The Georgian City of Bath Christmas Market 2013

Christmas markets originated mainly in Germany and Austria. They soon spread to other parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom. 

The Weihnachtsmarket (so called in Germany and Austria) or the Christkindlmarket (called in southern Germany and Austria), is a street market connected with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks known as Advent. 



Bath Christmas Market 2013

These types of market go way back to the middle ages in Germany. In Vienna for example the ‘December Market’ (Circa 1294) was seen as a forerunner to the Christmas market. 

There are many famous Christmas markets throughout Europe such as Dresden, Frankfurt, Nuremburg, Dortmund, Cologne and Stuttgart. The most visited of these is Dortmund with more than 3.5 million people. The Frankfurt markets around 3 million and Nuremburg and Dresden can only muster 2 million.

In the UK we have Christmas markets in Lincoln, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds (hey up like). And of course the best and most fantastically wonderful Christmas of all, yes you’ve guessed it the Bath Christmas Market (where’s it to?).

 

Bath Christmas Market 2013

Bath Christmas Market was established in 2000. With well over 380,000 people visiting it is a great attraction for the City as well as earning fantastic revenue for not just the stall holders, but hoteliers, restaurants, shops, buses, taxies etc. etc.

For eighteen festive days the Georgian City of Bath will be transformed into a Christmas paradise of colour, sound and smells.

 

This year the market runs from Thursday 28th November through to Sunday 15th December.

 

It is certainly a great way for Mrs Bingham to start her Christmas shopping and find her loyal devoted partner a present he will treasure. Because it will be very big and very expensive.

The times for this year’s market are:

Monday through to Wednesday

10.00hrs – 19.00hrs
 

Thursday through to Saturday

10.00hrs – 20.00hrs
 

Sunday

10.00hrs – 18.00hrs

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Link to Bath Christmas Market 2013 Website:  

 





Did you know that last year Bath Christmas Market became the very first in all of the United Kingdom to receive a quality assured visitor attraction award from Visit England? Oh yes! Take it away Bath.

 

Bath Christmas Market 2013

With over 150 wooden chalets offering handmade and quite unusual gifts, decorations, mulled wine (yummy) food items, garden products, jewellery.

 

In fact everything you could think off to make your Christmas stocking filled with wonderful presents and gifts.

 

In the very heart of Bath sitting under the Bath Abbey and spreading to all corners of central Bath.

 

In fact there are woodworkers, clothing designers, novelty product specialists, painters, photographers, food suppliers and much, much more. All the fun of Christmas for adults and children alike.

 

Bath Christmas Market 2013

 Join in with the remarkable atmosphere that is Bath Christmas Market. There will be carol singers, a carousel, street traders, local bands and choirs, street entertainers, Christmas trees, twinkly lights.

 

Just about everything you can imagine to get you in the Christmas spirit. Mrs Bingham and I will be heading straight for the mulled wine chalet. My goodness does that put the feeling of warmth and Christmas cheer in my belly and loosen the purse of Mrs B.

 

Did you realise as well that out of the many thousands of visitors who come to Bath for the Christmas market a staggering 64% come purely for this joyous event. These wonderful people visiting our fine City are estimated to boost the local economy by £17,000,000.00.

Bath Christmas Market 2013

The market also boosts tourism greatly for the following year as visitors at Christmas see the potential Bath has to offer with our many festivals, events, attractions and of course the great shopping areas and streets that offer so much.

So why not come on down to the Bath Christmas Market to enjoy and savour the atmosphere. There are of course the many pubs and restaurants which supply a good hearty meal.  Mrs B likes a good hearty meal and has promised in the New Year she will work off the turkey and mince pies.

Christmas is certainly a magical time for adults and children alike. The Bath Christmas Market will certainly get you in the festive mood. For children it is possibly the most exciting time of the year.

Walking through the streets of Bath

With presents to open and the family getting together. Spending time at home with good food and playing those inevitable Christmas games.

