham Green, Holt; www.formosakbb.co.uk

Secondhand Rose – women and children’s clothing – Market Street; www.secondhandroseroundabout.co.uk

The Hall – a historic 16th-century Grade I-listed Jacobean manor to visit, stay, learn and hire; www.moultontrust.org

Strawberry Blue – gorgeous and unique gift shop – 6a The Shambles; www.strawberrybluehome.co.uk

Iford Arts – opera company who stage events in extraordinary spaces – 15 Market Street; www.ifordarts.org.uk

Studio Bacchus – creative co-working space based in a Grade II listed building – No. 24 The Vaults, Silver Street; www.studiobacchus.co.uk

Jenna Travers – independent property search agent; www.jennatravers.com

The Bridge Tea Rooms – housed in a former blacksmith’s cottage dating from 1502 – 24a Bridge Street; www.thebridgetearooms.co.uk

Jeremy Jenkins Estate Agents – a family owned and independent estate agency – 27 Market Street; www.jeremyjenkins.co.uk

The Bunch of Grapes – family-run pubrestaurant – 14 Silver Street; www.thebunchofgrapes.com

Little Rituals – specialise in ethically sourced coffee, plants and flowers – 7 Silver Street; www.little-rituals.co.uk

Christophe Bonneau of the Cheese Shop

Made in Bradford on Avon – an everchanging community gallery that houses over 60 local artists and artisans – 1 Lamb Yard/Kingston Road, Silver Street; www.madeinbradfordonavon.co.uk Melanie Giles – hair and beauty specialists – 25 Silver Street; www.melanie-giles.uk Meat at The Shambles – the Banable family owned butcher shop – 7 The Shambles; tel: 01225 863800 Orton Jewellery – master goldsmith with more than 40 years’ experience – 6-7 Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk Pablos Tapas – family run Spanish restaurant – 6 Lamb Yard, Kingston Mills; www.pablostapas.com Sassy & Boo – elegant and contemporary women’s clothing and accessories – 4 Lamb Yard; www.luellafashion.com

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

The Bridge Tea Rooms

The Three Horseshoes – traditional pub – 55 Frome Road; tel: 01225 865876 Tithe Barn – 14th century monastic stone barn – Pound Lane; www.englishheritage.org.uk Timbrell’s Yard – renovated riverside coaching inn with restaurant and outside dining – 49 St. Margaret’s Street; www.timbrellsyard.com Vitality Day Spa – a sanctuary of relaxation offering luxury spa therapies – 8 Market Street; www.vitalitydayspa.co.uk Wiltshire Music – a 300-seat concert hall; Ashley Road; www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk Woolley Grange Hotel – part of the Luxury Family Hotel collection located in 14 acres of grounds – Woolley Green; www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

The indie shops of the Shambles

Dining at Woolley Grange

Afternoon Tea. £30pp

Sunday Lunch

We wouldn't be a British hotel without afternoon tea! Take a seat and enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats plus homemade scones with jam and clotted cream. Children are catered for too, with their own menu. And we even have our Waggy Tails Tea so your fourlegged friends won't be left out either!

There's no mealtime that quite says family like Sunday lunch. Our selection of roast dinners showcase the very best seasonal meat and produce and are served with all the trimmings.

Two courses £30 Three courses £36

01225 864705 | woolleygrangehotel.co.uk Woolley Green, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1TX

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

All hail the mighty kale

© VERIT Y GENCO

IN SEASON WITH VERITY GENCO Kale: a verdant, leafy rosette

BEHOLD THE CROWN JEWEL of this month’s harvest, plucked from the illustrious brassicaceae family – a verdant, leafy rosette, with frilled margins, and a nutritional powerhouse… Yes, it’s kale.

Flourishing in the embrace of the frosty winter winds, February and March herald the perfect season for indulging in this crisp, hearty vegetable brimming with health-giving nutrients such as vitamins A, B6, C, K, folate, fi re carotenoids and anganese. s the seasons shift, a vibrant green curly kale is the most commonly found in stores. With its tightly ru ed ea es a ai a e in shades o e era d dark hues, and even regal purples, this hardy p ant can e torn e ort ess ro its sturd ste and oasts an earth a our that to the

surprise of many – delights the taste buds.

In the realm of leafy greens, there is a variety that reigns supreme: dinosaur kale, also known as cavola nero. This kale gets its name due to its sca te ture and fir ro ust ea es of a deep blue hue. Its leaves are longer and atter than its cur a e counterparts ut the retain their texture well when cooked. Unlike the bitterness of curly kale, dinosaur kale boasts a milder taste.

Then here s the red ussian a e ith its at leaves that resembles oak foliage. Its stalks are tinged with a gentle purple hue, while its leaves are delicate and sweet, with a subtle hint of pepper and lemon.

For superb kale culinary creations, sauté garlic and onion in a pool of oil until their

aromas permeate the air, then add your kale, and et it so ten or fi e inutes. rop into it a dollop of soy butter, miso or tahini to conjure a side dish that works with most mains.

To make a kale crisp, remove the ribs from the kale, toss the kale leaves in olive oil combined with cumin, curry powder, chilli, papri a and chi i a es then a e at 18 until crisp. These can be eaten alone, but are also great sprinkled over soups or stews. Finally, want those health-giving kale nutrients in one quick hit? Go for a kale smoothie – my fave combo for a morning boost or an afternoon hit is a blitz of curly kale, avocado, pineapple, ginger, banana, cashew nuts and lime.

For more recipe ideas and cooking demos, head to the @ ort eflavo r Insta ram a e

PHOTO BY HEY WHAT

MAKE A PIT-A STOP

Dan Levy, founder of Eat a Pitta, with commercial director Alex Kopfli

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

The Bristol-based Eat a Pitta is aunching its first ath enture in Westgate Street at the end of this month, serving salad boxes and pittas, stu ed ith resh ade a a e homemade hummus and a wide choice of salads and sauces.

Inspired by his Algerian heritage, and armed with his Grandma Yolande’s famous falafel recipe and years of experience cooking in pro essiona itchens ounder an Levy started Eat a Pitta in St Nicholas

ar et in risto 1 ears ago and soon had four more Bristol locations. an sa s e re thri ed to e the first a a e restaurant to e opening in ath ringing our a ous fi ed pitta and stu ed sa ad o es to a city full of history and heritage.

Our legendary status in Bristol has been built up over years of trading in the city, and we have no doubt we will delight and satisfy the Bath community in equal measure.” or more www eata itta o

FOOD & DRINK

SAY CHEESE!

The Liver Cottage will be concocting away

Judging of the British Cheese Awards

The inaugural Bath & West Food & Drink Festival is taking place 23 – 24 March at the Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet. The packed foodie programme includes tastings, stalls and demos, starting with TV presenter and Great British ae contestant Briony May Williams on the Farmhouse Kitchen Stage on Saturday morning. Food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden and food writer, presenter and wine expert Andy Clarke are also appearing.

Comedy chefs Hugh Fearn and Lee Whittingstall are bringing their Liver Cottage Mobile Kitchen to the festival to create ‘fusion food on the move’, blending home grown ingredients with food foraged from the corner shop, the streets, and whatever the audience might have on them.

The festival is also playing host to the 28th edition of the prestigious Andy Clarke British Cheese Awards on 22 March. The gets cheesy judging panel will feature comedian and British Cheese Champion Marcus Brigstocke, author and cheesemonger Ned Palmer, cheese consultant and author Emma Young, and cheesemaker Mary Quicke ed their head udge the cheese a er Ti o c i e.

For more: www.bathandwest.com

Executive chef Hywel Jones

STAR TURN Hywel Jones, executive chef of Lucknam Park, has retained his prestigious Michelin star for the 19th successive year. He says, “It is an honour to retain such a prestigious award for yet another year.

Maintaining the same high standards

that guests have come to expect when they visit Lucknam Park is of the utmost importance to all of us who work in the restaurant. I’m incredibly grateful to my whole team for their continued dedication”.

For more: www.lucknampark.co.uk

The restaurant has retained its Michelin star

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

MAKING MEMORIES

Indulging in the nostalgia-inspired, sustainable, and exquisitely beautiful food of Ricki Weston at Whatley Manor

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o sooner have I sat down in the lounge at Whatley Manor for an aperitif before my Chef ’s Menu dining experience, than executive chef Ricki Weston was at my side, telling me about the tuna canapé he had in his outstretched hands.

It’s an immediate taster of the passion Ricki has for this food – for him, being a chef is about the whole journey from sourcing the ingredients to creating stories around the and he s dedicated to finding a s or customers to connect with the food they’re eating.

The tuna canapé is a case in point: he’d had the fish in his deep ree e since o e er and he was still super excited about it in late January. “There are only eight boats in the that are a o ed to fish these he explains, “and because we have contacts with one of those boats, we were lucky enough to

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

By Rachel Ifans get a ho e one in a 11 i o uefin tuna hich too our o us to i t He scrolls his phone pics so I can ogle his photos of the mammoth beast on a palate the day it arrived at the restaurant. “There’s a chef in West Bay who I follow on Instagram, and one day he put a story up of tunas jumping out of the sea with the caption a ing e on produce .

I couldn’t believe it because ng ish uefin tuna are in er short supply because we don’t ant to o erfish the .

The fish had een spotted i es o and s nd which is an extremely rare occurrence, Ricki explains. These days, though, the temperature of the shore is getting warmer, and the tuna are ha ing to s i c oser to and to find the sardines and mackerel that they like to eat. t s an a a ing product ic i enthuses.

“The toro is the belly – the fattest part of it – and for me, that’s the best part of the ho e fish.

The perfect little canapé of fatty tuna, grilled tomato salsa, bonito emulsion and grapefruit and garlic crisps is served inside a fried batter. Ricki then points at the sculptural plinth it’s sat on: “We even serve it on a vertebrae of the tuna. Because we have a no-waste ethos at Whatley, we wanted to try and uti ise a o the fish so e separated the vertebra, and cleaned, sanded and ground the do n to a e these.

It’s details like this that give Ricki’s menu a backbone of authenticity and the allure and intrigue o so ething di erent coming our way. These won’t be ‘just plates of food’ coming out of his kitchen – Ricki and his team want every single one of their diners to experience a journey.

