The Bath Magazine May 2026

Twisted Creations

The ‘Dr Frankenstein of Modern Art’ – Glenn Brown’s new exhibitions

A Line of Work

Bath illustrator

Simon Spilsbury’s latest collaboration

Taking Flight

Explore the new routes now departing from Bristol airport

Traditional Craftsmanship

Behind the scenes with Somerset’s finest cabinetmakers

City Special: 50 Years of Caring

Celebrating the story of Dorothy House

Melissa Blease meets Mary Portas ahead of her appearance at this

Looking back – and to the future. We celebrate 50 years of caring by this well-loved, local charity

With

Our

50 GOOD TIMES AHEAD

We chat to James Murden, co-founder of Chipping Sodbury festival Good Times Live

56 WISH YOU WERE THERE?

Exploring the new routes now departing from Bristol Airport... Fuel permitting

60 TALKING TECH

Bath Digital Festival returns in May and starts the conversation by asking “What if”

72 A GOOD WALK

Andrew Swift takes us on a 7 mile circuit through rolling countryside to the east of Bath

76

The heritage and traditional craftsmanship that is maintained and sustained by the west country’s finest cabinetmakers

86 HOMES AND GARDENS

From going wild in your garden, to all the best property for sale. You’ll find it all here

Local illustrator Simon Spilsbury on his latest collaboration with copy-writing legend, Eugene Cheong On

Mary Portas. Appearing at The Guildhall on Friday 22 May as part of the Bath Literature Festival 2026. Image courtesy of Linda Nyland

things to do in May

Lols aplenty at Wells Comedy Festival. 22–24 May

Somerset’s ‘weekend-long comedy jamboree’ (Guardian) celebrates its ten-year anniversary festival over the May bank holiday. The biggest names in UK comedy – stars such as James Acaster, Bridget Christie, Nish Kumar, Ed Gamble, Tim Key, Sara Pascoe, Lou Sanders, Flo & Joan, Paul Foot and Mark Thomas – are descending on England’s smallest city to celebrate. A special 10th anniversary gala show with profits split between charities Vision Action and Wells Foodstore and a live Off Menu podcast show are some of the birthday additions this year. Also announced are cream of the Edinburgh Comedy Award winners crop Adam Riches and Sam Nicoresti, Live at the Apollo stars Ian Smith and Jessica Fostekew and returning festival favourites Stuart Laws, Frankie Thompson, Katie Norris and Amy Annette among so many more. All the Cedars Hall gala shows will be BSL-interpreted and the Little Theatre festival bar is open throughout the weekend serving local beer and cider, tasty coffee, pastries and pizza. Find more details at: wellscomfest.com

Bath Fringe. 22 May–7 June

Bath Fringe 2026 returns to the city this year, delivering 130 events across more than 30 venues over 17 days (and a few stragglers). Around a third are free to attend, spanning music, comedy, theatre, cabaret, poetry, storytelling, dance, film, walks, talks and more. Genres range from rock and jazz to experimental and world sounds. Programmed by local people, venues and performers (alongside some international visitors) the programme truly reflects grassroots energy. A parallel 17-day visual arts festival will be running alongside the Fringe, with venues still being finalised. Also being welcomed to this year’s Fringe is a new group – dubbed Fresh Fringe Family Festival – which is presenting a varied and good value selection of entertainment for families, kids and teens, with events mainly on during the half-term week. bathfringe.co.uk

The Royal Bath & West Show. 28–30 May

A Great British day out for all the family to enjoy. Over three days there are action-packed events, and a haven for all enthusiasts of rural life. The show will feature activities, demonstrations and entertainment; including interactive sessions, fast-paced excitement in the Main Ring and an enhanced food hall experience. The Showground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN. Visit: bathandwest.com

Party in the City. 15 May

Bath Festivals’ Party in the City will see thousands of music lovers heading to Bath’s city centre from 5pm where the sound of live music will spill out into the streets from pubs, clubs, churches, museums and galleries. Some 50 venues will play host to singers and musicians with Green Park Station being the Party Central main stage. Stay in one place for the duration, or move from venue to venue to enjoy performances from muchloved local bands through to emerging talent. Completely free to attend – get the latest event updates, festival info and everything you need on the dedicated app. Download at: partyinthecity.org.uk

Springtime at Westonbirt.

Spring has arrived at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum. Nature is quietly revealing its best kept secrets as new life and beautiful colours emerge in the arboretum throughout the season. Take a closer look as you explore new and exciting spring trails. Learn more about nature’s hidden ways as you admire flowers bloom, green leaves unfurling on the trees, and pause to witness a kaleidoscope of colourful flowers with every turn. Throughout May. For further information visit: forestryengland.uk/westonbirt

City Updates

The Natural Theatre Company brings Kit Marlowe to the streets of Bath

Shrouded in secrecy and controversy, little is known about the enigma that is Kit Marlowe. There were murmurings of espionage, conspiracy and betrayal. Supposedly he died in a bar fight. But what really happened to Shakespeare’s biggest rival? Tasked with uncovering the truth, The Natural Theatre Company returns with The Murder & Mystery of Kit Marlowe! In this intriguing walkabout show, you will embark on a fantastical journey through the streets and alleyways of Bath in an attempt to untangle the web of Marlowe.

The company is fresh from a successful two-month run at Bath Abbey with their most recent promenade piece Saints & Sinners. Brimming with amazing costumes and fascinating facts, the show mapped out the Abbey’s history from beginning to end and paid homage to its many famous faces. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive; so much so that it inspired the creation of this new site-specific promenade show. Andy Burden, the company’s artistic director, was first approached by Canterbury City Council back in autumn last year.

“They had seen some of our work, including Austen: Lost & Found at the Jane Austen Festival. They were interested in staging a similar outdoor show in Canterbury, this time about the life of Kit Marlowe. He had of course been born there. The project really excited us; Marlowe is such a fascinating character! We decided to build a new show using our experience in walkabout theatre.”

There are plenty of unanswered questions surrounding Marlowe’s past. An incredibly talented writer, he was nearly kicked out of Cambridge until the intervention of Elizabeth I. He was clearly very well connected and had friends in high places. Could these friends have turned into enemies and subsequently orchestrated his demise? Did Marlowe meet his gruesome end, or is there a chance of a happy ending?

As the performance passes through the city’s squares and bell towers, stories of the past are uncovered at every turn. The Murder & Mystery of Kit Marlowe gets to the bottom of what happened to a man nearly lost in history. It combines historical truth with a touch of theatrical license, all wrapped up in The Natural Theatre Company’s signature humour and charm. And what a great way for locals and tourists alike to explore the city.

The Murder & Mystery of Kit Marlowe premiers at Bath Fringe on Monday 25 May before the show tours to Canterbury. Tickets and information are available at: naturaltheatre.co.uk

Join the RUH X Walk of Life

Saturday 23 May

Will you step up to the challenge? Walk 10 miles, 16 miles or 26.2 miles (a walking marathon!) from Wiltshire to Bath. Join hundreds of walkers on 23 May, taking to the footpath of the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal for the much-loved Walk of Life, raising vital funds for your local hospital. Whether you’re walking in celebration, remembrance, or simply to give something back, every step helps support patients, families and the incredible staff and their work at RUH Bath. Expect a lively group warm-up to get you moving, a free lunchtime BBQ, regular refreshment stops along the route, and a fantastic finish-line celebration complete with photos to mark your achievement. Kindly sponsored by Savills and SPF Private Clients, this is more than just a walk – It’s a community coming together. Since 2006, the Walk of Life has raised over £800,000, and in its 20th year, it continues to make a real difference. Can’t make the date? Organise your own walk any time in May instead! Find out more and sign up now at ruhx.org.uk/walk

Celebrate the festival of Floralia. Half term fun at the Roman Baths

The Roman Baths brings history to life this May half term with Mission Floralia, a new family event inspired by the Roman festival of Floralia – which celebrated flowers, crops, and new life. From 23–31 May, the site will be filled with interactive trails, Roman games, creative activities and a hidden flower hunt celebrating spring, growth and new life. Children can take on playful challenges around the Baths and Museum, with the chance to meet the goddess Flora and take home sunflower seeds to plant. Alongside this, Archaeology Adventures (26–29 May) invites young visitors to dig for replica Roman artefacts. With immersive displays and costumed characters, it’s a lively, hands-on way to experience Roman Bath. Mission Floralia is included with entry. Visit: romanbaths.co.uk for all the details.

Wool is…

• Naturally insulating

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City Updates

10,000 trees to transform Bathampton Meadows

A major community effort has transformed Bathampton Meadows, with nearly 600 volunteers planting 10,000 trees to create new wood pasture and hedgerows on the eastern edge of the city.

Organised by the National Trust, the project brought together people of all ages – from school groups and university students to local residents and businesses – over six months of planting sessions. In total, 42 events were held, including a single community day where 1,400 trees were planted. Altogether, 25 native species were introduced, including oak, lime, field maple, wild cherry and spindle, carefully selected to support long-term biodiversity.

The Meadows, acquired by the National Trust in 2022, form part of an ambitious plan to create 20 green corridors linking Bath to the surrounding countryside, improving access to nature, beauty and heritage. The newly planted wood pasture, near Mill Lane, is now open for visitors to explore, opening up previously unused space for the public.

Wildlife is set to benefit too, with 1.5km of hedgerow providing vital shelter and food for birds, insects and small mammals. Alongside the planting, volunteers have also helped establish a small orchard of heritage apple varieties as a lasting thank you for their efforts.

Further improvements are already underway, including new paths and benches, ensuring Bathampton Meadows continues to grow as a welcoming green space for both people and wildlife.

To find out more about the project and updates – search Bathampton Meadows on: nationaltrust.org.uk

An evening community walk with Bathscape and the Bath 5k Map

Meet up at The Open House Centre in Manvers Street on Wednesday 13 May at 5pm for an evening scenic walk through Bath that connects the city’s iconic streets, gentle waterways and green meadows - guided by Bathscape and The Bath 5k Map.

A relaxed, sociable community walk designed to create opportunities to chat and learn about the nature and heritage of Bath, while supporting two vital local youth charities - Mentoring Plus and Off the Record. The walk also marks the official start of the Big B&NES 100k summer challenge - an award-winning initiative between the charities and local organisations that champion the benefits of getting outside and exploring new places - including Bath 5k Map, Bathscape and Walk Bath. Tickets £5 per person. For details and to book a place, visit: mentoringplus.net/events

Foundation Day returns to The Rec

Bath Rugby Foundation’s annual Foundation Day takes place on Saturday 16 May as Bath Rugby face Newcastle at The Rec (3pm kick-off). More than just a match, the day celebrates the charity’s work supporting over 5,500 vulnerable children and young people each year across Bath and the surrounding area. Fans can get involved through fundraising activities, including a raffle and business sponsorship opportunities, helping raise vital funds to support programmes focused on education, wellbeing and employability. For more information on how to get involved visit: bathrugbyfoundation.com #changingyounglives

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Editorial team and contributors: Melissa Blease, Katherine Raderecht, India Farnham, Hannah Poon, Simon Horsford, Samantha Coleman, Dara Foley, Andrew Swift, Rosanna Spence, Ellie West, Joe Short, Steve Miklos. editor@thebathmagazine

Financial Director Jane Miklos jane@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Digital Editor India Farnham india@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Liz Grey liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk

To advertise tel: 01225 424499

Publisher Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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SMary Portas: Behind the shop window

The UK’s ‘Queen of Shops’, Mary Portas talks to Melissa Blease about grief, growth and why the future of shopping is about far more than simply buying ‘stuff’

ince way before her first TV series aired on BBC2 in 1997, Mary Portas has enjoyed top-ranking status as the UK’s indisputable Queen of Shops. The go-to authority on all topics retail-related… and a British style icon.

She’s responsible for turning Harvey Nichols into the global fashion destination that it is today. She founded her own retail consultancy venture Yellowdoor in 1997, rebranding it as transformative creative communications agency Portas in 2013. She’s advised the government on the future of high streets across the UK, created 26 Living & Giving shops for Save the Children, presented or starred in multiple TV series and documentaries focusing on retail, consumer habits and social change – and somehow, she found the time to write several bestselling books along the way.

Portas will be discussing her most recent memoir I Shop, Therefore I Am – described by publisher Canongate Books as “a no-holds-barred account about her time at Harvey Nichols, full of juicy anecdotes from the fashion world and ‘90s nostalgia” – at the Guildhall Bath on Friday 22 May – part of the Bath Literature Festival. But there’s something about Mary that obliges me to make a confession at the very start of our chat: shopping is not, for me, a sport, a pastime or a hobby.

I expected her to attempt to convince me that I’m missing out on one of the most fulfilling recreational diversions that modern life has to offer. However…

“Oh, I’m with you on that!” she proclaims. “Shopping for the sake of shopping doesn’t interest me at all – it’s just not my thing. I kind of fell into retail with no previous fascination for that world, and what I do today has grown organically through years of being in the industry and specialising in certain areas of it.”

Okay, so I may not have known that Mary wasn’t a pro-shopper. But like many people, I feel as though I ‘know’ her; I’ve read her books and followed the career arc that’s led her to become one of the UK’s most high-profile, innovative businesswomen – and I know that she’s no stranger to challenges, not least of all in her early years.

“When I was young, I wanted to be an actress,” she recalls. “I got into RADA, but my mother died during that period and I wanted to stay put and look after my younger brother. Two years later, my father died. I was in a lot of grief and pain but my sister pointed out that I had to do something, so I signed up for a course in Visual Merchandising and Store Designing at my local art college in Watford. I had no original passion for the topic at all; to me, the very notion of being told that you have to have a passion can, in itself, be too daunting.”

But Mary has never succumbed to daunt. “When you lose your parents and your family home at a young age you have nowhere to go; there’s no going home on a Sunday, no one caring for you – it just doesn’t happen,” she says. “It’s a really, really lonely place, and maybe I made a lot of mistakes during those times in order to survive. But through those mistakes I grew, and created stability for myself.”

Mary went on to create loving, supportive stability for her own three children [today aged 15, 28 and 30] too. But she’s keen to acknowledge how times have changed since she found her own way through her difficult early years. “After my mum died, I went back to school and all I got in terms of support was the headmistress saying she was so sorry for my loss; no therapy, no help, was offered. When my father died and I lived in our family home for months afterwards, there was nobody there for us. Thank God that times have changed! Today we live in a society with such great social infrastructures.”

“Shopping for the sake of shopping doesn’t interest me at all –it’s just not my thing.”

Mary has witnessed – and affected – positive changes in other key areas of society too; themes around what it means (and, perhaps, how?) to be a woman finding her place in today’s world being a key element in everything she does. Are we any closer to a progressive society than we were when she started forging her own path in the world of business?

“Undoubtedly!”, she proclaims. “I was discussing this with my youngest son just yesterday. He sees me as a businesswoman who brought him and his siblings up and paid for everything, so he can’t understand the notion of inequality. I gave him a short, sharp lesson on how far women have come; I told him that his grandmother couldn’t even sign a cheque up until 1974. Instead of us leaning into the patriarchy we need to create our own world, and the only way that we’re going to get out of the terrible way the world has been painted by angry men who are still holding onto those old structures of power and destruction is to bring the feminine energy that we lost those millennia ago back into force. I don’t want to play by their rules anymore; I want our way of being, that’s at the heart of society.”

So too, I guess, is shopping?

“Yes, but the digital world has rewired everything we do,” says Mary. “I think the reason why everybody is so obsessed with the 1990s at the moment is because that was the last decade of the pre-internet era. Today, people are obsessed with how cheaply – and how quickly – we can buy ‘stuff’. But we’re changing again. We know that Mother Earth is hurting – anybody who doesn’t acknowledge that is in serious trouble. And we’re looking at how much we spend and saying to ourselves, do I really need this? The biggest and fastest growing market within the younger generation is recycling and upcycling, which is extraordinary.

And we’re seeing new types of retail develop: independent shops and markets where everybody makes connections, collaboratives creating new kinds of spaces, and variations on business models coming up. When I published The Portas Review in 2011, not one of the political parties talked about the high street; today, every single party has it on their agenda.”

Thirteen years after The Portas Review was published, Mary was awarded an OBE 2024 for Services to Business, Broadcasting and Charity. “That was a beautiful moment: me and my three kids turning up at Windsor Castle to be honoured for the work that I’ve done,” she says; “I looked back on myself, the scrappy kid who came from very little, and thought, well that turned out okay didn’t it?”

