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Tuesday 7th November - Monday 20th November 2023

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Issue No. 064

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Council passes assessment for air quality improvements P2

WEIGHT LIMIT TO CONTINUE

“Victory” for train passengers as ticket office closures scrapped P3

Further 12 months to monitor Cleveland Bridge - P3

THIRD TEENAGER CHARGED OVER PARTY MURDER - P2

Georgian Christmas planned at No.1 Royal Crescent museum P4

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Council passes assessment for Bath's air quality

In this issue... Top Stories

Tuesday 7th November - Monday 20th November 2023

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P2-5

Pictures from the Past

Crossword

What's On

Have Your Say / Letters

P10

Community

P11

Health

P12

Education

P13

Business

P14

Politics

P15

Sports Fixtures

P16

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BATH’S Clean Air Zone, which was launched in 2021, has helped to improve air quality in the city, according to the latest monitoring report from the Government. Official air quality data from 2021 was submitted to the Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) for review, which has now officially declared that the Bath & North East Somerset Council has passed its ‘State 2’ assessment. State 2 is a checkpoint in determining if the Clean Air Zone is achieving success by improving air quality. The report confirms nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations have decreased. Its analysis of the council’s 2021 data from 121 air quality assessment sites, both within and outside the CAZ, reveals an average reduction of 22% in NO2 concentration between 2019 and 2021, with the largest decrease of 16.4 µg/m3 recorded at Anglo Terrace. It says during 2021, there were no breaches of the annual mean NO2 limit of 40 µg/m3 which corroborates the earlier publication by the local authority of its 2021 CAZ annual report. However, the report by JAQU cautions the improvements may in part be attributed to a reduction in traffic during the early part of the year due to Covid-19 restrictions. The closure

The assessment checks whether the clean air zone is proving successful

of Bath’s Cleveland Bridge in October 2021, affecting routing in and around the city, also reduced traffic on certain routes and potentially suppressed roadside NO2 concentrations. Whilst the report warns of a high risk of breaching NO2 limits in subsequent years, the latest data from the council for 2022 indicates that air quality is continuing to improve with a 26% average NO2 reduction inside the zone compared with 2019. Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy Leader and cabinet member for Climate Emergency and

Sustainable Travel, said: “It is pleasing to see the improvement in air quality in and this is great news for the health of residents and visitors. “Whilst the report from government recognises data from 2021, the council’s latest CAZ annual report assessing data from 2022 shows a continuing reduction in pollution levels and improvements in air quality. “During 2022 annual mean NO2 concentrations within the CAZ dropped by a further 7% compared with 2021, and a further 6% reduction is indicated

across the wider B&NES area. “We’ve worked hard to reduce pollution both inside and outside the CAZ and this data indicates the measures we’ve taken are working. “I’m particularly pleased to see a huge increase in compliant vehicles since we launched the CAZ with a 71% reduction in the number of higher polluting vehicles driving through our city, it’s having a big impact and I applaud those drivers and businesses who’ve made the switch to a cleaner, greener vehicle. Clearly, though, there’s no room for complacency and we will continue to work to improve people’s health by driving down pollution levels.” Data collected from 2022 has now been forwarded to JAQU for its progressive ‘State 3’ assessment which will determine if the CAZ has continued to maintain improvements to air quality. Bath’s CAZ, the first outside London, was launched on 15th March 2021. Its aim is to urgently tackle harmful levels of air pollution caused by the most polluting taxis, vans, buses and larger commercial vehicles driving in the city. Anyone driving a chargeable higher emission vehicle pays £9 or £100 to drive in the zone. The charge does not apply to private cars or motorcycles.

Third teen charged over Mikey Roynon murder A THIRD teenage boy has been charged with the murder of 16-year-old Mike Roynon in Bath, Avon & Somerset Police have confirmed. The 15-year-old from Wiltshire was arrested on Sunday 22nd October, and appeared at Bristol Youth Court on Wednesday 25th October. He is the third teenager to be charged with murder (joint enterprise) in connection with Mikey’s death. Mikey, from Kingswood, died from a single stab wound at a property on Eastfield Avenue in Bath on Saturday 10th June. The two other boys already charged, a 15-year-old from Dorset and a 16-year-old from

Wiltshire, are next due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on 7th November. They are also charged with possessing an offensive weapon. Avon & Somerset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team continue to carry out enquiries and are still keen to hear from anyone who might be able to help their ongoing investigation. If you have any information, images or footage relating to Mikey’s death you can submit it via the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/ operation/5223C92-PO1 If you prefer to contact officers by phone, call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5223136640. You can also contact

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Issue 064

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Cleveland Bridge's 18-tonne weight limit remains AN 18-tonne weight limit imposed on Cleveland Bridge in Bath following refurbishment work has been extended for another year, as monitoring continues on the historic structure. The weight limit has been in place on the Grade II listed bridge for the past 12 months, following a recommendation for a staged approach to reopening. When the bridge reopened to traffic last year, engineers installed a monitoring system which detects changes to the characteristic ‘fingerprint’ response of the structure and provides ongoing confidence that the bridge remains safe. The temporary weight limit, which would have expired on 15th November, has been extended for up to 12 months through a Temporary Traffic Regulation

Monitoring at the historic bridge is set to continue for another 12 months

Order (TTRO) so monitoring can continue. Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport said: “Safety continues to be

our top priority with Cleveland Bridge. We secured £3.5m from the Department for Transport and invested in extensive and complex repairs to the bridge.

“At the end of the works engineers installed a monitoring system and this will continue to capture data. Any change to the vehicle weight restriction will be based on this information. “We have an ANPR camera on the bridge for any vehicles breaching the weight restriction and the Police and Trading Standards have the powers to enforce the restriction. “We have contacted all those who have infringed the weight limit, with warning notices for the first instance. The number of those drivers breaking the limit are recorded at 0.09% of traffic crossing the bridge.” The bridge was closed to all traffic in 2021 after surveys identified that structural components of the bridge needed to be maintained, repaired or replaced, for it to continue to function safely.

