Walcot RFC firework display, 4 November, Albert Field, Lansdown

Join Walcot RFC for a fantastic bonfire and fireworks display.

There will be lots of food options this year, from multiple food outlets:

• Hog Roast
• Burgers/Hot Dogs
• Feast Boys with their great pasta menu (including veg/vegan options)
• Bar and soft drinks – with multiple outlets – including sweets, glowsticks and mulled wine

Free Parking in Lansdown Park & Ride | Entry is only £7 adults and £3 children (under 18); pay at gate, no tickets required: contactless and cash | Gates open at 6.45pm, display starts at 8pm; arrive by 7.30pm to ensure time to park and enter the site.

walcotrfc.rfu.club

Bath Rugby and Lidl agree terms for a new food store in Lambridge

Bath Rugby have exchanged contracts on part of the land they own at Lambridge, Bath, with Lidl GB, to deliver a modern and bespoke food store beside Bath RFC’s existing training facilities.

At the same time, Bath Rugby have also permanently transferred the training pitches and clubhouse at Lambridge, to Bath RFC, securing the amateur club’s long-term future at Lambridge. These facilities – currently run by Bath RFC – are used by Bath RFC Juniors; Bath Rugby Ladies 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd teams; Bath Ladies Trojans mixed ability team; and other organisations including Bath Rugby Foundation and local schools.

Plans and initial proposals will be shared with the public and local businesses in due course ahead of any planning application being submitted to B&NES Council.

Click here to read more on the Bath Rugby website. 

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. 

Front cover credit: Darren Soh

Words by Melissa Blease

4 Ways with Pumpkin

Carving up a pumpkin in readiness for the impending Halloween shenanigans? Don't let any of that lovely fruity flesh go to waste!

Pumpkin Soup (makes 1 big cauldron/8 servings)

Heat 2–3 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan and sauté 2 large onions (peeled and chopped), 2 large carrots (diced) and 2 sticks of celery (chopped) until softened, adding 2 cloves of garlic (peeled and crushed) for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Add 1k peeled, chopped pumpkin and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes before adding 1.2l chicken or vegetable stock to the pan. Bring to the boil and simmer for around 15-20 minutes or until the pumpkin is really soft (ie, you can mash it with the back of a spoon). Add 150ml double cream or full-fat crème fraiche, stir well and use either a stick blender or a food processor to create the soup texture of your choice. Reheat to serve, sprinkled with a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta (serves 4)

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and simmer 500g peeled, cubed pumpkin flesh for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, sauté 1 large onion (peeled and chopped) in a large frying pan over a medium heat for around the same time or until soft and translucent, adding 2 cloves of garlic (peeled and crushed) for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Drain the cooked pumpkin thoroughly and allow to cool slightly before tipping into a food processor or using a hand blender to create a chunky pumpkin purée, adding the sautéed onion/garlic mixture and up to 50ml milk as you go, aiming to create a thick-ish texture. Tip the mixture back into the frying pan, along with 2tbsp tomato puree and 2–4 tbsp mascarpone cheese. Stir well and simmer gently while you cook 350g short pasta (macaroni, penne or rigatoni all work well here) according to the instructions on the packet. Drain the cooked pasta (reserving a cupful of the cooking water) and toss it through the pumpkin sauce with 50g grated parmesan and 50-100ml of the reserved pasta water. Season to taste and serve hot, sprinkled with extra parmesan.

Pumpkin Muffins (makes 12)

Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6. Tumble around 500g pumpkin flesh (chopped into chunks) into a roasting tin, drizzle with 2 tbsp melted butter and roast for around 45 minutes or until very tender, turning the chunks over halfway through the cooking time. Allow to cool completely before tipping into a food processor and blending to form a smooth pumpkin purée. When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven to 290°C/gas mark 5 and line a 12-hole muffin tin with muffin cases. In a large bowl, combine 225g plain flour with 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 100g caster sugar and 50g soft light brown sugar. In a separate bowl or jug, whisk the pumpkin purée with 2 large eggs and 125g melted butter and add to the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until just combined and divide between the muffin cases. Bake the muffins for 18–20 minutes or until golden and risen, and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool on wire rack before gobbling up, or keep for up to three days in an airtight container.

