ECHO
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Tuesday, 12th November 2019
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www.bathecho.co.uk | Issue No. 008 | FREE
McFly and UB40 set to headline Bath Festival Finale Weekend P2
Temporary 18-tonne weight limit for Cleveland Bridge
Surveys show structural parts of the bridge have come to the end of their life A TEMPORARY 18-tonne weight restriction is being placed on Cleveland Bridge in Bath ahead of essential maintenance works. The weight restriction will come into effect from January as a precautionary measure and it is hoped work on the bridge could start later in the year depending on a successful funding bid. Surveys show some structural parts of the bridge have come to the end of their life and are in
need of repair or replacement. The bridge was originally constructed in 1826 for horsedrawn vehicles and pedestrians, but now carries 17,000 vehicles a day including more than 600 HGVs. Bath & North East Somerset Council has submitted a funding bid to the Government’s Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund to secure financial assistance for the significant programme of repairs.
Councillor Neil Butters, joint cabinet member for Transport said: “Cleveland Bridge is a historically and strategically significant structure, not only as a Grade II listed structure but forming as it does one of the busiest river crossings in the area. “Implementing the weight restriction is a precautionary measure until we find out about the funding. The repairs to Cleveland Bridge will require
one of the most significant road maintenance projects the council has undertaken for many years and because of this we are seeking the help of the Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund.” The temporary weight restriction will see vehicles weighing more than 18 tonnes diverted on alternative routes, which the council’s traffic management team is developing. Continued on page 2
Cuts put arts at risk of becoming “very white, very middle class” P4 Salvation Army launches Christmas present appeal for families in need P5 Name sought for new open space at Mulberry Park development P7 Charity secures £250,000 grant for new alcohol treatment centre P9 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk
Properties in and around Bath seized by National Crime Agency MILLIONS of pounds worth of property, including 16 addresses in and around Bath, have been seized by the National Crime Agency (NCA) as part of a significant tax investigation. The property, which is worth up to £8.1 million and includes a villa in Tenerife, a Range Rover Evoque and 16 addresses in and
around Bath, has been recovered by the NCA following a civil recovery and tax investigation. Four members of the same family; Shane Davies, his wife Rhianna, mother Sheila and sister Tracey, agreed to surrender the assets, having conceded that they derived from the proceeds of unlawful conduct.
The property portfolio was acquired between 1998 and 2007. Investigations revealed that between 2004 and 2009 alone, it generated rental and commercial income of more than £2 million. The portfolio included a sevenbedroom converted barn and mill in Norton St. Philip, which on a holiday lettings website
boasted an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and five bathrooms. Also recovered was an 18th Century Georgian townhouse in Bath, which was operated as the Roman City Guest House, and the former Midford telephone repeater station. The defendants additionally agreed to pay back £368,000 of rental income
accrued from property lettings. NCA investigators believe that the portfolio was acquired through mortgage fraud and the sale of controlled drugs. The Davies family had claimed that the sizeable funds used to purchase the properties were the result of “gifts”. Continued on page 3
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McFly and UB40 to headline Bath Festival 2020
In this issue... Top stories
P2-11
Health P12 What's On
P14
Community
P16
Letters P18 Business P19 Politics
P21
Puzzles P22 In Other News
P23
Sport
P24
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BATH Festivals and Orchard Live have announced McFly and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro as the headline acts for the 2020 Bath Festival Finale Weekend. The acts will be playing on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May 2020 on the Recreation Ground in Bath. Festival organisers say they are thrilled that McFly have added Bath to their 2020 national tour dates, which include major venues such as Manchester Arena and London’s 02 Arena, whose November date sold out in minutes. They will be supported at their Bath appearance by Scouting for Girls, who released their latest album in September 2019. Legendary reggae band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro, had a string of hits in the 80s and 90s, including Red Red Wine, Rat in Mi Kitchen and I Got You Babe, and have just celebrated their 40th anniversary with a tour and a new album. The band is headed by Ali Campbell and Astro. They will be supported on Sunday 24th May by Billy Ocean. Many of the singer’s floor-fillers, including Caribbean Queen, Love Really Hurts Without You and When The Going Gets Tough, have become modern-day classics. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks. There will also be the chance for solo acts and
McFly will be headlining Saturday of the Finale Weekend | Inset: UB40
bands to enter Bath Festivals’ Bath Introduces talent competition. Acts will battle it out in a series of heats to compete for slots playing the main stage during the Finale Weekend, with the winner receiving the prize of a day’s professional recording at the Real World Studios. Look out on social media for more announcements in the coming weeks, of more acts and details of how to enter Bath Introduces. This will be the third year
undercover seating than ever before, where people can meet up with friends and enjoy a range of festival food. The Bath Festival Finale Weekend is being supported by sponsors Bath Ales, Novia, Bath BID and Agriframes. General tickets are on sale from Friday 15th November at 10am. Tickets can be purchased from ticketmaster.co.uk and the Bath Festivals website: www. thebathfestival.org.uk/finaleweekend or Bath Box Office tel: 01225 463362.
Autumn leaves clean-up Cleveland Bridge repairs
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that the two-day live music spectacular has been staged at Bath Recreation Ground. As well as the main stage, there will be bands playing in the Big Top, plus other stages featuring local talent, the spoken word and street theatre. There will be a Kids Zone with live entertainment to keep younger festival-goers entertained. Festival stalls will offer a variety of delicious artisan food and drinks stalls, and there will be bars selling beer and cider. For 2020 there will be more
A CLEAN-UP of Bath & North East Somerset’s autumn leaf fall has got underway as part of the council’s drive to keep the streets clearer for pedestrians and cyclists. Extra staff and sweeping equipment have been allocated to clear up leaves on key routes across Bath & North East Somerset, including in rural areas and Bath city centre. The extra funding is part of the £40,000 street cleansing drive announced by the council in August to provide extended periods of high-quality cleaning and washing and remove litter. Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “One of our priorities is to improve the cleanliness of
the whole district as well as the centre of Bath. “The extra funding we have put into the autumn leaf cleaning will mean that key pedestrian and cycling routes will be clearer and safer for people to use for their commutes and for leisure. “We would ask residents whose own trees drop leaves onto the public highway to please help us where they can by clearing up outside their own properties. “We also invite people to let us know if they experience dangerous slippery leaves that need clearing in priority areas by emailing us.” To get in touch about leaves that need clearing in priority areas, email Leaves_Cleansing@ bathnes.gov.uk.
Continued from page 1 The traffic management team is working with neighbouring authorities and Highways England. It is estimated that more than a third of all HGVs currently using the bridge, which links the A4/London Road in Bath with the A36 via Bathwick Street, are travelling through Bath rather than having made a delivery or begun their journey in the city. Councillor Butters added: “We are already working with stakeholders including businesses and other partners to plan how best to manage the disruption that we know is inevitable when we undertake these essential improvements. “We apologise for the inconvenience that will be caused by the weight restriction coming into force, but hope that drivers of heavy vehicles will understand that we have to implement this measure to allow the bridge to be used as a main route in future.” Further information on the alternative route diversions will be published as soon as they become available, and the
council will be in contact with the main operators of vehicles over 18 tonnes, together with businesses whose deliveries will be affected, ahead of the restriction coming into force in January. Councillor Manda Rigby (Lib Dem, Bathwick) commented: “I am grateful to the Council for the early notice given of both the imminent weight restriction and longer term repair closure. I’m not surprised that this volume of traffic has caused damage to a bridge never intended for anywhere near this amount and weight of vehicles. I hope that we review all options during this period when action has to be taken on safety grounds.”
Tuesday, 12th November 2019
NCA seizes millions of pounds worth of property Continued from page 1 This could not be substantiated. Andy Lewis, NCA Head of Asset Denial, said: “This investigation has identified unlawfullyheld assets worth millions of pounds. “The Canary Islands holiday home and prestige vehicle represent the obvious trappings of wealth, but equally important is the recovery of numerous commercial and residential properties, which will otherwise have continued to generate substantial revenue that the defendants were not entitled to.” “It is vital to the UK’s economic wellbeing that assets are held legitimately, and the NCA is determined to recover property acquired through the proceeds of serious and organised crime.” The NCA’s investigation was supported by Avon & Somerset Police. Detective Sergeant Gareth Kitchener, said: “This is a fantastic result that is testament to the tenacity of the NCA investigators who took this case forward. “It demonstrates that civil recovery powers are an extremely powerful tool in the fight against organised crime.”
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News in Brief Man sought after stopping at collision Police are appealing for help following a single vehicle road traffic collision in the Paulton area in which a person was seriously injured. It happened on Friday 25th October at about 11.30pm outside Wick House in Upper Radford. A car was in collision with a stone wall and a tree, causing serious injuries to one of the two occupants in the vehicle. Police are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward to assist in their enquiries. Investigators understand that a member of the public stopped to assist at the scene but left prior to the arrival of emergency services. Officers are particularly keen to speak to him as he may have information to help their enquiries. They would also like to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage of the incident. If you can help, call Avon and Somerset Police on 101 quoting reference 5219247876. A man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and released under investigation.
Properties in Bath , including the Roman City Guest House in Raby Place, were seized | Photos: © National Crime Agency
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Cuts put arts at risk of becoming “very white, very middle class” Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
BATH Carnival is on a knifeedge between “disappearing or blossoming into the crowning jewel for the city”. The annual event attracts 30,000 spectators and is the culmination of months of engagement with often hard to reach, disadvantaged groups. Organiser Stu Matson said cuts to arts funding put that at risk, but it should be recognised as one of the few inclusive occasions that brings all walks of life together. He was not alone – other creative minds have highlighted the challenges they face, with warnings that the arts are at risk of becoming “very white, very middle class”. Mr Matson said: “What would be the cultural cost of losing the carnival if we don’t have the funds to do it? It’s becoming ingrained in the identity of Bath. “The city deserves one day of the year where everybody comes together and celebrates. “Our costs for the upcoming year are just under £100,000. If our Arts Council bid is successful, we’ll be just under halfway. “Every single volunteer, artist and industry professional that commits to another year is doing so in the knowledge that it’s
very white, very middle class, and not particularly diverse. “They wouldn’t reach hard to reach areas.” One group that has been able to get money out of the council is Bath Festivals. The organisers applied for a loan and were awarded a £75,000 grant to help it become sustainable – on the proviso that it widens its audience. Ian Stockley, chief executive of Bath Festivals said: “Funding has been a challenge faced by the festival since it began in 1947. “As an arts charity, we rely on the support of sponsors, trusts and patrons. Growing ticket sales is also vital. Transitioning to the wider appealing large-scale community based combined arts festival in May without this one off grant [from the council] would have taken longer.” Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for communities, said: “The carnival plays an important role in Bath, it supports local charities and provides artsbased workshops and learning opportunities throughout the
“Bath Carnival is the only event of this size in the city that’s completely inclusive. That should be acknowledged. “I’m not expecting any direct investment. The council should have a holistic approach and should be able to factor into their budget that there would be a contribution. “It’s such a fine line between this disappearing or blossoming into the crowning jewel for the city. “The plans for next year will be amazing. There will be an ecoconscious theme. It’s going to be spectacular.” Director Luke Emmett was among the protesters against the council’s art cuts, and said their fears had been realised. He said: “There’s no work. It’s gone ridiculously quiet. We knew that would happen. There are pockets of things happening but they’re on a shoestring. They’re all counting the pennies. “I’m looking for jobs outside of Bath. The work is just not there any more. Before all the cuts and austerity, there were concessions. “Because of the big deficit in the budget, the council is now charging top whack for its services. They’re forced to make up the shortfall. “Sponsors don’t want to pay if it’s just going straight to the council. “If something doesn’t change, there will be art here but it will be
not 100 per cent until we reach the finish line. That’s a horrible position to be in. “Are we going to tackle the issues or just watch another arts organisation disappear, or another free event become ticketed? Even a pound would be too much for some people.” There were protests when Bath and North East Somerset Council cut its art funding. Demonstrators were back on the streets for an ultimately unsuccessful bid to save the authority’s arts development team – the duo were described as the glue that holds the city’s culture together. The department closed earlier this year. Speaking at the time, Liberal Democrat councillor Dine Romero – who now leads the authority – branded the Conservative administration’s cut short-sighted, and said the area’s creative industries would undoubtedly suffer. The council has been supportive of Bath Carnival – it awarded two grants totalling £8,000 and helped the organisers secure an artist studio in Twerton. They also benefited from reduced rates, but Mr Matson said those discounts are no longer on offer. “We have a really good relationship with individuals in the council and totally understand their budgets are being squeezed,” he said.
Photo © Stephen Sumner
year to people across the city. “As a result, the council continues to support and champion the carnival in a variety of ways from identifying premises in Twerton, assisting with the lease and providing business support. “The carnival also benefited from the council substantially reducing the rate payable for the use of Sydney gardens.” He said the council supports the arts in different ways, including the grant it paid to Bath Festivals and leasing empty shops to artists as pop-ups, and there is an artistic element to its museums. Councillor Richard Samuel, cabinet member for resources, said: “Any changes to current arrangements for the arts will be made as part of the budget for next year which is currently in the course of preparation.”
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Plan to ban parking from inner half of the Circus SINGLE yellow lines are to be removed from one of Bath’s most historic streets in an effort to protect the environment and take steps to address the Climate Emergency. Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services has agreed to change the single yellow line parking restriction around the inner island of the Circus to a double yellow line restriction. Councillor Wright said: “Visitors from around the world come to see our World Heritage city and one of the key draws is the Circus, an outstanding example of Georgian architecture with its circle of large townhouses. “However, visitors are not only met by this wonder, but also by parked cars, congested traffic, predatory driving and air pollution. “When we declared a Climate Emergency we committed to make major changes. To continue to allow parking in the inner zone of the Circus is not just a symbolic gesture that “we can no longer conduct business as usual”, it is also a moral issue. “We must find new ways to travel and encouraging parking in one of the world’s pre-eminent cultural sites is no longer appropriate.” Professor Barry Gilbertson,
Bath man charged with dwelling burglary A 28-year-old man, Ben Pothecary, has been charged with burglary. Pothecary, of Haycombe Drive in Whiteway, Bath, appeared at Bath Magistrates Court on Thursday 7th November charged with dwelling burglary. He was arrested on Wednesday 6th November and has been charged in connection with an incident on 28th September in which a property on Victoria Road in Bath was burgled. Pothecary has been remanded in custody and will appear at Bristol Crown Court on a date yet to be set.
