A specially curated guide to the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath
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DOROTHY HOUSE | A ROYAL VISIT
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The Princess Royal opens Dorothy House’s expanded ‘Firefly Woods’
On Thursday 14 September, Dorothy House Hospice Care was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to celebrate the opening of their Firefly Woods as a place of reflection and remembrance for everyone across the Dorothy House community.
Her Royal Highness took a guided tour around the Winsley gardens and Day Patient Unit to meet with Dorothy House patients and families, volunteers and staff before officially opening the newly expanded Firefly Woods and accepting a Firefly in memory of her late mother and father, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
To help fund the vital, compassionate care provided by the Hospice, each year Dorothy House invites people to dedicate a light on a Firefly. This is a wonderful way to create a lasting legacy for a loved one and to join a community of support in bereavement.
dorothyhouse.org.uk
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OUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE! |
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You'll love our fabulous September 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. Features include an interview with Stephen Mangan and his illustrator sister Anita; a piece on the beautiful Cleveland Pools opening this month; and a showcase of the fashionable country clothes of Wadswick Country Store. We really hope you'll enjoy the read!
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 our current issue!
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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 – see our website.
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WEEKEND RECIPES | CLASSIC COMBINATIONS
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Words by Melissa Blease
Pear, apple and almond sponge pudding
It's official: pudding season is upon us!
This classic apple/pear/almond combination makes the very most of the lush pears and tart apples that are trending across the UK right now, the almonds adding a sweetly nutty backdrop to the whole affair. And here's the really good news: this simple sponge pudding doesn't require an afternoon of steaming on a hot stove; it moves from worktop to dinner table in less than an hour.
Ingredients (serves 4-6)
2 large Bramley apples (around 500g in total), peeled, cored and chopped 500g ripe pears, peeled, cored and chopped The juice of ½ lemon 200g caster sugar 115g butter, softened 100g self-raising flour 75g ground almonds 3 medium eggs, beaten ½ tsp almond extract
To serve: thick cream
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Put the prepared apples and pears into a bowl with the lemon juice and 85g of the sugar. Mix thoroughly, then tip into a deep, 1.5 litre ovenproof dish. Set to one side.
Beat or whisk the softened butter with the remaining 115g sugar together in a large mixing bowl until pale and fluffy. Mix the flour and almonds together in separate bowl.
Beat a third of the eggs into the butter/sugar mixture, then a third of the flour/almond mixture. Repeat until all the ingredients are used up. Add the almond extract, stir well and spread the whole mixture over the fruit.
Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the topping has risen into a golden-topped sponge lid. Sprinkle with extra caster sugar and serve warm or at room temperature, with plenty of thick cream.
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WEEKEND WINE | VENI, VIDI, VINO
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Discover Argentinian reds
For so long, Malbec has been virtually synonymous with Argentine wine, which is hardly surprising given how much of it is made - and how much of it is also really excellent, not to mention its natural affinity for South American style red meat.
But there is more to explore within Argentine red wine - we strongly recommend you try a robust yet succulent Tannat, a fine, fragrant Cabernet Franc or a juicy Bonarda. Or how about an elegant Patagonian Pinot Noir?
Estate Pinot Noir - Humberto Canale
Cherry, liquorice and truffle aromas make this recognisably Pinot Noir, in a subtle and understated Burgundian style. In the mouth it has fresh berry fruit alongside complex earthy, woody nuances. Classic, and a bargain | £16.65
Signature Malbec - Susana Balbo
This Malbec has intense black fruit on the nose, with complex, earthy nuances. It has lovely freshness on the palate, with tangy red cherry and raspberry fruit. This is a wine you can tuck into immediately, or enjoy at your leisure over the next five years | £28.75
Iscay Syrah Viognier - Trapiche
This Syrah has aromas of damson, black cherry, woodsmoke and fine oak. In the mouth, it is intensely-flavoured with soft, plushy, velvet texture. The Viognier's apricot and honeysuckle lift add further complexity | £42
Finca Notables Tannat - El Esteco
A full bodied wine bursting with concentrated dark fruits, raisins, coffee beans and vanilla oak. Ripe, grippy tannins enhance the concentrated fruit flavours and give this wine great structure | £26
Estacion 1883 Malbec - Trapiche
Seamless, velvety Malbec, with vibrant notes of ripe red fruit, cherries and violets with an underlying mineral character and an elegant finish | £14.95
Discover more Argentinian reds at greatwine.co.uk
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FOOD NEWS | FRENCH CUISINE WITH A GOURMET TWIST
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Boho Marché launches new brasserie-inspired menus by Head Chef Cyril
Boho Marché at The Francis Hotel in Bath has launched a brand-new menu with a French twist, curated by new Head Chef Cyril Royer. Hotel guests and local residents are invited to travel to France on a plate with Boho Marché’s new menus, which are a true celebration of the restaurant’s varied culinary inspirations. Originating from Limoges in France, Cyril has created a selection of dishes that encompass classic French cuisine with a gourmet twist.