Indeed it did – and so did our chat. From our shared star sign (“Some of the worst people in the world are Geminis! – Trump! You can see the mad Gemini mind that hasn’t been controlled right there!”) to how much she enjoys dividing her time between homes in the Cotswolds and London by way of her revealing that she’s not a “very chilly-out person” who can’t think of anything worse than watching TV in the middle of the day (no surprise there!), our conversation flowed faster than an Alexander McQueen frock moves from the rails of a high street charity shop.

But before we say goodbye: how would Mary Portas describe herself in just three words?

“That’s tough!” she laughs. “I would say driven, but that’s not quite right. I’ve always got the next idea of what I want to do and that’s really quite central to the way I live, but I don’t know what the word would be

for that? I really believe in change and have never been fearful of it, maybe because I’ve lost so much I always believe I can get back up and I won’t compromise on that. And I have a fundamental belief that humanity, at the core, is really good and we have to make the best of it; I want to use every power I have to do that. I use hope as a muscle, and I refuse to believe that we have to accept the way the world is today. How do I use the power that I’ve got? That’s what drives me.”

All hail Queen Mary: a majestic woman indeed. n

Mary Portas will talk about her life and career as well as introduce her new book: I Shop, Therefore I am at The Guildhall on Friday 22 May as part of the Bath Literature Festival 2026.

For further information and tickets, visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk

by

When Prue Dufour founded Dorothy House, her mission was to ensure that the people of the West Country received compassionate, person-led care in their final days. And that promise still lives on today.

Dorothy House can’t add days to life, but they can add life to days.

Half a century of care : The story of Dorothy House

Since 1976, Dorothy House has been championing compassionate and personalised palliative and end-of-life care. To mark their 50th anniversary, Hannah Poon reflects on a remarkable journey and the legacies left behind.

For most, hospice care arrives during life’s hardest chapter – a time of sadness and uncertainty. Yet for so many who visit Dorothy House’s Day or Inpatient Units, what they find inside defies expectation. Set amongst the rolling hills south of Bath, this is a place of peace, love and laughter.

Most people who have received their care know this, but Nicky Jones understands better than most. For 23 years, she walked into work with a smile. A nurse at Dorothy House, she was there to treat patients with kindness and compassion. But after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, it was her colleagues’ turn to help her. And Nicky knew better than anyone that with their help, she’d find light in the darkness. At its very heart, Dorothy House is a community: one built on trust, warmth and expertise. Nicky’s story is just one among thousands. Each one is different and deeply personal; and each one is a testament to the work Dorothy House has been doing for half a century.

Where it all began

For 50 years, Dorothy House has provided free, personalised palliative and end-of-life care to thousands of people across Bath and North East Somerset, and parts of Wiltshire. That’s five decades of supporting patients and their families through life’s most challenging moments. When it matters most, the hospice helps people live well, pass peacefully and supports loved ones through bereavement.

Founded in 1976 by Prue Dufour, the hospice was aptly named Dorothy House, meaning ‘gift from God’ to reflect her Christian faith. Her inspiration came from Dame Cicely Saunders, the visionary

founder of St Christopher’s House in London, who had reimagined what dying well could look like. Prue caught that spark and carried it to the West Country.

“Our reputation for quality care, education, research and innovation continues to earn respect locally, nationally and internationally.”

Wayne de Leeuw

Prue became the UK’s first specialist domiciliary nurse, pulling on her coat and heading out to support people in their own homes – on their terms and in their space. By 1979, her own home in Bath became the first six-bed inpatient unit. Within 10 years, the hospice was bursting at the seams, having grown in size and scope. In 1995, the hospice found a home worthy of its spirit: built on the site of a 17th-century manor house in Winsley, formerly Sutcliffe School for Boys. It was a world away from the strip-lit corridors of a hospital ward.

Prue herself passed away in August 2004, but the hospice she built from sheer will and compassion lives on.

Dr Bridget Wakefield, who was on the original committee, said Prue was a “force to be reckoned with” and that “nobody but her could have got Dorothy House off the ground”.

Today, Dorothy House has evolved from caring for people and their families in their very final moments, to supporting them through their last 1,000 days – and more.

With specialist palliative expertise at its core, the team meets patients wherever they are: at home, in a clinic or in a care home.

Whether providing medical support, complementary therapies or arranging precious memories with loved ones, Dorothy House is there for every step of the journey.

Alongside inpatient care, Hospice at Home – 10 Community Palliative Care Teams work across the local area, ensuring everyone can access the extraordinary support they deserve. Chief Executive Wayne de Leeuw said: “Throughout changes in the broader healthcare landscape, Dorothy House has remained dedicated to its original vision: fostering a society where death is embraced as part of life and communities are equipped to support people in their final days. Our reputation for quality care, education, research and innovation continues to earn respect locally, nationally and internationally.”

Half a century of care

On 1 May, Dorothy House will proudly celebrate its 50th anniversary – a milestone that marks half a century of compassionate care, innovation and community partnership. “Our 50th anniversary is an incredible moment to remember 75,000 lives and deaths supported in that time, to celebrate the people who helped make that possible and to recognise the vital role that Dorothy House and its many partners play in the provision of end-of-life care and will continue to play in the years ahead,” Wayne says. To mark the occasion, the hospice will host an anniversary service at Bath Abbey to remember those they’ve looked after and celebrate those who made it possible.

The celebrations will continue throughout the year, culminating in Moments of Light – a three-month immersive light installation transforming the hospice grounds from 1 October. Created in

partnership with renowned artist and ambassador Bruce Munro, it is an invitation to reflect, connect and remember the lives that have shaped five decades of care. But beyond the celebrations, Dorothy House needs your help more than ever before.

As they enter their sixth decade, the need for their work is growing –and so too are the costs. Government funding covers just 20% of its overall outgoings, meaning that for every £1 received, a further £4 must be raised to keep services running.

The hands that hold

While Dorothy House is powered by an extraordinary team – from doctors and healthcare professionals, to volunteers and fundraising teams – nurses are at the centre of the circle of care. Out in the community or at the Inpatient Unit, the nurses work day and night to provide comfort, safety and compassion. They’re the steady, skilled presence at the bedside, the calm at 3am and the hands that hold. They manage pain and ensure that dignity is protected.

Matron Liz Winch said: “When I was growing up, links to the hospice formed early; I used to help my father put up the Bathampton Scouts mess tent in the grounds for events. They also supported a family friend, providing palliative care in the community and on the Inpatient Unit that was truly person-centred. The support extended to her whole family was delivered with dignity, respect and kindness. That experience stayed with me and shaped my values. Care from the hospice is not always what people expect; there is joy and laughter to be found and a focus on what really matters to people.”

A picture paints a thousand words

Creative arts can be a truly powerful tool for patients, carers and families. Art has been proven to help regulate emotions, and for many, it’s a way to express themselves when words fail.

At Dorothy House, creative therapy is used to address the practical, psychological, social and spiritual issues a patient and their family may face throughout the journey of illness. And it’s accessible to everyone who needs it.

Rosalind Gardiner from the Creative Arts team says: “Creative therapy is about experiences, not words. Whether it’s a family coming together to create a keepsake vase, making a hand cast with loved ones, joining other patients or carers and bereaved in the peer support art group, or working one-to-one on the Inpatient Unit, creativity helps participants to process the challenges of illness and bereavement while making art that will take on a greater meaning if made by, or for, a loved one. “Offering an ever-evolving creative menu and being alongside what is often the most challenging time in people’s lives gives me a real sense of fulfilment. It’s honestly the best job I’ve ever had.”

Learning to live

When dad-of-two Matt Sturney, 41, was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour in May 2023, Dorothy House stepped in to help him and his family.

“Dorothy House isn’t just about the end; it’s about the journey and being able to do as much as you can, while you can.”

Matt Sturney,

At first, he thought his options were to die quickly or to suffer and die. While the team couldn’t change his prognosis, they helped him see that he could still enjoy life and make memories with his young family. He says: “I’d had a headache for a week when I called 111 and they advised me to go to the hospital. I thought they’d just tell me I was stressed and to drink more water. I was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumour that day. Without treatment, I was looking at a few months; with treatment, I was given anywhere from 12 to 18. 35 months later, I’m still here.

“After my prognosis, I was in a really dark place. Initially, I didn’t want the treatment. I didn’t want to suffer and put my wife and two children through that. But Dorothy House made me realise there was still a way to live.

“They gave me counselling, and also my family. I decided to go through with treatment, and Dorothy House helped immensely. They guided me through writing my will, helped me get a Blue Badge and benefits. They provided me with a wheelchair and a handrail so I could get up and down the stairs – things that make my day-to-day life liveable.

“As a family, we’ve spent a lot of time at Dorothy House. My son is nine and my daughter is six, so we want to get them used to the hospice. I’ve opted to spend my final days there, and it brings me great comfort to know the staff will be there for my family when the time comes.

“We’ve taken part in Creative Therapy, and we’ve made a family vase together with bits to represent each of us. We’ve also made hand casts as a family, and I’ve done mine separately, too, so my kids can still hold my hand when I’m gone.

“I’m so grateful to Dorothy House. They’ve given me a quality of life and helped me make the most of the time I have left. As a family, we’ve tried to do what we can to give something back. I took on the Bath City Zipline dressed as Iron Man to raise funds, and my brother will be trekking the Sahara.

“Dorothy House isn’t just about the end; it’s about the journey and being able to do as much as you can, while you can.”

“Dorothy House is one of those rare organisations whose full reach you don’t always see at first, but when it’s needed, their care and support wrap around people in the most extraordinary way.”

Lizzie Heffer

Community champions

Ambassadors play a key role in raising the profile of Dorothy House. Each with their own passion for outstanding end-of-life care, their mission is to help support fundraising and campaigns across our region.

Most recently, they welcomed marketing and communications expert Lizzie Heffer, who is also a key player in Bath’s charity landscape.

As part of her work with Dorothy House, she got dolled up for a glamorous photoshoot to highlight just some of the pre-loved items on sale across the retail stores.

She says: “Dorothy House is one of those rare organisations whose full reach you don’t always see at first, but when it’s needed, their care and support wrap around people in the most extraordinary way.

“For nearly 50 years, it has been there for people across our community, helping them live well right to the end of life, and supporting family and friends in those final days and beyond. So many

of us have, in some way, been touched by that support. It becomes part of your story. I became an ambassador because I’ve seen the difference that kind of care makes, and I wanted to play a part in helping more people understand and support it.

“The recent photoshoot I did captured another side of the hospice –one that’s vibrant, creative and full of life. It was part of a campaign to showcase the incredible fashion to be found in their preloved collections. The team styling and photographing the looks created something full of personality and joy.

“These shops are about so much more than great finds; every purchase, donation and hour volunteered enables them to provide the care they give to our community. Dorothy House belongs to all of us. And their future depends on all of us, too.”

Treasures that transform lives

With 30 high-street shops and an online store, retail is an integral part of the Dorothy House wheel. Selling high-quality pre-loved items such as clothes, furniture and books, your donations play a vital role in supporting the hospice.

As well as community donations, Dorothy House has their own body care and aromatherapy brand, Ubiety. Working with Somerset brand Arcania Apothecary, the range includes a selection of luxurious therapy products designed to help reduce stress.

And last year, Dorothy House launched Threads for Care. In an attempt to reduce waste costs, they’ve partnered with local makers, creatives and stylists to offer upcycled and reworked pieces created from unsaleable items. Found in selected stores, you can purchase totally unique clothing pieces and bespoke bags.

The journey continues

From humble beginnings, Dorothy House has grown into a beloved cornerstone of care in the West Country and beyond. The 50th anniversary is a chance to honour the past and look to the future. The next 50 years will bring a new set of challenges.

As the healthcare system evolves, demand is growing. Meeting this need requires innovation and a shift towards more personalised care. To achieve that, they need funding – now more than ever. As Wayne explains, “Today’s blueprint for end-of-life care simply won’t be sustainable for the next 50 years. The UK – and indeed the world –has an ageing population, and the balance of older to younger people will shift significantly due to increased life expectancy and fewer children. By 2047, the 85-plus group is expected to have nearly doubled to 3.3 million.

“The status quo will have to change. Dorothy House, along with other healthcare providers, will have to find ways to do things differently; innovating to meet an ever-increasing demand. Giving control back to people, empowering them to shape their own end of life and getting back to nature all fits with the founding philosophy of Dorothy House.

“Since the beginning, we have been working towards a society where death is part of life. That’s our vision for the future. And we’ll do everything we can to make it happen.”

When Prue Dufour founded Dorothy House, her mission was to ensure that the people of the West Country received compassionate, person-led care in their final days. And that promise still lives on today. Dorothy House can’t add days to life, but they can add life to days. n

For further information on the services of Dorothy House or for advice or to make a donation contact:

Dorothy House Hospice Care, Winsley, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 2LE. Tel: 01225 722 988

Dorothy House – Fascinating Facts

• There’s a team of more than 1,200 volunteers

• They cover approximately 800 sq miles

• Princess Anne is a royal visitor

• It costs £4,600 a month to dispose of incomplete or damaged donations – money that could fund Spiritual Support service for one month.

Show your support

Here’s how you can get involved and help raise vital funds:

• Take part in an official event or host your own

• Shop or donate quality pre-loved items in any of their 30 stores

• Play in their lottery

• Leave a gift in your will using their free will writing service

• Book Moments of Light tickets

• Make a donation

Big or small, your contributions directly go towards the amazing work of Dorothy House.

To donate or find out how you can get involved, visit dorothyhouse.org.uk or telephone the fundraising hotline on: 01225 722 988

What’s

LIVE MUSIC AT GREEN PARK BRASSERIE

Throughout May

n Green Park Brasserie, BA1 1JB

Soak up live music alongside world-class pizza, cocktails, and craft beer every night, Wednesday through Saturday. Bookings and walk-ups available. greenparkbrasserie.com

WORLDS

APART: RARE EARLY PHOTOGRAPHS OF CHINA AND BATH

Throughout May, 10am-4pm (Closed Sundays)

n BRLSI, BA1 2HN

This facsinating new exhibition from the BRLSI Collection, explores early photography through rare images of Bath and China. Francis Lockey’s delicate calotypes show Bath nearly 170 years ago, while photographs from the Second Opium War capture everyday life in China. Despite the distance, photographers focused on similar subjects: gateways, landscapes, and daily life. Historic objects from the BRLSI collection reveal the early challenges of photography and bring these scenes into focus.Free admission. brlsi.org

KITH

& KIN: THE QUILTS OF GEE’S BEND

Throughout May, 10am-5pm

n The American Museum and Gardens, Claverton Manor, BA2 7BD

This exhibition celebrates the extraordinary work of a group of African American women from a remote river island community in Alabama, which embodies a

200-year tradition of making quilts that hold both profound artistic and political significance. For tickets and more information visit: americanmuseum.org

CARMEN

9 May, show starts 7.30pm

n The Forum, Bath BA1 1UG

Senbla presents Ellen Kent’s Farewell Opera Tour featuring Opera International Kyiv, Ukraine, with highly-praised soloists and full orchestra. Starring international soloists Mariia Davydova (mezzo-soprano), Elena Dee (soprano) and Viktoria Melnyk (soprano). An evening of passion, sexual jealousy, death and unforgettable arias. This dazzling production with orchestra features Bizet’s unforgettable melodies including The Toreador’s Song, Carmen’s enticing Habanera, and Don José’s lyrical Flower Song in a setting evoking the stunning architecture of Seville and its main square with Roman and Moorish influences.Tickets: from £29.15 (inc. fees). bathforum.co.uk

THE FAIRER SEX: WOMEN IN ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ART

11 May, 11:30am

n The Arts Society Bath, Widcombe Social Club, BA2 6AA

Ancient Egyptian society was maledominated, with the pharaoh at the apex of the social pyramid; but some of the most stunning images in ancient Egyptian art are of women. It is fascinating to examine these representations to gain an understanding of ancient attitudes towards women of all social

classes. Lucia Gahlin – a Research Associate at UCL’s Institute of Archaeology, and freelance lecturer, presents this special talk. Non-members £10 (£7 on Zoom). Must be booked by email by Friday 8 May latest: bath@theartssociety.org theartssocietybath.com

A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES WITH THE CITY OF BATH BRASS BAND

16 May, 7.30pm

n St Michaels Without , Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ

Experience the thrill of the big screen as the City’s Brass Band presents a spectacular night of iconic film music performed live to pictures. Featuring unforgettable scores from the James Bond films, Jurassic Park, Gladiators and Lord of the Rings among many other iconic award winning themes. This concert brings some of cinema’s greatest themes to life through the power and excitement of this 30 piece brass band. For tickets visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk

AN EVENING WITH MA BESSIE

16 May, 8pm

n Chapel Arts Centre, BA1 1QR

Building on her passion for the Empress of the Blues, Julia Titus performs as Ma Bessie, sharing the music of Bessie Smith and her contemporaries with a new generation of listeners. Julia's rich, warm vocal sound brings classic blues and jazz tunes from the inter-war years to life, alongside original songs. This is a seated cabaret event with a dance floor. Advance tickets are £15 and are also available on the door. chapelarts.org

PERFUME MAKING

HALF DAY WORKSHOP

16 May 2.30pm-5pm

n Great Pulteney Street

Why not try your hand at making your own personal fragrance this spring, and join luxury niche perfume house, Parterre Fragrances, for a creative hands-on session. Informative and engaging, this half day workshop covers some theory about the olfactive families and perfume fundamentals. Then, working with high quality oils, you will be expertly guided through the process of designing and blending. By the end of the afternoon you will have a 50ml bottle of perfume to take home and enjoy. £120pp. For further details, information about private workshops and to book go to: parterrefragrances.com

ART IN THE CHAPEL: ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP

18 May, 12.30-3pm

n The Gainsborough Bath Spa, BA1 1QY

Art in the Chapel is a relaxed two-hour creative experience hosted at The Gainsborough Bath Spa. Enjoy a welcome glass of fizz and canapés before hearing from celebrated Bath florist, Flowers by Passion, then pick up a pencil and sketch their stunning seasonal display, guided by local artist and illustrator Emma Taylor. A lovely afternoon of art, flowers, and good company – no experience necessary. £44. Find the event on: eventbrite.co.uk

UNIVERSITY OF BATH GARDENING CLUB: THE TRESCO GARDEN STORY WITH MIKE NELHAMS

20 May , 7:30pm-9pm

n University of Bath, Room 1, Level 1, East Building, BA2 7AY

Mike is Curator of the Tresco Abbey Garden and a judge on the RHS Tender Ornamental Expert Group. He will be telling the story of what is, thanks to the

gulf stream, one of the most impressive gardens in the Northern Hemisphere. A garden that is a sanctuary for over 2,000 exotic species from the Southern Hemisphere. Open to all, Annual membership £25, Visitors £8. ubgc.org

LONDON

AFRICAN GOSPEL

CHOIR PRESENTS 40 YEARS OF GRACELAND

21 May, show starts 7.30pm n The Forum, Bath BA1 1UG

Prepare to be uplifted, inspired, and moved to your feet as the sensational London African Gospel Choir comes to Bath with their critically acclaimed reinterpretation of one of the most beloved albums of all time: Paul Simon’s Graceland. This one-of-a-kind show sees the 22 piece pan African choir –world-class vocalists, musicians and dancers from across Africa and the diaspora –breathe new life into the iconic 1986 album. Expect irresistible rhythms, soaring harmonies, joyous dance, and the spiritual power of gospel.Tickets: from £34.10 (inc. fees): bathforum.co.uk

SHINDIG FESTIVAL

21-24 May

n Charlton Park Estate, Malmesbury Wiltshire, SN16 9DG

The family-friendly event returns to the arboretum of Charlton Park Estate, Wiltshire. Bringing a packed programme of entertainment for all ages, Shindig Festival offers relaxation and revelry in equal measures. Recommended by Emily Eavis, Glastonbury organiser, the festival has been dubbed “a pint-sized version of Glastonbury”. It’s now back for its twelfth year with an eclectic line up and one of the friendliest festival crowds in the UK. Weekend adult tickets are on sale, priced at £175 plus booking fee for a limited time. For the full line up and ticket info: www.shindigfestival.co.uk

Join the The Bath & County Club as a member and you and your guests will enjoy a relaxed, friendly ambiance and the opportunity to meet, eat and drink in the centre of Bath. bathandcountyclub.com

1 May

Morning Talk by Djemila Cope. The Talk is entitled “Palestine”. Coffee and Pastries from 10.30 am, Talk at 11 am. £10.

6 May

Club Lunch - choice of 2 starters, 2 mains and desserts/coffee 12.30 for 1 pm. Individually priced.

8 May

Morning Talk with Christine O’Reilly “Being a Mistress”. Coffee and Pastries from 10.30 am, talk at 11 am. £10.

10 May

Sunday Carvery. Choice of two succulent meats, four vegetables, desserts, coffee and mints. 12.30 for 1 pm. £32.

22 May

Spanish Tapas Evening. A selection of small tapas plates. 6.30 for 7 pm. £32.

28 May

Quiz Night with Kate & Amanda. 6 for 6.30pm. Two course supper to follow £29.

31 May

Sunday Carvery. Choice of two succulent meats, four vegetables, desserts, coffee and mints. 12.30 for 1 pm. £32.

Visitors welcome. Rooms also for hire.

Event venue: Queens Parade, Bath BA1 2NJ. Booking essential, email secretary@bathandcountyclub.com Call: 01225 423732.

GLENN TILBROOK: THE VOICE OF SQUEEZE

21 May, 7.30pm

n Komedia, BA1 1EP

Glenn Tilbrook, frontman of Squeeze and one of Britain’s most cherished singers, guitarists, songwriters brings a night of entertainment – with special guest Leon Tilbrook. Anyone who has witnessed Glenn on stage can attest to the sheer rightness of his doings. Armed with ready wit, raucous energy and a seemingly inexhaustible supply of grin-inducing great songs, there are few musicians able to connect with an audience so immediately and warmly. Whether fronting Squeeze, headlining festivals, or fielding impromptu requests that might veer from Jimi Hendrix to Tony Orlando & Dawn, Glenn Tilbrook remains by any measure one of British pop’s most vital and life-affirming performers.

Tickets £33.50. For full details and to book, visit: komediabath.com

COLOURSCAPE: A LABYRINTH OF COLOUR, LIGHT AND LIVE MUSIC

23-31 May, 11am-4pm

n The Recreation Ground, Pulteney Mews, Bath

Colourscape invites visitors of all ages to step inside a vast walk-in labyrinth of glowing colour, where live music and performance unfold around them. Spanning approximately an acre, this large-scale installation is around three times bigger than the version previously seen in Bath, creating a more expansive and immersive experience for audiences. Tickets: Age 12 and under, £12. Adults, £15. Find more information at: batharts.co.uk

YOGA IN THE CHAPEL WITH BEX BRIDGFORD

24 May, 10am-12pm

n The Gainsborough Bath Spa, BA1 1QY

This special two-hour yoga workshop takes place in the tranquil and historic setting of The Chapel at The Gainsborough Bath Spa, the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning focused on wellness and self-care. a beautifully rounded experience, beginning with grounding QiGong and breathwork, followed by a dynamic yet accessible blend of Yang and Yin yoga. The session concludes with the serene tones of crystal singing bowls and a deeply restful guided sleep meditation, designed to leave you feeling balanced, calm, and restored. £25. Find the event on: eventbrite.co.uk

BELCOME COURT MUSIC AND GARDENS OPEN DAY

31 May, 12pm-5pm

n Belcombe Court, BA15 1LZ

Enjoy a rare afternoon in the awardwinning private gardens of Belcombe Court. This special event blends live music with beautiful historic surroundings, as performances pop up across the grounds. Bring a picnic or enjoy refreshments on site in this relaxed, family-friendly outdoor setting. For more information and to book tickets, find the event on: bathboxoffice.org.uk

VIKING GODS AND VALKYRIES: THE ART OF NORSE MYTHOLOGY

1 June, 11:30am

n The Arts Society Bath, Widcombe Social Club, BA2 6AA

James Vaux presents the fascinating history of 1500 years of Norse Mythology in as told

in the fine and decorative arts – from Viking-age artefacts to 20th century installations. Non-members £10 (£7 on Zoom). Must be booked by email by Friday 29 May latest: bath@theartssociety.org theartssocietybath.com

THE CLARIDGE LECTURE: PROFESSOR DAVID OLUSOGA

1 June, Doors at 6:15pm, lecture at 7pm

n The Guildhall, Bath

Marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Professor David Olusoga OBE – as part of the American Museum & Gardens’ Claridge Lecture Series – will deliver a custom lecture exploring the history of the Revolution on the anniversary of the Declaration. This event forms part of the Museum’s year-long America 250 programme, commemorating the anniversary by exploring the shared UKUS history and celebrating American arts, artistry and culture. Tickets: £30. For more details visit: americanmuseum.org

WILD CREATIVE WEEKEND

12-15 June

n Campwell Woods, Somerset

All the yurts, cabins and cob houses come with comfy beds, proper bedding and individual log burners. Enjoy a restorative weekend of intuitive painting, forest bathing, wood-fired sauna, foraging, yoga and nourishing food tucked in magical woodland near Bath. No experience needed – just a willingness to play. You'll leave with a large canvas ready to hang and feeling like yourself again. Just a few spaces remaining. For prices, more details and to book visit: georgiemason.co.uk/wild-creativeweekend

Kilver Court and Gardens

A one-stop destination for lifestyle, shopping, work and wellbeing.

We have all come to know Kilver Court and Gardens as the home of Mulberry and TOAST, but a host of new tenants and a carefully considered re-mastering of the site, mean that there are now many more reasons to visit the iconic Shepton Mallet destination.

Once more under the ownership of the Showering family, whose ancestors first purchased the site in the 1950s, Kilver Court and Gardens is now home to new independent fashion and homewares retailers, a chef-run café, yoga, a pilates studio and a coworking space.

Chef Nick Hampson has taken on the renovated Kilver café, a chic, light-filled space, looking out onto a re-paved courtyard that has parasols and seating for sunny days. A fresh, seasonal brunch and lunch menu, as well as all-day pastries, are served from 9.30 to 4.30, using produce from the gardens wherever possible.

The Wiggly Shed, formerly the garden shop on the courtyard, has now been taken over by innovative garden and homewares brand Makers & Merchants, whose founders have an incredible design heritage, via the Conran Shop and Liberty. Travelling Europe to discover ceramicists, glassmakers and homeware designers, they bring a curated selection of their finds to Kilver Court and Gardens, where they have established their first offline store, alongside their Somerset food and drink ranges.

In the main Kilver Court building you will find a new TOAST Home, a gallery-style Makers & Merchants store and homewares brand Courthouse Interiors. Courthouse’s only offline store – the brand holds some 20,000 products online – the Kilver shop shows traditional British brands such as Mulberry Home and Sanderson alongside a joyfully eclectic selection of light fittings and tableware by leading European brands. With prices ranging from £10 for homewares to £6,000 for a sofa, there is something to suit all budgets and tastes.

Somerset-born brand Coco & Wolf and British fashion retailer NRBY are running pop-ups at Kilver through June 2026. Coco & Wolf’s exquisite Liberty Fabric bedding, homewares and apparel are only sold here at Kilver and at the Liberty London store itself, while NRBY has stores in London and Bath. The clothing brand prides itself on sustainable, natural fabrics like silk, linen and cashmere and designs that foreground versatility and durability over fast-fashion.

New to Kilver too is Distil Coworking, a calm, contemporary environment that offers membership and pay as you go desk space for remote working, with free garden access and bookable meeting room and podcast booth as part of the deal. Yoga classes in the ballroom and a state-of-the-art reformer pilates studio, run by A&M Pilates, complete the wellbeing offer, making Kilver Court and Gardens a truly one-stop destination for live, work and play.

See www.kilvercourt.co.uk for up to date events and happenings

Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5NF for the curious. for the creative. for the cultivator. kilvercourt.co.uk | @kilvercourt

Glenn Brown: Reimagining the Old Masters

Glenn Brown is known for his highly detailed paintings that reinterpret images from art history into surreal and often grotesque forms. Forty years after studying in Bath he returns to the city with a dual-site exhibition at The Holburne and at No.1 Royal Crescent

In the crowded world of contemporary British art, Glenn Brown has carved out a position that feels both distinctive and quietly subversive. For more than three decades, he has made paintings that seem, at first glance, to belong to the past – echoing the Old Masters, the drama of Baroque art, and even the dreamlike qualities of Surrealism. But look closer and something stranger emerges: familiar images reworked into forms that feel unsettling, even slightly uncanny.

Born in Northumberland in 1966, Brown studied at Norwich School of Art, Bath School of Art and Design from 1985-89, and later Goldsmiths in London. Although his career loosely overlaps with the Young British Artists group, he has always stood apart from their more provocative, headline-grabbing tactics. He has remained true to the pursuit of painting excellence – albeit not in any traditional sense.

Brown has even compared his process to assembling something new from fragments of the past, describing himself as “rather like a Dr Frankenstein...

That connection to Bath now comes full circle. Forty years after studying in the city, Brown returns for a major dual-site exhibition. As he puts it, “From 1985 to 1988 I was a student in Bath and so this beautiful city, built for pleasure, for me became a place of learning and discovery.” He adds that although he was then “optimistically obsessed with the future”, Bath made him realise that “in a city like Bath, the past is never far away.”

Brown doesn’t paint from life. Instead, he takes his cue from images of paintings found in books, catalogues or online. His starting points range widely, from Rembrandt and Velázquez to Van Gogh and Salvador Dalí. He rarely takes from just one source. Instead, he blends and reshapes multiple images, reworking them until the original visual becomes almost impossible to trace. “I look at hundreds of images… to find a reproduction I can transform,” he has said.

Brown has even compared his process to assembling something new from fragments of the past, describing himself as “rather like a Dr Frankenstein, constructing paintings out of… other artists’ work.” The end result is never a copy or tribute. He puts it more simply: “I never make a direct quotation.”

This layered, referential approach forms the basis of Glenn Brown in Bath, a major two-part exhibition presented across the Holburne Museum and No.1 Royal Crescent. At the Holburne, Arrows of Desire places Brown’s paintings and drawings directly within the museum’s

historic collection of English and Dutch art, creating deliberate visual collisions between contemporary distortion and 18th-century portraiture.

Holburne director Dr Chris Stephens describes Brown as “one of the most important and most successful painters of an extraordinary generation of artists,” adding that the museum is “thrilled to be welcoming him back to Bath with a series of exciting interventions that promise to disrupt the usual order of the city’s 18th century heritage.”

That disruption is carefully staged. In the main gallery, Brown’s works

are positioned in direct dialogue with historical portraits: the figure in When the Satellite Sings (2024) echoes Thomas Gainsborough’s Robert Craggs Nugent, while other works draw out uncanny visual rhymes with Thomas Lawrence and Allan Ramsay. The effect is not illustrative but destabilising – an atmosphere in which art history feels both present and strangely warped.

For Brown, this is intentional. His paintings draw explicitly from the canon of art history to create fresh and sometimes disturbing paintings, which reveal a dark sense of humour. Brown himself describes his method as an “idiosyncratic, arch relationship to art history,” one that has allowed him to develop “a fantastical visual language of his own.”

Alongside the Holburne exhibition, Grottoesque at No.1 Royal Crescent extends this dialogue into a more architectural and environmental register. Here, Brown turns his attention to Georgian shell grottos, landscape painting and the grotesque qualities of nature itself.

At No.1 Royal Crescent, he will transform one gallery space into a grotto-like environment, complete with three new large-scale paintings of multiple heads set within shell-encrusted frames. He will also introduce bespoke wallpaper, extending his intervention into the fabric of the historic house. Patrizia Ribul, Director of Museums at Bath Preservation Trust, notes, the project is particularly resonant given Brown’s return to the city where he studied. She describes being “struck by the precision and wit of his interventions in historic houses and collections,” adding that seeing his work “disrupt these ordered Georgian settings is particularly exciting.”

Between the two venues, a thematic split emerges – refinement and distortion, order and excess, surface and instability. At No.1 Royal Crescent, Brown explicitly plays with symmetry and grotesquerie, responding to the decorative logic of Georgian interiors. At the Holburne, he works more through collision, inserting his works among canonical paintings so that each alters the perception of the other.

One of the standout works at the Holburne is When the Satellite Sings. Nearly two metres high, it centres on a seated male nude that initially appears rooted in classical figure painting. But the longer it is viewed, the more unstable it becomes: the body dissolves into swirling ribbons of paint-like form, hovering between solidity and disappearance. Rather than a fixed figure, it becomes something in flux – an image perpetually

forming and distorting itself.

