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Tuesday, 21st July 2020
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Views being sought on introduction of temporary traffic measures P3
Activists hang banners across Pulteney Bridge Page 3 Recycling centre reopens with booking system THE Bath Recycling Centre on Midland Road has been reopened and is set to operate on Saturdays and Sundays via an appointment-only basis for the time being. Bath & North East Somerset Council says it is aiming to return to a seven day-a-week service in the next two weeks, as more staff return to work. The council is underlining that the first step in reopening the
Midland Road site needs to be weekends only to make sure it has enough staff to keep household waste collections on schedule on weekdays, avoid traffic congestion and ensure public safety at the small site. The recycling centre is a shared facility with the council’s refuse depot and waste transfer station, which currently sees an increased number of lorries and trucks using the site on weekdays
due to reduced numbers of crew in the cabs. Councillor David Wood, joint cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “As I said last week when Old Welton reopened, we know that normal availability of our recycling centres is something residents have been asking for. “The appointment system at Old Welton has already proved
successful and it’s a system that is needed at the small Midland Road site so we can avoid traffic congestion and make sure there’s enough room for social distancing. “The site will return to its normal weekend hours for now, but we will aim to bring back a 7 day a week service after two weeks. “In the meantime, extended operating hours are still in ... Continued on page 2
B&NES Cabinet to receive update on proposed Clean Air Zone P4 Police sorry for disruption caused by illegal rave at former airfield site P5 Charity receives £10k donation thanks to crematorium scheme P8 Bath's RUH shortlisted for national patient safety award P12 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk
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Couples congratulated as restrictions are lifted
In this issue... Top Stories
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Community P10 Education P11 Health P12 Business P13 Puzzles
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Politics P15 In Other News
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We are working hard to reintroduce our normal size and the usual parts of this newspaper as soon as we can.
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CONGRATULATIONS have been given to the first couples to get married since COVID-19 coronavirus marriage restrictions were lifted across Bath & North East Somerset. A couple from Shropshire were among the first to be married at the Guildhall post-lockdown on Tuesday 7th July. Lisa James and David Smith arrived for WW2 themed wedding on vintage motorbikes. The couple, who were joined by eight guests, had been due to tie the knot in May. Lisa, who proposed to her husband on 29th February, said: “During lockdown I was getting a bit twitchy that the longer David had to think about things, the more chance he had to change his mind! Being able to finally get married was a huge relief!” The council offers a range of unusual and historic venues where people can hold their
ceremony or celebration, including the bandstand at Royal Victoria Park, the Roman Baths, the Pump Rooms, and a choice of six rooms at the Guildhall. Weddings and receptions have also resumed in a range of settings in the council’s parks. The council’s Heritage Parks team arranged their first post lockdown wedding at The Temple of Minerva in Bath’s Botanical Gardens on 7th July. Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “It has been a disappointing time for many couples who have had to postpone their wedding or civil partnership due to the coronavirus pandemic. “A happy outcome of entering the recovery phase is that we can once again invite people to hold their ceremonies and postwedding celebrations at one of our beautiful venues. “Many congratulations to the
David Smith and Lisa James
first couples to marry in Bath and North East Somerset since lockdown and I’d encourage others having to reschedule their wedding to consider one of the unusual and historic venues we have on offer.” Anyone wishing to enquire about booking their ceremony at the Guildhall can call 01225 477 234, email Register_office@bathnes. gov.uk. For more information about
holding a ceremony or reception at Royal Victoria Park, Parade Gardens or the Great Dell, email Weddings_inHeritageParks@ bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 39 5014. Ceremonies can also be held at the Assembly Rooms, Victoria Art Gallery or the Roman Baths. For the range of venues on offer and to find out more visit https:// www.bathvenues.co.uk/ or call 01225 477786.
“No room for Recycling centre complacency" in low expected to fully reopen infection rate in B&NES in next two weeks Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
THE enviably low infection rate in Bath and North East Somerset could result in an influx of “Covid refugees”, a councillor has claimed. The district set a record length of time, nearly a month, without a new recorded infection but that run was broken with two positive tests on 11th July. Elected officials have praised the public for following Government guidance on social distancing, washing hands and wearing PPE but insist “we can’t take our eye off the ball”. Some 90 residents have lost their lives to Covid-19 but like much of the South West, Bath and North East Somerset fared well compared to the rest of the country. Dr Bruce Laurence, the council’s director of public health, said the reasons why were not fully understood but there were likely to be a variety of factors at play. He said: “Some of the more likely ones include our rurality and smaller numbers of big and crowded urban centres, a greater number of people with the sort of jobs that they can do from home, good general health indicators around levels of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory disease and smoking, and fewer residents from black and minority ethnic groups with their greater vulnerability. “The one thing most experts do agree on is that as we now are easing restrictions quite significantly, we are treading a fairly fine line between maintaining control of the outbreak and letting it rip again, with limited
room for manoeuvre and none at all for complacency. “Individual and collective behaviour matters so much, and it is the work of the council and its partners to encourage people to take preventive measures seriously, including social distancing and good basic hygiene, even as we all begin to emerge from lockdown. “We must remember that the virus doesn’t change its behaviour just because we change the rules.” Speaking at the children, adults, health and wellbeing scrutiny panel meeting on 14th July, Councillor Eleanor Jackson said parents are already leaving London for Bath and North East Somerset to give their children a better education. She added: “People are going to leave urban areas. Bath and North East Somerset is top of the list. We’re going to have Covid refugees.” Cllr Rob Appleyard, the cabinet member for adult services, said: “It’s been an extremely challenging time for our community. We now have a local outbreak management plan. “Should we encounter another outbreak, we’ll be able to hit the ground running. “We’ve been fortunate and had low numbers. We shouldn’t take our eye off the ball and think we aren’t going to be exposed to winter pressures. “We know the hospital and clinical commissioning group are prepared. “PPE has been a challenge through the whole process. Hospitals are working on a ‘just in time’ basis. It raises the question if we have a spike how they are going to manage it.”
Cllr David Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services
Continued from page 1 operation at the Keynsham site and weekday appointments can also be booked at Old Welton. “Thank you to residents for their patience as we work to get back to normal.” The Bath Recycling Centre is operating via its usual weekend opening hours: • Saturday: 9am – 3.45pm • Sunday: 9am – 1pm Residents can select a day and a time slot by visiting https:// b eta.bathne s.g ov.uk/bathrecycling-centre. The Bath Recycling Centre is reopening under the following terms: • Residents continue to make full use of kerbside services including refuse, recycling, garden waste and bulky waste collections; • Vehicles which have not been booked in will be turned away from the site; • Proof of booking and residency checks will be carried out; • Residents will be limited to two bookings in a seven-day period to help maximise the number of households that can access the site;
• Visitors will be required to maintain social distancing and stay 2 metres apart from other users; • Staff will not be able to assist people unloading their vehicles; • Only one person should unload each vehicle unless assistance is required for a heavy item. This assistance must be provided by someone who has travelled with you; • All visitors are expected to act in a courteous manner to staff. Abuse or violence will not be tolerated, and the site may be temporarily closed if staff feel unsafe; • The centre cannot currently accept items for reuse such as textiles and shoes; The number plate system currently used for access to Pixash Lane Recycling Centre is to remain in use and the site will continue to offer extended operating hours. No booking is required. You can visit the Pixash Lane site in Keynsham on: • Mondays – Fridays: 8am – 6.00pm • Saturdays: 8am – 3.45pm • Sundays: 8am – 1pm
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Extinction Rebellion Bath activists call for action ACTIVISTS from the Extinction Rebellion Bath group suspended pink banners across Pulteney Bridge on Thursday 16th July, to call attention to the Climate Emergency and the “lack of Government commitment to Build Back Green". Bath awoke to find the three giant pink banners strung across the River Avon at Pulteney Bridge, displaying CLIMATE CRISIS, WE’RE UP SH*T CREEK and BUILD BACK GREEN. The banners were hung alongside the weir at dawn by Extinction Rebellion activists in kayaks. A small team from Extinction Rebellion Bath planned the action to highlight the admission in the Government’s own Committee on Climate Change report, published on 25th June, that they are short of meeting their own emissions targets by a long margin. The CCC report reveals a lack of progress, with only two of 31 milestones being achieved and only four of the 21 vital measures on track for net zero emissions. Ros Pears, who came up with the idea, said: “We recognise some
A group of Extinction Rebellion activists strung the banners up at dawn Photos © Jamie Bellinger. All Rights Reserved / Bath Extinction Rebellion
may be offended by the wording but we wanted a message that would make people sit up and take notice. Time is running out. One of the world’s foremost energy experts has told
us we have just six months to act or face catastrophic changes for our planet and every life form on it.” Extinction Rebellion says it is gearing up across the UK for mass protests later this summer.
Views sought on traffic measures RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on the temporary measures across the area to widen pavements and remove traffic from roads to help support the recovery from COVID-19. Bath & North East Somerset Council introduced the measures a month ago following a directive from the government to help people socially distance and encourage a long-term shift in the way people travel. Residents are now being asked for their feedback on the changes. Councillor Neil Butters, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “It’s really important we hear what people think of the changes that have been made. Have they been effective? Do they make you feel safer? Have they improved your experience of visiting our High Streets? “As we recover from the impacts of COVID-19 we have a once-ina-generation chance to develop long-term sustainable changes to the way we travel. “By letting us know your views on the temporary measures we’ve introduced, you’ll help to inform our future plans aimed at solving traffic and environmental problems.” Feedback can be submitted via the Space to Move website at http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ spacetomove.
The group says that on our current course by 2050 up to 1 billion people will be displaced, almost half of all species will be extinct and 5 billion people will be at risk of food and water shortages.
