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Donald kicks Bath Rugby to narrow victory over leaders Harlequins

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MATCH REPORT: Bath Rugby 21 Harlequins 18
Stephen Donald helped himself to all of Bath Rugby's points as Aviva Premiership champions Harlequins were defeated at The Rec tonight.
The World Cup-winning fly-half booted seven penalties to fellow Kiwi Nick Evans' six for Quins, who were denied the chance to pull clear of Saracens at the top of the table.
Donald kicked Bath into a 9-6 interval lead after Evans had twice put the visitors ahead and was on target four more times in the second period.
It was the second tryless contest between the sides in the space of eight days, following Quins' 21-12 LV= Cup victory at The Stoop last week.
MORE TO FOLLOW
Bath Rugby: Abendanon; Eastmond, Rokoduguni, Banahan, Biggs; Donald, Claassens; Beech (Cotter 77), Mears (Sharman 77), Perenise; Hooper (capt), Attwood (Day 50); Ovens, Mercer, Taylor. Replacements not used: Palma-Newport, Caldwell, Skuse, McMillan, Cuthbert.
Scorers: Pens – Donald 7.
Harlequins: Williams; Monye (Stegman 49), Hopper, Turner-Hall, Smith; Evans, Dickson; Lambert, Gray (Buchanan 69), Collier (Sinckler 71),; Kohn, Robson; Guest (Trayfoot 66), Wallace, Easter (capt). Replacements not used: Marfo, Browne, Burns, Clegg.
Scorers: Pens – Evans 6.
Attendance: 11,669.

Donald kicks Bath Rugby to narrow victory over leaders Harlequins


British Skeleton agrees sponsorship deal with Lloyd & Partners Limited

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Just one-hundredth of a second separated Lizzy Yarnold from victory during the latest round of the bob skeleton World Cup series.

The junior world champion was leading the event at Park City, Utah, after the first run but was eventually squeezed into second place by new World Cup leader Katie Uhlaender.

Yarnold, who has moved to Bath to train full-time at the university, had finished ninth in the previous week's series opener at Lake Placid and is currently ranked fourth in the overall standings.

Reigning World Cup champion Shelley Rudman was fifth last week, while Donna Creighton was 11th. The action now moves to Whistler in Canada, with race three taking place tomorrow.

Meanwhile, British Skeleton has an insurance plan in place to fund the sport up to the Sochi 2014 Olympics after agreeing a sponsorship deal with Lloyd & Partners Ltd.

The global insurance broker has become the first direct sponsors of the sport – whose headquarters are based at the University of Bath – for nearly a decade.

LPL chairman John Lloyd said: "Skeleton is the winter sport in which Great Britain has been most successful in the last 30 years and I very much hope that Lloyd & Partners' support will ensure further success in the future."

British Skeleton president Clifton Wrottesley added: "This is a great day for the sport in Great Britain and a tremendous boost for all our athletes, who work hard all year round to deliver results.

"We are a small sport but have consistently delivered medals at all levels of competition over recent years, including Amy Williams' gold at the last Winter Olympics in Vancouver 2010.

"This funding will make a huge difference, enabling us to focus additional resources into performance areas that can benefit the athletes, coaches and support staff in the lead-up to Sochi 2014."

British Skeleton agrees sponsorship deal with Lloyd & Partners Limited

Could you help someone more needy survive winter?

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An appeal to encourage better off older people to donate their winter fuel payments to help others has been launched.

The Quartet Community Foundation has started its Surviving Winter 2012 appeal, to raise money for older people at risk in Bath and north east Somerset this winter.

The campaign is a partnership with Saga, and has been supported by B&NES Council chairman councillor Rob Appleyard.

Surviving Winter sees the Quartet Community Foundation collect and distribute winter fuel payment donations to vulnerable older people and the groups which work to help them.

Chief executive Caroline Duckworth said: "Winter is a dangerous time for Bath and north east Somerset's older people.

"Fourteen per cent of households are living in fuel poverty in B&NES, and around half of those include somebody over 60.

"Fuel poverty causes serious health problems including heart attacks and strokes."

According to the 2012 B&NES Health Profile document, there were 127 preventable excess deaths in B&NES last winter, the majority of them older people.

Ms Duckworth said: "We also want to tackle the problem of isolation among older people during winter.

"The winter can be a more isolating time for older people as they can become more confined to the house in the colder months. Local help which includes a regular visit to check the older person is coping is vital. Those living in rural areas and those who live alone are most at risk."

Last year's campaign raised £47,000, which through Age UK, the Citizens Advice Bureau and care and repair agencies provided help such as home visits to older people, financial advice to manage fuel bills, heaters, repairs and maintenance as well energy efficiency advice.

Mr Appleyard said: "It's heartening that those that do not need the allowance are putting it to good use by supporting those in most need during the winter."

Jilly Edwards, who is overseeing the appeal for Quartet, said: "Last year, a small grant of £500 enabled a couple in their late 80s with multiple health and mobility problems to increase the number of heaters in their home as they had no heating in the house other than in the hall and sitting room.