To help create that sense of theatre, Ricki and his team invite diners into the kitchen or the first part o the ea so the can see the team at work, experience how a Michelin kitchen works and have access to areas that are

“Each dish looks like a minimasterpiece”

RESTAURANT

usua o i its. t s ased on the idea o the e ite che s ta e e perience ut at hat e opening it up to a . ood is supposed to un ic i sa s hich is part o the reason e do this itchen e perience. t s up to us to eep peop e engaged or three hours so i e to see it as a theatre per or ance the audience sit here in the dar oo ing at the right stage hich is the itchen. orn per or er it ou d see as ic ie has or ed in open itchens and had guest interactions dri ed into hi since he as 18 so it s second nature to hi . ongside the dra a ic i o es to p a ith nosta gia. ood has the sa e po er usic does. t can transport ou ac to a specific ti e ring a out a heightened e otion. ood does that or a ot o peop e too. t can ta e us to happ p aces in an instant. e indicates cheese and onion chou ere the idea is that it ou d re ind diners o a pac et o cheese and onion crisps and a pint in the pu . The s eet cara e ised onion and the sa t punch cheese a ours ha e e reco ecting pu gardens and da ing

at the foil of the crisp packet to get every last it o a our. ut this isn t the on e or ane ash ac con ured up or e ic i. The ou es ariniere tart et has a the a ours o a ig o o usse s the each in rance. ne o the ea s star courses a ag u ee dish topped ith a conso ui t ith The onn rish his e has e ti es ipping to nan s dining roo in ottingha in the 1 s. o sure che ic i doesn t no nan ut there s so ething a out the red eat in the as ine and one roth ith pic ed cucu er urnt ee pur e and er ented ettuce re ish that s re iniscent o her ste ro ac in the da . sure or each diner there s a di erent e ocation to e had and can on hope that each is as precious as ine. ne thing that ustn t e underesti ated is the sheer eaut o ic s ood. ach dish oo s i e a ini asterpiece. The consideration and thought that has gone into presentation and p ating up puts this tasting enu on another aesthetica p easing e e .

The he s enu at hat e is a out to change or spring ut don t panic it s ore o a seasona e o ution than a u o erhau . The itchen e perience the e phasis on a i iar a ours the nods to nosta gia i a re ain as i ic i s egendar p u pudding. a uc to or ith pheno ena supp iers ith a a ing produce so e are a a out using the est ingredients e can get our hands on and e re a so passionate a out heritage coo ing techni ues ic i e p ains. e e een or ing on this ne enu or t o or three onths and e re at the point here e re rea e cited to share it ith peop e. n the hands o ic i i this ne enu con ures up as an o d cherished e ories as this one did and e pect it i then e re in or another un orgetta e treat.

The Dining Room’s Chef ’s Menu, priced at £175pp.

For more: Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury SN16 0RB; tel: 01666 822888; www.whatleymanor.com

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

LET’S GO!

VOICES FOR LIFE inspires thousands of children to send a good luck message to Team GB for the Paris 2024 Olympics

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ath based charity Voices for Life has embarked on an inspiring musical relay around Bath, North East Somerset, and beyond, teaching thousands of children its uplifting anthem Let’s Go by local writers Jools Scott and Sue Curtis. Travelling with a 2012 Olympic torch, the initiative is showcasing children’s musical skills and building wellbeing through the power of voice.

With the support of Team Bath, the relay was launched in October 2023 with a heartwarming performance by 150 local children singing together at Twerton Park. The charity has now involved over 5,500 local children from over 30 primary schools in the area.

The end of the relay will be marked by the release of a Let’s Go music video featuring footage from the musical relay. The video aims to send heartfelt wishes of good luck to Team GB for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics from all the children and our local community.

Deborah Hale MBE, trustee of Voices for Life and producer of the 2012 Olympic torch relay, expressed the key message of the initiative stating, “We wanted to shine a light on young talent as we bring communities together to cheer on our amazing athletes”.

Voices for Life, now in its fourth year, envisions a world where all children can use music to find their voice and promote wellbeing in their communities. Founder Tessa Armstrong has transformed the charity into an awardwinning organisation, creatively encouraging the voices of children aged between six and 11, by uniquely integrating singing and wellbeing activities as a means of developing confidence, skills, and capabilities. Since its launch in 2021, Voices for Life has engaged more than 7,500 children in 520 workshops in local primary schools providing transformative experiences in

“VOICES FOR LIFE HAS LET ME FIND MY VOICE. WHEN I SING, I FEEL LIKE I AM THE MUSIC.”– LUCA, AGE 8 iconic venues like Bath Abbey, Wells Cathedral, and Wiltshire Music Centre. The charity also runs a Saturday Bath children’s choir.

www.voicesforlife.org.uk tessa@voicesforlife.org.uk

It’s important for people, and the child, to be reminded dyslexia is not related to intellectual ability

SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

Signposts for SEND How to spot it, and then find help, if you think your child has a learning difficulty

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avigating your child through the peaks and troughs of school life can be hard enough.

Notice they don’t quite seem to be keeping up with classmates, and it can add an e tra a er o orr . o do ou know when and how to seek help? hi e it ight e the first ti e e p oring concerns or you, schools are increasingly used to spotting, discussing and supporting earning di cu ties – so don’t be afraid to speak up.

Put aside concerns about them being singled out as unusual or negati e a ected a a e .

Over 1.5 million pupils have some form of special educational need in England and it’s estimated that one in ten pupils in every c assroo has d s e ia. our first point o contact should always be your child’s class teacher or form tutor. They will know whether there’s anything in the wider school picture that may be impacting on their learning.

They are also the best person to then seek advice from the school’s special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo), who may well have access to in-school screening tools.

If your concerns are shared by the school, a specialist assessment a e the ne t step. re erra to an educational psychologist to assess learning and behavioural di cu ties a speech and language therapist for children with communication issues; or an occupational therapist if a pupi finds gross or fine otor s i s di cu t. ducationa psychologists can mention but can’t diagnose conditions such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder or ADHD; these conditions have to be diagnosed later, by a medical professional.

An educational psychologist’s report (EP) is essential if your child’s needs are considered severe enough to require an Educational, Health and Care plan (EHC).

This is a formal document of a child’s needs that compels a local authority to provide and fund appropriate support. In 2023, only 4 per cent of pupils had needs that required an EHC; the rest were registered as ‘requires SEN support’, the level of which depends on both the child’s specific earning di cu t and the school’s resources. An EP can also be part of the evidence required to support children getting e tra ti e in e a s usua

25 per cent) or other access arrangements, such as using a keyboard or support from scribes or readers.

With numbers of children diagnosed with SEN rising by nearly 90,000 in the last year, waiting lists can be long and schools may only be able to commission an EP for pupils with the most urgent need. Parents can e p ore oo ing a private assessment: these cost from £600 – £1,000 and it can still take months to get an appointment.

Keep the school fully informed and a a s share the fina report.

An EP is very detailed and, crucially, doesn’t just focus on issues and problems.

“The report will also contain details of your child’s strengths,” says Mrs Joanna Blair, a highly e perienced o at eechen i choo in ath. t s e that chi dren ho are e periencing di cu t ith earning are a are of their strengths and that these

are celebrated and utilised both at home and school.”

Indeed, bestselling books such as Dyslexia is my Superpower encourage children to see ‘normal’ reading and writing s i s as a trade o for creativity and problem solving.

Rest assured: schools get this too, and teachers – aka superheroes without capes – know that di cu ties in the classroom can be overcome.

SENDCo Joanna Blair says: “Do make your child a are that a specific earning di cu t such as d s e ia is not related to a person’s intellectual ability; rather, it means that reasonable adjustments are needed to help them achieve their aspirations.”

“It’s key that children who are experiencing di t wit learning are aware of their strength”

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

For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

FLOURISHING

Elizabeth Cunningham, Deputy Head Pastoral at ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL BATH, talks about the importance of pastoral provision in today’s education system

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t Royal High School Bath, we believe that academic success and pastoral care go hand in hand, and that without a supportive and nurturing environment, students can struggle to reach their full potential.

Our aim is to provide all the support our girls need to flourish academically and socially; to truly believe in themselves and their abilities,

“OUR STUDENTS HAVE READY ACCESS TO A NETWORK OF PASTORAL SUPPORT IN SCHOOL STARTING FROM THE DAY THEY JOIN US…”

and to value their contribution to the wider community. By providing a safe and inclusive environment, we help our students to develop the confidence and resilience they need to succeed both in school and beyond.

The risk-taking part of the brain is the dominant force in a teenager, young people sometimes behave in ways adults would not and inevitably will get things wrong. Our students have ready access to a network of pastoral support in school starting from the day they join us in nursery or reception through to sixth form – at each stage, girls are encouraged to challenge themselves, make mistakes and learn how to put things right.

We have a special area of the school dedicated to wellbeing, known as The Hive – where students can have quiet time, gather their thoughts and reflect. Having a calm space to escape to is restorative and enormously beneficial. It is just as important to have outdoor areas where students can be out in the fresh

air, run off their energy and, quite simply, play.

We are fortunate to have wonderful outdoor spaces at both our prep and senior schools and students take full advantage of these.

At the root of our pastoral care is a specialist team of tutors and heads of year, experts in guiding girls through the rocky terrain of teenage life. This system is underpinned by a team of Wellbeing Angels, available to support those experiencing tougher times and who may need a more regular touchpoint.

Find out why Royal High Bath is the right choice for your daughter. Book your place on one of the upcoming Open Houses: Senior School 13 March, Prep School 24 April; www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

SPONSORED CONTENT

MEET THE TEACHER We learn a little more about the leaders and educators from our local schools

DR RACHEL MCLLWAINE

MATTHEW NICHOLLS

ELIZABETH CUNNINGHAM

What subject did you most enjoy at school?

I have to say science, and chemistry in particular. I loved the idea that we could understand the origin of matter and that this could start in simple experiments – like testing the viscosity of honey by running it down a board. I also loved music and was lucky that my state school had a great orchestra which was lots of fun to play in.

What exciting things are coming up at Prior Park College?

We are working towards a concert happening on 10 May which will feature Howard Goodall’s oratorio Every Purpose Under the Heaven. The choir will be made up of Prior Park pupils, staff and parents and our sister school, The Paragon, alongside a professional orchestra and soloists.

How does your school differ from others?

We are the only all-girls independent school in Bath, as well as the only sixth form offering a choice of A Levels or the International Baccalaureate. Designed for girls, we are experts in nurturing girls to grow in confidence, academically and holistically, so that they can be our future leaders. We believe there are no limits to which a girl should aspire.

