Watch the runners at the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday 17 March at 10am

It’s the Bath Half Marathon this weekend! The Bath Half, first held in 1982, is one of the UK’s most prestigious half marathons, the largest sporting and community event in Bath and the largest charity fundraising event in the south west. So come along to support the marathon runners where spectators are able to line the whole route.

The half marathon starts on Royal Avenue (in front of the Royal Crescent) proceeding out of Royal Victoria Park down Marlborough Lane and right onto the Upper Bristol Road. The course follows 2-laps westbound along Upper Bristol Road and Newbridge Road to the Twerton Fork, returning eastbound along the Lower Bristol Road to Churchill Bridge, and up Green Park Road to Queen Square.

The recommended viewing and entertainment points are at Royal Avenue where the race starts and finishes; Royal Victoria Park playground; Chelsea Road; Weston Lock Retail Park; Great Pulteney Street; Churchill Bridge; and Green Park Station. The first race with the fastest runners starts at 10.20am, with other groups starting at 10.35am and 10.50am. 

bathhalf.co.uk

OUR MARCH ISSUE IS OUT NOW!

You'll love our marvellous March magazine 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 Melissa Blease talks to David Morrissey about the challenge of taking on Pinter at the Ustinov; we find out about the latest interactive exhibition at The American Museum & Gardens, The American Road Trip; BBC correspondent Jeremy Bowen shares his insights into the Middle East ahead of his appearance in Bath; we catch up with the Team Bath Racing Electric team at the University of Bath, plus so much more!

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 [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

Guinness Soda Bread

This super-simple Guinness Soda Bread is the perfect malty accompaniment to Irish Stew, Irish fish chowder and/or Irish cheeses, making it well worthy of a spotlight role in a St Patrick's Day feast on Sunday 17 March.

Ingredients (makes 1 loaf)

200g plain flour
550g wholemeal flour
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp soft dark brown sugar
300ml Guinness
220ml buttermilk

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 230°C/gas mark 8 and lightly grease a 900g loaf tin with vegetable oil.

2. Tip the plain flour, wholemeal flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and soft brown sugar into a large mixing bowl and stir well with a fork until thoroughly combined. 

3. Add the Guinness and the buttermilk to the bowl and mix well to form a rough dough (fingers are your most useful tool here!). Tip the dough onto a lightly-floured work surface and fold the mixture together gently until it forms a fat sausage, roughly the size of the tin.

4. Place the dough into the greased loaf tin and, with wet hands, pat down and smooth the top into the edges. Set aside for 10 minutes to rest.

5. Bake the loaf in the hot oven for 10 minutes before reducing the oven temperature to 180c/gas mark 4 and baking for another 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the base sounds hollow when tapped.

6. Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack and allowing the loaf to cool completely before slicing.

Italian Wines

From the Dolomites to the bays of Sicily, Italy's topographic makeup lends itself perfectly to wine production. As a result of her physique Italy boasts a myriad of different soils and climates. Adding to the equation a plethora of indigenous grape varieties, each harvest yields an abundance of diverse and fascinating wine styles. Italy is further blessed with many dedicated and passionate winemakers and vine growers. Here are our top 5 from The Bath Magazine:

Papale Oro – Primitivo di Manduria Varvaglione

Papale Oro has aromas of kirsch, plum and spicy oak, and flavours of rich dark chocolate, ripe cherries and spice. This is Puglian wine at its best, with great character, warmth, and 'friendliness,' yet no shortage of delicious spiciness, complexity and pure fruit intensity, and ultra-plush, velvety texture. | £33

Rosso di Montalcino – Il Poggione

Lovely rounded red fruit character, very easy and immediate, yet backed up by satisfying complexity and structure. Tuck right into it straight away, and enjoy over the next 2-3 years. Produced entirely from the Brunello variant of Sangiovese grapes, from Il Poggione's younger vines, this is aged for 12 months in large casks before a period of bottle aging. | £22

Amarone Classico – Bertani

The first impression on the nose is of fresh black cherry aromas, leading into notes of maraschino cherry and plum. Immense depth and complexity on the palate: dried fruit, oolong tea, liquorice, spice, red-berry fruits, and a long velvety vanilla note on the finish. This is traditional Amarone: rich yet genuinely dry, unlike many of the modern-style upstarts. | £155

Lugana La Musina – Sartori

From selected vineyards on glacier-derived moraine soil in the centre of the Lugana area, south west of Lake Garda, this fresh white has delicate fruit and floral aromas and is pleasantly dry and balanced on the palate. The choicest bunches are pressed gently, and the fermentation temperature is kept low to retain fresh fruit aromas. | £17.75

greatwine.co.uk

Looking for more delicious foodie inspo?