News in Brief Mayor launches lockdown memories photography comp The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Manda Rigby, is inviting entries to a new photographic competition with the theme ‘Memories of Bath, Lonely in Lockdown’. Cllr Rigby’s theme for the year is ‘Combatting Loneliness, Bath the Friendly City’, and she is keen to receive residents’ memories from the last few months. There are three categories – age 11 and under, age 12-18, and 19 and above. The competition is aimed at all who reside, work, or study in the City of Bath, and hopes to complement the work of the Bath Record Office’s Corona Captured project, in creating a lasting memory of this time. The Mayor said: “Many more people have been isolated or suffered from loneliness over this period. There have also been many communities coming together to combat this. I’m looking forward to seeing any photos which encapsulate your experience of loneliness in this time.” Entries will be accepted until 31st July 2020 by email to mayorofbath@bathnes.gov.uk. Remember to include your name and a caption for your photo, which will be added to an online exhibition. Include in the subject title ‘Photo Competition’ and your ‘Age Group’.
Police appeal for info after cosmetics stolen
A number of measures have been introduced | Photo © B&NES Council
Created by Sustrans, the website helps local authorities evaluate the effectiveness of the changes made to enable people to walk and cycle safely during lockdown and beyond. The council is also keen for residents to get involved in its longer-term Liveable Neighbourhoods project which aims to encourage a long-term shift in the way people travel and take pressure off the roads and public transport network. It wants to encourage people to walk and cycle more by making it easier to get around, while continuing to support those who depend on their vehicle for mobility. Residents are being asked for their help in shaping the future
of transport in their communities by identifying locations where more space can be created for walking and cycling, accessibility improved, or the impact of traffic reduced. Since the project launched at the end of May, 3,000 people have put forward suggestions. Any ideas submitted that are taken forward will be subject to further public engagement, and if new permanent traffic restrictions are identified they will involve a formal consultation process. To find out more about Liveable Neighbourhoods and submit your comment or see what other people have suggested, go to https://bathnesliveablestreets. commonplace.is/.
AVON and Somerset Police have launched an appeal for help from the public in relation to two linked shoplifting offences in Bath. On 28th June, at approximately 2.45pm, two men and a woman entered Lifestyle Pharmacy on Westgate Street. One of the men distracted staff whilst the other two suspects stole cosmetics worth around £500. On 9th July, at 11am, a further incident of theft took place involving the same two male suspects, with one distracting staff at the counter while the other took cosmetics to the value of £400. Police have issued CCTV images of people they want to speak to
about these offences. The men in the CCTV images are described as both being in their early 30s. One had a slim build and short brown hair, glasses, and wore a green jacket with a denim shirt. The other is described as being of proportionate build, with mid-length curly dark hair and a beard. He was wearing a light green hooded top with a black draw string. The woman is described as mid 20s, of slim build with long brown hair, wearing glasses and a black Puma sweat top. Police are keen to hear from anyone who can help them identify the people in the images. If you can help, call 101, quoting reference 5220142196 (28th June) or 5220151224 (9th July).
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Cabinet to receive an update on Clean Air Zone A REPORT outlining the progress made on Bath’s Clean Air Zone, including government funding and additional assistance to help businesses struggling with the impact of COVID-19, is to be discussed. Bath’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ), which will not charge cars, was due to be switched on in November but has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. An update report going before the council’s cabinet on Wednesday 22nd July says the local authority has been talking with the government about a new launch date which takes into account both local air quality and traffic levels and the impact that COVID-19 is having on businesses and the local economy. The report states that while it is recognised that there were reductions in traffic and NO2 levels at the start of the COVID-19 restrictions, as the lockdown has eased traffic levels across the country have followed an upward trend and NO2 levels are expected to increase. The government has also advised the council in writing that it is still required to implement a CAZ to reduce NO2 levels in the city to within legal limits and improve air quality in the shortest possible time and by the end of 2021 at the latest. As a result, work is continuing to deliver the scheme including the installation of infrastructure such as signs and cameras across the city. Once the CAZ is operating, higher emission buses, coaches and HGVs will be charged £100 a day and higher emission taxis, private hire vehicles, minibuses, LGVs and vans (including pick-ups and campervans) will be charged £9 a
day to drive in the zone. Private cars and motorbikes will not be charged, regardless of their emissions. Councillor Sarah Warren, joint cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services said: “The coronavirus pandemic has brought into sharp focus our need to tackle the climate emergency and address poor air quality, which impacts the health of our residents. “While pollution levels reduced during lockdown in some areas, as we return to a more normal way of life traffic and NO2 levels are rising in the city centre once again. We must address this.” Over the past few months, the council has been in negotiation with the government, challenging its initial funding offer for the CAZ, which fell significantly short of its original funding request. Having considered the council’s full business case, the government says it will now provide up to £15.5m to implement the scheme and support businesses affected by the zone, bringing the total funding package to £23.5m. Cabinet will consider whether to accept the offer. Councillor Dine Romero, leader of the council, said: “Since the start of lockdown, we’ve been talking to a wide range of businesses and trade associations to understand the impact COVID-19 has had on them, how they see the road to recovery unfolding for them over the next six months to a year and how we might improve our support package, whilst still achieving our air quality objective. “As a result of this we’ve amended the terms of our financial assistance scheme to further help struggling businesses’. Local businesses and individuals
This week, The Pig is mostly...
The boundary of the proposed Clean Air Zone in Bath
will be able to apply for financial support in the form of grants and interest-free finance to upgrade polluting vehicles which would otherwise be charged in the zone. Under the original terms, businesses failing the scheme’s affordability checks would be granted an exemption from charges for two years, but the financial assistance scheme to upgrade vehicles would no longer be available to them. In light of COVID-19, the council has amended the scheme so that eligible businesses can reapply at a later date when their finances have improved. In addition, to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles and further improve air quality, temporary exemptions will also be granted to businesses that have placed orders for fully electric vehicles and are waiting for them to be delivered. The report to cabinet also clarifies the existing exemptions available for non-compliant vehicles that are supporting disadvantaged groups and vital services in the city, and for vehicles that are very hard to replace. This includes two-year exemptions from the launch of the
zone for community transport, blue badge holders, communitybased education, health or social care service providers, vehicles supporting the emergency services, wheelchair accessible taxis, recovery vehicles, showman’s vehicles, general haulage vehicles (not HGVs) and other special vehicles. These temporary exemptions are in addition to a wide range of permanent exemptions for hybrid and alternatively fuelled vehicles, historic vehicles, agricultural vehicles, military vehicles, vehicles for disabled people (including s19 and s22 community transport vehicles), emergency service vehicles and health service vehicles. Businesses and residents will need adequate notice and lead in time to make the changes necessary to comply with the CAZ, and once a date for its introduction is agreed, a full communications and engagement strategy will be implemented by B&NES Council. For detailed plans showing where the CAZ boundary comes into effect and proposed camera and sign placements, visit: www. bathnes.gov.uk/zonemaps.
National Trust reopens popular outside spaces Cheryl Hughes
Community Reporter
THE National Trust is back doing what it does best, providing the much needed, country escape for many people after months of lockdown. Tom Boden, General Manager for the National Trust in Bath, said: “We understand the importance of our beautiful local green spaces to the people of Bath and surrounding areas. “We recognise the boost to wellbeing that they can provide, so it’s been great that we’ve been able to open our outside spaces again for everyone to enjoy.” Dyrham Park, built in the late 17th century, Prior Park, with 18th century landscaped gardens and the Bath Skyline are looked after by the National Trust in Bath. During lockdown, the Bath Skyline stayed open and many
walkers used the open space to exercise and enjoy the views across the city. Tom added: “Skeleton staff stayed on at Dyrham Park and Prior Park carrying out essential tasks. The garden and parkland at Dyrham Park and Prior Park Landscape Garden reopened in June, using a booking system to manage safe numbers at both places. “Pre-booking is essential and tickets go live on Friday for the week ahead. Anyone can book a half-hour arrival time slot and then can stay for the rest of the day. “Members go in for free with a charge for nonmembers. The tea garden kiosk and shop are now open at Dyrham and toilets are open at both and carefully managed for safety. There’s a one-way system in place at Prior Park and in part of the garden at Dyrham.
Tom Boden, General Manager for the National Trust in Bath
“Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, showing just how much members value getting back to the places they love. “Pre-booking could become the norm and help us manage the flow of visitors in the future. “We’re hoping to be able to open the house at Dyrham as well
later in the year and I’m looking forward to returning to the wonderful museums in Bath. “I hope that this forced absence will encourage our community to value and support their local cultural organisations who have been hit particularly hard, especially as visitors from further afield might not return so soon.”
YET again congratulating MD of the Bath Pub Company Joe Cussens who has filmed a short but riveting exposé explaining and exploring how the government's Covid support grant scheme is failing his business and distorting the competitive landscape, resulting in a hard-hitting – and thoroughly enlightening – watch https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=MZHKJw2RhBs&t=63s APPLAUDING FoodCycle Bath's recently-launched Cook and Collect initiative, which offers a free, nutritious meal – prepared and freshly-cooked by FoodCycle Bath volunteers from surplus/donated food – for collection from Nexus Methodist Church (Nelson Place) every Wednesday at 7.30pm. (https://www.foodcycle.org.uk/location/bath/) OFFERING full support to every restaurant that takes a non-refundable deposit on bookings to safeguard against the thoughtless, ignorant and downright rude behaviour of the 'no show' brigade, who give no thought to the dire consequences of their actions and the devastating effect that their thoughtless behaviour has on many small, independent businesses. Booking no-shows? The Pig says No Way! Do we feel a campaign coming on? Watch this space... WISHING a very warm reopening welcome back hug to mes amis Chez Dominique (Argyle Street) – the place to go for that all-important taste of a Parisian bistro, in Bath. Visit their website to view their spiffing fixe prix menu (£20 for 2-courses, £24 for 3) and make that all-important booking (https://www.chezdominique. co.uk/) REALLY looking forward to meeting'n'greeting the Bath Priory's brand new Executive Chef Juaca Catalin, who joined the BP fold during lockdown in April and has since spent his time working on brand new menus to be launched when the hotel opens its doors again later on in the year (https://www.thebathpriory.co.uk/dining-drinking/ head-chef) DIGESTING and discussing the result of the most recent Pig Guide Twitter survey, in which we asked if the the temporary 15% VAT cut for the hospitality industry should be retained as a bonus for businesses or passed on to the customer. Only 17% of Piggies want the benefits to be passed on to the customer, while a whopping 83% of respondents view the discount as much-needed support for businesses. Got an opinion on the subject? You know where I am! For more news, views and food-related chat, visit The Pig Guide at www. thepigguide.com and follow The Pig on Twitter @ThePigGuide.
