Bath Echo - Issue 132 - 19/06/2026

Cost of vault repairs soars by almost £1 million

Becky Feather Reporter

THE cost of shoring up Manvers Street in Bath has already risen by almost £1 million due to increased construction costs.

The road in the city centre has been closed since 26th May for an anticipated six months as major works need to be carried out to prevent it from collapsing.

The street is built above vaults, cellars and concrete slabs that were laid during the Second World War.

Over time, these have deteriorated, along with the road’s foundations.

The closure is causing widespread disruption, with 26 bus routes having to be diverted or shortened.

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the planned scope. This scheme had a total budget of £5 million – £4.93 million approved, with £700,000 provisional.

The remediation work is being funded from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement scheme, via the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Maintenance Challenge Fund, but it has emerged that more money is urgently needed for the project to keep it on schedule.

Due to “inflationary pressures”, an increased total of £5.92 million is now required to deliver

Councillor Lucy Hodge, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, has agreed to a “special urgent decision” to take £920,000 from “corporate contingency” to meet the required timescale.

It is expected that the council’s pot will be “replenished” once further grant approval is confirmed by WECA.

A report on the council’s website

ANYONE

who has driven along Bathwick Street in recent weeks will see that things are looking a little bit different. Demolition of the city’s muchloved (for many) fire station is almost complete, with mounds of stone now piled up where once fire engines and their crews set off to save lives.

Redevelopment of the site has been talked about for years, with modernisation plans reported by the Echo as far back as June 2018, however things were put on pause until around five years later, when planning began once again to see how the station could be improved. And that’s where we are today – the historic buildings are no more – and

come next summer, there will be a larger, modern and more practical station to serve the city. The modernisation may have been needed, and don’t get me wrong, I know how important that is, but I will certainly miss the old building and tower. Driving past them on a near daily basis for much of my life, sitting in traffic as the doors began opening one-by-one and fire engines starting to emerge on their way to the latest emergency was a bit exciting. Albeit, it wasn’t exciting watching them get stuck as they tried to cross Cleveland Bridge with vehicles still coming the other way, drivers oblivious to holding up the emergency services.

says: “Contractor pricing became available only recently due to the engineering complexity of the road construction above the vaults and the need to carry out trial holes and complete design to inform pricing.”

It adds: “The contractor has confirmed that instruction of the rest of the scope is required by 12th June to ensure that construction can be undertaken safely within the planned timescales.

“It is not possible to extend the duration of the works because the road must reopen in advance

of the Bath Christmas Markets. “Contingency is not available through the Maintenance Challenge Fund so the increase in budget will be drawn from corporate contingency.”

The report also says that the project will ensure that “Manvers Street is more able to sustain the increased weight of batteries in cars and buses as more vehicles are converted to electric traction.

“This safeguards the infrastructure and supports the decarbonisation of the transport system, to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.”

new station is set to be fully operational mid2027, so youngsters will still have that joy of seeing fire engines setting off, but it just won’t have that decades of history attached to it. Maybe in 80 years’ time, we’ll look back and think what a lovely building the new station is – I wouldn’t mind being proved wrong, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Becky, one of our reporters, recently visited a former firefighter who worked at the station for two decades, having started in 1966. He holds a collection of lovely photos, some of which you can see opposite (and there are some more on our website) showing the fire station

and some of the incidents attended by the crews of the time.

Kirsten Elliott, from Akeman Press, who provide our regular tranche of splendid archive photos, has also shared a postcard featuring the station as well as one of the original drawings for the fire station – you can find it on Page 10. Bath’s fire station may not have meant a lot to a fair few people, and realistically it needs to properly provide the service that it is made for – helping firefighters save lives across Bath. But to a good proportion of us, it was something special. At least we still have the memories and photographs of it to look back on in the future.

Memories shared as station is reduced to rubble

Becky Feather Reporter

WITH the old fire station in Bath being demolished to make way for a modern rebuild on the site, a former city firefighter has shared some historical photos with the Echo.

The building in Bathwick Street has been undergoing demolition over the past fortnight, with the iconic tower being brought down earlier this week.

Chris Gingell, now 81, and living in Calne, spent two decades as a firefighter, starting at City of Bath Fire Station in 1966. As a child, Chris had loved visiting the station. He went on to study at the Bath Art Secondary School in Sydney Place and had plans to design cars for a career, but he says the fire brigade “took over”. Chris holds many photographs from the Bath Fire Brigade era, prior to the creation of Avon Fire Brigade in 1974, and hopes to be able to find a suitable home for the historic collection.

Chris is on the right of the picture, holding a snowball. At the time he had been a pupil at the nearby art school and says Sydney Gardens was their playground.

Another photograph shows a fireman climbing a ladder to tackle a fire opposite King Edward’s School in Broad Street in the 1960s.

Chris had to retire as a firefighter at the age of 41 due to problems with his knees. He and his brother Mike went on to run a successful business, Corsham Building Plastics, which remains a family business today.

Chris, who is now a greatgrandfather, feels it is a shame that the fire station has been demolished, a view that’s been

shared by many others, including Historic England and the Twentieth Century Society.

The fire station closed its doors on 26th February after nearly 90 years of service, and a poignant farewell took place, with fire engines and emergency vehicles lined up outside.

Design work had begun on it in 1937, led by architect Alfred J Taylor, who died in 1938 after which his architect daughter Molly Taylor took over the project and saw it through to completion. It was regarded as a very rare prewar project by a female architect, and the only fire station known to have been designed by a female architect. It replaced the old fire station behind the Guildhall and played a crucial role in protecting the city during the Baedeker Blitz air raids of 1942.

Historic England had wanted the station to be Grade II listed, but the government said it was “not sufficiently special” and denied it heritage status.

The Twentieth Century Society (C20) tried to save it from demolition. A review of the minister’s decision not to list it was launched last autumn but the Department for Culture, Media & Sport said that as the designation review process was non-statutory, it was under no obligation to respond within a specific timeframe.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service has said the rebuild will make a significant step towards modernising the facility to meet the demands of contemporary firefighting.

To maintain critical emergency services during the redevelopment, fire crews have relocated to the old Unigate Dairies site at Roseberry Place, off Lower Bristol Road at Twerton.

The redeveloped station is due to open in summer 2027. Some parts of the historic building will be preserved, including the original fireman’s pole and the crest that was on the façade.

You can view more photos on our website Scan the QR code

News in Brief

Village road closures for water main works

A water main renovation project in Combe Hay near Bath will involve road closures over the coming months.

Works on the section of Anchor Lane near Backy Hill, on Flower’s Hill and on The Lower Lane are anticipated to take place between 22nd June and 17th July. Only one road will be closed at a time during Bristol Water’s project. Then works on the stretch of Anchor Lane from the Old Bath Road junction to just after Bridge Farm - a distance of more than one kilometre - are due to take place between 20th July and 2nd October. Diversions will be in place during the works, says Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Rise in anti-social behaviour in town

Keynsham town centre has seen a “moderate increase” in youths causing anti-social behaviour (ASB) and criminal damage offences, say police. The neighbourhood policing team says resources and tactics are in use to combat the rise and to identify offenders. The police ask people to call 101 when ASB is being “actively committed”.

New shops and office space approved

Plans to bring new businesses to empty premises on Shaftesbury Road in Oldfield Park have been approved by council planners.

Weather Forecast

Long range forecast: (26th June to 2nd July)

Expected to stay mostly fine and dry, with a risk of some thunderstorms and showers for the region. Temperatures above normal for the time of year.

Brutalist Batheaston church set to be saved by local firm

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

A VILLAGE’S unique Brutalist church is set to be saved from demolition, as a local construction firm plans to buy it for their new offices.

The Church of the Good Shepherd has always divided opinion in the village of Batheaston, on the edge of Bath, for its striking design.

Built in 1967, it closed in 2020, and last year the council granted planning permission for it to be demolished and replaced with houses – to the relief of some in the village but an outcry from others.

It was put up for sale as a development opportunity, but now the preferred bidder to buy the building is a locally-based construction firm which wants to save it, turning it into offices and a childcare space.

Wraxall Builders, who were behind the conversion of Bath’s Quaker Meeting House into the new Toppings bookshop, are currently based just across the village in the Bath Brewery building.

“We have been looking for a new office for some time,” said Wraxall

Builders’ Henry Channer. He lives in Batheaston and saw the petition to save the unique church from demolition.

He said: “I personally really like the building.”

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s sometimes good for things to stand out. The other thing about it, for me personally, is that you look at it outside and it’s not a beauty but you go inside and it’s

just an incredible space — it’s like a TARDIS.”

Wraxall Builders want to turn the ground floor of the former church into their new offices and convert the main worship space to a childcare centre, after a need for childcare was identified by the community. Mr Channer said: “Our office will just be an office but the childcare space in the middle of Batheaston will be really valuable for the village.”

The company hopes to complete the sale soon and plans to submit a planning application later this month, after consulting with the community.

The church was designed by Bath architect Martin Fisher, who was also behind the design of St Peter and Paul’s in Combe Down, and consists of poured concrete blocks.

It does not have a traditional

Roman Baths recognised for work supporting refugees in Bath

THE Roman Baths has been named Bath’s first Museum of Sanctuary, recognising its work to support refugees and people seeking asylum through a growing community programme.

The award, announced during Refugee Week, has been presented by City of Sanctuary UK and marks the first time a cultural institution in the city has received the status.

Bath & North East Somerset Council said the recognition reflects a wider commitment to making Bath a welcoming place for people forced to leave their homes.

While the Roman Baths has long been a site associated with travel and arrival, the new award focuses on the work now being carried out there to help people seeking sanctuary feel included, connected and supported.

Since 2024, the Roman Baths has been working with the council’s resettlement team on a community-led programme aimed at refugees, people seeking asylum and others who have been displaced.

The initiative has included social evenings for adults built around shared meals and art workshops, alongside family sessions offering activities and crafts for different age groups.

Participants have also come together to mark cultural and religious festivals including Eid,

Christmas and Lunar New Year.

The programme has also begun creating more practical opportunities, with some participants now able to access work placements as a route to employment and skills support.

In addition, the Roman Baths offers free admission to anyone with refugee status or who is seeking asylum, in an effort to make the city’s cultural heritage more accessible.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for communications and community, said: “We are incredibly proud that the Roman Baths has been recognised as a Museum of Sanctuary.

“This award reflects the council’s commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive place for everyone.

“The Sanctuary Programme shows how culture and heritage can bring people together,

helping those who have been forced to leave their homes to build connections, develop skills and feel a real sense of belonging in our community.”

The award also highlights the broader role museums can play as places of education, storytelling and shared understanding. City of Sanctuary UK is a national network working with organisations including councils, libraries, theatres and universities to promote solidarity with refugees and people seeking sanctuary. The announcement coincides with Refugee Week, running from 15th to 21st June.

As part of the week, the Roman Baths is hosting an on-site trail featuring artwork by Quentin Blake from The Simple Acts Campaign, created by Counterpoints Arts for Refugee Week UK. The trail focuses on small everyday actions that can help build stronger, more supportive communities.

Elsewhere in the city, the Victoria Art Gallery is displaying a collaborative textile artwork produced through a partnership between the Roman Baths, Bath Welcomes Refugees and the council’s resettlement team.

Created during a series of inclusive sewing sessions, the piece reflects a shared creative effort and will be on display until Sunday 28th June, with free entry for all visitors.

spire, but instead its square roof slopes up to the south east corner, reflecting the tent of a travelling pilgrim.

The church’s main feature is its huge window, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, which appears a dull grey from outside. Its coloured pattern can be seen from the inside as the light shines in through the window but is only revealed to people outside when the church is lit up from within.

Emblematic of the changing face of the Catholic Church, the Church of the Good Shepherd was the first church in the area built after the major changes of Vatican II and adopted the now iconic Brutalist style of the times. Three years later, similar ideas would lead to the construction of Clifton Cathedral in Bristol.

The church closed during Covid-19 and, with declining numbers attending mass, was judged to not be viable to reopen. But architecture experts hailed the building as “a characteristic and interesting example of midtwentieth century religious architecture” and it was locally listed as a non-designated heritage asset. Mr Channer told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s worth keeping.”

Japanese restaurant opening in city centre

Becky Feather Reporter

A JAPANESE ramen restaurant is planning to open in Bath.

Tonkotsu is a UK-based chain founded in 2012, with its first location in Soho, London. Following the success of that restaurant, the business has expanded across London and into cities including Bristol, Birmingham, Brighton and most recently in Cardiff.

The company is currently applying to Bath & North East Somerset Council for permission to install

plant and extraction equipment and for advertisement consent for signage for the restaurant unit at 40 Stall Street in the centre of Bath which previous occupier LEON vacated last December.

Tonkotsu says it has experience in delivering schemes that respond appropriately to historic settings and ensure its restaurants are sympathetic to the surrounding heritage context.

Tonkotsu is named after the rich pork bone broth from Kyushu, Japan. The company says it focuses on authentic ramen, preparing noodles, broths and gyoza fresh each day.

Tenant finally evicted from notorious city flat

Becky Feather Reporter

THE tenant of a city centre flat which was a den for illegal activities for many years has finally been evicted, two months after an outright possession order was issued at Bath County Court.