"This has made a huge difference to their comfort and wellbeing."

You can complete and return the form on this page or donate online at www. quartetcf.org.uk, or email jilly. edwards@quartetcf.org.uk.

Could you help someone more needy survive winter?

Co-op in Oldfield Park Bath celebrates 50th birthday

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When it opened, there was a queue of 2,000 people eager to find out more about this strange new breed of shop.

Fifty years on, supermarkets are part of life to us all.

But memories were stirred when current and former members of staff joined up with regular customers to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Co-op in Oldfield Park.

The store opened in the old Scala cinema building on November 17, 1962, with a guest appearance from actor Peter Adamson, who played Len Fairclough in Coronation Street.

At the time it was the first store of its kind in the city and staff and customers have been reminiscing about how times have changed over the years.

Angela Kennard started working there at the age of 17 and, apart from a short break when she had her children, stayed at the Co-op until her retirement two years ago.

The 66-year-old, who lives in Oldfield Park, said: "This shop was just so different to anything we had before. Back then you were mostly getting served across the counter, but here it was self-service with baskets and trolleys.

"The food has changed so much now too. I remember when we had coleslaw for the first time and we all ran down to have a look and see what it looked like."

Brenda Evans, 77, also from Oldfield Park, started working at the Co-op in what she thought was a temporary job but ended up staying for 22 years.

She said: "It was really fun working here, we really enjoyed it and we never wanted to leave."

To mark the store's anniversary, there was a cake and a display of old photographs detailing the site's history.

Manager Bob Hegarty said it had been a good opportunity for the older members of the community to come together and talk about the past.

He said: "A lot of our customers are older and we have had many of them coming into the shop to look at the display and remember when it used to be the cinema and when it first opened."

Edgar Evans, who sits on the Co-operative Group's local area committee, was involved with the store's opening.

He said: "I remember we had 2,000 people waiting to come in here on the opening day. It was something so different they wanted to see what was going on.

"I think the Co-op introduced the concept of self-service and that is really what has changed in food shopping over the years. Instead of having someone cutting and weighing your rashers of bacon, it is now all pre-packed."

Among the long-standing customers at the birthday celebrations were Marian and Michael King, who have been shopping there since they married in June 1963.

Mrs King said: "We always come here because we are very satisfied with what we get here and the staff are very nice and helpful."

Co-op in Oldfield Park Bath celebrates 50th birthday

Poignant service for crash victims in Bath

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Families of victims of road crashes came together to remember them at a poignant memorial service in Bath.

The event was part of the World Day of Remembrance for All Road Traffic Victims and was attended by members of road safety charity RoadPeace, bereavement groups and the emergency services.

It began with a service in the Guildhall and was followed by a procession through the city centre to the charity's memorial stone in Pigeon Park.

Barbara Davies, of Bathampton, lost her daughter Helen in a road crash 20 years ago and said the support from other members of RoadPeace had been invaluable to her.

She said: "It is important to be with other people to share the grief with others who have gone through the same thing and to know that hopefully there is a way forward.

"In really difficult times we can phone these people and they can say 'that happened to me, this is the way I coped with that situation'. It can be a very lonely position to be in, especially if you are living alone, as I am."

Mrs Davies said her thoughts were also with the Bath families of Rhiannon Priestley, 20, and Kirsty Bowen, 18, who died in separate crashes last month.

She said: "I did write to one of the families just to offer my condolences and offering that if they wanted someone to talk to then I was there. But I think perhaps it is too soon for them."

People from across the South West had travelled to the city for the memorial service, including Jay Calascione, of Taunton, who was there to remember her son Simon.

She said that his death at Christmas time in 1985 had prompted her to become a founder member of RoadPeace, because she wanted to see the system changed to bring greater justice to those who killed people on the roads.

Phyllis Richards, 74, had travelled from near Marlborough to be at the service with her daughter Natalie Williams. She lost her 31-year-old son Adrian 13 years ago when he was hit by a drunk, uninsured driver on the A303.

Mrs Richards said: "These services are just fantastic. I really look forward to it because RoadPeace has just been the most wonderful support I have ever had."

The Mayor of Bath Andy Furse, the chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council Rob Appleyard and council leader Paul Crossley were all in attendance.

Councillor Cherry Beath (Lib Dem, Combe Down) said she hoped that this year's inclusion of a procession through the city centre would raise greater awareness about the issue of road safety.

For more information visit www.roadpeace.org.

Poignant service for crash victims in Bath

Former Bath schoolboy Tom Harrison fancies French test

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Former Beechen Cliff schoolboy Tom Harrison is forging a professional career in French rugby's second tier.

Harrison, who represented England counties under-20s last year and progressed through the Bath Youth ranks, recently signed for Auch Gers.

Based in the south west of the country, Auch faced Bath Rugby in the 2007-08 European Challenge Cup and now play in Rugby Pro D2.

Harrison, a 21-year-old loose or tighthead prop, said: "After finishing my university studies at Hartpury College I was approached and offered the opportunity to play for Auch.

