Ed Davey's 'Love is Enough' to compete for top spot on UK Christmas Charts

Ed Davey has turned Ed Sleigh-Vy to take on Wham! and Mariah Carey in this year’s battle for the coveted Official UK Charts Christmas Number 1.

Every year the UK’s biggest annual chart race sees a flurry of festive favourites flood back into the Official Charts, but it’s Bath Philarmonia’s Young Carers’ Choir feat Ed Davey who are bidding to claim the top spot with the release of ‘Love is Enough’.

The charity Christmas song by Bath Philharmonia’s Young Carers’ Choir in support of the Carers Trust and the Bath Philharmonia has been written by six young carers and former young carers and is a tribute to the caring responsibilities of young carers and the bond they share with the people they care for. 

The idea of a Christmas release was Ed Davey’s - inspired by his own time as a chorister when he was also a young carer as a teenager. Recently he was sent a recording of him singing a solo at a Christmas carol service with his choir in 1978 as a 13-year-old and after hearing ‘Love is Enough’ and the work of the amazing young carers with Bath Philharmonia, he asked if they would like to work together to release a single at Christmas for the Carers Trust and Bath Philarmonia.

All money raised from streams and downloads of the charity single will go to the Carers Trust and Bath Phil.

The single will be available to download from iTunes for 99p as well as on other platforms. Click here to listen to Love Is Enough.

bathphil.co.uk
carers.org

OUR DECEMBER ISSUE - OUT NOW!

Keep an eye out for our fabulous December 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've found every opportunity to celebrate the season in style – we've interviewed Father Christmas, an elf and a gnome, and we've got a portrait of Bath favourite Jon Monie as he prepares to play Lester the Jester in the panto. We've also investigated Christmas films, both classic and recently released, and have asked some local experts for their opinions. There is a fascinating feature on the thriving poetry scene in Bath and an interview with Jenni Jackson, the director of a new adaptation of Robin Hood at The Egg. We also meet the top antiques specialists in Bath and get an insight into their specialist markets. 

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

4 Tastebud-Tingling Canapes to master
in time for the Party Season

Miso Devilled Eggs (makes 24)
Peel 12 cool, hard-boiled eggs and slice each one in half vertically. Use a teaspoon to scoop the yolks out and push them through a fine sieve into a bowl to create a smooth paste. Add 150g mayonnaise, 1 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tsp Dijon mustard and a splash of white wine vinegar. Stir to combine, use 2 teaspoons to spoon the mixture back into the eggs and top with bacon or a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds.

Prosciutto-wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese (makes 18)
Preheat the oven to 180c/gas mark 5 and line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper. Slice 18 fat Medjool dates in half, fill each half with blue cheese of your choice (Dolcelatte, Gorgonzola or Roquefort all work well), squidge the dates back together and wrap each one in prosciutto. Bake for around 12-15 minutes until caramelised and allow to cool down a bit before spearing each one with a cocktail stick and serving warm or at room temperature.

Mini Prawn Poppadoms (makes 20)
Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan or wok. Add 200g raw, peeled king prawns and stir-fry for a couple of minutes before adding 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce or mango chutney and 3-4 finely-sliced spring onions to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for around a minute, then remove the pan from the heat. Arrange 20 mini poppadoms (you’ll find them in amongst the ‘crisps’ section in the supermarket) on a serving plate, sprinkle a little finely-shredded lettuce into each one then top with the prawn mixture. Top each one with a coriander leaf and spritz with fresh lime juice just before serving.

Mini Potato Rarebits (makes approx. 25)
Preheat the oven to 190c/gas mark 5. Tumble 500g baby potatoes onto a roasting tray, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, season well and roast for around 50 minutes (tossing occasionally) until crisp and golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Meanwhile, put 140g mature Cheddar cheese (grated), 50ml whole milk (or beer!), 1 tsp English mustard, 1 egg yolk and a splash of Worcestershire Sauce into a food processor and blitz until combined. Preheat the grill to medium-high, slice each roast potato in half lengthways and spread around 1 tsp of rarebit mixture on top of each half. Grill for around 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbling and serve warm, sprinkled with freshly-snipped chives.

Australian white wine at The Great Wine Co.

Things are not quite what they seem down under! Though our good friends in Australia may appear so relaxed and laid back, in terms of winemaking their lightning responses to market changes and sharp understanding of customer needs has speedily propelled them to the forefront of this ever-changing industry. Thanks to increasing interest in Australia's diversity as a tourist hotspot, vinophiles are really beginning to appreciate the variety in terms of climate and terroir that make the country's wines not generic expressions of warm climate classics, but unique expressions of a diverse topography.