Residents invited to Bath Christmas Market preview evening
The Circus in Bath | Photo © Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock.com
Chair of the Circus Area Residents Association (CARA), said: “We were surprised, and pleased, with the council’s decision to work towards the elimination of destination parking in the Circus, especially on Sundays. “Bath’s World Heritage inscription is important to our tourism,
but many other towns and cities around the world have made their special cultural sites car free. Bath can do so, too. “However, as many residents live in and around the Circus, we are pleased that parking has been retained around the outer ring. “The decision means visitors will
Recycle your electrical items for chance to win shopping vouchers LOCAL residents could win prizes of £50 in shopping vouchers this autumn for recycling broken or unwanted electrical items from the comfort of their homes. The council is continuing its partnership with technology company BetterPoints to run BetterRecycle, a scheme that encourages people to recycle their old electrical items with a chance to win prizes. During November and December, each time households in the district leave an electrical item in their recycling box, they will receive a leaflet with a QR code printed on it which enables them to enter into a prize draw. For a chance to win a prize, residents can download the BetterPoints app to their smartphone and then scan the QR code with the app whenever they put small electrical items such as phones, hairdryers and toothbrushes into their green recycling box. The prize draw will be drawn at the end of each month and residents can check whether they’ve won via the app. Winners will get £50 worth of BetterPoints, which they can either swap for high street vouchers or donate to charity. Councillor Dave Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Last year our residents recycled more than 56 tonnes of small electrical items through our weekly green re-
News in Brief
Councillor Dave Wood with the various recycling containers available
cycling box collections and we want to increase that number by encouraging people to recycle more. “All small electrical appliances can be recycled and made into new things using their valuable metals and plastics. “One clothes iron can provide enough steel to make 13 new steel cans. All the items will be crushed, separated into their different materials and recycled to make new products.” Any small electrical item that has a plug or uses batteries can be recycled, such as kettles, blenders, calculators, cameras, chargers, digi-boxes, electronic toothbrushes, electronic toys and games, hair straighteners, hi-fi equipment, irons, power tools, shavers, telephones, torches and more. For more information, visit
www.betterrecycle.betterpoints. uk. The council’s recycling centres recycle larger electrical waste items that can’t be collected as part of the weekly doorstep service. If you have an electrical item that is need of repair, Share and Repair runs four Repair Cafés across Bath and North East Somerset They take place once a month in Weston, Larkhall, Southdown and Peasedown St. John. Their skilled volunteers can try to fix your electrical items as well as mechanical items, furniture, clothing, toys and more. Typical items include lamps, toasters, coffee machines and hair straighteners. If you’re not sure, just bring it along and they can advise. For upcoming cafés, visit: http://shareandrepair.org. uk/repair-cafes/.
better enjoy the Georgian splendour of the Grade 1 Listed Buildings of the Circus – the first ever to be built in England, from 1754 onwards.” It’s anticipated that the double yellow line restriction around the inner island of the Circus will be put in place during December.
Residents across Bath and the surrounding area are being invited to attend the exclusive preview evening for the upcoming Bath Christmas Market on Wednesday 27th November. The event will take place between 5-7pm, offering the chance to meet the makers and take advantage of B&NES Discovery Card discounts. There'll also be late-night opening at the Lodge on Stall Street, and musical entertainment to enjoy.
Bath Salvation Army launches Christmas present appeal CHURCH and charity Bath Salvation Army is working to ensure more than 500 children from Bath and North East Somerset will wake up to presents on Christmas Day. Bath Salvation Army on Green Park Road is encouraging people to add an extra toy to their shopping list so that families struggling to buy a gift for their children can make sure there is a surprise under their Christmas tree this year. Church leader Major Amanda Lee said: “During the festive season, when many are enjoying celebrations with friends and family, others are struggling to make ends meet. “Our team of volunteers will be packing your generous Christmas gifts for local agencies to deliver to those who might otherwise go without. The Christmas Story inspires us as a church to reach out to those in need, so we’re running the Christmas Present Appeal to ensure every child gets a present.” People are invited to drop a new unused toy for a child aged 0 to 16 years old to Sally Ann’s Café, The Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1XE from now until Friday 6th December. The Salvation Army will sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through The Salvation Army’s own net-
works, local groups, and social services. Gifts can include anything from soft and educational toys for the very youngest child, to games, toys and accessories for older children. Amanda said: “Last year we delivered over 600 presents to families in need. If you have children, grandchildren, or children you support, think of what they might like in their Christmas stocking and consider buying an extra present and donating it. “We’re asking for brand-new toys or gifts so the families we support feel extra special. “We are grateful for all donations we receive, but food items and used products are not appropriate for this appeal.” The Salvation Army works throughout the year to provide compassionate support, a listening ear, and practical help to people who are vulnerable or in need in Bath. In addition to church services every Sunday, The Salvation Army in Bath runs a CAMEO fellowship afternoon, toddler group, Singing by Heart choir, lunch club and computer club. Amanda said: “We have our annual Christmas Concert on Friday 6th December at 7pm (tickets are available from Sally Ann’s Café) and our Carol Service on Sunday 15th December at 6pm."
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Bath firework display rescheduled after weather postponement THE Bath Rotary firework display, which was postponed last week following safety fears due to strong winds, has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday 17th November. Organisers say tickets for the original event, which was due to take place on Saturday 2nd November, will be valid. In a statement, they said: “We’re really sorry that we had to cancel last Saturday’s planned display, but the weather and resulting safety concerns left us no option. “Recognising the importance of the event for the charities we are planning to support, and the fact that the Rec Fireworks are a much-enjoyed Bath community event, we have worked with the various authorities to find an alternative date at short notice. “We’re pleased to announce we will be holding the re-arranged Community Charity Fireworks Display on Sunday 17th November, at the Rec, starting at 7.00pm, with gates opening from 5.30pm. “We’d like to thank the Recreation Ground Trust, Bath Rugby, Bath and North-East Somerset Council, and our chief sponsors, Bath Building Society, for all their help in enabling this new date.” Anyone holding tickets for the original event will be able to use them to attend the new firework display. Tickets have gone back on sale,
and all money raised will go towards two main local charities. These are: • ‘Voices’, a Bath based charity providing support for women who have experienced Domestic Abuse; • The Reminiscence Learning ‘ARCHIE’ project, helping bring Bath schoolchildren and Care
Home residents together. Tickets for the event cost £7 per adult (£6 in advance), £4 per child (4 to 16yrs), and are available to purchase from Bath Building Society branches, Bath Box Office, and online via the Rotary Club of Bath website: www.rotary-bath.co.uk.
Writer shortlisted for prestigious Waterstones Book of the Year award LANNY, a novel by the Bathbased author Max Porter, has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year 2019, one of eleven books vying for the award. The wide-ranging shortlist comprises four fiction titles, two works of non-fiction, three children’s books, an illustrated fable and a cookery book. Every year, Waterstones booksellers are called on to nominate a title which they find truly outstanding, and in which they have felt the most pride recommending to readers over the preceding twelve months. Last year’s winner, Normal People by Sally Rooney, had escaped proper recognition until she won the Waterstones Book of the Year. Her book then became the runaway Christmas bestseller and went on to become one of 2018’s biggest selling books. James Daunt, Managing Director of Waterstones, said: “That we have a shortlist of eleven gives indication of the nature of the Waterstones Book of the Year. “It follows no rule other than that our booksellers must love these books and wish to see them in the hands of more readers. Some years, we can settle on fewer to compete but this year the range and balance of argument was too
finely poised. It is a fabulous list.” Bea Carvalho, Waterstones Fiction Buyer, added: “Max Porter’s lyrical, symphonic second novel has set the standard in literary fiction for us this year. “Lanny is an atmospheric celebration of childhood and nature which is steeped in folklore and a rich sense of place. “It’s a novel which defies classification and challenges conventional form: we fell in love with its creativity and Porter’s exquisite, poetic prose. “Grief is the Thing with Feathers signified the launch of an exciting new author and Lanny has ensured Porter’s reputation as a new giant of contemporary literary fiction: we can’t wait to see where his career goes from here.” Porter was born in High Wycombe in 1981 and received an MA in History of Art at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. Prior to his writing career, Porter was a bookseller and won the Bookseller of the Year Award in 2009, and he was Editorial Director at Granta and Portobello Books until 2019. The Waterstones Book of the Year 2019 will be chosen by a Waterstones panel headed by James Daunt and will be announced on Wednesday 27th November.
New gritting fleet to keep Bath & North East Somerset moving NINE new low-emission gritting lorries are set to keep roads safe and traffic moving across Bath and North East Somerset during freezing weather, thanks to investment from the council. Bath & North East Somerset Council has taken delivery of the state-of-the art vehicles, which are fitted with the latest Euro VI OBD-D rated engines. The vehicles have improved safety measures and are ‘all-wheel drive’ as well as having a GPS controlled automatic spreading system. All nine gritters have sophisticated mapping software – enabling the driver to cover any route in any vehicle, maximising the council’s flexibility to respond to bad weather. On board weighing means the gritters can measure and carry the optimum amount of road salt required to be spread for forecast conditions which saves time, fuel and reduces emissions. Their low level salt spreaders will ensure salt is spread effectively
across the intended areas with minimal wind impact. The machines also have improved ploughs – these are able to remove more snow from the road surface reducing the risk posed by compacted snow and ice. Councillor Neil Butters, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “It’s essential we keep the road network safe and flowing during bad weather conditions. “The council has invested in these new vehicles which are a big improvement on our previous fleet with reduced emissions and the ability to remove more snow from the roads. “Working alongside our partner Volker Highways we have a very experienced team ready to deal with whatever conditions winter throws at us. “Of course, a lot of the gritting work is carried out overnight as we do our utmost to keep roads safe and the road network running throughout the winter.” In preparation for bad weather
the council’s road salt storage facility has been topped up to capacity with 1,300 tonnes of salt. The 442 grit bins sited across the district for public use are also being refilled. More than 38 per cent of the road
network is treated by the council during freezing conditions – a total of 263 miles of highway which is more than the national average. The gritting fleet can operate around the clock to ensure the maximum level of support is giv-
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en to residential and business communities across the district. Residents are being reminded that the council is unable to supply salt directly to the public and should not attempt to enter council highways depots for safety reasons. During any severe winter weather, the council provides regular updates about the status of its services via Twitter on www.twitter.com/bathnes. Residents can play their part in helping the council to manage the road network during severe weather by reporting any problems by calling: 01225 3934041, emailing: council_connect@ bathnes.gov.uk or via Twitter @ ccbathnes For more information, including a winter advice leaflet offering tips on dealing with severe winter weather on highways and pavements across the area, and Government guidance on householders clearing snow and ice outside their home, go to www. bathnes.gov.uk/gritting.
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Name sought after plans for open space at Mulberry Park development given green light CURO has secured planning consent to create a new park at their development of almost 700 homes at Mulberry Park in Combe Down, and a name is now needed for the open space. The housing association and housebuilder is asking local residents to get involved in a competition to find a name for the new community open space. This is the final major planning application to be determined by Bath & North East Somerset Council for Mulberry Park, after the fourth and last phase of development was granted detailed planning permission in July this year. Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, said: “Local residents, stakeholders and B&NES officers have helped us to develop and refine proposals for a new park that is beautiful, inclusive and can be enjoyed by people of all ages; we’re delighted to be able to start works on the public open space
soon. “We want to continue the tradition we’ve established at Mulberry Park, of celebrating the area’s history, its people and their contributions to community and country and we’re inviting residents once more to choose a name – this time, for their new park. “The development itself was named by local resident Ken Cookes in 2014, to reflect the city’s long military history and celebrate the Mulberry Harbours, designed in Bath by the Admiralty and used for the D-Day landings in World War 2 – while the streets in Phases 1 and 2 at Mulberry Park have been named after the young men of Combe Down who served in the First World War. “We’re keen to continue working with the residents in naming these new local landmarks. “So if you have an idea for a great name for the park, we’d love to hear from you!”