Reported issues over many years at the Abbey Green property included multiple public order offences, drug-related activities, wanted people seeking refuge within the premises, criminal damage including people kicking the entrance door, and thefts from local shops with stolen goods being handled from the flat.

In April 2025 police responded to a suspected firearms incident linked to the flat, during which nearby shops and cafés in the popular tourist area were forced to close.

Local businesses had highlighted how their trade has suffered over the years, with repeated complaints, enforcement action, police attendance and court orders failing to deliver a lasting solution.

A temporary closure order was placed on the flat last July but it was subsequently reopened.

Then at Bath County Court on 2nd April a district judge granted housing association Curo an outright possession order on the property when the tenant, who had lived there for 10 years, was given 14 days to leave. At the time she complained to the judge that she had not had enough time to submit a defence.

This week a Curo spokesperson told the Echo: “We can confirm that the customer was evicted from the flat at Abbey Green on 4th June. As its owner, the council will decide on any future use of the property now that this tenancy has ended.”

Ex-RAF pilot surprised with jet reunion on his 90th birthday

A FORMER RAF pilot celebrating his 90th birthday was given a surprise return to one of the aircraft from his flying days when he visited Vanguard Storage’s Bath branch.

Tony Davies, who first qualified to fly the de Havilland Vampire in 1961, was taken to see the aircraft by his family as part of a birthday celebration linked to his long career in aviation.

The visit gave him the chance to stand beside the jet once again more than six decades after flying it during his early years in the Royal Air Force.

Tony was accompanied by his daughter, Sarah Davies, and spent time looking at the aircraft and recalling memories from a career that began with National Service and went on to span 28 years.

Although his original service was only expected to last two years, his enjoyment of flying led him to remain in the RAF, where he trained on Piston Provosts and Vampires after earlier experience with Chipmunks in University Air Squadrons.

Following his retirement as an officer, he continued flying through the RAF Voluntary

Reserve, spending another 14 years taking Air Cadets into the air through Air Experience Flights.

During his career he flew a number of notable aircraft, including the de Havilland Vampire, Jet Provost, Victor and Vulcan bombers.

He also joined The Red Pelicans aerobatic display team in 1969, one of the RAF’s Jet Provost teams before the formation of the Red Arrows.

For the birthday occasion, the Vanguard team also gave him a Red Arrows card and a Vulcan bomber lapel pin.

Tony said: “I felt wonderful and very privileged to be able to see a real Vampire again. It brought back so many memories from the early days of my flying career.

“One of my favourite memories of flying Vampires was my boss, who we used to call PLR - Plucky Little Roy.”

Sarah Davies said: “We wanted to do something special for Dad’s 90th birthday, and when I discovered there was a Vampire aircraft on display, we knew it would be the perfect surprise.

“Aviation has always been a huge part of his life, so seeing him

reunited with an aircraft he flew more than 60 years ago has been incredibly special.”

Anil Kellay, branch manager for Vanguard Storage Bath, said: “It was an honour to welcome Tony to see the Vampire as part of his 90th birthday celebrations. “Hearing his stories and learning about his RAF career brought the aircraft’s history to life. We are delighted we could play a small part in making this milestone birthday one to remember.”

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New canal signs installed in Bath after fishing and wildlife issues

NEW signs have been installed along a stretch of canal in Bath following ongoing problems with illegal fishing, littering and reports of wildlife being harmed.

Bathampton Angling Association brought together a number of organisations on Saturday 6th June to support the move, with fresh signage placed along the Kennet & Avon Canal between Widcombe and Darlington Wharf.

The action involved the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency and Bathampton Angling Association (AA), and is aimed at addressing repeated issues involving people attempting to fish without the correct licences, discarding rubbish and, in some cases, deliberately injuring wildlife.

The association said the canal, as a public space, attracts many visitors, including people who have tried to fish there without both a Bathampton AA permit and an Environment Agency rod licence. Fishing without an Environment Agency licence can lead to fines of up to £2,500 and a criminal record.

Environment Agency fisheries

officer Callum Underhill said:

“We support local angling clubs like Bathampton Angling Association that are tackling illegal fishing occurring on their waters.

“Illegal fishing and fishing without a rod licence is a crime. It impacts anglers, fishing clubs and our own efforts because rod licence income is reinvested back into the angling community to protect fish stocks and make angling sustainable.”

Bathampton AA said local volunteer group Bath Swan Rescue had reported incidents of non-members intentionally striking swans with fishing rods as well as leaving rubbish in the area.

In response, the association increased the number of volunteer bailiffs patrolling the stretch to three and launched the sign installation operation as a further preventative measure.

Volunteer bailiff Reuben Myles Tyghe said: “This is one of the most beautiful stretches of ‘urban’ canal in the country, it’s a destination spot for so many who enjoy the canal for obvious reasons and a place that many people volunteer time to protect.

“We simply couldn’t sit back and see people abusing the water and its wildlife and we hope that the preventive measures, informative signage and the diligent work of our volunteer bailiff team will help further the message - if you intend to fish the canal you must have an EA licence and either a day ticket or be a member of the club.”

Canal & River Trust operations manager Colin Buckland organised volunteers to install the new signs at access points along the canal. The signage includes details of the Bathampton AA website and reminders that anglers must hold the correct licences, which can be bought online.

Bath & North East Somerset councillor Andy Wait, who attended the recent meeting, said: “Our canals and rivers are much loved by most people, a place for tranquillity, leisure and wildlife, as well as a place to live and work.

“The governance of waterways is complex and difficult with many different pressures and little protection offered to vulnerable groups, like our wildlife, who need the habitat to survive.”

Defib and bleed kit cabinets plan for centre

THERE are plans to install lifesaving equipment in the heart of the city for community use.

An application to put a defibrillator and bleed kit in Stall Street has been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council by Nationwide Building Society, which has a branch in nearby Union Street.

Nationwide says it is committed to supporting the communities it serves, and as part of this aims to ensure people have rapid 24/7 access to vital emergency equipment whenever it is needed.

The building society plans to install external defibrillators and bleed control kits at some of its branches but says the Bath one does not have enough space for one on the outside of the building, so a standalone frame is being proposed between a nearby bike rack and lamppost, as shown in a computer-generated image.

Nationwide says the location has already been discussed with the council’s highways department.

The application says: “The cabinets need to be in a prominent location where they can easily be seen and, at a height where they

can be reached in case they are needed in an emergency.

“We have proposed that the frame is installed in a location that, whilst prominent, has limited impact on the appearance of the conservation area.”

The application adds: “The frame and cabinets can be removed if they become redundant and the benefits of installing these cabinets are potentially lifesaving, so we consider that this outweighs any harm to the appearance of the conservation area.”

The planning reference is 26/02136/FUL. The deadline for comments is 16th July.

Fire service appeals after theft of rescue kit

AVON Fire & Rescue Service has issued an urgent appeal to the public after specialist rescue equipment used in lifethreatening emergencies was stolen.

The service said hydraulic cutters and spreaders, which are used by firefighters at serious road traffic collisions and other major incidents to free trapped casualties, had been taken in a series of incidents over recent months.

According to Avon Fire & Rescue Service, the theft of the equipment is part of a wider pattern of breakins and attempted break-ins affecting the organisation over the past six months.

The service warned that the loss of such tools is not only dangerous and reckless, but could also affect the speed and effectiveness of emergency responses when time is critical.

Fire chiefs said security measures are under review and work is continuing with partner organisations to help protect stations, fire engines and essential operational equipment.

Residents are now being urged to stay alert and report suspicious activity around fire stations, fire

Photo © Avon Fire & Rescue Service

appliances and specialist rescue tools, particularly in rural areas.

People should not approach anyone themselves, but should call 999 immediately if they witness a crime in progress.

Anyone with information which may help police is being asked to report it by calling 101.

Chief Fire Officer Matt Cook said: “We are here to protect local communities, and this equipment is carried so crews can save lives in the most serious emergencies.

“Anyone who targets these tools is putting added pressure on emergency services and risking the ability of firefighters to respond with the resources they need. By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious behaviour, the public can help us protect equipment that is relied on when lives are at risk.”

Bath-based expert warns of risks from under-16s social media ban

Becky Feather Reporter

THE UK’s ban on social media for under-16s announced this week is based on “worry, not evidence” and risks making things worse, according to a leading expert in digital and behaviour science at the University of Bath.

The government announced on Monday, 15th June, that “children will be given back their childhoods” as it plans to bring in “world-leading additional restrictions” on harmful features online, such as live streaming and strangers communicating with children.

The government said its “decisive action” is backed by nine in 10 parents and it is expected to be brought to Parliament before Christmas, with protections coming into force in spring 2027.

The government plans to use the same model for a social media ban as Australia.

But Professor David Ellis, chair of Behavioural Science at University of Bath School of Management, and a member of the Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour,

said: “This ban is based on worry, not evidence. The evidence base as it stands suggests social media has a minuscule effect, if any, on teenagers - particularly once you account for the other factors we know shape childhood development.

“It’s also unlikely to be straightforward to enforce, given what we’ve seen elsewhere, and it risks pushing teenagers towards less regulated parts of

the internet.

“Worse, it lets social media companies off the hook: they can divert resources away from making platforms safer, despite the fact that many young people will simply remain on them.

“This is what happens when politics is put before evidencebased policy. Rather than tackling the difficult question, you end up in a worse position than when you started.”

Crime & Court

Court puts 13-year-old offender under curfew for three months

A 13-YEAR-OLD Bath girl has been placed under curfew for three months as part of a youth rehabilitation order.

The girl, who we cannot name due to reporting restrictions, appeared at Bath Youth Court on Thursday 4th June to be sentenced for a series of offences.

The 13-year-old had already been subject to a youth referral order and was in breach of an anti-social behaviour (ASB) injunction imposed in March in that she had entered the city centre unaccompanied and in Stall Street had joined an altercation, punching at least two people before being detained by street marshals.

She had kicked a police officer in the face whilst in a police car, threatened to harm officers, and in custody had punched another officer in the face.

The youth referral order had been made in February after she assaulted several people, including police officers, and had committed a public order offence.

After reading a pre-sentence report, the magistrates imposed a youth rehabilitation order

under which the girl must remain at her home in Bath under a daily 7pm to 7am curfew, with a requirement to attend on the doorstep if required by police. She must also participate in restorative justice for 14 days and in an alcohol reduction programme for 10 days.

Man must pay compensation for distress he caused police officers

A HOMELESS man assaulted two police officers and made sexually offensive comments and actions towards them after his arrest for being drunk and disorderly.

At Bath Magistrates’ Court on Monday 15th June, Jonathan Wood was given a total custodial sentence of 17 weeks, which was suspended. He was also ordered to pay the police officers compensation.

The 59-year-old, who lives in a tent near the river in Bath, admitted a total of six offences, which all relating to 22nd April:

• Drunk and disorderly at St Saviour’s Road in Larkhall.

• Two common assaults on emergency workers (police officers) at Keynsham.

• Two offences of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour against the police officers at Keynsham on account of their sex, causing them harassment, alarm or distress.

• Criminal damage to the interior of a police vehicle.

Prosecutor Fleur Bullivant told the court that police had been called on the evening of 22nd April as Wood was being verbally abusive to patrons of the Larkhall Inn and was spitting and banging on windows.

He was arrested for being drunk and disorderly. In the vehicle on the way to Keynsham Police Centre, he spat and it landed on a seatbelt. During the journey he made sexually offensive

comments to the female officers and licked his lips in a sexual way.

He also tried to touch the officer who was sitting in the back of the vehicle with him.

The common assaults against the officers involved spitting, magistrates heard.

Ms Bullivant shared victim impact statements from the two officers. One told how Wood had made her feel “extremely uncomfortable and anxious”.

The other, who is just 19, said it had a “significant emotional psychological impact”. She said Wood’s actions had been “sexually motivated” and she felt “vulnerable and unsafe” when he tried to touch her.

A probation officer told the court that previous attempts to help Wood, including an alcohol treatment requirement, had not been successful as he does not engage.

Representing Wood, solicitor Ned Kemp said the defendant could not remember what had

happened due to the level of alcohol he had consumed but was “very remorseful”.

Mr Kemp suggested to magistrates that they impose a suspended prison sentence which would be activated if Wood commits any further intoxicated offence.

The magistrates told Wood it had been an “ugly incident”. They sentenced him to 16 weeks in custody for each common assault and 17 weeks for each of the offences that caused harassment, alarm of distress.

The sentences will run concurrently and are suspended for 12 months.

There were no separate penalties for the drunk and disorderly and criminal damage offences. Wood, who is in receipt of benefits, was ordered to pay £250 compensation to each police officer.

There was also no order made for prosecution costs or court surcharge as magistrates said they were prioritising compensation.

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Odd Down man, 35, admits drug-driving

A 35-YEAR-OLD man from Odd Down appeared before Bath magistrates this week to admit two charges of drug-driving.

The court heard that Danrico Taylor was tested for drugs after he hit the central reservation of the Keynsham Bypass in his VW Polo on 29th November last year.

Police at the scene had said he appeared “paranoid” and had claimed he was being chased.

In court on Monday, 15th June, Taylor admitted he had driven with levels of cocaine and

benzoylecgonine above the specified limits.

