A specially curated guide to help you enjoy the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath
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ROMANTIC ESCAPISM | DOROTHY HOUSE SHOP
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Dorothyhouse.shop launched late last year with a high impact photo shoot at the Rondo Theatre in Larkhall. Showcasing the magical possibilities of the new online store full of curated charity chic, the styling team’s mission is to continue to shout about amazing Dorothy House clothing donations.
With the online shop in full operation to assist in raising funds for the charity, but the country in full lockdown, the stylists at Dorothy House were motivated to create a new shoot to inspire and re-ignite the passion for dressing up. Exploring the potential for clothes to provide romantic escapism from the humdrum, COVID life, the images show how second hand clothing, makes first class style possible on a budget.
Photography by Egle Vasi (@eglevasi); modeling by the Kundai, Isobella and Alana from Gingersnap Models (@gingersnapmodels); make up by Louise Mead (@louisejanemakeupartist).
Visit dorothyhouse.shop to shop items from these looks, but snap them up, before someone else does!
dorothyhouse.shop
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WILDLIFE | WATER VOLES SURVEY
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Help conserve Britain’s fastest declining mammal |
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Wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is calling for volunteers across England, Scotland and Wales to search for sightings and signs of water voles along local riverbanks, canals and other inland waterways, from 15 April – 15 June.
This survey, which is part of PTES’ National Water Vole Monitoring Programme, helps conservationists find where water voles are living, how their populations are changing each year, and most importantly, where they are in most need of help.
PTES needs to build on the survey data gathered since 2015 to create a long-term picture of how water voles are faring, especially after having to cancel last year’s spring survey season. The charity hopes that the positive relationship people developed with nature during lockdown will mean the public are keen to get involved and help look for these endearing creatures, or their signs, this spring.
To take part, individuals, ‘bubbles’ or households are asked to select one of the 850 pre-selected sites close to their home, which can be found online. If there isn’t a pre-selected site close by, new sites on a local waterway can be registered. Volunteers are asked to walk along the riverbank looking for sightings of water voles, listening out for the characteristic ‘plop’ as they enter the water, or spotting the signs they leave behind, such as footprints, droppings, latrines or bankside burrows. Surveyors are also asked to record any sightings or signs of American mink and otters, both predators of water voles.
Water voles used to be a familiar feature of Britain’s inland water networks, but loss of suitable habitat and the arrival of non-native American mink in the 1980s and 1990s drove them out of their former riverbank and waterway homes, decimating them.
No previous experience is needed, as there are detailed survey guidelines and online training materials to help you identify water voles and their signs. The survey itself will take 45 minutes to an hour and can be done on any day until 15 June, which is the easiest time to survey water voles.
To find out more visit ptes.org/watervoles
Water vole images by E Marnham
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LOOKING BACK | ANOTHER AGE OF SHOPPING
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Remembering Milsom Street |
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Non-essential shops have now opened their doors, and judging by the enthusiastic socially distanced crowds we've seen this week, Bath shoppers have been responding with vigour. This photograph of Milsom Street from around 1910 – supplied by Andrew Swift – is an appropriate reminder of how the shopping landscape in Bath has a long and active history. We know it will find its commercial equilibrium once again...
akemanpress.com
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OBJECTS OF DESIRE | BIRTHSTONE OF THE MONTH
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The diamond takes its name from the Greek word ‘adamas’ which means ‘invincible’.
Science alert: Every carbon atom contains four electrons in its outer shell. In diamonds, these electrons are shared with four other carbon atoms to form a very rigid chemical bond that results in an extremely strong tetrahedral crystal. It is this simple, tightly bonded arrangement that makes diamond one of the hardest substances on Earth and sits at number 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is this durability is one of the many things that makes a diamond so coveted and enduring. End of lesson.
For most diamonds are simply enchanting; as light is refracted beautifully as it passes through the facets and it is the jewellers artistic craft to show just how perfect and brilliant a diamond can be. White diamonds are most common and are usually considered best for their purity and clarity, but other diamonds can be found in shades such as yellow, blue and pink can be very evocative. The perfect gift for a loved one.
Here are a few examples of the perfect cut.