"They are a professional side and I felt it would be an ideal move for me to progress.

"The move was daunting at first as I had worries with the new language, however the team were welcoming and offered tutoring lessons alongside my rugby training.

"The new experience of the French culture intrigued me and I didn't second-think my decision.

"I have been here over three months and I love it."

Among Harrison's opponents this season will be French rugby icon Sebastien Chabal, who is now playing for Lyon Olympique Universitaire.

"The league is equivalent to the English Championship," Harrison added. "It has been challenging but a great learning curve."

Former Bath schoolboy Tom Harrison fancies French test

Tim Davenport: Team meeting sparked a response

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Team Bath Buccs 1st XI player Tim Davenport reflects on an impressive victory...

Saturday's 5-0 win over Fareham was the ideal response to the previous weekend's defeat at Whitchurch.

We were keen to show the rest of the division that our slip-up in Cardiff was just a blip and it was therefore hugely pleasing to record a big victory in the manner that we did – with our best performance of the season so far.

The display came after a week in which the squad has done a lot of soul-searching. We decided to meet as a group in midweek to evaluate our position at this stage of the season and to set short and long-term goals for the rest of the year.

It was an honest and frank meeting in which both players and coaching staff were able to voice their opinions. As a generally overly-critical group and one that demands constantly high standards, it was no surprise that much of what came out of our get-together were things we wanted to improve on and so we all found it to be massively productive.

Saturday was the first time all season we have played well for 70 minutes and it is definitely something we will be needing to do more of if we want to be in with a shout of winning the division.

There were some fantastic individual performances on Saturday and I think our post-match man-of-the-match vote illustrated just how well so many of the squad played.

There were perhaps five or six players who amassed more than three votes. In the end it was youngster Sam Hatherley who edged it and he probably deserved the accolade after a stunning display in midfield.

On Sunday we make our second trip to the Welsh capital in three weeks to take on Cardiff in our final match before Christmas.

Cardiff are a point ahead of us and only second behind table-topping Guildford on goal difference. We beat them 4-1 at home back in September and we'll be hoping for a similar scoreline on Sunday.

Tim Davenport: Team meeting sparked a response

Great British Bake Off serve up tasty treats in Bath

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Fundraisers in Bath have taken inspiration from The Great British Bake Off to support a charity.

Staff from insurance company Jelf, based in Clarks Way, have been baking tasty treats for their version of the popular television show.

Every month they will be creating their favourite dishes and selling them, with the winner for each month choosing which charity the money goes to.

This month the proceeds are going to the Forever Friends Appeal, which is raising £5 million towards a £20.5 million cancer centre at the Royal United Hospital.

Jelf project director Ian Hancock said: "This new initiative has gone down a treat with staff who have already got involved and enjoyed the whole experience.

"Having family and friends who have suffered from cancer the RUH Cancer Care Campaign is really close to our hearts.

"I am so pleased that we are able to contribute to their £5 million target so they can build this new pioneering centre.

"This new scheme has really shown us that an idea which engages staff and is fun and enjoyable really can help to make a difference."

The new cancer centre will bring services together under one roof, and will offer support to both patients and their families.

For more information on fundraising visit www. foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk or call Kate Bruhl on 01225 825392.

Great British Bake Off serve up tasty treats in Bath


Bath Cats and Dogs Home Winter Appeal launched

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An appeal to help care for Bath's abandoned cats and dogs has been launched.

The Bath Cats and Dogs Home Winter Appeal aims to encourage people to make a £25 donation to pay for a winter care package for an animal being looked after there.

The money will cover heating costs, blankets and extra bedding, as well as medicine for dogs with aching joints and specialist heat-retaining bedding for cats.

Claverton Down centre animal care and welfare delivery manager Karen Ethier said: "The home relies solely on public donations, with annual running costs of about £1.3 million, therefore donating £25 towards the charity's winter appeal will make a real difference to the animals in our care.

"Without these bare essentials, life in kennels would be considerably tougher for these animals especially with the cold spell that's predicted this coming Christmas.

"Rising fuel costs are certainly a daunting prospect for a charity that relies exclusively on the generosity of the public."

Donations will help dogs such as Angel, who was left to die in a supermarket car park at only one day old because she had a deformed upper lip.

She was found, and taken to the home, where she is going from strength to strength.

Karen said: "When Angel was rushed into us, she weighed no more than a small apple and could fit in the palm of my hand.

"Her chances of survival were almost nil, but, with lots of veterinary supervision, heat pads and around-the-clock feeds, Angel has become a ray of hope and a genuine success story.

"Without a doubt, £25 will go a long, long way towards helping the next Angel that crosses our threshold."

To donate, call the home on 01225 787 334 or visit www.bcdh.org.uk/donate_ today. Alternatively, send cheques made payable to Bath Cats and Dogs Home to the Fundraising Department, Bath Cats and Dogs Home, The Avenue, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AZ.

