The question – no not a question – an assertion often given to me by strangers and acquaintances is that covering Bath as a journalist must be lovely for me – as it’s such a beautiful city. My reply is that yes, it is a beautiful city, but it is a city with all the usual problems of crime, planning controversies, social deprivation, inequalities and the long list of problems that all towns and cities contend with. But it is one of the nicest places I’ve reported on as there are more than average the numbers of community groups run by the nicest of civic minded people. And then of course the theatres, arts centres, museums, galleries, attractions and all those beautiful buildings make it special.
I picked up the work to edit and write the newspaper and run the website and social media through the NUJ when Covid caused lockdowns and a crisis for many businesses and families. That was six years ago – despite it feeling like it was only yesterday. Since then, the city has seen some major stories from the plans to rebuild the rugby ground on the Rec to the Liberal Democrats winning a second term in the Guildhall. With the Lib Dems have come more cycle lanes, low traffic neighbourhoods, the clean air zone and even the first school street – so many stories. Their critics will point to the rise of HMOs, the tourist charge, the delays and costs to reopening the Fashion Museum and the closing off of some streets which they say cause more congestion and pollution. One opposition councillor told me he wanted to return to when you could park outside Jolly’s – but society has changed with a huge increase in traffic. I can recall those far off days in the early 1960s when Bath’s buildings were black from pollution – but it is a different city now and the idea of parking outside Jolly’s for free have long gone.
I’ve tried to give an impartial view of the work of the local MP Wera Hobhouse and that of Bath and North Somerset Council – as well as the Metro Mayor – and to give a voice to the opposition from Labour, The Greens and the Conservatives and Independents – but judging by much of the online comments I receive I’m either a right-wing Tory or a lefty luvvie! Such is the role of a journalist – if both lots accuse you of bias then you are doing your job. I’m forever grateful to John Wimperis of the Local Democracy Service whose stories on the council in particular are invaluable – and those kind individuals who send in reports from their clubs and societies. I’ve met so many helpful residents, community groups, teachers, theatre people, charity representatives, press officers and ordinary locals who live in Bath. Bath Voice is in good hands with Gianina Turner as editor – someone I’ve known on and off as a writer for years – and I hope to still make occasional contributions and reviews.
“So yes, Bath is lovely to cover – even when there are floods, crimes, planning controversies and the dark side of every community – which have to be reported. But there are the upsides: The Holburne and The Victoria galleries, The Egg Theatre, the Rondo and Mission Theatres, Bath Rugby, Twerton Park, Lyncombe Hill Fields, the pies and beers in The Raven, the Jane Austen fans parading through the streets, the carnival and those fabulous parks – with the viewpoint in Alexandra Park one of the finest. And despite all the tourists Bath is first and foremost a Somerset city – the jewel in the county’s crown.
Harry Mottram continues to write as a freelance journalist at www.harrymottram.co.uk/.