Pumpkin Hummus

Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6. Tumble around 500g pumpkin flesh (chopped into chunks) into a roasting tin, sprinkle with 2 cloves of peeled, crushed garlic, drizzle with olive oil, season well and roast for around 45 minutes or until very tender. Allow the roasted pumpkin to cool before tipping into a food processor (along with any juices from the roasting tin). Add the juice of ½ a lemon, 1 peeled, chopped garlic clove, 2 tbsp tahini and 1 x 400g can chickpeas (plus a little bit of the chickpea 'juices' in the tin) and blend to your preferred texture, drizzling in around 1 tbsp olive oil as you go. Season to taste before serving topped with a dusting of smoked paprika and toasted pitta bread and/or crudités for dipping.

Looking for more delicious foodie inspo?

Click through to browse our full Delicious Guide!

New Morrisons store: now open

Morrisons has launched a Market Kitchen food store that is part grocery and part takeaway in Southgate Bath.

The new store means that customers can choose to have their breakfast, lunch or evening meal cooked by chefs, at the same time as popping in for a pint of milk, or delivered to their door via Deliveroo. 

As well as the Market Kitchen counters, the store will sell a wide selection of freshly baked bread from the Morrisons Bakery and sweet treats from the Cake Shop. 

groceries.morrisons.com

Bath chippy shortlisted in Top 20 UK Takeaway of the Year

The Oyster Shell fish and chip shop was named as a finalist in the Top 20 Takeaway of the Year, in the National Fish and Chip Awards, last week.

The 20 finalists were selected following an extensive judging process of the top 40 fish and chip takeaways; the winner will be announced at The National Fish and Chip Awards on the 28 of February 2023. 

thefishandchipawards.com | theoystershell.co.uk

It’s Halloween – and what better way to add a touch of gothic opulence to your ghoulish celebrations than enjoying some deep, dark, full-bodied red: guaranteed to please and also help with the Vampire lips look!

And of course, they all go well with a stake… We mean, steak. Evil laugh.

Click here to find your naughty red in the cellars of The Great Wine Co.

Beautiful watches under 30mm

After a number of years where big watches have dominated attention the smaller case is back in vogue. From 26mm–30mm. There are so many great styles that just look good on any wrist. Here’s just some we love. Pictured, left to right:

Rolex Lady-Datejust
Oyster 28 mm case in Oystersteel, white gold and a dark grey face set with diamonds. Perpetual movement | £13,400

Omega Constellation Manhattan 
Steel 28 mm case white Mother of Pearl baton dial watch with a steel brushed bezel on a brushed and polished steel bracelet. Quartz movement | £2,900

Tudor 1926
28mm steel case featuring a black embossed case with diamond dot and arabic dial watch with a steel polished bezel on a brushed and polished steel bracelet. Self-winding | £1,880

TAG Heuer Aquaracer
27mm case. 18ct yellow gold and steel with a white Mother of Pearl diamond dot dial watch with a yellow gold rotating bezel on a steel and yellow gold-plated bracelet. Quartz movement | £2,300

Longines Evidenza
26mm case. Steel with a silver roman dial, a steel bezel with a navy blue alligator strap. Self-winding | £1,740

Search through the Mallory watch room where a superb range of luxury timepieces can be found; visit mallory-jewellers.com

Bright Star fireworks from Francis DIY & Hardware

Francis DIY & Hardware supply a wide range of Bright Star fireworks at competitive prices. 

Above: Bright Star Family Collection Box – offering a superb display for family and friends at a fantastic price | £29.99 

francisdiy.com | 39 Moorland Road, Bath BA2 3PN | 01225 427885 

The Natural Blanket Company: Christmas blankets and throws

The Natural Blanket Company was born of a deep love for the British countryside, and inspired by long evenings in, snuggled up with a blanket in front of the fire warmed by a comforting mug of tea and the companionship of good friends.

