As a journalist you’re told not to judge a book by the cover. But as a person, you always do. ‘Internet sensation’ ‘sexy potter’ and ‘posh Bath accent’. These things are adding up to a certain kind of privilege in my mind. So when I set off to interview our cover star, Olivia Hamer Webb –a well spoken sexy potter who’s become an internet sensation, and who, just as a by-the-way, recently interviewed international superstars Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch to help promote the release of their new film The Roses –(this must have come about because of some private school/family connection surely?) – I’m awash with preconceived ideas. An address on the ‘right’ side of Bath adds weight to my prejudice. (None of these things are bad on their own by the way – it’s just put them all together, and I thought ‘I knew’ exactly who I was going to meet).
Except Olivia Hamer Webb is none of the things I thought. She’s a Ralph Allen girl with ADHD who hasn’t had it easy. She’s fought hard, and on her own, for every scrap of success she’s achieved.
She’s an inspiration (and that’s not a phrase I’d use lightly). Her story, which you can read over on page 20, should tell every single one of us – that anything is possible.
And also to never judge a book by its cover.
Follow us on @BathLifeMag @bathlifemag
SARAH MOOLLA
PHOTO BY
Issue 536 / October 2025
COVER Former Ralph Allen student Olivia Hamer Webb at her potter’s wheel. Photographed by Ray of Narrated Frames. Turn to page 20 for our exclusive interview.
BIG INTERVIEW
20 AT THE WHEEL We meet Insta star and ceramicist extraordinaire, Olivia Hamer Webb
THE ARTS
27 ARTS INTRO It’s the return of FilmBath
28 WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go
30 CULTURE CLUB The arty picks of Rachel Tucker
33 BOOKS Mr B’s novel ideas
38 FILM NEWS The new vampire thriller set in Bath
JUST OUTSIDE
42 CORSHAM What makes this pretty little town so popular?
FOOD & DRINK
52 RESTAURANT Dining at The Village in Larkhall
56 NEWS FEED Nuggets from Bath’s foodie scene
LIFESTYLE
62 INTERIORS Going in hard on soft furnishings
71 SHOPPING INTRO Black and white and chic all over
72 EDITOR’S CHOICE Make it monochrome
75 BEAUTY Getting the ‘ultimate’ face and body treatment
83 BRISTOL Singing the praises of our next door neighbour
NETWORK
85 NETWORK LEAD A new name for Milsom Place
88 NETWORK NEWS Business news, views, and interviews
91 CAREER PATH ON magazine’s Andy Longhurst
PROPERTY
93 PROPERTY LEAD Window dressing for empty units
94 PROPERTY NEWS Latest from the market
100 SHOWCASE Explore 11 Brock Street
DEPARTMENTS
8 SPOTLIGHT Rowena Ko catches the quieter Austenite moments
To celebrate the author Jane Austen’s heavenly 250th birthday, the city has seen the Grand Regency Parade; dozens of events, talks and s reenin s ntin and oral dis la s and even firewor s in arade ardens. t one of the si hts that never fails to thrill s lo als is s ottin the bonneted beauties just quietly going about their ever da siness in ath. It s li e there s een a ri in the fa ri of time and the earl th ent r has see ed into our 21st century life – ghosts from another time that still loo erfe tl at home.
Photos by Rowena Ko; Instagram @ahappybathonian
SCENE
THE LATEST ADVENTURES IN PARTY-GOING ACROSS BATH
Sarah and Adam Rees-Leonard and family
SPELLED OUT
Artist Jackie Morris signed copies of her books, The Lost Spells and The Lost Words, at the launch of her Victoria Art Gallery exhibition in July, which had a specially installed ‘badger sett’ installed for younger guests to enjoy.
Photos by Chris Daw; www.chrisdawphotography.com
For more: www.victoriagal.org.uk
Amanda Hart, Nathalie Levi and
James Vale, Kersti Haabjoern and family
Ruby Fatimilehin and Robin Stenham
Barbara White, Christine and Stephen Brook
Sue Wales
Francis Douglas-Lamb and Rosanna Christou
Lyla Kirtley and Jean Cogger Evans
Narinder Tegally and Oosman Tegally
Valerie Rutley-Paine and Susie Nowell-Kelley
Charlotte Somers
Jackie Morris
TAKE PRIDE
At the end of July, Bath Pride 2025 partied the day away to help celebrate the LGBTQIA+ local community. It began with a parade through town made up of charities, societies, clubs, performing arts groups and thousands of individuals, ending at Sydney Gardens where the event continued with food and craft stalls, music, performers, speeches, and picnics.
Photos by Craig McDermott; www.craigmcdermottphotography.com For more: www.bathpride.org
POWER UP
Power & Presence – the business workshops and retreats specialists fo nded onfiden e and lifest le coach, and author Camilla Collins – recently hosted an all-day event at Bath Spa Hotel. It brought together around 30 “like-minded women for real conversations, practical coaching, and genuine connection — helping them realign their mindset and self-image, so they can thrive, not just survive.”
Photos by Stephanie Jones; www.stephanieadelephotography.co.uk For more: www.camillacollins.com
Catherine Cole and Emma Boatman
Hats from Bath Theatrical Costume Hire
Camilla Collins and Claudia Gahdimi
Jo Kelly, Rachel Dickenson and Claire Marsh
Ali Haynes and Katie Brockhurst Emma Michael, Holly Bird and Thomasina Smith
Guests enjoyed a delicious Bath Spa Hotel lunch
Hayley Nelson, Robyn Blackmore and Lisa Hunt Girl power!
Holly Bird, Camilla Collins and Emma Michael
Alison Jaina and Lisa Hunt
Jamillah Booty
TO A TEE
Bath Rugby recently hosted a fun golf tournament at Cumberwell Park. Attended by around 80 people, the day included playing the front nine holes, stopping halfway for refreshments courtesy of St Austell, and then playing the back nine holes. This was followed by a barbecue, a Q&A with former Bath Rugby player GJ van Velze, and the golf day prize giving.
For more: www.bathrugby.com
Debbie Still and Will Maslin
Chris Goodenough Mackenzie Graham
Steve Ojomoh
Dan Nichols, Debbie Still and Will Maslin
Back to the club house for the 19th round
The sun shone on Cumberwell Park
Sarah Gee
Photo credits: Stu Tucker Photography, Dress: Perfect Day Bride, Suit: Gabucci Menswear, Hair & Makeup: Muah_PM, Flowers: Golden Valley Meadow, Models: Jared Campbell & Katie Victoria, Videography: Kristina Kostomarova, Venue: Bath and North East Somerset Registration Service
Impulse control
Flats has ADHD. Stick around, and he’ll tell you again, and again, and again
There’s a really funny animated picture that goes around WhatsApp and social media of a man standing at the very end of a long line of urinals. he ne t man omes in and instead of choosing one a few spaces away so as not to be weird, decides to take up the position dire tl ne t to the ha alread mid ow. h you may ask. Well, the second man tilts his head towards his waste-releasing neighbour and whispers: “I do CrossFit”. I love it, and like to send it to my buddies at CrossFit Bath whenever it appears. CrossFit is ace, by the way, but that’s not the point.
I mention this as it could also work with many other lifestyle choices or human conditions. I think the gag goes: “How do you know if someone’s vegan? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you”. Uber lols of course, despite the fact that my vegan mates, my vegetarian mates, my religious mates, barely even mention these things, but that’s not the point. Don’t ruin the joke.
At some point someone needs to use that
“Don’t bother with the ‘you’re just lazy’ line as that’s just silly”
wonder if they know – these private doctors – that lots of us will never manage to escape their pricey paws, and that’s why they make it so tough. In fairness though, they helped by sortin the meds in the first la e.
The other thing is that the medication works. i time. i e ame han er. e t I ee running out because I have ADHD (not a o e . It wor s so effe tivel that m wife an spot from a hundred yards whether or not I’ve popped my pills yet today. They don’t change me as a person, they don’t dull my senses or my emotions, they just serve to reduce lethargy, to stop my pathological procrastination, to allow me to achieve a more zoomed-out perspective on daily happenings as they happen, making my emotional regulation more controlled and easier to live with.
same urinal picture and just change the caption to: “I have ADHD”. ADHD seems to get where water can’t these days, the most potent strain being the brutal self-diagnosed strain, naturally. Have I mentioned that I have it? Yes? Well that’s odd as I hardly ever talk about it… Anyway, there are two things that might – might – be interesting to write about on this most fashionable of subjects (we can skip ara e and the a s till ne t time . irstl is the almost hilarious process of having my medication transferred from the private medical institution who diagnosed me and have prescribed it, over to the NHS on what they call a shared care agreement. Currently I pay about £80 a month for my pills, on the NHS it would be about a tenner. For the same pills. But, there is s ient admin re ired to om lete this process that, even medicated, I can’t do it. Honestly I’ve tried – and don’t bother with the ‘you’re just lazy’ line as that’s just silly, and will be undermined shortly – but it’s just too much for my odd little brain. My wiring loom isn’t up to scratch. So I keep over-spending and it rea s me t I an t fi it. I m e innin to
The best bit, though, is the bit my wife doesn’t like. I’ve always bemoaned the mess and chaos that comes with having so many children. Despite its inevitability, I hate it and have never accepted it. What I’ve always done is moan a bit, while doing nothing whatsoever about it. Now, once the little yellow tabs have een wolfed down with m mornin offee I m on a mission. Not hyper, not crazed or frenzied, just energised and enthusiastic. I am now a fully medicated declutterer and it’s joyous. Tip runs, charity shop drops, more and more objects findin their la e the ids to s ein rotated or donated. Leaves being swept from the patio, the dog being bathed in the outdoor kitchen sink, cars being cleared of all stale biscuits and sed na ies. rod tivit has adr led from a low initial ar .
My wife just left for work and shouted, “Don’t bloody throw anything away while I’m gone!”
I’ll try not to, but impulse control is often hard for s fferers of . id I mention I have ADHD?
David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on X/Twitter @davidflatman and Insta @dflatman
WHEELS IN MOTION O
livia Hamer Webb has 193k followers on Instagram, and 381.8k followers and 4.3million likes on TikTok, making her one of Bath’s most well-known in en ers . So far so internet sensation. f o rse there s the o vio s a eal of wat hin a ver ea tif l o n woman messin with la at the otter s wheel slowl sha in it into somethin stri in l s stantial ome on we all remem er that s ene from Ghost . t a t all livia is no rivile ed wanna e tradin on her loss ood loo s and mar eta le harms tr in to ma e an internet name for herself. She s an ast te et entle o n woman with fo s drive and ima ination whose ener to s eed was orn o t of hildhood di lties and tra ma.
GROWING UP
self and the hoto ra her a from arrated rames are at her rented home in ansdown a om anied d rin the interview and hoto shoot livia s ver ood nat red do tis. livia is wel omin sweet and is ver ha to tal a o t her life and how it motivated and sha ed her. arents s lit when I was three ears old she sa s. dad was an al oholi t he was m est friend and we did have a wonderf l relationshi . t at one oint he had no mone at all and so he o ld still have somewhere to live he s let his rented ho se and moved into the va lt. nd it was literall st that are walls free in old and he t a sofa down there whi h he sle t on. nd et ever da he d t on a s it and tie and o o t to tr to ma e mone . I d o and visit him after s hool and ta e him m s hool t mone . e literall had nothing.”
he re olle tion reall hi hli hts oth the love livia had for her dad who was ro ht in a hildren s home t also an awareness of overt and mental health ro lems that man ad lts let alone hildren never see. friends seemed to have mone and e a se me and m m m and si lin s lived in a teen ho se all their homes seemed inormo s to me. hen I went over to visit I sed to o and s ea to the arents. I wanted to now
ABOVE: Life at the wheel has put Olivia, a former Ralph Allen student, onto the road to success; OPPOSITE: Olivia, pictured with Otis, is determined to make the most of life
“I needed to know how people can achieve such things”
what they did for a living, how they were making their money. I needed to know how people can achieve such things, especially those who have come from nothing.”
Her father died tragically six years ago, made even more poignant by the fact he’d managed to turn his life around in the last three years. “He’d always been in and out of rehab, and really, looking back, he was more lost when he was sober, but he was amazing and was starting to make it work. He was earning money through public speaking and even managed to get some money in the bank and had a house, with a spare room, which meant I could stay with him sometimes, which I loved – I really was a daddy’s girl.” Shockingly, it was Olivia and her brother Gabriel who found him dead. “He’d just got the all clear from smoking-caused oesophagus cancer when he died from systemic heart disease, which is basically a heart attack. To see your father dead, well, it’s just awful. It was utterly traumatising. I think me and my brother both fundamentally changed that day.”
DAYDREAMER
There’s a core of resilience that runs through Olivia, born of a need to find her own wa in life whi h was relevant even during her time at Ralph Allen school. “I wasn’t a very good student,” she admits. “I was, and still am, super ADHD, so I found it extremely hard in lessons. I never
“My mother bought me the teeniest, tiniest potter’s wheel”
got tested for it because we weren’t even using those kinds of terms then. I wasn’t naughty, but I was a daydreamer, and I fo nd the a ademi side of learnin st so di lt. School just isn’t built for someone with my mind. I did try and do A-levels but dropped out after three months. When I left, I felt like I had no path, no idea – all I knew was that I was really good at drawing and painting. But that didn’t seem like it would take me anywhere.”
INNOVATION
Following a two-year foundation course at Bath Spa University, Olivia started working with a friend who was creating a bikini brand. “I’d take photos and then helped her design and create the website.” “Sorry, you designed the actual websites?” “Yes, I taught myself to code just by buying cheap courses.”
It’s this casual aside that gives you a glimpse of Olivia’s drive, and it was this skill that came into its own over lockdown. She set up a website alongside an Instagram account alled ee in ath oat whi h she used to help keep alive the rofile of str lin lo al sinesses. From this she was asked to do a short film for so ial media a o t the wor she was doing and featuring the companies she was hel in . he idea too off all over the . Social media was a platform that Olivia increasingly began to use for work. “I worked with the beautiful lifestyle brand Caro, based in Bruton, and loved it. I loved working with their artists.”
ABOVE: Olivia has always had a talent and passion for art; BELOW: Her first wheel was a present from her mother; INSET: She taught herself techniques from watching YouTube videos
AT THE WHEEL
But still no pottery featuring in your life? “I was slightly obsessed with watching pottery videos on YouTube,” she laughs. “I found them fascinating. I’d done some work
THE BIG INTERVIEW
experience at Crockadoodledoo, the pottery painting café in Bath, when I was 16 and had really loved it – so maybe that was where it all stems from. For a 23rd birthday present, my mother, who is a gentle, arty and nurturing soul, bought me the teeniest, tiniest potter’s wheel on Amazon. It was a hundred pounds and I was thrilled! I got the teeniest, tiniest wooden stool imaginable to use with it. I used to practise in the porch, trying to replicate what I’d seen online. I was rarely a success then but I really loved it.
“I had done a little bit of modelling for a lingerie company that specialised in an inclusive range – a campaign I was very proud to be a part of – and was starting to grow my social media ever so slightly. Then one day I thought, why not post a video of myself at the wheel making the most awful piece of pottery I think anyone has ever made!
“I uploaded it to TikTok, and overnight it got like 200,000 views! I genuinely couldn’t believe it. It stayed a very entertaining side hustle, but very gradually, people were messa in me sa in an o film more e want to see o r ro ress what have o made this wee nd everyone was like super lovely. It would take me forever to edit videos, but I really enjoyed the process of learning how to do it as well. Then, just in the past two years, it has reall ta en off with rand deals.
OLIVIA MEETS OLIVIA (& BENEDICT!)
nd ta e off it reall has. s well as ommer iall selling her work, Olivia is now signed with an agency, and recently interviewed Olivia Colman and Benedict m er at h for their new film The Roses while they made pots, the hilarious and heartwarming results of which can be seen in full on her You Tube channel At The Wheel with Olivia. So how on earth did this meeting with the international s erstars ome a o t he film company had seen me online, and they came up with the idea and a roa hed me. his is where serendi it and a positive mindset really comes into play, because of course livia said es I a t all fell off m hair when I read the email t also she sed it as an o ort nit to la n h an idea she had buzzing around her head for a while. “I’d been thinking about doing interviews at the pottery wheel for a while and now I had no e se not to la n h it She has another ver i name lined for the ne t one t can’t reveal it just yet.