DEPUTY HEAD ACADEMIC, KINGSWOOD SCHOOL 01225 734200 www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

What do you like about teaching in Bath?

We moved from London just over a year ago and have loved every minute. The opportunity for outdoor learning, in the true holistic sense, is limitless here – I see pupils learning as much about problem solving and team work on the orienteering courses as they do in physics lessons. That said, teenagers are the same everywhere – fun, challenging and intelligent. I’m not sure if they learn from me or vice versa!

How has technology changed schooling?

Teachers and pupils now have access to the most incredible tools that undoubtedly help learning, from OneNote for organisation to harnessing the power of AI for adaptive learning and intelligent design. That said, there is no replacement for excellent teachers and the primacy of the classroom is key to our success as a school.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, PRIOR PARK COLLEGE 01225 835353 www.priorparkcollege.com

What do you like about teaching in Bath?

Bath is buzzing with music venues and performances. Also, architecturally. I have been lucky to live and work in beautiful places like Cambridge and Wells, but nothing compares to the view of Bath from Prior Park – that inspires creativity.

What are a few of the teaching moments you are most proud of?

Covid forcibly removed the joy of collective singing. I have loved rooting this back at Prior, with whole school hymn practices and singing competitions, as well as growing our choirs and travelling to sing at venues such as Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and Salisbury Cathedral.

What do you most enjoy about teaching?

Sharing my passion for all things music!

Nothing compares with the feeling when a pupil finally ‘gets it’ or is introduced to a piece of music that you know will stay with them for a long time.

DEPUTY HEAD PASTORAL, ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL BATH 01225 313877 www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

What do you most enjoy about teaching?

The warmth, energy, and passion of the girls and staff. Teaching in an all-girls school means our girls learn in an environment free from the constraints of gender bias and stereotypes and are empowered to be more adventurous, to follow their passions and to take on leadership roles. This has a hugely positive impact on their learning and how they view themselves.

What is in place to help with students’ mental health at your school?

Good mental wellbeing is so important and academic success is inextricably interlinked with pastoral happiness. We have a team of pastoral staff especially trained in providing support for girls, including experienced heads of year, school nurses and school counsellors, as well as a dedicated team of Wellbeing Angels to provide listening support. We also host talks by sleep, nutrition and wellbeing specialists, and our older students support younger ones in their role as Peer Mentors.

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

IZZY HOWDEN

THE PARAGON SCHOOL, BATH 01225 310837 www.paragonschool.co.uk What exciting things are coming up at The Paragon?

We have an action-packed spring term ahead. In addition to favourites such as Pancake Day races and World Book Day, we are excited to introduce a new Life Skills Day for pupils. Representatives from the police, fire service, and first aiders will be joining us to conduct workshops with the children, focusing on what they should do in emergency situations.

As a special highlight, we’re throwing a birthday party to celebrate The Paragon’s 40th anniversary at Lyncombe House this year. The evening will be a celebration of the school’s rich history, vibrant present, and promising future.

Thanks to the generous support of the PTA, the children will enjoy a portable planetarium during Science Week, providing every child with the opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe right here at school.

What extra-curricular activities are you involved in?

Our extra-curricular offering constantly changes and evolves to ensure the children have an expansive range of opportunities at school. This year, I have led a STEM club, a coding club, a woodland club, and a girls’ rugby club.

Where did you begin your career?

I started my career in the sports department and as a teaching assistant while playing rugby for England and qualifying as a teacher. When rugby became professional, I took a brief hiatus from education until my retirement after the Rugby World Cup. Following that, I began my new journey in the classroom.

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

DAVID BROOKE

CHRIS KINDON

What is Millfield School’s ethos?

Millfield is built around the individual. The starting point of the educational journey at Millfield is getting to know each child and building a programme that is exciting, academically challenging and will allow the individual to develop without limit. Millfield is academic yet holistic, ambitious yet personal, well-established yet dynamic.

What do you most enjoy about teaching?

The daily interaction with students, helping them grow and become more confident at Maths. Seeing the excitement when they understand a new concept, or something they have found particularly challenging, makes every day special. We have a no-fear culture so students can get things wrong and take it as a learning opportunity. Working and interacting with the wonderful Monkton students each and every day, watching them help each other when they are finding things difficult, is something I feel very privileged to be part of.

DEPUTY HEAD (ACADEMIC) MILLFIELD SCHOOL 01458 442291 www.millfieldschool.com

What are your school’s plans for the next academic year?

Millfield will continue to lead the educational profession with its focus on whole student development, leveraging the highest level of sports coaching with a coaching culture that brings out the very best academic outcomes. We are currently evaluating and structuring our offer to ensure we are developing autonomous, resilient and future-ready global citizens. It is an extraordinary time to be at Millfield, so watch this space!

What would you say you are most proud of professionally?

It is the greatest privilege and delight to work in a school in which my own children can excel in every aspect of their lives whilst being comfortable and proud that I am present in a professional capacity.

What key bit of advice would you give to parents when choosing a school?

Visit with your children and trust yours and their gut feeling. The school culture will be your child’s biggest teacher and your child must feel that the environment will provide both support and challenge in every aspect of their lives.

MATHS TEACHER, MONKTON COMBE SCHOOL 01225 721100 www.monktoncombeschool.com

What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

In sport, I am involved with Rugby, Basketball and Cricket. I am involved with a boarding house as a House Tutor, helping out with annual events such as House dinners, Paintball trips, and the house annual barbeque. On our activity days, I’ve helped with everything from Rock Climbing to battle archery! I am involved with a boarding house as a House Tutor, helping out with annual events as well as time in the house one evening a week, which means I really get to know the pupils.

What advice would you give a just qualified teacher?

Observe other lessons across different subjects and age groups as it gives you time to reflect and improve your own practice. Each and every thing you do will influence a young life, that is something to be cherished as a rare gift.

And finally, what advice would you give your ten year old self?

Listen, ask relevant questions and work hard.

The most important thing is enjoyment, and there is lots of enjoyment to be had in gathering knowledge. You never know when you might need to pull some piece of information from the depths of your mind to help someone, possibly yourself, in the future.

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MOTOR VEHICLE LECTURER AND CURRICULUM TEAM LEADER, BATH COLLEGE 01225 312191 www.bathcollege.ac.uk Describe your typical day My typical day starts off with a caramel latte from the lovely canteen in Somer Valley Campus. I then switch on my computer, check for emails or messages from students and then check in with the English and maths team. I make sure the workshop is ready, my resources are good to go, and I have my students’ outcomes on the board, so they know what we aim to achieve today in lessons. If I have learning support, we discuss what targets we want students to reach that day and how best to achieve them. I welcome my students with enthusiasm to class, sometimes with music as they walk in (old school hip hop to their dismay) and we start lessons. I work hard to make lessons fun and engaging and enjoy taking risks with teaching. If the students enjoy the lessons, they will hopefully commit the knowledge to their long-term memory.

The pastoral side of teaching inevitably surfaces and 1-1 talks with students happens almost every day. Then its marking, feedback and planning for the next day.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Watching my students break through their comfort barriers and disregard any anxiety they may have to reach a goal. I take pride in seeing students mentoring each other to complete a task and encourage peer learning whenever the opportunity arises.

Seeing a student grow week by week with improved resilience and self-efficacy makes this challenging but rewarding job worth it.

What advice would you give your 16 year old self?

I would tell myself to absorb any thing I was taught and not care about what people around me were doing. I would make sure I threw myself into English and maths lessons and experience anything my college offers.

MS LAURA HOLLOWAY

SEAN PRICE

What key bit of advice would you give to parents when choosing a school?

When I talk to families, I try to get to know them and their child to help them work out whether we would be a good fit for them.

It’s very individual, and parents should try to think about their priorities before visiting a school – it’s easy to be wowed by the amazing facilities and excellent academic results, but the sense of community, care and personal relationships in a school can only be realised through visiting.

What key bit of advice would you give to parents when choosing a school?

Choosing a school is difficult and emotive.

When you are making the decision, do not underestimate the importance of your gut feel. You will get a sense very quickly of whether you see a school as somewhere that suits you and your family. Speak to teachers, leaders and pupils; find out what they value, what they are passionate about and what they enjoy. I know when I looked around my school as a parent and professionally, it was these things that made me want to join the KES community.

DIRECTOR OF SIXTH FORM, HIGHER EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE, ST MARY’S CALNE 01249 857200 www.stmaryscalne.org

What do you find most satisfying about the job?

The pupils, of course! I find it energising and fun to have the privilege of working with such amazing young people every day, who want to engage and learn. In my role as Director of Sixth Form, I also support university applications and help girls and their families work out their next steps beyond school. Connecting with the world beyond school is exciting, including through our lecture programme and Inspiring Futures conference, where a hugely diverse range of speakers visit and share their words of wisdom and inspire our pupils. Last year our prefects on the Head Girl’s Team approached one of our lecturers about how they could support her charity, Loving Humanity, which provides sanitary products for women in conflict zones and refugee camps. From that starting point they researched, planned and put on a fashion show including all year groups in school and invited parent guests, raising thousands of pounds in donations, not to mention awareness and good will – I couldn’t have been prouder of them for their motivation, determination and showing courageous leadership skills to the whole community.

HEAD TEACHER, KING EDWARD’S JUNIOR SCHOOL 01225 463218 www.kesbath.com

Describe your typical day Each day is as unpredictable as the next.

I wear lots of different hats (metaphorically and sometimes literally) and there is much joy to be taken from the ‘in the moment’ way in which children go about their day.

I may have come from an important meeting or making a difficult decision but in that second, nothing is more important to the child you bump into than their new puppy or the try they scored on the weekend.

I spend my days watching children being inspired, nurtured, growing in confidence, learning new skills and achieving their goals and this will always be a privilege.

What are the qualities of a good teacher?

A good teacher will know your child.

They will know when to stretch and when to support, how to motivate and how to inspire. The best teaching is not always about the big, flashy moments but more so about the small conversations, the gentle nudges and thoughtful questions. High quality practitioners encourage creativity and challenge and allow the space, the opportunity and the culture for pupils to achieve their best. In effective classrooms, you will see success and you will see failure and you will see both being used as a vital learning experience. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 51

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SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

PRETTY AS A PEACH Once upon a time the colour peach in bedrooms was associated with romantic novelists and an abundance of chintz, but for a while now, the barely-there pastel shade has been quietly making its mark. Here we’re loving the diagonal stripes slashing through the pure white walls lending this child’s bedroom a contemporary slant whilst still maintaining a relaxing, cocoon-like space.