Bath Cats and Dogs Home Winter Appeal launched

TEDxYouth@Bath inspires young people

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Young people have been encouraged to question, talk and share ideas during a one-day event in Bath.

TEDxYouth@Bath was held at Komedia on Tuesday and featured a list of inspiring speakers, all at the top of their fields, who wanted to share their experiences with the young people.

Among those giving talks were Felix Renicks, who founded the We Love Bath site which provides a Twitter feed about the city and which has more than 12,000 followers, film producer Elizabeth Karlsen, whose latest work Great Expectations is out at the end of this month, Bath Paralympian Ben Rushgrove and Doug Pulley, founder of city technology firm Picochip.

The free event was attended by hundreds of students and pupils from schools across the city.

This is the second year running it has been held in Bath and people were invited to get live updates on how it was progressing by following @TEDxYouthBath on Twitter.

TED is a non-profit organisation which began as a four-day conference in California more than 25 years ago, started by former Bath businessman and founder of Future Publishing Chris Anderson.

For more information about the Bath event go to www.tedxyouthbath.com.

TEDxYouth@Bath inspires young people

Bath car dealership puts Goldies runners on the road to Bath Half Marathon success

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A car dealership is to sponsor a team running for the singing charity Goldies in the Bath Half Marathon.

The charity founded by conductor Grenville Jones brings joy to hundreds of older people through its singing and activity sessions across the west.

And the theme reflects one of the taglines used by Lower Bristol Road firm Wellsway BMW and Mini.

Its managing director Martyn Read said: "One of our BMW promotions uses the words Joy Wins and we know that Grenville Jones and his wonderful charity are brightening so many lonely lives throughout the South West.

"Joy certainly wins with Goldies in so many ways and we are delighted to support them in the 2013 Bath Half. Members of our staff will be running and raising as much as we can for this very worthy charity which started here in Bath."

Goldies has available places for runners who want to take part in the March 3 race, and is also on the lookout for people with a place already confirmed. Benefits include access to Bath Rugby Club before and after the race with private changing rooms and hot showers, a buffet for all runners and their supporters and a post-run massage.

Contact Emma on 01761 470006 or via email at events@golden-oldies.org.uk.

Bath car dealership puts Goldies runners on the road to Bath Half Marathon success

Tom Bradshaw: Bath Rugby's Tom Heathcote has every right to pick Scotland

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In March this year, Tom Heathcote was kicking points that helped England Under-20s retain the RBS Six Nations.

On Saturday, he could well come off the bench to make his debut for Scotland.

This is a strange turn of events, not least because England boss Stuart Lancaster made it plain in a RFU press release in July that Heathcote was very much in his thinking, if not in his squads.

Some will argue that, having been nurtured through international age-group rugby by England, Heathcote somehow "owed" it to the RFU to stick with them following their investment in him. Rubbish.

Tom Heathcote was born in Scotland. Therefore, quite simply, he has every right to chose to play for that country.

The International Rugby Board's regulations make that perfectly admissible, provided that he hasn't played for another nation's first or second-team, which he hasn't.

There will no doubt be a few people at the RFU who will be frustrated by Heathcote's decision. But then they, and Lancaster, should have been wise to the danger of him lifting his gaze north of the Border and done more to keep him in the Red Rose fold.

Heathcote has always had a sense of self-assurance beyond his years. Stepping up into his club's first-team last season was something that he took to without so much as a blink.

In that regard – and in others – he reminds me of Freddie Burns, the Gloucester and England Saxons fly-half. Both have a natural capacity for audacity and both operate in their environments as though born into them.

The problem for Heathcote was that, for all their similarities, it was players like Burns who made it difficult to see exactly when his international opportunity would come for England.

In two years' time, England could well have a golden crop of world-class fly-halves. As well as Burns, Leicester prodigy George Ford is likely to have found his international stride and Saracens' Owen Farrell will still be young in years.

In short, there is a long queue for the England fly-half shirt. And if you are a man in a hurry and feel as though you are ready for international rugby, then why not look to the country of your birth, rather than the country of your current residence?

The queue in Scotland is, of course, distinctly shorter. Heathcote's rivals for the Scotland fly-half berth are Greig Laidlaw and Ruaridh Jackson, and he's already supplanted the latter who was sent back to his club, Glasgow, on Monday.

Heathcote is an exuberant, skilful player who keeps the opposition guessing.

Seeing him play at the highest level will be exciting and I for one am looking forward to it. Even if his shirt doesn't have a red rose on it.

Tom Bradshaw: Bath Rugby's Tom Heathcote has every right to pick Scotland

Bath craftsman honoured for lifetime devoted to furniture making

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A Bath furniture maker has been recognised for his commitment to his industry.

Ken Fullalove, once owner of Bath Cabinet Makers, has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Furniture Makers, the industry's central organisation which encourages training and best practice.

Mr Fullalove, now 77, started his career in 1959 when he joined Meredew, then the industry's leading cabinet manufacturer. He worked for the firm for 12 years, during which time he attended Harvard Business School.

