The challenge was inspired by the fundraising efforts of gym member and Bath resident, Sarah Burgess, who is preparing to undertake another 28 mile row challenge of her own. On Saturday 15th June 2013, Sarah, who also plays for Bath Rugby Ladies, and her other half and fellow CrossFit member, Sam Pullen, will join a team of local novice rowers to undertake the Bath Rugby Foundation’s Ultimate Row Challenge – to row in a Cornish gig from Isles of Scilly to Land’s End. This daunting and difficult 28 mile row, which being sponsored by the new Blackberry Z10 handset, is expected to take over seven hours.

Sarah Burgess said, “We really appreciate the help that the guys at CrossFit have given us, from allowing us to use the gym and the equipment for this event, to pushing us to our limit during a workout. Since joining CrossFit Bath nearly a year ago, my mentality towards challenges like this has changed, and will allow me to persevere right to the end of the row, irrelevant of how tired we are or how much pain we’re in. It’s a very daunting but exciting challenge!”

Ollie Mansbridge, owner of CrossFit gym said, “Sarah and Sam are embarking on a huge challenge which will test them not just physically but also mentally. Both Sarah and Sam pour every ounce of effort into their CrossFit workouts and never give up when faced with adversity. This will make them a huge asset to the boat and put them in great stead going into the challenge. Their mental strength will help pull them and the team to the finish line.”

Donations can still be made to Sarah’s fundraising efforts or the Ultimate Row Challenge team by going to: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Sam-and-Sarah or www.justgiving.com/brf

Pictures Courtesy takingpictures-sport.co.uk

When Dick took over, just four years ago, he clearly had a vision of more than just cider making. He is gathering up the community and showing them just what our glorious area has to offer. The shop stocks locally sourced food, wine, ale and, of course, the exclusive Dick Willows Cider, as well as ecologically sound produce, from detergents to glassware.

The apple barn is still huge though, but with some extremely clever use of space, Dick has managed to squeeze in nine, yes nine small boutiques! Well, eight small boutiques and one ‘Walk of Curiosity’. They’re as eclectic as the man himself, and you’d be hard pushed to find such a wonderful collection of shops on most high streets these days. Whether you need a gift for the model train enthusiast in your life or a handmade corset for those special occasions, flowers for the mother in law or bicycle parts for the more adventurous, they’re all here and more. The more in this case, being the wonderful mix of antiques and curios on the ‘Walk of Curiosity’ upstairs.

While you’re browsing the boutiques and curios, the tempting smells waft around from The Pepperpot, the adjoining cafe. Do pop in. It’s a great place to relax with friends or with a borrowed book, in front of a roaring log burner. The coffee is excellent and the breakfasts are huge. For a different atmosphere, why not make a Friday evening reservation with a loved one.

So, as you head out of Bath on the A4, do not pass Dick Willows by but pull in and stop a while. Personally I’ve been crying out for a place where I can replenish the log pile, sample a few ciders and get fitted out for a corset all under one roof. It’s my own private heaven.

Check out the website, http://www.dickwillows.com/ for information on Dick’s Cider Tours and upcoming workshops and events.

You can also find up to date information on events such as Apple Day and the Wassail (The Waking of the Trees). A nod to our pagan ancestry and a jolly fine excuse for mulled cider and drum banging

©Lisa Lee 2013 @elvegren
Guest Contributor Lisa Lee – Elvegren Tales
All Bath.co.uk features: by Lisa Lee

Hope for Tomorrow provide Mobile Chemotherapy Units to bring cancer treatment closer to home.

Appoint’s Katherine Ashman, Rowena Smyth and Karen Everett are signed up to walk 3 Peaks in 24 hours. In an energetic fundraiser, the ladies will leave behind the comfort of their busy recruitment office in Bath to don their walking boots and brave the Three Peaks Challenge; requiring participants to climb the highest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowden) – all in 24 hours.

The Challenge takes place on Saturday 4th May 2013 so there’s plenty of time to prepare for the climb.

Katherine Ashman Managing Director of Appoint says “we’re thrilled to be taking on this challenge for Hope for Tomorrow a truly wonderful charity operating across the South West and we hope to raise at least several thousand pounds.”

Christine Mills, Founder and Trustee of Hope for Tomorrow says “in our 10th Anniversary Year we are extremely grateful for the support of Appoint and wish them the best of luck with their Three Peak Challenge ”.