The Hermit Crab Viognier-Marsanne, D’Arenberg | £14.40
Valley's End Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Pikes | £16.65
Faultline Chardonnay, Kooyong | £33
The Stump Jump Riesling, D’Arenberg | £14.40

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

The Common Room
‘Mocha-ing Bird’

If you’re a fan of a chocolate orange at Christmas, this is the drink for you. It’s a little boozy, a little chocolatey with citrus freshness and a whole lot of YUM.

Ingredients (makes 1)
• 30ml Sailor Jerry Rum
• 30ml chocolate coffee syrup*
• 20ml chocolate liqueur 
• 20ml Triple sec
• 2 dashes orange bitters
*Chocolate-coffee syrup:
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp coffee
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 100ml hot water
To serve: soy cream and 70% dark chocolate

Method
To make the chocolate coffee syrup, mix your ingredients to a thick, not gloopy consistency and allow to cool.

Shake your ingredients together in a tin or jam jar and double strain into your favourite glass. Top with soy cream and finish with a grating of 70% chocolate.

Mixed by The Common Room
2 Savile Row, Bath BA1 2QP
commonroombath.co.uk

Festive Supper Clubs at Iford Manor

Join Iford Manor to celebrate the holiday season with a delicious 7-course supper club this December!

A wonderful evening full of delicious food and music to be enjoyed with friends.

£80 per person to include a welcome glass on arrival.

Friday 13th- click here to book.
Friday 20th- click here to book.
Saturday 21st- click here to book

In need of a way to see out 2024 or see in 2025? Head to the Iford Manor Kitchen New Years Jazz lunch!
A delicious three-course lunch, accompanied by live jazz from the acclaimed John Law (keys), Henrik Jensen (Double Bass) and Sam Crockatt (Sax). Arrive anytime from 11:30am to enjoy a relaxed lunch over two 45-minute sets of jazz from the musicians. Music starts at around midday.

Tickets cost £62.50pp, click here to book now.

Iford Manor, nr. Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2BA

From the Georg Jensen bar accessories collection

Whether you are toasting a special occasion or welcoming guests to a dinner party, nothing does the job as well as a glass of champagne.

Give it the treatment it deserves by keeping it at just the right temperature in the spectacular Indulgence Grand champagne cooler. Defying our expectations of what a champagne bucket should look like, the dramatic abstract shape is as much sculpture as barware.

Designed by Helle Damkjær the Indulgence collection displays her renowned ability at designing sculptural and organic shapes that have their own intrinsic beauty. The pieces add the final element of luxury into some of our most indulgent and enjoyable rituals.

The champagne bucket holds three bottles and is made from mirror-polished stainless steel that highlights its free-flowing curves. £440

There are many more fabulous bar and party accessories by the Georg Jensen Living range, click here to find them at Mallory.

Mr Malone Collection from Jo Malone London

A collection of scents from the men’s edit to enhance daily routines, zipped up in a classic travel pouch. A cologne in enchanting English Oak, a shower pairing of fresh Wood Sage & Sea Salt Exfoliating Shower Gel and evergreen Cypress & Grapevine Body & Hand Wash, and a hand cream in the zesty signature scent of Lime Basil & Mandarin.

Jo Malone London | £115

Click here to buy now or visit at 6-7 Old Bond St, Bath BA1 1BW

Layered bracelets from Envy Jewellery
available at The Dressing Room

Get the maximalist look with these beaded layered bracelets. Stackable or on their own, the bracelets are super cute & so easy to wear.

Available for £29 each.
Visit The Dressing Room at 7 Quiet Street, Bath  BA1 2JU
dressingroombath.com

Knitted Christmas Stocking by Donna Wilson
available at Homefront Interiors

These beautiful 100% Lambswool Knitted Christmas Stockings from Donna Wilson are perfect for hanging above the fireplace on Christmas Eve.

These are the kind of stocking that will be kept and used year after year becoming a part of your family Christmas tradition. Would make the perfect gift for a child or grand child to treasure.

100% lambswool, knitted in Scotland.

Homefront Interiors | £69
Click here to buy now or visit 10 Margaret's Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Magazine C is the latest documentary magazine from B Media Company, the publishers of Magazine B and Magazine F. Produced in the same design format as its predecessors, each issue of the new magazine is focused on one iconic chair to examine its design and construction, as well the lifestyle and culture people have built around it. The magazine provides a deep dive into the industry and explores all types of chair – from those we see in homes, on the street and to those used in public spaces – to shine a light on designers, brands, manufacturers, collectors and chair enthusiasts. The first issue is The Standard Chair and it’s heaven for anyone interested in midcentury furniture design. | £28

magalleria.co.uk

8 Holland Street: Salon, until 25 January 2025

8 Holland Street: Salon reimagines the classical salon format, showcasing a diverse range of 20th century and contemporary artworks across a variety of mediums and themes. The display presents over 350 works, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the salon-style arrangement and inviting engagement with each piece while considering its relationship to the whole. The exhibition encapsulates the spirit of creativity and exploration that defines 8 Holland Street, positioning it as a space where art can thrive in all its diverse forms.