The new park will include an equipped play area for ages 2-11, as well as a picnic zone, flexible event spaces, areas of wildflower meadow, sensory planting, and hedge and tree planting to encourage biodiversity. Curo will also look at developing a centrepiece for the park, such as a bandstand, to support cultural activities. In addition, footpath links will facilitate access to the park from the development and the wider area, while the Woodland Walk, which will be created north of the park, will connect the community to other places in Bath via Pope’s Walk. The park, which was granted planning permission by B&NES
An illustrative bird’s eye view of the new park | Image © Curo
officers via delegated decision, will open in 2022. The case officer’s report highlighted that “the proposed park will provide an attractive area of public open space with a mix of uses and activities which will cater to the needs of the newly established community at Mulberry Park.” If you have a name suggestion for the new park, Curo would like to hear from you – the winning name will receive £100 in shop-
ping vouchers. Submit your proposed name online, at www.curo-group.co.uk/ name-the-new-park or send your ideas together with your name, age, contact details and one sentence explaining the story behind your suggestion by Saturday 30th November to: Curo, Communications Team – Name the new park The Maltings, River Place Lower Bristol Road Bath BA2 1EP
OYO UK takes on new 10-year lease M&S launches search for Bailbrook Lodge hotel for seasonal colleagues SPECIALIST property adviser Christie & Co has brokered a new 10year lease on the 4-Star Bailbrook Lodge Hotel, an 18th-century dower house hotel on the outskirts of Bath. The hotel will undertake a seamless transition into the OYO brand, a move that represents the global company’s first foray into the buoyant Bath hotel marketplace. The previous leaseholders have built a reputation for quality and service at the hotel, which has 15 guest bedrooms. Jeremy Sanders, Head of OYO UK said: “We are delighted to be working with Bailbrook Lodge and officially launching OYO Hotels in the Bath area. “We hope this is just the start as we seek to develop new partnerships and grow business for other independent hotel owners in the
region.” Richard Thomas at Christie & Co, who brokered the deal added: “The Bailbrook Lodge hotel is a fantastic business in a great setting and credit must go to the outgoing business owner for meticulously developing and main-
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M&S is on the lookout for 50 seasonal colleagues to join their stores in Bath to help busy local families get ready for the festive season. A variety of Christmas temp roles are available in the Bath stores across Clothing, Home and Food, with applications now open. Seasonal colleagues will play a vital role in bringing the magic to local families in Bath this Christmas, from helping to find the perfect festive jumper, to choosing the show-stopper centrepiece for the dinner table. The new recruits will also be on hand to promote festive collaborations such as the new Frozen 2 collection, with merchandise available across all Kidswear sections in M&S stores. M&S has already launched its online gift store on M&S.com and introduced in-store gift shops in all
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stores. Sacha Berendji, Retail, Operations and Property Director at Marks & Spencer said: “The run-up to Christmas is one of the busiest times of year and we want to make shopping with us as enjoyable and easy as possible. “This means we need more great colleagues on hand to offer a brilliant service and help customers get everything they need, from the big gifts right down to the trimmings. “We have a fantastic team in Bath and, every year, many of the additional colleagues we recruit stay with us, so we very much look forward to welcoming applicants.” All new colleagues will have induction training. Rates of pay are competitive, and colleagues enjoy a 20% discount on M&S products from their very first day. To apply, visit: http:// careers.marksandspencer.com/
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Avon Fire & Rescue delivers three trucks Book Review and equipment to Gambian fire service No Swinging on Sundays AVON Fire & Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer Mick Crennell and a GAFSIP team have delivered three fire engines and other equipment and uniform to the Gambian Fire Service. As part of the Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership (GAFSIP), the Service has been helping to enhance the capabilities of the Gambian fire service for nearly 30 years by providing lifesaving equipment, capability and training. In the latest donation, Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) has donated three fire engines along with breathing apparatus and other equipment to firefighters in the region. CFO Mick Crennell also visited various stations on his visit to the region, and held meetings with Gambia’s Chief about how to continue to enhance the relationship. While on his visit, Mick expressed and confirmed the Service's commitment to continue to support and enhance the relationship for the mutual benefit of both services. He said: “As a Fire Authority and a Service, we are honoured and privileged to be able to have this partnership with the Gambian Fire and Rescue Service and we will continue to support its development. “We have seen the level of support grow, and what’s more, we have seen the level of the professionalism of the fire service in the Gambia grow throughout our partnership. We have seen what a difference our equipment and training makes and the lives it has helped save. “We are looking forward to the future because this partnership will only continue to get stronger and those in the region will be safer as a result.
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“As an ambitious Service, not only will we help those in our own communities, but also help others where we can. Anyone in the fire service is part of the international family and we will do what we can to help.” CFO Mick Crennell was joined on the visit by Watch Manager and GAFSIP Trustee Paul Kirk, Firefighter Ben Coghlan, Firefighter Rob Morgan, Firefighter Pete Ballard and Watch Manager Steve McGreavy. The Deputy Chief Fire Officer of The Gambia Fire Rescue Service, Lamin Sanyang expressed gratitude on behalf of the service for the assistance stating that the partnership is strong and continues to grow. ‘’We receive training manuals, prac-
tical training, and equipment. It is because of this partnership that we were able to get fully equipped fire engines as we cannot buy it ourselves. We are very proud of them. “With this donation, we will operate as far as Wuli in the Upper River Region. “We have never thought that we will reach that place and save lives across the country.” The presentation ceremony took place at the State House in Banjul in the presence of the President of Gambia, the UK High Commissioner to The Gambia, H.E. Sharon Wardle, and other senior government officials, including the Deputy Chief Fire Officer of The Gambian Fire Service, Lamin Sanyang.
WALKING around Bath today, you'd be forgiven for thinking that what you see around you resembles much of what the city has looked like over the past few centuries. This book, however, written by local historian Kirsten Elliott, is eye-opening in explaining how much Bath has changed, especially in relation to the city's long lost pleasure gardens. The reader is taken on an in-depth timeline about the initial beginnings of parks and gardens becoming popular culture, why businessmen were often bankrupted by their pleasure garden aspirations and how Sydney Gardens still survives today as a public park, despite the trials and tribulations encountered along the way. Did you know that regular firework displays were one of the biggest highlights for the city's pleasure gardens? The use of them nowadays is relatively controversial, but back when paying subscriptions to walk around the gardens was the norm; fireworks regularly drew thousands of visitors. This book, split into four parts, shares the evolution of Bath's pleasure gardens; going back 300 years through to what they are now - mostly built over by housing developments or
converted into private gardens. Enjoy reading about how Bath reinvented itself in the early 18th century, to the pleasure garden business in Bath becoming cutthroat, Sydney Gardens becoming the last pleasure garden to survive and finally how in more recent years, pub gardens took on the role of providing entertainment for residents. If you're interested in finding out why the Holburne Museum building stood empty for years, why the development of women's underwear was the cause of a ban on using the swings in Sydney Gardens on Sundays and early plans to move the Mineral Water Hospital to Sydney Gardens, this book has it all. The perfect gift for a Bathonian - especially with Christmas around the corner.
Council unveils strategy to help prevent homelessness and rough sleeping NEW plans to help prevent homelessness and eliminate rough sleeping across the local area have been drawn up by Bath & North East Somerset Council. The five-year Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy includes ways to prevent and reduce homelessness through working in partnership with a range of organisations from the NHS to private landlords. Comments are being looked at for consideration by the cabinet in December. The strategy is based on four key themes: • Preventing homelessness • Supporting vulnerable households • Reducing rough sleeping • Increasing accommodation options Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “We aim to end rough sleeping and homelessness in Bath and North East Somerset, but it’s a huge challenge. “There are many complex reasons why people become homeless, and we need to work to prevent these underlying causes.
“We also need tackle the shortage of affordable housing and the lack of private rented accommodation affordable to people on welfare benefits. This strategy aims to do just that.” The latest statutory count carried out in November 2018 revealed there were 20 rough sleepers in B&NES. Currently, there are 30 homeless households in temporary accommodation across the district. Over the past twelve months the council has received funding through the Government’s Rough Sleeping Initiative to provide additional services for people who are homeless in addition to those already provided by the authority and voluntary agencies. These new services include: • Safesleep, 20 additional beds for singles and couples during the winter • Housing First, permanent accom-
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Local Democracy Reporter
Stephen Sumner
Last chance to enter BPT photographic competition
A CHARITY that helps people turn their lives around has secured nearly £250,000 for a new alcohol treatment centre in Bath. The Public Health England funding will allow Developing Health and Independence to create a more targeted approach to “supporting and motivating high impact dependent drinkers” and increase its number of alcohol clients by 40 per cent. A DHI spokesman said: “We’re really pleased to have been awarded this grant from Public Health England in our 20th anniversary year. “The funding will help us refurbish an empty building and bring it into use as a treatment facility, in particular for those who struggle with alcohol problems. “This will enable more people to make the changes they need in order to lead a better life, and will ultimately save the NHS and tax-
THE Bath Preservation Trust (BPT) is on the lookout for images of architecture for their annual photo competition “Architectural Photographer of the year”, and there's not long left to enter. Categories for the annual competition include: • Architecture of Entertainment From ancient amphitheatres to then multiplex cinema architects have designing entertainment spaces for thousands of years. This year the BPT are setting a challenge for photographers to capture images of architecture, interior or exterior that have an entertainment theme, be it the Sydney opera house or the Theatre Royal. • Bath: After the Georgians Most people who come to visit Bath are here to see the Georgian city. However, as the city has expanded and developed over the
Charity secures £250,000 grant for new alcohol treatment centre
payer money. “The building will also serve as our new charity head office.” DHI plans to use the funding to secure and refurbish a listed building in St James Parade. The charity is based out of the Beehive in Walcot Street and The Hub in Midsomer Norton. The former will be reconfigured
into an “active change/maintaining recovery venue”. The £248,500 grant came via Bath and North East Somerset Council. Officers said the new centre will provide a major resource within the new integrated drug and alcohol treatment system for Bath and North East Somerset.
years, so too has its architecture. Even within the centre you can find the odd 1960’s brutalist building and as you travel further out of the centre great examples of Victorian and Edwardian styles can be found. What can you find? What buildings old or new catch your eye? • Junior architectural photographer of the year Open to photographers under the age of 19. BPT want to see what architecture inspires you? What do you prefer old buildings or ultra-modern? What’s the coolest building you’ve seen? Prizes include a meal and stay at the luxury boutique hotel No.15 Great Pulteney, an acrylic print by DS colour labs and photography kit by K&F concepts. Entries close on Saturday 30th November. Visit www.museumofbatharchitecture.org.uk for more information and how to enter.
Extended Sixth Form Centre opens at King Edward's School
The new Sixth Form Centre at King Edward's School
THIS autumn has seen several major new facilities arrive at King Edward’s School on North Road, beginning with the newly extended and refurbished Sixth Form Centre which opened at the start of term. Working with local architects, Mitchell Eley Gould, KES Sixth Formers and staff were instrumental in developing plans for the new space, with suggestions being put forward for a redesigned work environment and social space. Pupils were keen that the new centre echoed the environments typically found at universities and was further able to support different work styles and study needs. As a result, the former large com-
mon room style space has been zoned into different areas. An ‘inhabited’ wall now runs through the middle of the room defining the separation between social and study spaces and provides recessed alcoves for small groups to use, seating for individuals, built-in lockers and glazed doors to the adjacent quiet room. The café area and surrounding spaces all provide group casual work and social spaces and are surrounded by furnished areas that provide an identity to each space, with lighting and suspended acoustic panels reflecting the change of character of each area. There are hidden stories in the design as well, such as the new shelving between the main entrance and the café being mod-
elled on the proportions of Corbusier’s modular man using a Fibonacci progression. The new Sixth Form Centre has met with unanimous praise, with pupils appreciating both the contemporary redesign and vibrant atmosphere that the refurbishment has achieved. Following the new Sixth Form Centre, a new, two-storey Modern Foreign Languages Centre has just opened its doors. The new £2m MFL facility, sitting adjacent to the Sixth Form Centre, allows a more flexible approach to teaching, particularly when helping pupils to develop their listening and speaking skills, and incorporates seven new classrooms, including language labs and smaller teaching spaces, as well as a new locker area and office space. New classroom equipment and furniture completes the project. Elsewhere at the school, the start of term also saw a new all-weather pitch open at the Pre-Prep school, replacing the grassed area at the bottom of the grounds. The school's youngest children now have a year-round weatherproof space suitable for both PE lessons and play. Further enhancements at their Weston Lane site include a new wooden outdoor play system which has been a big hit with PrePrep children, rapidly becoming the focus of play at break and lunchtimes. New laboratories now provide KES with first-class facilities and underpin the ambitious plans in science teaching and resources, which the school hopes will see the arrival of more refitted laboratories in the near future.
The new two-storey Modern Foreign Languages Centre at KES
A number of laboratories at the school have recently been refitted
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Council set to pay housing New food brand association £450k to vacate building LittleScoffs launched at popular Alice Park Cafe Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
BATH and North East Somerset Council is set to hand a housing association £450,000 to vacate a building. The Guinness Partnership signed a 65-year lease in 23 Grosvenor Place in London Road in 1993 but the authority is offering it a “reverse premium” to end the deal early. The grade I-listed building was constructed as a hotel in the 18th century and converted into flats in the 1970s but does not lend itself to good quality affordable housing. The council owns the property and has been in talks with Guinness for several months about getting it back empty – 11 of the 20 sub-tenants have already relocated. Deputy council leader Richard Samuel said: “No decision has yet been made about 23 Grosvenor Place. “Guinness Housing Association owns the leasehold, which has 39 years remaining and could sell this on the open market. “However, we have been given the opportunity to secure the leasehold. “We already own the freehold and having both would enable the council to carry out a full property appraisal on the asset and decide the building’s future.” Council papers say Councillor Samuel is asked to sign off the decision on or after November 28. He is recommended to authorise
surrendering the lease, subject to vacant possession and a payment of £450,000 to Guinness. The cost could be recouped by the sale of the property. The papers say: “On exchange of the surrender documentation, it is agreed that the tenant will continue to relocate the remaining sub-tenants occupying the property with a view to obtaining full vacant possession as expediently as possible, enabling completion of the surrender and payment to the tenant of the agreed premium. “This process has already commenced with the tenant confirming that 11 out of 20 sub-tenants have been relocated as at October 15.”
A spokesman for the Guinness Partnership said: “We were agreeable to the surrender of the lease on 23 Grosvenor Place, a listed building comprising of 20 low-cost rented properties, after negotiations with the council. “The configuration and condition of the building does not lend itself to good quality affordable housing. We have found homes in the Bath area for most of the residents and the remaining residents are in the process of viewing properties.”
ALICE Park's popular cafe has launched a special new food brand, LittleScoffs, offering wholesome meals for local youngsters, as well as adults. Designed for busy parents who want quality food for their children, the meals available to purchase from the Alice Park Cafe contain no additives, no sugar, minimal salt and the current range is vegetarian, with additional options on offer for vegan families. Using local ingredients where possible, and Quorn to substitute meat, the range currently includes Chickless Curry and Rice, Fish Pie, Meatless Balls & Spaghetti, Brociflower Cheese Pie and MacVicars Cottage Pie. Work is now underway to further establish the growing brand, and talks are currently taking place to
provide a local school with the high-quality meals. Available as part of the expansive menu at Alice Park Cafe, the LittleScoffs offering is available for parents to take away frozen, with 4 meals costing £10. While the food is perfectly portioned for little ones, the simple addition of some fries or a side salad can create the perfect grown-up meal. LittleScoffs is currently exclusively available at the Alice Park Cafe.