Soft Peach paint by Dulux, prices start at £20.54, available from Dulux Decorator Centre, Unit 13, Maltings Industrial Park, Brassmill Lane, Bath; www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk

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GLORIOUS GLORIA PINK FEATHER PENDANT, £445 Pure understated elegance, combining an eclectic mix o in uences the orious oria has e e ents o 1920s glamour while the geometric chain formation is unmistakably contemporary.

From French Bedroom; www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

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Pantone has chosen its shade of this year, and it’s giving us that warm, fuzzy feeling

SET OF FOUR SEAWEED PRINTS, £395 ased on 1 th centur scientific i ustrations each image, which is complemented by an indigo frame, depicts a di erent species o sea eed ith the Latin name inscribed underneath.

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

TAMARIND ENAMEL LADLE, £22 This vintage-inspired stainless steel ladle has had a modern makeover in spicy tamarind orange with an electric pink border.

From Always Sunday Store, 9 Broad Street, Bath; www.alwayssunday.store

VOLUSPA MAGNOLIA GRAPEFRUIT MAISON JAR CANDLE, £46 ora ruit scented cand e o uspa hich is a reno ned ho e ragrance a e that uses the finest ingredients sourced from around the globe. These are then blended into clean-burning coconut wax, and hand-poured in their California studio.

From Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com

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

BRAIDED JUTE DOUBLE DOORMAT, £40 A hand spun doormat in robust and practical three-ply jute at double the usual size, making it ideal for placing alongside patio or bi-fold doors to protect oors and carpets ro udd eet.

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

EDITOR’S CHOICE ALDWYCH WARDROBE IN POTTER’S PINK £3,649.90 Drawing on Shaker design style, the smooth solid tulipwood Aldwych wardrobe is a timeless bedroom piece that features fie ded door pane s and po ished nic e hand es hi e the interior houses an adjustable shelf and oak hanging rail.

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

SET OF FOUR STONEWARE MUGS, £27 Oven proof, freezer proof, dishwasher and microwave safe, resistant to chipping. We’ll drink to that.

From ProCook, 4-5 Quiet Street, Bath; www.procook.co.uk

KARTELL ORANGE A.I CHAIR, £213 Seamlessly blending contemporary design with sustainable living, the A.I. chair with its striking architectural design is made of 100 per cent recycled thermoplastic, and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Turn to page 71 to learn more about the founding of lifestyle emporium Graham and Green.

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

FRENCH DRUM CANDLE SHADE IN DUSKY PINK CAVENDISH, £25.12 A charming lampshade in subtle, organic tones, softly textured with an etched honeysuckle and paisley leaf motif on a gold background.

From Jim Lawrence, 114 – 116 Walcot Street, Bath; www.jim-lawrence.co.uk

NAIVE ROSE COASTER, £8 A sustainable eucalyptus board coaster designed by PATCH NYC depicting a quartet of beautiful pink roses nodding on thorny green stems.

From Avenida Home; www.avenidahome.com

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BEAUTY

LEFT: The pool at the Garden

Spa by L’Occitane at The Bath Priory; BELOW: The sociable dual treatment suite; INSET: There’s a shop where you can continue your indulgences too

MAKING ME TIME A PRIORITY Sarah Baker calls in at the L’Occitane Spa based at The Bath Priory, and (quelle surprise!) doesn’t want to leave

T

he Bath Priory is home to the only L’Occitane Spa in the UK – the Garden Spa by L’Occitane, which is a spa house that sits alongside the larger Georgian manor that’s the home of The Bath Priory hotel in Weston, Bath. There’s a herbarium garden here too, a tranquil and beautiful sanctuary observable from each of the four treatment rooms.

The Priory team are super friendly, immediately welcoming us like we were regulars. We take a window seat for lunch, admiring the coiffured greenery whilst perusing the pantry menu. Warm home-baked artisanal rolls and salty butter kickstarted a delicious and creatively presented feast for our lunch; fresh fish dressed in flowers, vibrant veg and a cheeky side of truffle chips were washed down with a glass of white wine. We came for the spa, but the lunch is an excellent bonus.

The L’Occitane Spa is a multi-sensory treat from the first glimpse of the waiting area, the first inhalation of the intoxicating scents that greet you, and the first sip of herbal tea as your treatment and room is prepared. “A peaceful haven in the heart of a bustling city,” the

website said, and I think they were right.

We choose the dual treatment suite for our Bath Priory Signature back massages, a calming space with interior touches invoking warmth, stillness and relaxation, and boasting a double shower. All the L’Occitane treatments start with a welcome ritual – a foot soak, which is an opulent and wonderful start. Both therapists expertly navigate the task of keeping each treatment bespoke, yet making it social for me and my pal.

The teasing of the senses continues. The massage is a clever combination of a sensuous yet firm touch from my therapist, who expertly chases my shoulder knots, awakens and relieves the spine, and relaxes and soothes my creaky hips aided by velveteen oils chosen to stimulate the skin and quiet the mind. The fragrant incense evokes a holiday-like state, and should provide the perfect memory jog if you wish to replicate the experience.

It is sublime – that heady mix of pain alleviating rush and calm inducing joy where your body says sleep, but you want to remember every minute, so you tune in to stay

alert. Gorgeous. This treatment ends with the Shea Comfort Facial, a beautiful light and delicate facial that had us both looking flush and dewy. Body glowing, and now face glowing.

In our dreamlike fuzzy state, we sat on the lounge chairs in the post-treatment room, an atrium that takes in the gardens. We drank cucumber infused water, shared thoughts of the magic of the previous hour and fought the urge to consider all the work emails we’ve ignored and the school pick-up looming, trying to stay chilled and in the moment that bit longer.

It’s worth taking your time here: there are also two pools, indoors and out, alongside a sauna and aroma steamroom in the main house. And if you want to take a little bit of the Bath Priory spa treatment home with you, the L’Occitane Spa has a store fully stocked with all the brand’s hero products and top therapists on hand with advice. Ideal if you need to make a little me-time a priority but can’t immediately spare an afternoon.

“The L’Occitane Spa is a multisensory treat”

For more: www.thebathpriory.co.uk

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FASHION

PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOUR

F

How to get the hang of prints and patterns – once and floral

By Morgan Howells

inally, January, with its 197 days, has gone, taking the miserable blues with it. Flat February, which at least tries a little harder with a Valentine’s Day hurrah in the middle, is nearly done with. And as soon as March marches in we can talk of spring – darling buds, oo ing o ers uscious greens e it s ust all so luscious and optimistic. So why not mirror that in our clothes?

Patterns and prints are an easy way to do this, to add a little fresh excitement. This can e ust the route to e e ating our oo ro hiding away in winter woollies to getting ready to ace the or d. or the no ice start ith a stripe these o e ines in a directions ha e transcended decades of trends and there’s

always going to be one to suit your personality type: Breton, pinstripe, Bengal, barcode, hori onta ertica . oo or a chun nit striped u per this season add one p eated s irt and a pair of wellies, and make this your goingto the pu outfit. t s raining ut ou e a ed there, and you’re walking home – with a spring in your step.

Which brings us nicely to the queen of all patterns the ora . The world and wonder of the ora is end ess daint and delicate, garish and go-getting, blousey and bold. Pin on a bloom brooch or a whole bouquet either a ou e added a touch o spring.

Then there are all the patterns and prints – herringbone, damask, paisley, animal prints,

2

1

SHOPPING LIST

1. Animal cardigan by Dorothee Schumacher, was £620, now £295, from Square, 12 New Bond Street, Bath; www.squarebath.uk 3. Vintage navy skirt with geometric pattern, size 12, £14.99, from www.dorothyhouse.shop 3. Foliage dress by Stine Goya, £370, from Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk

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

polka dots, African prints, doodles, geometric shapes – in the kaleidoscope of fashionwear, patterns transcend seasons and trends. They e erge as the unsung heroes ea ing ta es o creati it and e pression. ach one ser es as a cornerstone of sartorial storytelling and helps you choose your own narrati e. o der st es command attention, while the subtler whisper their whimsy. Animal prints prowl the runways of life, e uding fierce confidence while abstract motifs pro o e thought and intrigue. oreo er patterns and prints ce e rate di ersit re ecting a riad cu tures traditions and narrati es. The ur oundaries and de nor s in iting indi idua s to e race their unique identities and embrace the beauty of self-expression.

The possess the trans or ati e po er to e e ate the si p est si houette into a state ent piece. hether adorning a o ing a i dress or embellishing tailored separates, a good pattern in ects ita it and an energ into each and e er ense e. o find a pattern that spea s to ou and ear with a black background staple such as trousers, eans or a s irt to a o our ne ound st e to shout. Or team with another pattern to really a e so e noise. a chee cheetah print or a igh and ing o a chec ta es our anc pair the . This cou d e the oo ou e een looking for all your life. this a sounds a p aid too ar then as uc ou d ha e it one o the iggest trends orecast is the return o the 1 s s inn ean.

How easy it is to team a satin leopard print shirt, chun ac oots and a i er ac et o er our new black skinnies! Slick on some cherry red nail polish with coordinating glossy lipstick and you’re good to go and cause a scene.

“Patterns serve as t e ornerstone o sartoria stor te in

3

or an owe s is in er na ear o Fashion Marketing and Management (BA) at at a niversit www at s a a

Photo by Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com Clothes curated from the pre-loved donations at Dorothy House Shop; www.dorothyhouse.shop

PHOTO BY FUTURE PROOF CREATIVE

BATH LIFE AWARDS

The Bath Life Awards 2024 are almost upon us. Prepare to celebrate…

When: The Bath Life Awards 2024 take place on Thursday, 29 February Where: Bath Pavilion, with the afterparty at Sub 13 Categories: There are 21 Award categories ready to be won Tickets: Last ones available on our website now, and selling out fast with huge demand

T

he Bath Life Awards is the absolute highlight of our social calendar, if not our entire year. Every season, the calibre of the nominees and the inventiveness, originality, and perseverance of the companies, initiatives, and people who contribute to our vibrant and diverse city’s success astound us even more.

Every year, we celebrate the quality displayed by seasoned Bath professionals and remarkable up-andcoming talent from all sectors of our business ecosystem, all the while forging deep new relationships.