Over 2,000 tonnes of salt stored ready for winter MORE than 2,000 tonnes of salt has been stored ready for Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Highways team to use over the winter. Highways staff have been stocking up on gritting salt, refilling grit bins and ensuring its fleet of gritting lorries is prepared. 2,176 tonnes of salt has been procured and is in dry storage at the local authority’s Clutton depot, with all 434 of the council’s grit bins currently being checked and refilled. Spreading gritting salt onto highways helps prevent ice from forming on road surfaces and makes them safer for road users. A dry run has also taken place, making sure the district’s nine gritting lorries are ready after their summer services. The council will be able to store more salt this year thanks to a newly constructed salt barn in

Gritting lorries at the council’s Clutton depot | Photo © B&NES Council

Keynsham, as part of the new Keynsham Recycling Hub. Once operational in December, the storage facility will allow the council to hold 1,000 tonnes of salt, increasing the total amount the council can store considerably and reducing the

need to replenish stocks midwinter. On average, the council carries out 57 gritting runs and uses 2,581 tonnes of salt each year as it maintains 1,102km of highway. Each gritting run sees vehicles deployed to prioritised highways

“Victory” for local train passengers WEST of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris has hailed the scrapping of plans to close seven ticket offices in the region as a “huge victory”. It was announced on Tuesday 31st October, that the Government had asked train operators to withdraw their proposals for ticket office closures across the country. Hailing the U-turn, Mr Norris, a long-term opponent of the plans, said: “It’s the end of the line for these botched Conservative Government plans. “This is a huge victory for West of England passengers, who delivered their message loud and clear that closing all our ticket offices is unacceptable.” The plans would have seen the closure of all the West’s ticket offices, where an estimated 600,000 paper tickets were sold last year. This includes at Bristol

Metro Mayor Dan Norris with campaigners | Photo © Freia Turland

Temple Meads, where 260,000 tickets were sold in booths, Bath Spa where 212,000 were distributed, and Keynsham Parkway where a combined 117,000 were sold in ticket offices. It was revealed that 2,245 formal objections were made by West of England residents. Mr Norris continued: “Every

proposal to modernise our railways needs passengers at its heart. “We must do everything possible to encourage more people onto trains here in the West, and across the country. Never again should Ministers support a plan to put barriers in the way to make that job harder.”

like A roads, B roads, bus routes and roads which provide access to schools and hospitals. Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport, said: “Our Highways team is ready and prepared to keep our road network safe and running as the colder weather approaches. Keeping key routes open is a high priority for us to make sure all road users can get to where they need to be.” As temperatures drop, the Highways team will closely monitor specialist forecasts and data from its own weather stations to identify when low temperatures and weather conditions pose a threat to road users. Gritting runs are needed whenever road temperatures are near freezing. There are 18 specially trained drivers on standby to respond when required.

News in Brief Find out more about Wessex Water's plans Wessex Water is inviting its customers to hear more about its plans for the future during an online meeting. The event, ‘Your water, your say’, on Tuesday 14th November, has been organised in partnership with Ofwat and CCW and offers a chance to ask questions about planned investment from 2025 to 2030. Questions could cover service, environmental impact, bills or whatever other topic is important to you. The meeting runs from 6pm to 8pm and questions can be raised on the day or submitted in advance by emailing yourwateryoursay@ccwater.org. uk. State that your question is for Wessex Water. Alternatively, anyone who can’t attend can write and request details of the proposals and a feedback form to: Wessex Water PR24 Team, Wessex Water, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7WW. You can register to attend the meeting at wessexwater.co.uk/events.

Corrections An article in our previous issue (063, published on Tuesday 24th October), regarding the Royal United Hospital contained inaccuracies that may have caused confusion for some readers of our newspaper. Following an unannounced inspection by the CQC at the hospital in July, ‘medical services’, which had previously been rated as ‘good’, were downgraded to ‘requires improvement’. The hospital as a locality now ‘requires improvement’. The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust as a provider remains ‘good’. The most recent comprehensive inspection of the Trust in June 2018 found it to be ‘good’ overall. We apologise for this error, and are happy to make this correction.

Residents reminded to test smoke alarms AVON Fire & Rescue Service is urging people to test their smoke alarms regularly after it was revealed that the lifesaving devices failed to operate in 20% of fires in the past year. As temperatures drop and people start to light candles and have fires, many are decorating their homes and embracing the autumn. However, like with any change in the season, the autumn and winter bring significant fire risks in the home, and the fire service is urging locals to ensure that their smoke alarms are working. Group Manager at AF&RS, Ben Thompson said: “You’re around nine times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have any working

smoke alarms. Making sure you have enough in your home and that they are working is vital to ensure you allow them to do their job if you need them.” There were 203 fire-related deaths in homes in the year ending March 2023. The Fire Kills campaign hopes that by encouraging everyone to test their smoke alarms, more deaths could be prevented. Ben added: “I’d encourage people in the local area to make sure you test your smoke alarms today and get into the habit of testing them regularly as they can save you and your family’s life. “In the event of a fire, working smoke alarms can give you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.”

Tuesday 7th November - Monday 20th November 2023

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Georgian Christmas planned at No.1 Royal Crescent museum NO.1 ROYAL Crescent in Bath is set to celebrate in extravagant Georgian style this Christmas, with residents invited to head along to enjoy a new immersive audio-visual tour. From the dining room table stacked with sugar sculptures and decadent puddings, to the highly-scented dried oranges hanging in the Servants Hall, visitors are in for a real festive treat. No.1 Royal Crescent will be decorated with traditional foliage such as bay, yew and herbs, and gilded fruits and foodstuffs. The museum will replace its usual “Georgians at Home” immersive audio-visual tour with a special “12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas” tour which invites visitors to experience Christmas as it would have been celebrated over 200 hundred years ago. A Christmas mouse trail will run alongside the tour for families, and, once they’ve finished, children can have a go at making their own masquerade masks. The museum offers children free entry when accompanied by a paying adult.

MP launches annual Christmas card competition

Youngsters have until 17th November to submit their designs

Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent | Photos © Tim Beale

Patrizia Ribul, Director of Museums at Bath Preservation Trust (BPT), said: “No-one over-indulged like wealthy Georgians did, and Christmastime particularly highlights this – one only has to look at our dining room table with its array of various festive confectionery to understand how extravagantly Georgians would have celebrated. “Visitors to the museum today can enjoy a special immersive Christmas story-telling playing in each room of the festivelydecorated house, along with

a children’s mouse hunt and creative activities. “Meeting Father Christmas is a Bath Christmas highlight in our festively-dressed museum. “My favourite element of the Christmas décor is the unexpected Christmassy aromas – particularly in the Kitchen and the Servants’ Hall.” The festive decorations will extend outside the Georgian house to the locally sourced Christmas tree, which has been sponsored for a second year by Hawker Joinery.

BATH MP Wera Hobhouse has launched her annual Christmas card competition, inviting all primary school children across the city to get involved. The MP has written to pupils across the constituency, encouraging them to get creative and design a card that captures the spirit of “Christmas in Bath”. The winning entry will be printed and sent out as Mrs. Hobhouse’s official Christmas card. Budding artists can submit their A4 or A5 designs via email to office@werahobhouse.co.uk with the subject “Christmas Card Competition” or by post to 31 James Street West, Bath, BA1 2BT,

by 17th November. Wera Hobhouse said: “I am calling on Bath’s talented young artists to submit their designs illustrating the magic of our beautiful city during the festive season. “Think twinkling lights, the Christmas Market, and snow dusting our historic streets. “This is a wonderful chance for local children to showcase their artistic skills and imagination. “I can’t wait to see the bright, colourful, and inventive creations from our local children. “Get creative, have fun with it, and capture the magic of a Bath Christmas!”