TNBC will be at The Bath Christmas Market – between 24 November and 11 December – at the bottom of Milsom Street in a Christmas Chalet. 

thenaturalblanket.co.uk

Baed Natural: indulgence without excess!

Autumn is the season when your skin starts to yearn for that extra bit of help. Look no further than local company Baed Natural Body Care. The all natural, sustainable ethos of this company means that there is now a choice of luxury bath and body care out there that carries all the credentials of being luxurious and indulgent – without costing the planet.

Baed Natural is a brand that delivers fantastic natural products that perform well, smell amazing and are made with only what nature provides. The range includes salt soaps, body butters, sea salt body scrubs, body oils and bath soaks and is handmade right here in Bath. With seven scents to choose from, these products certainly rival their mass produced counterparts.

See the Baed Natural website for the full range and more information about the company and its eco credentials: baednatural.co.uk

Pictured above: Lansdown Body Duo, with lavender & orange, £33

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Slow Grown is a small, modestly produced but important zine that describes the history of the ancient practice of colouring cloth via the lore and testimonies of women, witches and healers who have practiced this art out of necessity and for their own enjoyment. Compiled by textile artist Ciara Callaghan, it honours these women, ‘who taught us how to deliver our babies, to use herbs as medicines, to cook, spin, sew, and dye’ with eight dye recipes using local and readily available ingredients (including oak, apple, and elder), alongside their accompanying folklore to pass on the basics of natural dyeing | £9 

Bath Film Society: Cycling With Molière, 28 October, BRLSI

Successful television actor Gauthier yearns for dramatic credibility and decides to stage Molière’s The Misanthrope. He travels to the remote seaside to coax old friend and retired actor Serge to play 'the best friend' to his own lead. But Serge has his own ideas about top billing and plays hard to get. This is witty French comedy at its best, with some stunning scenery.

Bath Film Society Screenings are held at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 7.30pm on Fridays. Join the society a few minutes earlier for a glass of wine. Visit The Bath Film Society website for more information | bathfilmsociety.org.uk | Membership Secretary: mail@bathfilmsociety.org.uk

Westonbirt Arboretum: Enchanted Christmas, 25 November–21 December

Elves have made their way to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum to decorate for Christmas. But they’re running slightly behind schedule… will the trail be ready for Father Christmas?

This well-loved experience will take visitors on a journey through beautiful woodland, transported into a magical world surrounded by colourful twinkling lights. Witness the wonder and general commotion that comes with playful elves creating Westonbirt’s spectacular illuminated trail this year. In the Christmas village, festive food and drinks will be available alongside fairground rides and market stalls.

Special ‘relaxed sessions’ will be taking place on Saturday 26 November and Saturday 3 December from 4pm–5pm, when the trail will be adapted to suit those with additional needs such as autism.

Tickets are available through advance booking only, and can be booked by visiting the Forestry England website: forestryengland.uk

Richard Smith: Kites, The Edge, until 17 December

Richard Smith was one of the most innovative and celebrated painters in Britain in the 1960s and 1970s. 

Seen as the father of Pop Art, a mentor to numerous artists including David Hockney, he repeatedly sought to reinvent the language of painting. This exhibition is timed to coincide with the publication of the first major book on the artist: Richard Smith: Artworks 1954–2013, published by the Estate of Francis Bacon Publishing in association with Thames & Hudson.

The Edge is open from 11am to 4pm Wednesday to Saturday; admission is free.

holburne.org/events

Magic and Mayhem Festival, 14–20 November, The Pound Arts Centre

Escape from reality with your favourite artists in a festival like no other, where like-minded individuals gather and embrace new ideas, take risks and push boundaries. This year’s festival line up includes a performance of atmospheric folk songs from Welsh trio VRÏ, the return of writer Aida H Dee for her Drag Queen Story Hour, award-winning Dyad Productions’ spine tingling one woman show, Female Gothic – and so much more. Magic & Mayhem Festival will take place at at The Pound Arts Centre, Corsham from 14–20 November.

