Booker Prize 2024 won by Bath Spa University alumna and lecturer Samantha Harvey

Samantha Harvey, a Reader in English and Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, has won the Booker Prize 2024. One of the UK’s most prestigious literary awards, the Booker Prize features the most impressive works of sustained fiction and has catapulted exceptional literature into the spotlight for the last 55 years.

Sam’s novel, Orbital, takes place over a single day in the life of six astronauts. During those 24 hours they observe 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets over their silent blue planet, spinning past continents and cycling past seasons, taking in glaciers and deserts, the peaks of mountains and the swells of oceans. In the novel, she contemplates the world from a different viewpoint as it follows the team of astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Writing it, Sam said she "thought of it as a space pastoral – a kind of nature writing about the beauty of space". On receiving her award, Sam dedicated the prize to "all the people who speak for and not against the Earth and work for and not against peace."

Sam completed a MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University in 2004. After completing her Master’s degree, she moved on to a PhD at the University, taking up a teaching post on the MA, and later as a PhD supervisor.

This prize includes a £50,000 prize and a trophy named after previous winner, Iris Murdoch. Asked how she would spend the prize money, Sam said: "I need to buy myself a new bike, and it's going to be a good bike.”

OUR NOVEMBER ISSUE - CURRENTLY BEING ENJOYED!

Keep an eye out for our fabulous November issue which features a collection of great reading by our team of wonderful writers as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bath's best businesses.

This month we're staving off those winter blues in an interview with the completely surreal and utterly bonkers comedian Paul Foot; prepare for the unconventional. And if you're itching for a decorative reset, take some tips and tricks on the latest trends from Decorex, or freshen up your jewellery box as you learn about Bath's best goldsmiths. Elsewhere, Jasbinder Bilan tells us all about how she captures the spirit of childhood magic in her award-winning children's novels. There's so much more to get into, but you'll have to pick up a copy and find out for yourself... 

Every month we deliver 15,000 copies door to door, but if you don't get a copy at home then you can pick up a copy at many places around town and from our floor stands at: Waitrose, Sainsbury's [Green Park], M&S Foods in Twerton, Tesco in Weston Village, and at The Holburne Museum. 

Click here to enjoy the digital version of our current issue! 

And if you would like to have a copy sent in the post every month, then we offer a postal subscription for just £33 for 12 issues, £18 for six issues or buy a copy for just £4.25. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – click here to subscribe on our website. 

Words by Melissa Blease

Jerk Chicken

Shake up your cosy curry repertoire with this simple take on a classic Caribbean dish, laden with earthy spices and dynamic flavours.

Jerk paste - a tantalising combination of spices including chillies, cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, clove and allspice - is readily available in all big supermarkets and Caribbean grocery stores. If you have any paste left over after making this dish, store it in the fridge and use it to spice up soups, casseroles and stews… or roll your spuds in it to put a unique twist on classic roast potatoes.

Ingredients (serves 4)
1kg chicken skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
3 tbsp Jamaican Jerk paste
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 red pepper, deseeded and diced
1 heaped tsp medium strength curry powder
1 heaped tsp dried thyme
400g can chopped tomatoes
400ml can coconut milk

To serve: steamed rice; a large handful of fresh coriander, chopped

Method

Lightly score the chicken thigh skin, tip into a large bowl and smother with 2 tbsp of the Jerk paste. Using clean hands, squidge the paste into all the nooks and crannies, cover with cling film and leave to marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour (or up to 6 hours).          

Heat a little vegetable oil in a large frying pan and fry the chicken and onion over a medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is brown on both sides and the onion is starting to caramelise. Add the red pepper, curry powder, remaining Jerk paste and thyme and continue to cook for a further 2 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and coconut milk to the pan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid from the pan and continue to simmer for a further 15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is thoroughly cooked throughout. Serve in warmed bowls accompanied by steamed rice and sprinkled with plenty of freshly-chopped coriander.

French white wine at The Great Wine Co.

There is not, and will never be, anywhere quite like France: eccentric, idiosyncratic and unswervingly confident as it is in the ability of 'terroir' and tradition to continue to produce the world's best wine in the face of ever-increasing competition. The French are immensely proud of their heritage and with a winemaking history stretching back over 2000 years this is hardly a surprise.