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Issue 064

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Family pay tribute to women killed in crash on M4 near Bath

Cheryl Woods and Sarha Smith

THE family of two women who were killed in a collision on the M4 near Bath on Friday 20th October have paid tribute. Wiltshire Police named the pair as mother and daughter Cheryl Woods, 61, and Sarha Smith, 40, from Caerphilly. In a tribute, the family said: “Cheryl Woods, cherished by those in her life, fulfilled the roles of a loving mother, doting grandmother, cherished sister, and a dear friend. “Her selflessness was a defining trait, consistently prioritising her family’s well-being over her own, and she took immense pride in her Welsh heritage while

nurturing a deep love for nature. “Sarha Smith, in the footsteps of her mother, unselfishly devoted herself to her family’s needs ahead of her own. She was not only a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, but her absence leaves a void for those who relied on her radiant presence. “Her legacy lives on through her six daughters, who will forever hold her memory close and strive to honour her with their efforts.” Police were called to the eastbound carriageway between Junction 18 (Bath) and Junction 17 (Chippenham) at around 9.10am on Friday 20th October.

Residents being urged to face food poverty stigma ‘head on’ CHARITY St John’s Foundation is working with its partners to help tackle the issue of food poverty across Bath and North East Somerset. According to the Bath-based charity, the stigma that surrounds food pantries and food banks is deterring some of the approximately 21,000 residents facing food poverty from accessing the support available to them. The community charity is highlighting support locations in the region to raise awareness and reduce the perceived stigma around accessing food provisions. David Hobdey, CEO of St John’s Foundation, said: “The cost-ofliving crisis is taking its toll on families throughout the region, with an increasing number of parents struggling to cover the cost of a basic breakfast and lunch for their children. “Whilst we work with many partners to eradicate food poverty in the BaNES region, a part of this is reducing the stigma that some people have around seeking help by talking about and normalising access to food and financial support.” Support is available in numerous locations, with a list of food clubs and pantries in the region

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that can offer affordable food or food parcels available at www. banesfoodfinder.org.uk. Food price inflation has hit close to a 45-year high, with research from B&NES Council suggesting that eight per cent of the region’s population is now concerned about running out of food. The Food Foundation has shown that 14.4 per cent of people in the South West experienced food poverty in April 2022 alone, and households with children are at a far higher risk. The local picture is also reflected nationally. In 2022, 4.2 million children in the UK were living in poverty. This equals around 29 per cent of UK children and six per cent of the total population. David added: “The numbers around food poverty in BaNES and across the UK are worrying to say the least. “At St John’s Foundation, we are determined to tackle the problem head-on, working closely with our partners. “It is so important that families struggling to put food on the table receive support to help them through the cost-of-living crisis so their children have the opportunity to thrive at school.” At the start of 2023, St John’s pledged to support children attending seven local primary

Thousands of residents face food poverty in the B&NES area

schools who are not entitled to free school meals by funding meals for them until July 2024. David continued: “St John’s work goes further than free school meal provision – they are also working with other local stakeholders and national organisations to eradicate the need for emergency food provision and address the inequalities in educational attainment across Bath and North East Somerset. “Through the Nutritious Food and Safe Places programme, funding is awarded to FareShare, as well as several other local projects, to deliver food to families, food banks, food clubs and pantries that provide access to nutritious food to those who need it most in the area.”

People asked not to walk dogs on Bath Racecourse John Wimperis

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PEOPLE are being asked to stop walking their dogs on Bath Racecourse, despite it being an important space for many. Perched above the city in Lansdown, Bath Racecourse offers spectacular views. When races aren’t scheduled, it is a favourite spot for dog walkers, with many making use of the open space in the middle of the course. For one dog walker fostering a “difficult” dog, the open ground is invaluable as a place to take it for walks. But he said that he and other walkers are now being asked by racecourse staff to stop using the area as they wanted to use it for grazing sheep while races are not taking place. The dog walker said: “Bathonians have walked across the Bath Racecourse grounds for years, going back decades. The centre of the course is perhaps the last open space left near Bath where anyone can wander. “Whilst everyone knows it’s owned, there have never been issues of access. Indeed the numbers of people walking means anyone with malicious intent would be seen and noted. “I have got a rescue dog which is a bit difficult to look after. It needs proper space without people. So the racecourse is perfect really.” Although he said the person who spoke to him was understanding, he believes Bath Racecourse should engage with the

The site is regularly used for dog walking

community on the plans. He suggested dog walkers could pay a yearly subscription to keep using the space which would raise more money than sheep grazing. A spokesperson for Bath Racecourse said: “The footpaths are clearly signposted around the perimeter of the race course. So we would request that dog walkers stick to the footpaths. “With our racing surface and the issues we have had, we would just request people stick to the footpaths. It’s private land in the middle of the course.” Manda Rigby, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “There is no public right of way across the centre of Bath Racecourse, however we are currently working to improve the public footpaths that go around the edge of the course with better signage and also by installing matting on areas that have become particularly muddy.”

Tuesday 7th November - Monday 20th November 2023

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Pictures from the Past How Akeman Press came to have an Archive Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

IN 2003, Akeman Press published its first book. In the twenty years since then we have learned a lot, including designing our own books as well as writing them. Since Andrew Swift – one half of the company – was at that time still dealing in postcards and ephemera, it seemed an obvious solution to buy postcards to use as illustrations, in addition to taking photographs. Bit by bit, we couldn’t resist buying ever more intriguing (and expensive) cards, as well as old books. However, as our name spread, local people came forward to offer use of their pictures, sometimes even giving them to us. The Bath Echo has allowed us to share much of our archive but the original idea – using them in our books – is still the driving force, and we are still adding to the archive, though at a much slower pace. We recently brought out a new edition of Andrew’s popular walk book On Foot in Bath and so today we look at three of the archive pictures in its pages.

One has been used before but is worth another glance and there are two new ones. Walk 4 takes you on a triangular walk up Walcot Street, along the Paragon and down Broad Street ending by the Saracen’s Head. This was when part of the pub was a circulating library and bookshop. The large lamp is still above the door but the elaborate bracket has gone, and next door the shop (now part of Rossiters) has lost its top floor. Although several of the walks have been revised, the new bridge at Bath South Quays allowed a new route to be devised for the Twerton walk, which is also illustrated by two archive pictures new to the collection. The first is of the Old Bridge and the Full Moon Inn. There are many pictures of the bridge and inn, but this is from an unusual angle, and shows the stone and marble mason’s yard next door. Both are now covered by the bus station. After a comprehensive exploration of Twerton, the walk crosses back over the river to pass through Weston, taking you past the site of the Bath Brewery – now the

Maltings Industrial Estate, and home to a modern brewery – Electric Bear. For those who bemoan (or cheer) the changes Bath has undergone in recent

times, the final chapter in the book is an in-depth assessment of how the city has altered in the ten years since it was first published.