To find out more, or to support Appoint in their fundraising, please visit: http://virginmoneygiving.com/appoint3peaks

For more information on Hope for Tomorrow please call Claire Cosgrove on 01666 505055 or via email clairecosgrove@hopefortomorrow.org.uk. For more information on Appoint Recruitment and their 3 Peak Challenge please call Gemma Bolton on 01225 470908 or via email gemma@appoint.co.uk

ABOUT HOPE FOR TOMORROW

Hope for Tomorrow is a cancer charity dedicated to bringing cancer treatment closer to home. Our Mobile Chemotherapy Units bring vital treatments to patients, reducing travel, waiting times and the stresses and strains of busy hospitals. The charity builds, owns and maintains the Mobile Chemotherapy Units and provides them to the NHS to operate with highly trained NHS staff. The units travel throughout their counties of operation to a number of set locations and have the capacity to treat up to 20 patients a day.

www.hopefortomorrow.org.uk

ABOUT APPOINT

Founded in 1999, Appoint is an independent recruitment agency with a reputation for being one of the region’s market leaders. Appoint serves the Bath and Wiltshire areas; providing permanent, temporary and contract personnel across an array of commercial sectors. REC accredited and members of the Best of Bath.

www.appoint.co.uk

The school has a simple aim – to demystify the world of wine, and give hands-on learning through tasting experience., via a series of one day courses, and more in depth six week courses. The courses are designed to broaden knowledge of the world of wine, boost confidence in selection, and most importantly to increase the students’ enjoyment and appreciation of wine.

The courses will be run by Tristan Darby, an ex-actor and singer, with 15 years of catering experience, who set up the Bristol Wine School four years ago, and has run courses for many of the top restaurants in the Bristol area, with a focus on teaching the principles of food and wine matching.

Richard Lecoche, Great Western Wine Retail Business Manager commented: “Our customers have been asking us for a wine school for years – so we’re delighted to launch the Great Western Wine School! Tristan shares our approach to wine. He has an easy, likeable presenting style – in part due to his acting and singing background; but mostly down to his no nonsense, unstuffy, informed approach to wine. If you want to learn more about wine, have some fun, and be able to make more informed wine buying decisions this is for you.”

“The idea behind the courses at Great Western Wine is to expose students to a variety of styles and wine types in a relaxed and inclusive tutored environment’, said Darby. ‘We want to ignite a spark in our students that the world of wine isn’t just a place for elitists and connoisseurs, but that given the right information, it is a fascinating place full of variety to be enjoyed by all.’

The Great Western Wine school launches on 23rd February, with a series of one day and also six week courses. Further information, and details of the courses can be found at http://www.greatwesternwine.co.uk/wine-school

For further information , please contact
Richard Lecoche
Great Western Wine
01225 322810

TRISTAN DARBY: ‘from cabaret, to cabernet’!

Tristan is a qualified wine educator, who set up the Bristol Wine School four years ago.

Born and raised in Bath, Tristan spent 8 years as an actor, singer and theatre director, following a Performing Arts course, whilst also gaining vast experience in the catering world, from front of house to sushi chef, in between acting and performing roles.His interest in wine began from his work in restaurants, but also from his time on the road,touring with a theatre company, where learning about wine became a hobby and a form of entertainment!

Having run wine tastings, for a number of years, Tristan set up the Bristol Wine School, and formulated courses, which he has run for Averys, Bordeaux Quay and Hotel du Vin.

The Abbey Hotel has been undergoing refurbishment to create an elegant hotel ideally suited for Bath’s broad range of visitors. As part of the Abbey’s focus on ensuring an elegant and enjoyable stay for its guests, the hotel is working closely with Modern ArtBuyer to hang a gallery of contemporary artwork throughout the hotel for guests to browse and even buy, while they relax over coffee or sip their evening cocktails.

The work has been selected to reflect the stylish, boutique feel to the hotel and the collection includes wonderful pieces by Jason Keeley, Lisa Creagh, Paul Bennett and Rob Ashdown. The gallery will be a permanent fixture at the hotel and the artwork will be changing continually to keep guests engaged and inspired.

Jessica Lloyd-Smith, Director, Modern ArtBuyer said: “Bath has a reputation for being an exceptional centre for art, so it’s fantastic to be able to exhibit some of our artists’ work at the Abbey Hotel and reinforce that strong reputation to the city’s visitors.”

Christa and Ian Taylor, Owners, Abbey Hotel said: “We want to give our guests not only a stylish stay in Bath but also a cultural one. We already offer award-winning dining and interesting keynote talks, so it’s exciting to be developing our gallery for both visitors and locals to enjoy. The work looks incredible and we hope everyone will love it as much as we do.”

Editor’s notes

About Modern ArtBuyer Limited

Modern ArtBuyer Limited was founded in January 2012 to provide an online channel (www.modernartbuyer.com) to showcase selected contemporary paintings, limited edition screen prints and photographs to the internet generation, ensuring that integrity and quality of work are paramount throughout. Prices are attractive and the diverse and constantly growing selection of artwork ensures the varied tastes of our audience are satisfied.

Customers can feel reassured about buying from Modern ArtBuyer knowing that all artists are carefully selected for their quality. In addition, the website offers an opportunity for customers to try out artworks on their very own wall using our clever ‘Changing Room’ app to give that extra layer of comfort. A ‘no quibble’ returns policy is in place for all customers.

About the Abbey Hotel

The Best Western Abbey Hotel is one of the best-located hotels in the centre of Bath, just moments away from the famous Pump Rooms, Roman Baths, Thermae Spa, Bath Abbey, and the city’s brilliant shopping area.