Alzheimer’s Society seeks volunteers for Bath service THE Alzheimer’s Society is on the lookout for Bath residents ready to take up a fun, friendly and flexible volunteering opportunity, with their Side by Side service. Volunteers will be paired with someone with dementia, so they can help them keep on doing the things they love – and try new things too. The UK’s leading dementia charity aims to support people living with dementia to continue to play an active part in their community and do more with Side by Side. Alzheimer’s Society research shows people with dementia are more at risk of loneliness – with a third of people reporting to have lost friends since their diagnosis. Two thirds of people with dementia remain in their communities, but many feel trapped in their own homes - with almost one in 10 only leaving the house once a month. Side by Side, supported by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, aims to change that. By using a new approach to volunteering by pairing people through what they love to do, Side by Side volunteers get to make a difference; not only to the lives of people in their area living with dementia, but to their own life too.
Mary-Jane King, Alzheimer’s Society’s Side by Side Co-ordinator for Bath and North East Somerset said: “Loneliness is a real problem for people with dementia, yet we know that one of the most important things for those affected is to remain part of their community and continue to do the things they love – from badminton to ballroom dancing, we are encouraging people to do more with Side by Side. “With someone developing dementia three minutes, there are nearly 1,000 people waiting for volunteers right now. “It’s vital that we all unite against dementia and do what we can to make a difference.” Existing Side by Side volunteers have reported that they have gained and shared skills, developed new friendships and even enhanced their job prospects through their involvement in Side by Side. From watching a movie, to catching a fish, do something you love or try something new. Or if it suits you better, you can volunteer on the Side by Side phone line. To find out more, visit www.alzheimers. org.uk/sidebysidevolunteer or call Clare Lucas, Alzheimer’s Society’s Volunteering Officer, on 01249 443469.
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More residents in flats to benefit from food waste recycling
Police appeal for help to locate wanted man
MORE residents living in flats in the centre of Bath will be able to recycle their food waste for the first time when new containers arrive on their doorsteps. Bath & North East Somerset Council is delivering food waste caddies, green boxes, blue card bags and small reusable rubbish bags to more than 75 flats in the city, where residents have not been able to recycle their food waste before. The council’s waste education team will also be knocking on the residents’ doors to help people use the new containers correctly and advise which waste materials can be recycled. Councillor David Wood, joint cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and the Climate Emergency, said: “Last year we collected an impressive 6,500 tonnes of food waste from people’s homes but we are always looking to help people recycle more. “We rolled out our food waste recycling programme to 250 flats across the district in September
AVON and Somerset Police have launched an appeal to locate a wanted 35-year-old man from Bath who is wanted for assault and breach of a court order. Valentino Marchese is known to frequent the Odd Down area of Bath. Marchese is white, approximately 5ft 6ins tall, of large build and has blue eyes and short or shaven dark hair. He has a tattoo on his right arm of the Tasmanian Devil cartoon as well as a scar caused by a burn. If seen, the public are advised not
and the extra 75 flats that will receive containers this week will enable those residents to help the environment and keep our streets cleaner. “With the right containers, recycling is an easy process and I encourage people to use their new kitchen caddies, recycling boxes and bags.” Instead of throwing food waste in rubbish, people will get a kitchen caddy to store food waste in. Everyday household plastic bags, except the thicker bags for life, including plastic potato bags and
plastic bread bags can be used to line the kitchen caddy to keep it clean. Compostable liners, newspaper or paper bags can also be used. People are able to recycle all raw and cooked food waste including fruit and vegetable peelings, plate scrapings and bones. The food waste is taken to a local processing plant, GENeco in Avonmouth, where it is turned into bio-fertiliser for use on agricultural land. The treatment process also generates renewable energy.
to approach Marchese but to call 999, providing the call handler with the reference 5219148811. Anyone with information of his whereabouts is asked to call 101 quoting the same reference. You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.
Petition accuses council of “selling off family silver" with play area plans Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
PLAY areas across Bath and North East Somerset aren’t being lost – they’re being “repurposed”. That was cabinet member Paul Crossley’s response after he was handed a petition from Somer Valley residents accusing the council of “selling off the family silver”. He said users had been consulted but no decisions had been made. Quoting from the 25-signature petition at Thursday 7th November’s cabinet meeting, Councillor Eleanor Jackson said: “We petition the administration to reconsider the decision to dispose of the family silver, i.e. 11 children’s community playgrounds. “These well-loved, much used areas are essential to young people’s mental health and physical
wellbeing, and the creation of community spirit in long established villages and new estates. “The safety and security of children is our highest priority and we expect the professional standards of care and maintenance to be retained.” Bath and North East Somerset Council provides 60 play areas, with others provided by Curo and town and parish councils. It spends up to £400,000 each year replacing play equipment but said it was “not practical” to provide new kit at 10 sites where there are better facilities nearby. Signs posted in several play areas in September said: “The council has done a comprehensive review of all of its play spaces and has found that in this area there is a duplication in the provision of formal play areas. “We are keen to diversify the leisure offer in our green spaces and provide more sociable and playful landscapes not reliant on
fixed play equipment, and there are a range of alternatives to formal play equipment which are suited to this location.” Ideas included “creating a community garden, replanting to improve the biodiversity of sites and planting more trees and wildflowers” to “ensure these valuable public spaces are attractive and welcoming to everyone using them”. The play areas in Bath that could be affected are Burnt House Road, Calton Road, Loxton Drive, Parry Close and St Saviours. Changes may also be coming to Chalfield in Keynsham, Burchill Close in Clutton, Hillside Crescent in Midsomer Norton, Kilmersdon Road in Haydon and Manor Copse in Writhlington. Cllr Jackson added: “If the [children’s] opportunities for outdoor play are reduced, the likelihood of their health problems is increased. “Their parents pay their council tax, and along with grit bins, rubbish collections and recycling, they expect the council to deliver for the welfare of their children. “Where the play equipment has been provided by their own fundraising or from section 106 money covered by the developers’ sale of
The St Saviours play area at risk | Photo © Bath Echo
overpriced houses to them, they are the more offended.” She said there had been a lack of transparency and consultation about the future of the play areas, a charge that Cllr Crossley denied. The cabinet member for communities said: “The play areas aren’t being closed. Some are being repurposed. “We’re looking to move to imaginative play. It’s been proven around the country to get more children playing for longer.
“We’re putting in new play equipment across the authority, including the first disabled wheelchair-friendly roundabout. “None of this has been done secretly. There’s been consultation with a range of people. “Decisions have not yet been made.” Cllr Richard Samuel, cabinet member for resources, said the council would spend £325,000 on improvements to play facilities by the end of the financial year.
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Health £250k donation helps RNHRD continue vital lupus research PATIENTS being treated for the debilitating auto-immune illness lupus at the new RNHRD and Brownsword Therapies Centre in Bath are to benefit from a £250,000 legacy. It was left via the hospital charity The Forever Friends Appeal in the will of a former patient who wished to make an impact for future patients and invest in further research carried out in this area of work. The RNHRD, which recently moved from The Mineral Hospital to the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust’s Combe Park site, is already a designated Centre of Excellence by Lupus UK – one of just seven nationwide. The hospital has an international reputation for its research into a range of rheumatic conditions, including lupus, and its rheumatology team provides both specialist and general rheumatology services for adults, children and adolescents. The lupus service is led by three Consultant Rheumatologists, all specialists in autoimmune Connective Tissue Disorders – Dr
Ellie Korendowych, Dr Sarah Skeoch and Dr John Pauling, and is supported by two Nurse Specialists, Jaliah Norcott and Sarah Smith as well as specialist Rheumatology therapists. Dr Korendowych said: “October was national Lupus Awareness Month and this incredibly generous legacy via our hospital charity The Forever Friends Appeal will help us to continue the fantastic work we are doing in lupus research to support our clinical and research programme. “The RNHRD is the only Lupus UK Centre of Excellence in the south west, something we are extremely proud of and which reflects the hard work and dedication of all our staff.” “Our number one priority is providing high quality care for our patients and research underpins everything that we do. “We work closely with Professor Neil McHugh, Honorary Consultant at the RNHRD and Head of the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at the University of Bath. “Professor McHugh established the lupus service at the RNHRD
and has an international reputation in research into this field. “We are planning some exciting research projects in collaboration with the University of Bath to further enhance our knowledge of lupus and the impact it has on our patients. “We run a dedicated lupus clinic and also work very closely with our colleagues across the RUH, particularly in Obstetrics, Dermatology and Respiratory medicine where we hold combined clinics for our patients with lupus.” Jane Batchelor, who has been treated for lupus at the RNHRD for over 20 years, said: “I’m always impressed with the continuity of care I receive. “You are being treated by people who have vast experience in what is quite a rare condition. “It’s the same team too – familiar faces who know you and your history. I have to come for infusions every six months and it’s always a very relaxed, low-key, yet professional environment. “I’m very grateful for the care and support I’ve received over the years at the Mineral Hospi-
Public health team helping raise awareness of HIV in the over 50s BATH and North East Somerset’s public health team is backing Age UK’s campaign to raise awareness of the increasing rate of HIV in the over 50s. There are currently more than 100 people living with HIV across Bath and North East Somerset, with one in three over the age of 50. Nationally over the past four years there has been a dramatic drop in the overall number of people diagnosed with HIV, but the diagnosis rate in those over the age of fifty is increasing. To try to address the issue AgeUK has launched a new campaign: ‘HIV: Age is No Protection’. It aims to help the over 50s understand more about HIV and encourage them to access sexual health resources. In support of the campaign and National HIV testing week which runs from Saturday 16th to Friday 22nd November, Bath’s Riverside Clinic is holding additional free walk-in clinics for people who want advice or an HIV test. The clinics will run from 8.30am to 1pm Monday 18th - Saturday 23rd November. Bruce Laurence, Bath & North East Somerset director of Public Health, said: “HIV is now a treatable condition. Medication can keep the virus totally under control, which means that those living with the disease can lead
an active and healthy life without experiencing symptoms or passing the virus on. “However, it is really important people get tested as early as possible if they have any chance of being at risk through current or past sexual behaviour, use of injectable drugs or potentially risky medical procedures. “Late diagnosis delays treatment, which could lead to symptomatic and dangerous illnesses, and could also mean that the infection gets passed on to others.” AgeUK discovered there are several reasons why there’s been an increase in the diagnosis rate in over 50s including being ill-informed about HIV, a reluctance to disclose sexual history to new partners, mistaking symptoms and therefore taking the wrong medication and missed or incorrect diagnosis in Primary care. The ‘HIV: Age is No Protection’ campaign aims to ensure older people understand the advances made in preventing and treating HIV since the 1980s with the main message being Think – Test – Treat.
Think about safe sex; if there are any concerns, get tested, and if necessary, effective treatment is available. The campaign will feature in social and mainstream media both in the run up to and after World Aids Day on Sunday 1st December. The National Aids Trust said: “We wholeheartedly support AgeUK’s campaign to raise HIV awareness among older people. “Thanks to prevention efforts, new HIV diagnoses in the UK have fallen significantly since 2015, but we’re not seeing the same rate of progress among older people, especially older women. Two-thirds of people over 65 are diagnosed late, which can have serious consequences for health outcomes. HIV and sexual health interventions must consider people of all ages if we’re going to tackle HIV effectively and achieve our goal of ending HIV transmissions in the UK by 2030.” For more information about the free walk-in clinic at the Riverside Clinic visit: https://ruh.nhs.uk/sexualhealth
Jane Batchelor, an RUH lupus patient
tal, which I am confident will continue at the new RNHRD and Brownsword Therapies Centre.” Systemic Lupus is a life-long illness of the immune system, a condition in which the body’s defence mechanism begins to attack itself through an excess of antibodies in the bloodstream. This causes inflammation and
sometimes damage in the joints, muscles, skin and other organs. Studies have shown that nearly 1 in 1000 people living in the UK have Systemic Lupus. Approximately 90% of sufferers of the illness are female and it is most common to develop the condition between the ages of 15 and 55.
Public invited to last dementia information workshop of the year PEOPLE living in Peasedown St John and the surrounding areas are being given another opportunity to find out more about dementia this November, thanks to a free information workshop. Dementia Friendly Peasedown is running the event in partnership with St John’s Church. The session will be held at St John’s Church, Church Road (BA2 8AA) on Tuesday 19th November at 7pm. Nathan Hartley, Project Manager for Dementia Friendly Peasedown, said: “This is the final opportunity before Christmas for local residents to attend one of our free Dementia Friendly Information sessions. “Over 60 Peasedown residents have now attended one of our workshops this year, which is fantastic! One in four people will be affected by dementia in their lifetimes, especially those diagnosed with clinical anxiety in middle age, which is why it’s important to work with individuals and their families to try and make life much easier for those who have it. Hopefully, this evening session will be ideal for people who work during the day and haven’t been able to attend one of our daytime sessions.”
The latest dementia reveal that currently: • There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. This will soar to 2 million by 2051. • 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes. • 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia. • 70 per cent of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems. • There are over 40,000 people under 65 with dementia in the UK. • More than 25,000 people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK are affected. Jane Street, a St John’s Church member, added: “We want to meet as many people as possible and make them aware of dementia, and how we as a community can support those who live with it. As well as hosting this dementia information workshop, the church will be working with Dementia Friendly Peasedown on other projects over the next year.” Any member of the public who would like to find out more about dementia is invited to attend on Tuesday 19th November. Refreshments will be provided.