The Saracen's Head, when part of the pub was a circulating library and bookshop

The Old Bridge and Full Moon Inn

The site of the Bath Brewery

COLUMN | Mark Shelford, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner

HE Home Office has awarded Police and Crime Commissioners £42m through the Safer Streets Fund to build on current progress to tackle neighbourhood crime, violence against women and girls (VAWG) and anti-social behaviour. As part of this fifth round of Safer Streets funding, PCCs will receive cash injections to invest in a range of prevention activities to make public spaces safer and reduce the fear of crime. Preventing crime sits at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan. This additional funding will help deliver valuable preventative work in the region and help promote behavioural and attitudinal change. I would like to highlight a video which can be found on the OPCC social media channels, outlining

a day in the life of the PCC which is part of my ‘Together we can…’ campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the work done to improve, change and challenge policing. Most people are not aware of the work my office and I do and, crucially, when they can turn to us for support to address issues or concerns, they have with policing. We work hard to tackle so many and varied issues that affect all our lives at some point – from Violence Against Women and Girls, fraud and cybercrime, racial disproportionality, business crime and anti-social behaviour, to name just a few. My job is to also hold the Avon and Somerset Chief Contestable (CC) to account and to keep striv-

ing for policing that serves everyone equally, ensuring they feel safe and supported in everyday life. My next Performance and Accountability Board with the CC is on the 14th November at 2.00pm, live on my OPCC Facebook page. In light of the clocks going back last weekend and the early nights drawing in, I would like to remind everyone to be vigilant with their home safety and security. Burglary is known to increase during the winter months, I recommend you take a few simple measures to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim. Double check that all your windows and doors are locked, especially before going out, set a light timer to come on whilst you are out to not only deter burglars but help you get into your home safe-

ly. If you have an outside space, set up an outdoor sensor light to alert you of anyone arriving at your property, and if it is possible, invest in a burglar alarm and/ or CCTV (with signage) for extra peace of mind. It is also vital that you report any suspicious activity to the police, using 101 or the online reporting form in a non-emergency and 999 where there is a risk to life. I would like to know your thoughts on the policing part of your council tax. As your PCC, I am responsible for reviewing the amount of money you contribute to local policing through your council tax bill (known as the precept). The precept accounts for 41% of police funding. The rest comes

from the central Government. Although the Government has not yet confirmed the maximum amount by which PCCs can increase the precept for next year, it will be at least £10 a year for a band D household. Even if Avon and Somerset Police receive an extra £10 from local people in band D households, our current financial planning shows that increased savings still need to be made. The size of the savings needed will likely result in about 250 staff roles being cut. These cuts will have an impact on front line services such as visible policing and the ability to investigate crime. Please do spare five minutes to share your thoughts on police funding. The survey can be found on the OPCC website.

Issue 064

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Crossword

Congratulations to Richard Privett for winning £20! You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 16.

Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20! Across 8 Part of a sentence (6) 9 Newbie (8) 10 Where Drake bowled (8) 11 Put the phone down (4,2) 12 "Late December, back in ---" (Four Seasons) (5-5) 14 Some want to eat this and still have it (4) 15 Mart cart? (8,7) 18 Send (4) 20 Upbeat (10) 22 He had a talking donkey (6) 23 Herb often found with lamb (8) 25 Relating to a law court (8) 26 Burger topping (6)

Down 1 Puerile (8) 2 Inner surface of the hand (4) 3 Take off (6) 4 Getting warm (2,3,5,5) 5 Kind of ear implant (8) 6 Mealtime annoyances (5,5) 7 Walked out (6) 13 Old-style audio accessory (4,6) 16 "The Man in the ---" (Dumas novel) (4,4) 17 German IT manager settles elsewhere (8) 19 Kind of collision (4-2) 21 Regimental animal (6) 24 The high seas (4)

Entering our competition - via email or post For your chance to win £20, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or via post to: Crossword Competition 0711, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 16/11/2023. The winner will be notified using the details they provide when entering the competition.

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What's On

Tuesday 7th November - Monday 20th November 2023 Bath Mozartfest

Bath’s Forgotten Trees

Guy Davis

Terry Alderton & Friends

BRLSI 7th November, 7-9pm Hugh Williamson has a passion for trees and is one of the organisers of the Bath Urban Treescape trails. Bath has many impressive trees, but few people are aware of their significance or history.

Chapel Arts Centre 9th November, 8pm Two-time Grammy nominee for Best Traditional Blues, a musician, actor, author, and songwriter. Guy uses a blend of music to comment on and address the frustrations of social injustice.

Ring O’ Bells 9th November, 7.30pm Terry has always been something special. With a set full of extraordinary caricatures, where he famously is interrupted, and with his back turned, battles with his inner voices.

Various Locations 10th – 18th November At its annual festival each November, Bath Mozartfest presents the finest classical music performed by worldrenowned artists amidst the splendid surroundings of Bath and its buildings.

Folk at the Farm

Remembrance Day Concert

Plastic Paradiso

Bath Remembrance Parade

Bath City Farm 10th November, 6pm Spend the evening at Bath City Farm with a meal made with ingredients grown on the farm, then enjoy a showcase of original folk and blues music by Kevin Brown.

Bath Abbey 11th November, 7pm-8.30pm Music for Remembrance, Peace, and Reconciliation with Abbey Choirs directed by Huw Williams. Listen to the choirs give a moving performance of Maurice Duruflé's much loved Requiem.

The Egg 11th & 12th November, 11.30am & 3pm This gentle and timely dance theatre show for children and their grown-ups tells a story about resilience and friendship, whilst raising awareness about plastic in our oceans.

Royal Victoria Park & Bath Abbey 12th November, 10.40am–3pm A Parade and Service will be held in Bath to remember fallen service men and women. The annual wreath laying ceremony will be held at the Royal Victoria Park War Memorial at 10.45am.

Steve Backshall – Ocean

I'm Sorry, Prime Minister

The Greatest Magician

Bath Lights The Night

The Forum 13th November, 7pm Steve Backshall’s Ocean is a love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet, and a great way to learn more about what we need to do to save our seas.

Theatre Royal 14th – 18th November, 7.30pm The much loved Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby are brought back to the stage by original writer Jonathan Lynn in this final chapter of the Yes, Minister series.