The brand-new brasserie menu includes French favourites such as moules-frites, confit of duck cassoulet and côte de boeuf to share, as well as delicious options such as slow roasted cauliflower steak and beetroot tarte tatin. For starters, guests will be stuck for choice with delicious offerings including lamb rossini, twice-baked cheese souffle and crab rémoulade. A meal isn’t complete without dessert, and the new Boho Marché menus offer tempting choices such as chocolate fondant or St Honoré, with caramel diplomat cream.
Boho Marché, 6 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HH bohomarche.com
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Looking for more delicious foodie inspo?
Click through to browse our full Delicious Guide!
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Jo Malone London’s Advent Calendar | £350
The treasured Jo Malone London Advent Calendar returns with a gingerbread-inspired design to make the festive season even sweeter.
Filled with 25 scented surprises including miniature colognes, Travel Candles, 50ml bath & body luxuries and a 30ml cologne in one of the brand’s most popular scents. Once empty, the box can be reused as a jewellery case, desk tidy or crafting kit.
The Advent Calendar will be available online and in Jo Malone London stores from 27 September 2023. Join the waiting list at jomalone.co.uk
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FASHION | GET READY FOR AUTUMN
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Paul Smith Colour Block Fuzzy Scarf | £100
Wrap up warm this Autumn with Grace and Mabel's Colour Block Fuzzy Scarf. This statement scarf features a colour block design, and is an ideal accessory for the colder months. Made from acrylic, polyester, and wool, it's both practical and fashionable.
Visit graceandmabel.co.uk to shop
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OBJECTS OF DESIRE | THE AVIATORS WATCH
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Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46mm
With a tradition firmly rooted in aviation, the complicated dial of the Breitling Navitimer may, on first impressions, seem rather intimidating even to the most erudite mind. But every calibration, sub-dial and number position performs a very specific function.
It is of course a ready reckoner for aviators – originally designed in 1952 to measure flight times, calculate speed and fuel requirements – but has now become one of the most iconic and recognisable watches on the prestige market.
With a generous 46mm stainless steel case, protected by sapphire crystal glass, this new Breitling Navitimer B01 watch boasts a black dial with three sub-dials, luminescent hands and hour markers for optimum visibility.
Always ready for action, the watch features a steel bi-directional rotating bezel, which acts as a circular slide rule, and strap options are a black Alligator with contrast stitching (shown) or a steel link bracelet.
Powered by a great automatic movement, the watch is water-resistant to 30 metres and offers a 70-hour power reserve. The transparent case back reveals the automatic movement. A magnificent watch that will not only look elegant at a cocktail parties but an authoritative precision instrumentation in the cockpit | £7,400
Click here to see more from the range of Breitling timepieces at Mallory.
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MAGAZINE KIOSK | MAGALLERIA
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Curated by Daniel McCabe
MAGMA is a plush new annual art and literary magazine from France offering from contributions from 18 artists drawn from a range of genres and based on an invitation to provide or create an original or an unseen work for the publication. In this way Magma sees itself as reviving the idea the grand European art journal of the 20th century which fostered important forums for artistic expression, a space where artists and writers might collaborate and co-create. The inaugural issue is published in large format hardcover in a limited numbered edition of 2000 copies which include two inserted artworks – an exclusive 7 inch vinyl record and a facsimile of an unpublished letter from French poet René Char) | £58
magalleria.co.uk
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LIVE ON STAGE | AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING
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The Rest is History Live with Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook
Spend an evening with historians and chart-topping podcast hosts of The Rest is History, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, as they interrogate the past and attempt to detangle the present.
Live on stage, Tom and Dominic will also be celebrating the publication of their brand-new book, suitably called The Rest is History. Whether it's sending historical figures to Casa Amor in a series of Love Island, ranking history’s most famous pigeons or debating the meaning of greatness, there is nothing too big or too small for Tom and Dominic to unpick.