And not forgetting the magical films and programmes on the telly, including all the usual repeats. As long as the Great Escape is on I will be a very happy Bingham.

Walking through the sttreets of Bath will bring back all the memories of Christmas past. Kicking in the nostalgia of it all.

 

 

To get you in the carol singing mood I have included in this blog a little YouTube video that will get you laughing more than singing. Check ot these really sweet tenors from China who will cheer you up and get you feeling very festive indeed. Just click on the logo to access the video.

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So for now just enjoy the splendour and magic that is The City of Bath Christmas Market 2013. Get down there and savour the atmosphere. If you go at night you will be dazzled by the splendour of the Christmas lights. The smells of Christmas are all around and with carol singers and Christmas decorations lining every street, you and your children will love it.

Pre-Christmas present for Mrs B

You are so going to enjoy the array of gift ideas and Christmas goodies for you and your loved ones.

Mrs Bingham doesn't know it yet but I have already got her a pre-Christmas pressie of chocolates.

Well she does deserve the very best and especially when I tell her I am off out with the boys tonight for a Christmas jaunt to taste the Christmas ale in the Raven.

So have yourselves the very best of times
to the run up to Christmas Day.

We at Bath Business Web Ltd wish you all a very peaceful and joyous time to celebrate this wondrous occasion and look forward to a prosperous New Year.

Love and Jingle Bells.

Bingham

Blogger for Bath Business Web Ltd
Your local Internet Marketing Specialist, Business Directory and Website Design Company

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The Repair, Restoration, Renovation and Replacement of Sash Windows in the Beautiful City of Bath

Have you ever marvelled at the uniqueness of a City built almost entirely from yellow sandstone? Or maybe you think all Cities are built this way?



Image courtesy of Georgian Sashcraft Ltd

Well I for one appreciate the splendour and grandeur of this fine City. Having lived and worked in many other Cities in the UK, I can tell you that many are predominantly red brick with the scattering of buildings which are built in yellow, dark brown or a very deep red.

None I can think of are quite so uniform and with such a pleasant look as that we find in the yellow sandstone buildings of Bath. And we can be proud of our City with it's sandy colour stone buildings. Buildings which have been built with stone quarried locally since the times of the Romans.


Have you ever stopped to look at the splendour of the Georgian architecture in the beautiful City of Bath? Or do you just take it for granted?



Image courtesy of Georgian Sashcraft Ltd

What also makes the buildings in Bath stand out so well are the Georgian style properties with their elegant and often very large Georgian windows. These are rather grand looking windows compared to the Victorian sash style.

Don’t get me wrong I like Victorian houses and sash windows. In fact I live in one now. But if I really had a choice and found the right property in the right location, then a Georgian house would do very nicely.

 

Having worked on many of the properties I have owned I also appreciate that these windows which adorn a Georgian property or saying that a Victorian one, need good care and on-going maintenance if they are to stay original.



Image courtesy of Georgian Sashcraft Ltd

Some owners I see have succumbed to the easy option, by replacing their windows with PVC lookalikes. These windows are a very practical solution, but not always in keeping with the building or surroundings. 

Why spend hard earned money on a fine structure, built with quality material, an eye for detail and precision by our forefathers, to then replace them with plastic windows. It makes little sense and is not necessarily in keeping with its surroundings.
 

So it is great to know that there are people out there who do care. People who are precise in their work and who do offer a quality product for a quality finish. And doing this in a professional and skilful way, just as those Georgian and Victorian craftsmen did many years before them. And they are of course Georgian Sashcraft Ltd.

 

Georgian Sashcraft Ltd is a unique and prestigious company founded in 1993. They specialise in the repair, restoration and replacement of traditional sash windows and doors.

Georgian Sashcraft Ltd offer a number of high quality services for the sash windows that adorn your home, office, shop, store and many other such buildings in Bath, Bristol and surrounding towns. These services include:



Purpose-made joinery for your period property

New timber window sills to match existing window frames



New timber window sills to match existing windows

Putty replacement for sash windows 
          
Painting sash windows

Resin repair

 





New sashes fitted



Replacing old sash cords for new ones will ensure the windows continues top operate effectively throughout the seasons for years to come.