Part of what makes Brown’s work so compelling is a constant tension between surface appearance and material reality. That sense of visual uncertainty runs through much of Brown’s work. To the viewer, his paintings are truly deceptive: what appears to be thick, heavily textured impasto – applied with speed and energy – is in fact rendered with painstaking precision to leave a completely smooth, trompe-l’oeil, enamel-like surface. It is a carefully constructed illusion, one that plays with the viewer’s expectations, often leaving them with a strong desire to try and touch the artwork. Not allowed.

the exhibition brings Brown’s work into dialogue with “two of Bath’s most distinctive museums,”

Patrizia Ribul, Director of Museums at Bath Preservation Trust

This is especially evident in Fail We May, Sail We Must. At first glance, it presents a turbulent seascape, but slowly other forms emerge – fleeting suggestions of a face embedded within the swirls of the waves. The result is neither landscape nor portrait, but something in between, with shapes that are always shifting.

His references span centuries – from Van Dyck to Frank Auerbach –but by the time they have passed through Brown’s process, they remain as echoes rather than quotations. What remains is a kind of visual memory rather than a fixed source.

That tension is also present in On the Way to the Leisure Centre. The title feels deliberately dull, even comic, sitting awkwardly against imagery that suggests classical painting. Figures derived from artists such as Fragonard are pulled into elongated, weightless forms drifting across the canvas. As Brown has said, his titles are often “embarrassingly direct” –a deliberate counterpoint to works that are far too complicated to read.

It also reflects how images now circulate. Most of us encounter painting through reproduction rather than direct experience, and Brown leans into this condition. His works are built from second-hand imagery, constantly reshaped and reinterpreted, reflecting a visual culture in which images are endlessly recycled.

Beyond painting, this approach extends into sculpture and printmaking. His etchings layer historical references into dense compositions, while his sculptures translate painterly gesture into solid form – brushstrokes frozen in three dimensions.

At the Holburne, these works sit within an institution defined by elegance and the historical continuity of art. At No.1 Royal Crescent, they enter one of Bath’s most perfect expressions of Georgian order. The contrast is deliberate. As Ribul notes, the exhibition brings Brown’s work into dialogue with “two of Bath’s most distinctive museums,” creating a situation where his interventions actively unsettle the very architectural fabric of the building.

For visitors, the experience is likely to be both seductive and disorienting. Brown’s work draws the eye with its beauty, then quietly undermines certainty. Are these images old or new? Familiar or invented? Are they solid or in transition?

The answer is always just out of reach – and perhaps that is the point. In a time when painting is often regarded as being either exhausted or endlessly renewed, Glenn Brown occupies a more ambiguous space. His work does not attempt to reinvent painting so much as to question what it already contains – and what it might be transformed into in a world already saturated with banal images. n

Find exhibition details and tickets at: holburne.org and at: no1royalcrescent.org.uk

Glenn Brown in Bath: Arrows of Desire 16 May – 6 September 2026

The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath

Glenn Brown in Bath: Grottoesque 22 May – 6 September 2026

The Gallery at No.1 Royal Crescent, Bath

Arts & exhibitions

TREE, 14 – 31 May, Roseberry Road Studios, 25-28 Roseberry Road, Bath

A group exhibition in collaboration with More Trees BANES celebrating the beauty and presence of trees. The exhibition will include paintings, sculptures and photography and is to be shown in The Moser Gallery at RRS, a light and airy gallery overlooking the River Avon. To support the exhibition there will be a programme of events to inform and inspire the local community, including workshops with nearby infant and primary schools to encourage the children to be a future force for nature. roseberryroadstudios.com

Modern ArtBuyer Pop-Up Gallery, 9 - 10 May, 10am –4.30pm, Sylvan Lodge, 1 Cliffe Drive, Limpley Stoke

The Modern ArtBuyer spring open house pop-up gallery will show a fresh new selection of original paintings, prints and ceramics. Throughout the weekend, the team will be on hand to offer advice around artwork selection, framing and hanging. modernartbuyer.com

Towards Abstraction by the Photographic Arts Collective, 30 May - 4 June, Private View 29 May 6pm, The ArtPad, 62 Great Pulteney Street, Bath

An exhibition of contemporary photography, showcasing the work of seven artists drawn from the Photographic Arts Collective, a global group of over 600 members. The exhibition presents a diverse and thought-provoking exploration of abstract photographic practice. The featured artists Benedict Brain, Diana Henry, Fiona Humphreys, David Lewis-Baker, Shay Parsons, Mark Somerville, and Richard Young bring together a wide range of approaches to abstraction, united by a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of photographic expression.

clockwise from

Exhibiting at The Holburne, Great Pulteney Street, Bath

Glenn Brown in Bath: Arrows of Desire, May 16 - September 6

An exhibition of paintings by Glenn Brown, one of the most celebrated painters to emerge from the generation of Young British Artists. Glenn Brown in Bath: Grottoesque will also be showing at No. 1 Royal Crescent, from 22 May. holburne.org

Glasswork | Paintings | Prints | Demonstrations 23 - 25 May

The Newbridge Arts Trail, 9 – 10 May, Various locations across Newbridge

This will be the 16th annual Newbridge Arts Trail and, as always, there will be something to suit every taste, from painting, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, photography, jewellery-making, as well as artist demonstrations. Participating venues include Weston Methodist Church Hall, The Locksbrook Inn, and Newbridge Primary School, plus various homes and studios in Newbridge. newbridgeartstrail.org

Images (top to bottom): Polly Gough, Hanako, Collage and mixed media, £150; Kate Hooker, All at Sea, Wall panel, enamel on copper, £90; Anthony Sheeran, Sally Lunns. Ltd edition drawing with original watercolor, £30 unframed, £60 framed

Cloth and Place, An Exhibition by Bath Textile Artists, 22 – 25 May, West Barn Gallery, Pound Lane, Bradford-on-Avon

A mix of new pieces and some old favourites from Bath Textile Artists.The exhibition showcases a gorgeous mix of textile work using a variety of different techniques. Also some smaller pieces and a wide selection of cards. Go along to be inspired. Pieces available to purchase. bathtextileartists.com

Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair, Sunday 10 May, 10am–5pm Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath

The award-winning monthly Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair (BCAF) is committed to bringing the best of contemporary art to the heart of Bath. It has created a regular space where artists can network, share ideas, connect with the public, and where the public can connect with art. Visitors can see the works of local artists and admire fine art, photography, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and much more, all under the vaulted glass roof of Green Park Station. For updates and exhibiting artists visit bcaf.co.uk

Richard Crooks at Sandra Higgins Art

Richard Crooks’ sculpture draws on a life lived across cultures. In Shieka Maka Roll, terracotta sections are modelled in response to architectural forms that Richard recorded whilst working with The British Council in Bangladesh. Layers of gouache and acrylic paint blend with collaged elements to depict characters he observed, including an image of the deposed Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Pictured is a sculpture he initiated in Dubai whilst he was the Fine Art Curriculum specialist for the Ministry of Education in the UAE. sandrahiggins.art

Mark Entwisle Exhibition, from 16 May, Beaux Arts, 12-13 York Street, Bath

Opening on 16 May is a solo show of Mark Entwisle, a recipient of numerous prestigious prizes including the Sunday Times Watercolour award in 2020. Alongside Mark’s figurative works are the beautiful bronze sculptures of Nichola Theakston. Her animal studies feel archetypal, and every sculpture seems to bring out something of the very essence of the subject. Ceramics are by Katharina Klug. beauxartsbath.co.uk

Bear Flat Artists Open Studios and Art Trail, 23 – 25 May, various locations in Bear Flat

This well-established trail is free to visit, with artists showing a wide range of work including painting, ceramics, photography, printmaking, glassware, mosaic, woodworking, and jewellery. Venues include Beechen Cliff Methodist Hall, St Luke’s Church on Wellsway, as well as walkable homes and studios, with several artists new to the trail this year.

bearflatartists.co.uk

Spring Exhibition, until 31 May, Gallery Nine, 9B Margaret's Buildings, Bath

Artists

Artist and printmaker Karen Keogh explores landscapes and cityscapes using three plate colour etching using a combination of warm and cool colours. Roger Harris' mezzotints are created on copper plates that he hand-rocks with a tool called a mezzotint rocker. In some lights, his drawn images ‘appear and disappear’, giving a mystery to his work.

Ceramicists

Norman Ackroyd: The Transience of Light, 22 May – 6 September, Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath

Spanning five decades of practice, this exhibition brings together Ackroyd's spectacular etchings from the 1980s onwards. victoriagal.org.uk

Norman Ackroyd, The Rumblings, Muckle Flugga, Shetland, 2013, etching, 49.5 x 78cm (detail)

D E LE Ó N

Gilly Whittington’s work is in several UK galleries, and she exhibits widely at ceramic shows. She has also had work shown in French pottery markets and exhibitions. Katie Sargent is a UK-based ceramic artist working with hand-built stoneware forms. Based in Wiltshire, her practice sits comfortably between rural studio making and the quiet, material-led gallery contexts of Bath.

Featured Jewellers

Rachel Eardley meticulously hand cuts designs from obsolete coins from around the world and sets them in silver. Each item of jewellery comes in its own unique box, illustrated by Rachel with the coin’s design, date and origin. Helen Noakes is widely recognised in the jewellery community for her beautifully executed work in resin and silver. Integral to each piece is an element of surprise and humour.

‘Meet the Artist’ Day

Roger Harris Mezzotint, Karen Keogh Artist & Printmaker, 2 May, 12.30pm - 4.30pm

gallerynine.com

Take Two 11 May – 20 June, 2026

An exhibition of photography and film Ori Gersht, Laurent Grasso, Dawn Ng and Erin O’Keefe

Viewing by appointment, please contact: bridget.deleon@icloud.com 07957 438 402 bridgetdeleon.com

Image: Summer Monolith I, 166 x 117.5 cm courtesy Dawn Ng and Kate MacGarry, London

Drawing at speed: Simon Spilsbury

Simon Spilsbury talks to Katherine Raderecht about his life and illustrating a new creative manifesto in collaboration with world-renowned copywriter, Eugene Cheong

Bath-based illustrator and graphic artist Simon Spilsbury has spent more than three decades capturing the world in a single, energetic line. Known for his spontaneous, instinct-driven approach and sharp humour, his work has appeared everywhere from national newspapers and advertising campaigns to beer cans, pianos and beyond. Now, with the release of Cowards Don’t Go To Heaven, he reflects on creativity, courage and why speed still matters.

A line of work

In his studio in Bath, Simon Spilsbury moves fast.

That much becomes clear almost immediately – not just in the work itself, but in the way he talks about it. Ideas are instinctive. Drawings are reactions. There is little patience for overthinking. “Seat of your pants stuff,” as he puts it.

After more than three decades as an illustrator and cartoonist Spilsbury remains resistant to the idea of pinning anything down too neatly. Even the word style doesn’t sit comfortably. “I’m not a fan of the word ‘style’,” he says. “It’s inherently restrictive.” Instead, what defines his work is energy: a restless, fast-moving response to the world around him. “Energetic, spontaneous and humorous,” is how he describes it.

“I haven’t even touched the surface – I’d need another couple of lifetimes to work it all out.”

A life in drawing

Spilsbury’s route into drawing was almost inevitable.

“I was born into an artist family,” he says, “so it was omnipresent.”

After 30 years, his curiosity hasn’t dimmed. “I haven’t even touched the surface,” he says. “I’d need another couple of lifetimes to work it all out.” That sense of unfinished business runs through everything he does. His drawings rarely feel laboured; they arrive quickly, shaped by instinct and years of practice. “My fast and instinctive approach comes from years of doing it,” he says. “The speed and energy reflect my character – I can’t sit still. I like to react and move on.”

Humour and observation

For Spilsbury, the process is deliberately stripped back. There’s no appetite for overworking ideas or polishing them into submission.

“What makes an idea worth drawing? Gut reaction.”

It’s an approach that resists the current tendency toward refinement and control. Even knowing when to stop isn’t necessarily the point.

“Knowing when to keep going might be something to work on,” he says, wryly. The result is work that feels alive – sometimes rough-edged, often funny, occasionally biting. His humour, he suggests, isn’t engineered so much as embedded. “It just happens,” he says.

There is commentary in his work, but it is rarely heavy-handed. “I don’t comment in a political or zealous way,” he says. “It’s more a reflection of social anatomy.”

Humour, in that sense, becomes a way of saying what might otherwise be difficult to express.

A changing industry

Having worked across decades of publishing and advertising, Spilsbury has seen the landscape shift dramatically – and not always for the better.

“The biggest shift is the free-fall into mediocrity,” he says. It’s a blunt assessment. Globalisation, mass publishing and the push towards broader markets have, he suggests, diluted individuality. “Less exposure for individual commentary and opinion,” he says. “Less integrity – and an underuse of the best talent.”

Social media, meanwhile, has created visibility – but not necessarily clarity. “It provides a platform for everything,” he says. “But that’s what you get – everything. And it’s too overwhelming to ingest.”

And then there’s AI. “AI needs to be seen as a good tool,” he says, “but not as a solution to creativity – because it patently isn’t one.” What it produces, by itself – he argues, is largely forgettable. “It might be fleetingly entertaining to see a python eating a rhinoceros, but that’s never going to add much to visual culture. Most of what AI is producing is digital landfill and momentary voyeurism.” More concerning is its impact on the next generation. “It’s going to take away the starter jobs,” he says. “Which means there won’t be a natural environment for young creatives to learn and progress.”

Creative courage

These ideas sit at the heart of his latest project, Cowards Don’t Go To Heaven, created with Eugene Cheong – a Singapore-based copywriter and former Chief Creative Officer of Ogilvy Asia Pacific, recognised by D&AD as one of the world’s 50 greatest copywriters.

“A good drawing is something that elicits a reaction – negative or positive – it means I’ve done my job.”

The book – a handwritten manifesto on creativity, illustrated with Spilsbury’s drawings – pushes back against the culture of polish and perfection that increasingly defines creative work. Spilsbury and Cheong’s collaboration is built on decades of mutual respect. “Parallel careers,” he says, “albeit on different sides of the globe.” Between them, the book represents “70 years of creative industry experience.” Their working method was as instinctive as the drawings themselves. “A quick chat about the overall concept, then a quick drawn response,” he says. “No getting bogged down with analysis. No roughs required.”

Cheong describes the book’s philosophy as “perfect imperfecto” – a phrase Spilsbury loves. At its core is the idea of creative courage – not as an abstract concept, but something practical and often overlooked. “Creative courage is vital,” he says. “But sometimes you forget to adopt it.” The book, then, is as much a reminder as it is a statement. “It’s going to be so good,” he says, “not only for creatives starting out, but for those of us who still need that reminder.”

He’s already putting that into practice – reading a spread each morning. “It keeps me on my toes.”

Life in Bath

If Spilsbury’s work is fast, loose and energetic, his surroundings provide a striking contrast. He moved to Bath after growing up in Somerset, leaving London behind when it “got a bit much.” What he found was somewhere he chose to stay. “It’s incredibly difficult to leave its utopian blanket,” he says. The city doesn’t directly influence the work but “It provides the grounding,” he says, “which allows me the space to go wild. His daily routine reflects that balance. The structure remains consistent, even if the subject matter doesn’t. “I can be drawing for an international bioinnovation conference one day,” he says, “and the next I’ll be drawing anthropomorphic chickens.”

Enduring lines

For all the projects, commissions and recognition, what matters most to Spilsbury is simply having endured.

“The fact that I’ve survived in the industry,” he says, “is where the pride kicks in.”

There’s no sense of slowing down. If anything, the focus is on continuing to learn. “Keep learning to draw and think,” he says. “Keep reading the book.”

And as for what makes a drawing good – that, at least, hasn’t changed. “Something that elicits a reaction,” he says. “Negative or positive – means I’ve done my job.” n studiospilsbury.com

Cowards Don’t Go To Heaven is not a conventional art book. Written entirely by hand by Eugene Cheong and paired with 66 of Simon Spilsbury’s drawings, it presents itself as a manifesto rather than a memoir.

At its core are eight “creative habits”, described as an antidote to what Cheong calls the industry’s “pollution” – work that is forgettable, formulaic and culturally disposable.

Produced in ink and charcoal, the book is a deliberately analogue object, championing imperfection and immediacy over polish.

Published by Victionary (Hong Kong), it is available from 28 May 2026, priced at around £30, via independent bookshops and online retailers including Bookshop.org and Amazon.

AStyling Your Garden

BY CYNTHIA WIHARDJA, Beau Nash Antiques

s the sun begins to warm Bath and Somerset, we start spending more time outdoors. Gardens, no longer regarded as separate from the home, are places to relax, entertain and express personal style.