Top, left to right: Platinum five stone, four claw-set emerald cut and baguette cut diamond ring. £8,950
Victoria platinum single stone four claw-set radiant cut diamond ring with tapered shoulders. £10,950
Victoria 18ct yellow gold and platinum single stone four claw-set round brilliant cut diamond ring with tapered shoulders. £2,200
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Above, left to right: Platinum single stone four claw-set oval cut diamond ring with diamond grain-set shoulders. £24,750
Platinum single stone three claw-set pear cut diamond ring with tapered shoulders. £5,750
18ct yellow and white gold single stone four claw-set marquise cut diamond ring with plain shoulders. £2,950
Explore the full range of bespoke diamond jewellery at Mallory.
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OUR APRIL ISSUE | GREAT READING STARTS HERE
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New issue – OUT NOW! |
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As always, there are many great reads by our team of wonderful writers and contributors as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bath's best businesses. We hope you'll enjoy the read!
15,000 copies are delivered door to door, and you can pick up a copy at many places around town and from our stands around the city.
Alternatively, click here to read the digital version
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ASIAN ART COLLECTION | SIR MARK HEATH
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Asian Art Collection of Sir Mark Heath KCVO CMG - April 21st Sale
A superb collection of Chinese antique porcelain from a local Bath family is coming up for sale at Ma San Auction on 21 April. The collection belonging to Sir Mark Heath.
Heath was born at Emsworth, Hampshire on 22 May 1927 into a naval family and was educated at Marlborough and Queens' College, Cambridge, where he read History. After National Service in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, he joined the Diplomatic Service in 1950 and in 1982 became the first Ambassador to the Holy See. He was appointed CMG on his appointment as Minister to the Holy See in 1980 and then KCVO on the occasion of the Queen's visit the same year.
On retirement from the FCO he served as Head of Protocol for the Hong Kong Government from 1985–88. In 1986 the popular Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Edward Youde, suffered a fatal heart attack on a visit to Beijing, becoming the first Hong Kong Governor to die in office. Heath was in charge of arrangements for the funeral on 9 December 1986.
During Heath’s time in Hong Kong, he developed a passion for Chinese ceramics. He frequented Christie’s and Sotheby’s and enjoyed strolling down Hollywood Road browsing the antique shops. Some of the items show a ‘C.Y.Tse Antiques & Collectibles’ sticker from where some of his collection was purchased. He had a good eye, loved the history and provenance of these items, and invested wisely. He brought his collection to Bath in late 1988 where he retired with his wife, who had taught English to Chinese pupils in Hong Kong and continued to do so in Bath. After a contented retirement gardening and volunteering as a steward in Bath Abbey, Sir Mark died in 2005.
The majority of the collection is made up of pieces from the 18th and 19th century under the reigns of Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong and Jiaqing. A handful of items can be described as Imperial ware (Guan yao), which is porcelain specifically manufactured for the Chinese emperor and the Imperial household. Sir Mark had a passion for Chinese culture and art and made clear to his family that he was happy for the collection to be sold after his death and eventually make its way back to China.
To view the collection as well as other items coming up in the sale, you can visit masanauction.com where you’ll find an illustrated catalogue.
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Martin Elphick’s exhibition at 44AD artspace
Martin Elphick’s exhibition contrasts a selection of pre-Covid bronzes and other vibrant sculptures, designed to impress the viewer, with a roomful of small clay objects fired in a humble garden incinerator during the lockdown. His work is always varied but this exhibition changes mood radically, becoming more restrained and contemplative with his adaptation of traditional methods and materials. The book of the show details the background to each development, including the workings of the artistic brain. Topical, and interesting on many levels. Ambition and the Transitional Objects runs from 17–28 April at 44AD gallery. Private view appointments available from 17–21 April.
44ad.net
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Innox Market, the monthly street market held at Innox Mills, Trowbridge, will return on 18 April from 10am–4pm, offering a mix of artisan products, street food, local produce and vintage clothing.
Organised by the Innox Mills site owners in partnership with The Anonymous Travelling Market, the events will be held in the historic buildings at Innox Mills, where visitors will be entertained by live music while they browse the stalls. This includes the Grade II-listed Innox Mills building, the former dye house, brewery and cloth factory along the riverside, which date back to the 19th century.
Social distancing measures will be in place to protect visitors and stallholders, including a one-way system.
innoxmarket
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BEAUTY MUST-HAVES | NEW LAUNCH
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Coco Mademoiselle switches to summer mode
Specially devised for the warmer days, the Coco Mademoiselle Collection Été reveals a fresher and fruitier aspect of the fragrance with two new limited edition releases in 100ml format ideal for travelling: Coco Mademoiselle L'Eau, a formula as light as a perfume mist and Coco Mademoiselle Le Gel, a shower gel for body and hair.