He left the company in 1970 as marketing director and went on to manage a small group within Smiths Industries, including Manhattan Furniture.

However, after a period of ill health he had to leave but the businessman refused to stay out of the industry for long and while he was still recovering, Mr Fullalove became a consultant working with international ship furnishing businesses. He also worked for Debenhams.

In 1978 Mr Fullalove returned to manufacturing, joining Christie Tyler as managing director of a division including two major upholstery companies and Bath Cabinet Makers, the group's only volume producer of dining and bedroom furniture, but it was another eight years before the furniture expert decided to buy out the Bath firm.

He said: "So began a new life owning and developing my own company within the industry. The company grew successfully, but difficulty in sourcing chair components overseas led me to acquire the UK's largest chair frame manufacturer, British Productions.

"The next few years saw more than hectic activity in the ever-changing furniture industry. I continued to grow my group, contracting to build a design and manufacturing facility on an exclusive basis for the Habitat Group, and additionally acquiring some famous furniture brand names.

"All of this challenging activity kept me extremely busy, particularly as some companies in the group were developing export interests."

During the 1980s and '90s Mr Fullalove looked beyond his own commercial portfolio and got involved in industry-wide organisations such as the Furniture Industry Research Association, of which he was chairman, the Timber Research and Development Association, the Furniture Ombudsman and the British Furniture Confederation.

He said: "My work for the greater good of our industry has never been a burden. It had always been a great honour to be allowed to be involved in the way that I was, working with some of the legendary giants of our industry on my journey of more than 50 years."

Bath craftsman honoured for lifetime devoted to furniture making

Bath children get chance to enjoy a midweek roast

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Children have been enjoying a midweek roast dinner as part of a national healthy eating initiative.

The Food for Life Partnership Roast Dinner Day saw 61 schools and more than 5,000 youngsters tuck in to a locally-sourced and seasonal traditional Sunday meal.

Teachers, parents and members of the community were also invited into the dining halls to enjoy the day.

The meal was dished up by the local authority's catering service team, which has been awarded the Food for Life bronze award.

One of the schools to take part was Southdown Infants and the event proved so popular that they had to hold it over two days to make sure everybody had the opportunity to eat the roast dinner.

Former school cook Jeanette Orrey, who inspired the Jamie Oliver school dinner campaign, is working with Food for Life.

She said: "The Food for Life Partnership Roast Dinner Day is all about celebrating the fantastic catering staff, who are serving freshly prepared food for our children every day, as well as celebrating how far we've come in improving school meals across the country."

The Food for Life Partnership is a network of schools and communities across the country, working to educate children about where their food comes from.

It is led by the Soil Association and to find out more go to www.foodforlife.org.uk.

Bath children get chance to enjoy a midweek roast

Kerry Morgan challenged to prove Bath City starting line-up credentials

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Bath City chief Lee Howells has challenged fans' favourite Kerry Morgan to prove he deserves a regular place in the starting line-up. The winger, who came off the bench to score the killer second goal at Sutton last weekend, could be handed only a sixth start of the season when City head to Chesham for an FA Trophy tie this afternoon. Many supporters are keen to see the Welshman – who also scored twice against Wellington in the Somerset Senior Cup earlier this month – have a sustained run in the side. But Howells said: "When Kerry has started games for us, he hasn't had the kind of impact that he's shown when he's come off the bench. "A lot of it depends on the formation. If we don't get control of the game, then he struggles to get into it himself and have an influence. "There is a possibility Kerry might start on Saturday but, when he does get his chance, it's important he takes it and that he's involved in the game from the first minute to the last." Chesham are sliding down the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division after a winless run that stretches back eight games and two months. They were beaten 1-0 at Cambridge City in midweek and played out a goalless draw at Frome last weekend. "They are obviously on a bad run of results, but if you look at Gosport, they were not doing so well in the league but raised their game against us in the FA Cup," Howells warned.

Kerry Morgan challenged to prove Bath City starting line-up credentials


Christmas gift ideas at Dorothy House Christmas fair

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Handcrafted wooden rein- deer are among the festive gifts on offer at the Dorothy House Christmas fair.

The event takes place on Friday, November 30, and Saturday, December 1, at the hospice in Winsley, with all proceeds going to the charity.

The reindeers have been handcrafted by a hospice supporter from wood donated by local people, and will be available to buy in a range of sizes at the event.

Community fundraiser Yvonne Brunton said: "A lot of hard work goes into the fair, not just the organisation but also the great goods people make to sell for us.

"The workmanship for these reindeer for instance is remarkable, and the generosity of local people who donated the wood to create them is also fantastic."

The event takes place from 10.30am to 3pm on both days and costs £1 for adults, and free for children.

Meanwhile, an award-winning cake designer will be holding a demonstration in aid of the charity in memory of her father.

Sandra Monger, of Exquisite Wedding and Celebration Cakes in Bath, will be showing off her cake decorating talents and bringing tasty treats to try.

All the money raised from the event, which is at 7.30pm on Thursday, November 29, at Dorothy House, will go to the hospice.

