Running time 11 minutes.

A film by The Bath Magazine.

Editor Emma Clegg chats to artist Sam Cox - AKA Mr Doodle - about his work and immersive new exhibition at The Holburne Museum in Bath that is running from 3 May throughout the summer 2024.

Click here to watch. 

READ OUR MAY ISSUE NOW!

You'll love our marvellous May 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 we went to the Holburne Museum and narrowly avoided being doodled by Mr Doodle (who is only happy when doodling), and asked him why doodling is the biggest thing in his life – and why he’s been doodling obsessively in the museum… and in Bath. We also spoke to fashion director of The Times Anna Murphy who is coming to The Bath Festival and has some uplifting advice about how to feel fabulous whatever your age. There are more interviews with journalist and art critic Will Gompertz, actor Tamsin Greig and jazz trombonist Dennis Rollins. You can also find out about the amazing new Dyson Cancer Centre at the RUH in an in-depth piece about this innovative project, which has been supported enthusiastically by the local community. 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

Coronation Chicken Pasties

Two British classics combine in perfect harmony in these utterly moreish pasties, perfect for a Bank Holiday garden party or a picnic.

Ingredients (makes 4 hearty pasties)

125g baking potatoes, peeled and cut into approx 1cm cubes
1 tbsp medium curry powder
200g cooked chicken breast, cut into 2cm pieces
2 spring onions, roughly chopped
125g korma curry sauce (from jar)
2 tbsp mango chutney
1 x 375g pack ready-rolled, all-butter shortcrust pastry
1 egg, beaten

Method

1. Heat a generous drizzle of oil in a large, deep frying pan over a medium heat and sauté the potato cubes for 5 minutes. Add the curry powder and cook for a further minute until fragrant.

2. Transfer to a large bowl and add the chicken, spring onions, korma sauce and mango chutney. Stir well to combine.

3. Unroll the pastry and cut out 4 equally-sized rounds, approx. 17-18cm in diameter. Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the pastry rounds, spooning it onto one half of the circle (being careful not to overfill). Brush the edges with a little beaten egg, then fold the pastry over the filling and crimp the edges with your fingers. Arrange on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper and transfer to the fridge for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).

4. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Remove the pasties from the fridge, brush with the remaining beaten egg and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden. Serve warm or at room temperature, with extra mango chutney on the side. The pasties will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Recommendations by Tom Bleathman from The Great Wine Co.

Organic wines are made from grapes grown using organic farming practices. This means no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers are used on the grapes, and instead natural and sustainable farming practices are employed. This benefits the soil structure and enables better water and nutrient retention, reducing the need for irrigation, all while encouraging biodiversity and promoting life in the vineyard. The Great Wine Co. has many fantastic organic wines, but here are three of Tom Bleathman's favourites...

Chateau Leoube Rose de Leoube 2022

An elegant rosé made from Grenache and Cinsault grapes, complemented with a touch of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Finely structured and well balanced, this wine’s fresh and fruity nature shows aromas of exotic fruit, leading to a supple, textured palate, notes of red and white fruit and a subtle spice. Provençal rosé at its best. | £27.50

Aubert and Mathieu Haute Pistes Syrah 2022

A complex nose of blackcurrant, blueberry and eucalyptus is matched with freshness and silky tannins on the palate. Operating using organic methods, Aubert and Mathieu are also at the forefront of sustainability offering eco-friendly packaging, being carbon neutral and donating to local beekeepers to help biodiversity. | £17.50

Visit greatwine.co.uk to explore more

Enjoy a free glass of fizz at The Gainsborough Brasserie

Enjoy a free glass of fizz when you dine at The Gainsborough Brasserie during May and June. 

The Gainsborough Brasserie is now kicking things up a notch with a kaleidoscope of globally inspired gourmet experiences with new flavours where east meets west, featuring the freshest and choicest ingredients to make up its diverse spread of gastronomic creations. 

Click here to make an online booking or call 01225 358888.

Images show: Left- Rosemary Shrager; Right - Rachel Khoo

Celebrity Chefs Rachel Khoo and Rosemary Shrager amongst line-up at Royal Bath & West Show

Organisers of the Royal Bath & West Show have announced the full line-up of chefs for The Great British Kitchen. 

The Show will feature a plethora of activities, demonstrations and entertainment; including interactive activities, fast pace excitement in the Main Ring and a much-enhanced food hall experience.