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Competition launched Police “sorry for the disruption to find best small shop caused" during illegal rave in Bath BATH MP Wera Hobhouse is calling on the city’s small shopkeepers to enter the Best Small Shops Competition, celebrating the successes of small shops and the central role they play. The Best Small Shops Competition is open to any small shop operating in the UK. The competition is free to enter and all shops who enter will also be promoted to consumers through an online Indie Retail Directory. Shopkeepers can nominate their businesses until Friday 11th September 2020 via www.bestsmallshops.co.uk. A shortlist will be announced in October with winners announced in November. The judges will be looking for evidence of a small shop’s entrepreneurial spirit, ways that they have been innovative in their business and what they have done to have a lasting positive impact on their
community. The shortlisted small shops will then be in with the chance to win one of five awards, including the newly launched award for small shops response to Covid-19. Wera Hobhouse said: “Bath’s small shops are one of the most treasured elements of our beautiful and distinctive city. “From Larkhall, Widcombe, Chelsea Road, Walcot Street, Moorland Road, the city centre and beyond, Bath’s unique small shops are highly valued by locals and visitors alike. “Many of them have been community mainstays during the pandemic, going above and beyond to serve our residents in creative and thoughtful ways. “Please give your favourite small shop the recognition it deserves by nominating it in the Best Small Shops Competition.” Entries close on 11th September.
THOUSANDS of people are believed to have attended an illegal rave on the former Charmy Down airfield site at Upper Swainswick in the early hours of Sunday 19th July. The event, which was publicised through Facebook, continued through much of Sunday, with police working with the council and ambulance service to safely contain the incident. Avon and Somerset Police told the Bath Echo that they had the first report of the event at 11.21pm on Saturday evening. Officers attended the scene within 10 minutes, quickly established there were already several hundred people at the location and called for further resources. A statement from Avon and Somerset Police said: “We had dedicated extra patrols on duty last night [Saturday 18th July]
to respond to any reported unlicensed music events across the force area. These units were immediately deployed to this incident. “Officers closed off the approach routes, however people were abandoning vehicles and making their way to the site on foot. Officers were still turning vehicles away at 6.40am. “A full risk assessment concluded that the potential risks to public safety of an intervention to close an event attended by more than 3000 people in dark and wet conditions were too great. “There were also other significant incidents across the force area including 120 999 calls which required an immediate police response and the attention of our resources. “Therefore the decision was taken to contain the event until daylight hours.”
Chief Superintendent Ian Wylie said: “We’re sorry for the disruption caused to so many residents by the selfish actions of the organisers of this event and those attending, knowing the problems it would cause and the ongoing risk to public health of large gatherings due to COVID-19. “We will take appropriate action against those responsible and would ask anyone with evidence which could help to get in touch through www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/ contact or by calling 101, quoting reference 1414 of 19 July.” Earlier in the evening of Saturday 18th July, Avon and Somerset Police had shared a message on their social media encouraging residents to report unlicensed music events and raves “which may not have safety plans in place”.
Public urged to be vigilant as visitor Roman Baths welcomes numbers begin to rise record-breaking 1.3 million visitors in 2019
WITH more people expected to visit local towns and cities rather than going abroad, police are reminding people about the need to be vigilant when out and about and to report suspicious activity. In addition to urging people to report concerns about unusual behaviour, police are also asking the public to let them know if they’re worried someone may be vulnerable to radicalisation. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cullen said: “The threat level for the whole of the UK remains at substantial, meaning an attack is likely. Like all forces, we continue to take appropriate steps to protect all our communities and we’re asking the public to remain vigilant. “During the COVID-19 crisis public places have been much quieter than normal while schools and colleges have virtually shut down. “As more and more local businesses continue to reopen and life starts to return to what it was like at the start of the year I’d like to once again highlight the important role the public have in keeping our communities safe. “Any piece of information could be important, it is better to be safe and report. You could help the police stop an attack and save lives. “Do not worry that you may be wasting our time. No call or click will be ignored. What you tell us is treated in the strictest confidence and is thoroughly researched by experienced officers before, and if, any police action is taken.” An interactive course explaining how to spot the signs of suspicious behaviour and what to do to help yourself, others and the emergency responders if an attack should take place has been
developed by Counter Terrorism Policing. A recent police appeal to people currently working from home to take part in the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) e-Learning course resulted in nearly 70,000 signing up to be ‘CT Citizens’. “Having more people with a basic level of awareness, and who know what to do if they see suspicious activity, is a real asset to the police and with everything people have had to cope with over the past couple of months, it’s great to see they continue to want to want to play their part,” ACC Cullen said. The reminder to be vigilant comes following a national decline in referrals to Prevent – the government programme which works to offer bespoke support to those at risk of radicalisation. ACC Cullen added: “Like every other police force, we’ve seen a fall in Prevent referrals in Avon and Somerset since the lockdown was introduced and this is primarily a result of schools and other statutory services such as social care and mental health provision being impacted.
“Despite the reduction, we know that the threat is not going away. In fact, it is likely that the risk of radicalisation has increased for a small number of vulnerable people, as the pandemic is driving people, young and old, to spend more time online and is exacerbating grievances which make people more vulnerable to radicalisation – such as financial insecurity or social alienation. “We really need parents, friends and family to be aware of what young or vulnerable people in their care are looking at online – and most importantly what they can do to help. “If you are worried that someone could be vulnerable to radicalisation there is help and advice out there. From schools via the Safeguarding Officers, to specialist charities and also the police. “If you have concerns about someone, we are here to help.” If you have an immediate concern you want to share with a trained professional who will treat your enquiry with understanding and discretion, call police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
THE Roman Baths welcomed a recordbreaking 1,325,085 visitors in 2019, maintaining its spot in the top 25 mostvisited attractions in the UK. The latest figures were released by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA). The historic Roman Baths site was the third mostvisited attraction in England outside of London, and the seventh most-visited charging attraction in the UK. Last year’s visitor numbers were the highest on record, up from 1,302,381 in 2018. The figures include daytime visitors to the Roman Baths and customers in the Pump Room restaurant. However, the impact of COVID-19 has seen the council’s income from heritage services, including the Roman Baths, fall by £4m in April and May 2020 compared with the same period last year due to the museums’ closures on 19th March. The Roman Baths reopened on 6th July with extra safety measures including welcoming visitors to a maximum of 30% of the site’s normal capacity, prebooking all admissions, and delaying the return of group visitors until at least September. One-way routes with two-metre markers are in place, as well as screens in reception areas, staff marshalling at key points to ensure physical distancing takes place and an increased cleaning regime.
Photo © gowithstock / Shutterstock.com
Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “It’s great news that the Roman Baths enjoyed a record year in 2019. “Visitors to the Roman Baths help generate income for essential council services and benefit businesses in the wider area. “Despite 2019 being our busiest year ever we saw fewer visitors in the peak summer months, as a new pricing strategy supported growth in the winter and spring when the site has greater capacity. “Of course, the closure of the Roman Baths during lockdown has had a big impact on the council’s finances as a whole and we don’t yet know how much Government compensation we will receive to mitigate this. “However, I am pleased we were able to reopen the Roman Baths on July 6 with physical distancing and other safety measures in place, and we are already receiving excellent feedback from those who have visited.” Tickets for August are now on sale, and the Roman Baths will be open in the evenings until 8pm (last admission 7pm) on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during August.
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Council leaders join others in Residents urged to warning over dire future for charities explore green spaces MORE than forty leaders of public, private and third sectors across the West of England have signed a letter asking the Government for urgently needed financial support to help the third sector. The letter was sent to Diana Barran, Parliamentary UnderSecretary DDCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) on 8th July, the day of the Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s summer statement. It was signed by Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees, the Leaders of North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset Councils Don Davies, Toby Savage and Dine Romero, together with business and charity sector leaders including James Carlin, Director of B&NES 3SG. They are calling on Diana Barran, Civil Society Minister, to support the West of England third sector recovery plan which would see an extra £30 million invested in local charities over the next five years. This comes as latest figures show that without action 1 in 5 charities will be forced to cut services in the coming months. Sue Turner, Chief Executive of Quartet Community Foundation, said: “It’s amazing that 80% of local charities kept going through the crisis but many of them are now running out of money. “They responded when our country urgently needed them to coordinate volunteers, deliver emergency supplies and support people in financial trouble throughout lockdown. “The demand for their services is still enormous. They’re now needed in the first phase of recovery to support those affected by bereavement, mental health issues, domestic abuse and food poverty. “But their income from fundraising and trading has been
slashed. “If charities don’t get financial support now they won’t be here to help our most disadvantaged people through the tough days ahead. This would be dire for the people who rely on them. “Leaders from all parts of the West of England are calling on the Government to back the fourpoint plan to stabilise the charity sector and put extra support into the communities that need it most. “It will cost £30 million to carry out this plan over the next five years. We’ve raised over £1.4m for coronavirus response and there’s a further £1.8m already identified for recovery phase work. “We know the generosity of people here will raise yet more but we’re asking the Government to do their bit too.” Sado Jirde, Director of Black South West Network, said: “As the voluntary and community organisations emerge from this crisis, we are all bracing ourselves for even tougher challenges ahead. “Black-led organisations in
particular know about hardship, but the pain from COVID19 takes both demands on services and financial crisis to new heights. “We support Quartet’s calls for resources and hope the DCMS will heed this cry, as despite Government measures in the Mini-Budget 2020, people are still falling through the net across our communities.” Signatory James Durie, Chief Executive, Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative at Business West, added: “Our members across Bristol and West of England businesses and employers understand and recognise the critical role local charities play in sustaining our communities and enhancing people’s lives. “Whilst so many businesses and employers are themselves struggling right now, we have no hesitation in offering our full and strong support in exhorting Government to act quickly and substantially to stabilise our local charities. “It’s essential at this time of great national challenge.”