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Bath scientists invent first on-thespot test for synthetic drug ‘spice’ A SIMPLE saliva test to detect if someone has recently taken the street drug “spice” has been developed at the University of Bath, the first such test ever created. The multi-disciplinary research team who developed the five-minute test hope it can be used by health professionals to better treat people suffering from adverse effects of the synthetic drug. Despite the serious and increasing public health problem that spice poses in Britain and other countries around the world, there is currently no point-of-care test to tell if someone has recently taken it. This is especially problematic for health professionals as many patients they believe have used spice are unconscious, incoherent or experiencing psychosis. Without being able to test for spice a precautionary approach is often followed which might not be the optimal course of treatment. In addition, people undergoing temporary psychosis due to spice might be unnecessarily admitted to a psychiatric ward, putting pressure on NHS resources. The saliva test developed at the
University of Bath takes about five minutes, can be done on the spot and will identify whether spice has recently been smoked, what group of the diverse variants available it came from and an indication of concentration. Spice isn’t a single substance but can be one or a mixture of more than 100 subtly different manmade chemicals. That makes testing for spice particularly difficult and why this approach is such a step forward. The test prototype is reported in Analytical Chemistry. Dr Chris Pudney from the University of Bath’s Department of Biology & Biochemistry came up with the idea. He said: “My partner is a psychiatrist and she was telling me that currently they don’t have a way to confirm when they suspect spice use, they just don’t know for sure. “You can test for it with a urine or blood sample that is sent off to a lab, but that takes a few days and so in most cases it’s pointless. “I started looking into the chemistry and it’s actually similar to something we have developed for detection of biological molecules. “We decided on saliva because it seemed tractable and less inva-
sive than some other options.” Dr Pudney contacted colleagues from the Departments of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, and Computer Science to explore developing the test and whether it would be attractive to health professionals. The University hosted a ‘Patient Public Involvement’ session with representatives from the NHS, drug charities and homeless charities who collectively expressed an interest. Dr Jenny Scott, from the Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, said: “Spice can be used to ‘zombify’ people, escaping them from the reality in which they find themselves, making them highly vulnerable. “Two thirds of prison governors report concern about new psychoactive substances use in their prisons, including spice. “Use of spice and other synthetic cannabinoids is estimated at about 10% amongst prisoners, and has placed a strain on emergency healthcare. “Our collaborative research work with homeless people who use drugs has found spice is commonly taken by them also. “Detection and confirmation of spice use early on when some-
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The research team at the University of Bath
one is found incoherent gives a chance to start timely treatment for their symptoms. “Further down the line, we can foresee the kit being used as part of a care pathway that avoids the need to hospitalise some patients if appropriate healthcare can be given where they are.” The research team now wants to further develop the prototype to optimise it for use in clinical settings. They hope to be able to trial it with medical professionals within a year. Dr Pudney added: “We’ve proved the concept with a test that’s sim-
ple and very accurate. The hardware is compact and portable and the results are easy to understand. “We’re working on software now, so that the user has a simple ‘oneclick’ way to use it.” The project was a collaboration across the departments of Biology & Biochemistry, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Computer Science, Physics and Electrical Engineering. The Patient Public Involvement session was held as part of a Public Engagement initiative in the Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology.
New research and clinical trials centre opens at RUH A NEW era of medical research and clinical trials has started with the team from the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases – known as the Min – joining colleagues already based at the RUH in a refurbished and extended centre on the Combe Park site. The Min research team is the latest to relocate from the Mineral Water Hospital site to the RUH, ahead of the building being vacated and handed over to new owners later this year. The refurbished and extended Research and Clinical Trials Centre provides office and clinical accommodation for the RUH and RNHRD research teams. Facilities include five new spacious and clinic/examination rooms for research patients and volunteers, new consulting and resource rooms and refurbished patient waiting space. Dr Kelly Spencer, Research Manager Operations said: “It is great to see all of the years of hard work and planning come together to create this space, which will support the continuation of high quality research across all of RUH.” It is acknowledged that there are benefits to patients at hospitals undertaking research projects. Outcomes are better, irrespective of whether the patients themselves participated in research. Similarly, patients being treated in hospitals that undertake research may have access to new drugs or treatments that might not otherwise be available to them. Research also benefits the Trust in helping to attract and retain high calibre staff, enhances the Trust’s reputation
and is an important source of income. The research and clinical trials teams work collaboratively with universities, other NHS Trusts and the pharmaceutical industry to run around 300 different research studies at any given time. These studies range from trials into new treatments for diseases such as cancer, rheumatology and stroke through to studies that support patients with rehabilitation or chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and many others that simply involve a blood test or data analysis. All research undertaken at RUH is externally funded through partnership with the National Institute for Health Research, research grants, charitable funds and commercial companies. Other staff moving from the Min to the Research and Clinical Trials Centre are from the Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases and the Bath General Practice Educational and Research Trust. The final service to transfer, the Bath Centre for Pain Services, will move to its new home in the refurbished Bernard Ireland House at the RUH site later this month.
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What's On West End hit Peter Pan Goes Wrong takes to the stage in Bath MISCHIEF Theatre, the multi award-winning theatre company responsible for the worldwide smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong, will bring their Olivier Award-nominated West End hit Peter Pan Goes Wrong to the Theatre Royal Bath for nine performances from Tuesday 26th November to Sunday 1st December. Co-written by Mischief Theatre company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a highly physical comedy packed with finely-tuned farce and Buster Keaton inspired slapstick, delivered with split-second timing and ambitious daring. The play sees the ‘Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’ back on stage battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present J.M. Barrie’s much-loved tale. But will they ever make it to Neverland? Nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2016, Peter Pan Goes Wrong has enjoyed two West End seasons, a tour of Australia and New Zealand and a UK tour. A one-hour version of the show was broadcast on primetime BBC One in December 2016, starring David Suchet as the guest narrator and watched by an audience of over six million worldwide. The production visits Bath as one of 14 venues nationwide on tour, including a Christmas season at Alexandra Palace Theatre in London. Directed by Adam Meggido, the talented touring cast features Romayne Andrews as Dennis, Tom Babbage as Max, Geor-
gia Bradley as Lucy, Connor Crawford as Chris, Katy Daghorn as Sandra, P h o e b e Ellabani as Annie, Ciaran Kellgren as Jonathan, Ethan Moorhouse as Trevor, Oliver Senton as Robert and Patrick Warner as Francis, with understudies Eboni Dixon, Christian James, Soroosh Lavasani and Ava Pickett. This will be the sixth time that Mischief Theatre have visited Bath after bringing their first UK tour of The Play That Goes Wrong to the Theatre Royal in 2014, before returning in 2015 to present Peter Pan Goes Wrong, followed by sell-out runs of The Play That Goes Wrong in both January 2017 and February 2018, and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery in spring 2019. Mischief Theatre was founded in 2008 by a group of graduates from The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). After beginning as an improvised comedy group on the London and Edinburgh fringes, they grew into one of the UK’s leading theatre companies, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy for The Play That Goes Wrong, and licensing their productions worldwide. Mischief Theatre performs across the UK and internationally with
Photos © Alastair Muir
improvised and original scripted work. Their current productions include The Play That Goes Wrong which is now booking into its 5th year in the West End at the Duchess Theatre and also touring the United States and playing Off Broadway, following a two year run on Broadway and two sold out UK tours; and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, which is now in its 3rd year in the West
End at the Criterion Theatre and recently enjoyed a nine-month UK tour. Their ‘Mischief Season’, a yearlong West End residency at the Vaudeville Theatre, is premiering three new comedies including Groan Ups and (from 14th December) Magic Goes Wrong. The third production has yet to be revealed. Mischief are also set to launch a brand new six-part television series for BBC One,
The Goes Wrong Show, written and starring the original founding Mischief Theatre members. Mischief Theatre is led by Artistic Director Henry Lewis and Company Director Jonathan Sayer. Peter Pan Goes Wrong tours to the Theatre Royal from Tuesday 26th November to Sunday 1st December. Tickets are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or book online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk
Preview | My Cousin Rachel Theatre Royal Bath A BRAND new stage production of Daphne du Maurier’s thriller My Cousin Rachel starring Helen George, Simon Shepherd and Jack Holden opens in Bath this week, prior to a UK tour presented by Theatre Royal Bath Productions. Adapted by Joseph O’Connor and directed by Anthony Banks, My Cousin Rachel appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from Wednesday 13th to Saturday 23rd November. The cast also features Christopher Hollis, John Lumsden, Sean Murray and Aruhan Galieva.
Image © Bob King Creative
Murderess, seducer, thief, enchantress – or merely a woman intent on survival? Alluring, exotic and unconventional, Countess Rachel Sangalletti travels from Florence to the Ashley Estate in Cornwall, home of her recently deceased husband. Her presence in the house arouses dark suspicions and uncontrollable desires, not least in young Philip, cousin and heir to the Ashley home. Feverish passion battles reason in this classic Gothic romance set in the wild landscape of the rockribbed Cornish coast. Written by Daphne du Mauri-
er, the author of Rebecca and Don’t Look Now, this menacing psychological thriller enthralled readers when it was published in 1951 and went on to become an international bestseller. It was first adapted into a film in 1952 starring Olivia de Havilland and Richard Burton and, more recently, in 2017 starring Rachel Weiss, Sam Clafin and Iain Glen. My Cousin Rachel appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from Wednesday 13th November to Saturday 23rd November. Tickets are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk.
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Review | Calendar Girls
Review | Lysistrata
Calendar Girls the Musical by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth is a production of great integrity and warmth and has found its place at the Theatre Royal for the week. It is inspired by the true story of a group of ladies, who decide to appear nude for a Women’s Institute calendar in order to raise funds to buy a settee for their local hospital, in memory of one of their husbands. The show has huge amounts of humour and pathos concentrating on the overwhelming support
So what did the Greeks do for us? Apart from arts, sports, medicine, law, language, maths, philosophy and democracy (the worst form of government except for all the others, according to Churchill, and that’s currently looking like an understatement), they gave us Lysistrata. Well, Aristophanes did and it was first performed in 411 BC. And if you think that makes it old fashioned think again. Plus ça change, particularly when Playing Up get their hands on it. The Peloponnesian war has been going on for seemingly ever and with no end in sight, the women, led by Lysistrata, convene a meet-
Theatre Royal Bath
The Rondo Theatre
Photo © John Swannell
of a community to create something quite extraordinary. The apparent simplicity and energy of this remarkable tale belies its huge heart which is safe in the hands of an outstanding cast. The company are universally strong from Sarah Jane Buckley (Annie) and Rebecca Storm (Chris) as long term friends alongside Sue Devaney (Cora) and the young rebels Tyler Dobbs (Tommo,) Danny Howker (Danny) and Isabel Caswell (Jenny.) There is so much to enjoy in this
celebration of humanity and determination in the face of grief. The humour is well-timed and ensures there is little sentimentality or overdramatization of the storyline. The effect is powerful and long-lasting; a show that no doubt will touch the hearts of the audience in many different ways but the overriding joy and triumph of friendship in the face of adversity is quite beautiful and the audience response is well deserved.
Petra Schofield
ing with the other women. Eventually, she persuades them to withhold sexual privileges from the menfolk thus hopefully forcing them to end the war. Naturally, on their intermittent returns from war, the men don’t think this is the best idea since bread (slicing not being invented yet). Thus the fun begins and it doesn’t take a genius to work out the winners. Much updated with many modern references plus music and dance, this would be a treat for lovers of double entendres, and single ones.
Philip Horton
We’re now taking advert bookings for our bumper Christmas issue! Don’t miss out - it’ll be available to pick up from 10th December Interested in advertising? Call 01225 589789 to book your space Coming up this week in Bath Enlightenment
The Mission Theatre 13th - 16th November, 7.45pm Lia and Nick anxiously await news of their son Adam who has not been heard from since a terrorist bomb in the Far East where he has been travelling. A powerful study of parental grief.
A History of Georgian Pleasure
On the way in Bath next week
Concert: Eastern Strings
Harvest Dinner by Mark Hix
Wild Goose Dreams
Museum of Bath Architecture 14th November, 7.30pm The Bristol-based duo “Eastern Strings” features the combined 15 strings of Daphna Sadeh’s double bass and Knud Stüwe’s oud. Their music reflects a tapestry of rich colours, from dark to light.
The Roman Baths 19th November, 7pm Celebrated chef Mark Hix is known for his original take on British gastronomy. Guests can enjoy a dinner designed by Hix and inspired by recipes from his cookbook “British Seasonal Foods”.
The Ustinov 21st Nov - 21st Dec, Various Times Two people from divided cultures meet on an online dating site. Guk Minsung is a “goose father”, a South Korean man whose wife and daughter have moved to America in search of a better life.
The Holburne Museum 14th November, 7-8pm The Georgians were the first British people to have a concept of leisure and personal freedom. This talk, by historian Lucy Inglis addresses these details in the long eighteenth century.
St Mary’s Church, Bathwick 16th November, 7.30pm After their acclaimed performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria this summer, Noctis return to St Mary’s Bathwick for an evening of contemplative music, with the Requiem Mass by Fauré.
Noctis Chamber Choir
Collected Grimm Tales
John Robins: Hot Shame
Widcombe Christmas Market
Bath Firework Display
And Then They Came for Me
Roving Crows
Widcombe Social Club 16th - 17th November Widcombe Christmas Market is now in its 13th year and has a growing reputation for quality gifts by local artists. Around 40 stallholders take part, offering a wide range of work.
Bath Recreation Ground 17th November, 7pm Enjoy the rescheduled Rotary Club of Bath firework display on the Recreation Ground in Bath. Tickets are back on sale. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Under 4s do not require a ticket.
The egg theatre 21st - 23rd November A contemporary take on the much loved fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, revealing the dark and mischievous side of the original stories. Adapted by Carol Ann Duffy and dramatised by Tim Supple. The Rondo Theatre 22nd - 23rd November, 7.30pm A multimedia play that combines videotaped interviews with Holocaust survivors Eva Schloss and Ed Silverberg with live actors recreating scenes from their lives as teenagers during WWll.
Komedia Bath 21st November, 8pm Join John Robins for his new stand-up show following the critically lauded, sell-out smash, ‘The Darkness Of Robins’. Expect soul-bearing, self-lacerating, piping-hot shame. Chapel Arts Centre 22nd November, 8pm Roving Crows push the boundaries of the Celtic Folk genre and play with genuine passion, energy and soul – a must see live act. Tickets are available on the door, costing £14.