 

Checking that the sashes are correctly balanced
or adjusted accordingly for the window to slide
up and down the runners evenly.  

 

The sashes are adjusted and eased as necessary to ensure that the window opens and closes smoothly.

The sash cord pulley wheels are oiled.

 

 



Resin-repairing sash

Any defective or rotten wood is removed.

 

The remaining wood is then treated with a resin solution and a specialist repair compound is used prior to painting.

Once dry the window can be  reconstructed and the wood painted.

How satisfying to see these windows returning to their former glory.



Sash windows rebuilt and broken glass replaced

 

There are of course windows which

sadly are beyond repair.

 

Not is all lost and the experts at
Georgian Sashcraft will replace
those with new box sash windows.

 

 They also build bespoke

wooden casement windows with the
exact same methods they use on
all their sash windows.

 

 



Click here for the Georgian Sashcraft Ltd Brochure

When was the last time you checked your sash windows? Not all will need replacing or a great deal of repair. The experts at Georgian Sashcraft have developed a system for the overhaul and restoration of any damaged wood. This provides you with a cost-effective way to renew the windows in need.

You may also want to consider secondary glazing for your sash windows. This can save you money with your heating budget. Especially now the energy companies are hiking up their prices just before the winter kicks in.

The secondary glazing is designed and installed to blend in with your existing windows. The original window remains untouched and made in such a way to avoid any interference with your curtains or blinds. The benefits are that less heart will escape from the property enabling you to have better control over your heating bill. As well as added security and greater sound and draught proofing. You may find that this is the only option available to you if you live in a listed building or conservation area.

Dedication, craftsmanship and a lot of skill is needed when restoring or repairing these old fine windows. And that's exactly what you get from Georgian Sashcraft. The care and precision of people who truly understand and love what they do. So when we think about the craftsman who originally built this City of Bath and gave us this fine outstanding architecture, we can sleep sound at night knowing the next generation are here with us now.  

Bingham

Blogger for Bath Business Web Ltd

 

Things to do with the Children in Bath this Summer

It is always a challenge to find new and interesting things to do with the kids over the summer holidays. Sometimes the most obvious is right on your doorstep. It doesn’t always have to mean spending vast sums of money or long treks in the car to visit new places. The beautiful City of Bath has a few treasures of its own that can motivate, educate and engage all the senses. Here are just a handful for your youngest or your oldest.
 
Zany Zone Soft Play
A large indoor play area which has been specifically designed for children under ten years old. The can enjoy three floors of great fun in a safe and well thought out mini world of adventure. There are ball pits, cargo nets, log ramps tunnels and slides for your little bundles of joy to climb and clamber on.
 
Victoria Park Playground –   Free
The largest and most kitted out park this side of the Andes. Situated at the south end of Victoria Park the playground offers a wonderment of energising and stimulating apparatus which will give any youngster a smile of contentment that will last the whole day. With slides of all sizes, zip wire, roundabouts, see saws, tunnel slide, swings, climbing frames of various shapes sizes and designs as well as a number of bouncy bumpy things.
 
Roman Baths
Educate and titillate your children’s minds with the most well-known of all the attractions that Bath has to offer. “Salve” (That’s hello in Latin by the way). See, something they can learn from the start and you’ll get some credibility for showing off the only Roman word you can speak. And remember if you have a resident’s discovery card you can get in for free for you and any child under 14yrs old. The Baths can be fun and interesting and is much more child friendly than you may think. Its not only for the tourists you know.
 