Whether your home is a Georgian townhouse in Bath, a Somerset cottage or a contemporary property, weathered garden pieces can bring character in a way newer items often cannot. Aged stone, worn paint and patinated metal all sit beautifully outdoors, and pieces with visible wear are often the most appealing.

In Bath especially, pairs of urns and planters can look particularly at home. That is no accident. Georgian taste was shaped by a love of symmetry, proportion and carefully framed views, with gardens complimenting the house itself. It is one reason why matching planters, antique stone ornaments and balanced layouts still work so well in Georgian homes.

Changing lifestyles also influence garden decor. With more people now living in smaller homes, smaller garden pieces have become increasingly popular because they add character without overwhelming the space. A well-placed bird bath, sundial or antique stone feature can create a focal point and give even a modest courtyard or compact garden a sense of age and individuality.

I have been collecting smaller, more unique pieces for the shop. As I write this article, I am waiting for a bird bath, a sundial, a vintage planter and some staddle stones to arrive. These are the kinds of items that can quietly transform a garden, adding texture, interest and a sense of history.

We are turning our own 18th century courtyard at the furniture shop into a garden gallery. Come and see it for yourself.

www.beaunashbath.com; info@beaunashbath.com; 07535137808 @beaunashbath

The Somerset Collection that captured a century of creativity

A remarkable private collection came to auction, offering a rare glimpse into a lifetime devoted to discovering and championing artistic talent. As part of Lawrences Auctioneers’ 20th Century Modern Art & Design Sale, more than 130 works from the estate of Lionel and Beryl Phillips were presented.

Built quietly over decades, the Phillips collection told a story far greater than the sum of its parts. Lionel Phillips, who began collecting while living in London, immersed himself in the city’s grassroots art scene, frequenting “Open Studios” where emerging artists first shared their work. It was here that he developed an eye for talent and a willingness to support it early. That instinct proved extraordinary. Artists he collected, including Terry Frost and Sokari Douglas Camp, would go on to achieve major recognition.

After relocating to Somerset, his passion only deepened. Recognising a lack of exhibition opportunities in the region, he helped bring contemporary art to new audiences, supporting shows at venues such as Dillington House and Somerset College. He also became a familiar voice locally, writing monthly features that shone a light on artists at the beginning of their journeys.

A defining strength of the collection was its studio ceramics, an area in which Phillips developed both expertise and a distinctive eye. Works by leading figures such as Richard Batterham, Ken Eastman and Takeshi Yasuda sat alongside pieces by regional makers including John Leach, creating a rich dialogue between national and local practice.

Together, Lionel and Beryl Phillips created a narrative of 20th century design and craftsmanship, guided by passion rather than trend. That story resonated strongly when the collection came to market. As the sale concluded in April, it not only celebrated a remarkable legacy, but also reaffirmed the enduring appeal of thoughtfully assembled collections.

Looking ahead, the success of this sale highlights the continuing strength of the market for 20th century modern art and design.

Lawrences are welcoming consignments for their forthcoming Fine Art sales to include:

Silver | Vertu | Pictures | 19th/20th Century Design | Ceramics

Oriental Works of Art | Jewellery | Watches | Furniture | Clocks

Rugs | Militaria | Coins | Medals | Collectors | Sporting | Textiles

Wine | Spirits | Books | Maps | Manuscripts | Photography Free valuations are available online at lawrences.co.uk

Home visits also available throughout Bath and the West Country without charge or obligation.

South Street, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 8AB.

T: 01460 73041 E: enquiries@lawrences.co.uk

1A Woodlands Estate, Westbury, BA13 3QS T: 01373 822337 E: wessex@lawrences.co.uk

Let the good times roll

Samantha Coleman talks to James Murden, co-founder of Good Times Live – the outdoor music and comedy event in Chipping Sodbury – about the importance of community spirit and creating something that will last for future generations

If James Murden looks familiar, that’s probably because he is. In Chipping Sodbury in particular, his presence is hard to miss. As cofounder of Good Times Live – the outdoor music and comedy event held at the Ridings playing fields over the May Bank Holiday – he’s helped bring a steady stream of big names to perform in the town, from Billy Ocean and Craig David to Sophie Ellis-Bextor, McFly, Jools Holland and Katherine Ryan.

But that’s just one string to his bow. He also runs the Sodbury Sweet Emporium on the High Street, hosts comedy nights, tribute acts and live entertainment at the Town Hall, and presents Christmas light switch-ons and community celebrations across the area. And if all that still doesn’t ring a bell? Try QVC shopping channel – he’s been a familiar face presenting tech for more than 17 years.

“People come up to me and say, ‘Oh, you’re the guy from… everything!’” he laughs, slightly apologetically. “But it’s true.”

It is – and it’s exactly what makes him so vital to the fabric of this community. In an age where high streets are struggling and local events can feel like an afterthought, James is doing the opposite: creating spaces for connection, culture and shared experiences.

“I live for the chaos,” he says, smiling. Indeed his days are rarely quiet, what with running multiple businesses, organising events and raising two children. His kids, unsurprisingly, are big fans of the sweet shop. “It’s their favourite thing,” he says. “We have to restrict visits to every fortnight, but they love helping out and coming to the wholesalers with me to choose the sweets.”

There’s a deeper motivation behind the shop, though. “There’s something very nostalgic about it,” he reflects. “I remember the old sweet shop on the High Street, and it brings back so many happy memories. I wanted to bring something back that all generations could enjoy. It’s a small shop, but there’s loads of character behind it.”

That desire to preserve something meaningful runs through everything James does.

“I love where I live”

Born and raised in Yate and Chipping Sodbury, he has long been part of the area’s entertainment scene, where, from an early age, he has been involved with the Sodbury Players, and continues to act and direct with them today. “I love where I live,” he says simply. “And I love what I do. It’s great to engage with people from all walks of life.”

After studying media at Bristol City College, he went on to build a varied career, from presenting on Vibe FM (now Kiss) to working on quiz shows with Endemol at Paintworks, alongside a range of presenting and promotional roles. That instinct to connect with an audience hasn’t faded and at Good Times Live, amid the demands of running a largescale event, he can often be found introducing acts himself.

“I like to feel the energy from the crowd,” he says. “That’s my favourite part – talking to people and hearing their response.”

Good Times Live first took place in 2022 at Yate Town Football Club, co-founded by James and his brother-in-law Tom, who works in

James Murden at QVC

“I like to feel the energy from the crowd,” he says. “That’s my favourite part – talking to people and hearing their response.”

James Murden

lighting, production and stage design.

“It was something we’d always talked about doing for the community,” he says. “We made a list of all the things we didn’t like about going to gigs and live events – and we made sure we wouldn’t have those things at ours.”

Let the Good Times roll

Drawing on his experience hosting smaller local events, James scaled that idea into something far more ambitious: an outdoor festival-style event built around affordability, accessibility and atmosphere. “We wanted to embody what ‘Good Times’ means in every aspect,” he says. “At its core, it’s easy and fun.”

And it shows. There’s space to dance or picnic, queues are minimal –even at the bar – parking is straightforward, prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is relaxed, family–friendly and close to the action.

The response to the first year was immediate and enthusiastic. “Everyone got behind it,” says James. “And it brought people to the town from all over.”

Since then, the event has grown and this year boasts headline acts that would look at home on the biggest UK stages: Madness, Jessie J,

Tom Odell and Russell Howard among them. Demand has surged –Madness sold out quickly – and the audience is no longer just local.

“We’ve got people travelling from all corners of the globe,” James says. “One of the reasons is that Tom Odell’s appearance here is one of only two shows he’s doing this year, which is really exciting.”

And yet, despite the scale, there’s still a sense of disbelief to overcome.

“One of the biggest challenges we face is people not believing that it’s the real deal here on our doorstep!” he admits.

That perception is shifting, though, thanks to verifications on platforms like Spotify, where fans can see Good Times listed alongside major tour dates for each artist. Industry attention is growing too. “Agents are starting to approach me with acts now,” he says. “And that’s the dream.”

James and his team have gone all in on promoting this year’s event. You might have spotted adverts on buses, heard radio campaigns or seen a steady stream of social media content.

“We want as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the atmosphere,” he says. “And it’s the most affordable place to see these artists. It’s about accessibility and community, and there’s something for everyone,” James emphasises.

And these shared moments extend beyond the audience. The event has become a significant boost for the local economy, drawing visitors who fill hotels, book restaurants and explore the area. James is particularly proud of how many local businesses are involved too. From food vendors such as the Vintage Birdcage Cakery and The One Pizza Van to drinks suppliers including 6 O’Clock Gin, Good Times actively champions nearby enterprises. And volunteers play a huge role too. “We’ve got around 250 local people who add their bit to Good Times,” says James. “WI groups, the Lions Club, the Rotary Club – it’s very much a community event. We’ve also launched a talent competition to find local performers to appear on stage as support acts, which is a great opportunity for rising stars.”

Party planner

Of course, pulling off an event of this scale is no small feat. “Planning takes around 14 months,” James explains. “Booking acts, sorting logistics, marketing – it’s all done by me and a small team of helpers.”

Sustainability is also a growing focus. “We’re thinking green wherever we can,” he says. “Everything is recycled on site.”

Behind the scenes, there’s also a deeply personal motivation driving the event. Part of the inspiration for Good Times Live was to raise funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital, which helped care for James’s daughter

during her battle with epilepsy. “It’s such a great charity,” he says. “It’s touched most of our lives in some way. If we can help, even a little, that means a lot.”

That spirit of giving back runs through every part of the weekend. It’s not just about entertainment – it’s about creating something meaningful for the whole community, including younger audiences, who can enjoy the family fun day. Expect an appearance from children’s TV favourite – the West Country’s very own Andy Day – as well as interactive dinosaur fun, activities, inflatables and rides.

“It’s going to be huge,” says James. “There’s something really special about seeing families enjoy it together and that makes it all worthwhile.”

So, what happens when it’s all over? “I might take a few days’ holiday to breathe and pause,” he jokes. But the grin that follows suggests otherwise. “I’ve already got some names in the hat for next year!” he admits. n

For further information visit: goodtimeslive.co.uk

Good Times Live 2026 line–up

Wednesday 20 May

The Human League, DJ Martin Kemp and special guest Marc Almond

Thursday 21 May

Jessie J, plus special guests Lemar and Harleymoon Kemp

Friday 22 May

Tom Odell, plus special guests Matt Maltese and Hugo Hamlet

Saturday 23 May

Madness, plus special guests Ordinary Boys and The Beatles Dub Club

Sunday 24 May

Morning: Family Fiesta with Andy Day, plus Dinomania, K-Pop Demon Hunterz, rides and inflatables

Afternoon: Emili Sandé, plus special guests Elles Bailey and Sandi Thom

Monday 25 May

Comedy Gala with Russell Howard, plus Leigh Franics, Mark Watson, Laura Newman, Matt Richardson and hosted by Harriet Kemsley

Tasting tables

Foodie notes and delicious ideas to whet your appetite

A new BBQ cookbook by The Beefy Boys

Bath’s beloved burger heroes, The Beefy Boys, are firing up the coals once again – this time for the launch of their brand-new cookbook, The Great British BBQ. Known for their award-winning burgers and cult following, the team behind the city’s popular restaurant are turning their attention to live-fire cooking, championing a bold new take on the British barbecue. Far from the usual rain-soaked grills and burnt bangers, this book is packed with recipes designed to elevate outdoor cooking, from low-and-slow ribs to perfectly seared steaks and, of course, their signature burgers. Drawing on global flavours alongside Britain’s rich tradition of cooking over fire, it’s a guide for both seasoned grillers and backyard beginners. The Beefy Boys – who began as a humble food truck before expanding to multiple restaurant sites –have built a reputation for doing things properly. Their latest venture looks set to inspire a new generation of BBQ enthusiasts to do the same, whatever the weather. Priced at £20, Published by Quadrill. Visit: thebeefyboys.com

A tasty, special offer from Hudson Steakhouse

One of Bath’s favourite eateries, Hudson Steakhouse is currently serving up a tempting early evening offer. Available Tuesday to Friday from 5–7pm, the ‘Hudson Special’ includes a juicy, prime sirloin steak with Béarnaise sauce, salt and pepper French fries, and a decent glass of wine for just £29. Ever popular, Hudson is set in a stylishly restored Victorian pub where London Street meets Walcot Street, and has built a strong reputation for its expertly sourced, dry-aged beef and relaxed, yet refined dining experience. Owner Richard Fenton transformed the once run-down Hat and Feather pub, into an award-winning dining destination, also voted 3rd in the UK Best Steahouse, it’s known for its great service, cool cocktails and impressive wine list. Whether you’re after a quick dinner or a more leisurely evening, this new offer is an ideal way to experience [ if you haven’t already ]one of Bath’s best-loved steakhouses. Booking is highly recommended. For further details visit hudsonsteakhouse.co.uk

Food & Drink Events

Wine Dinner. Poggiotondo Tuscany with Angelica Antonini

La Terra, 14 May.

Discover the Chianti wines of Poggiotondo and the story of the Antonini family, whose winemaking heritage began in 1968 when Carlo Antonini – teacher, passionate agriculturist and beekeeper – purchased historic estates once belonging to the Conti Guidi, an ancient noble family whose lands helped shape the village of Cerreto Guidi in medieval Tuscany. Carlo’s passion for viticulture was passed to his son Alberto, who together with his wife Alessandra continues to develop Poggiotondo with a strong commitment to Tuscan winemaking traditions and respect for the land. The family lives at the heart of the estate alongside their three children, Angelica, Margherita and Carlo. Guests will be guided through the wines by Angelica Antonini, offering insight into both the estate’s history and its contemporary production. Arrival drink at 7.30pm, followed by a four-course dinner priced at £98 per person. A carefully curated wine flight will accompany each course. Contact La Terra to make a reservation. laterra.co.uk

Guided Wine Tasting: Bordeaux

Comptoir + Cuisine, 18 May

Join Comptoir + Cuisine for a guided tasting evening exploring five wines from the Bordeaux area including right and left bank, the different wine styles, grapes and winemakers – with a focus on discovering hidden gems from this renowned French region. Guests will be led by Pablo Ruiz, General Manager of Comptoir + Cuisine, who will present a carefully curated selection of wines and share his expertise and passion for French winemaking. Born in Spain, Pablo began his hospitality career at 16 and has worked across restaurants and bars in both Bath and London, contributing to wine list development throughout his career. He is now an Advanced Sommelier with a strong focus on independent French producers, reflected in Comptoir + Cuisine’s exclusively selected wine list. This relaxed, educational tasting offers the opportunity to explore Bordeaux wines through the eyes of an experienced sommelier in an intimate setting. 6.30pm–8.30pm. £27.80. Limited places available - book at: eventbrite.co.uk

Wish you were here?

Fancy a change of scenery? Simon Horsford has his suitcase packed, ready to explore the new flight destinations departing from Bristol airport this summer – with some lesser-known destinations waiting to be added to your wanderlust list

This summer, Bristol Airport will add a further six destinations to its routes taking the total to a whopping 118, stretching from Aberdeen to Zurich and Bergen to Sharm El Sheik and Wroclaw. The airport’s main airline, easyJet – other airlines such as Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Jet2 are available – also announced last year that it had carried 80 million passengers from the airport since the airline began flights from the south-west hub 25 years ago.

This all seems a long way from the days when Bristol Airport started operating on its first site at Whitchurch in 1930, handling only 4,000 passengers a year just before the outbreak of war; the present site at Lulsgate opened in 1957 after a decade-long battle for a new city airport.

For the airport, it’s, unsurprisingly, about the new routes offering “greater choice”, while at the same time “supporting local tourism and providing helpful links for businesses in the area”.

So, what’s waiting for you on the other side of these new journeys...?

Bari, Italy

On the Adriatic coast in Puglia, the heel of the ‘Italian boot’, Bari has much to recommend it. Make for the old town (Bari Vecchia) near the

port and its atmospheric streets and alleys and the eye-catching architecture of the Cathedrale di San Sabino and the Basilica di San Nicola, where you’ll find the bones of St. Nicholas – or Santa Claus; there’s also a 13th-century castle Castello Svevo. Make sure to take a stroll along the promenade, said to be Italy’s longest, and a popular local pastime. Seafood is a must here, as is the local Puglian pasta orecchiette (‘little ears’). You’ll find sandy beaches at Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, and if you have time head for Matera and its UNESCOrated troglodyte dwellings.