Sandra was crowned the UK's best celebration cake maker at the annual Baking Industry Awards in London.

She said: "Having experienced the support given by Dorothy House during my father's illness last year, I really wanted to use my skills to do something to help. My father and I used to work together to produce cake designs and this talk will be a fitting tribute to him and a wonderful way to give something back to the hospice."

Tickets cost £15 and can be bought from Mrs Brunton on 01225 721480.

Christmas gift ideas at Dorothy House Christmas fair

Communities wrecked by floods fear forecast of more heavy rain

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One man died and scores more had to be rescued as the West was battered by a second wave of high winds and heavy rain. And after Thursday night's storm turned to tragedy in Somerset, householders spent a calmer period yesterday watching river levels across the region. Forecasters warned there will be more in store today and tomorrow with more than an inch of rain predicted yet again for most parts of the West, with serious weather warnings in place for large swathes of Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. Yesterday, rescuers told how they battled in vain to save a man trapped in a 4x4 which was swept off a ford in Chew Stoke and 200 yards down a small stream which had turned into a raging torrent on Thursday evening. The man who died after becoming trapped in his car in floodwater is believed to have been visiting a relative when his Mitsubishi Shogun was completely submerged, wedged under a small wooden bridge at Rectory Fields, in Chew Stoke, Somerset, at 8.50pm. Fire crews, police and search and rescue teams attended the scene following another night of torrential downpours. The elderly man was recovered from the water but died of a cardiac arrest on the way to the Bristol Royal Infirmary. The car was spotted by a local resident, who is thought to have known the man, and phoned the emergency services. Villagers were in shock today following the news of the death. The ford is known to be dangerous following heavy rain and locals said that last night's incident was the second time in 24 hours in which a 4x4 had got into trouble crossing the ford. Rescuers, who used boats, waders and divers in the search for the car, described conditions last night as "gruelling". Grandmother Cynthia Troup, who has lived in Chew Stoke for 38 years, said she did not believe the man was local to the village but had been visiting a relative. "We all go across it, but as locals we don't go over it when it's too deep, we know not to," she said. "It often, on a very wet day, will be too deep. We treat it with respect, but certainly would never drive through it when it was like this. "I'm pretty sure it was not somebody local, because they would have known. I've heard it was a relative of somebody local. We feel so sorry. It's a real trauma that will take a long time to get over." Petra Lowe, 43, said it was another resident in Chew Stoke who had spotted the car wedged under the bridge and called the emergency services. "Somebody in the village was out with their son and realised the car was stuck," she said. "I don't think that at the time they realised there was anyone in the car, and then they realised there was and they alerted emergency services. "Due to the bridge, they couldn't get out of the car; however the car was fixed, they couldn't actually get out. "We live just up around the corner and could hear an awful lot of commotion. He was alive when he got out of the car, I think, but by the time he got to hospital he'd died. "I have the feeling, by the way everybody is, that whoever found him knew who he was." Residents of the small, close-knit community said while the ford is prone to flooding they had not seen such bad conditions since the late 1970s or early 1980s. David Smith, 76, lives next to the ford and said it took just 20 minutes for the flooding to go from being "fairly benign" to the top of his 4ft wall. "This is the first time we've experienced this kind of flooding. My garage has been flooded twice in 48 hours and we're 4ft above the road-line," he said. "The river has three entry points into the road and they sort of come together and cause quite substantial flooding. "The speed of the water was quite horrendous, it really was, I've seen nothing like it. It shoots under that gully and cascades into the roadway here. "It's very rapid, because the water comes in from three directions. It's quite dramatic really." Mr Smith, who has lived in the village for 22 years, said that the incident was the second of its kind in 24 hours. "About 24 hours ago, a Land Rover came past here and I flagged him down and told him he ought not to try and cross the ford, but he did and he was swept away in the middle of the ford," he said. "Fortunately, his vehicle was caught by one of the bollards on the road and he was able to climb out of the window on to the roof. "We tied a rope around him, from my garden, just in case he was swept away, and sort of secured him until the fire brigade arrived about 20 minutes later. It was a crazy, crazy thing to do." Search-and-rescue teams worked in the dark and cold to try and locate the car but said the conditions were "gruelling" and it was near-impossible to get into the water. Duncan Massey, of Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue, said of the man who died: "It was quite difficult trying to find and locate him. "We knew where the car was in the water but we couldn't access it. He was out of the vehicle, but we never actually found the car. "The fire and rescue service were here with boats and waders and swimming people just trying to find where he was and rescue him as best we could. "The water now would be up to my waist, so access was terrible, the water was like a ranging torrent. "It was nearly impossible to get in the water, it was very, very deep, very swift flowing and dark of course. "It was gruelling, absolutely gruelling, it was cold, wet and it's the middle of November." In Bath, residents living around Upper Camden Place hailed a 'miracle' after a three-tonne boulder became dislodged from the steep hill and crashed down as part of a landslip, damaging cars on the road below – it is believed no one was hurt in the landslip. "I was woken by a huge rumbling crashing sound, which I was very puzzled about," said Bob Williams, whose house backs onto Upper Camden Place. "I looked out of the window, but it was too dark to see anything, then the police knocked on our door to let us know what had happened." Gary Lock was not so lucky. He said: "My car was parked near and suffered some damage when the rocks fell. I heard the noise, and came out to investigate. Then I decided to move my car in case any more rocks fell. We were very lucky that our house was not damaged and it is so lucky that no one was hurt." Police were alerted and were on the scene within minutes. Mr Williams said: "I was worried about the house, especially as I have a four-year-old. "This is a well used road and it is so lucky that no one was walking there when it happened." A structural engineer from Bath and North East Somerset Council was called to the scene and estimated that the boulder weighed around three tonnes. Floods continued to take hold right across the region, with the River Avon in north and west Wiltshire and the rivers on the Somerset Levels particularly high. Bradford-on-Avon's historic town bridge was impassable for long periods during the day, and surface water on country roads, particularly around the Avon Vale north of Chippenham, and the Chew Valley in north Somerset, left villages cut off. Where flood water wasn't a problem, fallen trees were – the A361 at Farleigh Hungerford, on the Wiltshire-Somerset border, was closed by a fallen tree for most of yesterday, while roads across Gloucestershire, where high winds caused havoc, were affected by trees.