Introduced in 2021, the free cookery demonstrations by well-known chefs have proved popular with visitors, and this year the show welcomes Clodagh McKenna (‘This Morning’), Rosemary Shrager (‘Ladette to Lady; ‘Soapstar Superchef’), Andy Clarke (‘Saturday Kitchen Live’) and TV presenter, producer and author Rachel Khoo to the stage.

30 May–1 June | Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset
To book tickets visit bathandwest.com

Drift 20L Waterproof Roll Top Backpack | £145

Whatever adventures you have planned, the pack on your back is just as important as what you put in it.

A firm favourite, the Drift Backpack now comes in a new smaller 20L size. With the same construction as its 30L big brother, it's fully waterproof and fully loaded, with welded seams, heavy-duty 100% recycled nylon material and a whole host of technical features to help get you out on your adventures.

Built for everything from adventures in the wild to keeping your gear dry on a rainy commute.

Click here to purchase. 

Mulberry Introduces New Members of the Pimlico and Lana Families

This season, Mulberry continues its exploration of the lock as an ever-evolving Mulberry emblem – as synonymous with the brand’s heritage as to the bags themselves – with new styles in the Pimlico and Lana families.

The Pimlico and Lana bags embody the brand’s contemporary outlook and timeless design codes, reflected in both styles’ bold hardware designs: the Pimlico Lock, an oversized version of the brand’s equestrian-inspired Rider’s Lock; and the Foundry Lock, a reinterpretation of the brand’s iconic Postman’s Lock, whose fluid shape takes inspiration from Surrealism’s organic forms.

As both styles evolve for the new season, their statement locks are brought to life across an assortment of bags, accessories and jewellery.

Click here to shop the collection.

FOPE’s Flex’it Bracelets

Founded back in 1929 by Umberto Cazzola as a goldsmith’s workshop in Vicenza, the company specialised in making watch-straps from gold and other metals, becoming suppliers to Switzerland’s biggest watchmaking brands.

Over the generations the family firm used its expertise to create its own gold jewellery collections. Today FOPE is recognised as one of the finest luxury jewellery brands in the world, famous for creating the iconic Novecento mesh and the Flex’it collection – a superbly flexible and intricate gold weave that allows jewellery to be shaped into beautiful designs, which is FOPE’s unmistakeable, signature style. Adored by the glitterati since the early 80s, the flexible rope-like pieces are never out of vogue and its timeless appeal is elegant and highly desirable.

Want one? Prices start at £1,950 for a Prima Flex'it 18ct yellow gold bracelet with diamond set rondel.

As well as gorgeous bracelets, click here to find so much more FOPE jewellery at Mallory.

Statement Pearl Encrusted Flower Hoops - Silver & Gold - Carissa | £190

Honey Willow is a family business founded in 2010. All jewellery is handmade in their workshop in Bath. 

Make a statement with the latest unique pearl encrusted hoops.

The hoops are handmade to order with either sterling silver or 14k gold-fill, or bonded gold. Each hoop is then wire-wrapped with freshwater pearls and silver or gold flowers.

The hoops are 3cm in diameter and fasten with a butterfly scroll.

Click here to purchase. 

New launch of Comète Les Exclusifs de CHANEL

Les Exclusifs de CHANEL is the most exclusive and precious fragrance collection at CHANEL.

Comète is housed in the iconic streamlined glass, with a timeless, monogrammed black lid with a double C logo, which always takes pride of place.

Intensely floral and luminous, Comète explores a new olfactory identity in the Les Exclusifs de CHANEL collection. Rich and powdery. 

75ml | £215
200ml | £380

Click here to purchase. 

Graham & Green Teal Festoon Lights | £49.95

Illuminate your outdoor space this summer with these teal festoon lights.

In a soft pastel shade, these make a great backdrop to your gatherings and evenings outside. With over nine metres of lights to play with, you'll be able to light up your garden, no matter the size.

Click here to purchase.

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Although there’s precious little sign, summer is on the way. And so we have, from French style bible l'étiquette, a useful ‘How to dress this summer’ edition for gentlemen followers of fashion who might appreciate an informed sartorial tip or two on managing seasonal wardrobes. This slightly revamped issue of one of our favourite magazines now provides a consolidated fashion features section, a new ‘Style Memos’ section for noting those important fashion details, plus 56 ‘get the look’ ideas and ‘75 objects of desire’. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, we also get ‘24 Tales of Olympic Style’ from over the years. Now we just need the sun… | £14.50

magalleria.co.uk

'The Deep Blue Sea' showing at Theatre Royal Bath's Ustinov Studio

Tamsin Greig stars in Terence Rattigan’s 1950’s study of obsession and the destructive power of love. The Deep Blue Sea will be showing until 1 June at Theatre Royal Bath's Ustinov Studio. 