Flying twice a week (from April to October)

Reus, Spain

The first thing you need to know about Reus is that it is the birthplace of the fantasy architect Antoni Gaudí – although none of his buildings are here – head to Barcelona for that (90 minutes by car) – but you will find the Gaudí Centre in the city. The Costa Daurada is perfect if you want culture or a family holiday: for the former, aside from various Modernist architectural treats in Reus, you can also make for Tarragona, the region’s capital, which sits on a hill and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Want more? Then Salou has a palm tree promenade, sandy beaches, and the PortAventura theme park (perfect

for families), while further down the coast there’s Cambrils and some of the best cuisine you’ll find in the region; try suquet de peix, a seafood and vegetable stew; the area is known for its wine, vermouth and olive oil.

Five days a week from 25 June

Sal, Cape Verde

It might be around a six-hour flight, but this Cape Verdean island in the eastern Atlantic offers year-round sun with activities such as snorkelling, kite surfing and windsurfing on Ponta Preta beach. It gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and, astonishingly, the country has qualified for this year’s football World Cup.

Sal is one of 10 islands in Cape Verde, which takes its name from Cap Vert, the peninsula jutting out from Senegal – 350 miles away. Make sure to see the salt lakes in the crater of the extinct volcano and also Shark Bay where you can get close to a school of (harmless) lemon sharks.

Fresh seafood is naturally a speciality but also try the local cachupa, a hearty stew; the local wine from the island of Fogo is definitely worth trying.

Three times a week, year round from 1 May

Seville, Spain

If you love culture, food and heat then you’ll find it hard to better sultry Seville – the city from which Columbus first set off to discover the New World (and whose remains can be found in Seville Cathedral to this day).

The striking Alcazar Palace should be on any list, with its ceramic tiles and peacocks, while Seville Cathedral is another to note – the third largest in the world; for something more modern it has to be then 28-metre, mushroom-shaped Metropol Parasol, and then relax with a stroll among the pavilions, pools and palms at Parque María Luisa. For a market experience, there’s Triana market, a riot of fruit and vegetables and the place to sample some local tapas and pastries. Fancy some flamenco? Then La Casa Inquieta is a bar and restaurant where you can watch a swirling dancer and accompanying musicians.

And you can’t be in Seville without trying a glass of sherry, and for that go to Palo Cortao on Mercedes de Velilla, with more than 60 different varieties. Elsewhere, look out for one of the Moorish Iberian pork dishes; the Andalusian wines are a treat.

Twice a week from May 2

Enfidha, Tunisia

The gateway to resorts such as Hammamet and Sousse and their white sand beaches and turquoise waters (via Enfidha/Hammamet airport). But it’s also the route to so much more of Tunisia.

The country has eight UNESCO cultural sights together with a national park and a huge historical legacy, via influences ranging from Berber, Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine, to Arab and French.

Hire a car and visit Carthage with its Roman amphitheatre, or head for the cobbled streets of Sidi Bou Saïd and its whitewashed walls and bright blue doors and shutters, or find a bargain among the bazaars and souks in the medinas of Tunis and Sousse.

Make sure to stop by a food market too, where you’ll find stalls laden

with fruit, vegetables and fish, then order a mint tea before tucking into a spicy lamb and couscous stew.

Six days a week, year round from 1 May

Thessaloniki, Greece

History is everywhere in Greece’s second city, from the White Tower, once an Ottoman prison, near the harbour, to a huge statue of Alexander the Great on a horse and the impressive Rotunda, which has at various stages been a temple, church and mosque.

Wherever you walk, you’ll find some reference to the past and no more so than at the Archaeological Museum with exhibits dating back to the 4th century; while more modern is the Museum of Photography housed in an old warehouse.

Other treats include Modiano Market, which dates back to the early 1920s and has a vast range of local produce, but if it’s fish you want then Kapani Market is the place and you’ll find a great selection of cafés here to people-watch over a Greek coffee. Brunch is big in the city – try a koulouri (sesame covered bread ring) or bougatsa, (filled sweet or savoury pastry); strapatsada is a Greek version of scrambled eggs and for lunch chargrilled octopus should do the trick with a glass of something chilled from a local vineyard.

Four times a week from 27 June (summer only) n

For more details on available flight routes, destinations and more, visit the website bristolairport.co.uk

Bath Digital Festival 2026: What If?

The best ideas often start with two words: What if? From Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 May, Bath Digital Festival returns to the city for three days of ideas, energy and practical inspiration, built around that very question.

Bath Digital Festival continues to position Bath as a meeting point for innovators, creatives, technologists and curious minds across the South West.

This year’s theme, What If?, is deliberately open-ended. It invites participants to challenge assumptions, test possibilities and explore new ways of thinking about technology, business and society. Rather than offering fixed answers, the festival creates space for experimentation, conversation and collaboration across disciplines.

As ever, Bath Digital Festival is not a traditional conference. It is a curated programme of breakfasts, talks, workshops, panels and showcases designed to spark connection as much as insight.

Three days of ideas in motion

Each day begins with the popular BDF Breakfasts, facilitated sessions designed to spark conversation, networking and unexpected introductions. From there, the city becomes a live festival site, with events taking place across multiple venues.

Across all three days, attendees can expect a wide-ranging programme spanning technology, creativity and business innovation. The schedule features around 40+ sessions, including keynote talks, workshops, showcases and fringe meetups.

The festival opens on Tuesday 19 May, with a morning showcase and themed sessions exploring how organisations can apply emerging technologies in practical ways. Early confirmed sessions include What If Every Department Used AI Deliberately? and What If We Could Make Sense of the Megatrends?, reflecting a focus on real-world application over abstract theory.

Big ideas, bold voices

A key strength of Bath Digital Festival is the calibre and diversity of its speakers. Among the head line sessions is Tom Cheesewright, applied futurist, broadcaster and author, who challenges audiences to rethink emerging technologies through a more optimistic lens – asking whether today’s most disruptive tools could become tomorrow’s engines of creativity and progress.

Another standout session comes from Alex Barker (Be More Pirate), who explores behavioural psychology, experimentation and leadership. Her talk asks what happens when people step beyond inherited rules to redesign how they work and think.

On Wednesday 20 May, the Adelard Lecture, delivered with the University of Bath as part of its 60th anniversary, will be given by Jacky Wright, offering insight into leadership, transformation and the future of business in a digital-first world. Across the programme, additional sessions explore quantum technologies, neurodiversity in the workplace, inclusive innovation and decision-making in an increasingly complex world. Workshops, showcases and hands-on learning

Beyond keynote talks, the festival places strong emphasis on participation. Across all three days, attendees can join workshops, live demonstrations and interactive sessions designed to turn ideas into action. These include technical deep dives, startup showcases and collaborative problem-solving sessions that encourage active involvement rather than passive attendance.

The festival’s structure reflects its core belief: that innovation happens through doing, not just listening

Closing celebration at Newark Works

The festival concludes on Thursday 21 May, with a closing celebration at Newark Works. This final evening offers space to continue conversations, reflect on ideas from the week and form new connections across sectors. It is less an ending than a continuation – an opportunity to carry forward collaborations sparked over three days.

A festival built for connection

Delivered by techSPARK and supported by regional partners, Bath Digital Festival plays a key role in strengthening the South West’s digital ecosystem by connecting startups, corporates, educators, public sector leaders and independent thinkers.

Its strength lies in its mix of audiences: founders alongside students, engineers with artists, policy thinkers with designers. The result is a programme shaped as much by dialogue as delivery. As organisers describe it, it is “a platform for ideas, not just attendance” – a space for those who want to build, question or explore what comes

Free to attend

Importantly, Bath Digital Festival remains free to attend, ensuring accessibility across the region and helping it grow into one of the South West’s most collaborative innovation events.

Explore the programme

With three days of talks, workshops and experiences across Bath, the festival offers something for anyone interested in the future of technology, creativity and society. Whether you are a founder, student, creative, business leader or simply curious, Bath Digital Festival offers a chance to step into the conversation. What if? n

Explore the full programme of talks and events and book your place at: techspark.co/bdf

Bath business

CITY BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATION UPDATES

Bath crowned world leader for green space

Bath has been named the world’s best city for green space and nature in a new global ranking by Time Out and Intrepid Travel, based on a survey of 24,000 residents worldwide.

The city topped the international list ahead of Chicago, Montreal and Melbourne, while also securing first place in the UK rankings. The accolade reflects Bath’s distinctive blend of accessible green spaces, historic surroundings and long-term investment in nature-led design. Andrew Grant, founder of Grant Associates and Chair of the Bathscape Landscape Partnership, described the recognition as “fantastic”, highlighting how Bath’s parks, hills and waterways are experienced as one connected landscape. “These landscapes aren’t just a backdrop – they are fundamental to the city’s identity and everyday life,” he said. He also pointed to decades of work to protect and enhance natural assets, from the River Avon corridor to the wider Cotswold setting.

The ranking underlines a growing global focus on greener, more liveable cities – and positions Bath as a leading example of how heritage, ecology and urban life can work in harmony.

For Grant Associates, the announcement reinforces the importance of integrating nature into the heart of urban environments – not as an add-on, but as a defining structure for how cities evolve. For more information and updates, visit: grant-associates.uk.com or bathscape.co.uk

The Language Academy comes to Bath

Lovehoney to make a surprising debut at the RHS Flower Show

In one of the most unexpected and talked-about moments of this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Bath-based Lovehoney Group is set to unveil ‘Aphrodite’s Hothouse’, a Houseplant Studio created in collaboration with award-winning designer James Whiting.

The installation marks Lovehoney’s first appearance at the iconic event, and it’s intentionally bold. The team describes the project as part of their mission to show up in cultural spaces where conversations about wellbeing have traditionally been absent. A sexual wellness brand at Chelsea Flower Show isn’t something anyone expects – and that’s exactly the point.

Aphrodite’s Hothouse promises a playful, immersive take on themes of pleasure, confidence and self-expression, all framed through the language of plants, growth and nature. Lovehoney calls it their ‘pleasure garden’, and the studio is already generating much curiosity ahead of the show’s opening.

It’s a striking moment for a Bath business known for pushing boundaries and a reminder of how creative storytelling can open up new conversations in unexpected places.

Find out more about this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show and see what Lovehoney will be getting up to. rhs.org.uk

Based in Winchester, Hampshire, The Language Academy is opening in Bath this summer. Known for its friendly, small-group approach and “learn in the language” teaching style, the academy offers engaging, face-to-face courses designed to build confidence as well as skills.

The first Bath courses – in French, Italian and Spanish – will run in June and July, with options for complete beginners through to improvers, and more languages planned from September.

Classes focus on speaking and listening, alongside vocabulary and grammar, in a relaxed, sociable environment where students are encouraged to learn together and practise beyond the classroom.

The Academy also offers intensive sessions, immersion days and bespoke courses for groups, making it ideal for travel, work or simply the joy of learning something new. language-academy.uk

Making Tax Digital for Income TaxAre you ready?

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for ITSA) came into effect on 6 April 2026. Does this affect you and if so, are you ready? It is a major change in how self-employed individuals and landlords report their income and manage their tax affairs, so action needs to be taken now, if you haven’t already done so.

What is MTD for ITSA?

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC’s initiative to digitise the UK tax system. MTD for ITSA will require individuals with income from selfemployment or property above certain thresholds to keep digital records and report income via MTD-compatible software.

A phased rollout is planned, based on gross income (not profit), meaning those with gross income over £50,000 in 2024/25 will need to comply with MTD from April 2026, those with income over £30,000 in 2025/26 will be brought within MTD from April 2027 and those with income over £20,000 in 2026/27 from April 2028.

Note: Those under £20,000 and all Partnerships are currently excluded. However, individual partners may need to comply if they also have their own business or property income.

You must combine gross income from all relevant sources to determine if you meet the threshold. For example, £15,000 rental income + £40,000 selfemployment turnover = £55,000, so MTD for ITSA applies.

The income threshold test is initially based on the figures submitted to HMRC for the 2024/25 tax year. Exemptions may be available for reasons such as age, disability, or religious beliefs.

HMRC are not auto-enrolling those who meet the requirements for MTD; you are responsible for completing the registration yourself.

What Will Change?

If you meet the thresholds, you will no longer file one annual Self Assessment return. Instead, you must:

1. Keep digital records using MTD-compliant software (which can include spreadsheets and ‘bridging software’).

2. Submit quarterly updates to HMRC for each business/income type.

3. Submit a Final Declaration confirming total income, such as salary, pension, interest, dividends and any accounting or tax adjustments to the quarterly figures (akin to the current Self Assessment Tax Return).

For each transaction, the digital records must capture the date, amount and Tax Category (broadly the same as those categories currently shown on a Self-Assessment Tax Return).

The deadlines for making the quarterly and year-end submissions are as follows:

• Quarter 1 ended 5 July (or 30 June*) – deadline is 7 August.

• Quarter 2 ended 5 October (or 30 September*) – deadline is 7 November.

• Quarter 3 ended 5 January (or 31 December*) – deadline is 7 February.

• Quarter 4 ended 5 April (or 31 March*) – deadline is 7 May.

• Final Declaration – deadline is 31 January following the tax year end. (*) An election can be made to align with calendar quarters.

Please note the MTD filing deadlines do not affect the payment of any tax liability. Payment deadlines remain 31 January and 31 July.

What action do I need to take?

If you haven’t already done so, you should consider the following:

• Review your current record-keeping processes.

• Explore suitable MTD-compatible software.

• Consider bridging software if using spreadsheets.

• Familiarise yourself with the new filing deadlines and reporting obligations.

The first quarterly submission will be due by 7 August 2026.

• Complete the sign-up process.

Speak to your accountant or bookkeeper, if you have one, to decide on the best course of action for you. If you need any support in preparing for MTD, please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

The above is for general guidance only and no action should be taken without obtaining specific advice.

Education matters

NEWS FROM THE CITY’S LEARNERS AND LEADERS

Paragon School adds new learning spaces

The Paragon School has unveiled a new state-of-the-art classroom extension, now in use following a year of construction. The development adds four modern, flexible learning spaces designed to inspire collaboration, creativity and curiosity among pupils aged 3–11.

Set within the wooded surroundings of Lyncombe Vale, the new building has been carefully designed to complement the school’s historic Georgian setting while introducing a contemporary feel. Large windows maximise natural light and connect pupils with the outdoor environment, creating a calm and engaging space for

learning. The project will also allow existing areas to be transformed into a dedicated STEM hub, bringing together subjects such as Computing, Design and Technology, and Cookery to enhance hands-on learning opportunities.

Head of School Malcolm Bond said pupils have already embraced the new classrooms, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the space.

Families can explore the school and its new facilities at the next Whole School Open Morning on Friday 22nd May, or by booking a midweek tour.

Visit: paragonschool.co.uk

Health & Beauty notebook

New From Aesop Solais Replenishing Hand Serum

This lightweight hand serum reduces the appearance of dark spots, brightens, and evens the skin. The formulation delivers a suite of highly efficacious ingredients –including Dandelion Root, Niacinamide, and LHA – that combine to address hyperpigmentation, in turn illuminating the appearance of the skin. A distinctive composition of essential oils provides a light floral, citrus and herbaceous aroma, £35. Aesop, 16 New Bond Street, Bath. aesop.co.uk

Bold Blend

Why play it safe? Peppermint jumps. Black pepper jolts. Palo santo pushes boundaries you never knew you had. Climb higher with violet leaf and clary sage with a scent that says yes (before you overthink it). £220 (100ml), £145 (50ml). Penhaligon’s, 14 New Bond Street, Bath penhaligons.com

Bramley x The Pig Hand and Body wash

Bramley and THE PIG share a deeprooted love for the British countryside and a commitment to preserving the natural environment. As proud B Corp certified brands, the two companies are firm believers that business can be a real force for good. £24 (300ml). Bramley, Unit 11, Shires Yard, 41 Milsom Street, Bath bramleyproducts.co.uk

Overnight Reset Serum

What if you could reset your skin overnight, erase the impact of stress and fatigue, and wake up each morning with fresh, rested healthy-looking skin? Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum is suitable for sensitive skins and is clinically proven to have an instant and long-term effect on glow. £62 (30ml).