Click through to browse our full Delicious Guide!

L'Occitane Almond Premium Easter Egg gift set | £25

Treat yourself and loved ones with L'Occitane's Almond Premium Beauty Easter Egg 2024, filled with a bath and body treat from its iconic Almond Collection.

Enjoy the deliciously addictive scent and luxurious texture of two of its bestselling products, made with sustainably sourced almonds from the South of France.

Combining the natural firming and nourishing properties of almonds, this egg-cellent set includes:
• 250ml Almond Shower Oil
• 30ml Almond Delicious Hands
• supplied in an egg shape box.

For more information and to purchase click here. 

The new Speedmaster Moonwatch

The Speedmaster Moonwatch is one of the world’s most iconic timepieces. Having been a part of all six moon landings, the legendary chronograph is an impressive representation of the brand’s adventurous pioneering spirit.

Presented on a polished-brushed bracelet, this 42 mm Moonwatch in stainless steel features sapphire crystal glass on the front as well as on the caseback.

Inspired by the 4th generation Speedmaster style worn on the moon, it also includes an asymmetrical case, a white lacquered step dial with applied OMEGA logo and indexes, Moonwatch style hands, and a black black ceramic Tachymeter bezel.

The watch is driven by the manual wind, anti magnetic OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, which powers the small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder, along with the central chronograph function and the movement can be appreciated through the sapphire crystal caseback. Shown here with the brushed and polished steel bracelet (£7,600) however there’s also black leather with contrast stitching and a rubber strap options is available. A classic timepiece.

Contact Mallory to find out more about the new Speedmaster Moonwatch and many more OMEGA timepieces

Unisex padded backpack in opaque fabric | £155

Colmar unisex backpack made in recycled ultralight fabric with water repellent treatment.

Lightly padded and quilted, this model has practical reinforced pockets inside for PCs and tablets. On the lower part at the back, there is a small anti-theft pocket where you can put your wallet, keys or, if you travel, your passport.

colmar.com

Curated by Daniel McCabe

The first issue of fashion brand documentary magazine Griffé (‘fashion as told by its labels’) focused on Maison Margiela and lasted approximately five minutes on our shelves. We’re pleased to say the second instalment has arrived, this time looking at the story of the house of Mugler, from its inception to the present day. It details the strategies the label has implemented over the decades, the challenges it’s had to meet and the crises it has overcome. Griffé has expanded in both physical dimensions and extent (there’s an extra 50 pages), making it a must-own series for followers of fashion, students and industry professionals. | £35

magalleria.co.uk

Stop off at The Urban Garden for refreshments during the Bath Half Marathon

The Urban Garden is located in Royal Victoria Park, between the finish line and the Runners' Village, so its café kiosk (serving hot and cold drinks) is a perfect place to stop off for refreshments during the Bath Half on 17 March.

The Urban Garden is described as ‘the smallest garden centre with the biggest heart’ and sells locally sourced plants and houseplants, specialising in stylish plants and garden products for all types of urban spaces. Located in Royal Victoria Park just below the Royal Crescent, the entrance is on the corner of Marlborough Buildings and Royal Avenue.

The Urban Garden, Marlborough Buildings, Bath BA1 2LZ
theurbangarden.co.uk

Image shows Rococo Loco crew

Shoppers to get a spring in their step at Southgate Bath

SouthGate Bath has a host of surprises lined up to give shoppers a spring in their step as we move into the new season.

Last weekend Southgate Bath was visited by the Rococo Loco crew handing out bunches of flowers to those who celebrated Mother's Day. 

This weekend the centre will be welcoming Queen Bee and Polly Nator for a range of spring themed games with an educational twist. 