The judging process is laborious as always; with each nomination examined, analysed, and discussed until we are left with simply the best.

And a new set of impartial judges, chosen afresh each year, determines who the worthy winners are, selected by the Bath Life team from a variety of local industries; you can read more about them overleaf. And then, on page 68, you can also discover all about this year’s

a a ing fina ists. o ecti e the ser e as a icrocos o the est that the cit has to o er each and e er one of them at the forefront of blossoming excellence.

Glam is the name of the game on the big night, when everyone is dressed up to the nines and ready to party in the Pavilion. rop ire has pro ided the c assic o ood sign-style giant letters spelling out ‘Bath Life’ for all those Insta-or-it-didn’t-happen moments. And then there’s Wild Fork, who’ll be providing dinner, to be served at tables exquisitely decorated with centrepieces created by iant ards. The o d and ri iant ath tone asons create the awards themselves, while Taste of Bath are providing treats for deserving winners. nd a ter e re finished or the o cia ards a terpart e go to u 1 . ou a o o on socia media if your tickets are not yet in your possession. And i the are Then e see ou on e ruar For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

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

BATH LIFE AWARDS

THE JUDGES WILL DECIDE…

Every year, there’s a fresh panel of impeccably impartial and independent judges for the Bath Life Awards. It’s a diverse and knowledgeable group from a wide variety of sectors and sizes of business. They, and they alone, decide who the winners will be…

IAN LLOYD, Partner at Milsted Langdon

AMANDA SPICER, Co-founder of Your Eco

Amanda is a serial entrepreneur with a Fortune 500 background spanning medical and clean tech. She now oversees multi-million pound startup Your Eco, and has a current portfolio covering renewable energy installation, consultancy and charity carbon offset, hovering near the 30 MW mark of project development.

Ian is a partner at Milsted Langdon, one of the South West’s leading independent accountancy, tax and business advisory firms. He leads the firm’s Bath office where he advises a wide range of clients from ownermanaged SMEs to larger groups of businesses with international interests.

KATE ABBEY, Founder and co-director of Bath Arts Collective

JO LLOYD, Property associate at Rengen House

Jo has worked in a number of food and drink marketing roles within businesses across Bath and the surrounding areas. Two years ago, she launched and began managing Rengen House, an independently owned co-working, meeting and event space, located in the heart of Bath.

MATTHEW DREW, Managing partner at Goughs Solicitors

KOGIE NAIDOO, Executive director at Circle of Bath Health Group

Kogie boasts 30 years of healthcare experience across South Africa and England, and trained as a physiotherapist. Kogie has been the executive director for Bath Clinic for two years, and has recently been lauded as one of Bath and Somerset’s most inspirational women.

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

Matthew graduated with a law and business studies degree before working in London for the Crown Prosecution Service. He joined Goughs as a trainee in 1991, became a partner in 1999, and took over as managing partner in 2021 to lead the firm’s strategic development.

Kate is the founder and co-director at newly-formed Bath Arts Collective, a CIC that is on a mission to develop and contribute to Bath’s vibrant arts and events scene. Her previous role as head of programming and creative content at Bath Festivals saw her deliver awardwinning programmes.

SIMON ROLLINGS, CEO and founder of Canned Wine Co.

PIPPA RUSSELL, Founder of Russell Communications

Pippa has more than 20 years’ experience in financial services PR, reputation management and marketing communications. Pippa’s professional experience includes working for London PR firm Lansons, and she also has international experience gained with a PR and communications agency on Wall Street, New York City.

Simon creates fine wines in sustainable future formats with distribution nationally and internationally. He has experience in supply chain management, operations, innovation and performance marketing whilst counting businesses like Hello Fresh and Eat First among his portfolio, with a passion in earlier stage food start-ups.

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FINALISTS & SPONSORS RECEPTION 2024

GREAT RECEPTION

On 6 February, we all got together for the Finalists and Sponsors Reception ahead of the Bath Life Awards on 29 February at Bath Pavilion. The event was hosted by Headline Sponsor Hilton by DoubleTree on Walcot Street, and gave everybody the chance to meet and network ahead of the big night. The 150 attendees enjoyed prosecco and canapés, and Jody Cory of Jody Cory Goldsmiths won the overnight stay for two at the DoubleTree

by Hilton, in the Golden Ticket cookies prize.

For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

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

BATH LIFE AWARDS

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

“When we sat down to look at what we’d achieved, we knew we wanted to enter the Awards” work closely with lots of local businesses and initiati es. t as a pac ed out enue and we met loads of great new businesses, but it was especially nice to have a drink with our friends at Radio Bath and Children’s Hospice South West – and cheers to all those who were nominated for an award, which is a huge accomplishment in itself.

Any collaborations as a result?

BATH LIFE AWARDS WINNERS

TRUESPEED

Before we begin welcoming the winners of Bath Life Awards 2024 to these pages, we find out from the fullfibre broadband provider Truespeed what scooping the Technology Award meant to them TECHNOLOGY AWARD SPONSORED BY What prompted you to enter the Bath Life Awards 2023?

We were well into our biggest growth phase at Truespeed, moving from start-up to scaleup, and the team was working tirelessly to e pand our u fi re net or and connect more residents and businesses to ultrafast broadband. We’d had a record year across the board in 2022 – and we’d seen no signs of it slowing down.

Sounds like you had a lot to highlight as a business?

efinite e hit a or i estones in 2022, including connecting our 10,000th customer, passing over 60,000 properties and celebrating our 200th employee. We also had an unprecedented year of growth, increasing our customer base by nearly 50 per cent and increasing sales by a staggering 217 per cent. So when we sat down to look at what

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

we’d achieved, we knew we wanted to enter the Awards to showcase our record-breaking ear and high ight a the incredi e e orts and hard work that our team have put into progressing Truespeed.

How did you find the process?

Writing the application was hugely eyeopening as it high ighted ust ho ar e e come as a business. We realised we built more of our network in 2022 than we did between 1 co ined t a so ade us re ect on how we’ve grown as a team, and evolved into one o ath s a or e p o ers.

What was it like on the night?

We’re always looking for new partnerships that help support the local community and as we expand our network build throughout Bath and its surrounding areas there are lots of opportunities we’d love to explore. We didn’t get a chance to speak to everyone, but if any charities or oca initiati es ou d enefit ro eing connected to u fi re road and e d love you to get in touch to see how we could help out.

Any other highlights on the night?

The standing ovation for Bath Welcomes Refugees as they collected the Platinum a ard as incredi e. t rea su ed up the atmosphere of the night and seeing how much it meant to them really was special to be a part of.

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

The whole team were over the moon to have won the Technology Award, as it recognises all the hard work we’ve been putting into pushing the business forward. We’ve got big plans ahead and it makes it so worthwhile knowing a our e orts to he p i pro e connecti it throughout the South West are being noticed.

The Bath Life Awards are always one of the best events in the city, so we were mainly excited to be there and celebrate alongside the other great businesses that had been nominated. There’s always amazing comradery in Bath, and it’s really inspiring to see how much everyone here supports fellow local businesses.

Are we seeing you again this year?

Who else did you meet there?

For more: www.truespeed.com | www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

As a local, community-focused company, we

so ute s part o our co it ent to supporting our local area, we are sponsoring the Civic category again, as it aligns so closely with our values. Celebrating those who are helping improve Bath’s community, we’ll be in full support of all the incredible initiatives that are transforming our home city for the better.

HEADLINE SPONSOR

29 FEB R UARY 2024

For any remaining tickets:

bathlife@mediaclash.co.uk

#BathLifeAwards ︱ bathlifeawards.co.uk A

Production

Bath Life Awards 2024 Finalists ARTS & CREATIVE Sponsored by Bath Spa University • Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair • Bath Festivals • Bath Forum • Bath International Comedy Festival • Bath Philharmonia • Komedia Bath • Lisa Todd Designs • Really Decent Books • Voices for Life

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Sponsored by Minuteman Press • Boom Battle Bar Bath • The Grapes • Juno Bar & Kitchen • Ludo Sports Bar & Kitchen • Opium • The Pig and Fiddle • Sub 13

BUSINESS SERVICES

Sponsored by Bath Spa Hotel • ActionCOACH B&NES • Attinger Jack • Bind Media • Eat PR & Marketing • Emberson Synergy • Marlin Communications • Mostly Media • Naturally Social • That Media Thing • The Studio in Bath • SunflowerPlus.com • The Visa Office

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Sponsored by Stone King • Bath Cats and Dogs Home • Bath City Farm • Bath Rugby Foundation • Ben Saunders Foundation • The Carers’ Centre • Julian House • RUHX (Royal United Hospital Charitable Fund)

• SWALLOW • VOICES • We Get It • Wiltshire Air Ambulance

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Sponsored by Truespeed • Bath and North East Somerset Registration Service • Bath College • The Bath Safe Bus Provided by The Bath BID • Bath Women’s Fund • Community Matters • The Crescent Club • Digital Wonderlab • Modern Pentathlon Association of Great Britain • The Paragon School • Radio Bath CIO • Wiltshire Digital Drive

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Sponsored by Enlightened • Bath Carnival • Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair • The Bath Independent • Bradford on Avon Food & Drink Festival • Film Bath • Modern Pentathlon Association of Great Britain • Strength in Style

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• Charlton Baker • Gooding Accounts • Hartsfield Financial Services • Unividual • Windsor Hill Mortgages

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by Dr Lucy • Zara Perry Hairdressing

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Sponsored by Zara Perry Hairdressing • Bullfrog • Coopers Home Appliances • Curious Universe • Didicakes • Fat Giraffe Gifts • Haus Life • Jody Cory Goldsmiths • Olivia’s Boutique • SEIKK • Wadswick Country Store

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Sponsored by Mogers Drewett • Bath College • Be Astute • Catering Services International • GreenJay Group • Nick Hems Style HOMES & • Rathbone HR Solutions INTERIORS • The Visa Office Sponsored by • Whitehorse Windsor Hill Mortgages Employment Network • Bath Painters & • Young Carers Decorators Development Trust • Divine Savages • Kelly Marie PROPERTY Kitchen Interiors Sponsored by • Kitchens By Nolte Bath Property Awards • Kutchenhaus • Arc Property Kitchens Bath • Aspire To Move • Selby Landscapes • Bath Office Company • VYOO WINDOWS • Berkeley Place • Walter Ruggiero • Clean Break Group Design • HomeLets • Woodhouse and Law • Interaction

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NETWORK

THE CITY’S HOTTEST BUSINESS NEWS

THE GRAHAM AND GREEN GENERATION HOW THE LIFESTYLE AND GIFT EMPORIUM HAS EVOLVED AND REMAINED RELEVANT FOR 50 GLORIOUS YEARS

Graham and Green family portrait: from left, Lou, Max, Jamie, and Antonia Graham.