Join them for an unforgettable evening as they confront history’s most curious moments and answer the important, and sometimes bizarre questions.
So run your Egyptian milk bath, strap up your best Spartan sandals, and prepare for a journey down the highways and tributaries of the human past.
23 October | 7.30pm | The Forum, Bath, BA1 1UG Visit fane.co.uk to find out more and buy tickets
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EXHIBITION | CONNECT WITH ART
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Breath and Bones: an Exploration in Connectives
Photo credit: Sarah Taylor (1985)
Breath and Bones features the work of women artists from the southwest – Sarah Taylor, Sally Tripptree, Jacky Fox and Emily Player. The work considers the themes of memory and how we hold onto the past, as a way of reconnecting with the spiritual and the physical sense of place. Their practice covers a wide range of disciples and is often experimental, raw and engages with the crossover between the spiritual body of the earth and the interconnectivity with our physical being.
19 - 23 September | 12pm - 6pm The Walcot Chapel, Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5UG
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MUSIC | OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES
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Bath Young Musician of the Year 2023
Bath Young Musician of the Year returns on 11 October with a group of highly talented young local musicians promising an evening of outstanding performances.
This prestigious annual event is always a much anticipated part of Bath’s musical scene and the Mid-Somerset Festival takes great pride in knowing that many competitors over the years have gone on to enjoy successful musical careers.
Join them for this very special evening and enjoy the performances of these exciting young talents and stars of the future.
10 October | 7.30pm | The Pump Room, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ Tickets £15 /£10 from bathboxoffice.org.uk Find out more at midsomersetfestival.org
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Gaia arrives at Bath Abbey on 18 September
Luke Jerram's world-renowned Gaia artwork is arriving at Bath Abbey on 18 September as part of the Treasuring Creation Festival.
Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features detailed NASA imagery of the Earth's surface and provides the opportunity to see our planet floating in three-dimensions.
Gaia will be suspended underneath the tower in the centre of the Abbey, providing an awe-inspiring view as people enter the building. The artwork was previously on display at Wells Cathedral.
This comes at the same time as the exciting news that Bath Abbey has been recognised by Tripadvisor as a 2023 Travellers’ Choice award winner, placing the Abbey among the 10% of all listings on Tripadvisor globally!
Gaia is only available to see during Abbey opening times. Please check before you visit for last minute variations: bathabbey.org
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SPORT | EXPERIENCE THE REC
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Bath Rugby welcomes fans back to The Rec with Premiership Rugby Cup tickets from a fiver
Bath Rugby is encouraging fans, both old and new, to experience The Rec for the first time this season with tickets available from £5 for home matches against Jersey Reds, London Scottish and local rivals, Exeter Chiefs.
Tries, tackles and tightheads are guaranteed when the team return to The Rec this Saturday (16th) to take on Jersey Reds in the second tie of the Premiership Rugby Cup following the club’s exciting start in the competition last week.
Rising stars including Ewan Richards, Sam Harris and Louie Hennessey will be looking forward to pulling on the famous jersey in front of its loyal fans at the home of Bath Rugby.
With the Rugby World Cup now well underway, this is a perfect time for families to inspire the next generation of Bath Rugby stars by bringing them along to experience the unique and iconic atmosphere of The Rec for the first time.
Find out more at bathrugby.com
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CHARITY | MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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Education is their right.
Ethiopiaid believes all girls should have the opportunity to continue in their education, for as long as they want.
Ethiopia remains one of the countries in the world where girls are most likely to miss out on an education. And while Ethiopia has made huge improvements in recent years, still girls struggle. Child marriage rates – which remain amongst the highest in the world, low incomes, civil unrest and lack of period pads all play a part in preventing girls from going to school.
Ethiopiaid firmly believes that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Investing in girls’ education contributes to her nation's growth and brings change in a generation.
With small interventions from our partners in Ethiopia, providing free school meals, period packs, and skills and expertise, girls can continue to learn and become confident, independent and fulfilled.
Donate and find out more at ethiopiaid.org.uk
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CLEVELAND POOLS | LIDO LIFE
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Lido Ladies make a splash at historic Cleveland pools
Bath welcomed a touch of retro glamour this weekend, as the UK’s stylish Lido Ladies made the most of the warmer weather and took to newly opened Cleveland Pools.
On Sunday 10 September, Cleveland Pools opened to the public for swimming, marking the exciting culmination of a renovation project 19 years in the making.