8hollandstreet.com

23 Brock Street, Bath

King Edward's School Christmas Fair
Saturday 30 November, 10am to 2pm

The Fair is the largest and most popular fundraising event of the year for the School, raising more than £12,000, thanks to the combined efforts of volunteers, stall holders, staff, pupils and families – as well as the array of generous donations which stock the stalls and prize pots on the day.

This year the Fair is set to dazzle with festive fun, a wide selection of school and external stall holders, music, delicious treats, handcrafted gifts, and plenty of magical moments for the whole family to enjoy.

Adult tickets are £3.50 and Under 18s go free!

King Edward's School, North Road, Bath BA2 6HU
To book your tickets click here.

Styling Session at Jigsaw, Friday 6 December, 11am-5pm

Join the Bath Jigsaw team as they welcome fashion stylist and expert Natasha Musson. Enjoy complimentary mulled wine as Natasha showcases her favourite pieces from the newest collection, offering styling suggestions and advice on your festive wardrobe. 

Also from 2-9 December fresh, wooden and berry wreaths will be for sale, supplied by the Flower Hive Company.
Then from 6-16 December The Bath Hat Company will be showcasing a pop-up of Fedora hats.

jigaw-online.com

14 Old Bond St, Bath BA1 1BP

Christmas Cracker Workshop from Piglet in Bed
Thursday 12 December, 6pm

Adorn your table with ginghams, stripes and festive hues to kick off all the Christmassy feels with Piglet in Bed's Christmas Cracker Workshop!

Here to elevate your tablescapes over the upcoming hosting season, learn how to make your very own sustainable Christmas crackers – perfect for filling with sweet treats and little gifts, and of course non-negotiable: paper party hats.

Join the team in their Bath store where our team will guide you in creating your own set (using linen placemats RRP £59) for you to take home, as well as providing a seasonal tipple and festive bites. 

Click here to book now.

Piglet in Bed, 20 Old Bond Street Bath BA1 1BP

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.

Dunsford Place, Bath, BA2

Offered for sale by Hamptons estate agents.

Arranged over five floors with the basement presently offered as a productive Airbnb, this fabulous family home has been the subject of a comprehensive refurbishment by the current owners. Retained period features, yet sleek quality kitchen and bathroom fittings enhance the appeal of this fine residence. The landscaped, walled garden includes a lower terrace for the basement apartments use.

An attractive Grade II Listed townhouse dating from Circa 1820 in a terrace of 15, arranged over five floors with a wealth of fine features including highly decorative plasterwork, architraves, and other period features. Having undergone a comprehensive refurbishment within the last five years, the house now comprises a wonderful family home and a self-contained yet interconnecting basement flat. A private front lobby with decorative mosaic tiled floor, opens to an entrance hall with exposed Bath stone walls. The two ample double bedrooms are served by a luxurious bathroom. The rear bedroom has French doors out to a courtyard that connects to the main garden. The main ground floor hall has Bath stone flag floor with enclosed stairs to the lower and upper floors. At the rear is a study with cloakroom and access to a rear boot lobby. A front facing family room has fitted cabinets flanking a central fireplace and to the rear is a comprehensive laundry room with fitted cabinets, sink and plumbing for appliances, window seat and ornamental fireplace. The first floor is arranged as a principal reception room with feature marble fireplace and engineered oak floor continuing via Wedding doors to a bespoke fitted kitchen breakfast room. With Bosch appliances and granite tops, including a large island with inset ceramic hob there is a further ornamental fireplace. On the half landing to the upper floors a luxurious main bathroom with egg bath and wet area, a wash basin in a vanity unit and full tiling with a mirrored wall to the basin.

The primary bedroom on the second floor is a spacious double with a wall of fully fitted and illuminated wardrobes. These conceal a washstand and TV as well as hanging and drawers. Between the deep sash windows is a freestanding copper bathtub adding an extra touch of luxury and elevated views. A guest bedroom at the rear has a wash bowl on a stand to one corner and rear views. The top floor is found up a winding staircase and comprises two further bedrooms both with views to the northeast.

To the front is a gravelled garden with inset evergreen shrubs and steps down to the front courtyard with two vaults. The rear landscaped garden is walled with a lower terrace serving the basement. The main garden has well stocked flower and shrub beds and offers a paved terrace with a steppingstone path within a lawn, to the rear evening deck area. Beyond this lies a barked play area with children’s fun house and gated rear access.

£2,000,000

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