Komedia 15th November, 7.30pm James Phelan, the popular magician most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after correctly predicted the lottery results, presents an all new show for 2023.

Various Locations 15th November, 5pm An alternative to a traditional lights switch on. Join us in locations across the city to walk through Bath to enjoy the Christmas light displays with handmade lanterns crafted by local children.

Jonathan Jones' Earthly Delights

Marvellous Mouse Trail

A Wild Dawn

Jon Lloyd Quartet

Topping & Company Booksellers 16th November, 7.30pm Join us for a thought provoking evening with Jonathan Jones, art critic for the Guardian newspaper. He is the author of several books including The Lost Battles: Leonardo and Artemisia Gentileschi.

No.1 Royal Crescent 18th November – 31st December A family of country mice come to visit Bath each Christmas, and this year they’ve chosen to stay at No.1 Royal Crescent! Can you find their hiding places as you make your way around?

St Michaels Without 18th November, 5.30pm Join Hertford Chamber Choir for an evening of choral music spanning hundreds of years. The programme features a collection of madrigals and songs ranging from the 16th to 20th century.

American Museum & Gardens 19th November, 2.30pm – 4.30pm Join us in our Stables for an afternoon performance featuring the best in local jazz. Saxophonist Jon Lloyd’s new quartet project is a revelation. Tickets for non-members start at £15.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong | Theatre Royal Bath 6th - 11th November 2023 MISCHIEF makes a welcome return to Bath with their West End smash hit, Peter Pan Goes Wrong. This riotous spin on a timeless classic comes from the team behind the multi award-winning, global comedy phenomenon The Play That Goes Wrong and the BBC One television series The Goes Wrong Show. Audiences can catch the show at the Theatre Royal Bath from Monday 6th to Saturday 11th November before it returns to London’s West End for a sevenand-a-half-week Christmas season. Co-penned by Mischief’s celebrated writing trio, Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a highly physical comedy packed with finely-tuned farce and Buster Keaton inspired slapstick, delivered with split-second timing and ambitious daring. The play sees the ‘Cornley Drama Society’ back on stage, battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present J.M. Barrie’s muchloved tale. But will they ever make it to Neverland? The 2023 touring production reunites returning Mischief cast members with courageous new recruits. The cast includes Jake Burgum as Trevor, Jack Michael

Stacey as Chris, Matthew Howell as Robert, Jean-Luke Worrell as Francis, Ciara Morris as Sandra, Theo Toksvig-Stewart as Max, Clark Devlin as Dennis, Jamie Birkett as Annie, Gareth Tempest as Jonathan and Rosemarie Akwafo as Lucy. Jonathan Sayer, Creative Director of Mischief said: “I'm absolutely delighted that Peter Pan Goes Wrong will be returning to bring joy across the country. “It's such a special show for us and includes some of our most ambitious comic sequences to date.” Across the pond, the original Mischief team have recently completed a fourmonth run of Peter Pan Goes Wrong on Broadway, where it received eight award nominations, winning the Drama Desk Award for Best Unique Theatrical Experience and the Broadway.com Audience Choice Award for Favourite New Play. The production then headed to Los Angeles for a strictly limited five-week run at the Ahmanson Theatre during August and September. Nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2016,

Peter Pan Goes Wrong has enjoyed two West End runs, a season on Broadway, a tour of Australia and New Zealand and two UK tours. BBC One broadcast a one-hour version of the show on primetime television in December 2016, starring David Suchet as the guest narrator, watched by an audience of over six million.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is directed by Adam Meggido, with set designs by Simon Scullion, costumes by Roberto Surace, lighting by Matt Haskins and sound by Ella Wahlström. Original compositions are by Richard Baker and Rob Falconer. The Associate Director is Fred Gray. Peter Pan Goes Wrong is produced by Kenny Wax

Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd in arrangement with Mischief Worldwide Ltd. To purchase tickets for this production, contact the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or book online at www. theatreroyal.org.uk. The show has an age guide of 8+, and the running time is 2 hours including a 20-minute interval.

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Have Your Say...

Opinions & Letters

Remembrance Dear Editor, To mark Armistice Day (11 Nov) and Remembrance Sunday (12 Nov), I would like to take this opportunity to commemorate those who bravely served in the Second World War, including RAF veterans who fought for their country. I joined the RAF towards the end of 1940. My flying training was carried out in America prior to their entry into War (before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour) in December 1941. I carried out 50 bombing raids over Germany as a Mosquito Bomber, including 13 over Berlin. It was the heavy bomber crews, flying from the same base, who were

A “thank you" to Martin the real heroes to me though. They flew much more vulnerable and slower aircraft, and suffered far higher casualties than we did. We all lost many men however, including dear friends of mine – their sacrifice will stay with me forever. During Remembrance weekend, our thoughts naturally turn to the Second World War veterans like me, but we must also remember those who answered their country’s call to serve more recently in Ukraine, Afghanistan and other conflicts. We must collectively show support for serving personnel and their families, veterans, cadets, and reservists. This year, as I turned 102, I wanted to do my bit to

raise much needed funding for three charities, including the RAF Benevolent Fund. The charity does the most amazing job in supporting members of the RAF Family though thick and thin, providing practical, emotional and financial support. I raised over £8,000 for the charity thanks to the generous support from friends, family, and the general public. During this anniversary and always, I’d like to remind all members of the RAF Family that support is available from the Fund, whenever it is needed.

Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell (DFC AE FRICS) WW2 Mosquito Bomber Pilot

Responding to disasters in Morocco and Libya Dear Editor, Last month we woke to news of a powerful earthquake hitting the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. A few days later, Storm Daniel caused widespread flooding across northeast Libya. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes. People have lost livelihoods, belongings, and loved ones. At the international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox, we are supporting people affected by each of these disasters. We are distributing aid to around 20 mountain communities. Alongside our

partner Association Le Grand Atlas, Rotary in Morocco, and volunteers from local villages, we’re distributing tents, thermal blankets, solar lights, and kitchen sets to communities living at high altitudes whose homes have been damaged or reduced to rubble. In Libya, entire neighbourhoods have been swept away by torrents of water. Thousands of people are without the basics needed to survive like shelter and clean water. Access to Libya for foreign nationals is challenging so we’ve partnered with ACTED to get aid to people who need it as quickly as we can. We’re providing a grant

The Poppy Appeal Dear Editor, At this time of year, especially, we remember all those who have died in the service of their country. Volunteers at the Royal British Legion Poppy Depot are busy sorting out the wreaths, poppies, and collecting tins, ready for distribution. The Poppy Appeal would welcome more volunteers to assist with the collections. If you would like to help please visit the Poppy Depot from 27th October to 11th November between the hours of 10.00 am and 3.00 pm, or email Helen at helencooke1961@gmail.com, Tel: 07949 284514 if you are able to help either with collecting in the City centre or by having a collection box in your office or shop. The Depot is located at 22a New Bond Street, Bath, BA1 1BA. Each year over 100,000 exservicemen and women, including their dependants, are helped by the Royal British Legion. Although the survivors of the Second World War are fewer each year, the needs of those remaining increase. It is important to remember that the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal also aids those who

Tuesday 7th November - Monday 20th November 2023

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to our partner for winter clothing, thermal blankets, and heaters so people can protect themselves and their families from the cold as winter looms. This aid may seem modest, but it can make a huge difference to displaced people left with very little, especially with winter temperatures around the corner. Our responses in Morocco and Libya wouldn’t be possible without our supporters, whose donations help us be ready for the next disaster – wherever in the world that may be.