To celebrate the opening, swimming was free for the day. Keen to be a part of the first day of swimming, the Lido Ladies, known for their lively Instagram presence, brought their infectious energy and colourful swimming caps to the stunning destination.
The team at Cleveland Pools, expressed their delight in hosting the Lido Ladies, saying; "Opening for the first public swim since the restoration was thrilling and it seemed really fitting to welcome the Lido Ladies and their retro styling too. Their charismatic presence, colourful outfits and love for all things aquatic really added to the atmosphere.”
Timetable and booking details, and entry costs can be found at clevelandpools.org.uk
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EDUCATION | EXCITING NEWS
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Prior Park College Unveils New Sixth Form Centre and New Founders’ Garden
Prior Park College unveiled its new Sixth Form Centre on Friday 8 September.
The Centre has been rebuilt, refurbished and extended to now consist of five spaces: social common room, kitchen, social study area, multi-functional classroom, and quiet study room. The redevelopment was kindly donated to the College by former pupil, Mr Andrew Shin, a 1985 leaver.
The Sixth Form Centre leads out to another area of the school that has been transformed over the summer, the New Founders’ Garden. Previously, this space was a well-worn thoroughfare for staff and students; it is now an inviting, social, landscaped space that complements the Health and Wellbeing Centre which sits alongside it. The area is named the New Founders’ Garden in recognition of past pupils, parents, staff and friends of Prior Park College, who came together, at very short notice, to save the school in 1981 when the Congregation of Christian Brothers left. This group founded a lay administration which provided stability and ambition, taking the College to where it is today.
The Garden has been designed so that areas can be used as outside classrooms in addition to being a quiet and peaceful place to sit and decompress during a busy school day. The College was mindful to include sustainable practices within the redevelopment: planting has been designed to encourage biodiversity; the seating uses reclaimed plastic slats rather than timber; the LED lighting has been designed to have a low impact on the site’s natural ecology, particularly bats; and sustainable urban drainage has been used to reduce the risk of flooding and ponding, and to allow rainwater to disperse naturally through the ground to existing culverts and springs that help to supply the ponds and reservoirs in the Prior Park Gardens.
Both new spaces will be available for prospective families to visit at Prior Park’s Main Open Morning on Saturday 30 September, and at the Sixth Form Information Evening on Tuesday 3 October. For more details and to register for these events, please visit priorparkcollege.com
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PROPERTY | A CLASSIC GEORGIAN TOWNHOUSE
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Prior Park Buildings, Bath, BA2
Offered for sale by Hamptons estate agents in Bath
This beautiful Grade II Listed Georgian townhouse forms part of a handsome terrace with a frontage of mature trees and a pretty brook. The interior flows well throughout the four floors with the ground floor providing the sought after open plan living space with a reception room to the front and a full size sash window providing a green aspect, plus detailed cornicing and a central fire place.
Double doors through to the kitchen have been designed to match the bespoke units, which includes a central island, plenty of storage and a door opening into an enclosed courtyard; a super breakfast spot in the summer.
Stairs rise to the half landing with a cloakroom plus a garden room/study leading out to the upper garden. The first floor drawing room has the two full height sash windows with their working shutters and wrought iron balconettes intact. The plaster corniced ceiling and ceiling rose is also retained and a marble fireplace adds a central focal point to this stylish room.
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The adjacent bedroom has a pleasant aspect to the garden plus a period fireplace flanked by built-in cabinetry. The second floor houses the light and airy principal bedroom with bespoke cabinetry. Also of note on this floor is the luxury bathroom with a central freestanding bath and separate walk-in shower. There are two further bedrooms and a shower room above. This is truly a wonderful home to suit those who wish for city living, but enjoy the closeness of the countryside.
Prior Park Buildings has a gently flowing steam running its length and is sheltered by mature trees; each house is fronted by its own garden, this one is a major feature. Beautifully landscaped with a gravel border around a central rill pond fed from a hexagonal water feature creating a gentle ripple of water. Yew, hydrangea and an array of evergreen planting add to the appeal of this front garden.
To the rear, the delightful garden is terraced with the first level a perfect relaxing area full of potted plants and wisteria dividing the upper gravel terrace with its circular paved area for dining and raised beds and lawn. Stone walling encloses the whole with trellis covered in clematis and an array of climbers adding colour and scent.
Parking is always a premium close to the city centre so the double garage is a rare feature as well as the parking space each house uses in front of their garage | £1,600,000
Click here to visit the Hamptons website for more images and details
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