Bath Skyline Walk –  Free
Get their little hearts pumping with a refreshing walk around the Bath skyline. There are plenty of places to stop and have a picnic and all the fun and adventure that’s comes with the great outdoors. Take a pair of binoculars for a bit of bird spotting or pack a kite to fly over the fields and grassy meadows. Take them up to Sham Castle and ask them if they can see where they live or the people walking around the city. Your children will certainly sleep well after a packed day of fresh air, sunshine and Mum’s lunch time treats.
 
The Fashion Museum
A great place for any young budding fashion designer wannabe. There is an array of wonderment from a vast collection of fashion garments spanning several hundreds of years. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Laura Ashley there are the most colourful and iconic dresses from the Swinging Sixties or the 1970’s when there was an appetite for escapism and nostalgia for times gone by. Also on show there is the exhibition Glamour. A dazzling display of glitzy evening wear over the past 100 years. A presentation of sumptuous silks, evening gowns and cocktail dresses.
 
The Two Tunnels –  Free
Take a ride out on your bikes or equally a walk through the Two Tunnels. You never know you may spot one of the many bats that live high up in the ceilings. The tunnels are lit and one even has music. They are part of the old train route from Bath to Bournemouth. The Combe Down Tunnel had been bricked up since 1966 and is reported as the longest cycle tunnel in the UK at just over a mile long. The Devonshire Tunnel is shorter at just quarter of a mile long. A fascinating and very enjoyable cycling or walking experience. Don’t just take my word for it see what The Independent wrote about the route.
 
Bath Boating Station
What about a boat trip on the river? There are different options such as the Thames Skiff (rowing boat) Canadian Kayaks (canoe) as well as punts and rowing punts. You and your children can have a great time exploring the beautiful River Avon. Did you know that the canoe was developed over the course of thousands of years by the native Indians of North America. The name ‘Canoe’ originated from the word ‘kenu’, meaning dugout. Another snippet of information to tell the kids and show them ‘who’s the Mummy’.
 
The Holburne Museum –  Free
Another inspirational and educational day out for parents and children alike. This is art for all. At the Sackler Discovery Centre on the second floor they run weekly workshops for children up to 13yrs and hold regular activities and events for families. There is also the Garden Café offering a host of freshly prepared dishes, sandwiches, beverages and delicious scrummy cakes. Or why not venture a hop, skip and a jump to Sydney Gardens, which sits behind the museum, to nibble on your own packed lunch. Then just the other side of that you can get through to the canal. You get the best of three worls of education, entertainment and fun for you and your children.
 
Prior Park
What a beautiful setting with the rolling Bath countryside, a lake and an endless sea of grass to wander, picnic or play. You’ll be surprised at how many activities and events they hold throughout the year. They have their modest Tea Shed which sells a variety of hot and cold drinks, ice creams, soup and jacket potatoes. The tea garden is a great place to relax and suck on your favourite lolly. They also have a small selection of goodies at the ‘upcycled’ boat shop. What is upcycling I hear you ask? Tis the process of converting waste materials into new materials or products of better quality and value. Just a mind of information me.
 
Bath City Farm –  Free
Nothing sells better to children than a menagerie of farm animals with their fluffy duck and chicken feathers, big round cow eyes, soft coats of goats wool or curly pig tails. There’s even a Kids Zone housing a great purpose built play space with a climbing wall, slide and water cascade. There are 37 acres of fields and woodland to explore and the friendliest cutest two and four legged critters you ever could meet. Apart from the children that is. Your kids will love the kids on the farm with there little goatees.
 
Have a great summer you'all.

Bingham

Blogger for Bath BusinessWeb Ltd

What To Do in Bath & Somerset this Summer

Whether you are a resident or here as a visitor there are a multitude of things to see or do in this fine City of Bath. Here are just a handful of suggestions which are definitely on my hot list this summer in Bath.

Just click on the event name to see more details:
 
The Roman Baths
Possibly the most famous attraction in the City of Bath. Offering a spectacular insight into the life and times of the City when we were occupied and governed by the Roman Empire. Also offering a night time tour as the ruins of this Roman building come alight with flame flickering torches. Walk on the 2000 year old pavements and take in the steamy and captivating experience that is quite unforgettable.                                 
 