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Community Youth services transferred to new not-for-profit organisation YOUTH support services across Bath and North East Somerset have been officially transferred to a new independent organisation run by former council staff. The council’s Youth Connect Service has become a public staff mutual after council workers successfully applied to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for funding for preparatory work to move the service to an independent organisation. The move means services to help young people will be provided by the new not-for-profit organisation, Youth Connect South West, which is a registered charity and has a five-year contract with the council. It follows the need by Bath & North East Somerset Council to look at new ways of providing the service following budget cuts since 2017. A new board of trustees with a 20 strong staff group has been set up following consultation with the community and young people over the past 18 months. Councillor Kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “This is a new chapter for youth services in Bath and North East Somerset. “Despite the challenging financial context, the council has preserved this key service and has supported the move to a staff mutual. “A great deal of work and much consultation has happened to get us to this new beginning for a valued service which has the best interests of young people at its heart. “Today’s launch means young
people in our area will still have use of the Riverside hub, in London Road, Southside hub in Kelston View and the hub in Peasedown St John, and there will be additional support for those who need it.” Ron Hopkins Chair of trustees from Youth Connect South West, said: “This is a new start for youth services in our area and we welcome the support from the council to get us to this new beginning. “As a staff mutual we will be able to bid for funding that is not available to Local Authorities and utilise this to increase the range of services we provide. “Youth Connect South West believes that young people should be able to access good quality services for young people; the aim of this transformation is to create a dynamic and flexible organisation which will work with communities and other youth organisations to create a diverse range of opportunities to support young people. “Ultimately our aim is to improve young people’s lives, offer opportunities to engage in positive activities and have some fun this
will lead to reduction in the likelihood of young people needing more expensive and intrusive statutory services in the long term.” Public service mutuals are organisations that have ‘spun out’ of the public sector but continue to deliver public services and in which employee control plays a
significant role in their operation. They can take on a range of legal structures, including charities, co-operatives and community interest companies; Youth Connect South West has been awarded charitable status. As part of the change to youth services, the Riverside hub has been leased to Mentoring Plus for five
years pending a possible eventual asset transfer, to allow time for consideration of the longer-term use of the site. Southside Youth Hub, in Bath, has been leased to Youth Connect South West and a decision about the Peasedown St John youth hub lease will be made later this month.
RUH doctor represents GB in World Residents help spruce Running Championships up Bath meeting room A TRAINEE acute medical doctor from the RUH in Bath has successfully represented Great Britain in the 24-hour World Running Championships, less than a year after breaking her back in a car accident. Sarah Morwood, who is in her second year of training at the RUH, went up against many of the world’s best endurance runners at the event in France, which sees competitors running nonstop for 24 hours, with the winners the team which covers the greatest distance. Sarah completed a distance of 186km (115 miles), with the women’s team finishing fifth overall. She said: “It was very hard work but I’m pleased with my distance, although it was still short of my personal best. It was the first time that every member of the team was still running at
the end of the race, so I was proud to be part of that. “The heat during the day made it really tough and I was sick a few times, but I was determined to keep going and make it to the end. “One of the other biggest challenges was the boredom as you’re literally going in circles for 24 hours. It could well be the world’s most stupid sport and it’s probably as tough for the spectators as it is the runners! It was an amazing event to be part of though and I enjoyed being treated like an elite athlete for a few days.” In 2015, Sarah was selected to represent Britain in the World Trail Running Championships,
which saw runners cover 50 miles over mountains in the Alps. She took part in the championships again in 2018, however, her running was put on hold following a car accident later that year which broke her back and left her needing spinal surgery. “I was in a bad way. I couldn’t do any exercise, especially running, for three months,” she said. “Once I was fit enough to start running again it quickly became clear that I couldn’t run downhill anymore because of the stress it put on my back and that’s when I got into 24-hour running. “I plan to continue to enjoy my running, but I might now look to enter more races where the prizes are food and drink!”
PEOPLE living at Rosewell Court in Bath now have a freshly decorated meeting room for their new residents’ association to use, after residents and Curo colleagues teamed up to give it a lick of paint. Tom Box, Curo Customer Feedback Lead, said: “Rosewell Court has a buzzing new residents’ association; they just needed somewhere close by to hold their growing meetings. “The chair of the residents’ association Paul Roles noticed that the solution was literally on their doorstep. Curo already had a vacant meeting room on the ground floor of Rosewell Court. “It just needed sprucing up, so
we brought a team of colleagues together to help Paul repaint the room.” The team from Curo included Ian, Lewis, Zach and Josh who act as dedicated caretakers in some of Curo’s larger estates, including Rosewell Court, sorting out issues as soon as they’re spotted and helping to keep communal areas in good condition.
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Foodbank makes urgent appeal to find new home or face closure
Christmas arrives at Barnardo’s store
A SOCIAL welfare project that has distributed over 7,000 food parcels to people in need over the last 6 years is looking for a new home. The Somer Valley Foodbank, set up in 2013, is in desperate need of finding a new warehouse to store its food items – or the charity faces an uncertain future. Due to a huge increase in monthly rental costs at the organisation’s current warehouse, the charity won’t be able to afford to stay there past Christmas. Somer Valley Foodbank Chairman, Paul Woodward, said: “As well as the four distribution centres in Paulton, Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Peasedown that we use for free, we’ve also been hiring a warehouse in the Somer Valley for the past six years to store the 6 tonnes of non-perishable food that are donated from members of the public. “With a huge rent increase now due, we can’t continue at our current location and the Foodbank now faces an uncertain future.” Foodbanks provide three days of emergency food to people
A BATH charity shop is encouraging people to pick up the perfect present while supporting vulnerable children this Christmas. The Barnardo’s store in Shaftesbury Road, Oldfield Park, has put its latest collection of seasonal gifts on display. Profits support the charity’s work with some of the UK’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people. Barnardo’s manager Karen James said: “Aside from the usual preloved items which are generously donated by local supporters, we also receive brand-new stock throughout the year. “We’ve just received a wonderful collection of potential gifts which are sure to brighten a child’s face on Christmas morning. “Items include indoor and outdoor play-mats, play-dough, kaleidoscopes and balloon modelling kits.
who need it the most. P ro f e ss i o na l s such as health visitors, social workers and the CAB identify people in crisis and issue them with a Foodbank voucher. The voucher can be taken to a Foodbank distribution centre where a friendly team of volunteers will offer a cup of tea and help people with their food needs. With more than 70 volunteers collecting and transporting food, helping in distribution centres, and providing support to those who visit, the Somer Valley Foodbank is one of the biggest volunteer-led projects in Bath and North East Somerset. Of the 2,000 people who receive help each year, they are referred to the Foodbank for a variety of reasons, such as being on a low income, benefit delays, benefit
changes, debt, ill health, and unemployment etc. Paul added: “We’re looking for an empty building, warehouse or an accessible storage unit which is at least 1,000 sq ft and can be accessed regularly by our volunteers. If there is anyone out there who can help, please get in touch!” With Christmas on the way, the Foodbank has just weeks to find a new warehouse or faces closure. If anyone can help, contact Paul Woodward by emailing info@ somervalley.foodbank.org.uk or calling 07729523986.
“We also have wrapping paper, diaries, decorations, stockings, greeting cards, gifttags, calendars, bows and bags. “There are also plenty of other festive treats including Christmas-themed socks, scented candles, bath fizzers and hand soaps. “There’s something for everyone – and the best thing is that every purchase helps to support the charity’s life-changing work with young carers, care-leavers, victims of abuse and exploitation, and other vulnerable groups.” The Barnardo’s store is open Monday-Saturday from 9.30am5pm and on Sundays from 10am4pm, and always welcomes donations of good-quality clothes, books, toys, games, accessories and bric-a-brac, as well as offers of help from volunteers. Last year Barnardo’s supported nearly 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers.
Popular Peasedown festival brings almost £100k to village IN October 2008, during one afternoon at Peasedown Youth Centre, the first ever Party in the Park meeting was held, and now 11 years later, the team has brought almost £100,000 to the village. Those present at the first meeting included representatives from groups that had hosted events before and a collection of brandnew people who wanted to get ‘stuck in’. From the early beginnings of pulling together ideas on a large sheet of flip-chart paper, Peasedown Party in the Park was born. The first event, pitched as a grand family fun day, was opened in 2009 by Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis and held in the new location of Beacon Field. Now, eleven years on, Peasedown’s Party in the Park festival has become one of the most popular in the district, with over 2,500 visitors and more than £7,000 being secured each year to fund the event. The festival committee recently held their Annual General Meeting where the total amount raised from 11 years of events through sponsorship, stallholder fees and entrance gate donations, was revealed. Treasurer, Joy Fraser said: “When
I added it all up, I was surprised at how much money has been raised over the last decade. “Much of the money has been re-invested into Party in the Park each year but some has also gone to help projects in the village and it is good to be able to do that.” When all the figures had been calculated, the team revealed that a massive £93,585.59 has been raised. Almost £15,000 has been given back to the community through grants. As well as events, the team run a volunteer scheme which gives those that take part the chance to receive a reference for education or employment; a Grant Fund which supports Peasedown-based projects; a community award in memory of the late Sara Holley; and they have launched their own exclusive cider – Peasedown Diamond. Festival Chairman Nathan Hartley believes none of these could have been achieved without the support of faithful volunteers who give up their time each year. He said: “My thanks go to the team over the past year, who have brought a wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion to the roles they’ve performed; Joy Fraser, Karen Walker, Max Feeney, Craig Gill, Helen Thorn, Andrea Feeney
Nathan Hartley, Craig Gill, Andrea Feeney, Max Feeney and Karen Walker
and Andy Day. “We couldn’t do what we do though without the 30-40 people who commit time and energy at the festival to give out programmes, collect litter and help
set up and pack away at the end of the day.” The Party in the Park volunteer scheme, Be Part of It, gives volunteers the chance to sign up and in return receive a certificate, and
food vouchers to use on the day of the festival. Organisers have now set a date for the 12th Annual Party in the Park next year. It will take place on Saturday 13th June.
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Letters It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas With Christmas lights being put up across the city, and the Bath Christmas Market set to begin in just over two weeks, it's certainly beginning to look a lot like Christmas. We're already putting together our special bumper Christmas issue (out on 10th December), and I'm sure it won't be too long before we start hearing Christmas songs being played in shops and on the radio, and everything gets incredibly festive. However, now is the time to start thinking about what you can do to support those around you that find Christmas difficult. For whatever reason, they may need help to get through the festive period. Perhaps they don't have anywhere to go on Christmas Day or recently lost a family member or friend. As Christmas fast approaches, a helping hand with some shopping or a little company is likely to be very much appreciated, and most often costs you nothing but time to provide. I know my team will be doing their bit this Christmas, and I hope you can too.
Sebastian Hawker Editor, Bath Echo
Homebase site Bath Echo’s report on Guild Living’s proposals for the future of the Homebase site as a new retirement community, is good news indeed for a struggling sector. Because the site itself is in a significant location on the edge of Bath’s historic core and now a pedestrian gateway to the western riverside development and adjacent communities, it presents the opportunity for a truly iconic piece of contemporary urban design, rather than the hackneyed neo georgian pastiche that has perhaps become the norm in Bath. The site is also within Bath’s “clean air zone” and the proposals must support Council’s objective as an exemplar for sustainable urbanisation. The pre-requisite for this achievement is for BNES itself to prepare the development brief and to ensure the instruction of a truly imaginative young architect to prepare designs for planning consent. And at this point the Council must insist that the Architect, with his subsequent detailed drawings and specifications, is retained by the Developer to the end of the project, rather than dumped in order to downgrade the final product. This is too valuable and important a site to allow the private sector completely free reign.
Steve Osgood OC RIBA, RTPI
People with diabetes should get free flu jab
Letters from Santa
Diabetes UK is urging everyone with diabetes to take up the offer of a free a flu jab through their local pharmacy or GP. Data from Public Health England estimates that fewer than half of the 6.4 million people aged 16-65 in high risk groups – which includes people with diabetes – are getting their jab. This leaves millions at risk of developing serious complications. Flu can cause blood sugar levels to rise high – a natural response to fighting infection. But a serious infection can cause blood sugar levels to rise so high that they become dangerous for people with diabetes. This can lead to acute complications, which can often go unrecognised, and can even
be fatal. The vaccine, which every person with diabetes is entitled to free of charge, is the most effective protection against flu. Without it, flu can also develop into pneumonia or bronchitis, which might require hospital admission. It can take up to two weeks for a flu jab to work. That’s why it’s essential that everyone at high risk of serious illness from flu gets vaccinated as soon as possible to eliminate the risk of life-threatening complications. For more information about diabetes and flu, please visit the Diabetes UK website www.diabetes. org.uk/seasonal-flu
Surely the last straw for Rees-Mogg
Climate Emergency Progress Report
Jacob Rees-Mogg's comments indicating that the Grenfell fire victims should have used 'common sense' and left the building, despite advice from the fire services, are shocking. He was not only ill-informed about the unlit stairwell filled with toxic smoke making leaving impossible, but his opining on radio was another example of his self-assumed superiority on any subject, and his crass insensitivity. His later half-apology is worthless. But are the residents of North East Somerset still happy to vote for him? It seems astonishing that anyone would vote for a super-privileged Etonian who gains most of his income from off-shore hedge funds, and who derides parliament and has no connection whatsoever with those living on the edge after a decade of cuts to services, not to mention the rest of us who work hard each day. I hope people who tend to vote Conservative will lift their heads and say they do not want him to represent them.