RESIDENTS across the area are being encouraged to continue to explore Bath and North East Somerset’s open spaces as lockdown restrictions continue to ease. For many people, walks and family bike rides have a highlight during lockdown, helping to maintain mental and physical wellbeing. Now, with restrictions being lifted, residents are being urged not to break their healthy habit and to maintain outdoor exercise as part of their routine. Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “One of the positives of lockdown is that through daily exercise many people have found new places to explore right on their doorstep and others have seen familiar places in a different light. Our parks and open spaces have never been more valued. “Of course, the benefits to both mental and physical health of walking, cycling and spending time outdoors are well known, so as we move back to a more normal way of life, I’d encourage
people to continue to explore their neighbourhoods and reap the benefits of regular outdoor exercise. “While we really want people to enjoy our parks and countryside, please leave them as you would want to find them and take all your litter home with you.” B&NES Council is responsible for nineteen parks across the district, all of which provide different experiences in varying landscapes from Kensington Meadows in Walcot to Beechen Cliff Woodland and Keynsham Memorial Park. Many of the district’s parks have long histories and contain interesting buildings and design features such as the Palladian Bridge at Prior Park and Sydney Gardens Temple of Minerva. Vanessa Pons who lives in Bath said: “I have felt privileged being able to enjoy all the parks and green spaces Bath has to offer, they have been a lifeline during the COVID-19 lockdown. Now, more than ever, our parks are essential to maintaining good mental health and wellbeing.”
Consultation launched on co-living scheme for laundry site NEW plans for the Regency Laundry on the Lower Bristol Road in Bath have been revealed to the public in a second round of consultation for the site. In February, the Watkin Jones Group asked the local community and other stakeholders for feedback regarding its proposals to create Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) on the site. The results of the consultation showed members of the public and local stakeholders expressed a clear preference for a more residential type scheme that will meet the needs of young people who are currently priced out of more traditional forms of housing in Bath. The Watkin Jones Group has revised its plans to bring forward a
new co-living residential scheme. As an emerging concept in the UK, co-living is intended for young professionals and graduates who are looking for cost-effective accommodation in a highly accessible location with a community feel and extensive shared amenities. Studies suggest that living or working with like-minded people can potentially reduce the feeling of loneliness that often comes with the isolation of urban living nowadays, and also increases the opportunity of networking with other professionals. In addition to including residential apartments, the scheme would also include break out areas for dining and recreation, communal cooking areas, seating pods for socialising and workstations to allow people to work in-
dividually or in groups. A spokesperson for the Watkin Jones Group said: “We are looking forward to revealing the new plans for the Regency Laundry site. “We would like to thank the people of Bath for engaging in our consultation back in February which we have taken into consideration to deliver this new and revised scheme. “The scheme will allow people the opportunity to live alongside other professionals in a sought-after location close to the city centre, with excellent bus, rail, cycle and other transport links easily accessible. “As a new concept in Bath we anticipate a great deal of interest in this scheme and we look forward to submitting a planning application in due course.”
How the redevelopment on the Lower Bristol Road might look
The new plans are available to view and comment on online at www.stpetersterrace.co.uk until 3rd August. People are invited to view the proposals and leave their feed-
back before a planning application is submitted to B&NES Council later in the year. Hard copies of the consultation materials can be sent via post on request by calling 01225 423400.
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Charity shops welcome back customers and seek volunteers Cheryl Hughes
Community Reporter
CHARITY shops in Bath are finding their way back to a ‘new normal’ after a three months absence. Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We’re hugely grateful for the number of donations we’ve already received from the public since reopening a small number of our BHF shops. “Our new contact-free donation points at the entrance of stores have been a big hit. One shop received more than 100 bags of donations before lunchtime on the first day of opening, and more than double what they’d receive on a normal weekday.” She added: “Our charity shops run purely on the kind support of the public, which is why we never take for granted a camera, record or video game that’s donated to us. Every item we sell helps support the 7.4 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases, many of whom are at increased risk from Covid-19.” Max Dibden, manager of the Oxfam shop on Argyle Street, who has been with the charity for over 25 years, said: “We are so grateful for the massive amount of donations we are receiving from the public.
“A lot of people have taken the opportunity to have a good clear-out over the past three months and we appreciate their generosity. “We have had to restrict donation days to certain times though, to allow us to process items and ensure they have gone through the required quarantine period before we can sell them. “It’s so good to be back and doing what we love and providing support for those who need it. “Understandably, people are a little more cautious, but I would like to reassure them that we have all safety precautions in place, from hand sanitising on your way into the store, to social distancing and allotted numbers in at any given time.” In June of this year, the BHF launched a new, free, postal initiative where customers can donate smaller items via post: “This makes it even easier for the public to give their decluttered items and support the charity to help save lives,” said Allison Swaine-Hughes. “This has proved hugely popular and these items will be sold either online via the charity’s E-Bay Store or at a BHF shop. “Customers can simply head to the webpage, request a freepost label which will be emailed to them and then choose to either print the label off or bring the email in to one of 7,500
nationwide collect and drop off points to be printed off there. Packages can be up to 10kg. All donations are rested for 72 hours before being placed on sale. “Just £16 worth of your donations can support an early career scientist in carrying out an hour’s research and £25 gives a researcher an hour’s access to equipment. “If your donations raised £100, this would fund a DNA extraction kit to identify genes linked to heart and circulatory diseases.” Karen James, Store Manager of Barnardo’s on Shaftsbury Road, which opened its doors again on 15th July, said: “We very much enjoyed welcoming customers back into our Bath shop. “We have new safety measures implemented to keep everyone safe. This includes plastic screens at till points, hand sanitiser stations at the entrance of the store, restricted customer numbers and social distancing requirements. “We have provided safety packs for staff, including aprons, gloves, additional cleaning products etc. “We have had to keep the changing rooms closed. We are also asking that customers please pay by contactless where possible. “We are going to assess donations on a daily basis and it is advisable to call the shop first to see what we are able to accept.
Charity receives £10k donation thanks to crematorium recycling BATH & North East Somerset Council has donated £10,000 raised from the recycling of metals reclaimed from Haycombe Crematorium to local counselling charity The Harbour. The Harbour provides counselling support for adults facing death, dying, or bereavement. Fundraising officer, Catherine Bowen, said: “The advent of Covid-19 has changed the experience of all deaths, sadly making losing a loved one so much more painful, with the added difficulty of keeping family and friends close at the time when you need them most. “At the Harbour, we support people facing death, dying and bereavement and the generous donation we’ve received will go a long way to helping people cope better with the difficulties they face and move on with their lives.” The charity is the latest to benefit from money raised by the recycling of common items like medical pins, metal plates and artificial joints which are retrieved from the cremated remains of a loved one and recycled through a national scheme.
what is happening. “The Harbour has continued to provide support during COVID-19 over the phone and via zoom and I know many of their clients have been extremely grateful for the support offered during these incredibly difficult times. “We always respectfully retrieve the cremated Haycombe Cemetery & Crematorium remains of a loved one, Photo © ColinPeachey / Shutterstock.com but metal items used as part of surgery are The not-for-profit Recycling often recovered from the of Metals Scheme is run by cremator. the Institute of Cemetery and “The most responsible way to Crematorium Management dispose of them is to recycle of which Bath & North East them. We feel it’s only right the Somerset Council is a member. money raised goes to support Members of the scheme collect bereavement charities and I hope the metal from the cremators and people who are bereaved take the money raised from recycling comfort from that.” is divided between ICCM Over the past year, £26,000 members for distribution among has been donated to charities charities. across the region by Haycombe Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet Cemetery and Crematorium. member for Community Services, To qualify for donations from the said: “I’m pleased we’ve been able scheme, charities are selected to support the essential work of on the basis they have to assist The Harbour. Perhaps now more the bereaved or those who are than ever, when so many of us terminally ill. are distanced from loved ones, its Any local charities which meet really important people feel they the criteria can get in touch with can talk to someone about their staff at Haycombe Cemetery and feelings and try to make sense of Crematorium on 01225 396020.
Max Dibden, manager of the Oxfam shop on Argyle Street
“Safety measures are also in place to manage donations, which is a quarantine period of 72 hours. “We want everyone to benefit from the quality pre-loved items people are kindly donating to us, so please come and visit our lovely store. We are currently looking for volunteers which are much needed to help out instore. This is a great way to help vulnerable children and build your skills. If you want further
information, please call the shop on 01225 330339.” Charities across Bath are very much in need of: bric-a-brac, homewares, records, video games, shoes in good condition, collectable items such as coins and stamps, jewellery, ornaments, cameras, toys. “Anything you might have discovered in your attic or shed we can find a new home for,” Mr Dibden added.
Call for greater powers to help council tackle carbon emissions HAVING welcomed the government’s recent home insulation scheme announcement, the Liberal Democrats are now calling for greater powers to tackle carbon emissions. The party is seeking greater powers for Bath and North East Somerset Council and other local authorities to take action on carbon emissions, as figures show progress to cut emissions across the UK has stalled since 2016. In B&NES, emissions have fallen from 737.5kt CO2 to 696.8kt CO2, which is not fast enough to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050. Highlighting the need for “action now, not promises”, the Liberal Democrats are calling for more powers for those who are “bestplaced to tackle the climate emergency in their areas”. Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet member for the Climate Emergency said: “The Liberal Democrats are fighting to tackle the climate emergency, here in B&NES we have a plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
“Local authorities are best placed to tackle the climate emergency in their area. We are calling for the Government to give local authorities more powers to take action on carbon emissions. “This means giving us more powers to tackle congestion, invest in public transport, insulate our homes, powers over road projects to ensure they are carbon reducing, powers over the planning system so that we can insist upon zero carbon for all new build, and powers to build wind turbines. “We need the ability to put pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes and traffic calming measures on the A roads that bisect our villages, towns and city so as make them nicer places to live.” Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Climate Emergency and Environment said: “Unlike the Liberal Democrats, this Tory Government does not have a plan to reach net zero. “These statistics prove – yet again – that we’re not making anywhere near fast enough progress to tackle the climate emergency.”