ABOVELEFT: Showing the mishaps on her socials is as important to Olivia as showing the successes; ABOVERIGHT: The next chapter in her life involves a move to Kenya; INSET: Her work is available to buy commercially
“Life alwaysisn’t polished, it’s not perfect”
NEXT CHAPTER
hat she does reveal tho h is that the next chapter in her life is going to take her abroad, all the way to Nairobi. She’s bought a house on the coast with her partner of 18 months, Harry McNulty, the retired international rugby player, who now hosts safaris in Kenya. “I just fell in love with the place when I went with Harry, and it feels like the right thing to do, at the ri ht time. he o le intend to s lit their time between Africa and Bath, and Olivia already has plans to get involved with the Kenyan craft and art scene, as well as work with local schools. “I want to live there and e a le to add somethin to the lo al omm nit . And so the wheels of change keep turning for Olivia, t will she ee the otter lwa s. here s alwa s room to grow in the pottery world, and there’s no ‘top of your game’. It’s an ancient craft that has a wonderful community. I like that I can show life isn’t always polished, it’s not perfect. I can have a little cry, mess things up, show things break. At times creating at the wheel can be challenging and disheartening. But that’s okay – it’s all art of the ro ess. n
For more: Instagram @oliviahamerwebb | Instagram @atthewheelwitholivia
Olivia helps stars Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch master the art of pottery making
THE ARTS
SNAPSHOTS OF BATH’S CULTURAL LIFE
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Get ready for a city-wide celebration of cinema that invites us to see the world through another lens. rom international films and e l sive preview screenings to immersive events in some of our most renowned venues, FilmBath – now in its 35th year – continues to evolve and strives to transform how we e erien e stories on the big screen. el in ma e this one of the most e itin dates in Bath’s cultural calendar is the glittering
IMDb Awards, alongside the classics of world cinema, bold documentaries, queer voices, rated retros e tives filmma er s and inspiring industry day sessions. Turn to page 38 where Bath-based director Ric Rawlins talks about his new vampire movie Wild Swimmers, which is being shown in The Colonnades on 25 October. For more: Bath Film Festival runs 17 – 26 October; www m at or
LEFTTORIGHTFROMTOP: Die My Love; Godzilla; If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You; The Thing with Feathers; Queens of the Dead; Bugonia; Rental Family; Private Life; Springsteen; Cielo Luchadora Bus; Nouvelle Vague; The Secret Agent
WHAT’S ON
4 October –8 November
An Autobiography
13–15
EXHIBITIONS
Until 28 October BIOPHILIA
A partnership with Arborealists, Dorset Visual Arts, and RUH’s Art at the Heart explores how humans have a natural, primal instinct to connect with nature, and the enefits of doin so. www.artatruh.org
Until 2 November
THE MOST TIRESOME PLACE IN THE WORLD
Her letters, responses, and the only manuscript she wrote in Bath, reveal the highs and lows of Jane Austen’s time in the city. No 1 Royal Crescent; www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk
Until 20 December IN BLOOM
A beautiful exhibition that demonstrates how owers have inspired generations of artists from East and Southeast Asia. To mark the change of seasons, there are some new exhibits added, including embroidery by contemporary artist Heehwa Jo, and a new commission of a er owers ondon ased artist Kristen Kong from Campbell Workshop. Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk
Until 4 January
BEYOND INFINITY:
AMERICAN SPACE EXPLORATION
This special exhibition showcases innovation, collaboration, and the sublime magic of space, featuring a giant moon installation, amazing rocket and spacecraft models, games, facts, out-of-this-world stories, and interactive play. American Museum & Gardens; www.americanmuseum.org
Until 4 January
SCULPTING THE EARTH
Sculpting the Earth brings together the works of three women artists Natalie Bevan, Psiche Hughes and Ann Stokes. The ceramic art of all three finds e hoes in the harmin fi rative o t t of th ent r porcelain factories such as Meissen and Bow, examples of which are held in the Holburne’s own collection Holburne; www.holburne.org
Until 5 January
CAPTURING THE COSMOS
Features the incredible planetary, deep sky, and nightscape photography of our local amateur astronomy community. There’s also a starry programme of stargazing
events and activities planned throughout the year. Herschel Museum; www.herschelmuseum.org.uk
Until 1 February
MYTHS & MACHINES
The exhibition is dedicated to artists Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, celebrating their visionary artistic output and enduring creative collaboration over three decades. Unseen works on paper feature alongside monumental open-air sculptures. Hauser & Wirth Somerset; www.hauserwirth.com
8 – 20 October
TRISTAN MANCO
The Portuguese/English artist and designer, now based in Bath celebrates his passions for art, design, music and travel with this solo exhibition. Roseberry Road Studios; www.roseberryroadstudios.com
11 – 12 October
CHEW VALLEY ARTS TRAIL
Now in its 22nd year, there can be no doubt this eclectic art trail is well established in the Valley’s cultural calendar, and boasts hundreds of visitors. This year 46 exhibitors in 26 venues can be explored and enjoyed. www.chewvalleyartstrail.co.uk
17 – 25 October
A PERSONAL VIEW
Six diverse artists, Lynne Roche, Sylvia Owen, Emily Jo Gibbs, Henrietta Smith, Jenny Adin Christie , and Julian Hyzler, come together at the Bath Royal Literary S ientifi Instit tion to share their interpretation of Personal Views, in their different media. www.brlsi.org
THEATRE / MOVIES
8 – 11 October
ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA
This fast-paced Shakespeare Live version of the Bard’s classic, adapted and directed by Jacky Crosher, spins a new twist on the t m lt o s and assionate affair between the two powerful rulers. The Rondo; www.rondotheatre.co.uk
13 October
THE HAUNTING OF JULIA
Also known as Full Circle, Mia Farrow stars in the evocatively eerie cult chiller about a bereaved mother who on eein from her controlling husband, is haunted by apparitions of a blonde child. Little Theatre; www.picturehouses.com
Jane Eyre:
on at the Ustinov
October, stars former Royal High Bath student Alison Campbell
PHOTO BY CRAIG
13 – 15 October
JANE EYRE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Dougie Blaxland’s adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, explores a young woman’s struggle for independence and equality in the face of isolation. Also happens to star former Royal High Bath student Alison Campbell. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk
28 October – 1 November LITTLE WOMEN
Step into the world of sisterhood, courage, ambition and follow the sisters as they progress into womanhood and navigate the challenges of the Civil War. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk
and Tinder, all lamented with brand new songs, fast-paced sketches, funny stand-up, and sparkly catsuits. Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk
8 November
DAME CHERRY POPPIN
Join Mandalyns icon Dame Cherry Poppin for a night of cheeky cabaret and cracking karaoke. Hosted by the club’s resident queen of MC’ing, Phillupa Bucket. Mandalyns; Instagram @mandalynsbath
MUSIC
9 October THE RETURN OF THE LEGENDS
CLOCKWISEFROMTOP LEFT: Renowned photographer Martin Parr is at St Swithin’s Church on 9 October to talk about his new autobiography; MissRed, The Musical featuring more than 40 local schoolchildren, performs at the Roper Theatre 31 October – 1 November; Tristan Manco has a solo exhibition at Roseberry Road Studios 8 – 20 October; Paper flowers created by London-based artist Kristen Kong from Campbell Workshop can be seen at the current In Bloom exhibitionat the Museum of East Asian Art
31 October & 1 November MISSRED – THE MUSICAL Post their Edinburgh Festival Fringe success, the cast of nearly 40 young people from Bath and surrounding areas, are at the Roper Theatre performing four shows over two days to tell the story of Fran Ethel Red a lonely girl in care who has given up on people. That is until she finall has a la ement the sea and meets a grieving widow. www.missredthemusical.co.uk
COMEDY
Every Friday and Saturday KROWD KEEPERS
The Ale House on York Street has a secret room where some of the world s finest ma i ians erform hosted by resident conjurer Billy Kidd when she’s in town, and who promises us no rabbits or top hats. www.krowdkeepers.com
5 November
SCUMMY MUMMIES
Helen and Ellie are back on the circuit, and are one hot mess. This is mainly down to the menopause and mansplaining, and teenagers
Strictly legends Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite share show secrets, career anecdotes, and perform world class dance including Latin, ballroom, tango, and rumba. The Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk
16 October
FREE BATH ABBEY CONCERT
Bathavon Rotary Club is holding a free concert at Bath Abbey at 1pm, featuring Chopin and Liszt piano solos performed by Ross Thompson, along with the chamber music of Beethoven and Schubert. Donations for Dorothy House welcome. www.rotary-ribi.org
1 November
BATH BACH CHOIR
Bath Bach Choir’s autumn concert at Kingswood School Theatre brings together an array of exciting international musicians, with Carl rff s famo s Cantata Carmina Burana at the centrepiece of the programme. www at o o e or
CHILDREN
Until 7 October
BATH CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL
ro e s lar est dedi ated hildren s literat re festival is in asso iation with Longleat this year, and brings with it ten rilliant da s of live events in l din hildren s a reate ran ottrell o e festival favo rites i i hon o idd l h the r ffalo and ressida owell l s some totall free activities. www.bathfestivals.org.uk
Ongoing
EXPLORATREE
AT WESTONBIRT
he ational r oret m s rand new Exploratree area at Westonbirt reates an e itin nat ral la space for children of all ages to become explorers, scavengers and lant h nters vent rin o t into the woodlands to dis over nat ral treas res and then investi ate them f rther a at the lorers a . www.forestryengland.uk
OTHER
Until 16 June 2026
RENAISSANCE: JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY
A year-long fascinating programme of talks and events at Bath Royal iterar and S ientifi Instit tion exploring how the global manifestations of the Renaissance were intrinsically linked to the new a e of s ientifi and te hnolo i al advancement. www.brlsi.org
9 October MARTIN PARR
The esteemed photographer, at St Swithin s h r h to tal a o t his new a to io ra h Utterly Lazy and Inattentive – a title taken from a s hool re ort. It feat res over photographs – from his earliest snapshots to the work he is doing today. wwww.toppingbooks.co.uk
CULTURE CLUB with RACHEL TUCKER
Rachel Tucker is starring in Small Hotel at the Theatre Royal Bath until 18 October. She joins a cast that includes Ralph Fiennes, Francesca Annis, and Rosalind Eleazar.
Best TV show ever
The Wire by David Simon. I had to watch it with subtitles, but couldn’t stop, and have watched it twice.
The last great film I saw Hacksaw Ridge directed by Mel Gibson and written by Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkkan. We watched it recently with our son who is obsessed with the history of World War I and World War II. Andrew Garfield gives the performance of a lifetime.
A film I could watch over and over again
The Truman Show. Having seen it as a child, I was fascinated by the idea of Big Brother always watching and was so intrigued by the idea of the world around you being a construct.
The book that changed my life
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I read this at school and it was my first introduction to the concept of racism.
The book I could happily re-read
PHOTO BY MATT HUMPHREY
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, about a New Yorker avoiding life through drug-induced sleep. I’m not much of a reader but this was the perfect bedtime read!
Last live music gig I went to An Imagine Dragons concert with the family. My son introduced us to this band and we surprised him with tickets this summer. I love their crossover of rock, pop and theatricality.
My desert island disc
What Kind of Fool Am I? by my all-time favourite artist Sammy Davis Jr. I grew up with my father impersonating him. Sammy is the original triple threat!
The first song I remember hearing
I think it was my mummy singing the nursery rhyme called Acha Acha Knee while I was sitting on her knee where she would pretend to drop me to the floor.
My karaoke song choice River Deep, Mountain High, by Tina Turner. From a young age Tina was my ‘go-to’ – she taught me how to belt out a tune.
For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh is the book Rachel will be re-reading
Julian Hyzler is just one of the artists appearing in the Personal View exhibition at the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution 17 – 25 October
Rachel Tucker is a Tina Turner fan
BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY
Not all young adult books are created ‘sequel’ says Nic
“They discover that the actress in question has already risen from her grave”
Idon’t often write about sequels here. Just as we don’t tend to go up to customers in the shop waving Book 3 of a series and urging them to dive right in even if the don t now a o t the first two. But sometimes a sequel is so good that as a bookseller –or column writer – you don’t worry about whether o r a dien e have read the first book.
The Poisoned King by the unwaveringly brilliant Katherine Rundell (Bloomsbury, £14.99, Ages 10+) is just such a sequel. Her previous break-out fantasy novel for young readers Impossible Creatures felt like reading every fantasy story you ever wanted all wrapped into one exquisite adventure. This follow-up gives the sensation of stepping back into a variant of Narnia.
We follow Christopher – a protector of the archipelago of lost magical creatures. Jacques, a tiny dragon, has enlisted his help to stop the devastation being wreaked amongst the dragon community on the islands. When hristo her arrives however his first est is to save a young princess from being murdered by her uncle’s henchman. Soon, the princess’s drive for revenge and Christopher’s mission to save the dragons become more interwoven than the first seemed.
This is a wonderfully adventurous read with dark twists and fantastic creatures everywhere – including Jacques with his (lack of fire ro lem s hin es and manti ores galore. The plot grips throughout and, as ever, Rundell displays her trust in the ability of her readers of all a es to en o the finest writing and storytelling.
Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley (Oneworld, £8.99, Ages 13+) has linked hara ters with her first oo The Firekeeper’s Daughter but this is absolutely not a sequel and can be enjoyed in its own right.
The plot revolves around the Indian Child Welfare Act – a piece of legislation which sought to reconnect Native American children with their families, after decades of
them being forcibly taken and placed into boarding schools. In the early years of this ent r is wor in in a diner havin ed the foster system. Her white father had passed away when she was young and had lied to her about her true maternal heritage.
hen a i e om oes off at the diner she ends in hos ital where she s finall tra ed down by a lawyer and a young woman who is the best friend of her biological sister. But these new encounters are clouded for Lucy in more immediate dramas – the things she knows about the bomb and who planted it, and her urgent need to back on the run. This is a beautiful, addictive and thrilling novel that weaves fresh takes on modern Native American culture.
Dracula and Daughters by Emma Carroll (Faber, £7.99, Ages 8+) sees another imperious writer for middle-grade readers returning to the shelves this autumn, this time with her first f ll sasha into fantas . For twenty years Temstown has been free of vampires but the inhabitants – scarred from past traumas – still walk around in fear, clutching their garlic and clad in silver to ward off a otential ret rn. o n ina wants nothing more than to be a doctor, but girls are not allowed to study medicine or indeed attend secondary school at all. Instead, ina a renti es with the town s do tor and one night, planning to develop her skills, she sneaks across the river to the graveyard to disinter the body of a young actress who had died in mysterious circumstances.
There she runs into (literally!) Bella – the daughter of the local funeral director – and together they discover that the actress in question has already risen from her grave. So begins an eerie vampiric mystery full of adventure and self-discovery and featuring a raven who loves sandwiches. What better way to prepare for Hallowe’en season that a sandwich-guzzling corvid!
Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; www.mrbsemporium.com
CONNECT, DISCOVER, CELEBRATE
It’s Bath’s Big Day for Volunteering
From helping your neighbours to supporting local charities, volunteering is one of the easiest ways to make Bath an even better place to live. But knowing where to begin can feel daunting. That’s why the 3SG Volunteer Fair is the perfect starting point. On Friday 17th October, the Apex Hotel will be buzzing with over 40 local charities, all
ready to showcase the many different ways you can get involved – whether you’re just mildly curious about dipping a toe in, or keen to take on something more regular. Running from 11am to 3pm, the Fair is the perfect place to discover the wide variety of opportunities available across Bath & North East Somerset. Whether you can spare just an hour a month or have bigger ambitions to give back, there’s
something to match every skill, passion and lifestyle. From supporting the arts to protecting local green spaces, volunteering opens the door to learning, connecting, and making a real difference in our communities.