Richard Thompson
Phaedra Perry Diabetes UK
In March this year, B&NES Council adopted a climate emergency declaration. Local Councillors acknowledged that we must play our part in tackling this crisis and helping to avoid the worst impacts of climate breakdown. Since then, an enormous amount of work has been done to research the area’s carbon footprint and identify the actions which will make the biggest difference as quickly as possible. With limited time and resources it is vital that we focus our efforts, make evidence-based decisions and work closely with others. From that work, three immediate priorities for cutting carbon emissions have been identified. These are: improving the energy efficiency of buildings (both existing and new build), a significant move towards public transport, walking and cycling, and decarbonising our electricity supply through local renewables. Earlier this month, after considering a high-level report, Councillors unanimously approved these priorities as the Council’s basis for action. The challenge ahead of us is massive, as we chart an ambitious course towards carbon neutrali-
I’m writing to let readers know that we have a very special festive treat for children with vision impairment in the run up to Christmas. As you know, Santa receives millions of letters from children each year and works hard to respond to every single one - but he knows that often children with vision impairment are not able to read his reply. That is why he is teaming up with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), who have a squad of elves standing by to make sure his letters are available in formats like braille, audio and large print. If you know a child with vision impairment who would love to receive a letter from Santa then please send their Christmas letter to Santa Claus, RNIB, Midgate House, Midgate, Peterborough PE1 1TN by Monday 2 December. Alternatively, you can email santa@rnib.org.
ty. Council investment, policies and strategies must all be reviewed and we must commit to a significant and fundamental cultural shift. The Council cannot do everything alone, so we will be establishing a new Climate Emergency, Environment and Place Partnership, as well creating a wider programme to engage with residents and local organisations (including through citizens’ juries). Where action needs to be taken at a higher level, we will press government and the West of England Combined Authority to act without delay. Many people ask me what they can do right now. The answer is that individual actions do have a role to play – you can reduce consumption, cut waste, change the way you travel and improve the energy efficiency of your home (contact Energy at Home, 0800 038 5680, for advice and check out some
uk by Friday 20th December for an email with a large-print attachment. Make sure to include the child’s name age, postal address, contact number and which format they need. Special thanks to our incredible fundraisers for making this Christmas wish come true. Merry Christmas!
David Clarke Director of Services, RNIB
Submit a letter to us If you'd like a letter published in an upcoming issue of the newspaper, simply email it to letters@bathecho.co.uk. The deadline for publication in our next issue is: Wednesday 20th November. Please submit no more than 300 words, and provide your name and address. The address will not be published.
more suggestions here: bathnes.gov. uk/climate-emergency). However, we also need local residents to get involved with campaigning for government to take the climate crisis seriously and sharing knowledge throughout the community. Please come to one of the regular local forum meetings in November to hear an update. The good news is that, as we make progress towards a zero carbon future, our journeys will be less stressful, our travel will be healthier, our air will be cleaner, our energy will come from renewable sources and our homes will be warmer and cheaper to run. We are at a critical point in time, but I believe that with collective action and leadership, we can face up to the climate emergency and set ourselves on the path to a sustainable future.
Councillor Sarah Warren B&NES Cabinet member for the Climate Emergency
Run for Revitalise and help support disabled people and carers We’d like to invite your readers who have been successful in the ballot for next year’s London Marathon, to join team Revitalise and run to give disabled people and carers access to much-needed breaks. So much of life is other people. And disability can so often get in the way of having the energy and opportunity to create and look after those relationships which matter so much. By running for Revitalise you’ll be
helping us to create revitalising holidays for those who need it most across the UK, and help us to achieve a future where disabled people can access essential breaks filled with fun, new experiences, fresh faces – and the security of 24-hour nurse-led care in environments that are fully accessible. Those not successful in the ballot can
still apply for a guaranteed place with Revitalise in the 2020 Marathon by visiting www.revitalise.org.uk/events/london-marathon-2020/. There is an entry fee of £100 and we ask that you pledge to raise £1,750. In return you will get a fundraising pack, plenty of help and support throughout your training, loud and enthusiastic cheers
from our team during the race, and an invitation to our post-race reception where you can enjoy food and drink, team photos and a much-needed free massage. Find out more about Revitalise and the ways you can support us by emailing me at aphilip@revitalise.org.uk, or calling 0207 288 6896.
Abby Kessock-Philip Revitalise
Tuesday, 12th November 2019
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Business Landlords urged to check whether they need HMO licence
Law firms to combine their private practices
OWNERS of houses in multiple occupation across B&NES are being urged to check whether they need a licence, after the owner of an unlicensed property was ordered to repay their tenants £34,000. A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property with three or more people who are not family members living in it and sharing facilities such as a bathroom or kitchen. All HMO’s across the district with five or more people in two or more households are required to be licenced by Bath & North East Somerset Council. In the city of Bath, all HMO’s need a licence. Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “It’s in a landlord’s interest to register their HMO, as failure to do so can result in a financial penalty. “Over the past year we’ve investigated a large number
LEADING Bath law firms Stone King and Mowbray Woodwards have announced that Mowbray Woodwards is joining forces with Stone King’s Private Client team. The new combined practice will operate with effect from 1st December, making it one of the largest and most experienced Private Client teams in the South West. Stone King is a national firm with offices in Bath, Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds and London, but with roots firmly in Bath, having operated here for more than 230 years. The move is part of Stone King’s ongoing expansion strategy and will strengthen its Private Client practices, with a team of people aligned with the firm’s culture and core values. Both firms put their clients first and they will continue to receive uninterrupted, personal services as the merger takes place and beyond.
of potentially unlicensed HMO’s and have issued seventeen warning letters and one caution. “If we discover that a landlord is operating an HMO without a licence we have a duty to inform the tenants that they have the right to apply for a Rent Repayment Order. “Earlier this year this resulted in a landlord from Bath who operated an HMO without a licence for six months, being ordered to repay seven tenants almost £5,000 each. “The total repayment bill was more than £34,000.” HMOs are often occupied by more vulnerable members of society who are often on lower
incomes. Licensing of HMOs aims to ensure that the properties meet legal standards and are properly managed to provide greater protection of the health, safety and welfare of people living in them. Over the past year the council has received 1900 applications for new or renewal licences.
Wessex Water welcomes wet wipe flushing ‘breakthrough' BATH-BASED Wessex Water has welcomed a decision by wet wipe manufacturers Kimberly-Clark to seek official ‘Fine to Flush’ approval for its products. Earlier this month the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned a website advertisement for Andrex ‘flushable washlets’, which don’t meet the UK water industry’s recognised standard. Kimberly-Clark has now pledged to adopt the ‘Fine to Flush’ standard “at the earliest possible time” and heed the advice of companies like Wessex Water, which has long campaigned for clearer labelling and marketing of wet wipes. Many wipes on the market are described as flushable but don’t carry the ‘Fine to Flush’ logo, meaning they contain plastic and don’t break down like toilet paper when flushed. This can lead to fatbergs in sewers, pollution and costly blockages, with people experiencing the misery of sewage flooding in their homes. Wessex Water director Matt Wheeldon said: “A huge proportion of the 13,000 sewer blockages we deal with on our network every year are caused by wet wipes that haven’t broken down when entering the sewer system. “The ‘Fine to Flush’ standard was developed by the water industry body Water UK earlier this year, with a new logo to help avoid confusion and reassure customers. “Having Kimberly-Clark on board feels
like a major breakthrough, and Water UK is looking forward to working with them as they seek to meet the ‘Fine to Flush’ standard for their products.” Organic brand Natracare launched the UK’s first moist tissue wipe that meets the industry standard, while two Waitrose & Partners – Fragrance Free and Lightly Fragranced moist toilet tissues – have since got ‘Fine to Flush’ approval. Wessex Water wants all other wipes on the market to be clearly labelled ‘Do Not Flush’, avoiding any confusion for customers. “The ‘Fine to Flush’ logo means free from plastic and rigorously tested, meaning the wipe will not only physically pass around a toilet U-bend but will also break down in the sewer system,” Mr Wheeldon said. “Anything else should be marked ‘Do Not Flush’, with nothing in between. It’s as simple as that.”
Steven Greenwood, Managing Partner of Stone King, said: “We are both well-known firms in Bath with similar cultures. We both pride ourselves in understanding our clients’ needs and providing a personal service, but also believe in caring for our people and the wider community. “Mowbray Woodwards has always been a firm that I respect and this is a great opportunity for us both to join together to grow in strength and expertise.” Tracey Smith, Managing Partner, Mowbray Woodwards said: “We are delighted to join the Stone King Private Client team. “This is an exciting opportunity to build on our success of the last 70 years and we look forward to working together. “Becoming part of a larger firm will be a great benefit to our clients as we will be able to offer more comprehensive legal services without compromising the high quality, personal and caring service our clients expect.”
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West Country pub unveils brand new look and autumn menu BUTCOMBE Brewery, the West Country-based brewery and pub group, has reopened the Quarrymans Arms in Box after a refurbishment. The family-run Inn with rooms, on the outskirts of Bath, has undergone a complete makeover; the main bar area has been refreshed with newly upholstered furniture and local art work while the much-loved carved wooden bar has been restored and brought back to life. Towards the rear of the building the restaurant has been treated to new carpets and heritage teal green washed walls which frame the picture windows affording views over the Box Valley. The snug, with its unique fire surround, designed as a 1/50th scale replica of the Box Tunnel entrance, has also been revamped and is now ideal for small functions or private dining. Gemma Hampton, Operations Manager, Butcombe Brewery said: “We’re delighted with the new look pub and the regulars and guests seem to love what we’ve done. “The heart and the soul of this much-loved building is very much still intact but we’ve subtly brought it up to date with a fresher look and feel.” The Inn’s four ensuite bedrooms have also been treated to a makeover. The bedrooms, each named after a local quarry, feature statement beds, luxury Egyptian cotton bedding, sumptuous throws and Bramley toiletries. The reopening of the Quarrymans Arms coincides with the
launch of their autumn menu with Head Chef Amber Southon at the helm. Alice Bowyer, Executive Chef, Butcombe Brewery said: “We’re really excited to unveil our autumn menu in these wonderful new surroundings. Head Chef Amber’s real passion and skill is in pastry, pies and old school cooking. “We spend a great deal of time researching Victorian recipes for the pies, pork pies, wellingtons etc - think Callum Franklin from Holborn dining room. “We have a feature pie section on the menu and homemade pastry features heavily. “The whole offer is warm, big flavour British cookery, lots of bar snacks - nothing better than with a pint! - and a great Sunday roast.” A new addition to the Quarrymans Arms culinary offering is the availability of a daily breakfast menu. A selection of cereals, granola, fruits, pastries and porridge, traditional hearty full English, vegetarian breakfast, Arnold Bennett, Eggs Benedict and Eggs Florentine are now available daily.
The Quarrymans Arms in Box has revealed a brand new look
Bath BID joins charities to provide extra welcome to city centre
SouthGate scoops flurry of award wins
BETWEEN 10am and midday, on Wednesday 13th and 20th November, people with dementia and other invisible disabilities and their carers are being made extra welcome to Bath for Compassionate Christmas shopping days. Purple clad volunteers will be on hand to guide people to shops which are making adaptions to be more accessible such as removing dark coloured mats and turning down loud music. The Compassionate Christmas shopping days are launching on World Kindness Day, 13th November 2019. Inspired by the national Slow Shopping campaign adopted by Waitrose and local initiatives such as the Bath Sainsburys ‘Signsburys’ campaign, Bath BID is supporting the two shopping mornings to make it easier for people with additional needs to shop early for Christmas. Training is being provided to any shops which would like to join in, but many shops are already signed up to the Slow Shopping campaign and will be on standby to help.
THE SouthGate Centre in Bath has received national, regional and local recognition for being one of the leading retail and leisure destinations in the region, with four award wins in just one month. The centre received a prestigious Britain in Bloom Award for the recent investment in Brunel Square and its ‘Bee Kind’ initiative during the summer which featured 12 metres of bee-friendly plants and an insect hotel. The national judges praised the activity as a great example of how to protect bees living in urban areas. Closer to home, SouthGate also picked up gold trophies at the South West in Bloom and Bath in Bloom Awards for its beautiful floral displays throughout the summer, as well as a gold Bath BID Business Award for the investment in its public spaces and for hosting the best events in the
In Bath, teams from New Look, Laura Ashley, North Face, Comptoire Libanais, Cosy Club, Jessops, Nandos, Swarovski, Top Shop & Top Man and Waitrose have been trained to offer the ‘Slow Shopping’ experience. You can find a list of Dementia Friendly businesses in Bath on the Dementia Action Alliance website: https://bit.ly/2qHK0cR There will be extra quiet spaces for people to get away from the noise and the crowds at Metro Bank, St Michaels and St Swithin’s churches. Advice and support for the day has come from a number of charities including the Dementia Action Alliance, Slow Shopping, St Johns Foundation, Brandon Trust, Age UK and B&NES volunteer service. It is hoped that this campaign will build on the work by the Roman Baths on making their site ac-
cessible to all and lead to further city partnership work. Bath BID Welcome Ambassador Fiona Bell is also a volunteer for the Bath & NE Somerset Dementia Action Alliance. She has championed the campaign which brings together her two passions: welcoming people to Bath and supporting people affected by dementia. She said: “It is very simple, we just want to make it a little bit easier for people to do their shopping in Bath city centre and have a lovely day out. “70% of people with dementia live in their own homes. Living with dementia doesn’t mean that people are unable to enjoy shopping, as long as they are supported with patience and kindness. “By providing a bit of extra help, information and a friendly smile we can ensure that they are welcome in Bath."
city for visitors. Guy Henderson, centre manager at SouthGate, said: “It’s brilliant to see our investment in the centre recognised with such highly-regarded awards, both locally and nationally. “With our location at the heart of this great city, we want to make SouthGate a place where both locals and visitors can enjoy time with family and friends, whether that’s relaxing, shopping, socialising or dining. “The profile and success of our events and installations is growing every year, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have planned for Christmas over the coming weeks.”
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Politics Owners of empty houses across B&NES face £290,000 bill Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
THE owners of 225 houses that have been empty for more than two years could face a £290,000 bill if they do not bring them back into use. Bath and North East Somerset Council currently offers a 50 per cent council tax discount on unoccupied properties but the amount some pay is set to increase four-fold. From April 2020 it is proposing to charge the full amount for properties that have been empty for two to five years, which is expected to bring in nearly £130,000. Owners of the 66 homes that have been vacant for five to 10 years will be charged double the normal rate, worth more than £160,000 to the council.