Vin de France Blanc, Anciens Temps | £9.95
Kate Sauvignon Blanc, IGP Oc, Aubert & Mathieu | £12.95
Picpoul de Pinet, Réserve Roquemolière| £12.95
Bourgogne Côte d'Or Chardonnay, Nuiton-Beaunoy | £19.95

Click here to see these and much more at The Great Wine Co.

New Year's Eve 2024 at Green Park Brasserie

Celebrate in style with live music and a seasonal 6 course dining experience in one of Bath’s must visit restaurants.

Green Park Brasserie is set in the historic old railway station in Bath city centre, only a 5 minute walk from the Roman Baths.

Their famous NYE party includes an indulgent menu alongside outstanding live music from their house band (dancing optional!).
£98 per person

Click here to book your tickets now.  
Green Park Brasserie, 6 Green Park Station, Bath BA1 1JB

The Tudor Heritage Ranger

Celebrating the British North Greenland expedition of 1952, Tudor’s Heritage Ranger is a special model that embodies the spirit of exploration and adventure.

Based on the original Oyster Prince watches used by the 1950 expedition team, the Ranger is a 39mm steel case with baton markers and Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. Vintage watch enthusiasts will appreciate the beige hour markers painted in luminescent material which contrast perfectly with the grained, matt black dial and match the tone of the TUDOR shield logo and inscriptions. Inside is powered by the Manufacturer Calibre MT5402: "a weekend proof" 70 hour automatic movement.

This robust, classic looking watch is a great all-rounder; pleasing on the eye and cool on the wrist, it is available with either a steel bracelet at £2,860 or with a black hybrid rubber strap or a green fabric strap at £2,580.

Find out more about the Tudor Heritage Ranger models at Mallory.

Ariat Ladies Marland Jacket Camel Buffalo Plaid

The Ariat Ladies Marland Jacket in Camel Buffalo Plaid is a stylish and versatile addition to your everyday wardrobe. This slightly cropped jacket combines chic style with practical warmth, making it an ideal layering piece for cooler weather. Crafted from a cosy, ethically sourced wool blend, the Marland Jacket is designed to keep you comfortable while elevating your outfit.

Wadswick | £140
Click here to buy now.

Barbour Mens Oakmoor Fleece Jacket Olive

This men’s lightweight jacket is a must-have garment for outdoor adventures. The soft fleece layer features large functional pockets at the front and comes detailed with signature Barbour branding for a classic finish.

Wadswick | £119

Click here to buy now. 

Find more fashion for men & women at Wadswick, 1 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AX

Penhaligon's Fragrant Fancies

Allow the worldly olfactory craft at Penhaligon's to fill your home with festive spirit this year. Their exciting new Christmas candle collections for 2024 feature the brand’s most-loved scents, alongside the limited-edition Festive Folly for ultimate luxury fuelled aromas.

Two classic candles served with a special side of festive folly – featuring much-loved favourites in 65g. Comoros Pearl, notes of tuberose and heady white flowers, Maduro Leaf, woody aromas with Cuban smoke, and of course, Festive Folly, prepared with vanilla and tobacco and season with spice.

Penhaligon's | £75
Click here to buy now or visit the store at 14 New Bond St, Bath BA1 1BE

Curated by Daniel McCabe

The latest issue of German typography magazine Slanted (no) 44 explores the intersection of fonts and fashion. It turns out to be quite a hot spot indeed, a cutting edge zone for the former and a dynamic canvas for expression for the latter that embraces the unconventional, the provocative, the political and the conceptual to challenge the status quo in both industries. I think this is one of the most interesting releases from Slanted, and you won’t really need a strong interest in either fashion or type to be dazzled. | £25

magalleria.co.uk

Widcombe Christmas Market, 16 & 17 November

Widcombe Christmas Market is back for its 18th year with an array of handcrafted gifts and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. This year there will be 75 creative local artisans, selling an impressive array of arts and crafts including ceramics, jewellery, Christmas cards, glasswork, natural soaps, seasonal wreaths, prints, photography and wood carving.

The three venues – Widcombe Social Club, Natural Theatre Company and St. Matthew’s Church (which is open on Saturday only) are all at the bottom of Widcombe Hill and within easy reach of the bus and train stations. St. Matthew’s will be offering homemade cakes on Saturday, and Widcombe Social Club has a bar and refreshments all weekend.