But the day doesn’t stop there. Straight after the Fair, the Apex Hotel transforms for the 3SG After Party – a friendly networking event from 3.30pm to 5pm. Here, local businesses are invited to join charities and volunteers in celebrating the power of community collaboration. It’s a chance to share stories, make connections, and spark new partnerships – all while enjoying a relaxed and sociable atmosphere (and a glass of fizz!)
Together, the Fair and the After Party highlight what makes Bath special: people coming together to
support one another, build relationships, and create positive change.
So why not take a break from your Friday routine? Drop into the Volunteer Fair to see where your time and talents could lead – and then stay on to raise a glass to the extraordinary spirit of volunteering at the After Party. n
PROTECTING RAINFOREST WORLDWIDE
From its base in Bath, Rainforest Concern has spent over 30 years working hand-in hand with indigenous communities, local NGOs and scientists to protect some of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Protecting rainforests safeguards our future. Every acre protected is a living legacy – sustaining livelihoods and defending biodiversity for generations to come.
What can I do?
There are many ways Bath Life readers can help Rainforest Concern:
• Sponsor an Acre: Protecting an acre of tropical forest in somebody’s name is beautiful and truly meaningful gift
• Become a Rainforest Guardian: Regular support keeps rangers in the field and forests standing
• Corporate partnerships: from team fundraisers to sponsoring forest, we help businesses turn their charitable contributions into real-world impact
• Schools & community groups: we offer straightforward and inspiring resources to bring rainforest conservation to life.
We believe in transparency and impact you can see – regular
project updates, compelling stories from the field, and clear ways to get involved. Whether you’re an individual donor, a business looking to do more, or a school planning a term-time project, your support helps stop deforestation where it’s happening and protects irreplaceable habitats. If you would like to find out more please contact us or check our website and socials. n
“There’s
WHAT LIES BENEATH
Bath gets creepy in a new supernatural thriller launching at FilmBath
By Ric Rawlins
When we think of Bath on film it s o r e en romcoms and period dramas that come to mind, like Persuasion, Bridgerton and Vanity Fair, and certainly not river vampires or creepy woods. t ivin s the hills is ath film ma er i awlins with his Wild Swimmers, a supernatural serial killer thriller filmed in and aro nd the it . remierin on to er as art of the ilm ath festival t rn to a e for more the losed off and m sterio sl off limits olonnades by Pulteney Weir, are being opened up specially for this one night. Here Ric reveals how Bath shaped his love for horror, and how it helped this movie come into being…
WIDCOMBE
In the summer of 1999, my teenage feet were walking along the canal in Widcombe – and that was when I saw it. A barge covered entirely in black. Pausing for a moment, I could see it was tightly wrapped in tough, dark material – no light getting in, no light getting out, like some iant oatin o n. learl it o rred to me a vampire is living on this barge. I walked away and forgot a o t the en o nter for ears.
BATHEASTON
All those walks into nature during Covid inevitably led to some new discoveries, and for me, it was a small hippie boatyard behind the Old Mill Hotel that rents electric boats. It was from here that my best friend and I started taking trips down the river. The further you sail along the River Avon, the wilder it gets. The heron’s always there – watching and waiting in his usual place, but signs of human life start to fade away as you drift along: the trees get wilder, the landscapes loom larger.
“It occurred to me a vampire is living on this barge”
I remember one hot day, our boat got tangled in underwater reeds. As my friend stood up to clear the motor, he smiled and said: “The monster in the reeds. That’s what your next movie should be about!”
LARKHALL
hat winter I was sli in down the i hills of airfield Park towards the Rondo theatre, where Carrie the Musical was showing. I was heading out to scout for actors for the new movie. Now here’s the funny thing about amateur theatre it is almost alwa s fantasti . a e the first time you go in expecting something wobbly, but after that, you always leave entranced, inspired that people have come together for love, not money, to make a quality rod tion. It s ertainl informed m filmma in to know that everything you need to tell a story is right here in Bath.
That night, I was knocked sideways by one actor: Caroline Murray, who was playing Carrie’s troubled mother. The funny thing about Caroline is she’s possibly the best actor in Bath, but – and this is part that makes her truly great – she has no ambition to be famous. None whatsoever. She signed up anyway.
HONG KONG
Okay, not it’s Bath, but Hong Kong is the home of Valerie Kwok, our lead actor. She plays a journalism student Deji, who sets out to solve some historic deaths along the river. She teams up with a photography student (Caroline), and together they begin investigating. But evil lives upstream, and let’s just say, the water turns red.
Valerie herself has some deep feelings about journalism. She’d grown up in Hong Kong and witnessed the fragility of the free press, so she wanted to bring some of these details into her character and give her a moral dedication to the truth. Her own thoughts and connection to the film reall ave s somethin interestin .
FARLEFT: Lead actor Valerie Kwok on the steps of Pulteney Bridge, opposite the Colonnades; INSET: Vampires rise in Farleigh Rise BELOW: Bath Rugby Ladies’ team allowed filming to take place on their Lambridge training ground;
ABOVE: Browne’s Folly tower in Farleigh Rise where a little girl is said to have died; BELOW: Wild Swimmers’ Bath-based director Ric Rawlins
BELOW: Valerie who plays journalism student Deji; INSET: Local actor Caroline Murray also stars in Wild Swimmers; FARRIGHT: Did the ghost of little Sally visit the crew during filming?
THE BATH RUGBY LADIES’ TRAINING GROUND
I wanted Wild Swimmers to e a alm film with the tem erat re of a ren h artho se movie t n t ated with o asional rsts of adrenaline. nd so the i set ie e of the film was devised a hase se en e etween the hero and the villain that wo ld smash thro h the middle of a live r mat h.
If o loo at the am rid e trainin ro nd at ni ht it s alread inemati . he iant oodli hts the s ale of the it h. Ima inin what it wo ld e li e with the a tion of the hase drivin thro h the heart of it I was r in m hands to ether with lee.
o m eternal ratit de ath adies a reed to sta e the mat h. t there was one at h r season was endin and the window to et it done was ti ht. n the first ni ht it rained too hard for the ameras. n the se ond ni ht the it h was i too dan ero s. e waited a month for another o ort nit . n the final ni ht I nearl ave m self a hernia r nnin with the amera to ee t we nailed it.
THE RIVER AVON
amera on om ose the shot re ord. It reall sho ld e that sim le t on a little ele tri oat o re driftin in de rees worth of ossi le dire tions as soon as o line the shot it s immediatel one a ain. nd the less said a o t the amera we dro ed in the river the etter...
or all the a on the a sed tho h the river and its ad a ent anal e ame s e ial hara ters in this film. Ins ired the wa Jaws had t real fishermen on s reen we feat red mem ers of the ar e omm nit in small arts to a t re st a limmer of their romanti al eit to h lifest les.
I had to as a lot of a tors to m in the river that s mmer sometimes even as winter was omin on and the tem erat res dro ed. here seemed to e a va e sense of arma on the da I event all fo nd m self witho t a st ntman and had to ta e the l n e m self.
ABOVE: There be vampires in Bath!; BELOW: The normally shut Colonnades are being opened up specially for the screening
BATHFORD
or the lima of the film we fo nd a ave in rowne s oll a s oo forest on the arlei h ise whi h is infamo sl home to Sall in the oods. She is the host of a o n irl who alle edl starved to death while lo ed inside rowne s oll tower in the th ent r . She is said to ha nt the woods and when she is resent no irds sin . She has also een nown to a ear to near ars a sin near serio s a idents.
hese da s man of its aves have een losed off for safet and onservation reasons t we were a le to install o r ameras in the last remainin one and waited for ni htfall. In retros e t this was a mista e. alfwa thro h the shoot we heard the distin t so nd of twi s sna in in the forest. e all h shed ea h other silent and listened. othin . hen another twi sna ed. s all in these ir mstan es I d ass me we had some ot smo in o ths a roa hin t seein as it was midni ht there was onl one on l sion the host of Sall had fo nd s.
Some hi h it hed S and ash of tor hes later we realised it was the at onservationists he in on o lation n m ers. s m heart rate ret rned to normal I de ided it was est not to share o r vam iri reasons for ein there and ietl hid the lasti fan s that s rro nded s.
BATH ABBEY COURTYARD
t hristmas it was time for o r lead a tor alerie to ret rn home to on on and it felt itter sweet to film her wal in alone ast the iant hristmas tree in the e o rt ard with arol sin ers from the e sin in in the a ro nd. nd now I thin a o t it the final shot we did was her standin st elow ltene rid e loo in o t towards the olonnades whi h is now where we will e remi rin . n For more: www.ricrawlins.com | www m at or
“Families value the close-knit feel of a town where people know one another”
ELLIE
This LITTLE TOWN of MINE
Locals share the core ingredients that make Corsham so great
By Elsie Chadwick
Corsham is the perfect example of a small picturesque Wiltshire town where tradition and creativity meet. e wanted to find o t st what it is that hel s ild a foundation for a thriving community. Is it the inspiring lands a es ri h herita e a sense of elon in friendl faces, or the artistic communities? In fact, it’s all these thin s and more as we dis over tal in to st a few of those who live work, and play the Corsham way.
THE ARTS SCENE
“Having a large and talented pool of Corsham reatives enefits events li e the Peacock Arts Trail,” says artist Chloe Pinheiro, who is helping coordinate this year’s trail that features more than 80 artists and is ret rnin to er. itho t the gifted creatives, the art trail would not have een a le to row its rilliant 12-year reputation.
“We are also exceptionally lucky to have unwavering support from the residents of Corsham and the s rro ndin areas who love a in lo al art sinesses and man small lo al sinesses are ea er to e a art of the ea o Arts Trail week. We also have a fantastic town council, who are hugely supportive of what we are doing, and has helped us achieve grants towards the management of the trail, including a youth zone, which encourages young people to engage with the artistic community.”
MAINIMAGE: Corsham is renown for its heritage good looks;
ABOVE: Artist Chloe Pinheiro is helping organise the Peacock Arts Trail
PHOTO BY
MCCALLUM PHOTOGRAPHY
“SO MUCH TO OFFER”
“I work as a GP in a local town but chose my home town of Corsham for my private work because I love it here, and so do my patients,” says Dr Carla Wilcox, a GP who also specialises in aesthetic therapies. “It’s easily accessible and I have patients that come from all over including Swindon, Malmesbury, and Bath, and they all say how lucky I am to live in Corsham.
orsham has so m h to offer with lots of independent businesses, and there is a real essence of small businesses wanting to help each other. The town has everything you need from a stationers who will assist with printing needs to a hardware store, gift shops, and even independent clothes shops. There is a large library at the leisure centre and lots of play parks that my own children like to enjoy. After a long day at work, it’s also nice to meander towards Box, admiring the fabulous views along the Peacock Trail.”
WELCOMING
“When I came to the area to take over the opticians nine years ago, I was welcomed by everyone, which was wonderful,” says Cilla Hubbard, owner and dispensing optician of Corsham Opticians. “The traders are all very supportive of each other, and it’s a pleasure to be part of a network in a town where everyone knows you and looks out for each other.
“The pedestrianised high street makes it very safe for walking around, and the peacocks from Corsham Court provide lots of free entertainment!”
“Why wouldn’t you utilise the fabulous backdrop that is Corsham”
ABOVE: Even the local opticians is a sight for sore eyes!; BELOW: The majesty of Corsham Court – home of the peacocks and where Disney+’s Rivals was filmed; INSET: Dr Carla Wilcox considers herself lucky to call Corsham her home
LOOKING GOOD!
“Being Corsham-based means I know many other local small businesses and families who in turn recommend me. Everyone knows everyone, so word gets around,”says photographer Ellie McCallum
“I also know so many lovely places to take photographs in. My surrounding environment plays a huge part in my work. I will always try to photograph clients outside, as why wouldn’t you utilise the fabulous backdrop that is Corsham or Corsham Court.
“Being a part of the local community is very important to my business and me personally. A business I do some work for often mention me to another and so my portfolio of clients has expanded.
“A recent project I have worked on was the Peacock Arts Trail, l photographed many of the images for the brochure of artists’ work for the up and coming event. I have worked with many of the artists featured already photographing them in their studios and so it’s been a fabulous continuation to capture their work for this great project.
“On a personal note Corsham has been our home for the last 19 years and we have raised our children here. It’s been great to see them have a childhood where they have the freedom of the countryside but also easy a ess to ath and ities f rther afield s h as ristol and ondon.
NEW ENERGY
“As well as the impressive historical architecture in the main high street and Corsham Court house and grounds, the re ent in of interestin inde endent sho s af s and businesses have helped make Corsham a cool little Wiltshire town,” says David King owner of Oil & Ink Gallery which houses an eclectic collection of contemporary art, retro furniture, ceramics, glass and sculpture. “As a working artist and hoto ra her the idea of an afforda le s a e to showcase my work, as well as other local artists, sculptors and makers was incredibly appealing. I was looking for somewhere suitable to set up a gallery space without the high overheads of somewhere like Bath. By chance, the building we are now housed in, came up out of blue, and it has worked incredibly well in terms of footfall, sales, and interest. There has also been tremendous positivity and support from residents and visitors.”
INDIE SPIRIT
“The Corsham Bookshop has been on the high street since 2002. It is one of the longest-running retail businesses here, and embraces the independent spirit of Corsham,” says owner Janet Brakspear. “The town is a great place to have an independent bookshop – there are lots of people here who love reading and like our taste in greetings cards too. e are all oo lovers who wor here and we love findin the ri ht readin fit for o r stomers. e have a small t m h loved oo s s ri tion servi e too. ots of o r stomers are ha to se o r next-day ordering service rather than going online.
“Corsham has everything you need for the perfect Saturday morning o tin . o an et o rself a tast offee in one of several af s your supper ingredients from our award winning butchers, the health food shop and the indie greengrocers. Then once you’re done, take a quiet stroll in Corsham Court Park, and then stop for a while, and read the book you’ve selected from us!”
ABOVE: Photographer Ellie McCallum has lived in Corsham for 19 years; RIGHT: Janet Brakspear outside her Corsham Bookshop; BELOW: The Oil & Ink gallery, owned by David King, is proving to be a big hit with both locals and visitors
SENSE OF INDIVIDUALITY
“Corsham has really come into its own in recent years – no longer just a place on the edge of Bath or Chippenham, but a fantastic standalone town in its own right,” says Alex Barton, director of Wadswick Country Store, the family-run country shopping destination situated on a farm just outside the town. “It’s the independent spirit that makes it special: a mix of small shops, cafés and local businesses that give it a en ine omm nit feel and a hara ter o don t find ever where. It has a great sense of individuality – it isn’t a carbon copy of every other market town. There’s a thriving independent scene here including lots of local events that bring people together –even the peacocks occasionally visit the high street to see what’s going on!
“The local community, fellow traders and residents are also absolutely central to our success. We collaborate regularly with local producers and artisans, stocking their goods in the store and featuring them in Forage’s menu, which keeps everything fresh and locally rooted.
“As a country store – Wadswick is rooted on a working farm –ever thin we do is heavil in en ed o r r ral settin . rom the products we stock to the way we value sustainability and the outdoors, the countryside shapes both the culture of the business and the image people have of us.”
FAMILY ORIENTATED
“Families value the close-knit feel of a town where people know one another, lend support, and come together for community events such as the family bike ride, the 10K run or the street fair,” says Mr Tim O’Connell, headmaster of Heywood Prep. “Being part of Corsham is at the heart of who we are as a school. Our pupils really enjoy opportunities to contribute – whether by exhibiting artwork in the Peacock Arts Trail, singing for residents at Hungerford House, or joining the community choir at the Christmas tree light switch-on. We also enjoy
BY ELLIE MCCALLUM PHOTOGRAPHY
“The countryside shapes the culture of the business”
collaborating with local schools, such as Corsham Regis, through shared music workshops.
“A project particularly close to our hearts is the Corsham Food Bank. It is a wonderful initiative that provides vital support for local families, and each year our pupils contribute as part of our Harvest celebrations. It gives them a meaningful way to connect with the community while learning the importance of kindness and respect.