Communities wrecked by floods fear forecast of more heavy rain

Olympic gold medallist Ed McKeever named Bath Chronicle Sports Personality of the Year

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Olympic gold medallist Ed McKeever added another accolade to his collection when the Bath Chronicle staged its inaugural Sports Awards ceremony. The Bradford on Avon canoeist, who triumphed in the K1 200m class at London 2012, was crowned Sports Personality of the Year in front of a 190-strong audience at a wet and windy Bath Racecourse last Thursday night. McKeever came out on top after being shortlisted alongside swimmers Stephanie Millward and Michael Jamieson, who also returned from the capital with medals during the summer. "It's a huge honour," said Bath-born McKeever after collecting his prize from Simon Knighton, chairman of awards title sponsor Sirona Care & Health. "It's great to be appreciated here, where I grew up. "There was huge competition for the award, with Steph winning five medals at the Games and Michael taking silver. "It just shows the level of talent there is in the area and there is a lot more coming through, which will make it a lot more difficult to win this again in future! It's been a really good night." Millward, who bagged four silvers and a bronze at the Aquatics Centre during the Paralympics, did not go home empty-handed as she collected the Chew Valley Laser Clinic-backed Disability Sports Person of the Year prize. She said: "I didn't expect to win the award at all. You hope you are going to but I came here not really expecting anything, so to go back with another medal is brilliant. This is the 371st medal of my career so I am quite proud. "Every single person who was nominated was incredible, everyone should have won really. Just think of all the work they do every day, most of them without any payment – they just do it because this is what they love, this is what makes them feel happy." Fellow swimmer Siobhan-Marie O'Connor, who represented TeamGB at the tender age of 16 at the Games, was named Young Sports Personality of the Year. She was doing battle in the pool at the European Championships in France on awards night, so will be presented with her prize – sponsored by Polamco – at a special ceremony arranged by her club, Keynsham, this weekend. A fourth person's London 2012 work was also rewarded, with ParalympicsGB chief executive Tim Hollingsworth taking the Outstanding Services to Sport in Bath prize, sponsored by SouthGate Bath. The Larkhall resident played a key role in helping London stage the most successful Paralympics ever, with the Great Britain team – the majority of whom warmed up for the Games in Bath – claiming a record 120 medals, 34 of them gold, in the process. Hollingsworth said: "Many thanks to you all for a very good night and a really important statement of commitment to sport in Bath – much appreciated. I am delighted to win and very pleased for such high recognition of the Paralympics." A strong shortlist also featured three stalwarts of the local sporting community in Keynsham Swimming Club's Bet Parsons, Walcot RFC treasurer Simon Chambers and Oldfield chairman Patrick Bunton. The awards, hosted by BBC Radio Bristol drivetime presenter and former Bristol Rovers footballer Geoff Twentyman, saw grassroots sport's unsung heroes celebrated in five other categories. Two rugby clubs, Avon and Walcot, were victorious. Avon collected the Senior Club of the Year award thanks to a league and cup double triumph in the spring, with a rejuvenated Walcot landing the Knight Frank-backed junior prize. "I was gobsmacked," said Avon chairman John Sutherland, who was joined by around 40 of his club-mates on the night. "I was very surprised and to have two rugby teams winning the awards was very good. "I'm just very, very proud of the lads. We have got a good spirit and the club. The boys worked hard, played hard and have really deserved it." Walcot youth coordinator Dave Parsons added: "I am just really pleased for the club and those who put the time and effort in. "We put it together and won this award. I am really proud of what we've achieved as a club and am hoping we can take a step on from here. It's hard work but hopefully all of the parents, kids and volunteers will be chuffed that all of the support they are giving the club is paying off." Keynsham Swimming Club, shortlisted in four of the nine categories, provided a second winner in the shape of long-serving secretary Dave Beament. He scooped the Club Official of the Year award and said: "I'm delighted. It has been fantastic to be able to support all of the children over many years and help them achieve their potential. "We're delighted for all of the nominees and particularly proud of Siobhan and Bet Parsons, who has been with us for 30 years and holds the club together. "We are very proud of what we do. We are all volunteers, have no paid staff at all and our coaches in particular give up hundreds of hours of their time every year – it is an amazing set-up." Colin Baross was named Coach of the Year thanks to his tireless voluntary work with sprint and hurdles athletes of all ages and abilities at the University of Bath. "I'm thrilled," said Baross. "If I didn't have such good athletes then I wouldn't have won it. "I don't turn anybody away – it is sport for all. I can't wait to get to the club night, show the athletes my award and say 'I won a medal for a change, instead of you guys'." St John's Catholic Primary's Brendan Rouse was unveiled as the Sports Teacher of the Year, a category jointly sponsored by Take Charge Bikes, Sony Centre and The Old Mill Hotel. SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Winner: Ed McKeever. Finalists: Michael Jamieson & Stephanie Millward. YOUNG SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Winner: Siobhan-Marie O'Connor. Finalists: Lynne Hutchison & Rebekah Walker. DISABILITY SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR Winner: Stephanie Millward. Finalists: Chloe Davies & Colin Moore. OUTSTANDING SERVICES TO SPORT IN BATH Winner: Tim Hollingsworth. Finalists: Patrick Bunton, Simon Chambers & Bet Parsons. CLUB OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR Winner: Dave Beament. Finalists: John Escott & Ray Li. COACH OF THE YEAR Winner: Colin Baross. Finalists: Lynne Bartlett & Clive Book. SPORTS TEACHER OF THE YEAR Winner: Brendan Rouse. Finalist: Louise Riddoch. SENIOR CLUB OF THE YEAR Winners: Avon Rugby Club. Finalists: Bear Flat Cricket Club & Camerton & Peasedown Croquet Club. JUNIOR CLUB OF THE YEAR Winners: Walcot Rugby Club. Finalists: Bath Cricket Club U15s & Team Bath Buccaneers Junior Academy.