Photo by Mel Yates

GIVING IT LARGE

Panto audiences raise more than £10k for charity

STAY IN THE LOOP

All of Bath’s most important business dates

CROWNED THE BEST

The winning ways of the Stone King apprentice

THE PEARL OF ETHICS Interaction is certified as a B Corporation

NETWORK

LEFT: Jamie Graham, whose mum Antonia founded Graham and Green, with

PHOTO BY MEL YATES

wife Lou – they now both own the brand; BELOW: The Bath store opened in 2015;

BOTTOM: The first ever Graham and Green in Notting Hill, 1974

EVER GREEN

The enduring ethos and successful evolution of the Walcot Street emporium, Graham and Green

T

By Sarah Moolla

his ear raha and reen the a i o ned i est e emporium, celebrates ears o creati it craftsmanship and st ish interiors. ongside stores in otting i a s ater and ri rose i raha and reen has a shop on ath s Walcot Street; it also has its corporate headquarters here, not to mention a recent re ocated out et store hich is now in Trowbridge.

The stor a egan in 1 in an o d dair in otting i s gin rescent here ntonia raha began selling a mix of unusual finds ro her tra e s inc uding kitchenware, handmade baskets, and e en o ers ro o ent arden o er ar et. t as here that her a son a ie spent his ear months snuggled up in a Moses as et s eeping peace u eneath the shop counter while Antonia built her interiors empire. The venture as a huge success and in 1 8 ntonio aunched her first ai order

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

catalogue. The next store, in Primrose Hill, opened in 1994.

Son Jamie soon started working in the stores during schoo ho ida s.

After completing a degree in furniture and product design he o cia oined the a i usiness in 1 8 as creati e director or ing c ose ith international suppliers and designing e c usi e urniture co ections.

The o o ing ear a ie aunched their first e site and a e ears later he met his future wife Louise, ho as a so or ing at . n 2011 Antonia retired and handed over the reins to Jamie and Louise. a ie and ouise ha e gradua ade it their o n sa s ntonia. t s the sa e ethos ut adapted to a e it attracti e to a di erent generation. thri ed ith it and er proud o the ho e a i .

Here we catch up with Jamie and ou raha ho i e ith son Max just outside Bath, to talk Walcot treet artisana trade and ear da s.

Fifty years: what a remarkable achievement for Graham and Green! There must be such a sense of pride in being a part of this enduring brand.

Than ou nd es e re so

happ and proud to sti e here ears on and i portant sti e independent and a i o ned. ntonia initia started the usiness rea in order to financia support her a i ut the inspiration or ho e ares specifica ca e ro a combination of her experience of importing kitchenware goods in her first o ith coo i a eth a id and in starting raha and reen ith oodie enrietta reen. he had experience in foreign purchasing and ho esa e and sa the opportunit and gap in the market to trade goods ro o erseas that eren t a read available in the UK, and bring other interesting pieces into the countr or the ohe ian custo er in the s.

What’s your impression of those early Notting Hill days for G&G? Notting Hill was far from the desira e p ace it is toda . raha and reen as rea a first o its kind, and there was nothing like it in the area so it as er no e hich rought its o n cha enges. The ear responses ere er a oura e as peop e instant o ed the uni ue product o ering that the hadn t seen an here e se. n ter s o pu ic reception enrietta reen and other

close friends were journalists and radio personalities, so the store also brought in public interest and press coverage from the start.

It sounds like it was more than just a store... es definite . raha and reen eca e a er socia enterprise appealing to the like-minded bohemia of the time and often customers ou d re uest to eco e sta and then turned into lifelong friends (some are still working with Antonia on arious pro ects toda .

“WE ARE NOT STEERED BY TRENDS OR DATA – WE BUY FROM THE HEART”

What were your own early days with Graham and Green like?

We had three stores on Portobello, ith a head o ce in one o the three. e used to coo unch or a the sta e er da e ou d pac orders or the e co erce side o the usiness in the ase ent and e too a our orders a e oo ac er ond on that ti e and ee er nosta gic or it.

What has changed with G&G over the years? though things ha e e o ed and gro n since then e er uch ee that e stand our origina ethos ith one si p e ru e u hat e i e. e are not steered trends or data e u ro the heart. ur core urniture sti a es up the

i est e e poriu ut thin since a ie and ha e ta en o er there s ore o the uir product that co es and goes e er season.

How have you managed to maintain your original ethos? started as a a i usiness and e a a s anted it to re ain so. e ant to sti en o co ing into or e er da and our oti ation is ne er to gro the co pan in order to se it ut to gro it in order to sti eep or ing in it and e hope that is e t oth our sta and our custo ers.

What prompted the store in Bath? What was it you liked about the city? e ade the decision to o e out o ondon or a di erent pace o i e and anded on ath as e d a a s had histor and an a nit to o erset and especia ath. t e t a i iar and he d ond e ories ou used to isit a cot treet ith her other as a gir .

Tell us about opening the Walcot Street store in 2015 t as a ig e ort to open the ath store as it in o ed a huge ear ong reno ation o the site ui ding hich

Lou and Jamie believe their buying tastes have evolved to encompass a more country style since moving to Bath

not only houses our Bath store but a so our head o ce. There as a ong transition period in hich e ere sti running the usiness ro ondon and co uting three ti es a ee to o ersee the reno ation. o e sta then o ed ith us ro ondon e en re ocating their a i ies to the est ountr to continue or ing at hich e are so grate u or and proud o . The arehouse a so o ed ro ondon so it as a ig operation.

Do you think the move to Bath changed your business at all? thin our u ing and tastes ha e e o ed su conscious to re ect the surroundings. There is uch ore product and urniture ith a countr oo and ee no ore so t ines and so t co ours.

Jamie has designed a new collection to help celebrate the 50 year anniversary

LIMITED EDITION

To help mark its 50th anniversary, Graham and Green has launched a unique limited edition collection of heritage bone inlay furniture designed by Jamie Graham. The collection, which consists of 50 chest of drawers, 100 bedside tables, and 50 desks, shines a light on traditional craftsmanship from Jaipur, India and is testament to the enduring beauty of artisanal skill and design. Each piece in this exquisite yellow gold collection is numbered (from 1 – 50 or 1 – 100), making them not just furniture, but a collectible heirloom.

What have been the benefits of having both a store and your HQ here? ath is a rea nice p ace to or it has rought a ne t pe o custo er one that rea suits the ethos. nother enefit o ha ing our here is e get sta ro risto and Bath and the surrounding areas that ring ith the a ea th o e perience and e pertise.

Talk to us about Walcot Street and the vibe there. Seems like a good fit for G&G – did you consider anywhere else? e did consider a site in the centre o to n ut hen this p ace ca e up on

ight o e e ne it as a etter fit or us. e o e eing surrounded the independent spirits o a cot treet and the usinesses here ha e rea o a o o ings custo ers ho ha e een co ing to the or ears and ears and e o ed that ee ing o consideration and o a t . There is a ocus a ongst the usinesses here on cra ts anship and artisana trade so e ee right at ho e.

Any Walcot neighbours you’d like to name check? e ha e co a orated ith a cot ouse on a nu er o ar eting acti ities and te ier is o ho e are ig ad irers. e re a so ig ans o the andrace a er s cinna on uns What’s in the pipeline for G&G? This ear to ce e rate our i estone anni ersar e are aunching a i ited edition co ection o our heritage one in a urniture see left . nd e ond that e re or ing to ards another ears e hope to do this constant o ing ith the ti es and stri ing to ui d a usiness to ast. roduct is e as is sta ing open to the ne ro techno ogies to u ing ha its.

For more: Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

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

ON THE UP

THE ONLY WAY IS ETHICS Interaction, the Bath-based strategic workplace design and ui d co pan has een certified as a B Corporation for its ethical approach to the environment, community and employees.

Interaction has implemented several carbon reduction measures, such as sourcing o ce supp ies ith a reduced en iron enta ootprint and adding ore energ e cient o ce s ste s in addition to or ing closely with key suppliers to reduce carbon emissions. Its new HQ , called The Quarter,

is a sympathetically redesigned Grade II listed building in Edgar Mews, developed in line with principles from sustainable built environment guidelines such as SKA and WELL. Interaction’s head of operations, Mike Borne, says: “We are immensely proud to call ourselves a B Corporation, which is independent recognition of our commitment to maintaining both high social and high environmental standards.”

For more: www.interaction.uk.com

Tag Rowe celebrates at the Emirates

CROWNED WINNER n apprentice ro ath a fir Stone King has won a national award for the most outstanding intern. Tag Rowe, who started with Stone King in the summer of 2023 and is currently an apprentice solicitor in the employment team, recently scooped the Alexander Paul Award at an event held by the 10,000 Black Interns Foundation at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

Tag ho as the fina inner from a longlist of 25 candidates, says, “My decision to become a lawyer was based on an instinct and desire to be challenged intellectually, to be part of an amazing team and to solve complex legal problems for clients, all of which I experience daily.”

For more: www.stoneking.co.uk

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

PROFESSOR TURI KING has been announced as the next director of the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath. She is well known for her role as part of the team that used genetic and statistical methods to identify the remains of King Richard III after their discovery in a Leicester car park in 2012, and she is also the co-presenter of the BBC2 TV series DNA Family Secrets. She will join the university in April from the Turi King University of Leicester, where she is currently Professor of Genetics and Public Engagement.

Jim Bowes

DESIGNABILITY, the Bath-based charity, has announced the appointment of a new CEO, Jim Bowes. Jim has more than 20 years of experience as a founder, leader and consultant in a wide range of start-ups, commercial, public sector and not-for-profit environments.

Law firm THRINGS has appointed associate Zhenja Cann as co-chair of the Young Resolution National Committee.

During her twoyear appointment to the co-chair role, Zhenja will be responsible for guiding the national Zhenja Cann committee in its efforts to support young practitioners, making training and other resources more accessible, and acting as a voice for YRes members to the wider Resolution organisation.