Alice Jefferson Head of Emergency Responses, ShelterBox

Dear Editor, I was admitted to bay 6 of the Cardiology ward in RUH, and I would please like to use your paper to thank the man on the bed opposite who made me feel so at ease in the ward. He was from Frome, and all I know is that he was called Martin. He was full time carer of his wife who had Dementia, fortunately through the skills of one of his daughters who I understood lives locally, she was found a place in a care home during his period with myself under going treatment in the RUH. His daughter called to see him and I could see the mutual love and affection they shared, such a lovely young woman. He, Martin, is a lovely man, and we enjoyed some really good conversations during breaks from our treatment schedule. I don't know anything much more about Martin, but I owe him a huge debt of gratitude. He really calmed me down, and helped me deal with ongoing concerns, in his own very special way, and I hope he sees this letter. If he is typical of the residents in your town, then hold your head up high what a lovely Frome man Martin is. I am forever grateful, even on our departing he was so kind to wish me well, as I did him, with a degree of sadness albeit leaving after wonderful care there in Cardiology ward.

Find us on Facebook Just search “Bath Echo” How to get involved To submit your letter, you can either email it to us via letters@bathecho.co.uk or pop it in the post to: Letters, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA. We will endeavour to publish your letter in the next issue after it's received, however this may not always be possible. Depending on the content, we may also publish your letter on our website. Please consider limiting your letter to around 400 words or less, or we may have to edit it if necessary. We require a name and address to be supplied with letters, however please indicate if you would like your submission to be published anonymously. Publication of letters does not mean we share the views of the writer, and submissions/content may not be shared without our written permission. If you have any questions regarding the submission of a letter for publication, please email our editor via editor@bathecho.co.uk.

Andy Keynsham

Bath Rugby's planning application were involved in Korea, Malaya, Borneo, the Falklands, the Gulf, Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. The Dedication of the Field of Remembrance will be held on Sunday 5th November at 2.00 pm, in the Abbey Church Yard On Armistice Day, Saturday 11th November at 11.00 am, a short Service being held in the Abbey Church Yard. A Bugler will mark the start and finish of the two minutes' silence to remember those who have died in the service of their country. Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion will be located there, generally the area where people gather to join in this act of remembrance. The Remembrance Sunday Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held at the City's War Memorial, Royal Victoria Park, on 12th November at 11.00 am. In the afternoon the Royal British Legion Parade will March Past the Guildhall at 1.29 pm and a Service will be held at Bath Abbey at 2.00 pm. (No tickets necessary). I would like to personally thank all the volunteers who give their time and efforts, which are so vital to the success of the Poppy Appeal.

Councillor Dine Romero Mayor of Bath

Dear Editor, The photo used in issue number 061 showing the Riverside stand of Bath Rugby's planning application is deceptive. Important information is missing in this mass of detail submitted for the proposed new stadium. That particular West stand illustrates a problem with the whole application which

will so change our lovely city, endangering its status as a World Heritage city. A cross section of that stand's planned replacement shows its roof height at 32 meters, rising to 34 meters on the pitch side. But the height of the existing stand is not shown. Could this be because there is a massive increase in its height? It looks like it will be about 50%

higher, not only spoiling the view but dominating everything else. Other Bath planning applications have 'before and after' diagrams. The lack of this for just this one feature raises suspicions that the whole planning application could be riddled with more cover-ups of problem areas.

were no staff members to be found. The assistant then explained a colleague would be called to the till to assist. This colleague stated the policy would have been advised at the point of purchase. I confirmed it was not and furthermore I would not have bought the shoes. I queried this again and she proceeded to engage the store manager who stood his ground on the decision, stating the policy had been in place for some time. They reiterated the offer of a credit note which I reluctantly accepted. An elderly lady was waiting to buy a handbag and I advised her to consider her expensive purchase given the no refund policy. Incidentally, House of Fraser

needs to appraise itself of the word “refund” - to pay back usually cash. I have since tried to call the store customer service dept who are unavailable. Also, the House of Fraser HQ in London is listed as permanently closed. As previously mentioned, this appears to have all the hallmarks of a failing business with low liquidity. I would strongly recommend shoppers spend their money elsewhere. Fortunately in my case, it appears my credit card provider agrees with the substandard service from House of Fraser and are issuing a charge back refund.

G. McLagan Bath

House of Fraser Dear Editor, I recently had an extremely poor shopping experience at House of Fraser, Bath. Upon returning a pair of shoes, I was advised the store no longer issues “goodwill” refunds and only offers exchange or credit note - their legal right but not very customer focussed in the current climate. It is obvious, despite the glittering refit a few years ago, that this once “high end” department store is severely in decline. During my return visit, there were very few customers and virtually nil staff. I was advised at the shoe till point that I would need to go to a special “refunds/returns” section at the rear of the store. I explained that I had “lapped” the ground floor twice and there

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Preloved goods made available at recycling hub’s reuse shop

Village set to mark Remembrance Day

A NEW reuse and recycling shop has opened on the ground floor of the Keynsham Recycling Hub, offering low-cost quality preloved items donated by residents. Donations currently on display include crockery, garden tools, bedside and dining tables, and adult and children’s bikes. The opening of the shop comes just over four months after Bath & North East Somerset Council opened the recycling centre in Keynsham. Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, used donated garden shears to cut the ‘ribbon’ specially made from hessian sacks. Councillor Ball said: “This is a fantastic way to extend the life cycle of products. Rather than being sent for disposal or recycling, the unwanted items will be reused. “It is an opportunity for residents to find quality preloved items at affordable prices and the income generated will be used to support the council’s recycling services. “We will also be actively working with our Welfare Support teams and a network of local charities to ensure that items can be directed

PREPARATIONS have got underway in the village of Peasedown St John near Bath to commemorate local war heroes for this year’s Remembrance Day. A team from the Peasedown Community Trust, led by local councillors Gavin Heathcote and Karen Walker, have been putting up large poppies through the centre of the village. Cllr Gavin Heathcote, who chairs the Trust, said: “Poppies for Peasedown is a community project funded by the Peasedown Community Trust. “We have worked in partnership with the Royal British Legion to display these poppies throughout the community in honour of our village’s war heroes. “Those that have gone before us sacrificed so much, so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Thank you!” This is the third year running the group has put up poppies in the village. Peasedown Community Trust will also be taking part in this year’s Village Civic Service on Sunday 12th November by laying a wreath at the War Memorial located in St John’s Church.

to those who can make best use of them.” The reuse shop will open to residents on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm and Saturday 9.30am to 3pm, although the opening times may vary to ensure there is no impact on queueing times for residents wanting to use the recycling centre. The council has partnered with Bath Share and Repair to fully check, PAT test and sell small household electrical items, such as lamps, kettles and toasters on site.