They’ll be teaching shoppers the Royal Jelly Wave, as well as highlighting the importance of protecting bees, offering packets of wildflower seeds to visitors to take away and plant at home.

All proceeds from donations this Sunday will go to The Nest Project, a charity providing free clothing, equipment and toiletries to children under the age of five in Bath and North East Somerset.

For more information on the charity or how to donate, click here. 

Brian Rayfield's new publication 'Exchange of Love'

Local author Brian Rayfield publishes new book Exchange of Love on 26 March. 

Down-to-earth stone mason John Townsend is hopelessly in love with the ghost of a woman long since dead, Penny Peverell. 

Penny’s life is played out during the English Civil War. John must reconcile his strange infatuation with his present-day life and girlfriend. A girlfriend who now lives in what was once Penny’s manor house.

Love may be timeless, but should two people from different centuries really indulge their passion?

The book is an original work with elements of a ghost, an adventure and a love story. Not until the last chapter is this question answered, at least for the ghost of Penny Peverell.

Daphne S, Reviewer on Net Galley. 5*
"The fantasy aspect of a love affair over the centuries added feelings to what was a very grim and bloody piece of English history."

A sample of Chapter One is available on the webpage brianrayfield.com and pre-orders are being taken at Bath’s Independent bookshops – Oldfield Park Bookshop, and Mr B’s Emporium, as well as Waterstones and Amazon etc.

Iford Manor's behind the scenes garden tour

Discover the joy of Iford’s gardens in winter with Head Gardener Steve Lannin. 

This special out-of-season tour will look at the work that is currently being done in the garden, and provide a preview just before the gardens reopen. 

You will also visit Iford’s private walled garden with a vegetable garden, glasshouses, cutting garden and more. The tour concludes with a hot drink (included) in the Iford Manor Café. 

10am–11.30am | 28 March
Click here to book your tickets. 

British Cheese awards take centre stage at Food & Drink Festival

600 British cheeses will be judged at the 28th edition of the prestigious British Cheese Awards, taking place at the Bath & West Showground on Friday 22 March. 

Among this year’s entries from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are 25 brand new cheeses, which have launched since the last edition of the Awards. 

Throughout the weekend, visitors to the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival will be able to view the British Cheese Awards judging hall and even sample some of the trophy winners, as they enjoy a celebration of the South West’s farmers, producers and purveyors.

The line up for the inaugural Food & Drink Festival will include TV presenter and Great British Bake Off contestant, Briony May Williams, food & drink broadcaster Nigel Barden and comedian George Egg. The Farmhouse Tavern will showcase beverages of all kinds, and the Little Foodies zone will keep families entertained. 

Click here to purchase tickets. 

Little Wander presents Ria Lina at Wiltshire Music Centre

The multiple Live at the Apollo star tackles the issues of coming out of a global pandemic, the new normal, divorce, dating in a new digital world, motherhood and what it really means to be a woman today.

Fearless, provocative, and very funny, Ria Lina is the only Filipina comedian in British stand-up and a hugely admired talent in the comedy industry.

Her extensive list of credits includes Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You?, Mock the Week, Lovestruck High, Richard Hammond’s Brain Reaction, Richard Osman’s House of Games, The Last Leg and Celebrity Mastermind.

7 April | 7.30pm
Click here to buy tickets. 

First race of the year at Bath Racecourse

Join Bath Racecourse for their first race day of the year on 7 April. 

Whether you’re looking for a pub garden feel where you can sit back, listen to live music and enjoy a pint or prosecco with friends, or you’re on the hunt for family-friendly fun that’ll keep everyone entertained. Kids go free!

There will be live music all day long, a free fun fair for everyone to enjoy, lot’s of children’s entertainment including stilt walkers and free face-painting, you can also bring your own picnic.

Bath Racecourse, Lansdown, Bath BA1 9BU
Click here for more information.

John Gray on 'The New Leviathans – Thoughts After Liberalism'

Join Professor John Gray at BRLSI exploring a world after Liberalism on 19 March at 7.30pm–9pm.

In The New Leviathans, John Gray allows us to understand the world of the 2020s with all its contradictions, moral horrors and disappointments through a new reading of Hobbes’ classic work.