He also pleaded guilty to being in possession on 29th November of 0.1g of cocaine.

Magistrates ordered a presentence report involving a mental health treatment requirement assessment.

Taylor, of Upper Bloomfield Road, was remanded on unconditional bail until his sentencing at the court which will be on 24th August. He was given an interim driving ban.

Loan shark suspects arrested after operation

A MAN and a woman were arrested in Bath on Wednesday 10th June, on suspicion of illegal money lending and money laundering.

It follows an early morning operation by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT).

The IMLT worked in partnership with officers from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit to execute a warrant at an address in the Twerton area.

Officers seized electronic devices and documentation.

The suspects, a 45-year-old woman and a man aged 48, were taken into custody to be questioned by IMLT investigators.

The IMLT works in partnership with the Bath and North East Somerset Trading Standards Service to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders.

B&NES Council posted on social media, saying: “Our Trading Standards team is pleased to have supported this investigation. The council does all we can to prevent loan sharks from ruining lives.”

Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: “We will not tolerate illegal lending in our communities, and we work with our partners across England to take action against those break the law in this way.

“If you have been offered a loan, been threatened when you couldn’t pay, or if what you owe keeps growing even though you are making payments, then you may well have been targeted by an illegal lender.

“If you, or anyone you know, has experienced any of these things or has any knowledge of illegal lending activities then contact our team in complete confidence.”

There are up to 1.08 million people in debt to loan sharks in England, according to figures from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).

The warning signs of an illegal

lender include:

• Giving you no paperwork or agreement on a loan

• Keeping items until the debt is paid, such as your bank card or passport

• Adding more interest or charges so the debt never goes down

• Using intimidation or violence if you don’t pay.

Many illegal money lenders are well known within their communities and are often introduced to borrowers through friends or family members. They are unregulated and give loans with no paperwork, adding huge charges and using threats, intimidation and even violence if repayments are not made.

These lenders do not complete affordability checks on borrowers – often meaning they are lending to people who cannot pay them back.

Borrowers do not have the protection of consumer law such as cancellation periods and the ability to apply for help if they can’t pay.

This causes huge amounts of stress and can impact their other finances – leaving them unable to pay rent or other priority bills.

Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www. stoploansharks.co.uk

Ex-child prodigy violinist appears in court to admit charges

BATH magistrates this week heard the “sad” case of a woman who as a child prodigy played the violin internationally but now has a string of convictions to her name.

Russian-born Victoria Goldsmith, now 35, was in court on Monday 15th June to face two offences which took place on 21st May at the Esso garage on London Road in Bath.

Goldsmith pleaded guilty to a common assault and a charge of intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress by using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour.

Prosecutor Fleur Bullivant told magistrates that Goldsmith had been begging outside the premises, although there is a community protection warning in place to stop her. She was being aggressive to staff and wouldn’t leave. She made as if to throw a hot drink over a member of staff who flinched as they feared they would be burnt.

Goldsmith, who is of no fixed address, has 13 previous

convictions for 32 offences, the court heard.

Solicitor Ned Kemp, representing Goldsmith, described her as a “child prodigy” who played the violin from the age of six and had performed internationally including with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and in New York.

Mr Kemp described the situation that Goldsmith now finds herself in as “sad” but said she is getting help for her drug issues and is “trying to repair her relationship with music”.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. Goldsmith was remanded on unconditional bail and will return to court for sentencing on 19th August.

Woman made ‘foolish decision’ to drive

A 36-YEAR-OLD woman has been banned from driving for 18 months by Bath magistrates after admitting she got behind the wheel when over the alcohol limit.

Kylie Coopey, of Cranmore Avenue in Keynsham, appeared in court on Wednesday 27th May. Magistrates heard that on 8th May a collision in Innox Lane at Upper Swainswick had been reported to police. They found Coopey’s Nissan Qashqai, which had significant front-end damage, blocking the lane. Coopey refused to do a roadside breath test but at the police station gave an evidential breath test which revealed 63 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Judge’s message to Bath man as she sentences him for 15 offences

A 57-YEAR-OLD Bath man has been given a suspended prison sentence totalling 22 weeks after admitting 15 offences, including assaults, threatening behaviour and shoplifting.

Neil Duncan, of Pitman House in Moorfields Road, must also pay a total of £455 compensation to his 10 victims, with District Judge Lynne Matthews telling him: “You can’t treat people in this way because you are ill from drinking too much alcohol.”

Duncan, who has a long list of previous convictions, was at Bath Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday, 3rd June, for sentencing for offences that took place in Bath during 2025 and in January of this year. Some were committed while he was on bail.

On 19th March 2025 at Sainsbury’s Local in Dorchester Street, in a racially aggravated incident, Duncan used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a security guard causing him to fear that immediate unlawful violence would be used.

Duncan also assaulted the man and stole two pints of milk worth £1.20.

Three charges related to Duncan using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour in the A&E department at the Royal United Hospital in Bath on 13th October

last year, where he caused two police officers and a police community support officer (PCSO) harassment, alarm or distress.

On 15th October at the Co-op in Shaftesbury Road, Oldfield Park, Duncan’s behaviour again caused harassment, alarm or distress and was racially aggravated. He also stole a bottle of wine.

He was back at the store stealing wine on 22nd October.

On 23rd October at Spring Tide Gallery in Broad Street, there were two offences of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Back at the Royal United Hospital on 16th December, Duncan’s behaviour twice caused harassment, alarm or distress. One of the incidents was racially aggravated. He also assaulted a man at

Sainsbury’s Local in Moorland Road on 10th January 2026 and on the same day assaulted a woman at the Co-op at Shaftesbury Road. Representing Duncan the court sentencing, solicitor Sam Stevens said the defendant had previously been dependent on drugs but had received treatment for that. He said that Duncan had not committed any offences since February, had been moderating his drinking and appeared in court sober. When the judge questioned whether that was the case, Duncan admitted he had consumed a can of cider that day. Duncan’s prison sentence was suspended for 12 months. District Judge Matthews said that had he committed any further offences since his last hearing, the jail sentence would have been imposed immediately. Duncan must also complete up to 20 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days.

Why do we ‘name and shame’ in our stories?

Duty solicitor Mark O’Donnell told the court that Coopey, who is a criminal psychology student, had been celebrating her friends’ flat-warming party and had made the “foolish decision” to drive after drinking.

He said she had struck a deer which ran in front of her, causing the damage.

The defendant, who previously had a clean driving licence, was disqualified from driving for 18 months.

The length of the disqualification will be reduced by 25% if she undergoes a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

Coopey was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 Crown Prosecution Service costs, as well as a court surcharge of £48.

Since the introduction of our Crime & Court section, we've been contacted by concerned members of the public, defendants and guilty parties regarding the inclusion of their names, ages, and partial addresses. We are proud to be able to provide court coverage of cases at Bath Magistrates' Court, something that many local newspapers are unable to do due to restricted time for their reporters. Reporting court cases acts as a deterrent against crime. Printing a defendant’s age and address stops anyone with the same name from being defamed. We do not have access to police or CPS files regarding cases, so everything reported is based on what the prosecution and defence say during a court hearing. HM Courts & Tribunals Service encourages and facilitates media access to courts and tribunals. We have the right to attend and report on proceedings held in open court, unless a statutory restriction applies, or a court order prevents this. Our stories are governed by the regulator IMPRESS, the Independent Monitor for the Press. We follow their dedicated Standards Code, which can be found at https://bit.ly/4n0d9qN

Dangerous dog case adjourned for report

A 24-YEAR-OLD from Keynsham appeared before Bath magistrates on Monday 15th June to plead guilty to being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control and caused injury.

Prosecutor Fleur Bullivant told the court that a dog called Archie was being taken for a walk along Vandyck Avenue in Keynsham when Millie, a Staffordshire bull terrier belonging to Zoe Oaten, slipped her harness and bit Archie repeatedly, as well as biting the woman walking him.

Archie was taken to a vet and due to his injuries had to be put down. The woman suffered a cut finger. The incident happened on 31st March. Representing Oaten, solicitor Lisa Rowley said that a dog expert would be preparing a report on Millie who is being kept in police kennels until a decision is taken on what will happen to her.

Oaten, of Vandyck Avenue, was granted unconditional bail until the next hearing at the court on 26th August when the report will be available.

Two arrested as drugs and weapons are seized

POLICE have seized a “significant” quantity of Class A drugs and a number of weapons in Midsomer Norton, as well as making two arrests.

The Bath & North East Somerset policing team carried out a drugs warrant on Monday 8th June, also seizing two vehicles which were found to have no valid documentation.

One person was charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine, as well as two counts of possession of an

offensive weapon. One person was bailed pending further enquiries.

The police say: “This action is part of our ongoing efforts to tackle serious and organised crime, reduce harm, and keep our communities safe.

“Removing drugs and weapons from our streets helps protect the most vulnerable and disrupt criminal activity.

“We remain committed to acting on information provided by the public.”

Pictures from the Past

Farewell to Bath’s Exceptional Fire Station

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

THERE has been controversy over the demolition of Bath’s fire station – a building which, for many reasons was quite exceptional.

Bath has had several father and son architectural practices but only one father and daughter practice, as far as I am aware. They were Alfred and Molly Taylor, later Molly Gerrard. Alfred benefited from studying the variety of styles he could see in the city, and he was the one of the first in Bath to design in the Art Deco style, from around 1910. By the early 1930s, his daughter having been impressed by a new architectural fashion – International Modernism, developed by architects such as Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Alvar Aalto. In 1933, her father gave her the chance to design in this style, when an inventor called Anthony Greenhill asked them to design an extraordinary home which became known as Kilowatt House, as it used all sorts of electrical gadgets. As Alfred Taylor was City Architect, he successfully got it through planning, but builders were anxious about constructing it. The plans were submitted in 1935. Meanwhile the council had debated the need for a new fire station, work on which began in 1937. The architect was Alfred Taylor, but he was already in poor health. Even before work began he was ordered to rest though he refused to rest for long. So it was Molly who did much of the work. Like her father, she adapted Bath’s Georgian architecture and used its proportions, but designed in the latest stripped-down version of Art Deco.

International Modernism is often, incorrectly, known as Art Deco – Kilowatt House suffers this fate – but the styles cross over in touches of decorations such as stair-rails and balconies. The balusters in the fire station and Kilowatt House are almost identical. Molly also used a favoured style of her father’s when designing a drill tower for the fire station – a Lutyenesque take on an Italianate tower. The drawings show a very 1930s decorative window at the top, but this was too much for the fire brigade even in the 1930s, and it was omitted. Above all, the materials were of top quality. Sadly, Alfred never saw the fire station completed. With the fire station, Molly Taylor Gerrard and her father Alfred Taylor triumphantly demonstrated how something can be modern, efficient and still retain a sense of ‘Bath-ness’. The designs of the new station do not, sadly, offer the same promise.

Crossword

Congratulations to David Stubbs for winning £20! You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 24

Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!

Across

1 Obtains temporarily (7)

5 Fungal reproductive cell (5)

10 Arab deer shot in Wales (8)

11 Threaten (6)

13 In apple-pie order (4)

14 Good for you (10)

15 Breaks in continuity (4)

17 Blocked (10)

19 Dandies act badly on the stump (10)

20 “Little Sir ___, how do you do?” (4)

22 Stiffness in the joints (10)

23 Frozen treats (4)

26 Condescending (6)

27 Introduction to a specialist, perhaps (8)

28 Telescope sights (5)

29 Features (7)

Down

2 Upturned (2,3)

3 Fairground amusement (4)

4 He played Clyde to Faye Dunaway’s Bonnie (6,6)

6 Former (8)

7 Down-to-earth (9)

8 Disreputable (6)

9 Healed bad leg: rejoice! (2,4)

12 State of perpetual motion (12)

16 Christian festival (9)

18 Distance across a circle (8)

19 Pre-revival zombie (6)

21 Marked down (2,4)

24 200 milligrams to a jeweller (5)

25 “___ Only Just Begun” (4)

Entering our competition - via email or post

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Food & Drink

Tasty Dates For Your Diary

Wish a very warm welcome to No. 23 Chinese Kitchen (Bathwick Street) at your earliest opportunity - exciting indeed! Insta: @no23chinesekitchen www.no23chinesekitchen.com

Go all out for the Great British BBQ-themed Supper Club at the Corston Wheatsheaf on Thursday 25th June (£45pp). thecorstonwheatsheaf.co.uk

Check out the recently ‘reimagined’ Bar at No. 15 (Great Pulteney Street): spectacular cocktails and seductive small plates in contempo-elegant, artfully quirky surroundings.

https://bit.ly/4v6nmpX

Chill out and fill up at the Northey Arms (Bath Road, en route to

Sponsor this section!

Get in touch with Rob Last via rob@mediabath.co.uk

Box) on Sunday 28th June when the pub’s fire’n’flame-centric Feast Night presents a collection of unforgettable flavours served on fully-loaded sharing boards to create the ultimate feast experience (£95 for two people, to include all the grub plus a welcome and dessert cocktail).

https://bit.ly/4vas3z0

Late Night Burgers return to Alice Park Cafe (a ‘hidden gem’ of luscious greenery behind the Gloucester Road/ A4 junction) every Friday and Saturday evening from 4pm-8pm from now until the end of September: a massive range of boisterous burgers, all the load-up sides… and an alfresco Cocktail Bar too!