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Community Charity warns of ‘double lockdown’ Children raise £700 to help support city's for residents with sight loss AS lockdown eases, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is warning that the independence of blind and partially sighted people across the South West is increasingly under threat. Social distancing, which relies heavily on sight, has made it nearly impossible for people with vision impairment to navigate safely and independently in a world turned ‘upside down’ by measures and rules that are often inaccessible. In response, RNIB has launched a campaign, calling for people to be aware, think about the challenges blind and partially sighted people face and make small changes to keep everyone safe. Eleanor Southwood, Chair of Trustees at RNIB, said: “Blind and partially sighted people like me are used to navigating a world not designed with us in mind, but social distancing has really turned our world upside down. “A lot of the strategies and tools we use to get around safely – like being guided – are not allowed under current rules, and many have been left stranded. “We’ve heard from many blind and partially sighted people who are incredibly anxious about how to manage the situation, and we’re concerned that this will
have a real impact on people’s quality of life. “The ‘new normal’ risks causing a double lockdown for people with sight loss. This is not fair or acceptable. “We’re asking the general public to help us safely social distance whilst getting on with life. By being aware of the challenges we might face, and simply asking if assistance is needed, you can help us keep our independence and stay safe. “We also want the Government and businesses to take action, so that measures designed to protect us are inclusive to everyone, not just to those who can see them.” There are 215,000 people living with sight loss in the South West, many of whom trust in others to help them social distance effectively by moving away. However, in an RNIB poll of the general public, just under half (47 per cent) of people in the South West admitted to breaking social distancing rules. The charity has also heard from many blind and partially sighted people who say that difficulties with social distancing have nega-
vulnerable youngsters
tively impacted their lives. In an RNIB survey of people with sight loss, two thirds (66 per cent) of people said they feel less independent now than before lockdown, and four in five (80 per cent) said the way they shop has changed, with half as many continuing to shop independently. Ms Southwood continued: “Eighty eight percent of people we talked to in the South West felt that continuing to social distance is important, and seventy eight per cent agreed that sighted people should proactively help those who can’t see to social distance effectively. “Just being aware of the people around you and offering to help can have a positive impact and help build someone’s confidence, rather than damage it.”
THE children of the Junior Church at Christ Church in Bath have raised £690 to support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in the city. In June, the children chose to support young people’s drug and alcohol service Project 28, after being inspired by its work in their local community. Project 28, part of local charity Developing Health & Independence (DHI), provides advice, guidance and one-to-one sessions for young people who are having problems with drugs and/ or alcohol. The service is free and confidential, and aims to provide a flexible and non-judgemental space for young people to be open about the problems they are facing. The children had planned to do car washes and cake sales but had to change their fundraising plans due to lockdown. Instead, they hosted virtual events on Zoom, organising a fun quiz and displaying their skills at a concert, entertaining family and friends. Emma Elliott, Group leader of the Junior Church, Christ Church said: ‘‘The children and young people were pleased to be involved in the church’s charitable
giving this year and were asked to choose the Charity of the Month for June. “Some of our young people had learned of Project 28 at school, through the PSHE education resources that DHI provide to schools. “They wanted to support a charity that was operating locally and working with young people. Project 28 was a perfect fit. “They are delighted with the total they’ve raised, and it is thanks to the generosity of the Christ Church community. We will continue to follow the work of the charity with interest.’’ Liz Bryan, Project 28 Manager, said: “Thank you so much for thinking of Project 28 and raising money for our charity. We have been working with families during Covid 19 to help and support them with children that are suffering from anxiety, alongside not seeing friends or attending school. We have been going on bike rides, walks and doing outside gym work with them to enable them to get some fresh air. “This also gives them the opportunity to change their routine offering more healthier options, and for us to talk to them about any concerns.”
Greenpeace group Bath Cancer Unit Support Group calls for more space for launches special challenge walking and cycling THE Bath Greenpeace group has called for a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, including additional investment in local public transport, walking and cycling. Greenpeace member Rachel said: “We need a Green Recovery, including massive investment in walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure here in Bath. “That’s why Greenpeace activists have left this clear message in chalk to the Government. “One area where the activists left these chalk stencils, was along North Road. This is a long road, with numerous schools where children like to ride their bikes. “The road however is extremely busy, with dangerous fast moving vehicles. We need more space for people to walk and cycle safely in Bath, not £27 billion for new road building." Another member, Mary, added: “I’d cycle to work if it were safer, but right now I’m too worried
about the busy traffic, lack of space and air pollution level in Bath. "Cycling brings lots of benefits to our community by keeping people fit, reducing air pollution and lowering carbon emissions. “Bath Local Council is doing what they can but we need funding from central Government to make this happen. We want Government to invest in clean, green transport so that more people can cycle, walk and take public transport safely."
THE Bath Cancer Unit Support Group is calling on local families to take part in a new fundraising challenge, helping raise money for essential medical equipment. The cancer unit at Bath’s Royal United Hospital treats around 3,000 new patients a year on average. The Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG) charity is asking people of all ages to dream up their own challenge based around the number 3,000 and raise funds for state-of-the-art medical equipment not provided by the NHS. Whether it’s skipping or hopping 3,000 times or completing a distance of 3,000 metres (3k) in your garden, on roller skates or in fancy dress, anything goes. The more imaginative the fundraising ideas, the better. People can share their fundraising photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #BCUSG3000Challenge. The charity recently contributed £340,000 towards the cost of an advanced gamma camera to
speed up cancer diagnosis and has allocated money for a quiet room at the RUH for patients receiving palliative care and portable ultrasound scanners for breast cancer patients. The BCUSG has also agreed to fund additional equipment needed for the new cancer centre at the RUH. BCUSG chairman Mike Taylor said: “The Bath Cancer Unit treats around 3,000 new patients every year and demand for its services has increased as we come out of lockdown. “Doctors at the RUH also recently treated their 3,000th patient using a £1.2m scanner which was paid for by our charity – but more needs to be done. “We are calling on parents, children, grandparents and individuals to complete their own fundraising activities around the number 3,000 and help us pay for new equipment to speed up the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients locally. “Anyone can take part, whatever your age or ability, as long as you follow official advice on social
BCUSG chairman Mike Taylor launching the challenge on his exercise bike | Photo © Geoff Parselle
distancing and choose a challenge that’s appropriate for you and your abilities.” For more information and guidance on how to take part in the Bath Cancer Unit #BCUSG3000Challenge, go to https:// www.bcusg.org. Alternatively, to donate to the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, or to discuss becoming a corporate partner, email Alan Webb at fundraising@bcusg.org or phone 07896 741233.
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Education Digital innovation centre plans receive £300,000 WECA boost PLANS for a new training centre in Bath focussed on digital skills and careers have been given a £300,000 boost thanks to the West of England Combined Authority. I-START is designed to help local people gain new skills and retrain for roles in the creative and digital sectors. It also aims to provide a more flexible approach to learning which will fit around people’s busy lives, making it more accessible to those without traditional qualifications. This would help more people from diverse social and educational backgrounds gain new skills; leading to high-quality jobs in the creative and digital sectors. The plan is to create an innovation centre, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, on Bath College’s City Centre campus. As well as training, the innovation centre will also work with businesses, helping them develop new ideas. The West of England Combined Authority approved the outline business case and agreed to invest £300,000 to develop and design the project further. This will include a review of the plans in light of Covid-19. West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles, said: “I am keen to ensure that all our residents, whatever their background or challenges, can realise their potential by gaining the digital skills our region needs
in future. “This focus on future digital skills is now more important than ever as we look at our region’s economic renewal, coming out of Covid-19. “By offering people more training opportunities that will help them to develop the right skills that our region’s businesses need, we can give them the best possible chances to re-train and up-skill in their chosen careers.” The I-START project involves a collaboration between Bath College, the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, Bath & North East Somerset Council and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). Councillor Tim Ball, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “Now we are in the recovery phase of COVID-19, giving people the right skills to meet the demands of the future will be key to the economic recovery of Bath and North East Somerset as a whole. “I’m pleased that the I-START project will take an inclusive approach to opening up further and higher education to more people in our region.” I-START’s learning space would be co-located with innovative start-up businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (via the SETsquared University of Bath Innovation Centre), the In-
stitute of Coding and research & knowledge exchange – spanning the digital and creative economy, robotics, social science and the arts – leading to collaboration between partners, students and businesses. The proposed training centre would be based next to Bath Quays, giving students access to growing businesses looking to expand their workforces. By 2027, it is expected that 55% of UK jobs will require higher-level qualifications. Professor Ian White, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, said: “We are delighted that the I-START Outline Business Case has been approved, and look forward to working with WECA and our project partners to continue to develop our plans. “I’d like to thank all those involved for their hard work in getting the project to this stage. “What we’re jointly proposing is a genuinely exciting prospect for our city, expanding the University’s world-leading SETsquared Bath Innovation Centre, improving access to our research and expertise in areas of value to the City, creating Bath’s first digital labs to accommodate new and growing businesses, and building on our experience as educational providers to enhance the future prospects of the City as a location for inward investment. “Not only is this a project exactly
How the new innovation centre could look | Image © Bath College
what the city will need as we look to bounce back from the economic impacts of Covid19, but it will benefit our city for years to come.” Principal and Chief Executive of Bath College, Laurel Penrose, said: “We are delighted to be part of such a great partnership. At Bath College we are always striving to identify and address the needs of local people and employers. We look forward to the development of the innovation centre at our City Centre Campus and welcoming a whole new cohort of students.” Professor Andy Salmon, Pro Vice Chancellor External, Bath Spa University on behalf of Vice Chancellor Sue Rigby, said: “It is
fitting that this exciting inclusive growth project is the first time that the four essential Bath partners have combined their national and international leading strengths in skills, innovation, and business start up. “The revolutionary part of this programme is its ability to make ambitious and necessary connections across disciplines and business opportunities at the very moment when our skills and core purposes are undergoing radical shift. “This project gives us the opportunity for the city and region to move forward rapidly harnessing the formidable capacity of one great College and two excellently complimentary Universities.”