PHOTO BY CARL VIVIAN

Interaction’s head of operations Mike Borne

NETWORK Stars of Sleeping Beauty and the front of house staff celebrate raising funds

STAR PLAYERS Pantomime audiences at the Theatre Royal Bath have raised £11,705.97 over the festive season during 27 charity collections, which took place from 20 December to 4 January, after matinee and evening performances of Sleeping Beauty.

Actor Neil McDermott, known for his longrunning role in EastEnders, who played Prince Vincent, says, “We are very grateful to all the audience members who generously donated to the Theatre Royal’s Charity Collections when they came to watch the pantomime. We feel incredibly proud to pass the one raised onto fi e antastic charities – Bath Gateway Out and About, Avon Wildlife Trust, The Lily Foundation, Bath Cats and Dogs Home, and the Wonderfund – to help them continue their brilliant work.”

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

PHOTO BY LLOYD EVANS PHOTOGR APHY

BUSINESS DIARY

Bath Boules rolls into town, 4 – 7 July

29 FEBRUARY Bath Life Awards; www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

22 MAY Creative Bath Awards; www.creativebath.org

5 MARCH Bath Life Network Lunch; www.mediaclash.co.uk

19 – 20 JUNE EntreConf; www.entreconf.com

12 MARCH EntreConf dinner; www.entreconf.com

27 JUNE Bath Property Awards nominations open; www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

8 APRIL EntreConf Awards nominations open; www.entreconf.com

4 – 7 JULY Bath Boules; www.bathboules.com

16 APRIL Property Symposium; www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

26 SEPTEMBER EntreConf Awards; www.entreconf.com

19 APRIL Creative Bath Awards nominations close; www.creativebath.org

8 NOVEMBER Bath Property Awards; www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

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

NORTON MASONRY LTD

Luxury & local

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The most sophisticated audience is just a call away

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www.nortonmasonryltd.co.uk Over 30 Years Experience

BathLife Team 01225 475800

PROPERTY

PHOTO BY SR PHOTOS

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

Hartham Park has been acquired for an undisclosed amount

Acquisition

REAL ESTATE

The future of Hartham Park Estate is secured The Hartham Park Estate has been acquired by investors Lucent Investment Group for an undisclosed price. The 50-acre estate park and Georgian house, which sits just north of the Wiltshire town of Corsham, boasts 67,763 sq ft of accommodation across various buildings, including a mansion house, coach house and sta es and odern o ces.

A spokesperson from the Lucent Group, which has interests in property, hospitality, and

real estate, says, “We are thrilled to be the next custodians of this great house and beautiful grounds with such a prestigious history by investing in securing its future, and in so doing protecting jobs and businesses. We intend to a e significant urther in est ent in the estate and elevate Hartham Park to a leading regional hub for South-West business”.

Hartham House was designed by the architect James Wyatt and built between 1790

and 1795. It was used as a family home for many decades, famously hosting Sir Winston Churchill on several occasions, but in more recent years the house and the grounds – as e as e ent hire o ered co or ing hu s ith ore than o ce units. The grounds also host a Grade II listed indoor stické tennis court, similar but not identical to real tennis, one of only three surviving courts in the world.

For more: www.harthamparkestate.co.uk

PROPERTY INTERVIEW

The facade looks the same as the original warehouse exterior; INSET: It’s a contemporary modern vibe for inside

and means that there aren’t boilers in every apart ent a enefit oth spatia and environmentally. The building has been designed with strict acoustic performance and thermal performance, and our Energy er or ance ertificates de onstrate ust how well the building performs.

Casper worked on the North Range apartments

What were some of the challenges?

IN DEVELOPMENT CASPER SUNLEY, co-director The Sunley Group on Walcot Street’s North Range apartments

N

orth Range, found in the Walcot area of Bath, is a collection of nine newly built luxury apartments currently being marketed through Savills Bath.

Here we catch up with Casper Sunley who, along with Robert Taylor, is director of the Property Development company Sunley, to find out ore a out hat goes into de e oping a derelict site into desirable living quarters.

What was your company’s role in the North Range site?

Sunley Bath acquired the site out of receivership and decided to deliver this project ourselves. It was a fantastic location, and the design was commensurate with the high end residential developments Sunley has been delivering for four generations.

Tell us a little about the history of the site, Walcot Reclamation warehouse

Walcot Reclamation was one of the earliest examples of a reclamation yard, and as such was particularly famous. Built in the 1880s as workshops for joinery, stained glass and other craft manufacturers, the range of industrial buildings became home to one of the earliest examples of a reclamation yard in the 1970s.

Sadly, the once impressive building range had fallen into a bad state of repair before plans to

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

rebuild it were submitted. Having purchased the site with planning permission, Sunley set about creating a residential scheme that was both respectful of the site’s heritage while giving it a positive future.

How did you approach it, planning wise?

We purchased this site with planning, but that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t a factor in the build process. There were numerous conditions to satisfy, where planners and the conservation team wanted to see samples of the bricks, windows, and the tiles; in fact, all those important external materials that give a building authenticity.

What local businesses were involved?

We aimed to use architects, engineers, interior designers, and suppliers from the local area.

All our subcontractors were based nearby, and although it’s nice to support them in that a it s utua eneficia too as e get knowledge and experience from parties that have worked in the area for many years.

Talk us through how you made sure that North Range has good eco-credentials

entra ising the p ant roo o ers an enefits and incredi high per or ing gas boilers provide hot water and heating to all the apart ents. t s ore energ e cient

We had to ensure the front façade ‘looked’ the same as the original building, which isn’t uncommon and at times can be frustrating ut the industria aesthetic o ered so e fantastic opportunities. One such was to take advantage of the abundance of light, due to the original large window apertures across the whole front façade; this lent itself to creating some wonderfully bright, lateral, and duplex units with far reaching views to the rear across the Avon and Bathampton.

How did you weave the building’s past into the present?

We protected the way the façade would look, ensuring the external materials paid homage to Bath and its architectural style, while internally we had the opportunity to be creative. We focused on creating elegant homes that are in tune with the location and are married to the industrial heritage of the site ut ith centra ised energ e cient plant equipment, electric charging spaces for all the apartments, instant boiling taps and under oor heating. t rea does oo i e a historic building on the outside, but with all the modern amenities inside.

Finally, how do you feel about the result?

It’s transformed. Whilst the external fenestration is very similar to what stood there before, the latest construction technology has been used to ensure that modern standards are met whilst the heritage of the building re ains. nside natura oa ooring traditional sanitaryware and solid timber Neptune kitchens ensure a truly high quality finish throughout.

For more: www.sunley.co.uk | www.savills.co.uk

FROGDITCH FARMHOUSE A blend of history and modern luxury in rural Wiltshire

By Elsie Chadwick

F

rogditch Farmhouse stands as a testament to the artful fusion of historical charm, contemporary elegance, and innovative design. Nestled in the picturesque countryside of the rolling hills of Lower Woodrow near Melksham, and originally a modest period farmhouse, the current owners have undertaken a remarkable transformation, meticulously rebuilding and e panding the propert into a eauti u fi e bedroom family retreat. pon arri a an oa ra ed porch e co es isitors to a grand entrance and its expansive interiors. Step inside and ou disco er a ast open p an i ing space seamlessly combining the living, dining, and kitchen areas in one cohesive whole. The heart of the home oasts a a thaup fitted itchen co p ete ith a centra

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

“Floorto-ceiling glass doors bathe the dining area in natural light”

island and oak breakfast bar – just the perfect setting or casua dining. oor to cei ing g ass doors athe the dining area in natura ight o ering panora ic ie s o the surrounding gardens and paddocks, while adjacent to the ain i ing area ou find a cos sitting roo that in ites re a ation co p ete ith a ood urning stove and access to the garden.

Ascend the curved bespoke staircase, which is a work o art eature in its o n right to disco er the first and second oors here spacious edroo s and ath shower rooms await. The main bedroom epitomises u ur eaturing oa ra ed indo s and a co ered balcony overlooking the countryside.

On arrival at the house, grand gate pillars open to reveal a formal driveway, leading to a picturesque turning circle adorned with a water feature. The propert s t o acre grounds oast anicured a ns

PROPERTY

HOUSE NUMBERS Distance in miles from Bath

15

Bedrooms

5

Bathrooms

3

Acres Guide price

2 £1.75million

Self contained annexe For more: Carter Jonas, 5 – 6 Wood Street, Bath; www.carterjonas.co.uk

1

mature trees, and a paved patio ideal for outdoor entertaining. The arge paddoc ith a fie d she ter completes the idyllic countryside setting.

Frogditch Farmhouse is a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, with all mod cons nestled amongst the wooden beams and exposed brickwork.

The home is equipped with NIKO home control techno og o ering re ote contro o er heating lighting, and security. There’s also a separate annexe, finished to the sa e high standard o ering ersati e living space and privacy away from the main house.

With its potential for further expansion, with permission in place for a further two storey extension to the side of the property, this exceptional home is tailormade for a growing family, one not only seeking the ultimate rural retreat, but looking to mould and shape a space with their own inspired ideas.

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

KEYNOTE BY

PROPERTY SYMPOSIUM

SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE Which are the exemplar new projects in the region?

What specific challenges will arise?

How will the property sector step up?

16 APRIL 2024. M SHED, BRISTOL SCAN HERE TO SIGN UP

• Top level keynotes • Stimulating panels • Networking with region’s leading property companies

Brought to you by the creators of your city Property Awards

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GOOD ENERGY spells out the truth about heat pumps

A

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

BATHROOMS

INNER SANCTUM How to make your bathroom an oasis of calm

E

By John Mather levating the bathroom into a sanctuary of calm is not merely a trend: it’s a transformative lifestyle choice.

As part of our everyday routine, and in contrast to the frenetic pulse of modern life, we can escape the chaos by infusing this space with elements of relaxation designed to foster a sense of rejuvenation and inner peace. Here our fi e design e perts suggests a s to a e our athroo s a space to reathe re ect and restore.