 /aliceparkcafe

Review The Circus

34 Brock Street, Bath BA1 2LN

01225 466020

thecircusrestaurant.co.uk

 @thecircusrestaurant

Situated on the beautiful thoroughfare that links two of Bath’s most Iconic architectural landmarks (that’ll be The Circus and The Royal Crescent, then), The Circus Restaurant has, for some 15+ years, maintained an upper-eschelon foothold on the Best Independent Restaurants in Bath charts for multiple reasons. Some might call it a bistro, others may liken it to a classic brasserie and, when the sun comes out to play, alfresco tables on the wide, historic pavement offer a distinctly Parisian street cafe vibe.

It’s subtly glamorous and effortlessly chic, but whether you choose to rock up in your comfort zone jeans or slide into a little black dress, you’ll feel right at home here from the moment you

Melissa Blease Food Writer

Funky wines, great tunes… and loadsa crisps! It’s all going on at Wolf Wine’s unique Music and Wine pairing on Wednesday 1st July: six spectacular wines presented with a handful of carefully chosen tracks to match each one (£25pp).

www.wolfwine.co.uk

The team behind the fabulous Chequers (Rivers Street) are gearing up to unveil the Bath Chophouse, opening soon on 8 Northumberland Place.

 /bathchophouse

Chef Dave Giddings will be busy at the Rose and Crown (Brougham Place, Larkhall) hob on Wednesday 1st July for the pub’s Fish Night, which brings

traditional fish and chips (of course!) to the menu alongside a Fish of the Day special available to eat in or take away. To book, call 01225 681886 or email pub@ roseandcrownlarkhall.co.uk roseandcrownlarkhall.co.uk

Enjoy 50% off your 2-course+ food bill at stylish gastro-oasis Brasserie Beau (South Parade) every day of the week between 5pm-6pm. The tally for a classic Cream Tea, meanwhile, comes in at just £12.50pp (£20 for two) every afternoon, and Fridays bring fish, chips, mushy peas and a glass of prosecco to the table for £24.95. Beau-tiful!

www.brasseriebeau.co.uk

Farm Fest returns to Bath City Farm (Kelston View, Whiteway)

walk through the door.

The restaurant’s head chef/ proprietor Matthew Lisanti menus work sheer, joyful magic with locally-sourced ingredients that are more right here, right now bang on this season’s trends than Cara Delevingne’s latest red carpet outfit, the resulting dishes rooted in classic technique rather than flash-in-the-pan

fads and each and every element beautifully presented without pretension, conceit or charade.

The uniquely characterful wine list, meanwhile, is a joy to behold in its own right,

A starter of baked red mullet came escorted by earthy nduja and herbaceous olive gremolata crumb, both of which were fascinating but neither detracting

from the magnificent fish in the spotlight.

A second starter of cheese choux bun — actually, three little sacks of crisp, savoury profiteroles — came with velvety fondue leeks infused with a clean uplift of distinctively aromatic tarragon that gave an intrinsically playful dish a polished, grown-up edge. For mains, the accompaniments to my moist, sweet chicken suprême were satisfying superstars in their own right: a chorizo and pea succotash (a corn-based medley with Native American origins, nudged and tweaked in this instance to create Matthew’s own distinctive take on the combo), an elegant sweetcorn velouté and smoky charred corn ribs all combining to create a fresh, modern take on a winning chicken dinner indeed.

But if you, like my partner, find it hard to move past ribeye steak on any menu you won’t miss out on Matthew’s magic, evident as clearly in the perfectly-cooked

on Saturday 4th July… and it’s gonna be a biggie: fabulous food and drink, live music, dancing, face painting - heck, there’s even a Worm Charming Contest! (standard entry £10).

https://bit.ly/4osF8kN

A seasonal BBQ menu courtesy of one of Bath’s best kitchen teams, a glass of Pimm’s on arrival, garden games on beautiful lawns, dedicated Gin and Tattinger Bars and a live DJ: it’s all going on at the spectacular Summer Barbecue evening at the Royal Crescent Hotel on Saturday 25th July (£75pp)!

https://bit.ly/4oBHC0s

Read more about the local food scene on Melissa’s website at: www.theprandialplayground.uk

steak as it is in the generous slab of rich, glossy, deeply umami Café de Paris butter that melted into it.

A massive grilled mushroom? The fat chips of your dreams? Tick, tick, tickety-boo.

A creamy crème brulée topped with the kind of caramelised lid you’d imagine a fairy to take great delight in skating on before I smashed it with my spoon and a zesty/floral lemon and elderflower posset offered a memorable finale for our trip to the Circus, albeit with a little bit of clowning around thrown in when both of us tried to claim a neat slab of super-frangible blondie as their own (it was definitely mine; it came with the crème brulée).

But The Circus is about even more than ‘just’ that food: it’s a timely reminder that, despite ongoing challenges, bold, tasty, tasteful independence continues to thrive in the heart of Bath; roll up and support it at your earliest opportunity.

What's On

Bath Refugee Festival

Fairfield House

20th June

A vibrant day of music, food, creativity and connection, held at the historic Fairfield House, home of Emperor Haile Selassie. Championed by Sudafest, this festival brings together communities.

Dragon Boat Festival

The MEAA

20th June, 12pm-3pm

The Dragon Boat Festival is a key holiday in China and many other East and Southeast Asian countries. Make your own dragon boat and learn more about this ancient festival.

George and Ringo’s 2 Starr Revue Chapel Arts Centre

20th June, 8pm

Celebrating the timeless spirit, musicianship, and unmistakable charm of two of music’s most beloved icons, this is a tribute dedicated to George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

The Sun Has Burst The Sky

St Mary’s Church

20th June, 7.30pm

Celebrate the arrival of summer with Bath Camerata in an uplifting evening of choral music at St Mary’s in Bathwick. Expect an engaging programme of joyful and varied works.

Villa Coco with Andrew Sean Greer

Mr B’s Emporium

22nd June, 7pm

Pulitzer Prize-winner Andrew Sean Greer joins Mr B’s Emporium for the release of Villa Coco, tale of lifeenhancing friendship set amidst the Tuscan hills.

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jnr

The Mission Theatre

23rd & 24th June, 6.30pm

Based on the 1951 Disney film and the novels by Lewis Carroll. Fall down the rabbit hole with Alice as she navigates the curious world of Wonderland on her journey of self-discovery.

Bath Phil & Sterling Elliott

The Forum, 25th June, 7.30pm

Experience a night of orchestral fire, led by Kerem Hasan, one of Britain’s most exciting young conductors. From elegance to exuberance, this programme pulses with passion and drama.

Logicaltramp

Komedia Bath 25th June, 7.30pm

Logicaltramp bring their own unique approach to the music of Supertramp –playing full-on rock shows that include all of Supertramp’s greatest hits and their stand-out epic album tracks.

Fiesta!

Bath Abbey

26th June, 6.30pm

Friday 19th June - Thursday 2nd July 2026

The highly acclaimed Abbey choir will sing choral favourites including Zadok the Priest and Parry’s ‘I was glad’, before showing off its skill in a range of other styles, including iconic arias.

Bath Festival of Motoring

Walcot RFC Ground

27th & 28th June

The event will feature hundreds of remarkable vehicles spanning a century of motoring history, from classic to modern supercars. This year’s show will boast even more live music.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Avon Valley Railway

27th & 28th June

Join a steam train ride up and down the line, plus a whole host of activities back at the station. Expect balloon modelling, face-painting, magic shows, and more,with non-stop entertainment.

Allegra

Theatre Royal 29th June – 4th July

National treasure Dame Maureen Lipman stars in the title role of Allegra, in this heart-warming new comedy from Olivier and Tony Award nominated playwright Peter Quilter.

Grimm Rondo Theatre

1st – 4th July

WhimsiCo is back with a brand new remount of their critically-acclaimed production, in an ensemble-lead show, with music by folk duo Humm, and an uplifting message of hope.

Garden Theatre Festival

The Holburne Museum

2nd – 26th July

Enjoy witty storytelling, laugh-outloud comedy, and plenty of live music. Picture yourself sipping a refreshing drink under a warm sunset, all while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

Bath Boules

Queen Square

2nd – 5th July

The much-loved and longstanding Bath Boules tournament will be returning to the iconic Queen Square this July for four days of fun and fundraising, all in aid of local charities.

The Secret Garden

The Egg 2nd – 26th July

This bold new commission reimagines Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic for today’s audiences, holding onto the wonder and mystery of the original while speaking to a new generation.

Community

Legacy gift helps CRT charity replace lock gates

NEW lock gates have been fitted at Kelston Lock on the River Avon after a major legacy donation helped fund repairs following a fire last summer. Both the top and bottom gates at the historic lock had to be replaced after a boat caught fire there in late August. Before firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control, the flames spread and caused extensive damage to the lock’s oak gates, leaving them beyond repair.

The Canal & River Trust commissioned replacement gates from one of its specialist workshops before they were transported to the site by lorry and carefully craned into place, allowing safe navigation to resume on the stretch of river near Saltford.

Kelston Lock is almost 300 years old and is one of a series of locks on the River Avon Navigation, which forms part of the 87-mile Kennet & Avon Canal linking

Bristol with London.

The work was supported by a £1.9 million legacy gift left by a longstanding supporter in the South West. The Canal & River Trust said the donation had enabled its specialists to carry out the repairs at Kelston and would also help fund several other projects on the canal.

The charity said the Kelston work had to be completed outside the usual winter stoppage season because river levels remained too high and fast-flowing through the winter and into spring.

At the same time, a new bottom gate has also been installed further downstream at Swineford Lock after the previous one was judged to have reached the end of its working life.

Ben Cottam, regional director for Wales and the South West at Canal & River Trust, said: “It was incredibly important that we were able to complete the repairs to replace the lock gates at Kelston Lock after last year’s

Plans to lower speed limit on A431 and A4

The new limit would be “appropriate” for the residential nature of the roads

Feather

CONSULTATIONS are under way on proposals to lower the speed limit on two main roads in the Newbridge area of Bath.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is planning to reduce the limit from 30mph to 20mph on the A431 Kelston Road / Newbridge Hill and on the A4 Newbridge Road / Upper Bristol Road.

The new limit on Kelston Road would begin just north west of Oldfield School and continue along Newbridge Hill to its junction with Upper Bristol Road. The 20mph limit on Newbridge Road would start north west of its junction with Old Newbridge Hill and extend along Upper Bristol Road to the existing 20mph limit.

The council says reducing the limit would be appropriate because of the residential nature of the roads, and parents and pupils attending Oldfield School and Newbridge Primary School

fire and we are so very grateful for the generous gift that has enabled our charity to complete these works.

“The money has been put to good use with these repairs and will bring huge benefits to the boaters who use this section of the navigation.

“Our charity is facing an everyday battle to manage an ageing waterways network that needs constant care to make sure we can keep it in working order today and for future generations. “Donations such as these from wonderful supporters are therefore so very important.”

Uncontrolled dogs in cemeteries could see legal order introduced

DOG owners could soon be required by law to keep their pets on short leads in cemeteries across Bath and North East Somerset under new powers being considered.

would also benefit.

Any comments on the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) should be sent to B&NES Council by 2nd July.

The Kelston Road / Newbridge Hill reference is 26-027. The Newbridge Road / Upper Bristol Road reference is 26-028.

■ Bath & North East Somerset Council is also planning to reduce the speed limit on London Road West in Bath from 30mph to 20mph.

The new limit would stretch from the existing 20mph speed limit near the Gloucester Road junction to the 20mph at High Street, Batheaston.

The council says: “It is considered that reducing the existing 30mph speed limit to 20mph on London Road West would support a safer and more pedestrian-friendly street environment, particularly for vulnerable road users, local residents and cyclists.”

Any comments on the proposal should be sent to the council by 2nd July. The Traffic Regulation Order reference is 26-029.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is looking at introducing a Public Spaces Protection Order covering its cemetery sites after what it says have been repeated problems with dogs being uncontrolled and fouling in grounds used for remembrance. Under the proposal, dogs would still be allowed into the cemeteries, but they would have to be kept on a lead no longer than two metres.

Owners would also be required to clear up and properly dispose of dog waste.

The council says the move follows persistent reports of dogs causing distress to mourners, fouling on graves and behaving inappropriately towards staff. It says action has already been taken through signs, awareness campaigns and direct conversations with owners, but that these steps have not brought about lasting improvements.

A public consultation ran from 5th January to 2nd February this year, and the findings are now included in a report due to go before cabinet member Councillor Manda Rigby for a single member decision. According to the report, 207 of

Battens Solicitors strengthens Bath team with three senior hires

Battens Solicitors is pleased to welcome three experienced legal professionals to its Bath office, further strengthening the firm’s offering across key practice areas. Joining the team are Mike Hansom, Senior Associate Solicitor in Property Dispute Resolution, Sarah Jackson, Head of Family (Bath), and Catherine Green, Senior Associate Solicitor in Dispute Resolution.