Students win £7000 prize for tackling Pre-school launches Earth’s problems from space crowdfunding appeal HENRY Shepherd, 21, Ken Diep, 23 and Matthew Cliffe, 23, have been awarded the overall group prize in the UK Space Agency’s SatelLife Competition for their idea, SandSpy. SandSpy uses satellite data to identify where illegal sand extraction is happening and informs the necessary authorities. The project can put a halt to environmental damage including marine life death and human fatalities due to landslides from illegal sand being taken from rivers and seabeds. Henry said: “We came across the problem of illegal sand mining through a podcast which featured an interview with a farmer in Vietnam whose land next to a river is being eroded away by illegal mining. It got us all interested as we had not heard about this issue before. “After looking into it, we realised the huge scale of the problem and how little was being done against it; this made us want to write this entry as we thought satellites had the potential to make a real
difference.” A student from Leeds won the individual prize of £6000 for her pin badge which monitors air pollution. These are just two of the winning entries in the Agency’s 4th annual SatelLife Competition. Ideas ranged from apps that predict crop health to contact tracing in a pandemic and those closer to home could see their lives improved with a wrist band to guide and support those with dementia. The SatelLife Competition aims to encourage young people to think about how satellites can enhance our everyday lives and learn more about the diverse carers available in the sector. British ESA astronaut Tim Peake said: “Satellites are essential to everyday activities. “When data collected by satellites are applied creatively we can look to solve many of the problems we face on Earth. The UK space sector is an exciting place to work and jobs in space are not just for astronauts. Careers include
The SandSpy project winners, Matthew, Henry and Ken
analysts, engineers, designers and entrepreneurs. I do not doubt that in the future these exceptional young people will be at the front of the line for these jobs.” The next step for the successful winners is to pitch their ideas to a panel of dragons at the Harwell Space Cluster in October for the chance to win further prizes. Previous awards have included additional funding, patent advice and invitations to discuss job opportunities as well as introductions to the other relevant experts for further help.
THE Peter Pan charity preschool in Bath has launched a community crowdfunding campaign to help make up losses incurred by the coronavirus lockdown. The pre-school, which has been part of the Newbridge community for 40 years, is a not-for-profit pre-school and one of the lowest cost early years providers in Bath. The coronavirus lockdown has cost the pre-school £16,500, which has had a significant impact on its financial stability and future. It is reaching out to the local community to help them survive and allow them to continue to offer local families a quality early years’ experience for their children. Peter Pan temporarily shut its doors alongside many other schools and nurseries across the country in March. “It was a very uncertain time” said Marie, one of Peter Pan’s play leaders “Peter Pan has never closed in all the 22 years I have been here.”
Parent and co-chair of the committee, Clare Moon, said: “Peter Pan is a charity run pre-school that operates not for profit. We receive no grants. Income comes from early years funding, parent fees and fundraising. The loss of fees for the summer term have had a huge impact on our finances and we have missed out on our usual fundraising opportunities. “We are very lucky to have extremely supportive parents but, with such a significant loss of income, we simply can’t do this alone. We need help from the wider community.” Run from the Weston Methodist Church on Kennington Road, close to Chelsea Road, Peter Pan is a familiar part of the Newbridge community. “It’s just a wonderful thing to see the children back and hear the happy sound of playing once again,” said a local resident. Cllr Michelle O’Doherty, said: “Both my boys went there and we found it excellent. A lot of the staff who looked after my boys are still there. It’s a lovely place.”
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Health RUH shortlisted for national patient safety awards THE Royal United Hospital has been shortlisted for two national patient safety awards for its work in caring for patients with sepsis and acute kidney injury. The hospital is a finalist in two categories in the national Patient Safety Awards 2020, which recognise and reward outstanding practise within the NHS and independent healthcare organisations. Dr Lesley Jordan, RUH Consultant Anaesthetist and Patient Safety Lead, said: “We’re very proud to be shortlisted and recognised for our continued work in improving outcomes for patients with sepsis and acute kidney injury. “Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection, when a person’s immune system overreacts and starts to damage the body’s
tissues and organs. “Acute kidney injury is when a person’s kidneys suddenly stop working properly, usually as a complication of an acute illness, and this can range from minor loss of kidney function to complete kidney failure. “These can have serious consequences and early detection of both conditions is really important to improve outcomes for patients. “We have focused on identifying the conditions as early as possible, introducing process and tools to enable our frontline staff to implement treatment promptly and improve the care we deliver. “We have also established a new senior nursing support team, the Sepsis and Kidney Injury Prevention (SKIP) team, to continue
with Karen Bray CAN WE LEARN TO WORRY LESS?
to drive this work and support frontline staff.” RUH Medical Director Dr Bernie Marden said: “Being shortlisted for these awards, particularly at this time when the national focus is on the coronavirus outbreak, just highlights the dedication and sheer hard work of our staff to provide the best possible care for our patients.
“Improving patient safety is a key priority for us at the RUH and we are continuously looking at ways we can improve the care our patients receive.” The team will be presenting their work virtually to a panel of judges to decide the category winner, which will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony in November.
Public invited to have say on health and care
People encouraged to attend appointments
PEOPLE living across Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to make their voices heard as part of a new and innovative health and care forum. The ‘Our Health Our Future’ Panel seeks to capture the views and opinions people have on health and care matters in their local area. Managed by the clinical commissioning group of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, the panel is a virtual arena in which people of all ages and backgrounds are invited to give honest, constructive feedback on a range of health and care-related topics through regular surveys and focus groups. Almost 400 of the 800 current members took part in the most recent survey, which sought to gauge local feeling towards the coronavirus outbreak, and it is hoped the panel will reach the milestone of 1,000 members before the next one is due to take place latest this month. Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG, said: “It’s a privilege to be able to plan health and care for our region but to do it effectively we need to hear from, as well as understand the needs of, the people at the heart of our communities. “Although we have detailed statistics about ages, backgrounds and current medical conditions, which give us a great starting point in knowing what services are needed and where, what is harder to come by is that more anecdotal information which can support us to empower people to live healthy independent lives.
THE RUH is backing a call for patients not to miss their important outpatient appointments. The Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group has reported a rise in the number of missed appointments and warning that doing so could have serious implications for long-term health. The RUH Trust has made a short film encouraging patients to attend their appointment and reassuring them that procedures and measures are in place to keep them and hospital staff safe.
“The Our Health Our Future panel is a fantastic way for us to connect with our local communities and, while it’s not our only method of engagement, the fact it’s a digital platform means current social distancing rules can’t put a stop to these important conversations.” Earlier in the year, at the peak of the coronavirus outbreak, the current panellists took part in a survey which asked how the pandemic had affected their overall health and wellbeing. While 90 per cent of respondents said they felt healthy, around a third admitted to feeling lonely during the initial lockdown period. Two-thirds of people said that, given the current circumstances, they would be happy to replace a face-to-face consultation with one that takes place over the phone or by videocall. However, a significant number of respondents said that virtual appointments would be less appropriate when discussing mental health concerns. On a positive note, the survey highlighted that the lockdown had not stopped people from accessing routine care, with almost half (42 per cent) saying they had recently used or tried to use a health or care service. Around one in ten said they had found it difficult to access the care they needed during the lockdown. Places on the ‘Our Health Our Future Panel’ are still available, and anyone wishing to join is encouraged to visit www.junglegreenmrc.co.uk/panel for details of how to do so.
Mental Wellbeing
The film takes viewers on a journey from the hospital’s front door to outpatient department, explaining how patients and visitors are advised on wearing a face covering or mask when inside the hospital, how to follow hand hygiene tips and how to self-distance by two metres in the hospital corridors and waiting areas. The message to patients is that outpatient services at the RUH may look a bit different at the moment, but the care and service you receive remains the same. You can watch the full film via YouTube at https://youtu. be/0j-wiJLFU54.
New director being sought for RUH board A NEW Non-Executive Director is being sought to join the Board of Directors at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust. Non‐Executive Directors play a crucial role in bringing an independent perspective to the boardroom, in addition to any specific knowledge and skills they may have. The role has a key focus on patient safety and care and the postholder will need to use their professional skills and perspective to support the governance and strategic development of the Trust. Alison Ryan, Trust Chair, said: “We’re seeking a Non-Executive Director with a professional background or qualification in financial management, and ex-
perience of risk management. “We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates who have experience of working in a regulated environment, are from a BAME background or who have a disability. Ideally, they will live within the area served by the hospital “The Trust has pulled together brilliantly over recent months to deal head-on with the unprecedented challenges brought by COVID-19. Looking to the future, we continue to transform our site and further improve the services we provide to our patients.” For an informal discussion about the post, contact Roxy Milbourne, Deputy Head of Corporate Governance, on 01225 821299 or email roxy.milbourne@nhs.net. The closing date is 2nd August.