“We feel very fortunate to work in a town with so m h to offer. ils and staff ali e en o s endin time in the grounds of Corsham Court and visiting the almshouses, and we make the most of the excellent local sports facilities at Leafy Lane and Corsham Cricket Ground.
r staff also a re iate ein a le to step out at lunchtime, whether that means rowsin the i h Street i in owers from heodora s or en o in a offee from ood s.
“It is a privilege to work in such a beautiful town, and a wonderful place for our children to experience their childhood.” n
ABOVE: Wadswick Country Store celebrates its rural setting; BELOWLEFT: Heywood Prep is very much part of the community; INSET: Even the famous Corsham peacocks are pretty proud of their town
Since 1991, Frock Follies has been Corsham’s destination for beautifully edited seasonal fashion. From designer to top-end high street labels, our ever-changing rails are filled with quality casualwear — some pieces new with tags, others gently worn.
A sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe
We sell on a simple 50/50 commission basis, taking in by appointment only. The market has changed over the years, and we no longer accept formal clothing but specialise more in individual quality casual pieces.
Hello, I’m Dr. Carla Wilcox, a local GP with a passion for skin health.
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Book your no obligation consultation today. after before
Corsham The Porch Surgery Beechfield Road, Corsham, SN13 9DL | Chippenham Park Lane Beauty, 2 New Road, Chippenham, SN15 1EG
It’s a story of two halves at Larkhall’s latest hotspot, and both tell a day and night tale of community, friendship and fabulous food
By Chantelle Horton
Slap bang in the middle of Larkhall –with work from local artists on the walls, a menu featuring produce from the butchers opposite, and cocktails made with local seasonal produce from the farm shop down the road – stands The Village at the heart of the community.
Since taking over from the hugely popular Ma Cuisine in late 2024 (allowing Christophe Lacroix, a Larkhall legend, to focus on his Bistro Chef ready meals), the new owners have poured their heart and soul into this lively spot, and it shows. Everything about the place, from the ever-changing menus, vintage cutlery, and welcoming atmosphere, is carefully considered to cater for everyone, as well as shine a light on fellow local businesses. It’s homely, friendly and ticks a lot of breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea boxes.
he li ht filled room with d s in walls and sun-trap terrace is the cutest spot for your morning offee when it s in with ost dro off arents and dog walkers. The cosy booths and clever use of space worked on by The Village team and local carpenter Josh Jaeger, which, along with the warm art-deco lighting and smooth tunes, make it ideal for the Friday night switch to o tails la sharin lates and more o tails.
“It’swithpacked friendlygutgoodness without tasting worthy”
It helps that co-owner Holly Bower is also the founder of Wiltshire-based Scout and Sage Spirits, so she knows her way around a cocktail glass or two, and that fellow co-owner Kalvin Simmons is the owner of Bath’s oldest gay bar and club Mandalyns – so he knows a thing or two about welcoming party vibes.
The food also takes you seamlessly from day to night. Breakfasts include classics like eggs benedict and a homemade granola that will make you rethink everything you thought about granola. Who knew a grain could be that good?! Served with a fruit compote – on this occasion, local plums and ginger (which also cleverly feat red in o r o tails that evenin there is ero food waste here), it’s packed with gut-friendly goodness without tasting worthy. Chia seeds, bananas, grapes, organic maple syrup and yoghurt – a bowl of this makes you feel like you’ve just done your body a real favour. So you’ve fully deserved following it up with a warm buttery croissant or cake from the counter.
Whilst avocado on toast is almost a breakfast cliché now it hits differentl here. o s o se so rdo h dri les of asil oil rosemar roasted tomatoes and a jar of homemade chilli oil to serve – this is next level. And the pink amaranth micro salad on top against the colourful vintage plate looks as pretty as the painting
DINING DETAILS
The Village café & bar, 3 – 4 St Saviours Road, Larkhall, Bath BA1 6RT. tel: 01225 312959; www.thevillagelarkhall.co.uk
Opening hours MondayThursday 8.45am – 5pm. On Friday & Saturday 8.45am – 11pm, with the kitchen re-opening at 6pm)
Owned by Good friends
Holly Bower and Kalvin
Simmons who met 30 years ago when Kalvin was manager of the Theatre Vaults Restaurant and Holly was managing her mum’s place, the Paragon Wine Bar
Established November 2024
Type of food Homemade and sourced locally
Covers 28 with a further 18 outside on the terrace.
Prices Start at £3 for sweet things at the counter, up to £19.50 for a main
Recommendations For breakfast try home-made granola and yoghurt, then Croque Monsieur for lunch with the roasted vegetables and hummus plate; and in the evening Larkhall Butchers’ steak served with garlicky herby butter and frites
Drinks Wines are sourced from Amathus Wines on Green Street
Look out for Pop ups and supper clubs including Ben Tonks from The Seahorse in Dartmouth later this month
above us.
Lunch continues the theme of classics done well, using seasonal ingredients and plated with love. Larkhall Butchers’ minute steak with garlicky herb butter and fries is deliciously hearty.
If you’re looking for something lighter the salad changes every week – the roasted toms, fennel, beets, feta and lemon on sourdough on our visit is vibrant and colourful. Baguettes including Coronation chicken are served with, the crunchy, zingy, homemade Village Slaw, and there’s a great choice of bagels, including hummus and basil oil roasted peppers. If you’re in a rush, all baguettes, bagels and Croque’s can be made to takeaway. And if you’re not, then sit back, relax and enjoy Larkhall people watching on the bustling high street with a chai latte or something stronger. Ales come from Electric Bear, French cider is on tap and the house red wine is a light French blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes that’s far superior to most pub options. A perfect partner for the steak, and at £5.90 a glass, it’s tempting not to have another, it’s that kind of place. You may come for a morning cuppa with a friend, and end up merrily leaving many hours later, with a whole bunch of new Village friends.
As daylight disappears and the candles are lit, evenings are not to be missed. On Friday and Saturday nights there’s an eclectic mix of pop ups featuring local foodie indies such as Raya’s Thai Thali and burger legends at Milk Bun (booking essential) On nights with no planned events, The Village serve their own evening plates – a hoi e of fo r or five offerin s in l din a i s i and perfectly crisp buttermilk chicken burger, or veggie plate of roasted a li ower and arrots with harissa h mm s and a tortilla. Perfect nibbles to accompany the weekly changing ‘Cocktail at Six’. On our visit this is a delicate Gin Sour featuring Scout and Sage Gin and that hard working plum compote we’d had with our granola.
So much thought, care and love has gone into what was a big rebrand for this gorgeous corner-spot café. And whilst it’s still relatively early days, The Village already feels like it’s been here forever, and that’s a great sign. n
FOOD & DRINK
WE’LL DRINK TO THAT!
Corkage, the acclaimed independent wine restaurant on Chapel Row, has just been named the 2025 winner of the ‘Restaurant Wine List of the Year’ at the IWC Industry Awards in a ceremony held at London’s Guildhall.
Corkage is celebrated for its extensive wine list, which comprises 180-200 wines at any one time, with 50-60 available by the glass, categorised by wine style. Judges lauded Corkage for its thoughtful and expertly assembled wine list that balances accessibility with ambition –featuring both lesser-known varietals and celebrated classics.
“Winning the IWC’s Best Restaurant Wine List of the Year in the whole of the UK is a tremendous honour for Corkage,” says co-owner Richard Knighting. “Our team pours so much passion into curating a list that genuinely excites our guests, pairing perfectly with our seasonal food and offerin somethin for ever palate.”
For more: www.corkagebath.com
Marty Grant and Richard Knighting accept their award from judge Helen McGinn at the IWC Industry Awards
Corkage’s wine list comprises 180 – 200 wines
Corkage on Chapel Row, has just been named Restaurant Wine List of the Year
SPILL
THE TEA
PECKING ORDER
ver tho ht a o t ee in hi ens t are ns re where to start ath it arm is holdin an introd tion to hi en ee in all da o rse on to er. he e inner friendl event with hands on e erien e is led the farm s livesto oordinator lla and will in l de settin and maintainin o r oo hoosin the ri ht reed for o r needs n trition handlin and dail are and how to arr o t a f ll hi en health he . here are s ots availa le with ri es startin from .
For more: www.bathcityfarm.org.uk
Inde endent tea om an ird lend ea o. has arrived in the it rin in with it distin tive award winnin tea and mat ha in l din ho olate i estives Straw err emonade and in er read hai as well as firm favo rites s h as ilders rea fast rew and arl re r me. he ath ran h sit ated on the orner of rton Street has introd ed a rand new tea est o ntr ear ider a ris fr it tea erfe t for old rewin with rofits from sales oin to lo al harit ff he e ord.
i e rner mana in dire tor of the om an whi h he o fo nded in sa s stomer e erien e is at the heart of ever thin we do. lon side the fast rowth of the di ital side of o r siness we re ro dl ontin in to invest in lo al hi h streets too. e see o r stores as not st retail s a es t as omm nit h s where stomers an ome to ma e onne tions with one another and o r team and en o intera tin with o r teas. or s there will alwa s e a la e for ma i al in erson e erien es and we re deli hted to e arrivin in ath.
For more: www.birdandblendtea.com
CABIN CREW
he tearoom alon the la e on the on leat state has o iall een reo ened ord ath. he Shearwater a in af has nder one ref r ishment alon side essential reservoir safet wor . a l a son head of ommer ial o erations at on leat sa s e now the af is o lar with wal ers with and witho t do s so we wanted to ens re there was the o tion to ra on the o sna s and drin s as well as leis re da essentials.
For more: www.longleat.co.uk
BIG CHEESEY WINS
he s lar est inde endent heese rod er and a leadin renewa le ener ioneer e arms ased in r ton has had a series of wins at the re ent id Somerset Show.
he om an s mat re heddar was hono red as the verall Show ham ion heese while its vinta e heddar s oo ed oth eserve ham ion and e ional ham ion titles . e arms mat re heddar also a hieved the eserve Somerset ham ion award .
i h lothier mana in dire tor and third eneration heesema er at e arms sa s e are thrilled with o r award wins it is a testament to the alit s ill and dedi ation that oes into o r heddar and tter ma in .
For more: www.wykefarms.com
Shearwater Cabin on the Longleat estate has officially reopened
BELOW: Oscar Emery with the West Country Pear Cider made specially for the Bath store; INSET: Bird & Blend offers over 100 tea options
Learn how to keep chickens at Bath City Farm
Wyke Farms’ technical director Diane Cox and managing director Rich Clothier celebrate the wins; INSET: Award winning mature cheddar
THE PERFECT SPOT FOR YOUR STAFF CHRISTMAS PARTY
When it comes to staff Christmas parties, businesses in Bath have plenty of optionsbut few can match the energy, atmosphere and sparkle of BARDACIOUS
Since opening in 2024, this stylish Southern Californian-inspired venue on Quiet Street has earned a reputation as one of the city’s liveliest destinations, and at Christmas it becomes a true festive showstopper.
The space itself sets the tone. Housed in a grand former bank, Bardacious already has striking proportions and a vibrant aesthetic. For December, it’s dressed to impress with twinkling lights, garlands, a glittering tree and plenty of festive sparkle, creating a backdrop that feels both elegant and fun.
What makes Bardacious especially suited to work celebrations is its ability to host groups of all sizes. With capacity for 85 guests, it’s perfect for both small team dinners and full-scale company parties. The restaurant offers exclusive reserved spaces that give businesses privacy while still allowing them to enjoy the venue’s buzz. Tables are festively decorated, complete with crackers, while service is designed to make organising a group effortless.
Festive party menus focus on sharing, with set platters and sides served in the middle of the table, encouraging colleagues to relax, talk and celebrate together. Dessert is included, ensuring no one leaves without something sweet. Drinks packages are flexible, covering wine, beer, and Bardacious’s famed
cocktail list, which gets a seasonal makeover with spiced margaritas, mulled wine, cider and alcohol-free mocktails.
Adding to the atmosphere are live music nights, DJ sets and festive surprises, which bring an extra dose of fun to the celebrations. From midweek team get-togethers to larger end-of-year celebrations, Bardacious offers the perfect balance of setting and spirit.
For businesses wanting to treat their teams to something memorable, Bardacious offers the right blend of festive cheer, stylish surroundings and organisational ease. It’s professional enough to impress, relaxed enough to let staff unwind, and lively enough to guarantee that the Christmas party is remembered long after the decorations come down. n
16 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LS; 01225 823333; www.royalcrescent.co.uk
THE SEPOY CLUB
1 York Buildings, Bath BA1 2EB; 01225 464455; www.thesepoyclub.co.uk
WHATLEY MANOR
Easton Grey SN16 0RB; 01666 822888; www.whatleymanor.com n
LIFE’S RICH TAPESTRY
The importance of choosing the right material for the job
By John Mather
When it comes to interior design, style often steals the spotlight – but the real foundation of a beautiful, lasting space lies in the materials you choose, and this is never more important when looking at soft furnishings.
The clue’s in the name –we want the tactile comfort of a cushion, the soft texture of a rug underfoot, the pleasing drape of a curtain – but not all fabrics are created equal. Beyond the aesthetics, we might need to consider durability, warmth, room usage, and even acoustics. Here our experts advise on what to look for, and why choosing the right textiles matters.
FABRIC OF BEING
Selecting the right fabric is both an art and a science. While colour and attern mi ht e the first thin s a lient ima ines o r e erts a ree the real starting point is always material suitability, as Tom Kennedy co-founder of the Bath-based design house Divine Savages explains: “We create bold, statement-making prints designed to bring personality into interiors, so the fabric must not only carry those vibrant designs beautifully but also stand the test of everyday life. For us, it’s crucial that the fabric has the right texture to show our designs at their best while also being practical enough to withstand use in the home.” Practicality, then, is at the heart of creativity.
“Natural fabrics will always be timeless”
Fred Horlock design director of Neptune, the kitchen design, furniture and home accessories store, agrees, stressing the importance of thinking about how the fabric will be used. “Always consider the practicalities of a fa ri first efore ettin distra ted aestheti onsiderations. fa ri hosen for a fast a ed famil environment will have ver different needs to a de orative o asion ie e within a low tra area.
For Janet Allen, owner of The Fabric Shed specialising in handmade curtains and soft furnishings, the advice is strai htforward itho t do t m first tho hts are the fa ri s intended se. lient tends to thin of olo r or attern first t it s my job to advise on suitability. A plush, drapey silk velvet is perfect for a sumptuous, heavy pair of curtains, but may not be as suitable for a Roman blind.”
Durability is also paramount for Redesign Studio Interiors studio director and interior designer Leah Chisnall: “Adding well made soft f rnishin s to o r home is definitel an investment and this investment needs to be long-lasting as they need to stand up against daily use and remain beautiful, soft and functional for years to come.”
“As a curtain maker, my initial consideration is how it will drape for the client,” says creator bespoke window treatments and soft
furnishings, Laura Campbell. “For example, if a client loves 100 per ent linen t the want their rtains to sit e a tl to hin the oor they need to know this isn’t likely to happen! Linen reacts to heat and can shrink or expand, so the best drape is slightly overlong.”
WEIGHING IT UP
Weight and weave are two often-overlooked elements that can quite literally make or break a fabric in the home. But does heavier mean stronger? Well, yes and no, as Janet Allen explains, “A densely woven fa ri ontains more fi res than a loose weave so it is enerall more durable, regardless of its weight. I think there is a common misconception that a heavier fabric is always stronger.” Leah Chisnall adds “Heavier fabrics are usually more durable, as they are thicker –so wear better against daily pulling, tearing, and rubbing. Similarly, a ti hter weave is more d ra le the fi res of the fa ri are held to ether more tightly, making them less likely to pull or wear.”
Fred Horlock brings in a metric for durability: “While a higher fabric weight and closer weave do tend to be more durable and harder wearing, it isn’t always a true measure for durability. Most fabrics will be measured against the Martindale scale; a minimum of 10,000 for light use, 25,000 plus for general domestic furniture.”
ABOVE: Selecting the right fabric is both an art and a science; OPPOSITE: John Law recommends a subtle sprinkling of luxury combined with accessible basics
There is, of course, an undeniable opulence to the heavier material as Tom Kennedy notes, “A lush, heavier cloth gives our bold prints the depth and drama they deserve, while a tighter weave keeps everything crisp and vibrant. The fabric has to feel as indulgent as it looks, while still standing up to everyday life.”