Mike Hansom brings more than 20 years’ experience advising on a broad range of property-related disputes. His expertise includes boundary disputes, rights of way, landlord and tenant matters, and leasehold enfranchisement. Known for his pragmatic and solutionsfocused approach, Mike supports clients in navigating complex issues with clarity and confidence.

Sarah Jackson joins as Head of Family (Bath), bringing a wealth of experience in family law and mediation. Specialising in the financial aspects of divorce and separation, Sarah advises on divorce settlements, cohabitation disputes and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. A trained mediator with three Law Society accreditations, she is committed to helping clients achieve fair and practical outcomes while minimising conflict.

the 220 people who responded supported a requirement for dog owners to clean up after their animals.

Monitoring by the council also recorded concerns on the ground, including 54 dogs off lead in a single day at Locksbrook Cemetery, as well as reports of widespread fouling.

Councillor Rigby said: “It is unfortunate we must consider a legal order as a last resort to address these issues.

“Our cemeteries are places people should be able to visit in peace and dignity.

“As a dog lover myself, I understand they can be part of the family, but I regret that access to a place of remembrance for some has turned into a place for unfettered and intrusive behaviour.

“This order is not about banning dogs entirely. It is about ensuring they are kept under control and that these sensitive spaces remain safe and respectful for everyone. Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation – I will consider all views carefully before making my decision.”

If approved, the PSPO would cover Locksbrook Cemetery, Harptree Cemetery, St Michael’s Cemetery, Smallcombe Cemetery, St James Cemetery and Twerton Cemetery. Breaches could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100.

Catherine Green adds significant depth to the firm’s dispute resolution team, with a longstanding reputation in property litigation. Her work spans boundary disputes, rights of way, environmental issues and contested probate matters. Catherine’s wideranging experience enables her to support a diverse client base, from individuals to commercial organisations and landowners. These appointments follow recent growth in the Bath office located on Gay Street, including the arrival of Raquel Ugalde (Wills, Trusts, Probate and Estate Administration including multi-jurisdictional wills) in December 2025 and Richard Watson (General Dispute Resolution) in January 2026. Katherine Gilmour, Solicitor and Director at Battens Solicitors said, “We are delighted to welcome our new members to our Bath team. Whilst new to Battens, Sarah, Mike and Catherine are well known and highly respected members of the Bath legal community. These appointments reflect our continued focus on strengthening the team, each adding valuable expertise and helping us deliver the best advice to our clients in all aspects of their lives.”

These strategic hires reflect Battens’ continued investment in its people and its commitment to providing straight talking, pragmatic advice to clients across the South West To find out more about Battens Solicitors and the services they offer visit battens.co.uk.

01225 562581

www.battens.co.uk

hello@battens.co.uk

7 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2PH

Community projects across Bath to benefit from £270,000 of funding

A NEW football cage in Royal Victoria Park, a sensory garden for pupils at Oldfield School and pedestrian safety works in Lambridge are among eight projects awarded a share of more than £270,000 in Bath.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has allocated £270,260 from round 18 of the Bath Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy following a public consultation on how the money should be spent.

Residents were asked to have their say on 16 qualifying applications during a three-week consultation, which drew 1,500 responses.

The largest single award, £95,000, will go towards pedestrian safety improvements at two junctions in Lambridge at Worcester Buildings, Avondale Buildings and Charlton Lane.

Other successful schemes include £45,000 for a new informal multiuse football cage in Royal Victoria Park, to be installed by Bath City Youth Football Club, and £51,520 for indoor and outdoor improvements at Riverside Youth Hub. Oldfield School has been awarded £21,000 for a sensory garden for special educational

needs students, intended as a space for relaxation and socialising.

Elsewhere, £17,740 will go towards restoring the final section of the boundary wall at the Jewish Burial Ground in Bath, while Moorland Road Community Library will receive £13,500 to update its interior.

Newbridge Park has been awarded £7,000 for a new accessible entrance and pathways, and the WaterMyPlot project will receive £19,500 for a second year of work aimed at improving the capacity and quality of Bath allotments.

Council leader Kevin Guy approved the allocations.

He said: “I’m very pleased we’ve

been able to allocate investment to such a wide range of projects that will improve people’s lives in the city.

“From protecting heritage sites and supporting young people to enhancing green spaces and creating inclusive facilities, these projects will help build stronger and more connected communities.

“Votes from residents are important to help us decide priority projects for this round. Thank you to everyone who got involved in the consultation.”

The Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge paid on new building developments and used to fund projects benefiting local communities.

EV charging spaces being proposed at Mero Retail Park in Bath

THERE are plans to install six electric vehicle charging spaces in the customer car park at Mero Retail Park on the Lower Bristol Road in Bath.

Permission is being sought for a substation, feeder pillar, power bank, three charging upstands and bollards to support the charging spaces, which would have 24-hour availability.

Businesses based at the retail park include Dreams, Hobbycraft, Pets

at Home, Vets for Pets and Costa. Four parking spaces would be lost to accommodate the proposed development, but it would have “minimal impact” on the operation of the parking area, and the proposed service is likely to be used as part of a linked trip. The planning reference is 26/02042/FUL and the deadline for any comments to the council is 22nd June.

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Sulis expands MRI service with AI-enabled scanner

SULIS Hospital near Bath has expanded its imaging department with a second MRI scanner as part of an investment in AI-enabled technology aimed at improving diagnosis, capacity and patient experience.

The new MAGNETOM Sola 1.5T MRI system at the hospital in Peasedown St John will support a wide range of services while helping to improve scan quality and reduce the time needed for imaging.

The scanner uses Biomatrix technology to automatically adapt to each patient’s individual anatomy, allowing imaging to be tailored more closely during examinations.

The hospital said patient comfort was a major factor in the introduction of the new system. The scanner has a wider bore and quieter scanning technology, features intended to reduce anxiety and improve the experience for people who may feel claustrophobic or who need longer appointments.

The addition of the second MRI

scanner will increase capacity in the hospital’s radiology department, helping reduce waiting times and improve access to imaging for patients across the region.

The expanded MRI service will support a number of clinical pathways, including orthopaedics, oncology, neurology and general

diagnostics.

Simon Milner, hospital director at Sulis Hospital, said: “Investing in AI-enabled MRI technology is transforming diagnostic imaging by improving availability for patients, reducing the time required for each scan and enhancing image quality.

“This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to

providing high-quality, patientcentred care.

“The MAGNETOM Sola system allows us to deliver more imaging while ensuring a move comfortable experience for patients.”

Sulis Hospital said the latest addition forms part of its wider investment in modern medical technology and facilities.

Hospital and care provider launch new partnership

A NEW partnership between Bluebird Care and Bath Clinic is being launched with the aim of improving access to healthcare and support for people across Bath and the surrounding area. The agreement formally links Bluebird Care, a home care provider, with Bath Clinic, the city’s only private hospital, as both organisations look to strengthen the services available to local patients and families. The partnership will see Bluebird Care customers offered improved access to a range of Bath Clinic services, including private GP appointments, diagnostics and health screening.

At the same time, Bluebird Care will provide a dedicated Hospital to Home service for people being discharged from Bath Clinic, helping patients recover safely and more comfortably in their own homes after treatment or surgery.

The two organisations said they will also work together to raise awareness of the support available in the community, with the intention of helping people find the right care at the right time.

Bluebird Care Bath managing director Tim Rowland-Jones said:

“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Bath Clinic. Both organisations share a commitment to delivering highquality, person-centred care and support.

“For many people, the journey doesn’t end when they leave hospital. Recovering at home with the right support around you can make a huge difference to confidence, independence and overall wellbeing.

“This partnership allows us to work more closely together to provide joined-up care and better outcomes for the people we support across Bath and the surrounding areas.”

A spokesperson for Bath Clinic said: “We are pleased to be working alongside Bluebird Care to help provide a smoother transition from hospital back to home, while also enhancing access to healthcare services for Bluebird Care customers.

“This partnership reflects our shared focus on delivering excellent patient care and supporting the wider community.”

The Quiet Power of Keeping Moving

There is a moment many of us recognise in a parent, a neighbour, perhaps ourselves. Getting up from the armchair takes a little more effort than it used to. The stairs feel less certain. A walk to the shops has suddenly become a bigger deal. It doesn’t announce itself. It creeps in gently, over months and years. And yet that moment that subtle shift matters enormously. Because mobility and strength are not just about fitness. They are the foundation of independence in later life.

At Abney & Baker, we work with older adults across Bath and Wiltshire every day. And what we see, consistently, is this: the difference between someone who feels confident at home and someone who is beginning to hold back. It rarely comes down to a single health issue. Far more often, it is the quiet, gradual loss of strength and balance that tips things over.

The research backs this up. Falls are the most common cause of injury in later life, with over 30% of adults aged 65 and older experiencing one every year. But falls don’t come from nowhere. They come from weakened legs, reduced balance, and the growing hesitation that follows early losses of physical confidence.

The good news is that strength can be rebuilt, and mobility can be improved, at almost any age. UK guidance from the NHS and NICE consistently recommends daily movement, alongside strength, balance and flexibility work at least twice a week for older adults. Simple habits make a real difference: breaking up long periods of sitting, practising standing from a chair, doing gentle balance exercises while holding the kitchen worktop.

These are not dramatic interventions. They are small, achievable changes and that is precisely what makes them powerful.

This thinking sits at the heart of our Prevent+ programme, a personalised, home-based strength and mobility service designed to support people before a fall or setback changes to daily life. 87% of Prevent+ clients report feeling more confident within just six weeks. Because ultimately, staying mobile isn’t about running marathons or turning back the clock. It’s about being able to get up, get out, and get on with life the you want to live, on your own terms.

Air ambulance charity backs calls for 24/7 hospital helipads

THE Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity is supporting a national campaign for improved 24-hour hospital helipad access, warning that current restrictions can delay urgent treatment for critically ill and injured patients.

The charity has backed a new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Air Ambulances, which examines the availability of on-site helipad facilities at major trauma centres and specialist hospitals across the UK.

The report found that 53% of hospital sites assessed are either unable, or not consistently able, to provide full operational access to on-site helipads around the clock.

It also found that 37% either do not have 24-hour on-site access at all or have no operational helipad.

In the West of England, Great Western Hospital in Swindon was the only site assessed to receive a green rating, meaning its helipad is fully operational 24 hours a day.

The Royal United Hospital in Bath and Salisbury District Hospital were both given amber ratings, indicating limited access, while Bristol Royal Infirmary received a red rating because its helipad

closes at 7pm. Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance

Charity said those limitations can have direct consequences for patient care.

Chief pilot Matt Wilcock said:

“Every minute matters when a patient needs urgent specialist care.

“Currently, we are unable to transfer patients directly to Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) after 7pm. Instead, we often must fly patients to Southmead Hospital

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before they are transferred onwards to the BRI by road.

“This can introduce additional delays when critically ill or injured patients need specialist treatment. It takes the crew and aircraft off-line for a longer period of time, preventing us from responding to further tasks.

“We are also unable to fly patients directly to the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath during hours of darkness. These hours vary throughout the year,

extending into the late evening during summer but ending as early as 4.30pm in winter.

“As a result, some patients must be flown past the RUH to another hospital or are transferred to the RUH by land ambulance. This creates a delay in receiving hospital care for the patient.

“The medical crew are then separated from the aircraft which takes some time to reconstitute before we are available to respond to further incidents.

“Our crew can reach anywhere in Wiltshire and Bath within 11 minutes. Safeguarded 24/7 hospital helipads help ensure that speed and expertise are not lost during a patient’s journey to hospital care.”

The charity said air ambulance services across the UK are run independently and rely on NHS hospital infrastructure to complete the patient journey.

Richard Miller, safety and ground operations manager at Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Speed is critical in emergency medicine. Our crew work hard to bring hospital-level critical care directly to patients, often in the most challenging circumstances.

“When a patient needs specialist treatment, being able to transfer them quickly and directly into

hospital care can make a real difference.

“That’s why we welcome this report and support calls for improved and consistent access to safeguarded 24/7 hospital helipads across the UK.”

The report calls for coordinated government action across health, planning and transport to address gaps in provision and recognise hospital helipads as essential NHS infrastructure.

More than 50 MPs attended a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons on 2nd June, organised by Air Ambulances UK, which is also supporting the campaign.

Chief executive Mike McGrath said: “Patients shouldn’t face barriers to lifesaving care because of where they are or how they arrive at hospital.

“Safeguarded, 24/7 on-site hospital helipads are an important part of making sure everyone can access the care they need. They help ensure that specialist treatment is within reach for all patients, reducing avoidable delay or variation and supporting a more consistent and equitable healthcare system.”

A public petition has also been launched in support of improved and consistent 24-hour hospital helipad access across the UK.

Bath home

Praise for pre-school in Twerton following recent inspection

Becky Feather Reporter

CHILDREN at a Bath preschool benefit from “caring relationships and engaging experiences”, says an Ofsted inspector.

Run by Bath Area Play Project Committee, The Hut Pre-school and Playscheme in Hinton Close in Twerton was inspected in April and the report was published on 9th June.

The Hut was found to be the expected standard in all categories – for leadership and governance; achievement; behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines; children’s welfare and wellbeing; curriculum and teaching; and inclusion. The safeguarding standards were met.

Inspector Megan Hooper’s report notes: “Children arrive happy and are warmly welcomed by friendly, approachable staff who take time to speak with parents and understand children’s needs.