IN THE PLANNING If you have the opportunity to consider where your bathroom might e ocated in the first p ace sei e it and a e the ost i it sa s Helen Carey, chartered architect, designer, and director of Haptic Living. “Do not relegate your bathroom to the worst room o the house the are engine roo s and as e a no se care is so important. If you have a fabulous view, why not enjoy it every day when you are showering or brushing your teeth? hen e start an design e start thin ing a out the e strength of the space: does it have high ceilings, a strong view, period detai s e ocate the sho er and first the sho er ecause it needs a certain head height and the ecause the aste is the e oring ut i portant. nce these ha e ound their ocations e then oo at ho e can create a eature o the anit hether e can fit dou e sin s in and storage around the anit in a cup oards open she ing or ase ca inets. e then oo ac at the strength o the space to generate the design aesthetic and mood of the room.”

OUTER SPACE Charlotte Wright, design consultant with Hobson’s Choice, as s us to consider the a out o the space The distances et een furniture and sanitaryware, how far you must reach to grab a dry towel, the position of shower controls in relation to the showerhead spray, even the location of your loo roll holder, are all important reference points and i or part o the a out design. thin ing through a of these aspects during the design phase you will create a space that is tuned to your needs and will be a joy to use.

“If space allows, then a long, deep bathtub will allow you to fully i erse ourse in our ath ater ithout co pro ise. ou i e

Charlotte Wright of Hobson’s Choice says to think through layout first

“Do not relegate your bathroom to the worst room of the house; they are engine rooms” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 85

BATHROOMS to share a bath, then selecting a double ended bath, with curved ends on oth sides and centering the fi er tap ou d a o oth o ou to co orta ean ac . niche or sur ace near the ath ith so t ighting and space or cand es and a g ass o ine certain adds to the re a ing a ience.

MATERIAL THINGS Then co e the ateria s and the aesthetics. John Law, creative director, interiors of Woodhouse and Law, suggests introducing ca ing and re a ing co ours and ateria s. pas o ten incorporate natura ateria s such as ti er stone and ar e he ping us reconnect ith nature and creating a sense o ca . This can easi e app ied to a ho e spa adding ar e ti es to the a s or a anit in a natura ateria . ut he does caution against ti ing e er sur ace and sa s instead to paint a s and introduce a paper to indi idua ise the space and add art or to create interest and a e the space ore at ospheric and indi idua . ieces conduci e to rest and re a ation or est here.

WHAT’S IN STORE? To he p aintain the ca dec uttered oo storage is ing in the athroo sa s aptic i ing s e en. s uch as open she ing can oo eauti u curated in aga ines it s not a a s as success u in rea i e. pen she es ring i e and interest to the roo ut co p e ent ith as uch cup oard space as the roo can hand e. e a a s tr to incorporate storage ithin the anit and dra ers are particu ar hand . a uating hat ou ish to use on a da to da asis is he p u in p anning our storage needs sa s Charlotte of Hobson’s Choice. c uttered anit unit u o charging tooth rushes ashing a a

ABOVE: Avoiding the conventional makes a bathroom special, says John Law of Woodhouse and Law; BELOW: Haptic Living’s Helen Carey reminds us not to relegate the bathroom to the worst room in the house

p us po ders and otions ight not gi e the ca ing i e ou desire as ou tr and re a in the ath. ua ha ing a ar resh to e ithin eas reach o the sho er door as ou e it is going to he p ou sta ca as ou get read or the da ahead. oating anit units and ca inets i aintain a sense o airiness ithin the roo hi st pro iding ita storage. hoosing a natura ateria finish can a so he p ring interesting detai te ture and pattern that doesn t con ict ith decorati e ti ing. dding hidden charging ports ithin anit units pro ides a use u p ace to eep our tooth rush or sha er atter topped up ithout ha ing to see unsight ires.

SEE THE LIGHT onsider our ighting sa s Chelsea Shellard, operations manager of S&J Luxury Bathrooms and Heating. Thought u ighting choices significant i pact the o era at osphere. p e ent a a ered approach co ining right tas ighting or practica purposes ith so t a ient ighting or re a ation. onsider di er s itches to custo ise the ighting intensit ased on our ood. e en o aptic i ing agrees. o inc ude secondar ood ighting into the athroo . erhead spot ights do not a e or a re a ing ath. e a a s tr to incorporate ights either side o the anit irror to a ance harsh o erhead ight. so usic can e so i portant in a athroo to oc outside noise or in igorate and a a en the ind and od . n cei ing spea ers are great in ed to our phone uetooth. onnecting the athroo to usic in our edroo and dressing area ith u ti roo s ste s retains the a ience hi e ou pass et een.

MAKE IT DREAMY There s nothing etter than a re a ing soa in the ath ith a da iance in da drea sa s Jamie Watkins, co-founder of wallpaper and fabric designers Divine Savages. or this he suggests nature inspired e e ents inc uding a ca ing otanica a paper design. ur Arboreta a paper ce e rates rust ing oa

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

TOP: Go for spa feels, suggests John Law; BOTTOM: Choose a wallpaper that helps you daydream, like this design by Divine Savages; INSET: Consider good lighting, says Chelsea Shellard of S&J Luxury Bathrooms

“If space allows, then a long, deep bathtub will allow you to fully immerse yourself” trees, lush palms, weeping willows and soothing cedars, or our delicate Japanese-inspired Kyoto Blossom print, which brings an enchanting ora antas . The de icate otus pin shade or s particu ar e as a athroo a paper ith its de icate so t pin ase and accents o ue and crea . eaturing intricate i ustrations o cherr osso s otus o ers e otic irds and oi carp this a paper te s a stor that can t he p ut transport ou to a hi sica aterco our or d.

METAL GURU ohesi eness is e sa s har otte o o son s hoice. The rass are taps ath i er sho er contro s and sho erhead shou d ha e a si i ar appearance to aintain a sense o continuit around the space. or a ore odern touch rass atte ac and rushed eta finishes can create e e catching accents in the space. s ith an thing st e ocused it is persona ut re e er ua it atters in est in dura e e ade pieces or asting peace o ind. or a ti e ess appearance c assic chro e can e a good choice o ering a hard earing and eas to c ean sur ace. s or the shapes so t cur es cou d e ore appropriate in a athroo designed or ca e ua a ore angu ar design ith a atte sur ace a a so appea as the geo etric ines are toned do n.

SCALE UP AND THINK BIG Thin o the usua athroo detai s and then rethin the is the ad ice o ohn a . ca e up hen se ecting a sho er head this i ensure our da to da e perience ee s ore decadent. hether ou ha e the udget or a rain sho er or not the addition o a ider fi ed sho er head can a e a the di erence to our dai sho ering routine. is other e piece o ad ice oid the con entiona . or e a p e in p ace o standard athroo urniture do ou ha e an anti ue chest ou cou d adapt or a ash asin or an o d stoo that cou d sit the ath or our reading oo or g ass o ine ou ha e space consider adding a chair chaise or so a to the roo so e here ou can re a hi st ou dra a ath.

For more: www.divinesavages.com | www.hapticity.co.uk | www.hobsonschoice.uk.com | www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk | www.sandjluxurybathroomsandheating.co.uk

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

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ath s eading firep ace ood urner gas fire chi ne and ue specia ist. ro c assic to conte porar concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesney’s, ar as e fires a tu and et aster. et 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

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

BATH LIVES

“There is community in being ‘othered’” stint there was very brief. The job that was the hardest was teaching oung o enders in eading ai ut the e perience taught e so so much.

I was fortunate to get a Fellowship in automation from the South West Creative Technology Network. This

RUBY SANT

The artist and creative director on her traveller upbringing, and the value and inclusivity of art Ruby is a working artist who has created sculptures for venues and spaces such as Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace, and Glastonbury Festival. Her role as inclusive communities development officer at Bath Spa University involves helping students, artists, and creatives turn their art practice into viable businesses. She is also the creative director of Little Lost Robot CIC, a not-for-profit collective that makes up part of the community of creative tech startups at The Studio in Bath.

I come from a traveller background so chi dhood

in o ed uite ong di cu t inters here ou d e in schoo and do est to act nor a o o ed ri iant su er onths ro a to epte er here ou d e i ing in a fie d a ongside band of adopted brothers and sisters. e ou d s i in ponds

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

and ri ers and coo or ourse es o er a fire. e spent a ot o ti e at esti a s such as aston ur .

I was exposed to a lot of art through my families’ artistic connections with artists and

performance arts groups such as ruce ace and the utoid aste o pan . oth o parents were artists. My mum ui t arge sca e fire scu ptures and a rinths and dad as a usician ho or ed ith e er one ro ear dru and ass pioneers and oca ands i e the h th ites through to oo s o and.

Art has always felt like a safe place for me. didn t rea ise

unti as o der that the ore di cu t parts o chi dhood such as e tre e po ert e c usion pre udice drugs and a coho and so e a usi e adu ts in the co unit ou d not on feed into my own artistic practice ut a so support e in e ua

ong career o teaching and co creating or and co unit e periences ith peop e who experience that sense of ‘otherness’. There is community in being ‘othered’.

When I was a teenager on the loose at Glastonbury I used

to paint rist and go d and snea ac stage at the ra id tage. irritated ots o a ous peop e there inc uding ia and oe a agher.

I first moved to Bath in 2000, aged 18, and started working in The Hat and Feather pub

at one point s eeping in the roc and ro cup oard hi st oo ing or p aces to sta . o ed the energ o the ondon oad scene at this ti e particu ar the arge co unit o artists and usicians ho i ed there.

I eventually moved onto a boat and ro that point ha e

a a s co e ac to i ing in or near ath no atter ho ar a a ha e roa ed. ath eans home to me.

My worst job experience was working as a football steward for Bristol Rovers.

as incredi

ad at it and

as a u ti i ion pound co a orati e research pro ect that rought acade ics industr experts and newcomers to the industr i e e together to push the boundaries of new techno ogies. uring this ti e or ed on creating reacti e and peop e sa e so t ro otics and e acade ic partner as ath Spa University.

Little Lost Robot was born from

this or as as e entua ro e ithin the uni ersit .

Having expertise in community dri en or creati e tech and or ing as an artist has ed to regiona significant pro ects such as Creative Twerton – a space that o ers ree arts sessions or the oca co unit and an e hi ition space or oca artists students and art graduates.

I live in Peasedown St John

hich is a ri iant i rant and riend co unit . This area is so e co ing and aid ac .

I have two children aged five and seven who are both

burgeoning creatives. My hus and oh ho is training to e a therapist a so co es ro a tra e er ac ground. e as orn in a horse dra n arre top agon in re and.

I love the little run of independent pubs we have in Bath The o a a The e

nn The e and The rapes. together the est hang outs.

For more: www.bathspa.ac.uk

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