Olympic gold medallist Ed McKeever named Bath Chronicle Sports Personality of the Year

Bath's Royal United Hospital meets quality and safety standards

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Inspectors have found that the Royal United Hospital is meeting all the essential standards of quality and safety.

The Care Quality Commission spent three days at the hospital in September and October looking at the care arrangements for surgical patients.

Inspectors visited three surgical wards, the emergency department, theatres, the recovery unit, the intensive care unit, the pre-operative assessment unit and the day surgery unit.

During the visit they talked with patients, visitors and staff, before compiling their report.

They found that the hospital met all five essential standards of care: treating people with respect, providing care and support that meets people's needs, caring for people safely, standards of staffing, and standards of management.

The report said: "We asked patients and carers about the care they had received at the hospital.

"They told us that it was good. One person told us they had been to another hospital but preferred this one.

"A patient in the surgical admission unit told us that over two days they had seen it as a calm and efficient ward where staff are on top of things, and often they are with you before you've rung the bell."

However, inspectors also highlighted some areas for improvement, including the need to help nurses better understand and assess mental capacity, to develop still further its work in caring for patients with dementia across the whole hospital, and to ensure that nurses receive regular opportunities for "training and reflection".

Director of nursing Francesca Thompson said: "We are delighted with the assessment by the Care Quality Commission that we are fully compliant and meeting all the essential standards of quality and safety across different wards and units.

"I'm very proud of this achievement, which recognises the hard work of our staff in putting patients first, and ensuring that improving quality care and protecting the safety of our patients is our priority.

"We have plans in place to address each of the areas highlighted as needing our attention."

Bath's Royal United Hospital meets quality and safety standards

Car park shut as Bath ready for more wind and rain

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A city centre car park remains shut due to flooding this morning as Bath braces itself for a weekend of heavy rain and high winds. The privately-run underground SouthGate car park is closed and council officials are encouraging shoppers to use park and ride buses to reach the city. All roads in B&NES are now open again after the disruption of the last few days, but there is an official Environment Agency flood warning in force for the Avon all the way through Bath - taking in every part between Melksham and Bristol. The forecast is for more heavy rain, although it is not expected to cause the chaos of Thursday's downpours. B&NES Council highways crews worked overnight monitoring roads, clearing drains and removing debris blown down by the high winds, and will be working again today. The river level in the city centre has now dropped but the council points out that the water table is at its highest for many years. Its extra park and ride site (service 31R) at Bath Racecourse will not be operating today because the ground at the venue is too wet, but other services are running normally. The car park at Bath Sports Centre is now open again. Further flooding information is on the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or via the council website www.bathnes.gov.uk or by following it at @bathnes on Twitter. To report any concerns regarding the state of the highway or local flooding, call Council Connect on 01225 394041.
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