“This helps children to feel safe, settled and valued. Children form positive relationships with staff, who are nurturing and responsive, offering reassurance and comfort when needed.

“Positive partnerships with families support children to attend regularly and settle quickly, helping them to feel secure and ready to engage in learning.

“Children, including those with special educational needs and/ or disabilities, are supported to take part in activities, with staff adapting their approach, so they can be included alongside their peers.”

Children are said to enjoy their learning and engage well in activities, particularly during small-group sessions, where staff use enthusiasm and clear interactions to capture their interest.

They generally behave well and are supported to play alongside others and develop social skills.

“Overall, children benefit from caring relationships and engaging experiences that support them to develop the skills they need for the next stage in their learning,” the inspector observes. She says leaders recognise the need to strengthen the organisation of staff deployment at snack times to ensure that routines are consistently calm and organised. They have also been asked to develop the outdoor environment to provide a “broader range of stimulating and purposeful learning opportunities”.

Uni set to clamp down on parking offenders

proposed at Car Park B, with one new column at Car Park A alongside the existing column, which will be upgraded.

THE University of Bath plans to clamp down on parking offenders at its Claverton Down campus.

An application has been lodged with Bath & North East Somerset Council to install three new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera columns and upgrade an existing one.

The university says the proposal follows “significant levels of noncompliant parking across the university estate”.

Two new ANPR columns are

In line with the scale of the existing ANPR camera, the new cameras will be mounted on sixmetre-high columns. The application adds: “The proposed ANPR system presents an opportunity to deliver automated parking enforcement with enhanced security measures, supporting effective parking management at the university campus.”

Anyone wishing to comment on the university’s plans has until 2nd July. The planning reference is 26/02198/FUL.

Deputy Mayor unveils public defibrillator at Beechen Cliff

A NEW public access defibrillator has been unveiled at Beechen Cliff School, becoming the first site in Bath to receive one through a partnership between the Sam Polledri Foundation and the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

The launch took place on Monday 1st June, with the school welcoming the Deputy Mayor of Bath as well as representatives from the Sam Polledri Foundation and GWAAC.

Those attending also took part in CPR and defibrillator training led by GWAAC defibrillator officer

Caroline Kivungi, aimed at helping people know what to do in an emergency.

Beechen Cliff headmaster Tim Markall said: “We (Beechen Cliff School) are honoured to receive this defibrillator, funded by the Sam Polledri Foundation.

“We hope we will never need to use it, but it is a great comfort to know it’s here and will increase chances of survival for our students and local community in the event of a cardiac arrest.”

The installation marks a significant step for the charity in Bath. Although GWAAC has had

a presence in the city through its Moorland Road shop since April 2024, this is its first defibrillator launch in Bath.

The air ambulance charity says immediate CPR and access to a defibrillator in the first few minutes after a cardiac arrest can give someone their best chance of survival before its critical care team arrives.

It says survival chances fall by 10% with every minute that passes, yet only 40% of people currently receive early CPR and fewer than 2% have a defibrillator used before the ambulance arrives.

The Sam Polledri Foundation was set up in memory of 24-year-old Sam Polledri, who died from a cardiac arrest in 2022.

His mother, Louise Polledri, said: “Sadly for Sam, although he was surrounded by defibrillators where he collapsed none of them were accessible to the general public.

“We have over 84 public defibs up now in Sam’s honour. Hopefully, many families will be spared our devastation.”

In 2025, GWAAC responded to 121 incidents in Bath and North East Somerset. Cardiac arrests

and road traffic collisions were the joint most common callouts, each accounting for 18% of missions.

Through its Great Western Hearts programme, GWAAC

has helped place 220 public access defibrillators across the communities it serves, including those installed with the Sam Polledri Foundation. The charity says it wants to

place many more in Bath and North East Somerset, and is urging individuals, groups and businesses to get in touch if they do not have a defibrillator within a three-minute return trip.

University of Bath hosts landmark CERN accelerator materials event

THE University of Bath has hosted a major international CERN workshop focused on the future of advanced materials for particle accelerators.

The event marked the first time the Low-Density Materials Workshop for Particle Accelerator Applications has been held outside CERN’s Geneva base since it was launched.

Organised by CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, the two-day workshop brought together academics, laboratory specialists and industry partners from around the world to examine how lightweight and nanostructured materials could help tackle some of the biggest challenges in accelerator technology.

Senior physicists from CERN were joined by researchers and specialists in accelerator science and nanomaterials from the UK, France, Japan, Switzerland and the United States.

Professor Phil Taylor, ViceChancellor and President of the University of Bath, opened the event with a welcome address. He said: “The challenges at the frontier of particle accelerator science demand collaboration

across disciplines and borders.

“Hosting this workshop at Bath reflects our commitment to supporting world-leading research and to fostering the partnerships needed to develop the materials that will enable the next generation of discovery.”

The workshop explored how new materials, including carbon nanotubes and other low-density systems, might improve the performance, safety and durability of accelerators operating under extreme conditions.

Particle accelerators are used in research into the fundamental nature of the universe, with CERN home to the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest and most powerful accelerator.

Researchers at the workshop considered how materials need to perform as energy levels increase, how they can be handled safely, and how new systems might be manufactured at scale. The programme also covered recent advances in testing, modelling and production.

Dr Alexander Lunt, CMS and CERN affiliation lead at the University of Bath and chair of the workshop, said: “Here at Bath,

we’re developing pioneering carbon nanotube materials that could have applications in the next generation of particle accelerators.

“It’s an honour to host the workshop and share knowledge and ideas with the teams leading cutting-edge research and innovation that could shape the future of high-energy particle physics.”

By bringing together expertise from materials science, accelerator physics and advanced manufacturing, the annual workshop is intended to help identify current limitations and shape future research.

‘Urgent’ repairs needed at leaky Bath school

PALLADIAN Academy Trust has applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council to carry out “urgent” repairs, maintenance and alterations to Oldfield Park Junior School to make the Grade II listed building weathertight. The trust says “longstanding defects” have allowed water to get into the building and risk further deterioration to the historic fabric.

The trust wants to get most of the proposed roofing work done during the school summer holidays to minimise disturbance on daily academic activities. The school at Lymore Terrace dates from 1893. The application says works will be undertaken using appropriate materials and traditional techniques to preserve the character and significance of the listed building.

The planning application reference is 26/01697/LBA. The deadline for comments is 2nd July.

‘Genuine sense of belonging’ at Bath secondary school

THERE is a buzz of celebration in the air at St Mark’s School in Bath this month.

Following a comprehensive inspection, Ofsted has officially published its latest report about the school following an inspection in March. The report cements St Mark’s growing reputation as a thriving and high-acheiving school where students genuinely flourish. St Mark’s became one of the first local schools to be evaluated under Ofsted’s newly introduced Report Card dashboard. Replacing the old, oversimplified single-word judgements (such as “Good” or “Outstanding”), the new system breaks a school’s performance down into essential pillars.

Evaluated across categories like Teaching and Curriculum, Achievement, Inclusion and Attendance and Behaviour, schools receive ratings ranging from “Urgent Improvement” to “Exceptional.”

The results for St Mark’s were nothing short of spectacular. Under a framework where reaching the “Expected Standard” is already a very high bar indicating no major weaknesses, St Mark’s absolutely excelled. The school secured five “Strong Standard” judgements and one “Expected Standard” judgement, placing it in the top bracket of schools nationwide. To add to this success, the

school also comfortably passed its Safeguarding Check, with inspectors praising an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.”

The report highlights exactly why St Mark’s is a standout choice for local families. In the category of Curriculum and Teaching, inspectors noted that “the curriculum is highly ambitious for all pupils” and that “teaching is consistently effective across

subjects.” This translates into the school’s Achievement metrics, with the report stating that “pupils typically make excellent progress from their starting points” and “leave Year 11 exceptionally wellprepared for the future”. However, St Mark’s is a school that values the whole child, not just exam results.

The inspection heavily praised the school’s inclusive, supportive

environment. In the Inclusion and Personal Development categories, inspectors observed that “staff know all pupils’ strengths and needs very well” and that “pupils feel a genuine sense of belonging to their school community.” Furthermore, Attendance and Behaviour were rated highly, with the report reflecting that “pupils’ behaviour is excellent” and that they demonstrate high levels of

mutual respect.

Reflecting on the milestone, proud Headteacher Mrs Clare England expressed immense pride in the entire school community.

“I could not be more proud of the students and staff of St Mark’s, who took it upon themselves to really show our Ofsted visitors how fantastic our school is.

“I am delighted to be able to share the final report with the wider Bath Community and to showcase the strength of St Mark’s in a city where there is a competitive education landscape.”

Mrs England also emphasised that the achievement is a true team effort. “Staff work tirelessly to give the best of themselves in order that our students shine, and we are over the moon that this was recognised in the report.

“I would also like to say a big ‘Thank you’ to our parents and carers, who support us daily in making the educational experience at St Mark’s as successful as it is.”

With five “Strong” standards under its belt, a highly ambitious curriculum, and a warm, inclusive culture where behaviour is excellent, St Mark’s has been officially recognised as a school of exceptional quality. To read the full Ofsted report or arrange a visit, please visit the school website: https://www.stmarks.org.uk

Hotel’s ‘late spring’ reopening is pushed back to September

AN historic Bath hotel which is undergoing a major refurbishment is now set to open in September.

The reopening of Parade Park Hotel was scheduled for late spring following restoration work for which planning and listed building consent was granted by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Another request for fire safety improvements to the Grade I listed hotel at North Parade has now been submitted to the council.

A fire risk assessment of the hotel, which is being rebranded as Parade Hotel, highlighted that it does not comply with current requirements in relation to vertical means of escape, posing a “significant risk to occupant safety”.

Concerns have also been raised about the suitability of many of the existing internal doors in relation to fire safety.

The latest listed building application looks to rectify those issues at the hotel, which spans three former boarding houses which were built around 1740 by John Wood the Elder.

The building has been extensively

remodelled internally, particularly in the last century due to its use as separate hotels and became one in 1997. Modifications are now being proposed to the lower ground, first and second floors to incorporate smoke lobbies in 12 bedrooms and to alter or replace internal doors.

The application says: “These lobbies will serve as an integral part of a carefully developed fire strategy designed to provide compliant escape routes and safeguard building users.”

It says this solution has been carefully assessed in the context of the potential for harm to the building and is considered “less intrusive” compared with the alternative of installing a full

sprinkler system or pressurised smoke control system to the stair cores.

“Bespoke solutions” for the doors have been developed in conjunction with Historic England guidance, with the aim of retaining historic fabric where possible and enabling any replacements to be made with the correct historic detailing.

In a statement this week

Providence Hotels told the Echo: “The planning application referenced is part of a normal, ongoing process with the local authority for a building of this nature and scale.

“The fire safety considerations for the use of the building as a hotel are part of the wider refurbishment to bring the building into compliance with current regulations, whilst using an approach that is sensitive to its historic fabric.

“The proposals put forward in collaboration with our architects Spratley & Partners will be an enhancement to the safety of the building and we are very much looking forward to welcoming guests to the Parade Hotel in September.”

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Plans to turn Bath B&B into HMO are refused

A PLANNING application to turn an eight-bed B&B in Lansdown into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) has been refused.

However, a separate application to turn the guest house – Hill House – into one home has been approved.

Hill House is at 25 Belvedere, on the corner of Morford Street.

Bath & North East Somerset Council planners said that although the concentration of HMOs within a 100-metre radius of Hill House would only be 2.5% – comfortably within the 10% threshold – the proposal would result in 26 and 28 Morford Street being ‘sandwiched’ between two HMOs.

A report from officers acknowledged that the current use as a guest house would have different patterns of comings and goings than a normal residential

home: “However, a guest house would have more oversight from proprietors.

“It is evident from the business website for the site that policies and operations are in place which would go some way to protecting neighbouring amenity, such as locking of common areas at night and no parties or visitors without express permission.

“The rooms would normally be let individually to small groups or individuals who would be unconnected to other guests within the house and are unlikely to generate significant noise.

“HMO occupants on the other hand are more likely to interact communally, and have their own visitors, with a greater potential to create more significant noise.”

The eight-bed HMO scheme was refused on the grounds that it would result in “unacceptable” harm to neighbouring occupiers.

Green light for new Aldi in Keynsham despite traffic concerns

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

ALDI has been given the green light to open a new supermarket in Keynsham, although the plan was almost blocked over concerns the queues will “grind the entire estate to a halt”.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee voted on Wednesday 10th June to grant planning permission for the supermarket on the old Brincliffe Nursery site. The site sits between Bath Road and World’s End Lane, near the recycling centre.

The decision went against the recommendation of the council’s own planning officers, who warned it should be turned down due to the potential for it to cause major delays on Pixash Lane and Broadmead Lane, despite major public support.

Almost 200 people lodged their support of the plans with the council, while just 20 raised objections.

Aldi’s Elliott Saunders told the planning committee at its meeting: “The message is clear:

Keynsham wants and needs an Aldi.”

He said: “This is a major investment that will deliver real, tangible benefits — most notably 40 high-quality secure jobs, with Aldi proud to be the UK’s highestpaying supermarket.