When you’re stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea, the deep blue sea can sometimes look very inviting. In this powerful drama of passion versus loyalty, Hester Collyer, the daughter of a clergyman and wife of a judge is floundering in the closing stages of a hopeless affair. Freddie Page, her lover, a handsome but shallow ex-Battle of Britain pilot, is out of his depth in their relationship, overwhelmed by the strength of an emotion he is incapable of reciprocating...

We at The Bath Magazine got the chance to catch up with lead role Tamsin Greig as she tells us about the intensity of the role, which she likens to that of a female Hamlet. Click here to read the full article. 

Click here to purchase tickets. 

'A Tribute to the Carpenters' at The Forum

It’s time to get over that rainbow and make the smallest of dreams come true with A Tribute to the Carpenters at The Forum on 25 July at 6.30pm.

Featuring Gordy Marshall’s, The British Carpenters, starring the fantastic Sally Creedon as Karen Carpenter and with an incredible cast made up of musicians straight from London’s West End.

Bringing to life all the hits including, Close to You, Top of the World, Rainy Days and Mondays, Please Mr Postman, Goodbye to Love and many more. 

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. 

Last chance to sign up for Walk of Life in support of Royal United Hospitals Bath

Last chance to sign up and join hundreds of walkers stepping out onto the canal, in support of Royal United Hospitals Bath on 11 May at 7.30am–7.30pm. 

Over 90% of tickets for the RUHX Walk of Life 2024 have sold and are expected to sell out by Monday 6 May! 

Whoever you walk for, you’ll be supporting your local hospital to do more for our patients, their families, and the amazing NHS staff.

Featuring a group warm up at each start line, a communal lunchtime BBQ, regular refreshment stops, and a big celebration at the end with finish line photo. 

Join RUHX on a 10 or 26.2 mile walk and sign up now before tickets sell out at ruhx.org.uk

'Lazy River Band' play at American Museum & Garden's Garden Grooves

Enjoy an evening of music with The Lazy River Band, food and drinks in spectacular gardens with valley views at American Museum & Gardens on 17 May. 

The Lazy River Band is a vocal-led jazz quartet from Bristol with an authentic, intimate, early-jazz sound, and a superb repertoire of songs mainly from the ’20s to ’40s.

The band includes a stunning, sultry vocal delivery from Rachel Lawrence, perfectly supported by Bill Frampton and Gus Dolding’s skillful and unique comping. Greg Sterland’s accomplished tenor saxophone playing completes their unique, vintage sound.

You can choose from an array of light supper and refreshing drinks options at the American Garden Deli.

5.30pm–9pm | Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD
Click here for more information and to book your place. 

Image Credit: Ade Gidney

The Lansdown Cricket Club 200 for 200 Campaign, in support of RUHX

On the 4 May, Lansdown Cricket Club will be launching their 200 for 200 campaign, in time for their Bicentenary year in 2025.

2025 represents a huge marker for the Club’s history as it has been around for 200 years. As part of that celebration and to use the occasion to help local charities, Lansdown Cricket Club are setting a challenge to raise two hundred thousand pounds for their two hundred years of history.

The Launch weekend in May coincides with the first League fixture of 2024. On Sunday 5 May there is the important occassion at Combe Park with the Inaugural Rob Parry Memorial Match between Lansdown Cricket Club and The Star CC to remember and celebrate the LCC’s friend. 

To keep up to date with all the events planned and for more information, click here. 

Forest Live: Westonbirt Arboretum

Our friends at Forestry England are back with Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire on selected dates between 4 to 12 July.

Escape the city into a beautiful natural woodland arena. Spend an evening among the trees, dancing the night away with Nile Rodgers & CHIC with special guest Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Anne-Marie, Van Morrison, Gregory Porter and The Corrs.

Click here to book your tickets. 

Local Author Features at CrimeFest

Local author Jean Goodhind (aka Lizzie Lane) is set to feature in the UK’s biggest crime writing convention, hosted at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel between the 9–12 May. 

Goodhind has over a million readers, and is best known for the Honey Driver series, which is set in Bath.