Garden waste that has been collected for composting on-site and through the fortnightly green bin service will also be available for purchase from the shop as a peat-free soil conditioner. Residents wishing to donate preloved items at Keynsham Recycling Centre can drop them in the signposted area to the left outside the Reuse shop entrance. There is also a donation point at the Bath and Midsomer Norton Recycling Centre. Members of the public can ask a site attendant where they can leave items during opening hours.

Cllr Karen Walker, the ViceChairwoman of B&NES Council, added: “We organise for these poppies to be put up through the centre of Peasedown St John each year to remember the sacrifice our village’s war heroes have made. “We will always be in debt and grateful to them for the freedoms we have today. “The right to free speech, the right to vote and the right to a fair trial are privileges not enjoyed in all parts of the world. Without our war heroes we wouldn’t have these freedoms today, so thank you!”

Leader sought to help adults learn to read

Award for accessible pushchair designed by Designability charity

MORE than 20 people across the Bath area are learning to read thanks to a group of volunteers, with a new leader now being sought for the organisation. Set up in Bath during the coronavirus pandemic, Read Easy has trained dozens of coaches and is working to offer free and confidential reading coaching to adults who didn’t learn to read during their formal education years. Now the group, which is engaged in offering residents the vital life skill, is seeking a replacement for its soon-to-step-down, volunteer leader. The role, which takes around 7-10 hours a week, includes coordinating the

AN accessible pushchair designed for wheelchair users has been announced as this year’s winner of The Baby Products Association’s 2023 Concept and Innovation Award. The pushchair, designed by Bathbased charity Designability, was recognised at the International Nursery Fair in Harrogate. Known for designing innovative products that help disabled people live with greater independence, Designability said it was ‘delighted’ to receive the award for its groundbreaking design, which offers true freedom for disabled parents and carers. The award was presented to Dario Canini, Designability’s Engineering Innovation Manager, by Marc Hardenberg, Chair of the Baby Products Association. The company also received a certificate and prize of £1,000 for legal advice from sponsor Sarah Ludlam of legal company Brabners. Julie Milne, of the Baby Products Association, commented: “Every year, the judges are impressed with the creativity of the entries received and it’s always difficult deciding which stands out more

activity of the group and leading the small management group as well as liaising with Read Easy nationally. Local Read Easy pioneer David Hassard said: “The role is important to the success of our activity and anyone who comes forward would be making a big and positive impact on many people’s lives. “We can send interested people a description of the role and talk them through what’s involved. “They’d be joining a friendly and proactive group of volunteers at just the right time. We do have other volunteer roles available but this is the most important one for us now.”

than the others, as all products submitted will make a difference in the nursery industry. “However, it was felt that Designability’s entry could be life-changing for parents who are wheelchair users as it is the first product of its kind that will allow them to use a regular pushchair just like any other parent.” Designed with mass manufacture in mind, Designability’s design replaces the traditional rear wheels/footbrake assembly, turning any conventional pushchair into an accessible pushchair. Matt Ford, Designability’s Director of Design and Innovation said: “We’re delighted to win this prestigious award. “Having chosen the International Nursery Fair as the event to launch our accessible pushchair, it’s a huge honour to win, especially against such stiff competition. “We’ve been developing the pushchair over the last four years and believe it will transform the lives of thousands of disabled parents and carers, enabling them to live with greater independence. “It really is a game changer that

helps address one of the main inequalities disabled parents and carers face; the ability to take their babies and very young children out independently.” Currently in prototype format, the team from Designability are now looking for a commercial partner to bring the pushchair to market for the first time. Matt explained: “As a national disability charity, we have been aware of the need for this product for many years. It is our most requested product, and we estimate that there are around 20,000 disabled parents in the UK alone who could benefit. “Our hope long term is for this product to change the lives of disabled parents not just in the UK but across the world.”

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Tuesday 7th November - Monday 20th November 2023

Health Permission sought to transform hospital into orthopaedics hub

‘Dentistry desert' sees people heading to A&E

Many people are struggling to see an NHS dentist in the Bath area

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

A SOMERSET village hospital could be turned into a major regional specialist hub within the year. Private hospital Circle Bath in Peasedown St John was bought by Bath’s Royal United Hospital in 2021, who renamed it Sulis Hospital. Health bosses are planning to turn the hospital into a “regional hub” for orthopaedic operations, operating on hips, knees, shoulders, and other joints. The plans are set to go before Bath & North East Somerset Council, as the RUH has submitted a planning application for two new operating theatres as part of the project. The RUH hopes to begin

construction in March 2024 with a target completion date in the summer. Sulis Orthopaedic Elective Centre (SEOC) will involve building a one-storey extension to the east side of the main building and will add a fifth and sixth operating theatre to the hospital, as well as associated spaces. Sulis Hospital is a “cold site” with no A&E. The RUH say this means that the orthopaedic hub will be “ring-fenced” from disruption caused to elective operations by the need to prioritise emergency care. A statement submitted with the application said: “The number of people waiting for nonemergency surgery has been rising for several years and the Covid-19 pandemic has led to significant increases. “The SEOC will add capacity for

NHS elective orthopaedic surgery in the South West. “It will be a centre of excellence working to national best practice standards for operating at maximum efficiency and providing high quality care. “Surgery will be protected from disruption and cancellations caused by surges in emergency hospital admissions because Sulis Hospital is not an A&E hospital and as such the SEOC will enhance the resilience of services into the future.” Despite being owned by an NHS Trust, Sulis Hospital is currently mainly a private hospital, although it has been providing an increasing amount of NHS care. As the Sulis Orthopaedic Elective Centre, the hospital will be a “system resource” for elective surgery for patients from the local area and across the South West.