I'M writing about anxiety again, because the worrying times are far from over. Worrying prompts us to take actions to prevent bad things happening. This is fine when there is clearly something we can do. But when much of what we are facing is beyond our control, how can we manage anxiety that isn't helping us cope? People who deal well with worrying events have an underlying sense of trust. They believe that they can cope with whatever life throws at them, and that things tend to work out. They dwell on what's good about life, rather than on difficulties. If it's not natural to you to see things that way - or you've had the stuffing knocked out of you in recent months - here are three little exercises which can help restore faith in your ability to cope, in a few minutes quiet time. There's a more detailed version on my website at https://www. karenbray.co.uk/reduce-worry/. 1. Gratitude: spend about five minutes listing things you are grateful for. You will have to go into some detail: not just "my partner"or "my kids" but the qualities you like in them; not just the present, but past blessings that still influence you now. 2. Strengths: now list all your own strengths, past and present. Think about things you've achieved and challenges you've overcome what were the qualities that enabled you to do that? What do your friends and colleagues like and admire about you? 3. Planning: this one comes last because it's a bit scary - don't do it if it makes you feel panicky or over-anxious. First, list the things you are worried about. Second, write down the worst possible outcome you can imagine. Third, write down everything you could do to cope if that happened. And please - if anxiety is spoiling your quality of life or stopping you from functioning, make sure your GP knows about it. You can also get help from the NHS and wellbeing charities start here: https://www.nhs.uk/ conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/ Karen Bray (MBACP) is a counsellor with a private practice in Bath. Her website is at www.karenbray.co.uk
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Business New organisation to combine support for region's tourism A NEW Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Bath and Bristol is being proposed, to combine the efforts of Visit Bath and Destination Bristol and better support the local tourism sector. Across the Bath and Bristol area, the tourism sector employs 45,000 people, 8% of the workforce, and contributes almost £2.5 billion to the economy. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the boards of Destination Bristol and Visit Bath are proposing a new Destination Management Organisation (DMO) that can provide a full range of services to businesses, whilst actively maintaining the distinctive local consumer brands Visit Bath and Visit Bristol, and the programmes and services that underpin these brands. Support will include both travel trade and consumer marketing, a convention bureau, business support and development. The new organisation will be a significant industry presence, creating new routes to market and putting the sub-region in a much stronger position to access new additional funding to sup-
port businesses in the tourism sector. The new organisation will need to reflect the diversity and strength of the sector, and bringing together the two existing DMOs will provide better value for money and greater efficiency of operation. The boards have said they recognise the crucial importance of working closely with local government to develop an appropriate public/private sector partnership focused on maximising the visitor economy, and will work closely with Bristol City, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset Councils. Kathryn Davis, Interim Chief Executive of Visit Bath and Head of Tourism at Destination Bristol, said: “Destination Bristol and Visit Bath enjoy an existing and longstanding collaboration, so now is the time to consolidate and cement that relationship to give the region one strong voice. “A united DMO will have the skilled staff and resources to provide excellent professional services to all its members across the West of England.”
The new organisation will jointly promote the Bath and Bristol area
John Hirst, Chief Executive of Destination Bristol, added: “The hospitality and tourism sector was the first to be hit by lockdown and will be the last to recover. “We need to do everything we can to support businesses by making
sure that we have a stronger presence. Creating a new company to promote this area will be more resilient and gives us a strong voice with organisations such as VisitBritain and VisitEngland.” Welcoming the proposition Sal-
ly Balcombe, Chief Executive of VisitBritain, commented that the “timing was perfect” and a “really good example of partnership working” which would enable funding to support the sector to be channelled more effectively.
Café granted outside alcohol licence Joinery business to aid social distancing creating jobs amid promising future Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
A CAFÉ at a Bath furniture store is being allowed to serve alcohol outside so it can survive the lockdown. Operations manager Ed Taylor said social distancing slashed the capacity of loss-making Provenist, and it may have been forced to close without the extra space. Vulnerable residents who live above the Neptune store said they never would have bought their flats if they knew it would open a cafe and ‘squeezing between’ noisy diners was a “nightmare infection risk” that would only increase with alcohol consumption. Councillors encouraged Mr Taylor to work with the residents of the former Tramshed building as they granted the application, which also allows alcohol deliveries. Mr Taylor told the licensing sub-committee on Thursday 9th July: “The Provenist is ancillary to Neptune. It’s a loss-making business. It’s there to enhance the experience. “With the Government guidelines on social distancing we’re struggling with our amount of space. We used to have 28 covers,
that’s been reduced to 14. “We’d like to use our terrace. It’s not a pub or bar and it’s never going to be, it’s somewhere people can go for a glass of wine. “We won’t have promotions. We won’t have crowds of people. We don’t foresee footfall growing, it’s purely to allow us to continue trading with social distancing The Provenist is ancillary to the enabled. Neptune furniture shop | Photo © Neptune “[Otherwise] we may have to close The Provenist, out for the first time, the prospect which would give a job loss to of squeezing between customers seven to 10 people. is a nightmare infection risk. “This is just about the Provenist “The consumption of alcohol will carrying on through this horrible only make people less careful.” time we’re all going through.” Valerie Lockley said the building David Carr, who moved into his is an “echo chamber” where flat last year, is registered blind she can “hear every word” and said it was already difficult spoken, and the noise issues for him to pick his way through will be exacerbated if people are the shop’s furniture display to drinking alcohol. reach his front door before the Licensing subcommittee cafe started serving there. members granted the application. “It really isn’t practical to have They encouraged Mr Taylor to to squeeze our way through a address the issues raised by restaurant area,” he said. “We residents and said they could call never would have bought our for a review if their concerns are flat on that basis. It’s totally realised. inappropriate. The Provenist will be able to serve “I’m in a vulnerable category [for alcohol daily from 8am outside Covid-19]. Now we’re venturing until 9.45pm.
BATH’S longest established joinery business is setting its sights on growth as lockdown eases and is now ramping up operations to meet an increase in demand, using the support of the six-figure loan from Lloyds Bank. Hawker Joinery, which turned 100 last year, had to adapt its business model at the beginning of lockdown, as it was no longer able to send its craftsmen to clients’ homes. Adapting to photo sharing and video calls with clients allowed the business to quote for jobs remotely and maintain a pipeline of work and steady cashflow by securing deposits in advance. The loan, made through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), enabled the business to retain its 18-strong team and provided breathing space for it to look beyond lockdown and target further growth in the second half of 2020. Now, as lockdown eases and the construction industry returns to work, Hawker Joinery has seen an increase in demand from both existing and new customers. As a result it has taken on a new employee and is looking to hire a
further two skilled joiners. The company hand-creates bespoke items such as high-end windows and doors. Hawker Joinery estimates that demand has increased by 180 per cent, turnover has increased by 35 per cent and enquiries have tripled between March and July. Lloyds Bank provided a six-figure loan as part of its ongoing partnership with the business, which has banked with them since 2016. Mitchell Thomas, Commercial Director at Hawker Joinery, said: “There is a genuine desire, on the part of people in the West Country, to support independent companies like Hawker Joinery to make sure they survive. “It is so heartening to have people making sincere enquiries about how we are doing and offering to pay up front to do their bit to make sure we get through this difficult time. “The assistance we have received from Lloyds Bank along the way has been vital to keep our team together and we are now back up and running with all available staff in our workshop and machines running at full pelt to meet demand.”
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Tuesday, 21st July 2020
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Puzzles
Solutions will be shared in our next issue
Crossword - Win ÂŁ25!
Codeword
Across
Down
1 Cavalry soldier (7) 5 Sawbones (7) 9 Middle Eastern bread (5) 10 Game show player (9) 11 How bidding goes in bridge (9) 12 Topic (5) 13 Unintended discharge of a fluid (7) 15 Green-eyed (7) 17 Live together (7) 19 Offensive (7) 21 Money bag (5) 23 Where dolly mixture can be bought (5,4) 25 E.g. the DUKW (9) 26 Harvests (5) 27 Convent (7) 28 Packed (7)
1 Average (7) 2 Bone manipulator (9) 3 Long flat piece of timber (5) 4 Contemptible person (7) 5 Genuine (7) 6 Kinsfolk (9) 7 Best of a group (5) 8 Chats (7) 14 Lake Windermere town (9) 16 Picked up accidentally (9) 17 Skipper (7) 18 Bear witness (7) 19 Maritime (7) 20 Laid open to view (7) 22 Mature (5) 24 Trunk of the human body (5)
Crossword Competition! For your chance to win ÂŁ25, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk and we'll enter you into our draw. The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on Friday 31st July 2020. Please note: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will not accept crossword entries to our PO Box postal address. The winner will be notified by the email address they use to enter this competition.
Sudoku Easy
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Hard
Tuesday, 21st July 2020
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Politics
Public Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003
B&NES Council set to receive £1.3m share of Government's additional coronavirus funding ADDITIONAL funding for local authorities has been cautiously welcomed by B&NES Council leaders, with a warning the money will not cover loss of rental income from the council’s commercial estate. The Government recently announced a £500m support package to help local councils to cover expenditure incurred relating to the pandemic, with Bath & North East Somerset Council being allocated £1,295,954 of this. This brings the total amount of COVID-19 funding awarded to B&NES so far to £11,297,594. The Government also announced the Income Compensation Scheme to pay a significant proportion of lost income from fees and charges, such as from parking and from heritage services. This will help councils fund the essential services they provide, but the scheme does not cover lost income which the council would expect from commercial rents. The council says it is continuing to look at ways to help its tenants with the pressures they face. B&NES Council’s 2020/21 budget projected income from commercial properties of £17.5m and current projections indicate actual income received is likely to be significantly less. Councillor Richard Samuel, cabinet member for Resources, said: “We have already agreed a financial recovery ‘roadmap’ to put the council’s finances back
on track in order to protect key local services and support the recovery and renewal of the area “The announcement of the Income Compensation Scheme will help us further manage this year’s budget more effectively, however it does not compensate for the loss of income we receive from commercial rent. “We are acutely aware of the pressure our tenants are under and we are actively looking at further options, in addition to those already in place. Anything we do will be a fine balance as we all strive to recover from the financial impact of Covid-19. ‘Since the lockdown we have administered more than £38m in Business Support Grants to more than 3,000 businesses and we are currently inviting charities and small or micro businesses, not eligible for the business grants scheme to apply for a second round of discretionary grants to help them.” The council has been losing £91,000 a day in parking and heritage income. In April and May of this year income from the council’s Heritage Services, including the Roman Baths Museum, fell by more than £4m compared with the same period last year. Parking revenue dropped by £1.6m. In addition, the council will have to manage the impact of lost council tax income. Councillor Dine Romero, council leader, said: “Covid-19 has brought huge financial pressures to all councils and business.