Tickets can be purchased in person at The Pound, from the box office on 01249 701 628, or online at the poundarts.org.uk

Featured image, left to right: Aida, Female Gothic, The Bubble King 

Hire the Rengen House boutique event space

Looking for a private and stylish Christmas party venue?

Rengen House are offering exclusive hire of their boutique event space, with packages designed to create the fun, relaxing and intimate Christmas party your team deserves. Based in the very heart of Bath in a beautiful, Georgian townhouse, Rengen House offers the perfect location for your get together.

The boutique co-working space offers a range of flexible packages to suit your needs, starting from just £25 per person, catering for groups of 20–100 guests.

Get in touch today to discuss your requirements: amber@rengenhouse.com | 07827 091597 | rengenhouse.com

Medieval Monks at Bath Abbey, 28 October–29 October

Step back in time for an exciting taste of Benedictine monastic life at Bath Abbey in the 12th Century. 

Meet and chat with costumed experts from Angevins, a Living History group, who will demonstrate and explain historical skills such as:

• Living and working as a Benedictine monk illustrating books in the ‘Scriptorium’ 
• Concocting herbal medicine
• Spinning and weaving
• Preparing food and drink

What did monks eat for their supper? How were their clothes made? All this and more will be revealed!

Friday 28 October at 10am until 5:30pm; Saturday 29 Oct at 10am until 4:30pm. Part of Bath’s Museums Week | Ages 5+ | bathabbey.org/whats-on

Words by Andrew Swift

Caption to North Parade Bridge

This week’s archive photograph, probably taken in the 1880s, shows boys fishing on the riverbank by North Parade Bridge. It also shows how many changes this bit of Bath has seen since then. The river has been widened and the grassy bank replaced by a concrete walkway and railings. The bridge, built in 1836, is still there, but its cast iron structure was refaced in stone in the 1930s when it was strengthened. The buildings of North and South Parades, with the spire of St John’s church rising above them, are still there today, but the buildings you can see through the arch have long gone – which seems a shame, for the nearest of them was a riverside tavern called the Mason’s Arms, which had its own brewery, along with a tap room and parlour, and four bedrooms for those who wanted to stay the night. It closed in 1914 and the area was later redeveloped, with the new buildings raised high above the river to protect them from the floods that had bedevilled this part of the city for years.

akemanpress.com

Volunteer for The Poppy Appeal

Volunteers at the Royal British Legion Poppy Depot are busy sorting out the wreaths, poppies, and collecting tins ready for distribution.

The Poppy Appeal would welcome more volunteers to assist with the collections. If you would like to help, either with collecting in the City centre or by having a collection box in your office or shop, you can visit the Poppy Depot from 29 October to 13 November between the hours of 10am and 3pm, or email Jeanie and Ben at rblbrseckeynsham@hotmail.com. The Depot is located at 15 Cheap Street (next to Bath Aqua Glass).

We created this film to celebrate the Fisher & Paykel showroom at 
Coopers Home Appliances, 13/15 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BN  

Visit: coopershomeappliances.com

Lansdown Crescent, Bath BA1

Offered for sale by The Apartment Company in Bath

This is a unique three bedroom upper maisonette apartment occupying the top two floors of a Grade 1 listed Georgian townhouse and situated on the highly sought after and prestigious Lansdown Crescent. This is a substantial property with an excess of 1700 sq. ft. floorspace.

Beautifully presented, the property enjoys spectacular panoramic views across Bath.

Comprising of three spacious bedrooms (en-suite to the master bedroom) a large sitting/dining room, kitchen, family bathroom, study and utility room. There’s also a large eaves storage space on the top floor.

The property is well presented and in good decorative order and has lots of delightful touches – a parapet balcony has quite amazing views to the front while the kitchen looks back over the leafy slopes of Lansdown.

Lansdown Crescent is highly sought after and properties available here are rare. Early viewing is highly recommended. £790,000

For more images, floorpan and details: click here to see the property on The Apartment Company website.