L’Occitane, 13 New Bond Street, Bath loccitane.com

Invisalign® Open Days

Join the Invisalign® Open Days at Edgar Buildings Dental Practice on 8–9 May (9am–5pm) and explore your smile transformation with Dr Jay Wilson. Receive a free consultation, including digital scan, X-ray and bespoke treatment plan. Sign up after attending to enjoy exclusive benefits such as free retainers, whitening, sports guards, a goodie bag and up to £1,100 off treatment. A £40 deposit secures your place, redeemable or refundable after attendance. Ts&Cs apply. For details tel: 01225 597533 or visit: smileofconfidence.com

Talks by Sulis Hospital

Why men’s health matters

Join a men’s health and wellbeing information evening at Combe Grove Manor on Thursday 11 June (6:30–8:00pm). Hear from consultant urologist Mr Jon McFarlane and expert practitioners on prevention, performance and overall wellbeing. Gain practical insights into prostate and bladder health, plus the role of metabolic health, with an open Q&A in a supportive setting. Refreshments provided on arrival. Booking essential. Find out more at: sulishospital.com

Hip and Knee treatment, surgery & rehabilitation

Join a free information evening on hip and knee surgery at Sulis Hospital on Wednesday 24 June (6:30–7:30pm). Hear from consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Rohit Dhawan and specialist MSK physiotherapist Jo Gotley as they discuss modern treatments including robotic joint replacement and recovery options. Gain clear, practical insight into surgery, rehabilitation and next steps, with an open Q&A and refreshments on arrival. Booking essential. Visit: sulishospital.com

AESTHETICS

• Wrinkle treatments

• Non surgical skin tightening & lifting treatments for face, eyes & neck

• Profhilo

• Dermal fillers

• Lip enhancement

PERSONALISED NUTRITION

SUPPORT FOR

• Skin health

• Gut and digestive issues

• Fatigue and low energy

• Hormone balance

FACIALS

• Radio frequency facials

• Environ skin care & facials

BODY TREATMENTS

• Slimming

• Cellulite reduction

• Skin tightening and toning

• Massage therapy

IPL PERMANENT

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HAIR REDUCTION TREATMENT

• Suitable for face & body

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• Bespoke facials to treat all skin concerns

• Scientific skincare that really makes a difference, outstanding results for all skin types and ages

• Skin peels

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• Wow facial

• Microneedling treatments

HYPNOTHERAPY

• Boost your confidence

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• Be free of habits, addictions & phobias

ULTRAcel

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MAKE UP

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IPL SKIN REJUVENATION

• Reverse skin damage, tighten pores & skin

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• Treat vascular lesions (broken capillaries, blood vessels & rosacea)

ULTRAcel delivers non surgical skin tightening and lifting as well as addressing fine lines and wrinkles. The result is fresh, glossy and smooth looking skin. Safe and clinically proven.

CURA: Innovation to manage Arthritis, Chronic Pain & Injury

MBST: Bilateral hip arthritis:: When I met Elaine she was really struggling with her walking and high levels of pain relating to hip arthritis. 100 yards was her limit. She was told she would soon need double hip replacement surgery. She was keen to postpone any surgery for as long as was reasonably possible as she was otherwise in great health. After a clinical evaluation and much discussion, she elected to undergo MBST Therapy because she’d heard good things about the results: I recently saw her for a maintenance appointment and Elaine made a point of reminding me of her original state and how happy she was to be able to walk freely again. She’s pain free the majority of the time and her world has very much opened up to normal levels.

MBST is designed by MEDTECH in Germany as a regenerative technology. In vitro studies and real world research supports the efficacy of this remarkable technology. It is pain free, non invasive and has no risks or side effects, yet its results are tangible and from my 10 years experience it reliably delivers improved outcomes that last. Obviously more complex and severe cases differ in prognosis but even in these cases we can address factors that limit and slow healing in order to get the best results.

MBST Bone Health: At CURA we have the latest technology in assessing bone density and fragility. Unlike DEXA that uses X-Ray, REMS Scans use ultrasound to precisely assess the thickness of bone and the bone strength/architecture. It’s an amazing tool to have, especially to safely monitor the progress our patients are making after using MBST to address the deconditioning of bone in Osteoporosis: We’re seeing remarkable results when applying MBST to bone, both after trauma and in Osteoporosis patients.

GETTING ACCURATE INFORMATION:

‘The most important starting point in preventing Osteopenic/ Osteoporotic fracture is to accurately understand and track our bone density: REMS scanning can do this because it doesn’t involve X-ray so it’s safe to repeat scans when necessary to monitor the results of action taken.

REMS ultrasound results are immediate ,accurate and are backed by over 100 peer reviewed published studies. To book your scan call us on 0117 959 6531

MBST UK is the official regenerative Partner for Bath Rugby. Not only is this leading to dramatic increases in the speed of player rehabilitation and return to play, but it’s allowing us to gather data and explore the full ability of this technology

Rory Murray, Head of Medical Services at Bath Rugby comments:

‘I’ve really enjoyed incorporating MBST into our Medical Provision at Bath Rugby over the past 9 Months. It has proven particularly beneficial in managing acute fractures, rib cartilage injuries, lower limb tendon issues and abdominal degenerative joint conditions. It’s reassuring to know that we’re operating at the forefront of medical technology’

HYPNOTHERAPY

Life changes when you change your mind

Would you like to:

FEEL BETTER

BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE

REDUCE STRESS & ANXIETY

ENHANCE PERFORMANCE

BE FREE OF HABITS, ADDICTIONS OR PHOBIAS?

Venetia Moore

Multi award-winnning Holistic Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, trained and certified by Paul McKenna PhD.

Above Bath: a rolling hill walk from Colerne

In this month’s walk, Andrew Swift traces a circuit of steep lanes, hidden valleys and wide hilltop views around the east of Bath, where historic villages and country houses are linked by footpaths that require a sturdy pair of boots. The reward comes in the form of many magnificent vistas

This month’s walk explores the countryside east of Bath, a landscape that seems almost Tuscan with its rolling hills, sweeping vistas, scattered settlements and grand houses.

Here the Cotswold plateau drops sharply southward to the valleys of the Lid Brook and By Brook, and, although it is a delight to explore on foot, its slopes are steep and its ways muddy. A large scale OS map is also strongly recommended.

The walk starts seven miles north-east of Bath, at the Market Place in the village of Colerne (ST820711; SN14 8DF). On the east side of the market place is the church of St John the Baptist, which contains fragments of Saxon carvings. The clock on the tower, dating from 1685, is one of very few one-handed clocks to survive.

Head past the church down Vicarage Lane. After 75m, when the lane curves left, turn right along a footpath, passing an 18th-century gazebo in the vicarage garden. At the end, carry straight on along a lane, and, when you come to another lane, turn left downhill.

Bear right when the road forks (by No 40). A few metres further on, turn left to follow a footpath sign. After going through a handgate, bear left and almost immediately right to head straight downhill, as a vista of green fields opens up before you.

Carry on in the same direction for 425m, passing through two more handgates. After the second gate, continue alongside the hedgerow, but, when it curves left, carry on along a faint track curving gently right downhill to another handgate (ST823702).

After crossing the Lid Brook, go through a gate onto a lane. Turn right uphill, and after 375m go through a kissing gate (KG) on the left. Follow a waymark sign to a handgate in a fence, go through it and carry straight on, as the land drops steeply downhill.

At the bottom, go through a handgate in the right-hand corner of the field, cross the Lid Brook again and follow a faint track up to another handgate, beyond which a path leads through a wooded copse to a squeeze stile into the next field.

Carry on alongside the hedge. After going through a handgate, continue with the hedge on your left and go through a squeeze stile at the end to follow a lane through the village of Ditteridge (ST818695). The early Norman church of St Christopher, on the left, is well worth a visit.

Beyond it, the lane leads past thatched cottages to the village green, on the far side of which is a bungalow, built by George Edward Northey of nearby Cheney Court, and thought to have been inspired by buildings he saw while living in New Zealand. Go through a handgate to the left of it, follow a footpath through a field and cross a stile at the end. Take the footpath bearing right between cottages and follow it as it curves right to pass in front of Spa House. In the 1780s, following the discovery of a mineral spring, a spa opened here, complete with ‘a long room for breakfasting and afternoon tea’, ‘pleasant arbours adjoining the pump room’ and ‘genteel lodgings’, but its success was short-lived and it lasted for less than 30 years.

Carry on as the lane curves left but, after a few metres, bear right past a ‘footpath only’ sign into woods. When you emerge into the open, head across the grass, follow a path back into woodland and keep to the main track as it drops down to a lane. Bear right for 50m before turning left to follow a footpath sign past cottages (ST813690). After 100m, turn left through a KG and carry on in the same direction along the field edge. Carry on into the next field and continue for another 400m. At the end, go through a KG and follow a track towards a pair of farm gates.

Go through a handgate to the left of the farm gates to follow a path beside the By Brook. Shockerwick House soon comes into view on the right. This was built in the mid-18th century for Walter Wiltshire, a wealthy carrier – or what would be known today as a haulage contractor – whose business premises, off Broad Street in Bath, were known as ‘Wiltshire’s Yard’, or more simply ‘Shire’s Yard’. Wiltshire was three times mayor of Bath and his friends included Thomas Gainsborough, whose canvases he conveyed from Bath to London.

After going through gates at the end, turn right along a lane signposted to Upper Shockerwick (ST804682). This leads past Shockerwick House and Lower Shockerwick Farm, before climbing to a T junction, where you turn right. As you head east, another succession of views opens up, with Shockerwick below you, Kingsdown high on a hill beyond, Box to the east and Bathford to the west.

After 1200m, when you come to the hamlet of Alcombe, turn left (ST809693). A little way along, you come to Alcombe Manor, largely 17th century but incorporating a medieval building. At a T junction, turn left along a busier – but wider – lane. After 400m, follow a footpath sign on the right across a stile and head uphill beside a hedge (ST804698). At the top, cross a stile and turn right along a drive through the gates of Westwood House, which comes into view on the right. Described in the Pevsner guide to Wiltshire as ‘grandly scaled neo-Georgian’, and designed by George Ferguson and John Weir, it was built less than 20 years ago.

Continue past two cattle grids, and, after passing a copse and a log pile, branch off to the right across the grass to head downhill towards a KG alongside the drive (ST808702). Go through it and continue

steeply downhill to cross a farm track and a plank bridge over the Lid Brook.

Continue steeply uphill, go through a KG and, after passing another waymark, join a stony track.

Carry on in same direction, crossing a cattle grid and climbing up to a KG just past a small clump of trees (ST815706). Head straight across a ploughed field to a farm gate, but, instead of going through it, carry on alongside the fence. At the end go through a wooden KG. Carry on alongside the fence, keeping on past a white KG but going through a metal KG a little further on to follow a path between trees.

After going through the next gate, turn left up a footpath (ST819708) and carry on when you come to a gravel drive. When you emerge on Colerne High Street, turn right to return to the starting point, passing – or perhaps calling into – the Six Bells pub. n

Starting point: Colerne Market Place (ST820711; SN14 8DF).

Parking: should be available on Quarry Road north of the Market Place.

Distance: 7 miles

Map: OS Explorer 156

Terrain: Several steep slopes, which may be slippery. A good deal of walking along narrow lanes, which are generally quiet, although you need to be aware of vehicles approaching around bends.

Andrew Swift’s books on walking in around Bath can be found at www.akemanpress.com

Large Faux Pampas Grass Stem, £12. schnuggle.co.uk

Royal Heritage Floral Pure Wool Rug, from £320. johnlewis.com.

Tetrad Constable Grand Sofa,. £4,265. trhayes.co.uk.

Bloomingville

Bennette Glass Vase, £40. fig1.co.uk.

Felicity Smoke Blue Velvet. Frill Curtains, from £210. grahamandgreen.co.uk.

Rivals Revival

Everyone’s favourite steamy‘80s drama is back, as season two of Rivals returns to our screens this month. We couldn’t resist feeling inspired by the show’s country estate-meets- gentlemen’s club aesthetic, with a little bit of kitsch thrown in for good measure. Here’s how to bring a little bit of Jilly Cooper’s flamboyant world to life in your own home... Two Scalloped Quilted Placemats. £25, thewhitecompany.com.

Full Pleat Gingham Table lamp, £49.50. marksandspencer.com.

Pembroke Stripe Cotton Towels, From £6, pigletinbed.com

Everhot 160 Series, £17,495. coopershomeappliances.com.

&

Blue Hen Deep Round Steel Tray by Emma Bridgewater, £12. johnlewis.com

Cushion. £26.25, monpote.co.uk

“Good craftsmanship shouldn’t shout for attention — it should feel calm, balanced and completely at home in the space.”

Ben Lihou

From apprentice to master: Inside Somerset’s finest cabinetmakers

In a Somerset workshop just outside Bath, Artichoke’s makers are keeping Britain’s bespoke interiors alive with traditional craftsmanship – one finely honed joint at a time. Words by Katherine Raderecht

Just outside Bath, the craftsmen at Artichoke are quietly producing some of Britain’s most beautiful bespoke interiors. Traditional skills, apprenticeships and thoughtful design remain at the heart of the company’s work.

Bath has long been a city shaped by craftsmanship. From the masons who built its Georgian terraces to the furniture makers who later furnished them, skilled hands have always played a part in defining the character of its homes.

Today that tradition continues in the workshops of Artichoke, based in Cheddar, where a team of world-class designers and cabinetmakers quietly produce some of Britain’s finest handcrafted interiors.

Founded more than thirty years ago, Artichoke specialises in bespoke joinery for period houses - from kitchens and libraries to panelling and boot rooms - all designed and made to suit historic architecture. For Artichoke, craftsmanship is not simply about creating beautiful rooms; it is also about preserving skills that risk disappearing.

Learning the craft

Among those carrying the craft forward is the company’s managing director, Ben Lihou, who joined nearly a decade ago after training in furniture design. Like many craftspeople, his own path into cabinetmaking began with a lifelong fascination for making things.

Growing up, Lihou spent as much time as possible in workshops. One of his earliest memories is learning to make things with his grandfather - an experience that sparked a lasting interest in working with materials and tools. At school he was fortunate to have an inspiring Design and Technology teacher, John Pinch - whose son Russell would later become a well-known furniture designer. Encouraged to pursue his interests, Lihou went on to study design at Falmouth University.

What drew him to Artichoke was its uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship and to training the next generation of makers.

A workshop built on craft

The workshop at Artichoke is home to around twenty-five craftspeople, with more than fifty people working across the wider business. Each day begins early, often around seven in the morning, when the team gathers briefly to share updates before settling into their work. As the morning progresses, the space fills with the sounds of woodworking: boards being prepared, joints cut, veneers laid and furniture assembled.

The atmosphere is one of quiet concentration but also collaboration. Experienced makers work alongside apprentices, sharing knowledge that has often been built up over decades. Sophisticated machinery can help prepare materials efficiently, but hand tools remain central to the craft.

A finely sharpened plane or chisel, Lihou says, can achieve a level of sensitivity that machines cannot replicate. When used well, the tool becomes almost an extension of the maker’s hand, allowing subtle adjustments that bring the material to life.

This attention to detail is what defines true craftsmanship. For Lihou, the aim is to create furniture that appears effortless - technically complex pieces that feel calm, balanced and entirely natural within their surroundings. Good craftsmanship, he believes, does not need to draw attention to itself. Instead, it quietly enhances a room, becoming part of the architecture.

Designing for historic houses

Because many projects involve historic properties, extensive research is often required. Unlike mass-produced furniture, every project begins with a blank sheet of paper. The architecture of the house is carefully ➲

studied, considering proportions, materials and historical context before a single piece of timber is cut. The goal is always the same: to create interiors that feel entirely at home within their surroundings, as though they have always belonged there.

Working in historic buildings also presents practical challenges. Old houses rarely follow modern expectations of straight lines and square corners. Instead, walls lean, floors dip and dimensions shift subtly from one end of a room to the other. Solving these puzzles is part of the fascination.

Materials play an equally important role. Natural woods, traditional finishes and carefully chosen paints all contribute to a sense of authenticity. Rather than striving for perfection, the aim is often to create surfaces that will develop character with age - finishes that will gradually acquire the patina of everyday life.

Designing cabinetry for Georgian interiors requires a deep understanding of proportion and rhythm. In Lihou’s experience, Bath homeowners often achieve the best results when they respect the original character of their houses. Thoughtful design and quality materials allow new work to sit comfortably within historic spaces. By contrast, following short-lived trends can quickly date an interior.

Training the next generation

Central to the company’s philosophy is training the next generation of makers. Through apprenticeships, work experience and its School of Furniture programme, Artichoke introduces local young people to cabinetmaking and heritage joinery, helping to sustain traditional skills across the South West.

At Artichoke, apprentices learn through a traditional master-andpupil model, working alongside experienced makers at the bench. Over time they develop both practical skills and a deeper understanding of materials.

Although the mechanics of cabinetmaking can be learned within a few years, mastery takes much longer. Wood is a living material, and understanding how to work with it is a lifelong process.

For young people in Somerset, the apprenticeship programme offers a valuable opportunity to learn a highly skilled craft close to home.