OPULENCE MEETS EVERYDAY
Velvet, silk, and leather have a reputation for glamour, but are they practical? Tom Kennedy calls velvet “the diva of fabrics –sumptuous, glamorous and unapologetically opulent. But we do believe that luxury should also be lived in, not just looked at. Our velvet pile is crafted from er ent re led ol ester offerin the ri hness and de th of olo r our prints demand, while also being practical.”
Echoing the idea of balance, Fred Horlock says, “Introducing more opulent fabrics through occasional upholstery can be a great way to balance a more premium feel with strong practicality. A feature armchair or footstool can really add personality to a space, while using a hardwearing fabric on larger seating keeps things timeless.”
Janet Allen is pragmatic: “The placement of a fabric is always a consideration. In heavy footfall or sunny areas, a blended ‘luxury’ fabric such as poly silk, linen, or velvet may be more suitable. These tend to be more durable and fade-resistant than natural fabrics, yet still create an opulent look.”
Look at strategic placement suggests Leah Chisnall: “To balance l rio s deli ate fa ri s li e sil I la e them in low tra areas or where they can’t be regularly touched, to keep them from damage. For example, silk for a lampshade or decorative cushion, with more durable linen on a sofa or armchair.”
John Law, interior creative director and co-founder of the interior and garden design company Woodhouse & Law, recommends a subtle sprinkling of luxury combined with accessible basics: “Our recommendation would always be to balance using more accessibly priced fabrics and materials with a little bit of luxe for good measure. Have cushions made in something extravagant while opting for a more accessibly priced sofa fabric. Updating these cushions can have
just the same impact.”
And Laura Campbell sees lining for curtains as essential and not a luxury.“A really good lining and interlining is required. Both velvet and 100 per cent silk are prone to sun damage, and in time, it really is inevitable, but we can at least prolong this by using the best quality linings.”
TRENDSETTERS OR TOTALLY TIMELESS?
o we see fa ri s e and ow with fashion or are the the ver definition of timeless Emily Fletcher director of Salcombe Trading Co, says think timeless: “We aren’t into ‘trends’; we like to stick to lassi nat ral fi res that won t a e. hin wool linen shee s in “Certain materials, like velvet, will always be timeless,” agrees Tom Kennedy. “They might slip in and out of the spotlight, but they never truly leave. For us, it’s about blending the enduring glamour of classics with a playful nod to what’s happening now.”
“Autumn lends itself to the longing we get to cocoon”
Laura Campbell sees a fresh, future-facing side to the story: “Natural fabrics will always be timeless, but a lot of recycled fabrics achieve this look while using s ntheti fi res. o o ld sa this is a trend t it s also a h e ste in the right direction.” Leah Chisnall also highlights the inherent durability of natural materials: “All parts of an interior can be subject to trends. Organic materials like linen and wool have been around for hundreds of years and will always be popular, though colours and patterns come and go. Natural materials’ beauty and durability keep them evergreen.”
According to Fred Horlock, “Colour and weave tend to be more trend driven than the fabric itself. I recommend using more neutral colours and timeless fabrics such as washed linen on large pieces, and add colour and texture to smaller pieces which are more easily changed.”
ABOVE: Tom Kennedy points out a lush, heavier cloth gives the Divine Savages’ bold prints the depth and drama they deserve; OPPOSITE: Laura Campbell is a fan of Alhambra for both its beautiful linens and its sustainability ethos
INTERIORS
But there are a few considerations, says Janet Allen: “Some patterns and fabrics like stripes, checks, or linen are timeless, but it will be the setting that might contribute to a change of style. For example a silk damask will always sit timelessly in a large country house, whereas a voile wave curtain works beautifully in a contemporary home.”
KEEP IT COSY
As the seasons shift, the tactile element of interiors comes into its own, and Tom Kennedy is a fan of that most autumnal of fabrics – velvet.
“Velvet is always a favourite – rich, tactile, and instantly cosy. Texture isn’t just about soft furnishings; a bouclé armchair, fringed lampshade, or wicker can each bring warmth. Heavy knit throws and soft rugs create a layered, welcoming space.”
Fred Horlock is also a fan of velvet. “A warm, deeply coloured velvet can easily be introduced through scatter cushions, while a textural or patterned woollen throw is a i and ost effe tive wa of creating a cosy autumnal mood.”
“A weavetighterkeeps everything crisp and vibrant”
Leah Chisnall is drawn to woollens this time of year: “Lambswool and cashmere are my go-to’s for throws – incredibly soft, insulating and warm. For quilts and cushions, linen and velvet pair beautifully for both softness and warmth.”
Laura Campbell agrees: “I personally love wool for a cosy feel and have recently made some beautiful mulberry wool curtains for a bedroom, which along with interlining look like a cosy blanket.”
ohn aw finds that as the seasons han e lients are drawn to natural tones, from muted greens to terracotta pinks and earthy reds, es e iall when mi ed with ta tile finishes trims and velvets. he combination adds warmth and interest as colder nights draw in.”
nd for anet llen this is definitel the season for material tal t mn is m favo rite time to tal soft f rnishin s It lends itself to the longing we get to cocoon around about now. Fabrics such as wool, faux shee s in linen or fa f r add a softer side. a erin ff te t res creates visual warmth; colours like earthy rust or rich darker shades invoke a warm, safe feel.”
COLOURING IN
he wa olo r a ears on different materials an e fas inatin . om Kennedy believes “Colour is everything for us and how it works on fabrics. “Most colours translate beautifully across both velvet and linen. Velvet is for rich, saturated tones – it soaks up pigment like a dream, giving every jewel tone and hue an almost electric intensity, while linen softens lighter or muted shades and has a softer, more natural glow. Think velvet for maximum drama and linen for light, airy moments.”
Fred Horlock adds, “Colours feel their most vibrant on velvet, where the dense weave and slight sheen allow colours to really resonate; linen is more subdued, making it timeless.”
“Natural fabrics like cotton or linen struggle to absorb colour as much as a synthetic or mixed fabric. Silk is an exception, giving beautiful saturation. New digitally printed cottons, for example, can be even richer in colour than traditional printing,’ says Janet Allen. “Rich, jewel-like colours (navy, burgundy, gold, dark green) are beautiful on faux silks and velvets. Subtle natural palettes in soft blues, greens, or greys lend themselves to organic fabrics like cotton or linen.”
Consider fade resistance advises Leah Chisnall: “Linen and cotton are more likely to fade over time. Wool holds colour much more tightly and is less likely to fade, which is perfect for vibrant, punchy hues.”
Emily Fletcher, meanwhile, urges restraint: “We believe large expanses of fabric should stay neutral, so you can easily change your scheme with cushions and throws. Many customers have regretted bold sofas or curtains, only to swap them a year later.”
GREEN THINKING
The evolution of eco-friendly fabrics is gathering pace and our panel is learl enth sed. om enned s re led velvet is a ro d a shi “Our recycled velvet is sourced from plastic bottles – it’s just like traditional velvet in terms of feel and performance, but with a lighter footprint on the planet.”
Janet Allen champions similar innovation: “Manufacturers have responded positively to the demand for eco-friendly options, such as Prestigious Textiles’ Eco range made from plastic bottles, and Clarke & Clarke’s Eco-fabric collection. Eco-friendly fabrics now perform comparably, if not better than traditional ones, and are inherently more durable and soft.”
Leah Chisnall is impressed too: “My biggest concern used to be
ABOVE: Leah Chisnall loves the recycled fibre fabrics of Colours of Arley; BELOW: Emily Fletcher suggests fabrics in neutrals for timeless classic looks
Laura Campbell Designs crafts bespoke curtains, blinds, and soft furnishings tailored to your style. From her studio at Farrington’s Farm, Laura offers a growing library of fabrics, samples, and expert advice. With years of seamstress experience, she delivers beautifully made curtains, blinds, pelmets, cushions, and more— alongside tracks, poles, and roller or bamboo blinds.
From free local measuring (within 30 miles) to professional installation, Laura works with you every step to create a space that’s exactly as you imagined.
12a Left Cabin Home Farm, Farrington Gurney BS396UB 07446983383; laura@lauracampbelldesigns.com
“This investment needs to be long-lasting”
ABOVE: While a client tends to think of colour or pattern first, Janet Allen’s job is to advise on suitability; OPPOSITE: Fred Horlock stresses the importance of thinking about how the fabric will be used
dra e t the world of re led fi re fa ri s is rowin i l and the materials now erform ea tif ll . I m a i fan of olo rs of rle an ast ondon s lier as well as ir esi n who se re led otton wool and ol ester with olo rs that are ea tif l and d ra le. a ra am ell I love lham ra a S anish rand who rod e the most ea tif l linens t whose whole ethos is s staina lalit . nd mil let her oints to the hi h erformin s staina le alternative to shion fillin i ro down it s s ntheti feathers that feel li e the real deal t more d ra le and m h inder to the environment.
MYTH BUSTING
hat ideas a o t material o ld stand a loser loo anet llen shes a a ainst the idea that onl nat ral fa ri s are s erior here s a m th that onl nat ral fa ri s reate warmth or are s erior to s ntheti s. odern s ntheti s are d ra le stain resistant and availa le in man olo rs. nother m th is that wool is st for winter in realit wool re lates tem erat re all ear ro nd and an ee o ool in s mmer.
ne m th is that re led fa ri s don t feel l rio s sa s om enned . r re led velvet roves otherwise in redi l s m t o s and soft. nother is that os fa ri s m st e heav and dar ale in
velvet for e am le is ind l ent and invitin witho t feelin sti in . eah hisnall finds the ommon elief a o t leather nfair ommon mis on e tion is that leather is old and ns ita le for families t leather e omes more ea tif l and soft over time ideal for en h seats or des to s. nd a ra am ell has some ra ti al reass ran e i m th is that o sho ldn t over o r radiator with rtains. eat rises so there s no reason o an t en o ea tif l os f ll len th rtains
IN THE MIX
n final words of advi e from o r fa ri e erts la with la ers trims and olo r for interest and omfort and alwa s sele t fa ri s with ohesive tones for a harmonio s res lt sa s ohn aw. om enned advises o s on the ri ht lend of drama te t re and ra ti al d ra ilit and o ll a hieve a loo that is oth of the moment and end rin l st lish. nd from anet llen hoose fa ri s that o now will ma e o ha and ins ired ever time o ome home. n For more: www.divinesavages.com | www.thefabricshed.uk | www.lauracampbelldesigns.com | www.neptune.com | www.redesignstudiointeriors.com | www.salcombetrading.co.uk | www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk
SHOPPING
ALL DOWN IN BLACK AND WHITE
The combination of black and white is striking, perennially chic, and perfect for that awkward summer/autumn wardrobe handover. It’s one of the easiest styling formulas for that put-together look – with no need to worry about your accessories because black and white will coordinate with everything from a diamanté pink clutch to a leopard-skin stiletto.
This season’s must-have is the oversized starchy white shirt but avoid the ‘can I have the bill please waiter?’ look, with wide legged, three-quarter length black trousers, to add those Hoxton hipster vibes. Throw in some statement white shoes (heels, boots, or platform trainers are all fine) and show the world you know of, approve of, and own, the ongoing 80s revival.
Still not sure? Experiment with the monochrome look and shop vintage at Dorothy House charity shops. And turn to page 86 to find out more about Dorothy House’s new Threads for Care range.
For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk
Photo by Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com
Model: Chelsy James; @gingersnapmodels
Styling: Marianne Cantelo & Jennifer Lovell Makeup: Chantelle Moody
Location: Eastwoodlands, Frome
Clothes sourced from Dorothy House charity shops; www.dorothyhouse.org.uk
TWO TONE
Switch to monochrome mode
BA&SH CHERVEY ANKLE BOOTS, WERE £415, NOW £125
It’s a Chelsea boot giving cowboy vibes, with a chunky Cuban heel, en pointe pointy toe, and elasticated pleated side detailing. From Square, 12 New Bond Street. Bath; www.squarebath.uk
HIGHCLIFF LEATHER DRIVING GLOVES, £115
Crafted in Britain as part of Dent’s Heritage Collection, these gloves are made from premium hairsheep leather for a buttery soft feel and s le e i ilit . From Dents Factory Shop, Furnax Lane, Warminster; www.dentsgloves.com
PERFORATED LEATHER TOTE IN XL, £1,095
Features an intricate knife-cut latticed pattern demonstrating exquisite artisan leathercraft, with soft gold hardware finishes ad sta le handle and detachable pouch. From Mulberry, 38 Milsom Street, Bath; www.mulberry.com
OSKA® TROUSERS 517, £229
Made from soft, pure cotton corduroy, these cropped trousers feature a wide, tapered leg with forward-shifted side seams, creating a modern silhouette. From Bath Oska, 30 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www.oska.com
SIMPLE WESTERN BELT, £60
Versatile, high-quality white leather, gold buckle belt that makes styling jeans and trousers a cinch. From Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com
SEATTLE CABLE KNIT CREW NECK JUMPER BY HOLLAND COOPER , £89 lassi film fit sweater with a rew ne lon fitted sleeves and old rivets on the ffs. Sits on the hi s for a rown re aestheti .
From Wadswick Country Store, 1 Pulteney Bridge, Bath; www.wadswick.co.uk
WHITE PUFFBALL SKIRT, WAS £89, NOW £55 er ent or ani otton midi s irt with a wide waist and a le hem detail and m st have o ets ea tif ll rafted in.
From Albaray, 24 New Bond Street, Bath; www.albaray.co.uk
ROLL UP WOOL BERET, £39
he to half of this er ent m lesin free re merino wool hat omes in the sha e of a eret with the lower art offerin a rolon ed rim that an e rolled or folded o twards or inwards.
From Blue Women, 1-2 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.bluewomensclothing.co.uk
SEERSUCKER
COTTON SHIRT, £155 i htwei ht or ani otton seers er with leats at the sleeves ta erin into narrow ttoned ffs and with soft athers at the a o e that fall into a swin silho ette.
From TOAST Bath, 7 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.toa.st
ECO FLEECE GILET, WAS £145, NOW £90
ade from er ent re led ol ester the ro ed o fit ilet feat res two la ers of ta e and ream ri ra down the entre front and hem and is the erfe t la erin ie e for ever season.
From Aspiga 7 Broad Street, Bath; www.aspiga.com
UNDER PRESSURE
Sarah Baker experiences the ‘ultimate’ all over massage to help reduce stress
The Luxe Amore Studio opened just this summer, and sits in St. James’s Place, next door to the Dolly Tub launderette – a tucked-away spot off St James’s Square. The salon says it is the ‘home of holistic bodywork’ – which sounds to me like the perfect antidote to the oncoming seasonal gloom. The studio’s muted palette of taupe, maroon and chocolate, plump cushions on plush sofas, aside leafy green plants, signals this is a place of care and calm.
Luxe Amore is the second salon for owner Megan Scott, the first being in Bristol, which since its inception in 2022, has already amassed several awards. It specialises in massage, facials, and reflexology, and by focusing on those areas, Megan says her hand-picked team can “truly excel and deliver treatments that go deeper than the surface, supporting both body and mind.”
left: The Ultimate is an all-over treatment; inset: Luxe Amore Studio opened in the summer on St. James’s Place; below: The team specialise massage, facials, and reflexology
signature, and most popular treatment, and is a whole body treatment that brings together massage, a holistic facial, and reflexology, and promises a complete reset.
“A gentle stimulation of pressure points to rebalance the body”
My therapist is the wonderful Anette, a highly experienced therapist who checks in on how I’m feeling, asking whether there are any concerns or niggles that I want her to focus on during my treatment. I realise I use the word ‘gnarly’ several times whilst gesticulating to my lower back, hips, and shoulders – I think I’m ready! The warmth of the room, the soft towels, the ambient music, and flattering lighting, alongside Anette’s calming demeanour, all play their part in settling me into the treatment.
words, not hers!) with her accomplished fingers, thumbs, forearms, and oh-so-impressive elbows, homing in on all my middle-aged aches immediately. I quickly forget the rubbish weather and the growing to-do list and melt into every gorgeous sweep, glide, and squeeze.