Venues will be open from 10.30am until 5pm on Saturday and 10.30am until 4.30pm on Sunday. Entry is free.

-Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, Bath BA2 6AA
-Natural Theatre Company, Widcombe Institute, Widcombe Hill, Bath BA2 6AA
-St.Matthew's Church, Widcombe Hill, Widcombe, Bath BA2 6AA

widcombechristmasmarket.com

Modern ArtBuyer Pop-up Gallery, 23-24 November
1 Cliffe Drive, Limpley Stoke, Bath

Art gallery and consultancy Modern ArtBuyer, run by Jessica Lloyd-Smith, will be opening its doors for the Autumn Open House pop-up in Limpley Stoke. The Open House will showcase an inspiring contemporary collection of new original paintings and affordable limited edition prints by artists from the Bath area and further afield.

Throughout the weekend, Jessica will be on hand to offer advice and guide your choices around artwork selection, whether it’s for yourself or as a gift, as well as framing and hanging. Pop in and enjoy a coffee or a glass of bubbles while browsing the show, in a relaxed home setting.

Open 10am-4.30pm each day.
modernartbuyer.com

Sylvan Lodge, 1 Cliffe Drive, Limpley Stoke, Bath BA2 7FY

Purchase your copy of the superb A/W edition of Postcard from Bath

Produced every 6 months by the team at The Bath Magazine – the Autumn/Winter 24/25 edition of Postcard from Bath is now available to buy.

The ultimate, luxury guide to the city, Postcard contains the very best things to see and do in Bath, alongside editorial pieces on the city's fascinating history, architecture, culture, and so much more.

If you'd like to buy a copy for your coffee table as a keepsake  or even send someone you love a Postcard from Bath – head over to postcardmagazine.co.uk 

The price is just £10 and includes postage to any UK mainland address.

A Major Murder: A Roman Baths Mystery
Wednesday 4 December

Step back in time to 1897 at the Roman Baths for a thrilling evening of drama, suspense, and murder! You are invited to solve the mysterious death of Major Charles Davis, found dead during the grand unveiling of the Roman Promenade at the Roman Baths.

Upon arrival, enjoy a complimentary drink and mingle with your teammates, then explore the ancient monument, interrogate the suspects and unmask the culprit in this captivating murder mystery experience.

£35 per person (includes one drink)

Event times:
6.15pm-8.30pm
8.30pm-10.45pm

Click here to secure your tickets.
The Roman Baths, Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LZ

4 bedroom house in Axbridge, BS26

Offered for sale by Peter Greatorex estate agents.

A stylish and individually designed contemporary home, completed in 2021, Kattegat is the first of three luxury oak framed houses to come to the market within this exclusive development. With 3/4 bedrooms, the house maximizes its connection to the surrounding landscape with garden-facing windows and doors, making the most of the natural light. The open-plan living area is located on the first floor, taking advantage of the southerly aspect over the garden, neighbouring field and views towards the Cheddar reservoir.

The front door opens to a bright and spacious double-height hallway with an oak and steel staircase, the stairwell of which is enhanced with Indian and Cambodian back lit carved wooden screens.The ground floor has three uniquely designed double bedrooms with wooden shuttered French doors leading to the veranda and garden and two impeccably styled bathrooms, adding an imaginative touch of colour and luxury through-out.

On the first floor, you are welcomed into a warm and breathtaking open-plan living space with high ceilings, a traditional oak frame, and stunning views. The high-quality kitchen area has beautifully designed cabinetry, making use of recycled timber, and café bar style open shelving. The kitchen is fitted with Bosch appliances which include an induction hob with extractor, built in dishwasher, two ovens and further benefits from a waste disposal unit and boiling hot water tap. The central island or bar features a bespoke oxidised copper top and integrated fridge and freezer. The living area includes a wall of built in bookshelves, a suspended log burning stove and three sets of sliding doors leading to a wide balcony, perfect for enjoying a sundowner.

The attractive mediterranean inspired garden features a veranda, professionally landscaped borders, a raised corten edged lawn, a circular patio area and shed. The house is approached via a five-bar gate leading to a gravel driveway and paved parking area with ample space for 2/3 vehicles, and also features a double garage, workshop and utility area. 

Offers in excess of £850,000

For more images and to read through all the details click here to visit the property on the Peter Greatorex website