Think Thoughtful Ltd T/A Thoughtful Bakery applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 15/07/2020 for a licence to use the premises at Thoughtful Bakery, 19 & 21 Barton Street Bath BA1 1HG for the Sale of Alcohol for consumption on and off the premises from 08:00 hours to 23:30 hours each day. A record of the application made to the Licensing Authority will be kept on a register at the address below: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/ webforms/licensing/
The Guildhall in Bath
“The council has been dealt a double whammy of lost income and extra spend and we are cautiously welcoming the additional support announced by government last week. “We do not know yet what our allocation of the £500m is but we do know we will only get compensation for income lost from parking and the Roman Baths. “Last week the cabinet approved plans that will put us back on track. These included more than £20m of changes which will be made to meet the projected shortfall in 2020/21. “We have had to review the timetable of delivery of capital projects and reduce the council’s salary budget by leaving vacancies unfilled and offering reduced hours. This situation is not of our making and the
pandemic has highlighted our need to review our reliance on both the visitor economy and our commercial estate as funding sources for core council services. “We need to look to a greener renewal and are supporting the call for a New Deal for Green Skills and Growth in the government’s recently announced stimulus package. Locally we are setting up a new Economic & Community Renewal Programme which has green recovery at its heart.” Regional Mayor Tim Bowles welcomed the funding, saying: “I and the Combined Authority have been working closely with all of our councils in coordinating the regional response to Coronavirus and I’m sure everyone in our community will join me in thanking everybody for all they’ve done under extraordinary circumstances.”
Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House, Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 12th August 2020 Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and is subject to a fine of any amount on summary conviction for the offence.
Dated: 21st July 2020 Do you have a public notice or application that needs to be published in a local newspaper? Please get in touch by emailing advertise@bathecho.co.uk to book your space in our next issue or to find out more.
Last issue's puzzle solutions Crossword
Congratulations to Lynne Woods who won £25 in our last issue!
Across: 1 Chalice, 5 Consume, 9 Unfair, 10 Misprint, 11 Highways, 13 Images, 14 Esteem, 18 Spacious, 19 Property, 21 Engine, 23 Remora, 24 Countess, 28 Accident, 29 Tarzan, 30 Crunchy, 31 Bandits. Down: 2 Hanoi, 3 Leash, 4 Circa, 6 Obstinate, 7 Screaming, 8 Mannequin, 10 Masts, 12 Got, 15 Streetcar, 16 Explosion, 17 Marrakesh, 20 Yacht, 22 Ire, 25 Ultra, 26 Tired, 27 Slant.
Sudoku Easy
Codeword Medium
Hard
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Tuesday, 21st July 2020
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In Other News.... Nationwide manager set to scale height of Mount Everest JASMIN Silk-Reeves, personal banking manager at Nationwide Bath, is set to climb up and down the height of Mount Everest using just a stepper and grit determination in aid of Julian House. The challenge, which will see Jazz tackling a massive 115,000 steps on her indoor stepper in the bank’s branch on Union Street, seeks to raise money for Julian House to support their life-saving work with people experiencing homelessness. Jazz is no stranger to climbing mountains, after taking on the charity’s Kilimanjaro Challenge in February. However, climbing a mountain on a stepper is incredibly different. Starting 17th August, the challenge will see Jazz stepping
every day whilst the store is open over the course of two weeks. Of the challenge, she said: “I’m so delighted that I am able to support Julian House with fundraising again. After climbing Kilimanjaro back in February, it only felt right to go bigger this time. “With the current circumstances, I will be completing the steps up Everest from the safety of our branch. We love the work that Julian House does to support the homeless here in Bath. “Their work makes a real difference to the community.” Jess Gay, Senior Community & Events Fundraiser at Julian House added: “This is an amazing challenge which will take a lot of determination on Jazz’s behalf. “I imagine stepping will get
extremely tiring and tedious, so I hope a lot of community will come out to support her and donate in-store or to her Just Giving Page. “Due to the Coronavirus, the cancellation/postponement of our fundraising events and the initial closure of all our charity shops and bike shops, has meant we’ve predicted an income loss of at least £200,000. “The money Jazz will raise will be used to help fund our services, like our hostel, domestic abuse refuge and outreach, so we can continue supporting very vulnerable people at this difficult time.” You can help Jazz reach her £2000 target by donating here or visiting and donating in branch on Union Street in Bath.
Jasmin Silk-Reeves, personal banking manager at Nationwide Bath
Summer Break Out camps to help children overcome lockdown
PCC secures £505k for victim support services
A MONTH-LONG series of special camps will see young people across Bath & North East Somerset break free from lockdown isolation. Summer Break Out will allow children and young people, as well as their families, to enjoy games and activities in a safe environment. Crucially, they will also be able to enjoy a free and healthy cooked meal. Charities, groups and businesses from across the city and surrounding area have all come together to turn Summer Break Out into a reality. The free camps are planned for three age groups for children and young people, and will take place at venues across B&NES, limiting the need for participants to travel far. To date Prior Park College, Bath Recreation, Bath College, Youth Connect South West, Make Lunch (Oasis Bath), St Michaels Junior Church School, St Nicholas Primary School, Castle Primary School, Welton Rovers FC, Midsomer Norton Council, Thrings, Irwin Mitchell, Bath Area Play Project, Bath City Football Foundation, BaNES Public Health, Feeding Britain, St John’s Foundation, Live Learn Cook, Curo, Future Bright, Fareshare, 3SG and Edwards and Ward along with a number of private individuals, have all signed up to deliver and support Summer Break Out. Support ranges from a vital financial contribution to offers of expertise and spaces to host sessions. The idea came from a discussion at Bath Rugby Foundation during the early stages of the Covid-19 crisis on how the impact of the lockdown would been felt
AVON and Somerset PCC Sue Mountstevens has secured £505,983 of funding for local support services who help victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. The PCC and her team were successful in their bid to the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) ‘Covid-19 Extraordinary Ministry of Justice Funding for Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Support Service’, which was launched at the beginning of June. The fund was set up to help cover organisations’ losses and costs incurred, following both adapting and increasing their services during the pandemic. The fund also aims to help these organisations strengthen their response to any potential change in demand and complexity of need in the recovery phase of lockdown. The Police and Crime Commissioner will follow up with the successful organisations in the autumn to understand how the funding has made a difference to their service and victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Local organisations were encouraged to apply for the funding and those successful include domestic abuse and sexual violence support services that are already commissioned by the PCC and other organisations she has not worked with before. Avon and Somerset organisations that have been awarded funding include: • Crimestoppers • Kinergy • Safe Link • Next Link • Southmead Project
the most by the poorest in our society and how youngsters could prepare for returning to normality, building on Bath Rugby’s charity’s previous family and employability work over the years on its Eat Active and Advantage programmes. Bath Rugby Foundation CEO, Lynne Fernquest said: “We knew that the children and families we work with would suffer greatly and we wanted to explore options for helping people as soon as we could. “We know that, with one in five children living in poverty, there were already huge problems for young people to overcome. This crisis has only made things worse. “The impact of Covid-19 is not equal – it has hurt the poorest in society the most. Vulnerable children have lost free school meals, lost free sport and physical activity, lost structured education and lost their support network. “Struggling families and children who need the most support are barely surviving with foodbanks domestic abuse helplines and frontline charities reporting massive spikes in demand. “We were keen to use the skills and expertise we and other organisations in Bath have to help the people we know are suffering and the idea of Summer Break Out formed very quickly.” The idea was shared with other charities, community groups and businesses and is in line with the B&NES Public Health Food Poverty Strategy and new steering group. Due to the scale of Summer Break Out, it needed partner organisations to help host and deliver the sessions. The response to requests for
partner groups was immediately positive, with businesses, charities and groups agreeing to be a part of the scheme. Bath Recreation Chief Executive, John Flinn said: “Bath Recreation is delighted to be supporting this great initiative at a time when our usual support for vulnerable children and families has been curtailed by the current Covid pandemic.” Anna Wheeler, Bath College Community Engagement Manager, added: “Last summer, the Advantage programme proved to be life-changing for the young people who took part. “We are thrilled to be running the programme again with Bath Rugby Foundation and partners as part of the Summer Break Out initiative. “We know that there are more people than ever at the moment who need to re-build confidence, do something different and get inspired about what to do next. “It is brilliant to be able to offer the programme in two locations over the Summer and include as many young people as possible in activities designed to stimulate and upskill with a huge element of fun thrown in.” Summer Break Out has been hailed as a lifeline for children and young people who are isolated, lonely and hungry, and will be an essential intervention to help communities get back on their feet. A Crowdfunding campaign will soon be launched to help deliver Summer Break Out to children who need support. If you would like to help by supporting the delivery of Summer Break Out financially, contact Halena. Coury@bathrugbyfoundation. com.
• The Greenhouse • Mankind Initiative • The Nelson Trust • VOICES • Opoka • SARSAS • Southside Family Project • Swan • The YOU Trust • Trauma Breakthrough • VANS – Reclaim Project • Victim Support PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “We know lockdown had a significant impact on victims who were living with perpetrators, who were even more isolated from loved ones and who felt that there was no way to escape. “With restrictions lifting, we are entering the recovery phase of the pandemic and we need to ensure that all victims and survivors who have been at risk during lockdown know that help is out there. “This additional funding will strengthen local support services’ response to any change in demand as life starts to return to some sort of ‘normal.’"
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