The back massage flows seamlessly into a holistic facial, designed to lift, tone, and restore radiance. We had discussed my skin’s need for rehydration, and Anette tweaks the products and applications to reflect this. I’m cleansed, toned, and exfoliated, and, while the rehydrating mask is doing its best, I enjoy a gentle scalp massage.
To test this out, I’m offered the Ultimate – which is quite the billing! It is the studio’s
The Ultimate begins with a back, neck, and shoulder massage using deliciously fragrant warm oil to ‘melt away tension’ – I chose the Bloom, an in-house oil blend using neroli and rose geranium. Anette focusses on ironing out my ‘gnarly’ shoulders and ‘creaking’ back (my
This top-to-toe treatment finishes with… the toes. But not just a ‘tickling’ of the toes – this is reflexology on the feet, a gentle stimulation of pressure points to rebalance the body, reduce stress, boost mood and encourage natural healing. It’s the perfect end to the perfect allover treatment. n
The Ultimate Treatment costs £125 and is 90 minutes long.
For more: Luxe Amore Studio, 2 St James’s Place, Bath; www.luxeamore.com
MEET THE HEADTEACHER
Local head teachers share insights into the challenges and responsibilities they face, both in managing their schools and supporting student wellbeing
BRADLEY SALISBURY
MONKTON COMBE SCHOOL
01225 721108; www. monktoncombeschool.com
Monkton Combe School is pleased to announce the appointment of Bradley Salisbury as Principal, commencing in January 2026.
Where did you begin your career?
My first job as a teacher was at Gordano School in Portishead where I taught Religious Studies and PSHE. As I took my first steps, I was fortunate to be surrounded by some truly outstanding, experienced teachers in my department and faculty who went above and beyond for their pupils every day. In particular, I owe Roberta, Judith and Lin a great deal for a wonderful introduction to this fantastic profession.
What advice would you give your 10-year-old self?
When I was ten years old, I was living in Manchester and about to swap the terraces at Manchester City and the delights of the curry mile in Rusholme, for the stands at The Rec and a quarter pounder with cheese and garlic mayo from
Schwarz Bros. If I could go back and speak to that nervous, Mancunian boy, I would tell him that swapping St James’ Primary for Monkton Combe Prep was going to open up a whole world of possibilities. “It’s going to be better than okay, even if the Bathonians can’t say ‘grass’ properly!”
What in education is inspiring you at the moment?
One of the joys of working in education is the constant movement as we respond to the changing needs of our young people and our society. We know that good grades are not sufficient, in and of themselves, to secure future jobs, community impact, stable relationships and personal flourishing. Leaders, teachers and support staff in schools only have to take a quick scan of our news feeds to know that the mind, body and spirit mission for education has never been more important.
So what does the future hold? I am really looking forward to playing my part not only with my colleagues at Monkton but working with schools, clubs and churches across the city. It’s going to be better than okay and after 25 years in the South West, I now say ‘grass’ just like they do in Bath!
TIM O’CONNELL HEYWOOD PREP SCHOOL admissions@heywoodprep.com;
www.heywoodprep.com
Is this your first appointment as head?
Yes, this is my first appointment as Head, and I could not be more delighted that it is at Heywood Prep. I have previously held senior leadership roles, including Head of Prep at Saint Felix in Suffolk, but stepping into this role felt like the most natural next step. When I joined Heywood as Deputy Head, I hoped it might one day lead to headship within Wishford Education, though I never imagined how fortunate I would be to step into that role here. Heywood is a place where children arrive each morning with smiling faces, ready to embrace the day. I feel privileged to lead a community that is purposeful, joyful, and full of opportunity, and to build on the strong foundations already in place.
Describe your typical day
As a father of three, my mornings start early. Two of my children attend Westonbirt Senior, so the school bus leaves Corsham not long after sunrise. I’m usually through the gates at Heywood by 7.15am, catching up with our brilliant maintenance and kitchen teams before greeting the early birds at breakfast club at 7.30am. I open the school gates and make it a point to welcome every child I pass by name. That moment of connection, whether it’s a cheerful hello or a quick chat with a parent is one of the most important parts of my day. It’s where relationships are built, questions are answered, and the tone for the day is set.
What advice would you give your ten year old self?
I was always quite a confident lad – sporty, outgoing, and comfortable in adult company. I loved being part of a team, thrived on competition, and rarely shied away from a challenge. But looking back, I realise that my confidence had its boundaries. I didn’t venture far into the world of the arts. I was reluctant to perform on stage, never picked up an
instrument, and didn’t take visual arts too seriously. I suppose I saw those things as ‘not for me’, which, in hindsight, was a missed opportunity.
What pastoral care do you offer your students?
Pastoral care at Heywood Prep is a way of life. Every child is known, valued, and supported emotionally, socially, and academically. Through strong relationships, daily connection, and inclusive activities, we nurture confidence and wellbeing. It is not a programme but who we are, helping every child feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
How does your school differ from others?
Heywood Prep is a school that feels different the moment you walk through the gates. There’s a sense of warmth, energy, and purpose that’s hard to put into words but easy to feel. We’re small enough to know every child by name, but ambitious enough to offer a breadth of opportunity that rivals much larger schools. What sets us apart is our belief that every child should be encouraged to ‘find their something’. Whether it’s robotics, drama, gardening, sport, or STEAM, we offer a rich and varied curriculum that allows children to explore, discover, and grow. And when a child shows a spark in a particular area, we’re ready to nurture it, whether that means extending them academically, supporting them pastorally, or simply cheering them on from the sidelines.
MARK BREAREY
KINGSWOOD PREP SCHOOL
01225 734460; www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk
How long have you been head at Kingswood Prep?
I joined the prep school in September 2011, which now feels like both forever and no time at all. Every day I take great pleasure in seeing the development and progress of our children, from the nursery right up to those in Year 6, who are ready to head to the senior school.
Tell us about Kingswood Prep School
Situated on a magnificent 120-acre site in Lansdown, KPS very much embodies a countryside atmosphere, with open fields and plenty of space for the children to explore. I am very proud of the prep school’s ambition for academic rigour and our aim to foster positive attitudes and a ‘can-do’ mindset. It’s a really close-knit community where children can truly be themselves – they’re surrounded by a team of staff who are incredibly dedicated and passionate about fostering a culture of kindness, while ensuring that every child has the space to grow and thrive. Believing in yourself while still being kind to others is a key ingredient of a KPS education.
How does your school differ from others?
We pride ourselves on being a family-friendly school, where we balance academic excellence with exceptional pastoral care. Our ethos is built on kindness, inclusivity, and creating a nurturing environment where every child thrives. Parents often tell us how delighted they are by the warmth and happiness of their children, noting the genuine, unpretentious atmosphere that defines life at our school.
What exciting things are coming up at your school?
Our School in Action morning on Thursday 16 October! Please do come and see Kingswood Prep School for yourselves – it truly offers a wonderful education for young people and I am sure you will be able to feel the energy and vibrancy as soon as you walk through the door. Head to our website to get booked on and I look forward to welcoming you then.
LOUISA GWILLIAM
KING EDWARD’S SCHOOL
01225 464313; www.kesbath.com
Louisa Gwilliam, Director of Sport, has dedicated over two decades to shaping the sporting landscape at King Edward’s School, Bath.
What are you most proud of professionally?
One of my greatest professional privileges has been working alongside an exceptionally dedicated and talented team of staff, all committed to supporting pupils at KES in achieving their sporting aspirations. Whether through participation, where over 400 pupils regularly represent the school in our weekend fixture programme, or through performance, with many pupils progressing through talent pathways in their chosen sports, it’s inspiring to witness their growth and success at KES and beyond.
What exciting events are coming up?
This term, we are hosting a series of parent-focused talks designed to support our pupils’ sporting journeys. We are welcoming Sarah Jenner from Bath Rugby to speak on Fuelling for Success, Richard Shorter to explore Nurturing Sporting Talent at Home, and together with our partners at Physio Prime Practice, alongside our Strength & Conditioning Lead, we are hosting a session on Athlete Loading These events aim to provide valuable insights for our families as they support their children both on and off the field.
What have been personal highlights of your time at King Edward’s School?
Having devoted 25 years of my career to KES, I’ve been privileged to experience countless memorable moments. Inspiring colleagues, exceptional pupils and supportive parents has made my journey deeply fulfilling. Sports tours stand out as particularly special thanks to the personal growth, camaraderie, and lifelong connections they foster.
As former Head of Netball, one of my proudest achievements was coaching 27 KES teams to Regional and National Finals, with our highest accolade being a third-place finish nationally. I’ve been equally proud of the individual successes of our junior and senior internationals and numerous super league players. These moments reflect not only the talent and dedication of our pupils but also the strength of our sporting culture.
Equally rewarding is seeing former pupils continue their sporting journeys beyond KES, whether competing on the national and international stage or participating in university sport. Their continued commitment to performance and excellence is a testament to the values instilled during their time here.
HEIDI-JAYNE BOYES
HEAD OF ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL BATH, GDST 01225 313877; www.royalhighbath.gdst.net
Heidi-Jayne Boyes, Head at Royal High Bath, GDST has always championed the transformative power of girls’ education. Her career is woven with a golden thread of commitment to empowering young women, and she firmly believes there’s never been a more important time to do so.
Where did you begin your career?
My first senior leadership role was at Brighton Girls’, part of the Girls Day School Trust family of schools, and from the very beginning I saw how girls thrive when they’re given space to lead, question, and grow. That experience shaped my belief in the value of all-girls education, which has guided every step of my career since.
What is your school’s ethos?
At Royal High Bath, our ethos is naturally ‘Girls First’ and is rooted in our values: kindness, bravery, and excellence. We nurture girls to be confident, compassionate and intellectually ambitious. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or in the community, our students are encouraged to be themselves and to make a difference.
Why all-girls?
The evidence is compelling. Kevin Stannard’s research for GDST shows that girls in single-sex environments are more likely to take risks, speak up, and pursue subjects like STEM without gender bias. They develop leadership skills and a strong sense of self. I see it every day in our classrooms and corridors.
How does your school differ from others?
We’re proudly part of the GDST, which means we benefit from a network of schools and alumnae that share our values and commitment to girls’ education. Our school is calm and we are considerate. But there is also
MELISSA GEORGE
ST GREGORY’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE 01225 832873
www.st-gregorys.org.uk
No two days are the same being headteacher of St Gregory’s Catholic College. I greet students every morning and attend assemblies to celebrate student achievement and aspiration, which is a great way to get to know our students as individuals and incredibly important to me as head.
A project that I am proud of is our horticultural programme. It started as a small seed with some sixth formers proposing to plant a wildflower meadow and grow fruit and vegetables to take from plant to plate. At the same time, we employed a horticultural therapist to work with students who benefit from learning in different contexts outside the traditional classroom.
This project has grown enormously, partly due to the £2,000 grant we received from being part of a group of Lasallian Catholic schools. Our project had the call to care for our common home at its heart. Using the school grounds, we identified plots for both strands – the wildflower garden and permanent fruit and vegetable growing area as a base for horticultural therapy at St Gregory’s. We now enjoy the fruits of our students’ labour with produce sales and open garden events to showcase their amazing work.
Another exciting development is our new sixth form scholarship scheme where aspirational students can apply for one of four
chaos, fierce competition, big ideas, big opinions, big ambition. But here’s what is different: in our school, the girl is always the main character. They’re not the only girl in the physics class. They’re not the only voice in the room. They don’t have to shrink themselves to be liked. Royal High is a powerhouses of confidence –designed for girls to last a lifetime.
What do you find most satisfying about the job?
Seeing girls grow in confidence and purpose. Watching a student who was once unsure stand up and speak at Open Morning, lead a club, or apply to a top university—that’s incredibly rewarding. It’s also deeply satisfying to work with a team of staff who care so much about the girls and their futures.
What impact do you think AI will have on schools and education?
AI is already reshaping how we teach and learn. It offers exciting possibilities for personalised learning and efficiency, but it also raises important questions about ethics, creativity, and human connection. Our role is to prepare girls to use these tools wisely and to lead in a world where emotional intelligence and critical thinking are more important than ever
How has schooling changed since you began teaching?
There’s been a shift towards a complete educational offer; we do this very well at Royal High. We understand that academic success is deeply linked to wellbeing, confidence, and character. Technology has changed the landscape but so has our understanding of what it means to educate the whole child.
prestigious scholarships: Academic Excellence, STEM Achievement, Performing Arts and the John Baptiste de La Salle Scholarship for Endeavour. We recognise that some of our brightest sixth formers will benefit from being awarded £150 to use towards their A Level studies or extending their horizons in their chosen areas of interest. Scholars will also be an ambassador at school and community events, acting as a positive role model for peers and younger students.
St Gregory’s mission is summed up in the words of our motto: In Christ we flourish. This reflects our commitment to nurturing the whole child in a learning environment that is explicitly Christian and underpinned by Catholic Social Teaching. The aim is to ensure that every young person is supported to discover their unique gifts, grow in confidence and become their best selves.
Join us at one of our upcoming open events this autumn to experience first-hand the St Gregory’s difference.
CLARE ENGLAND
ST MARK’S SCHOOL
01225 312661; www.st-marks.org.uk
How has the new academic year started at your school?
We have had an incredibly settled and positive start to the new school year. Our great exam results in the summer were applauded by all students in our first whole school assembly and showed just how much pride St Mark’s students take in their school. As well as our new Year 7 cohort, who have made a really fantastic first impression on us, we are also really pleased to welcome Mr Kevin Keely to St Mark’s. He is taking up the role of Assistant Headteacher Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Mr Keely is already having a really positive impact in school and is building good relationships with students, staff and parents alike.
What are you most proud of professionally?
Becoming the Headteacher of St Mark’s! I have been at St Mark’s for just over a year now and I truly believe that I have one of the best jobs in the world! This is because I work with a dedicated and expert team of teachers and support staff, and of course, because I have the privilege of spending my days in the company of a fantastic group
ANNE WAKEFIELD (HEAD) & ALEX HOPKINS (HEAD OF PREP)
ST MARGARET’S CALNE AND ST MARY’S CALNE 01249 857 200; www.stmaryscalne.org, www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk
How has the schools changed since you were appointed as heads?
of lively, hardworking, multi-talented and unique young people –our St Mark’s students. Despite teaching in some great schools over the last 28 years of my career, this year here at St Mark’s has been the most special because the school has a wonderful ‘feel’ about it. This comes from the fact that all staff in the school believe that they have a responsibility to oversee the transformation of our young people from those 11 year old children, who nervously set food into secondary school for the first time, to confident young men and women who are ready to take on the ever changing world.
What do you find most satisfying about the job?
For me, the most satisfying part of my job is seeing our young people achieve well at the end of Year 11 and be able to move onto their next stage of life, whether that be in education, training or employment. We are proud at St Mark’s that we have a broad and balanced curriculum that allows our students to build on their talents and interests, but that also helps them to reach beyond what they thought their potential was. Our exam success is due to our educational philosophy and the support that our students receive from staff at the school – we believe we make good people who go out into the world and have a positive impact.
What key bit of advice would you give to parents when choosing a school?
Parents in Bath have a really tricky job when it comes to choosing a school for their child because there are so many good schools in the city. I would say that parents know their children best, and that each child is an individual so make sure that the school you pick suits them and their personality and talents. The move to secondary school is an exciting time. We would love it if you and your child went through that adventure with us.
Since our appointments in 2024, collaboration between St Margaret’s and St Mary’s has deepened, creating a more joined-up journey for pupils. As a coeducational prep, St Margaret’s offers a vibrant start for both boys and girls, while our partnership with St Mary’s ensures a seamless progression for girls into senior school. Staff work closely across the campus and families value the sense of one community with a shared ethos, supporting every child’s learning and personal growth.
How does your schools differ from others?