And from 2021, any houses that have been empty for a decade or more may have to pay three times the normal council tax bill. Council papers say: “The council could continue with the current 50 per cent council tax long term empty premium. “However, it would not further incentivise owners to bring their empty properties back in to use or provide the empty properties officer further leverage in delivering the empty residential homes policy.” The proposal is being considered at the full council meeting on 14th November. As of August, more than 700 homes in Bath and North East Somerset had been sitting vacant for at least six months. Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for housing, planning and economic development, said
at the time: “Empty properties left to deteriorate are a wasted asset and can quickly fall into disrepair, causing real problems for both the immediate neighbours and the wider community. “The council is taking a firm and proactive approach to bringing empty properties back into use. “This is as much about supporting owners who are simply overwhelmed with owning an empty property, as it is taking enforcement action against property owners whose empty homes are a nuisance but who refuse to engage with the council. “Properties identified as being of the highest priority by the empty property officer are subject to an action plan, which allow for intensive, tailored help and support to be offered to the owner, all of which takes time – but we are getting excellent results.”
Peer review finds Bath & North East Calls for park and ride Somerset Council is “well-led” to serve Somer Valley A DETAILED health check by local government experts has found that Bath & North East Somerset Council is well led and managed and its new administration has an “ambitious agenda for change”. A team of councillors and senior officers from other local authorities across the country carried out the Local Government Association peer review in July. Peer reviews aim to help councils improve and look at leadership, financial planning and the ability to meet priorities. The review states that the council is ’well led and well managed’ and it found ‘a council that is selfaware, which recognises and is responding to the wonderful opportunities that the city of Bath and the vibrant communities of North East Somerset represent’.
The authority was also recognised as a ‘collaborative and reliable partner. The team noted the pride and commitment to the whole of the district from everyone they met during their visit including members, staff and partners. The review highlighted challenges facing the council including the rising demand for and cost of social care and also noted the district’s equality gaps in education, employment and health. Councillor Dine Romero, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “The fact that we welcomed this review by our peers from other councils, so early in our administration, demonstrates our commitment to openness and transparency. “I was especially pleased that the LGA spoke of finding pride and commitment to the whole of the
district from everyone they met on their four-days here. “This is an excellent starting point for us to take forward our ambitious plans for the area to help improve people’s lives. “However, the review rightly identifies the challenges we need to address if we are to deliver our key priorities including tackling the climate emergency, delivering social housing and improving transport.” The report noted a number of challenges and potential areas of improvement from which a proposed action plan has been drawn. These include vision and plan for the city, setting a long-term strategy, keeping communications under review and providing support to elected members.
Community schemes to benefit from £118,000 funding boost COUNCILLORS across Bath and North East are to be allocated £2000 each to support projects that help improve the lives of residents in their local community. Schemes such as planting trees, organising community litter picks, improving village hall facilities or even community events could benefit from some of the £118,000. The leader of the council, Councillor Dine Romero, has agreed in a single-member decision to set
up a Ward Councillor Empowerment Fund (WCEF) and set aside £118,000 for the scheme. Each elected member will be able to apply for funding to allocate to projects either in their own ward or across multiple wards, if agreed by the relevant members. Councillor Romero said: “When we took control of the council we said we’d respond to local need. This Empowerment Fund will give individual ward members the chance to do just that, delivering and supporting activities
driven by residents. “It might be planting trees on a village green, buying hi vis jackets and litter pickers for community litter picks, making improvements to disabled toilet facilities in a village hall or perhaps supporting older people’s Christmas meals. “The idea is that ward councillors work with residents, community and voluntary organisations, parish and town councils to allocate funding to projects that help improve the lives of local people.”
Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
A NEW park and ride in the Somer Valley could solve commuters’ traffic woes and help cut emissions, a councillor has claimed. Shaun Hughes made the case for a new facility between Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Westfield after realising how inaccessible Bath is to many by public transport. He has identified a site off Radstock Road, currently in private ownership, that can be reached by bike and could also be used for car sharing. The owners have said the land is not currently for sale but Councillor Hughes said other sites could work. Speaking at last Thursday’s cabinet meeting, the recently elected member for Midsomer Norton North said: “The population of Midsomer Norton is 21,000 and increasing. “A high number of people commute into Bath. “Unlike Keynsham, we don’t have a train service, so we’re very reliant on the road system and cars.
“A lot of people get in their car and drive to the Odd Down park and ride, or even park in the centre of Bath. “My solution is a park and ride between Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Westfield on a piece of, effectively, industrial wasteland.” He said several bike paths converge on the site and there are plans to expand the cycle network so it would be even more accessible. Speaking outside the meeting, Cllr Hughes said: “The issue of the climate emergency is huge. “We have to find as many initiatives as we can that can make some impact.” He said the idea is only in its early stages, he does not know how many cars the piece of land could hold and he had not approached the owner – but other sites could work if it was not available. The land in Radstock Road is owned by Oakus Group, whose chief executive David Wintle said it is not currently in operational use but it will be in the future, and there are no plans to sell it. Cllr Neil Butters, joint cabinet member for transport, described the Somer Valley park and ride as a “very interesting” idea.
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Puzzles
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www.bathecho.co.uk
In Other News.... Plans to replace Keynsham fire station with 42-bed hotel
Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
KEYNSHAM’S old fire station could be demolished to make way for a 42-bed boutique hotel with a modern look. Plans from Phoenix Group also include nine two-bed flats, two shops, a 45-seat restaurant and offices in a fix-storey building, plus a new public space. The single-storey Temple Street station closed in November 2015 as a result of its amalgamation with Brislington Fire Station into a new state of the art combined station at Hicks Gate. Avon Fire and Rescue Service sold the building to Chewton Place Developments in 2017 for £750,000, more than twice the
asking price. Phoenix Group’s plans say: “The boutique hotel in this central position will be a great asset to the future of Keynsham and would act as a hub for access to both Bath and Bristol and encourage value-added areas of employment. “The flats would provide prime accommodation in the centre of Keynsham and with the availability of the lift, would be available for use by the disabled. “The retail shops on the east side of the opening beneath the building for market Walk would provide additional employment for the community in Keynsham. “The restaurant would be in a prime position for use either by the hotel or by the community and would provide local employ-
Tech to offer visitors ‘immersive’ National Trust experience
ment. “The offices would also be in a prime position and would also provide local employment. “In addition, 28 per cent of the ground floor will be given over for public use, enhancing the area around the civic centre development.” The old fire station sits between the civic centre and the Riverside development. The plans said they set “a high quality benchmark against which future proposals will be assessed and establishes a modern architectural character to this part of Temple Street”. The proposals include a 20-space underground car park and parking for 36 bikes. Bath and North East Somerset Council will decide the fate of the application.
A PARTNERSHIP has been launched to bring the sounds and sights of history to visitors of National Trust properties. The new partnership will focus on cutting edge technology, with the conservation charity working with University experts to create new multi-sensory experiences at some of its locations in the South West and Wales. The work is part of a new wide-ranging regional partnership between the National Trust and GW4 – an Alliance of top research-intensive and innovative universities; Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. GW4’s lead on the National Trust partnership Professor Tim Cole, of the University of Bristol, said: “We’re interested in how we can use new digital technologies to evoke the history of a place. What did a place sound like? What did it feel like? We want to try to bring it alive for the modern visitor; to use technology to offer an immersive visitor experience at National Trust sites." A similar previous project in Gloucestershire saw the full-size digital recreation of 17th Century gardens at Dyrham Park and rooms in a Roman site at Chedworth Roman Villa. The use of digital and creative expertise to connect audiences with heritage is just one of five different themes identified for the ambitious partnership. The other four themes are colonial
legacies; climate resilience; mental health, wellbeing and landscape; and landscape decisions and management. Dr Rupert Goulding, the National Trust’s lead curator for the South West Region, said one of the core aims of the collaboration with GW4 was to develop research bids around the five themes. “This partnership will bring in academic expertise, new thoughts and ideas, as well as informing the work that we’re doing and take us in new directions," he said. “GW4 and the National Trust are a great match and we’ll bring together complementary expertise and skills that will lead to exciting projects." The announcement comes as the GW4 Alliance celebrates five years of collaborative world-class research and innovation. GW4 has invested more than £2.8m in 87 collaborative research communities, generating £37m in research income. Director of GW4, Dr Sarah Perkins said: “GW4 is delighted to be partnering with the National Trust. “It reflects our vision to develop strong partnerships at scale, especially as we celebrate our fifth anniversary. “By working together in an interdisciplinary way and building on our region’s strengths and academic excellence we can help to tackle these complex social and global challenges.
Last issue's puzzle solutions Crossword Across: 1 Cobweb, 5 Nepalese, 9 Hairball, 10 Suntan, 11 Maths, 12 Implied, 15 Proprietor, 17 Neon, 18 Acid, 20 Summer camp, 22 Israeli, 23 Splay, 27 Bistro, 28 Lengthen, 29 Anaconda, 30 Oilman. Down: 2 Omaha, 3 Warship, 4 Brat, 5 Nile, 6 Post-mortem, 7 Lanolin, 8 Stateroom, 13 Tinseltown, 14 Stump, 16 Recession, 19 Drastic, 21 Capital, 24 Akela, 25 Plea, 26 Into.
Sudoku
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Sport
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800m hat-trick gives GB dream start Perth podium gives to World Para-Athletics Champs judoka Megan Fletcher precious Tokyo points UNIVERSITY of Bath-based Paul Blake stormed to the fourth World Para-Athletics Championships gold medal of his career in Dubai on Thursday 7th November, and hailed it as his best yet. Blake, coached by Rob Ellchuk, controlled his T36 800m final from start to finish as he finished eight seconds clear of the field in a season’s best time of 2:07.44 to claim Great Britain’s first gold on the opening day of the 2019 championships. It was his third world-title success over the distance, emulating his victories in 2013 and 2015, and Blake said: “I think this is the best one. The way the last two years have panned out, this is really special. To execute the race exactly as I wanted to and to win the gold, I’m really pleased with myself. “It’s amazing to be the first gold medallist of the champs for Great Britain and hopefully this will spur on the rest of the team to deliver great performances.” Blake – who was inducted into
the University of Bath Hall of Fame for Sport in 2017 – will be looking to add to his medal collection this week in the T36
400m, the event in which he won his first World title back in 2011 and is the reigning Paralympic Games champion.
TEAM Bath judoka Megan Fletcher gained more valuable points towards her goal of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualification by winning silver at the Perth Oceania Open in Australia. The 2019 edition of the World Cup event, for one year only, saw Grand Slam points awarded and attracted a world-class entry list. Fletcher, coached by Juergen Klinger at the University of Bath Sports Training Village, fought well throughout the women’s -70kg competition and recorded her first victory over Croatia’s Barbara Matic en route to the final. Germany’s Miriam Butkereit had the edge in the final but a fourth Grand Prix medal of 2019 was enough to lift Fletcher up to 23rd
in the world rankings. Klinger said: “It was a good performance from Megan overall and gives her a good platform for the month ahead.” Next up for Fletcher, who represents Ireland, is December’s Qingdao Masters in China where she will be joined by brother Ben, who is also targeting Tokyo 2020 qualification in the men’s 100kg category.
Player of the Year back with Team Bath Netball for 2020 season SHE is the current Vitality Superleague Young Player of the Year, one of the brightest stars in the new generation of England Roses, and she is back in Blue & Gold for 2020. Sophie Drakeford-Lewis has been confirmed as a Team Bath Netball player for a third successive Superleague season and, as a member of the newlook England squad as well, she is eagerly looking forward to a big year ahead. “I am really excited to be back in the Blue & Gold for a third season,” said the 20-year-old goal attack. “I am always looking to learn, improve and develop as a player and I feel Team Bath is the best place to do that, I really enjoy the environment here.” Drakeford-Lewis was one of the league’s standout performers last season, impressing with her slick link-up play, unerring shooting accuracy and tireless work ethic. She also forged an excellent understanding with shooter Kim Commane and is keen to develop that further in 2020. “I love Kim’s movement and the fact that she leads the line and holds the ball so well,” said Drakeford-Lewis. “I have already learnt so much from her and I’m looking forward to building on that connection.
“The squad is looking good for 2020. We’ve kept a lot of the players from last year, so we already have those connections, and to have netballers of the quality of Khanyisa Chawane and Fi Toner coming in is really exciting.” Drakeford-Lewis’ form since joining Team Bath in 2017 has earned her a place in the senior England squad and she has spent much of the past two months with Jess Thirlby’s Roses, attending training camps and playing in behind-closed-doors matches in Australia and New Zealand. On top of that she has also started the third year of an Integrated Mechanical & Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Bath, where she is supported by a Bill Whiteley Sports Scholarship. “I have been quite busy to say the least but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Drakeford-Lewis. “Training with England over the past couple of months has been very intense but I have had so many amazing experiences. Obviously the highlight was travelling to Australia and New Zealand. “We played seven games out there and I learned so much coming up against that caliber of opposition. “I haven’t actually been in Bath
much since the start of term but I am really lucky in that all of my lectures are recorded so I can catch up while I am on training camp. My lecturers and tutors are also incredibly supportive and I am really grateful for their help and understanding.” Team Bath Netball Superleague Head Coach Anna Stembridge said: “Sophie, for me, is one of the most exciting young attacking talents in the game. She epitomises excellence in everything she does, both on and off the court, and I am very happy that she will be a part of our 2020 squad. “Last season her consistency across our 20 games was notable. She built a brilliant connection with Kim and Rachel Shaw in our attacking end, finished the season with an overall shooting average of 87 per cent and, more impressively, put in an absolute shift in both attack and defence – making a name for herself with those trademark interceptions. “I can’t wait for her to be back in the Team Bath Arena, driving this new-look squad on and displaying the learning she has taken from both last season and her recent England experiences.” Drakeford-Lewis and her teammates in Blue & Gold will enjoy their first test of pre-season on 7th and 8th December when The
Sophie Drakeford-Lewis in Superleague action for Team Bath Netball
BiG Showdown takes place at the Team Bath Arena. Also taking part in the two-day tournament are her former club, Saracens Mavericks, and Severn Stars, Strathclyde Sirens and Surrey Storm plus Knights, the UK’s leading men’s netball team. There will be 16 matches over the course of the weekend and tickets for the tournament, as well as Team Bath’s 2020 Superleague home fixtures, are on sale now – visit netball.teambath.com.
Keep an eye out for the next issue of the Bath Echo - due out on Tuesday 26th November 2019
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ISSN 2632-7805 © Media Bath Limited 2019