“At a time when household budgets are squeezed, the store will give local families access to high quality food at the lowest prices in the market.”

Mr Saunders insisted that the

congestion modelling suggests will happen on the industrial estate was due to other planned development, and would happen whether the Aldi was built or not. It is relatively unusual for planning officers to recommend rejecting a planning application over traffic impact, but the council’s highways team warned the Aldi could lead to drivers making dangerous manoeuvres to get out of traffic jams. Planning committee member

Councillor Hal MacFie (Keynsham East, Liberal Democrat), who represents the area where it would be built, said he had been excited to get an Aldi.

He said: “We know that we need it; our residents have told us on the door.” But he said he would vote against the plan.

He said: “I waited two hours to get out of Waitrose on one particular day. So the traffic has to be right –and it clearly isn’t.”

Councillor Toby Simon (Bathwick, Liberal Democrat) said: “If the effect is to grind the entire estate to a halt for the evening peak and … Saturdays, it would impact on the council’s provision of refuse services [and] it would impact on the access to the police station.”

But Councillor Shaun Hughes (Midsomer Norton North, Independent Group) said that if traffic was bad during peak hours, people would adapt and shop at another time. Residents should be entitled to competition and choice which they don’t currently seem to have. We are planning to build about 7,000 houses so the need for a new supermarket is clear from that.”

The committee was tied 4-4 in a vote to refuse the plans. Councillors later voted 6-2 to delegate power to their officers to grant planning permission, subject to new conditions.

Aldi’s longtime rival, Lidl, has recently announced that it also wants to build a supermarket in the town. It plans to submit a planning application to build its store on Broadmead Lane.

Public Notices

Proposals for Saturday car park charges scrapped

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to introduce Saturday parking charges to a town centre car park have been dropped.

Bath & North East Somerset Council had proposed ending free Saturday parking at Keynsham’s Bath Hill East Car Park but has now scrapped the proposals.

The council said it decided to withdraw the plans “after feedback from residents and businesses highlighted concerns about impact on local footfall and affordability”.

The charges had been proposed alongside several other changes to parking charges across the district, such as more expensive residents’ parking permits for bigger vehicles and higher Park & Ride charges for people parking but not riding, and were the only proposal to be dropped after an initial consultation, despite generating the lowest level of opposition.

29% of consultation respondents opposed the plan, just 16% said

they supported it, while 54% said they had no opinion

According to a council report which used generative AI to analyse responses to the consultation, people were concerned it could lead to reduced footfall for Keynsham Farmers’ Market and town centre businesses, discourage people from using the park, and lead to people going to Longwell Green or Cribbs Causeway instead.

The council recently ran a

another consultation on its other proposed changes to parking charges.

Just under 500 people responded to the original consultation.

Councillor Joel Hirst, the council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport strategy, said: “We want to hear as many voices as possible, that’s why we decided to consult again on these changes via a formal traffic regulation order.”

The council’s plan to make

residents’ parking permits more expensive for larger vehicles and discounted for smaller vehicles was highly controversial in the first consultation, with exactly half of respondents supporting the idea, 44% opposed to it, and 6% having no opinion. Under the plans, a Smart car owner would get a £20 discount on their permit each year while someone with the largest model of Ford Transit would have to pay £112 more.

The council said: “Studies suggest that larger and taller vehicles like SUVs and vans are more likely to cause increased injuries or fatalities in a collision with a pedestrian, especially children, or cyclists due to factors which include bonnet height and increased blind spots.”

Other proposals the council is continuing to consult on include increasing the cost of visitors’ RPZ permits over the next three years, making vehicles get a valid MOT before they can get a parking permit, and increasing the charge for parking at Bath’s Park & Rides without using the buses from £3 to £4.

Pledge renewed to protect councillors and staff

BATH & North East Somerset Council has renewed its commitment to protecting councillors and staff from abuse and intimidation as part of work linked to the national Debate Not Hate campaign.

The campaign, led by the Local Government Association and backed by The Jo Cox Foundation, seeks to address the abuse of elected representatives and promote respectful public debate. It aims to ensure councillors are able to represent their communities without fear of harassment.

The renewed focus came on 16th June, marking 10 years since the murder of MP Jo Cox, whose message was that “we have more in common than that which divides us”.

A recent report considered by a B&NES scrutiny panel set out the steps being taken locally to support both councillors and council employees and to make sure they feel safe in carrying out their duties.

While the council said most interactions with the public remain positive, the report acknowledged that aggressive and threatening behaviour does sometimes occur.

Examples recorded over the past three years include one council worker being driven at, a female member of staff being followed back to her workplace and threatened with violence, and another employee being

threatened with a hammer.

The authority said it continues to encourage reporting of incidents so that support can be provided and appropriate action taken.

B&NES is also working with Avon & Somerset Police as part of a wider national effort to tackle intimidation and harassment directed at elected representatives.

Councillors are being encouraged to report incidents to local policing teams and through formal reporting channels.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for communications and community, said: “While robust debate is a vital part of

local democracy, abuse and intimidation cross the line and have no place in public life.

“Councillors are here to serve their communities and should be able to do so without fear of abuse or intimidation.

“Debate and challenge are an essential part of our democracy, but abuse and intimidation are not. No councillor or member of staff should feel unsafe simply for carrying out their role and this applies both online and in dayto-day activities.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach and will continue working with our partners to support those affected.”

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF A PREMISES LICENSE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003

Bath Pride applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 07th June 2026 for a licence to use the premises at Sydney Place, Bathwick, Bath BA2 6NH on 22nd August 2026 for the sale by retail of alcohol and for the provision of regulated entertainment between the hours of Midday and 2100 hours.

Notification of the application made to the Licensing Authority is available on a register at www.bathnes.gov.uk/ publicregisters

Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 6th July 2026

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: 07/06/2026

Planning Round-up

500+ objections to Saltford housing plans

Bath & North East Somerset Council has received more than 500 objections to developer Crest Nicholson’s plans to build 90 houses on the Manor Road paddocks in Saltford. The parish council has added its opposition, reminding B&NES Council that in 2014 the Secretary of State concluded that similar proposals from Crest Nicholson were inappropriate development in the Green Belt. The land is not in the B&NES draft Local Plan as an option for development.

The council said it has introduced a number of measures aimed at improving safety, including stronger policies, better reporting arrangements and enhanced guidance and support for both staff and councillors.

It has also published advice on how to spot, understand and verify misinformation online, alongside social media rules intended to help keep council channels safe and respectful.

The authority said this work will continue to be reviewed to ensure councillors and officers feel supported, protected and able to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

Plans to fell trees at Keynsham station

Following a tree survey report, there are plans to fell eight trees at Keynsham Railway Station at Station Road to remove the risk of branches falling over any public areas.

‘Urban

infill’ plan for Lansdown house

Plans to build another house on Lansdown Lane at Upper Weston have been submitted. The proposal is for a detached two-storey house with three bedrooms to the north of No. 95. The planning reference is 26/02176/FUL.

Scintillating tie but Bath’s title hopes ended by Exeter comeback

Richard Briggs Reporter

WHAT a game.

Shame about the result.

Bath Rugby lost their Gallagher PREM crown when they beaten 27-26 by Exeter Chiefs in a scintillating play-off at The Rec on Saturday 13th June.

The Blue, Black & White won the title last season and were odds-on to make it to the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham for the third year running when they led the Devon side 26-10 at half-time.

Unfortunately for Johann van Graan’s team they failed to score in the second period and were undone by 17 points from a resurgent Exeter, who will face Northampton Saints in the final on Saturday 20th June.

Bath had 57% of the possession and 60% of the territory – and they got into the guests’ 22 on 11 occasions, Exeter managing eight sorties.

In attack, the home side gained 557 metres – the Chiefs gained 427 metres.

And whereas Bath made 146 tackles and missed 34, Exeter were forced into 247 tackles and missed 45.

Kick-off was delayed while a TV cameraman came onto the pitch and circled referee Christophe Ridley and the Chiefs’ Harvey Skinner.

But once Skinner got the game under way, it did not take long for Bath to open the scoring.

With Exeter’s Henry Slade sent to

the sin bin in the 11th minute for a deliberate knock-on, the home side bagged a try seconds later. Slade had not even made it to the Chiefs’ bench when Ben Obano went over from short range just to the left of the posts after a fivemetre tap penalty. Santi Carreras converted.

Exeter reduced the arrears in the 15th minute, Skinner kicking a 22-metre penalty from in front of the posts.

But Thomas du Toit bulldozed over from six metres on the right for Bath’s second score, this in the 20th minute, and Carreras landed the extras to extend the lead to 14-3.

The visitors added a superb try in the 25th minute, flanker Christ Tshiunza receiving the ball from Tom Hooper 40 metres out and deceiving Carreras for a touchdown just to the right of the sticks. Slade majored. However, the Blue, Black & White were soon over the line again. A looping pass from Ollie Lawrence set up Joe Cokanasiga to run in from 22 metres and cross in the right corner in the 28th minute, Carreras booting an excellent conversion to make the score 21-10.

And when Henry Arundell latched onto a kick to the left corner by Ben Spencer and grounded the ball almost at the back of the ingoal area while under pressure from Paul Brown-Bampoe, Bath appeared home and dry. Even the fact that Carreras sent his conversion attempt wide of the left post did not seem to matter.

But the Chiefs – who have yet to be beaten in a play-off – were far from dead and buried. Olly Woodburn offloaded to Slade who released Ben Hammersley for a 51st-minute, eight-metre try to the right of the posts. Slade slotted over the extras and the Blue, Black & White’s lead was down to nine points.

Greg Fisilau forced his way over from close range to the left of the posts in the 56th minute – and although Slade sent the ball wide of the right post when he tried his luck from the tree, Bath’s grip on proceedings was loosening alarmingly with the Chiefs only four points adrift. Worse was to follow for the Somerset club. Cokanasiga was yellow-carded in the 65th minute for a deliberate knock-on and, four minutes later, Exeter’s Ethan Burger crossed from short range on the right. Slade’s conversion attempt was off target but the travellers had edged in front. Not even a Bath blitz towards the end could wrestle back the initiative. They pummelled the Exeter line with a sustained series of pick and goes but had other options too as Carreras made his way into the pocket and there were chances to swing the ball to the right wing where Cokanasiga was set for an unchallenged run-in. But when Vilikesa Sela was held up under the posts with the clock more than two minutes into the red, Ridley blew his whistle for full-time, signalling celebrations for Exeter and tears for the Blue, Black & White.

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No team has the right to win – not even Bath

Richard Briggs Reporter

ACROSS more than 30 years of writing about sport in the regional media, I’ve covered lots of highs – and lots of lows. And it’s no exaggeration to say that Bath Rugby’s 27-26 defeat by Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher PREM play-off at The Rec on Saturday 13th June is the lowest of those lows. I was still feeling sorry for myself the next day! The quality of the home matchday 23 and the fact that Bath had bags of recent experience of winning PREM semi-finals meant expectations were high. Very high.

Although journalists are supposed to remain neutral in order to report objectively, it’s very hard to cover a club week in, week out and not become attached. A reporter wants their local team to do well. And of course a triumphant side is good for any local newspaper or news website. People prefer to read about wins than losses. So a successful Bath Rugby is great for the Echo; we want the Blue, Black & White to succeed.

I’ve attended the majority of Bath’s competitive fixtures this season, and I’ve grown to love the club. I felt the defeat. The second half was a difficult watch, as Exeter turned the tables. But no team has the right to win –not even the Blue, Black & White. Bath fans were confident –perhaps too confident – before kick-off. One even said during an interview relayed on the stadium’s big screen that the hosts would win easily.

I expected Bath to prevail, although a former work colleague who covers the Chiefs and has seen almost all of their games in recent years told me during the build-up that he felt Exeter would take the honours. Only one of us would be right.

Ignoring the fact that Bath lost, this was a tremendous game – the sort you didn’t want to end, and I’m not saying that because the hosts needed additional minutes to rescue themselves. The match was a wonderful advert for the PREM, a tie that would’ve made a brilliant final.

But the memory that I’m sure will stay with me the longest was number 8 Alfie Barbeary making a solo lap of honour at the final whistle, applauding the fans in all of the stands as his career in Blue, Black & White came to an end in heartbreaking fashion.

Barbeary, who will join Saracens this summer, gave his all against the Chiefs and seemed particularly fired up across the 80 minutes. He looked determined to score a try, and how I wanted him to. Ultimately he missed out, but not for the want of trying. His ball carrying was superb.

My first close encounter with

Barbeary was seeing him stripped to his trunks on Bath’s victory parade around the city last year after their treble-winning campaign.

In the lead-up to my first season covering the club, I was unsure what to make of him based on his near-nudity. A year on I can say he came across as one of Bath’s most committed players, and he’ll be missed as much off the pitch as he will be on it. What a wonderful character he is.

Santi Carreras has been pilloried in some quarters for not attempting a drop goal at the death against Exeter. But that is grossly unfair. Bath failed to score any points during the second half, and the responsibility must be collective. As head of rugby Johann van Graan says, “we win together, we lose together”. You’ll recall the amazing reception Carreras received from Bath fans when he came off the bench for his debut in Blue, Black & White – against his former club Gloucester Rugby at The Rec in October. It was a reception that I discussed with van Graan at his post-match press conference that day. What a shame it is that Carreras’ season ended with his vilification.