A summer variation that allows fans of Coco Mademoiselle's boldness to enjoy its citrus and floral notes without moderation.
chanel.com
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WEEKEND WINE | PLANET-FRIENDLY WINES
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Is summer really just around the corner? Here's a great selection of delicious pink Champagnes, Cava, Prosecco and Rosé sparklers to be celebrated.
Champagne Brut Rosé – Gobillard The juicy, red summer fruits on the nose are followed on by ripe strawberry and cherry notes on the palate. The soft mousse complements beautifully and carries the delicious flavours through to a stylish finish. £35
Prosecco Rosé DOC, Millesimato Brut – Stelle d'Italia One of the first rosé proseccos in the UK. A beautiful fresh and light sparkling rosé with an intense red berry character. The fragrant, inviting nose follows through the palate, which offers hints of strawberries alongside a creamy mousse and a crisp finish. £11.95
J Brut Rosé – J Vineyards An American rosé, the J Brut sparkles with a vibrant, pink salmon hue and has inviting aromas of jasmine blossom, Kaffir lime leaf, tangerine and raspberry. The mouthfeel is creamy and delicate, with a fine, energetic mousse that tickles the tongue. The deeply nuanced palate features notes of ripe strawberry, Bing cherry, blood orange and lemon meringue, with hints of slivered almond and watermelon juice. £44
Rosé Brut – Veuve Ambal A sparkling pink rosé from Provence, brimming with strawberry, raspberry and a little cherry, with a touch of spice in the nostrils. £14.25
Tresor Rosado Cava – Pere Ventura Tresor Rosé is a fun yet seriously classy Cava, with intense, complex aromas of redcurrant, wild strawberry, cherry and raspberry. Long, fruity, soft and elegant on the palate. Pere Ventura only use organic treatments in the vineyard and everything is geared towards preserving the local ecosystem.£13.95
Champagne Belle Epoque Rosé – Perrier-Jouët Attractive salmon pink in colour with coppery highlights and persistent, fine bubbles. The nose shows elegant aromas of wild strawberries and redcurrants with hints of honey and baked bread. The palate is finely balanced and well sustained with a great complexity, power and length. The redcurrant and strawberry flavours are abundant and stylishly partnered with flavours of brioche, fresh baked bread, vanilla and toasted nuts. The impressive length ends light and refreshing. £265
To explore the full cellar of sparkling rosés at The Great Wine Co – click here.
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WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? | IT'S A NOODLE THING
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Recipe by Melissa Blease |
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Beef, Prawn and Noodle Salad |
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Fresh herbs, Asian flavours and noodles in abundance can turn the “what on earth should we have for lunch/dinner?” conundrum into a full-on flavour-feast in moments... and this vibrant, supremely satisfying dish proves that point in style.
I tend to use minced beef for this recipe, but minced pork, chicken or a vegetarian minced beef alternative work equally well – and, if you prefer a totally vegetarian dish, just omit the prawns altogether. The fresh herbs, garlic, ginger, chillies, spring onions and lime juice, however, are non-negotiable: they combine to create the intrinsically addictive zing that makes your tastebuds sing, while the 5-spice, fish sauce and soy sauce provide that essential earthy, Far-Eastern flourish.
In the unlikely event that you have leftovers to deal with, store in the fridge in a sealed tub overnight and reheat thoroughly the next day in chicken or vegetable stock to create a wonderful spicy noodle soup, served with chicken or vegetable spring rolls and sweet chilli dipping sauce on the side.
Ingredients (serves 4)
300g cellophane or rice noodles 200g minced beef, pork or chicken (or vegetarian alternative) 150g cooked peeled prawns 2 tsp Chinese 5-spice 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 1 heaped tbsp peeled, grated fresh ginger 1 bunch spring onions, finely sliced 2 fresh red chillies, finely sliced (deseed if you prefer a milder chilli hit) 3 tbsp fresh lime juice 1 tbsp dark soy sauce 1 tsp caster sugar 1 tbsp fish sauce 1 generous handful fresh coriander, chopped 1 generous handful fresh mint, chopped Neutral oil (eg. vegetable, sunflower or rapeseed) for frying
Method
1. Soak the noodles in a bowl of warm water until soft (typically around 4–5 minutes, but check instructions on packet). Rinse in cold water, drain and put to one side.