The collapse of the Soviet Union ushered in an era of near-apocalyptic triumphalism in the West: a genuine belief that a rational, liberal, well-managed future now awaited humankind and that tyranny, nationalism and unreason lay in the past. 

Since then, so many terrible events have occurred and so many poisonous ideas flourished, and yet still our liberal certainties treat them as aberrations which will somehow dissolve away. 

Click here for more information and to book tickets. 

Sulis Hospital: Visionary insights; unveiling the secrets to lifelong eye health

Join Sulis Hospital at Combe Grove for the talk on 25 April to understand how to take better care of your eyes and prevent unnecessary sight loss. 

Good metabolic health is linked to our eyes; controlling glucose levels can decrease dry eye disease. Your metabolic health also plays a role in the development of cataracts, by maintaining stable blood glucose levels which reduce the risk.

Hear from leading experts and gain real insight into the latest advances in eye health.

– Ask the experts about your concerns associated with eye health
– Gain practical advice, and guidance
– Discover more about how to take preventative measures

Talk to leading experts Consultant Ophthalmologist Mrs Selina Tomlinson and Registered Dietitian Dr Rebecca Hiscutt. 

6.15pm–8pm | Combe Grove, Brassknocker Hill, Bath BA2 7HS
Click here to book your place.

Easter Revision Courses with Bath Academy

Join Bath Academy's Easter Revision courses from 25 March to 12 April. 

These intensive revision courses will be tailored for students’ individual needs. These can be focused on specific topics or any areas where there are gaps in knowledge. A core focus is on exam technique and preparation for assessments.

For all Easter week-long courses, a 1 hour session about revision, tackling exams and dealing with exam anxiety with the Director of revision is included free of charge.

Click here for more information. 

Photo credit Petra Dilthey & Uli Schwarz.

Crisis unfolding: child marriage surges across rural Ethiopia

Imagine being a parent, believing you have no alternative but to marry your daughter off?

Ethiopia has seen a 239% increase in child marriage, with many girls marrying as young as 11. Consecutive failed wet seasons and a devastating civil conflict have left families starving.

£10 can help transform a life, donate today.

Will you help reverse the terrifying rise in child marriages? Go to Ethiopiaid.org.uk to find out more or call us on 01225 476 385.

Blake & Bull started life 20 years ago with a simple cleaning service of Aga range cookers, this soon developed into complete Aga refurbishment business, bringing a beautiful new life to classic, old and fatigued Agas with re-enamelling [now available in a choice of 65 colours], electric conversions and also re-imagined Agas – brilliantly recreated and made to order from recovered parts. 

The company now employs over 40 people and has cleaned, refurbished and remade thousands of Aga cookers in its workshop and showroom at Hartley Farm near Bath. In the showroom you’ll not only find a display of pristine restorations but also a range of thoughtful high quality cookware and kitchen accessories. For expert advice or just to browse all the wonderful products a visit to the showroom is a must.

Hartley Farm, Winsley, BA15 2JB
Tel: 01225 434500 Web: blakeandbull.co.uk

Crowe Hill, Limpley Stoke, BA2

Offered for sale by Bath estate agents Camella  

Nestled within a picturesque and sought-after village setting, this stunning 5-bedroom semi-detached house boasts an enviable position with breath-taking views of majestic Murhill. 

Offering an impressive 2480 square feet of luxurious living space, this residence is perfect for those seeking both elegance and comfort. The property's standout feature is its magnificent kitchen dining area which steps out onto a roof terrace, the perfect venue for al fresco dining while soaking in the captivating vistas. 

This property has 3 bathrooms, and a self-contained living possibility. The expansive bespoke kitchen comes equipped with modern appliances, ideal for both culinary enthusiasts and busy families alike.

Drenched in natural light, the living areas exude warmth and sophistication, setting the stage for memorable gatherings and cosy nights in. With a garage and off-street parking, convenience and security are paramount, elevating the desirability of this exceptional home.

Outside, the property offers a harmonious blend of practicality and charm. The front is elegantly paved, providing parking space for up to 3 cars, with additional on-street parking also readily available. | Guide Price £1,095,000

Click here to view more images and read through the details on the Camella website