An hour or so after the defeat by the Chiefs, I asked van Graan whether he considered 2025-26 a success for Bath. Before giving his verdict, he told me I could write whatever I wanted to about that. So in my opinion, the club have had an excellent season, reaching the semi-finals of all three competitions – PREM, Investec Champions Cup and PREM Rugby Cup.

That’s a great return – and because of the van Graan-inspired glories of 2024-25, anything other than trophies this time around would not be enough for some supporters and rugby pundits. But remember where Bath were four years ago – bottom of the league.

And three years ago they finished eighth in the table in what was van Graan’s first season in charge. The South African has turned around the club’s fortunes so spectacularly that reaching semi-finals is considered failure by some people.

No club is guaranteed trophy wins, but what’s to say the Blue, Black & White won’t be getting their hands on silverware again next season? The antidote to disappointment in sport is the belief that success could be just around the corner. “There’s always next year.”

So let’s all enjoy the summer and start looking forward to the new campaign. A good pre-season and some fine results in the first few rounds of the 2026-27 PREM will leave the deflation of Saturday 13th June truly buried in the past – and we’ll all be anticipating an afternoon watching Bath at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham next summer.

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Van Graan ‘incredibly proud’ of Bath, despite trophyless season

Richard Briggs Reporter

JOHANN van Graan said he is incredibly proud of his Bath Rugby team – despite the fact they ended the season with no silverware.

Following their incredible 202425 campaign, when they landed three trophies, achieving more glory this time around was always going to be tough – but the Blue, Black & White went close. They reached the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals, placing them among the four best sides in Europe, and finished second in the Gallagher PREM table, only to be pipped 27-26 by Exeter Chiefs in their play-off on Saturday 13th June. The Somerset outfit also reached the last four of the PREM Rugby Cup.

When asked by the Echo at his press conference at The Rec following the heartbreaking defeat by Exeter whether he thought Bath had had a successful campaign, van Graan said: “We as a group came together on 21st July and we said ‘You’ve got to start on zero’. We made three semi-finals.

“I’d say that some of the season was lost opportunities.

“I think the Bordeaux game [away to Union Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup semi-finals], we had opportunities to score some points with 15 minutes to go and we didn’t use them. And certainly tonight, we left some opportunities out there.

“Ultimately, incredibly proud of the group.

“I can’t fault any of their effort or the intent. And as a coach, you’ve got to say ‘Well done’ to the opposition, are there things we could’ve done better? Absolutely.

“Ultimately we came up one point short, and you’ve got to acknowledge it and stick to fact.

And that means we weren’t good enough to get into the final.

“In terms of what we’ve achieved with this group again this season, I’m very proud of that. But this is certainly one that got away.”

When asked if it was possible to put into words how much the defeat hurt, van Graan said: “No. But that’s sport.

“One point, one moment’s the biggest and smallest margin in sport. We score with that last blow of the game and it’s a total different story.

“So now I can’t put it into words.

“Congratulations to Exeter, they beat us by one point.

“Absolutely no excuse from my side. That’s sport and that’s rugby.

“I think we had tremendous intent in that first half, 26-10 up.

“I’m not going to review the game soon but once we review it in a few weeks’ time, we left some opportunities out there in the first half. Just before half-time, we were five yards away from their try line, potentially another score there, but it wasn’t to be.

“We got stuck in a kicking cycle between minutes 40 and 50, and they scored a try and came closer, and then on 26-22 the pressure came and we conceded a yellow

card, and then we were one point behind, we had to fight our way back.

“We gave ourselves an opportunity but if you look at the space that we had, we didn’t use the opportunity, and, ultimately, that’s the last opportunity from our side. But we win together, we lose together – and that’s a feeling in sport you don’t enjoy.”

Bath beat Exeter at The Rec in PREM Round 9 when they scored a try from a late series of pick and goes.

Despite the hosts adopting the same tactic in the closing stages of the play-off, there was no try to celebrate.

Van Graan said: “If you look at the game that we won here in the league, we won it like that, we beat Northampton [Saints] like that [in the Champions Cup quarter-finals].

“What I would say is, we had opportunities to move it. We were set for the drop goal. It’s a decision we made as a group and ultimately there were opportunities to score a try there.

“Billy [Vilikesa Sela] gets held up and that’s the end of the game.

“So absolutely there was opportunities to move it, but I back our players and they decided to keep it tight and we win together and we lose together.”

You can read the full report via our website Scan the QR code

COLUMN | Ben Hicks, Clerk of the Course - Bath Racecourse

LADIES Day is always one of the highlights of our season here at Bath, and I am delighted to say that this year’s event lived up to all expectations.

From gates opening at 11.20am, there was a fantastic atmosphere around the racecourse, helped enormously by what was undoubtably perfect weather. Sunshine and excellent racing conditions combined to create a memorable day for everyone who joined us at Lansdown. The crowd were brilliant throughout the day, embracing everything that Ladies Day has to offer and creating a wonderful atmosphere around the site.

It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves, whether they were following the racing closely, taking part in the Style Awards or simply making the most of a day out with family and friends.

One aspect of the day that I was particularly pleased with was the introduction of our Stable Staff Style Awards. Stable staff are the backbone of our sport and work tirelessly behind the scenes throughout the year.

It was fantastic to be able to include them in the theme of the day and recognise the important contribution they make to racing. The awards were very well received and added another enjoyable element to the occasion.

On the track, the racing went very smoothly. There were several closely contested finishes that brought out loud roars from the crowd, alongside some impressive performances from horses who could well be worth following through the rest of the season. The winners came from a mix of favourites and outsiders, so

Bath star to compete in men’s singles main draw at Wimbledon

Richard Briggs Reporter

BATH will be represented in the men’s singles main draw at Wimbledon this summer.

Team Bath’s Toby Samuel has been awarded wildcard entry for the Grand Slam tournament, which will get under way in SW19 on Monday 29th June. It will be a second successive Slam appearance for Samuel, who is coached by Ian MacDonald and Tiernan Brady.

Samuel, who made his Slam debut at the French Open in May, reached a career high of 144 in the Association of Tennis Professionals [ATP] world rankings this week. He has been preparing for Wimbledon by competing on the

grass courts at the Lexus Ilkley Open in West Yorkshire, reaching the quarter-finals, and the HSBC Championships. The latter was Samuel’s first appearance on the Queen’s Club courts in London.

His Round of 32 match against former Junior Wimbledon doubles team-mate Arthur Fery was the first ATP 500 match for both players. However, the afternoon was tough for Samuel, who fell to a 6-0, 6-2 defeat on Court 1. This was a rare setback for Samuel across an excellent 12 months during which he has risen from 1,405th in the world.

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hopefully most people managed to find a winner at some point during the afternoon.

From a grounds staff perspective, the day was also very satisfying. Following the recent spell of warm weather, the ground gradually dried through the afternoon and, after race four, was described as good all over.

We were delighted to receive numerous compliments on both the track condition and the presentation of the racecourse as a whole.

Those comments are always appreciated because they reflect the enormous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. The grounds team have put in a tremendous effort throughout what has been a busy and demanding first half of the season. Managing changing weather conditions, moving rails, preparing fresh running lines

and maintaining the overall appearance of the site requires a huge team effort, and they deserve a great deal of credit for the standard they continue to deliver.

As we look back on last Saturday, the success of Ladies Day was down to the hard work of the entire Bath team.

So much planning and preparation goes into an event of this scale, and it was extremely rewarding to see everything come together so successfully.

From the racing and hospitality teams to the grounds staff, operations team and everyone working behind the scenes, it was a huge effort by all.

It is hard to believe that we are now approaching the halfway point of the season.

The months seem to fly by once racing gets under way, and

before long we will be turning our attention to the second half of the campaign. We now have a short break before racing returns to Bath on Wednesday 1st July.

The two-week gap will provide a welcome opportunity to carry out some routine maintenance and continue preparing the course for the busy summer period ahead. This week, the attention of the racing world has turned to Royal Ascot. It comes around very quickly each year, and here we go again. I hope everyone is enjoying another outstanding week of racing, where some of the world’s finest horses, jockeys and trainers are competing on one of the biggest stages.

It is a truly prestigious meeting and one that always showcases our sport at its very best.

Two teams appoint assistant managers

Richard Briggs Reporter

BATH City boss Scott Bartlett has named “huge asset” Richard Joyce his assistant. The Romans, who will play in Pitching In Southern League Premier South next season after relegation from Enterprise National League South, announced the former Thornbury Town gaffer and Cheltenham Town media manager’s arrival with a statement on Saturday 13th June. City said: “We welcome Richard Joyce to the club as Scott’s new assistant manager.

Worcestershire outfit Redditch

United and Gloucestershire villagers Brimscombe & Thrupp.

He said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join Bath City as assistant manager.

“It’s a great club with a rich history, excellent fan base and has huge potential.

“Though shorter than I’d intended, I had a great time at Evesham securing our place at Step 3 and wish them all the best.”

Sam Cottle has been appointed assistant manager of Odd Down for the 2026-27 campaign in Western League Division One.

Silver for Bath’s Clark at Modern Pentathlon World Cup in Hungary

Richard Briggs Reporter

UNIVERSITY of Bath student

Poppy Clark continued an excellent start to her senior pentathlon career when she won a silver medal at the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne [UIPM] World Cup in Budapest, Hungary.

the women’s final.

Paris 2024 Olympian Bryson topped the rankings after the fencing but Clark was well placed in fourth and took the lead after a strong performance on the obstacle course.

“Richard has worked previously with Scott at Forest Green Rovers, Weston-super-Mare and Eastleigh as a football analyst.

“Richard has been involved in football for many years with media and analyst roles at Forest Green Rovers, Cheltenham Town and latterly Evesham Town where he joined the coaching staff in January.”

Bartlett said: “I’m delighted to get Richard on board as my assistant.

“We’ve worked closely together for a long time, at every club since our Forest Green Rovers days, and he was a big part of our success at Weston-super-Mare.

“Joycey’s a strong appointment, he excels in the recruitment department and his knowledge of opposition is second to none.

“He’s a brilliant person, very professional and is going to be a huge asset to Bath City.”

Joyce has also worked with

Joining Cottle as part of boss Tom Smith’s backroom team will be Alfie Kelsey (player-coach), Jake Slocombe (player-coach), Prince Sharka (player development liaison officer), Georgia Morris (physio), Will Humphries (fitness and rehabilitation) and Ed Gould (equipment manager).

The make-up of Western League Division One for 202627 has changed, following two successful appeals against allocations.

Amesbury Town had been moved from the Wessex League to the Western League but won their appeal so have returned to the former.

And Wincanton Town won their appeal against being placed in Wessex League Division One so will be back in the Western League after two years away and will face the Down next term.

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Fellow Team Bath Breakthrough Programme student-athlete Sebastian Forrest earned a place on the wider podium after recording an impressive top-five finish on his first appearance in a men’s final.

Biochemistry student Clark, who trains with Pentathlon GB at the university’s Sports Training Village, was making just her third World Cup appearance but was only denied gold by a recordbreaking performance on home turf by Hungary’s Blanka Guzi. Clark said: “Every time I came out of the shooting range I had a smile on my face because I couldn’t believe I was in the top three. To be honest I would’ve been happy with top 10.

“I used to watch these people when I was about 12 and think they were incredible. To be here competing with my idols is indescribable.”

Clark had performed strongly all week, recording top-three finishes in her qualifying heat and semi-final to join compatriots Kerenza Bryson and Liv Green in

Crossword answers - Issue 131 (05/06/2026)

Guzi came through the field with an excellent swim but Bryson and Clark were within 9 secs of the leader going into a thrilling laser run. Guzi and Clark were clear of the field by the second visit to the shooting range and remained neck and neck until late on when the Hungarian edged clear and went on to take victory with 1,495 points, the highest tally since a new competition format was introduced this year.

Clark was just 4 secs behind and punched the air as she crossed the finish line with a huge smile on her face. Bryson was eighth and Green completed a strong Pentathlon GB showing in 12th.

Mathematics student Forrest also enjoyed a breakthrough performance in Budapest, qualifying for the men’s final at only his second senior World Cup and placing fifth overall.

The 19-year-old’s obstacle time of 22.22 secs was the fastest all day.

And Forrest then set the thirdfastest time in the laser run to progress through the field from 10th to fifth, finishing within 8 secs of the front three.

Team-mate Charlie Brown was 15th overall.

Photo © UIPM World Pentathlon / Nuno Gonçalves

Across: 1 Tourist, 5 Concoct, 10 Rent-free, 11 Thrown, 12 Bali, 13 Aggression, 14 Heavy metal, 16 Shhh, 17 Slur, 18 Third party, 20 Psychiatry, 22 Hack, 24 Pebble, 25 Noontide, 26 Rewards, 27 Ugliest.

Down: 2 Opera, 3 Retriever, 4 Sarcasm, 6 Oatmeal, 7 Curbs, 8 Cowboy hat, 9 Weightlifting, 15 Ellesmere, 16 Spaghetti, 18 Tail end, 19 Daylong, 21 Cobra, 23 Codes.

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