Our schools stand out for combining a close-knit, family atmosphere with outstanding facilities where pupils excel academically. Our size means every child is truly known and supported, while still enjoying opportunities in sport, music, drama, and academics. Guided by the Calne Culture – Be Bold, Be Kind, Be You – pupils are encouraged to step forward with confidence, compassion and individuality. At the heart of this is our ethos of You can at Calne: the belief that with the right care and opportunities, every child can discover their strengths and achieve more than they imagined. This balance – personal care within a vibrant community, alongside exceptional resources – creates an environment where pupils can flourish, feel valued, and confidently explore their talents. It’s this unique mix of scale, spirit and opportunity that sets us apart.
What subject did you most enjoy at school?
Anne: Everyone who knew me at school would say my first love was music, you could always find me in in the music department practising and playing violin in the orchestra, but I also loved geography, particularly human geography. I think this is because I am really interested in people and how they thrive in different environments.
Alex: I most enjoyed English at school. I loved how stories and language open up new perspectives and spark creativity. It gave me confidence to think critically, express myself, and connect ideas - skills that have stayed with me throughout my career.
FRESH THINKING OVER A FINE LUNCH
Unique social business occasion + live interview: Georg Gruber, chairman of Nandos JOIN US Tuesday 14 October from 12pm
I’ve been asked so many times why I love ristol that I have m answers off at. ere are st two of m to re lies. irstl of o rse it s ea tif l. ot in an obvious way, like Bath with its golden terraces, but in a quirkier, less immediate wa . If ath is a head t rnin s ermodel Bristol is the friend who may not be classically rett t then the li ht stri es them in a certain way – and then, wham! Once you’ve seen it o ll never nsee it.
Se ondl as a ort ristol has wel omed incomers and new ideas for centuries, leading to a ri hl diverse and wel omin lt re. Bristol may no longer rely on the harbour for its wealth t it remains oth h si all and meta hori all at the heart of the it . Those old wharves and boatsheds have been rilliantl re r osed as arts entres and museums; I love to wander the calm rooms of the rnolfini aller to ta e in the latest free e hi ition or e lore Shed ristol s museum of Bristol, to understand even more a o t the it .
Among all this history, Harbourside also has the it s est new ild omm nit a in harf with the ri ht l e shi in ontainers nown as ar o. ar o is ristol on a sti do ens of tin inde endent resta rants offerin a choice of global cuisines; and don’t be fooled by the size of those tiny kitchens, because the re ttin o t some of the est food in the it . rrent o tos are S anish ta as at am as and odern n lish at o t new la es are o enin all the time so it s a it of a slidin lea e ta le.
his isn t the ind of it to hase i helin stars it s more on erned with ham ionin lo al rod ers and wor in with the seasons. Picking one favourite restaurant is next to im ossi le so let s st sa that if I had a s e ial irthda I ho e the famil wo ld s r rise me with a meal at Italian trattoria Bianchis in ont elier whi h om ines the ma i al heritage of the building (it used to be Bell’s
CLOCKWISE: Bristol Old Vic – there’s even poetry in its shutters; Grayson’s coming to the Beacon; Clifton doing its Clifton thing; all roads lead (figuratively) to the harbour; Bianchis in boho Montpelier; that’s Cargo
Diner) with the Bianchi family’s legendary hos italit and ass red oo in .
Hello! I’m Deri, the editor of Bath Life’s sister magazine, Bristol Life. I’m passionate about my city, and hope that in this new column I may be able to inspire you to pay us a visit
You may have already visited Bristol Old i whose ewel li e eor ian a ditori m is an ed the soarin do le hei ht new fo er reated d rin its re ent m lti million refurbishment; those huge shutters you can see are carved with words from David Garrick’s inaugural address at the theatre along with a oem ristol oet iles ham ers. o don’t need a ticket to visit, as the foyer doubles as a af ar. It s m favo rite ildin in the it and sits on m favo rite road o led histori in Street with its won il fronted th ent r taverns.
Our main concert hall, the Bristol Beacon, has also been overhauled, with glorious new a ditori ms and li s a es. In to er alone o an hear the m si of Self steem eeder raham ash l Stewart he ivine omed i a eman he Stran lers and Suzanne Vega, along with comedy from Stewart ee and a tal artist ra son err . Sho in wise ever hi h street has its own favo rites I love homeware em ori m on ote on orth Street t the i est concentration of chic boutiques is fo nd in lifton illa e. hin ath in miniat re with rett sho s and af s set within the old Georgian and Victorian ildin s.
ven amon the iant hains of Cribbs Causeway, though, o ll find ems s h as rior an award winnin not for rofit homeware sho and omm nit h . There’s so much more to say about this it t let s sto with the est thin of all the ristol s irit whi h informs ever endeavo r. his is a it of friendl olla orations. It s fier el inde endent wildl reative ontrar and still a little it irati al. It s een no ed down more times than it can remember, but it s alwa s ot a a ain emer in etter than ever.
It s st a short min te o rne from ath (short by train, at least; the one thing we don’t sho t a o t is the tra . ome and e lore
LOVES BRISTOL
THE WHOLE SHIRES YARD
PHOTO BY PHOTOS BY ED SCHOFIELD
WELCOME TO OUR YARD
SHIRES YARD, the new name for Milsom Place, is set to become a dining and lifestyle hot spot
Photos by Ed Schofield
Milsom Place, the pretty little enclave at the top of Milsom Street, is now under new ownership, facing a new direction as it returns to its old name. Originally named Shires Yard in the 18th century, it o iall e omes this a ain on to er. he s ft of ildin s terraces, courtyards and vaults will be an evolving home to a mix of retail, dining, wellness and lifestyle brands, championing modern British heritage and West Country talent.
William Riordan, who is leading the project, says, “This is about creating a place where people feel connected – to the makers and partners within the estate, to the stories and the memories created on site, and above all, to each other. We want to foster a sense of belonging that goes beyond shopping or eating and drinking, creating a community for the people of this very special city and those who visit.”
Along with the existing units, in l din oret offee and andoo an exciting new addition is the largest Root restaurant to date, by Josh Eggleton and Rob Howell. There are also plans to add a boutique hotel fronting Milsom Street, which will be created by British hotel developer Oberland, a specialist in turning
“WE WANT TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING”
WHO’S WHO
Recent additions joining Bosco Pizzeria, The Botanist, Bandook Kitchen, and Côte Brasserie include Magari, cooking fresh homemade pasta, Coret Coffee & Wine, serving speciality teas, coffees and wine, and The Cookery Studio, delivering hands-on masterclasses in their specially designed space.
Also staying put is hot yoga studio Yogakave; the British furniture maker Arlo & Jacob; artist galleries Nicholas H Wood and Sandra Higgins; and independent florist, Anemone. Moving into the former Jamie’s Italian restaurant, occupying an expansive space over two floors and a rooftop terrace, will be Root by Josh & Holly Eggleton’s The Pony Group and co-patrons Rob Howell and Meg Oakley-Howell, and the largest Root to date, with the addition of a casual dining
A HERITAGE NAME
The site was first named Shires Yard in the Georgian period, operating as a working stable yard that would transport goods and art from Bath to London. Every Wednesday and Sunday, Thomas Wiltshire’s ‘Flying Horses’ left from Shires Yard on the two-and-a-half-day journey to London’s Holborn Bridge, sometimes carrying the works of the Bath artist Thomas Gainsborough. It quickly evolved into a grand shopping street renowned for its restaurants, shops and social scene; and was home to some of the earliest ‘retail showrooms’ in the UK.
heritage buildings into destinations for the discerning modern traveller. Oberland co-founder Andrew Dean says, “Our vision is to breathe new life into remarkable heritage buildings, creating spaces where history and modern comfort sit side by side. Bath’s rich architectural legacy makes it the perfect addition to our collection, and we re e ited to offer ests a destination that feels both timeless and fresh.”
Shires Yard partner Peter Phillips adds, “Our goal when we started was to re-energise an important part of Bath’s history. We wanted to make it a place that the city could be proud of, and somewhere that people wanted to go with friends and enjoy good food and shopping in unique surroundings, making it a focal point once again.”
New website to be revealed on 15 October
and drinks space on the ground floor serving a dedicated Root cocktail menu.
Another notable opening is Bramley, with its first standalone store showcasing the full range of natural body and skincare products and plans to offer skincare consultations and experiences. Clothing brands moving in include a flagship store for British menswear house Gieves & Hawkes, and the Australian footwear and clothing company RM Williams, who will be taking over the former bank building on Milsom Street.
The Milsom Street entrance to Shires Yard, which is currently occupied by Somerset-based allnatural craft ice cream brand, Brickell’s, will retain the revolving pop-up space and host smaller independents. Visiting soon is the independent brewery Electric Bear with a pop-up taproom.
Josh Eggleton and his Root team are headed to Shires Yard; INSET: Many businesses are staying including Bandook
TOP: The Milsom Street enclave has been a shopping destination for centuries; BOTTOM: A whole raft of new businesses will be filling the space; INSET: Project leader William Riordan and Shires Yard partner Peter Phillips
EAST BY WEST
Bristol and West of England China Bureau and Bath Preservation Trust recently hosted the the China Pow Wow, a networking event at No.1 Royal Crescent Museum. The aim was to bring together a vibrant network of individuals and organisations interested in UK and China relations, and included talks from Yang Ding,
HERITAGE BRAND
director and Bath representative of the Bristol and West of England China Bureau, and Alex Sherman, CEO, Bath Preservation Trust. “Bath already has strong links with China through businesses, the universities, and its shared UNESCO World Heritage status,” says Yang Ding. “At this time of global uncertainty, it would be great to strengthen these connections further.”
For more: www.chinabureau.co.uk
Cambridge Satchel, the heritage, sustainable leather bag brand, has opened its sixth retail store in the city centre. The New Bond Street shop follows on from openings in Windsor, Edinburgh and Paris this year.
A spokesperson says, “Inspired by the local landscape, particularly the iconic Bath stone, Atelier A&D has carefully restored the unit. The interiors feature warm, neutral tones mirroring the hues of the city’s famous stone, creating a wel omin and refined atmos here.
ON THE UP
Professor Phil Taylor, vicechancellor and president of the UNIVERSITY OF BATH, has been made a Fellow of the Chinese Society of Electrical Engineering in recognition of his status as an internationally recognised expert in energy systems with more than 30 years of experience in industry and academia, and his longstanding engagement with industry and universities in China. He says, “China and the UK are among the world’s leaders when it comes to modernising and decarbonising power networks. We can each learn a huge amount and make significant global impacts by working together towards a low-carbon future.” www.bath.ac.uk
THERMAE BATH
SPA has been named Best City Spa in the prestigious Good Spa Guide Awards 2025. This accolade recognises excellence in spa experiences across the UK, earning Thermae Bath Spa top honours thanks to both guest and industry votes. The win follows the 5 Bubble rating awarded by the Good Spa Guide in August 2024. www.thermaebathspa.com
Serving as a sophisticated canvas for the merchandise, the same tones are used in custom low units and elegant wall cases.
“It is a vision which merges contemporary elegance with subtle nods to British heritage, a hallmark of the brand’s identity.”
For more: www.cambridgesatchel.com
VINTAGE VERVE
In an aim to reduce the soaring waste costs of its 29 charity shops, Dorothy House has launched a new Threads for Care brand. Helping spearhead the range is Amy Laws, a local hand screen printer and appliqué artist, who is reworking t-shirts, hoodies, and shirts from the rag waste bins into a beautiful, unique, upcycled new range, which will be available to buy within the stores. For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk
Award-winning law firm THRINGS has appointed newly qualified solicitor Darcy Lilley into its commercial dispute resolution team. In her new role, Darcy will be supporting the team across a range of disputes, helping clients to reach resolutions efficiently whilst preserving their reputations and giving them peace of mind, utilising the experience she acquired throughout her two-year training contract that has seen her flourish within the firm’s various litigation teams – including commercial, property and planning. www.thrings.com
The spa stars!
PHOTO BY YUQING LU,
Professor Phil Taylor
Thrings’ Darcy Lilley
The recent networking China Pow Wow
The bags are made with sustainable leather; INSET: Cambridge Satchel comes to New Bond Street
Dorothy House’s new upcycled range
Amy Laws is helping launch Threads for Care
BATH LIFE AWARDS
KELLY MARIE KITCHENS
HOMES & INTERIORS WINNER
What prompted you to enter the Bath Life Awards this year?
I wanted to celebrate what has been such an incredible year for Kelly Marie Kitchen Interiors. It’s been a year of growth, amazing projects and seeing my clients’ dream kitchens come to life. nterin felt li e a wa to re e t on those achievements and highlight the passion that drives the business.
Have you done so before?
es I ve een a finalist efore t this was the first time winnin and it felt and still feels absolutely amazing!
What was it like on the night?
The night itself was incredible. I was excited, nervous, and so proud all at once. The atmosphere at the Forum was buzzing and it was wonderful to be surrounded by so many brilliant businesses in Bath. It was such a good networking opportunity. I met new faces, reconnected with old pals, and it really reinforced what a
“MUCH DESERVED RECOGNITION AS A PREMIUM KITCHEN
OUR JUDGES SAY
supportive and inspiring community Bath has. I loved the dancing afterwards at Sub13! It was s h a o f l evenin from start to finish.
What does winning the Bath Life Award mean to you?
It means everything. As a one-woman business, this recognition validates all the hard work, long hours, and passion I put into each and every project. It’s a reminder that what I do ma es a real differen e for my clients and for the local design scene.
For more: www.kellymariekitchens.com | www.bathlifeawards.co.uk
LYNC-ED IN
nivid al the famil led finan ial lannin firm ased in the heart of Bath, has announced an integration with the nationwide finan ial advi e om an n Wealth Management. Unividual, which was founded in ohn a ter will re rand nder the n Wealth Management name. John says, “This is a proud moment for our family and our team.
“We’ve built Unividual on the belief that everyone deserves finan ial advi e that s as ni e as the are. oinin n allows s to ontin e that mission with even greater resources behind us, while staying true to our values and our clients.”
he re rand will e rolled o t rad all with firm s o e in ath remainin o en and a tive and with no changes to client fees, services, or adviser relationships. For more: www.lyncwm.co.uk
Kelly Marie celebrates
The Bath Property Awards at the Apex
Unividual’s founder John Baxter
Turning sunshine into sales
With Floresco, FUNKIN COCKTAILS had their most successful summer month ever
loresco partnered with FUNKIN COCKTAILS across Paid Search & Digital Advertising, boosting Return on Ad Spend by 48% year-onyear and revenue by a huge 105% monthon-month.
THE CHALLENGE
FUNKIN COCKTAILS entered May with strong seasonal potential – warm weather, long weekends, and bank holidays. The challenge was to convert
that momentum into real commercial impact with a robust and high-performing digital strategy.
THE RESULTS
Floresco delivered record-breaking performance for FUNKIN COCKTAILS. May was their most successful month across digital advertising outside of the traditional Christmas peak. +48% Advertising Return +105% Revenue
WHERE CAMPAIGNS FLOURISH
Floresco is Bath’s fresh-thinking paid media agency, trusted by ambitious brands to build sustainable growth for long-term success.
“We couldn’t be happier with the results. The team has also been a huge pleasure to work with throughout” Zoe Greenwood, Funkin Cocktails
in touch for a fresh perspective on growing your business www.florescomedia.com hello@florescomedia.com
CAREER PATH
ANDY LONGHURST
Co-founder of the luxury independent games magazine ON, talks software development, first sales, and steaks at the Hudson
Andy Longhurst is the co-founder of the new luxury video games magazine ON from Bath-based start up Hybrid Publications. He describes ON as having, “mind-blowing design, unrivalled production quality and longform features written by the best talent in games journalism, giving readers a unique in-depth digital detox.” And yes, he very much believes there’s still a passion and market for print…
First off, tell us a little about your background I was born at the RUH and I’m thrilled that my daughter was recently born there too – Bath is such a great place to grow . I m a ee hen liff o and studied computer games programming at university in Manchester, where I stayed on for a few years. I later did an MSc in Advanced Computing at Bristol University, and have lived in Bath ever since.
Did you always know this is the work you’d be doing?
In short, no! After university, I founded an indie games studio, but unfortunately, I never had the hit game that paid the bills.