The Best Western Abbey has 60 comfortable bedrooms, and a peaceful lounge and bar for a Bath afternoon tea or cocktails. The award-winning Allium Brasserie, under our acclaimed chef Chris Staines, is open all day, and is already one of the best places to eat in Bath. And our Terrace Cafe offers the best people-watching in town.

Contact details

For images or for more information, please contact:
Jessica Lloyd-Smith, Director, Modern ArtBuyer Limited

E: jessica@modernartbuyer.com
W: www.modernartbuyer.com

We all have magnificent brains…most of us have mislaid the instructions!

This app gives you the missing instructions. Then you can track your happiness, compare it with the rest of the world and share your results with your friends.

Gavin* from think… training has trained & coached thousands of people around the world. He keeps it simple because…it was never meant to be complicated!

think… Happiness App Copyright think… training & development

Developed by Created in Bath Ltd

Available on Apple App Store & Google Play Here

“The past is history, the future a mystery…
today is a gift, that’s why its called the present”
Master Oogui, Kung fu Panda

*Name: Gavin Aubrey
Company: think…training & development Website: www.thinktd.co.uk
ITunes podcasts

Gavin gained a wealth of experience in a range of senior management positions in the financial services and publishing industries. His experience in group training and personal coaching ranges from working with Board Directors in the NHS and finance sector to delivering training around the world from Kazakhstan to Tobago … Deli to Hong Kong… Tunisia to Bournemouth !!

From this wealth of experience in dealing with so many different people Gavin has crystallised his thinking into simple step-by-step instructions to help you take control of the way you feel rather than have things happen to you…. After all… happiness is just a thought away!!

Clients Gavin has worked with:

Institute of Directors, Best Invest, Anite, Torex Standard Life, Barclays Bank, Barclays Capital, QBE, NHS, British Gas International, Karachaganak Oil, MTV, British Nuclear Fuels, ITV, EMAP, Orange, O2, Daily Telegraph, Prudential, MAM funds, Kinetic Consultancy, Watson Wyatt Farley Legal, Imagine.

“Grazia and The Mail On Sunday have raved about our pop-up coming to Bath this week!”

Think again – meet Bath Rugby Ladies.

Burly? Never. To meet the girls in the street, or more likely in the gym, one would be hard pushed to tell most of them apart from any other athletes.

Mindless? No. Half of the squad are graduates, many having met while playing for the University of Bath, and day jobs include engineers, teachers and biochemists and several of the players are currently studying at College or University.

Mud? Okay, that is inescapable.

But a new era is set to kick-off at Lambridge following Bath Rugby Ladies’ decision to join up with the Bath RFC, an amateur club that has existed since 1865. In 1996 the men’s team moved to form Bath Rugby Plc at the start of the professional era.

It was intended to reinstate a men’s senior team after a two-year period but the lack of a proper ground delayed that for 16 years, during which time the youth section continued with no adult sides to progress to.  

But with Bath Rugby moving their training facilities to Farleigh House, Lambridge is now free for use and is currently being redeveloped to allow Bath RFC to make it their home. It’s great that finally, after waiting 16 years, the teams can now work together from U7 – U18 along with the mens and ladies teams after years of playing at separate locations.

The Ladies team have been based at Lambridge since they were established in 2004 and, having narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premiership in 2010-11, will be pushing for Championship 1 South honours in the coming season.

Along with a change of club, the team have many new players this season and have also introduced a new coaching set up who look to take the team into a new era. The team are keen to get more women from the Bath area involved in the game – there’s already a variety of experience levels from novice to experienced so anyone is welcome to the team.

A number of former Bath Rugby Ladies have gone on to gain international honours: England internationals include Nicola Hoole, Marlie Packer, Natasha Hunt and Izzy Noel-Smith, while current players Caryl Thomas and Aimee Young have both gained full caps for Wales.

There are great opportunities to develop existing skills or learn from scratch with the Bath Rugby Ladies team, so regardless of experience, we welcome any ladies that are looking to develop their rugby skills and knowledge and at the same time, meet new people and get involved in a local club.

Lizzie Passingham, Bath Ladies newest member says ‘Thank you all for your support and encouragement from the start. As a new member you all made me feel really welcome and part of the team’.

The ages of the players vary from 17 to early 40s so you’re never too old to start something new! So if you are wanting to find something where you can keep fit, meet new people and you enjoy playing and supporting rugby then get in touch!

The Ladies train every Tuesday and Thursday at Lambridge from 6:45pm and play most Sundays. If you’re not too keen on getting dirty on the pitch, all of our matches are free so everyone is welcome to come along and support the team – there is always hot bacon rolls and tea available in the new clubhouse for those rainy days… Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BathRugbyLadies for details of our next matches or come down to the clubhouse and check out the notice board.

Please contact Sarah on bathrugbyladies@hotmail.co.uk or 07816 757644 if you would like to join the Ladies. Alternatively, come along to Lambridge for a chat on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. We hope to see you soon!

Twitter: @BathRugbyLadies