HUNDREDS of people resorted to attending Accident & Emergency in Bath with tooth decay because they couldn’t see an NHS dentist, new research suggests. Nearly 260 people with tooth decay were treated at the Royal United Hospital last year, with West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris attributing the numbers to the “disturbing decline” of NHS dentistry. In 2022-23, 200 people were seen with a dental abscess, caused by decay, and 55 with dental caries. Approximately 4.75 million people were unable to get an appointment with an NHS dentist in the past two years, owing to a lack of availability or capacity for new patients at their chosen practice. Previous research has shown that the Bath area is a ‘dentistry desert’. Mayor Norris has urged Government ministers to adopt

Labour’s plan to provide an extra 700,000 urgent dentist appointments and reform the NHS dental contract, as part of a package of measures to rescue NHS dentistry. He said: “The severe dentist shortage is a terrible situation for local people waiting in pain, bad for our already stretched hospitals and has knock-on effects across our economy as people take days off sick. “Time and again people tell me they just can’t get an NHS dentist. It’s simply impossible. I fear the way the Tories have run down NHS dentistry points to what they want to do to our NHS. “Ministers must urgently fix this crisis, including addressing the lack of dentists and other dentistry healthcare staff, and do what was promised a decade ago and sort out the broken NHS contract system once and for all. “If that means copying Labour’s plans then I’d be delighted.”

Mental health trust recognised for creating inclusive workplace THE Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust has been recognised with a gold award for its work to create and sustain an inclusive workplace culture for staff. The Talent Inclusion and Diversity Evaluation (TIDE) TIDEmark Awards measure an organisation’s approach and progress to diversity and inclusion. They are awarded by the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (enei). TIDE is a diversity and inclusion benchmarking tool which looks at the whole organisation, including workforce, strategy, leadership, recruitment, training and communication. It allows the organisation to understand their current position in relation to diversity and inclusion, and focus their efforts on areas that will have the greatest impact. As of 31st December 2022, the

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust’s workforce was made up of 76% women and 24% men, 14% of the workforce identified as from an ethnic minority background, 8% as disabled and 6% as LGBTQ+. Out of the 171 TIDEmark entries this year, the AWP Trust is one of only 15 organisations that have attained the Gold Standard Award for the second year in a row. It is the sixth consecutive year

that the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Trust has entered the awards, receiving bronze in 2018, silver in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and gold in 2022. Sarah Constantine, Medical Director and Chair of the Trustwide Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Network said: “We are delighted to be once again recognised by enei for the steps we are taking on our journey as we embed equality diversity and inclusion into all areas of the

Trust. That said, we are always learning about equality and diversity and we still have some way to go and work to do. “This award is a testament to our EDI lead who has worked tirelessly to drive change within the Trust, and for all those who have shared their stories and championed change.” Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead Mayur Bhatt said: “Here at AWP, we want to move to having a culture which is not just inclusive but an organisation where people really feel they belong. “We know that as an organisation our diversity makes us stronger, it brings us closer to our communities and helps us build better relationships within our teams, with our service users and partners.” Julian Feasby Director for People added: “Diversity is something to celebrate, and we are proud to be an organisation that welcomes and values diversity, and the

wealth of knowledge and skills that come with it. “We want to create a strong culture where everyone feels valued for the contribution they make, where people feel connected with the organisation and can be their authentic self.”

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Five-year university study investigates exercise injury risk A STUDY conducted by researchers at the University of Bath has revealed the risks of receiving a serious injury from most sports and exercise are incredibly small. The five-year study, funded by the British Medical Association, shows that even forms of sport sometimes considered risky by the public, such as road cycling, are generally safe, suggesting the benefits of taking part in fitness activities far outweigh the dangers. This is the first time in England and Wales that researchers have attempted to describe and quantify the relative risks of trauma resulting from sport or some other physical activity. It’s hoped that the study’s results will make it easier for both participants and organisers of activities to make their pursuits safer still. Data for the new study, which was published in the journal Injury Prevention, published by BMJ, came from hospitals nationwide, where participants of sports and exercise presented with major trauma. The researchers found that

between 2012 and 2017, a total of 11,702 trauma injuries resulted from sports and exercise. Dr Sean Williams, a researcher at the Department for Health and the Centre for health and Injury and Illness Prevention at the University of Bath, and principal investigator of the study, said: “This work demonstrates that engaging in fitness activities is overwhelmingly a safe and beneficial pursuit. “While no physical activity is entirely without risk, the chance of serious injury is exceedingly low when compared to the myriad health and wellness advantages gained from staying active.” The study examined 61 sports and other physical activities undertaken nationally, irrespective of their popularity, and provided a comparable estimate of the risks to participants. Unsurprisingly, fitness activities, such as running, golf, dance classes and gym sessions, are the least likely pursuits to result in injury. Running results in 0.70 injuries, golf 1.25 injuries and fitness

classes just 0.10 per 100,000 participants/year. Among sports with the highest participation, football had the highest injury incidence rate (6.56 injuries/100,000 participants/ year), though this too is relatively small. Motorsports, equestrian activities and gliding (paragliding and hang gliding) were by far the riskiest activities of those studied, with motorsports resulting in 532 injuries, equestrian pursuits 235 and gliding 191 injuries per 100,000 participants. Male incidence (6.4 injuries/100,000 participants/ year) was higher than female incidence (3.3 injuries/100,000 participants/year. Injury risks for popular sports and other physical activities are increasing internationally. In Victoria, Australia, for instance, the annual rate of hospitaltreated sports injury increased by 24% between 2004 and 2010, with an incidence of sport-related major trauma or death of 12.2 per 100,000 participants/year. This trend is mirrored in the UK. Highlighting this is data from one regional trauma and spine

unit, which identified an almost 500% increase in the incidence of serious motorsports accidents in the five years to 2015. Dr Madi Davies, the study’s lead author and former postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bath, said: “When I looked at the injuries recorded in 2012 – the year the study started – it was clear that the risks were considerably lower than they were in later years of the study.” She has called for further research, “in real-time”, to understand exactly how and why more people are getting injured. She said: “Though the finding that more people are getting injured could be multifaceted – trauma data recording has improved during the study, which means more injuries are now recorded – it’s important that any increases in burden are responded to, and that this data is used to make activities safer.” Dr Williams added: “Many sport and recreation injuries are preventable.

“Whether that be through protective equipment, rule or law changes, or education, once we identify how and where injuries are occurring, we can start to think about ways to prevent them in each sport.” It is hoped that the study will lead to the development of a national register with real-time data analysis opportunities. The register would standardise the recording of serious injuries resulting from sports and physical activity, so that trends or patterns in risk can be quickly identified and acted upon. Also participating in the sportsrelated injury project were Professor Keith Stokes and Dr Carly McKay, both from the Department for Health at the University of Bath. The study was undertaken in collaboration with several charities, universities and organisations, including the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and Sport England.

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