The Special Olympics GB National Summer Games
Held every 4 years this is the country’s largest sports event for athletes with intellectual disabilities (also known as learning disabilities). The 2013 Summer Games this year to be hosted in our great city. Organised by Special Olympics GB this is a competition for children and adults, with over 1,700 participants. Held at The Sports Training Village at The University of Bath something for everyone.

The Jane Austen Festival
This year is the two hundredth anniversary of the first publication of Pride & Prejudice. Celebrations will include concerts, etiquette lessons, dancing lessons, workshops, tours, talks and a Regency fashion show. There will also be a grand Regency costume parade through the streets of Bath.                                                                      

Bath Fringe Festival
This weekend sees the launch of The Bath Fringe Festival. This includes 17 days of music, art, theatre and comedy. This takes place at various venues throughout the city and has something for people of all ages.

The American Museum
Not only a wide array of American artefacts and furniture, but also family fun with Wild West events and activities. Find out more about the gangsters and gunslingers of the Wild West and make your own Wild West outfit. Including sheriff’s badges, bandanas, fake moustaches, fluttering fans or feathered headpieces.

The Little Theatre Cinema
Built by community theatre pioneer Consuelo de Reyes and her husband in 1935. It initially functioned as a news theatre open from midday and showing hourly programmes of documentaries and newsreels. The Little Theatre retains the charm and welcoming warmth of a 1930's cinema, including a luxury balcony with sofas in the main auditorium.

The Chapel Arts Centre
Now firmly established as Bath's alternative arts venue. It operates as a community and culturally based arts Centre presenting a wide range of the performing arts. This includes a variety of musical tastes, theatre, dance, comedy, film, mime, poetry and much more.

Farleigh Hungerford Castle
Only nine miles from Bath on the border between Somerset and Wiltshire sits the remains of Farleigh Hungerford Castle. The building goes back to the 14th century and has much for visitors to see and enjoy. The fortified mansion was occupied by the Hungerford family for over three hundred years. There are many tales and stories, sometimes quite gruesome, about this remarkable family. Visit the family tombs, the chapel with rare medieval wall paintings, the Priests house and if you’re really brave enter the crypt wherein lies a collection of human-shaped coffins. Eeeek!

Komedia Comedy Club
Voted best venue in the West and Wales in 2012 and 2013, this great comedy playhouse follows in the footsteps of the legendary Komedia in Brighton. Offering a great line-up of comedians every Saturday night and the Ministry of Burlesque on the last Friday of the month.

Bath Abbey
For over a thousand years people have been worshiping on this site. The Abbey may well have undergone many transformations and changes during that time, yet it survives through major conflicts, religious reforms and two World Wars. Welcoming over 420,000 people through its doors every year this historical and sacred place stretches back to Anglo-Saxon times. There is the Tower Tour where visitors get the chance to go behind the scenes and take a look at the Abbey from a very different perspective. You will get a chance to visit the ringing and bell chamber, stand on the top of the Abbeys vaulted ceiling and even sit behind the clock face. Once on the roof the views across the city and beyond are spectacular.

Dyrham Park
Just outside Bath is the most beautiful and spectacular 17th century mansion, garden and deer park in the South West. Set in 270 acres (110 hectares) of stunning and ancient parkland, where fallow deer roam freely. With magnificent trees and breath-taking views, this is a place of natural beauty not to miss. The mansion built by William Blathwayt has changed little in 300 years.

Bath Approach Pitch and Putt Golf Course
Located to the north of Victoria Park in central Bath is the 12 or 18 hole course for beginners and experience players alike. Ideal for those needing to practise their pitch and putt skills or just a good fun day out for family or friends. There is no need to book and club hire and balls are all provided.

Whatever you do make sure you enjoy it and get the best from what Bath and Somerset has to offer. Have a great Summer!

Bingham

Blogger for Bath Business Web Ltd