2. Fry the minced beef in a hot wok or large frying pan for around 5 minutes until brown and crisp. Drain off any excess fat if necessary before adding the Chinese 5-spice, garlic, ginger, prawns, chillies, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce and sugar and stir-fry for another 4–5 minutes until fragrant and sizzling.
3. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss all the ingredients together (adding a splash of boiling water if the mixture feels too dry) before adding the spring onions, coriander and mint. Toss again to combine thoroughly – with the help of kitchen tongs, perhaps? – and serve warm or at room temperature sprinkled with more chopped fresh herbs.
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EXHIBITIONS | SPECTACULAR FOSSILS
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Jurassic Ark exhibition with fossils from the Somerset sea |
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After an enforced pause, Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution is delighted to welcome the public back through the doors to enjoy their summer exhibition Jurassic Ark. The exhibition, with free entry, is being held at 16 Queen Square, Bath, and is open 10am–4pm Monday–FrIday.
BRLSI’s stunning collection of Jurassic fossils dates from 183 million years ago, so having the patience to wait another year for the opening seems almost trivial in comparison! BRLSI have put in place the Government’s recommendations on hygiene and social distancing so visitors can be sure of having a safe and enjoyable experience, while being gently reminded by the exhibits before them that no matter what happens the world goes merrily on.
And if you thought you knew all about the Strawberry bank fossils, BRLSI are bringing this unique collection of 19th-century Somerset fossils right up to date with new discoveries from their recent excavation at the site, which lies beneath the hills near Ilminster, Somerset. For the uninitiated, here was discovered a beautifully preserved Jurassic ecosystem, 183 million years old, from which Victorian geologist, Charles Moore, collected hundreds of fossils.
First displayed in 2014, Jurassic Ark is an exhibition that brings this hidden treasure trove to life, illustrating how these ancient creatures lived and interacted, how they died and were preserved, and what they can tell us of the history of life. Specially commissioned illustrations by John Sibbick, one of the world's foremost palaeontological illustrators, recreate the landscape of the Jurassic period in which the extinct marine reptiles, fish, crustaceans, squid-like cephalopods, and insects flourished.
brlsi.org
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ON THE BOX | NARRATED BY DAVID ATTENBOROUGH
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The Year Earth Changed (2021) |
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When the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world in 2020, governments advised everyone to stay at home to contain the virus, and people's lives changed dramatically.
The global lockdown didn't just change us, however, it also changed nature, as city streets became deserted, cruise ships ceased sailing across oceans and wildlife ventured into places they had never been seen before.
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, The Year Earth Changed is a documentary featuring exclusive footage from around the world that shows how nature adapted and bounced back as human behaviour changed over the year.
Watch it on Apple TV today
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TAKE FOUR | PLACES TO EAT EN PLEIN AIR
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Where's cool to rendezvous |
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Yes, it's been a long time coming, but hospitality venues have welcomed us back this week and with the sunshine upon us, we're keen to reunite with friends and family – and not have to cook for ourselves!
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The Hare and Hounds
The revamped, remodelled terrace/patio/garden at the Hare and Hounds – a handsome, spacious, characterful hangout on the nearby Lansdown slopes, offering swoonsome views across the hills, vales and hamlets to the north and east of Bath - has turned this already picture-perfect pub into a work of alfresco art. Oh, and by the way: spiffing new menus have been recently introduced too.
hareandhoundsbath.com
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The Plate Terrace at The Bird
Cityscape views, covered pavilions, dining domes, colour-colour-colour everywhere plus an alfresco menu created by Head Chef Leon Smith, who knows all there is to know about putting fabulous seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients in the spotlight: that's The Plate Terrace at luxury boutique hotel The Bird (Pulteney Road).
thebirdbath.co.uk
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The Packhorse
The mature courtyard garden at this historic, community-owned Southstoke pub offers wild alfresco appeal and an ancient-meets-modern vibe, supplemented by a Garden Menu that represents a shout out for the very best locally-sourced produce for miles around.