Craft in a modern world

Looking ahead, Lihou remains cautiously optimistic about the future of traditional craft. In recent years he has noticed a growing desire for objects that feel meaningful and lasting. In a world increasingly shaped by technology and mass production, handmade furniture offers a sense of connection between maker, material and place.

While machines will always play a role in modern workshops, he believes the human touch will remain irreplaceable.

Furniture made well, he believes, should last for generations. In that sense, commissioning a bespoke piece is not just an investment in a home, but a contribution to the long story of craftsmanship that continues to shape the region. n

Artichoke is a designer and maker of bespoke heritage joinery in Somerset working at the very highest end of the market as well as an interior designer for collections of rooms and whole house projects around the world. Bespoke projects – price on application. Visit artichoke.co.uk or tel: 01934 745 270

Artichoke and The Furniture Makers Company will host Inspiring Makers 2026, a one-day conference in Bath on 13 May – see next page for details.

A place for practical beauty: the boot room

The boot room has become something of a signature for Artichoke. A recent project for a Grade II Regency estate near Bath demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform an everyday space. Built-in cupboards, bench seating and open storage for coats and boots create a practical entrance while maintaining the calm proportions expected in a historic house. As with all of Artichoke’s work, the joinery was designed specifically for the building, ensuring that the cabinetry felt entirely at home within the architecture.

Inspiring Makers 2026

Inspiring Makers 2026 is a one-day conference celebrating British craft, design and making, taking place at Bath Guildhall on 13 May 2026. Now in its fifth year, the not-for-profit event brings together emerging designers and makers with established industry figures, offering inspiration, practical insight and opportunities to build connections within the furniture and interiors sector.

Co-organised by Artichoke and the Furniture Makers’ Company, the event aims to champion traditional hand skills while supporting the next generation of craftspeople. Through a programme of talks and discussion, speakers will share their experience of working in design and making, addressing topics such as sustainability, innovation, education and the future of skilled craft in Britain.

The 2026 speaker line-up includes leading designer Bill Amberg, design futures consultant Caroline Till, furniture designer Fred Baier, and Belinda Joslin of Women in Boatbuilding, alongside Freddie Armstrong, Joseph De Ferranti of Slow Ways and Tim Hellier, technical director and Charlie Moss, apprentice at Artichoke

Inspiring Makers provides a welcoming environment for people interested in furniture, interiors and craftsmanship. Alongside the talks, the event offers a chance to meet and network with others working in the field.

Inspiring Makers seeks to help sustain Britain’s long tradition of making while inspiring future generations of designers and craftspeople.

For more information on the Inspiring Makers event, visit: furnituremakers.org.uk Tel: 020 7562 8522 artichoke.co.uk Tel: 01934 745 270

Apprentice profile: Charlie Moss

For 22-year-old apprentice Charlie Moss, joining Artichoke has provided the opportunity to turn a lifelong interest in making things into a career.

Growing up in Somerset, just fifteen minutes from the Artichoke workshop, he always enjoyed practical activities. “I’ve always liked making things,” he says. “Even when I was younger, I’d be the one building flat-pack furniture at home or turning cardboard boxes into dens.”

Although he initially studied sport and maths after school, it soon became clear that he wanted a more creative and practical career. That feeling was confirmed when he first visited the Artichoke workshop through a family connection. Seeing the furniture being produced - and the level of skill involved – quickly convinced him that cabinetmaking was the direction he wanted to pursue.

Two years into his apprenticeship, Charlie now spends his days working alongside experienced makers, contributing to a wide range of bespoke projects - from kitchens and dressing rooms to smaller pieces such as vanity units and wine trolleys.

One of his proudest achievements so far has been creating a pair of wine trolleys for a bespoke wine cellar - his first major individual project. Completing them successfully gave him a significant boost in confidence.

For Charlie, learning a traditional craft close to home brings a particular sense of pride - and the satisfaction of developing a skill that will last a lifetime.

Grow wild in the city

To mow, or not to mow? Garden expert Elly West ponders the changing attitudes to lawn care and shares tips on how to achieve your perfect meadow at home...

In the years I’ve been in the horticultural industry, I’ve noticed a strong shift away from formal lawns and neat borders towards a much more naturalistic approach. Low-maintenance is high on many clients’ wish lists when I’m designing their gardens, and a weed-free lawn that needs hours of maintenance and chemical treatments to keep it in shape is rarely seen as a desirable use of space, especially where that space is limited.

This month is No Mow May, launched by the conservation charity Plantlife in 2018 to encourage people to give their lawns a break from mowing and leave wildflowers to bloom. Around 97% of our meadows have been lost over the last century, along with the vital habitats and food for wildlife they provide. By leaving lawns for longer between cuts, or going a step further and nurturing a meadow space in your garden, you’ll be helping insects and birds, encouraging biodiversity, and enjoying all the colour and seasonal interest that wildflowers can bring.

Meadow flowers can bring so much to a space in terms of movement, colour, the sound of grasshoppers and the sight of bees and butterflies going about their pollinating work. I’ll often include areas of meadow in a garden, perhaps a deep strip at the edge of a lawn to create a buffer zone (great for wayward footballs!) or a larger designated space with some apple trees and flowering cherries. With paths mown through and somewhere to sit, this can easily become a favourite spot in the garden to relax and be surrounded by nature.

There are several different ways to create a meadow. Perhaps the most straightforward is to just let your existing lawn grow and see what happens. This will let any wild plants already in your lawn grow and flower, adding colour, interest and attracting wildlife. This is the No Mow May approach, which you can keep going for a month or two, or right through the summer, mowing again in early autumn.

However, if you want a more managed approach, then first find a suitable spot, preferably in a sunny location. Meadow plants thrive in soil with low nutrients, so no fertiliser is necessary, and you’ll need to remove any existing grass and weeds back to bare soil. A reliable, quick method is then to buy meadow turf, which contains juvenile perennial meadow plants and is supplied in rolls like normal turf. You can also choose a specific turf suited to your space – perhaps one that has more shadetolerant plants, for example.

A cheaper choice than using turf is to sow seeds in spring or autumn, and/or buy small plug plants. Meadow seed mixes are readily available, and can be raked lightly into the soil, but need to be kept watered. If they are left to dry out on a hot day before they’ve become established, your efforts could go to waste.

Yellow rattle is often sown to help meadows establish, especially where unwanted grass is persistent. This semi-parasitic plant slows down the rate of grass growth by feeding on the roots, allowing space and opportunity for your wildflower species to thrive.

Meadow plants to encourage include yarrow, clover, cowslips, quaking grass, red campion, buttercups, bird’s-foot trefoil, dandelions, daisies, oxeye daisies, poppies, field scabious, meadow cranesbill, musk mallow, meadow orchids and knapweed. You can also add bulbs in autumn, for example, fritillaries, camassias and wild tulips, such as Tulipa sylvestris.

An area of meadow is easy to look after and requires much less maintenance than a regular lawn. Simply leave it alone and don’t mow between early April and September. Give it a ‘hay cut’ in late-summer or autumn after it’s finished, clearing away the cuttings so they don’t add nutrients to the soil. You may need to cut it one or two more times before the end of the year to help keep grasses at bay and remove surplus growth, and maybe once again in spring if it’s getting too tall too quickly.

If you’re not sure about growing areas of wildflowers in this way, but don’t want to look after a lawn, there are other easy-care ways of filling a space that don’t have to mean paving it over. Many of my clients, especially those with smaller gardens and perhaps children that have left home, are giving up their grass and finding alternatives. Gravel gardens can be a good halfway ground, giving a softer and more naturalistic look than other forms of hard landscaping, interspersed with plenty of plants and ornamental grasses. Gravel also helps to keep moisture in the soil, and is free draining, so good for a sunny, open site that may be prone to drought.

Another option, closer to the green aesthetics of a swathe of green grass, is to choose low-growing mat-forming plants such as herbs and sedums to create a lawn-like turf in smaller areas. Chamomile is the classic choice, but a tricky plant to grow, needing plenty of sun and a light, sandy soil. Sedums, Corsican mint, creeping thyme, mind-your-own business and clover are easier options. Combine with stepping stones so you won’t have to walk on your plants.

For more information about No Mo May (or next month’s Let it Bloom June), visit plantlife.org.uk. There is the option to sign up to take part, which allows Plantlife to keep track of the natural spaces across the UK, and you’ll also receive a guide and tips to help you get started. n

Elly West is a professional garden designer, working in and around the Bristol area | ellyswellies.co.uk

Plant of the month: Snake’s-head fritillary

The delicate flowers of snake’s head fritillaries (Fritillaria meleagris) are a great addition to any meadow or lawn, with their beautifully patterned checkerboard petals that encourage a closer look.

The pink and purple flowers are held on narrow stems around 30cm high, above greyish-green leaves, and usually appear from March through May. They are grown from bulbs, planted in autumn, or you can often find potted plants in flower in the garden centre. Once planted, they should come back year after year, spreading by seed and underground to form naturalistic groupings. There are also white forms available.

Snake’s head fritillaries are particularly suited to areas that stay naturally damp, with some light shade.

Plant bulbs around 12cm deep in informal groups or drifts. They combine well with other wildflowers and are also well suited to rockeries and container displays.

One Reserved/Three Remaining

The Orchard Leigh is a 4 double bedroom delightful home with a spacious garden, a double carport and an EV charging point. On the ground floor there is a generous living room with a striking stone fireplace surround with hearth and wood burning stove, a beautifully designed Masterclass kitchen and dining area complete with granite worktops, a Quooker tap, wine cooler and premium integrated appliances. There is also a utility room, dedicated home office and WC.

On the first floor there are four double bedrooms with the principal suite having a private dressing room and an ensuite, while the second bedroom also benefits from its own ensuite. A contemporary family bathroom serves the remaining bedrooms.

The Orchard Leigh works hard for you behind the scenes. Achieving an impressive EPC B rating, this home is far ahead of the typical older property rated D or E. Built with highperformance insulation, airtight construction, an advanced air source heat pump, and underfloor heating throughout, you’ll enjoy consistent warmth in every room – without the bills to match. This home has been crafted by Ashford Homes, a celebrated local developer and proud recipient of multiple LABC awards, including the National Award for Best Development. For complete peace of mind, the property also comes with a 10-year LABC structural warranty.

Cobb Farr, 35 Brock Street, The Circus, Bath; Tel: 01225 333332 37 Market Street, Bradford on Avon; Tel: 01225 866111

Church View, Wanstrow

• 4 double bedrooms

• Masterclass luxury traditional fitted kitchen with fully integrated high specification appliances to include wine cooler and Quooker tap

• Stone fire surround with hearth and wood burning stove

• Air source heat pump providing underfloor heating and hot water

£1,100,000

Page Dairy, Newbury, Frome

£825,000

A superb conversion of a Grade II listed barn with a high quality specification throughout, set in approximately ¾ of an acre of gardens and with wonderful views across the surrounding countryside.

• Attractive period features

• 3/4 acres of garden

• Under floor heating

• Oak framed double glazed windows

• Parking for vehicles

• Wonderful views

Frome Road, Southwick

£1,250,000

A handsome, detached farmhouse which has undergone recent and extensive modernisation and improvement. Now boasting 5 beautiful bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, numerous bathrooms all finished to a high specification. Double garage complex with store above and potential annexe building ready for conversion with planning permission.

• 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms

• Beautiful gardens with paddock

• Milking Parlour for annexe conversion

• Garage complex with 1st floor potential

• Total plot size approximately 2 acres

01225 333332 | 01225 866111

Beyond the listing: Selling the story, not just the property

By Peter Greatorex

From time to time, a property captures wider attention and finds its way into the national press. We have seen that happen with homes we have represented, where the right story, combined with the right presentation, has resulted in coverage that reaches far beyond the local market.

However, those moments are not about luck. They are the result of a considered approach to how a property is positioned, presented and ultimately communicated.

Property is also one of those subjects that naturally draws interest. Whether someone is actively looking to move, browsing aspirationally or simply taking inspiration from design and layout, there is always an appetite for it. As a result, content relating to property tends to perform well, attracting strong engagement and wide readership. That is one of the reasons we see real value in PR when it is used in the right way.

In slower market conditions, our approach is not to pull back on marketing, but to do more. It is about investing additional time and thought into how a property is presented, considering the story behind it and how that can be communicated more effectively to stand out from the competition. That often means looking beyond the usual routes to market, using PR, video and social media to ensure a property stands out and reaches a wider audience. In many cases, it is this more proactive and considered approach that helps create momentum and ultimately delivers the right result for our clients.

Homes offer more than just bricks and mortar. They come with a history, a story of how they have been lived in, and often a sense of what they could become. Whether that is through architectural changes, interior design or a different way of using space, people are naturally drawn to how homes evolve over time. That wider interest creates an opportunity to present properties in a way that resonates beyond a standard listing. The way buyers engage with property has also changed significantly. The first viewing almost always happens online, and in many cases, decisions

are being shaped before someone has even stepped through the door. That means the way a home is presented, both visually and in terms of its narrative, has never been more important.

For us, this starts with understanding what makes a property stand out. Every home has a story, whether that is architectural, historical or simply the way it has been lived in. The key is identifying that and presenting it in a way that resonates with the right audience.

Professional photography, video and carefully considered wording all play a part in that process. But increasingly, PR has become an important extension of it. Working with our PR consultant, Helen Evison, we look at opportunities to place properties, and sometimes the stories behind them, in front of a wider audience through national and lifestyle media. This offers an opportunity to reach buyers who may not be actively searching in Bath but would consider it if the right property is presented to them in the right way. In a competitive market, that broader reach can make a meaningful difference.

Social media also plays a role here. It allows properties to be seen by audiences beyond the traditional portals, often creating interest from buyers who were not specifically looking but are drawn in by strong visuals or a compelling story. Video, in particular, has become a powerful tool in helping buyers understand the feel of a home and its surroundings before visiting in person.

What ties all of this together is consistency. Presentation, digital marketing and PR are not separate elements, but part of our approach. When they are aligned, they help create momentum, build interest and, ultimately, improve outcomes for clients.

It is also worth noting that not every property needs national exposure. The role of an agent is to recognise when it adds value and when a more targeted approach is more appropriate. The strategy should always be tailored to the property itself, the seller’s objectives and the audience it is most likely to attract.

In a market where buyers are more informed and more selective, standing out is about more than price or location. It is about how a property is presented and how effectively it is brought to market.

For us, PR is simply one of the tools that helps ensure our clients’ homes are seen in the best possible light and by the right people.

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

An impressive Victorian country residence dating from approx. 1860. This property, which has a rich history has been carefully and sympathetically renovated, retaining its original architectural features while providing spacious and comfortable accommodation, ideally suited to family living and entertaining.

• Approx 7.6 acres of gardens, orchard, woodland and paddock

• Electric gated entrance, double garage, driveway parking & tennis court

• Kitchen/breakfast room with Aga and multiple reception rooms

• Six bedrooms, including principal suite two en-suite and family bathroom

OIEO £1,900,000

• Convenient for Bath, Bristol and Wells

• EPC rating E, Council tax Band G

Notton, Lacock

OIEO £2.250,000

Set in approximately 5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, orchard, paddocks, and private woodland, this charming Grade II listed Cotswold stone house offers exceptional period character combined with stylish, modern living.

• 2 reception rooms and study

• 5 bedrooms and study / nursery

• Separate coach house with 3 bedrooms & 2 baths

• Swimming pool & tennis court

• Council tax band H

Hornblotton, Shepton Mallet

OIEO £1,750,000

A distinguished Grade II listed Georgian farmhouse with later extension, set within around 5.5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, paddocks, and wildflower meadows.

• Stylish two-bedroom detached annexe in former cowshed

• All-weather tennis court, outbuildings and greenhouse

• Spacious agricultural barn with potential for development

• Equestrian/smallholding potential - 4.5 acres of paddock

• EPC rating E, Council tax D

Properties for sale

See our latest available properties

Widcombe • Offers in excess of £1,000,000

A stunning example of a four storey Victorian town house situated in the sought after location of Widcombe within a few minutes walk of Bath Spa train station. Two reception rooms, kitchen/diner, four bedrooms one with an ensuite shower room, family bathroom, cloakroom/utility. Level garden. Freehold. EPC rating D. Council tax band E.

Combe Down • Guide Price £850,000

A handsome three bedroom extended detached family home situated in the desirable area. No Onward Chain and offers flexible accommodation, level, mature gardens, driveway parking and further potential for extension. Freehold, EPC Rating D, Council Tax Band E.

We know Bath.