I followed a pretty standard software development career after that, but kept developing games as a hobby. I never imagined I’d get into publishing but it’s incredibly satisfying to have built and launched a magazine from scratch – especially one as glamorous as ON
What is the magazine’s origin story?
ON is the brainchild of Andrew Hind, an incredibly talented designer and veteran of Future Publishing. In a world dominated by short-dose digital media, he sensed there was a market for a high-end print magazine with more satisfying in-depth features. I was eager to get involved in a creative venture in the video games space and, over a tasting menu at the Mint Room, he shared his ideas for ON with me. I was sold on the concept there and then.
What were the early days of setting up like?
A steep learning curve for me as I’d had never done anything like this before. We visited printers, commissioned writers, and created ON. We received deliveries of huge pallets of magazines, bubblewrap and
boxes – and then had to work out how to sell the magazine. I developed the website where readers could buy the magazine, but no one knew about us, we had no social media presence and had no advertising or marketing experience. We had no idea if we would sell even a single copy.
Do you remember that very first sale?
We were on a morning video call when we launched the we site and saw the first sale come through. The relief was palpable and soon turned to giddiness as the rest of the call was continually interrupted with pings of more sales. ON had been a risk but it was incredibly satisfying to see other people buy into our vision for it.
What are the highs and the lows you’ve experienced in continuing the business?
ON is released twice a year and it’s hard to keep the buzz going after the launch phase of each volume. That’s led to long weeks without a single sale, which can be very disheartening. Coming with offers and mar etin ideas to keep the interest up in these gaps can be a lot of fun.
Tell us a little about the ON team…
We’re a close-knit team of three. Andrew Hind is the creative genius behind it all and he’s supported by Jamie Souk and me. Jamie runs our state-of-theart distribution centre out of his garage, as well as looking after our loyal readers. I use my tech skills to build the website, manage our order processing, and enerall find te hni al sol tions to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Talk us through the magazine and your readers
ON has deep and meaningful features that cover all kinds of topics in gaming from fashion to horror. If you like longer, thought-provoking reads on games culture and history, then ON is for you. We’ve designed the magazine to target a more mature audience who
“THE DEATH OF THE MAGAZINE HAS BEEN GREATLY EXAGGERATED”
view gaming as the rich and imaginative medium that it is. We also focus on luxurious print quality and amazing design, which really sets us apart from the clickbait churn of digital media. ON is for people who are looking to sit down and take their time with something tangible and more substantial than an AI-generated article on a phone screen.
How does being Bath-based help your business?
Andrew and I always celebrate a product launch with cocktails at the Dark Horse, followed by a steak at Hudson’s – it’s become our tradition! We’re inspired by living in such a wonderful part of the world, which is home to so many creative people and innovative businesses.
Is there someone in business that you admire and try to learn from?
My father co-founded Lovehoney – another Bath success story. His can-do, straightforward and honest approach to starting and running a company taught me what can be achieved if you are willing to try hard, learn on the job, and take risks. He also showed me that you can have a lot of fun along the way!
What does the future hold for ON and Hybrid Publications?
We have plans for ON: Volume Three and beyond, but we’d also like to get into books that fo s more on a s e ifi as e t of gaming, such as a particular console or gaming franchise. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be involved in print – the death of the magazine has been greatly exaggerated.
For more: www.on.games
PLACES TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY
Retail
WINDOW DRESSING
How two Bath artists are making creative use of empty commercial properties
The depressing sight of high street units lying vacant is happening all across the UK, but here in Bath, two artists have come up with a creative visual solution. Jason Dorley Brown and Emma Taylor, owners of Jet Pictures, have been creating window vinyls for the empty shop windows.
Jason says, “As proud Bathonians, we have been saddened by the look of the local high street in parts, with the appearance of empty units as a result of Covid and the economic recession. In Bath, we have a long history of winning the Britain in Bloom competition, and in 2024 we won gold in the Small City category, but the blight of vacant commercial property damages these wonderful achievements.”
Together, Jason and Emma, came up with a series of ima es s e ifi all desi ned for sho windows that celebrate the beauty of Bath’s Georgian architecture while giving it a contemporary,pop art, twist. “We use the Bath-based Minuteman to print andinstall all of our murals, so from commission to creation and then installation, it takes approximately two weeks,” says Jason. “The aim is to brighten up and add energy to a sad empty space, as well as helping attract potential shop tenants.
“And what’s great, as the shop becomes occupied, the vin ls an e eeled off and sed elsewhere. For more: www.jetpictures.co.uk
ABOVE: The idea is to brighten up empty units around Bath; BELOW: The vinyl decals can be reused;
RIGHT: Artists Jason Dorley Brown and Emma Taylor, pictured below, co-founded Jet Pictures
Empty properties
NEW LEASE OF LIFE
Empty property owners in Bath & North East Somerset are being supported by the council to bring their homes back into use, with 96 homes becoming occupied again over the past year.
There are currently 943 properties in the area that have been empty for more than six months, and 454 of those for over a year. The council’s Empty Property Service works with owners to over ome arriers in l din finan ial le al and personal challenges, providing advice, grants, and practical support.
hile no law s e ifi all limits how lon homes can remain empty if taxes are paid and standards maintained, the council is set to introduce stricter enforcement, such as Enforced Sale and Compulsory Purchase Orders. A recent success includes the refurbishment of a derelict home in Brougham Hayes, which had stood empty since 2001 and was the source of numerous complaints before being transformed and re-let with council help.
Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for built environment, housing and sustainable develo ment sa s m t homes offer a more environmentally sustainable option for increasing housing stock than building new property and through our Empty Property Service, we are helping to maximise the use of housing stock and hel in eo le find a la e the an all home. For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk
Specialist accommodation COMMUNITY HOUSING
Bath & North East Somerset Council has approved plans to build specialist accommodation for adults with learning disabilities. The scheme will see 16 community housing units created behind Englishcombe Lane, Bath. Each home will be purpose-built to support adults with learning disabilities or autism, reducing environmental stress factors and promoting independence.
Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for adult services, described the s heme as a a shi for both sustainability and social care, emphasising its role in keeping vulnerable residents close to family and support networks.
Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2025, lasting around 20 months and features careful ecological measures, such as limited lighting to protect local wildlife and the promise of at least 20 per cent biodiversity net gain.
For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk
The proposed community housing development on Englishcombe Lane
Councillor Matt McCabe, left, with the owner of the refurbished property in Bath
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It won’t take much persuasion to fall in love with this period gem
By Elsie Chadwick
Bath’s architectural soul beams brightest along Brock Street – a coveted thread of city history where gracious Georgian living meets modern-day elegance. At the heart of this storied sweep sits 11 Brock Street, a shimmering example of how period grandeur and 21st-century comfort can blend in perfect harmony. With a direct link to The Gravel Walk— immortalised by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, written around 1815 and 1816, this Grade II* listed townhouse offers more than st a resti io s address.
Step through the classically pedimented porch and you’re instantly transported. Polished ceramic tiles line the welcoming hallway, inviting you to explore a home where every inch has been renovated to exceptional standards. t on e li ht filled and l rio sl s a io s the kitchen is a showstopper: marble worktops glimmer atop cabinetry in soothing sage green, accented with brass hardware. A generous central island invites friends and family to gather, and is ideal for everything from a sim le mornin offee to rand wee end feasts. One of the trio of tall south-facing windows transforms into a door, spilling onto steps that sweep down to the
“The creative exuberance of the 18th century, but with a distinctly modern energy”
lush, private garden.
Next door, the dining room makes a grand im ression with its eriod fire la e wooden oor oards and road sash windows overloo in the comings and goings of Brock Street. Elegance is built into the bones of this home; soaring ceilings, ornate cornicing, and original detailing come together in s a es ooded with nat ral li ht than s to those original Georgian windows.
s end to the first oor and dis over the lorio sl proportioned drawing and withdrawing rooms. These twin salons oast wooden oorin and wide sash windows – sunlight cascades through, illuminating the ar hed al oves that frame ra io s fire la es. he interior design strikes an irresistible balance – paredback furnishings foreground the historic architecture, while playful contemporary touches, such as the soft sky-motif wallpaper in arched niches, tip a hat to the creative exuberance of the 18th century, but with a distinctly modern energy.
le i le livin is the wat hword on the er oors. he se ond oor an e a s m t o s rin i al s ite – with a lavish bathroom featuring a roll-top bath,
double vanity, and separate dressing area –or transformed into two double bedrooms for a growing family. Carry on up and you’ll find three f rther do le edrooms and an additional bathroom. Each level serves up increasingly spectacular views; south over Royal Victoria Park and towards Bath’s rolling hills, north across the timeless chimneys and rooftops of Georgian terraces. This isn’t just a home it’s a front-row seat to our city’s most breathtaking panoramas.
ownstairs the lower ro nd oor is an entertainer’s heaven. Here, a stylish reception room with a mini-kitchen and French doors leads seamlessly to the garden terrace – perfect for lazy al fresco lunches or summer evening soirées. A practical o e or est room sits near l s a smartl fitted shower room, whilst a secondary entrance makes this oor ideal for ests teena ers a relative wantin independent space, or as a possible Airbnb for occasional extra income. Venture further to discover the original wine and food store rooms, alongside a snug cinema space that’s tailor-made for immersive
movie nights.
Then, there’s the garden – a joyously private, south-facing oasis, accessed from oth ro nd and lower ro nd oors.
HOUSE NUMBERS
Guide price
£3.5million
Floors 5
Floorspace 5,145 sq ft
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 3
Receptions 3
For more Savills, 21 Milsom Street, Bath; www.savills.com
The lawn stretches between richly planted ower eds a ed mat re shes and a proud weeping tree, while a honeyed stone wall r ns alon one side. aved terra e offers s a e for sunbathing, dining or evenings with a glass of wine. At the far end, the discreet gate delivers you straight onto that famous Gravel Walk, echoing with footsteps from the past, for your very own access to Victoria Park.
Architecturally, 11 Brock Street encapsulates all that’s splendid about Georgian Bath: harmonious symmetry, handsome Bath stone, and windows that seem to draw the very light into the soul of the house. Every room is saturated with period details – deeply set architraves, expansive ceilings crowned by ornate roses and mo ldin s ori inal fire la es and sash windows with heavy wooden shutters. But it’s the smart, sensitive renovations that set this grand property apart and make it a beautiful home for now.
Ultra-slim
AMAZING GLAZING
Eliminates
Reduces
Fireplaces, wood burners, gas res, chimney and ue specialists
FOR THE HOME
Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for summer
TILE & FLOOR For over 50 years, Tile & Floor has been synonymous with the supply of a range of top-tier design-led materials and professional installation services. Our commitment to quality has forged enduring relationships with discerning homeowners overseeing their personal projects, as well as with design and construction professionals serving the property industry. Exciting news! We are now also conveniently located at Chippenham M4. Tel: 01225 310561; www.tileandfloor.co.uk
SANDRIDGE STONE is a local craft-skills business specialising in all aspects of building and restorin lo al ath Stone ro erties. It an s l and fi all stone re irements for new ilds or e tensions. he team s herita e s ills alified stonemasons are also expert in repairing and restoring existing stone on listed ro erties in order to f lfil lannin requirements. o ndar arm err e d e s am 6EF; Tel: 01225 703733; www.sandridgestone.co.uk
BATH KITCHEN COMPANY
Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they desi n and ild. It s a o t attention to detail at ever stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. ort arade i din s at Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk
BATH GRANITE & MARBLE LTD has over 25 years experience honing their skills in crafting exquisite kitchen worktops, bathroom cladding, vanity units and more. With their excellent reputation for high quality and delivering exceptional service they are onfident in rin in the nat ral ea t of stone into your home. Mention ‘BathLife’ to secure a 5% discount on your next order. Tel: 01373 472325; email: info@bathgranite.co.uk; www.bathgranite.co.uk
NO17 INTERIORS offers a ran e of es o e interior design services. Based in Bath and with vast experience in designing and installing developer show homes, hotels and residential properties for private clients, Lisa has the knowledge and skills to work to any brief or budget, whether looking to redesign, update existing furnishings or simply commission new curtains. email: lisa@no17interiors.co.uk; tel:07977 271503; www.no17interiors.co.uk
CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN
lair Stron Interior esi n is a o ti e reative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for oth residential and ommer ial lients. er ortfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as hotels s orts l s o es and other ommer ial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905; www.clairstrong.co.uk
MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH
ath s leadin fire la e wood rner as fire himne and e s e ialist. rom lassi to ontem orar on e t to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesneys, ar as ellfire estfire Stova a o and nter. et in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton om e at in o@mendi re a es at o Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk
JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO
A bespoke, tailor-made, client-focused interior design ons ltan servi e ased in ath. S e ialisin in residential interior design and providing a truly personal service adapted to each client’s needs, Jennifer’s unique style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary homes. The aim is simple – to create spaces that bring joy, re e tin her lients lifest les and ersonalities. Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com
NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family business specialising in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other property restoration. Nexus have built a reputation for the highest standards of workmanship with experience across a range of projects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a complete commitment to customer service and health and safety
Tel: 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk
BY ANNA
BATH LIVES
DAN BETHELL
“It doesn’t matter if I’m playing cards or playing a Paralympic final, I want to win”
The professional para-badminton player on being a bad loser, winning medals, and meeting the King
Dan Bethell is a GB ParaBadminton Player and competes in SL3 men’s singles. He has represented Great Britain at the last two Paralympic Games in Tokyo and Paris, where he picked up two silver medals. He is also a four-time European Champion and a five-time World Championship medallist.
Dan, who lives just outside Bath and studied law at the University of Bristol, is currently participating in the European Para Badminton Championships, in Istanbul.
I’ve always been very sporty, and growing up, I played a variety of sports, including rugby, cricket, tennis, and ultimately, badminton. This dream grew even more when I saw the Beijing Paralympics in 2008. Seeing athletes with my disability and
other disabilities doing amazing sporting feats really inspired me.
I thought my dream of being a Paralympian would always be just that. hen I first started competing back in 2010, I really got a wake-up call. I lost all my mat hes in m first om etition and that trend continued for a couple of years after. But I was hooked on the sport, and always wor ed and trained hard first and foremost because I loved it.
Eventually, this hard work started to pay off, and I began winning matches, followed by medals and tournaments. I truly believe that my career shows that if you really want something and put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.
The best moment of my sporting life was going to the Tokyo Paralympics. It was the
first time that adminton had been included in the Paralympics, and to win the first medal for GB in badminton is something that I will never forget.
The most difficult moment of my sporting life was losing in the final of the Paris 2024 Paralympics. But the games were so good and memorable in so many ways. Tokyo was affe ted the andemi there were restrictions on where we could go, and there were no fans in the stadium, but in Paris, I got the full game experience.
I recently got married, and my wife Georgia is into equestrian and running more than badminton. But she has been an incredible support, and even moved to She eld where the national training centre is based. I wouldn’t have achieved what I have in the last few years without her.
My wife says that I am a terrible loser. I am very competitive and come from a very competitive family. It doesn’t matter if I’m playing cards or playing a Paralympic final I want to win.
Andy Murray, who is my sporting idol, sent me a good luck message before the Paralympics last year. It was a big s r rise and definite hi hli ht of the games for me.
As an athlete I’ve always believed in fair play both on and off the court, so to be a le to ositivel in en e and impact that when I’m no longer competing is something that I am extremely passionate about. interest and alifi ations in law, combined with my athlete background, has really inspired me to pursue a career in sports law.
When I’m not playing badminton, I enjoy playing golf. It’s a much slower-paced sport, and it’s nice to be able to get outside after spending so much time in gyms.
I’ve met a few members of the royal family, including the King, a couple of times. He was a really kind, interesting person, and I found out that he used to play badminton at Windsor Castle with his father when he was growing up.
I live in a village called Marshfield around ten miles outside of Bath. I love the beauty and heritage of the city –I can see why so many people come to visit from all over the world. I particularly love Bath at Christmas time and going in to see the Christmas market.
My secret Bath is the Prior Park Mansion House, which was our wedding venue. The house itself is stunning, and it has the best panoramic views of Bath. We were very lucky that we had amazing weather, which made the views even more spectacular. It was the perfect setting for our dream wedding.