packhorsebath.co.uk
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The Old Crown, Kelston
Picnic tables in the ancient walled garden of this super-cute, historic pub (in Kelston, just a short pootle away from Bath city centre) are supplemented by a recently extended Garden Lodge offering warmth, shelter and cover when the sun doesn't want to play nice. Enjoy cider-battered fish served with perfect chips and a pint or a glass of wine for just £12 on Fridays, and half-price Prosecco all day every Tuesday. Cheers!
oldcrownkelston.com
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THE KIOSK | MAGAZINE MOMENTS
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Curated by Daniel McCabe – Magalleria
Sirene Journal is a marine photography magazine, but it’s not just glossy pictures of fish. In fact, with its minimal, seemingly porous soft uncoated paper being manufactured from recycled algae, it’s the antithesis of glossy, and other than the odd shark or swordfish I can barely recall seeing a fish on its pages. This Italian journal is much more steeped in the romance of ocean life which it explores through free-diving, surfing, sailing solo, lost islands, deserted beaches, secret ferries, classic boats and more, threaded throughout with a keen environmental awareness and framed in the most sumptuous black and white photography.
£12; magalleria.co.uk
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ON THE BOOKSHELF | ON FEMALE SELF-IDENTITY
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Review by Saskia Hayward, Topping & Co. |
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The Yak Dilemma |
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Our Lady of the Nile is a piece of fiction by one of the biggest names in Rwandan literature of the moment. Set in an elite girls’ boarding school in the hills beyond Kigali at the spot declared to be the source of the Nile, it is fifteen years before the Rwandan genocide – a historical moment that looms on the horizon.
Focused on this small world, we see the school become a microcosm of the Rwandan civil conflict. The rivalries between Gloriosa – the daughter of an esteemed Hutu leader – and Veronica and Virginia, both Tutsi, becomes symptomatic of the wider ideological divides splitting the country, convincingly set against a teenage coming-of-age narrative. Understated and yet fully realised, Mukasonga masterfully paints a picture of what it means to be discovering your own identity as the most turbulent forces of history whirl around you.
Daunt Books, £9.99; toppingbooks.co.uk
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Review by Saskia Hayward, Topping & Co. |
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Permafrost |
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Permafrost is the debut novella from acclaimed Catalan poet Eva Baltasar. Dark and wickedly funny in equal measure, it follows the narrator as she travels from Spain to Scotland to Brussels, desperate to work out a way to live that is beyond the stifling parameters of normal life.
With brutal honesty and wrapped in visceral, embodied imagery, she traces her doomed lesbian love affairs and the disdain she feels towards her conforming sister and mother – beneath it all the constant drumbeat of her suicidal tendencies becoming ever louder. Sharp as a knife edge and yet full of life, it’s a call for liberation through disruption from a brilliantly modern antihero.
And Other Stories, £10; toppingbooks.co.uk
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HOMES & GARDENS | AWARD-WINNING SPECIALISTS
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In April 2015, Roland Newman took over the thriving Hulin & Hudson joinery firm following the retirement of Mike Hulin. Based in Widcombe, the joinery shop was a well-established local business providing high-quality joinery for houses in Bath and the surrounding areas. Chris the foreman worked with Mike for almost 20 years and continues to run the workshop, so the wealth of experience and local knowledge has been retained. The company deals with everything from timber windows, staircases, doors and frames to alcove cupboards, panelling, timber conservatories and shop façades and they have specialist knowledge in listed buildings. Contact Newmans for a free, no-obligation initial visit to discuss your requirements.
3 Broadway Court, Miles Street, Bath BA2 4HX Tel: 01225 318378 Web: newmansjoinery.co.uk
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PROPERTY OF THE WEEK | NEW TO THE MARKET
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St Johns Road, Bathwick. BA2 |
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A well presented bright and airy three-bedroom 1930s mid-terraced family home with a fantastic studio room to the rear. The main accommodation is currently arranged over two floors with the added advantage of having ample storage in the basement.
On entering the property you are greeted by a welcoming entrance hall with beautiful original wooden flooring. On the ground floor is a spacious sitting room that flows nicely through to the dining room at the rear. The kitchen is adjacent and provides a range of units along with a cooker and fridge/freezer. This leads down to a shower room and access to the rear garden.
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On the first floor are 2 large double bedrooms, 1 single bedroom and a family bathroom. The property is neutrally decorated throughout with new carpets. Along with ample storage space in the basement are the washing machine and tumble dryer.
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