Jean was born in and lived in Bristol before moving to Bath. Her Honey Driver series was a bestseller in the UK, Germany and now is in the top 20 on Amazon US.

Jean’s heroine in the Honey Driver series, Mary Jane, was inspired by a real guest who stayed at her B&B called Betty Jane, who said she was a professor of the paranormal from California, and ‘cleansed’ the house with sage.

Jean is currently writing the 14^th book in the Honey Driver series, which is due for publication this summer.

To book and find out more, go to: crimefest.com

Johann van Graan commits long-term future to Bath

Bath Rugby are delighted to announce Head of Rugby Johann Van Graan has signed a new contract, committing his long-term future to Bath until the end of the 2029/30 campaign.

Van Graan joined Bath Rugby from Munster in 2022 and guided the team to Champions Cup qualification in his first season.

The Blue, Black and White currently sit third in the Gallagher Premiership on 50 points, challenging for the play-offs with just two games remaining of the regular season, having reached the knockout stage of Europe’s elite rugby competition for the first time since 2015.

Under van Graan, world-class heads of department have been recruited, working closely alongside a performance driven coaching team and backroom staff who care.

This commitment to nurturing the club’s next generation of stars was evidenced earlier this year when, for the first time in the club's history, Bath claimed the Premiership Rugby U18 Academy League title.

Van Graan said: “I’m proud to be committing my future to this historic club in Blue, Black and White and I am loving the journey we are on. Rugby is about people, purpose, creating memories and making a difference and my family and I are looking forward to our future in Bath.”

Click here for more information. 

Help nature to thrive with No Mow May

Residents in Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to give nature a month off by not cutting their grass as part of No Mow May.

The campaign by wild plant conservation charity Plantlife highlights how long grass provides a feast for pollinators, tackles pollution, reduces heat extremes and locks away atmospheric carbon below ground.

The council is encouraging residents to join No Mow May by letting lawns grow to provide vital food needed by pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is supporting No Mow May by leaving some areas of Sydney Gardens, Hedgemead Park, Henrietta Park and Alice Park in Bath unmown for a month and leaving some verges across the district uncut until June.

People can register their lawn via Plantlife's website to help the charity understand how many lawns and green spaces are being allowed to grow this May.

£1 million retrofit scheme ‘army’ launched

A £1 million West of England scheme to train up and upskill more than 700 retrofitters, funded by Mayor Dan Norris's Mayoral Combined Authority, is being rolled out across the region, part of the +£7 million Retrofit West programme to deliver home improvements and better energy efficiency.

There’s a shortage of retrofit workers in the area, with the number needing to increase 20-fold to bring the 250,000 regional homes needed up to standard, as well as a shortage of effective national policies closing the retrofit skills gap. In total, 720 ‘recruits’ will take part in the free training over the year to become certified retrofit installers and upskill existing tradespeople to tackle retrofit work. 

Once in their roles, the retrofitters will be tasked with insulating walls, installing new doors and windows, or introducing heat pumps.

retrofitwest.co.uk

Catharine Place, Courtyard Flat, Bath BA1 2PR

Offered for sale by Simon Lord estate agents

This lower courtyard flat provides well balanced and proportioned living space, refurbished to a high standard throughout. The comfortable living/dining room looks on to a small inner courtyard terrace, it has a fireplace with log burner and the impeccably designed and built cabinetry gives the room a warm sense of elegance and period feel.

The modern kitchen/breakfast room has built in appliances and French doors on to the terrace, the two bedrooms each have fitted wardrobes and overlook the front courtyard. and there is a modern shower room.

Access to the flat can be gained either from the external front stairs or the well presented main communal hallway. There is shared use of vaults and entitlement as a resident of Catharine Place to enjoy use of the communal garden at the centre of the square, enclosed by railings, restored in the 1990's and dedicated to Bath residents who lost their lives in World War II.

The property is offered with a long lease and share of Freehold. We understand that there is implied consent for short term holiday letting and we would advise that this is verified at an early stage if this is a purchaser's intended use.

Current Service/Maintenance charge approximately £2600 per annum. 

Note that the flat is currently let under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement until July 2024.

Catharine Place could be regarded as the perfect city centre location, positioned between Royal Crescent and the Circus, yet remarkably it is by contrast a tranquil setting. From this highly favoured Georgian 'garden square', it would certainly be hard to find a more convenient spot to explore all of the city centre amenities. | Guide Price £450,000

For more information visit Simon Lord website.