A selection of letters to the editor from a variety of readers and organisations. We welcome letters from readers – email them to news@bathvoice.co.uk
RUH Research
Local people are being urged to help support the development of new medical treatments which could transform people’s lives by getting involved with research at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust. Bath resident Willm Mistral is just one of many people already taking part in research at the RUH. Willm joined a diabetes study where he is trialling a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, used to track blood glucose levels.
It involves wearing a small, disc-shaped sticker on his arm, which gives him real time data on his blood sugar levels so he can ensure he keeps them within an optimal range.
By taking part in the study Willm is helping to assess how successful the new equipment could be in helping people with diabetes keep a more accurate check on their blood glucose levels using more precise data.
You can find out more about the research opportunities available at the RUH on our website.
Sarah Stratton
Clinical Research Practitioner
Royal United Hospital, Bath
Medical talks
Archana Raghavan a PhD student at University of Bath is researching into the reasons why Britain’s booksellers are bucking the global trend and instead of closing down they are opening up. She visited Bath Medical Museum to explain her findings as the first speaker in this year’s UoB Research Roadshow.
This programme entitled “Catalysts for change” gives researchers the opportunity to share their ongoing work with interested members of the public.
All the short talks are free and as well as sharing their findings includes an opportunity for the researchers themselves to test out their presentation skills because the audience is encouraged to share their opinions on how successful the talk was.
Vienne Lin also a postgraduate researcher has recruited a wide range of researchers to take part in this second summer series which operates on Tuesday 2pm to 3pm in The Hetling Pump Room.
The topics this year vary from ‘What Shapes Students Beliefs in their Speaking Abilities’, and ‘Mapping the Appeal of Gambling’ , to ‘Body Movement’ in Drama’ and ‘Enhancing Students Willingness to Communicate Through Games’.
More information can be obtained from the BMM website bathmedicalmuseum.org
Paul Thomas
Bath Medical Museum
Jane Austen
This summer, No. 1 Royal Crescent will mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with a new exhibition: The Most Tiresome Place in the World: Jane Austen & Bath.
Launching on 5 July, the exhibition will explore the real Jane Austen, her life in Bath and her complicated relationship with the city.
Jane Austen lived in Bath between 1801 and 1806, and the city features prominently in two of her novels: Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. The scandals and shallowness of society fuelled the classic author’s cynicism and wit, and nothing escaped her scathing pen, yet she wrote very little whilst actually living in the city.
This new exhibition will feature letters, first editions of the novels, and the only manuscript she wrote in Bath, revealing the highs and lows of her time here and exposing how turbulence and loss cast a long shadow over Jane Austen and Bath.
Mary Stringer
No.1 Royal Crescent
Volunteers required
The Holburne is seeking to recruit 50 new volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who are enthusiastic, enjoy art and history, have a great sense of fun and are looking to join a committed and energetic community.
After a year of redevelopment, we are getting ready to launch a new gallery on the lower ground floor in September. As we expand in size and scope, we want to grow our vibrant and award-winning volunteer team.
The new gallery will display Renaissance treasures on permanent loan to the museum from the Schroder family collection, one of the finest private collections of silverware in the country, as well as paintings, bronzes, maiolica and gems. Volunteers will continue to welcome visitors to our permanent collection and ever-changing programme of exhibitions, in addition to helping them discover the new galleries. They can also opt to get involved in a wide variety of activities across the museum such as assisting with learning activities, stewarding events, or producing Volunteer led ‘Up Lates’.
The museum runs 2 shifts per day 7 days a week and is looking for a commitment of just 3.5 hours weekly, starting from September 2025.
If you, a friend or family member is interested in joining the Holburne team, please get in touch with Head of Visitor Services: Spencer Hancock at s.hancock@holburne.org or find full details at: https://holburne.org/support-us/volunteer-at-the-museum/
Claire Barnes
Marketing Assistant
Astronomy Photography
I will be giving a talk on my new book: 52 Assignments: Night Photography followed by a Q&A and book signing on the 31st July from 6pm-7.30pm at the Museum of Bath Architecture.
Tickets are £12 for the talk or £22 for the talk and a signed, copy of 52 Assignments: Night Photography.
Tickets available at the website of the Herschel Museum. herschelmuseum.org.uk
Josh Dury
Bath
Keynsham Music Festival
The Keynsham Good Afternoon Choir will again be performing as part of Keynsham Music Festival on Friday July 4 at St John’s Church from 7.30pm, with special guests Black Sheep Harmony.
Good Afternoon Choir founder Grenville Jones said: “This will be a very special concert as part of the Festival. Black Sheep Harmony are a dynamic female A Cappella voice group from Bristol. So why not join us a for a wonderful evening of song.”
Tickets for the concert are priced £10 and available in advance from gac.ticketlight.co.uk or by calling 0844 888 9991 and will also be available on the door on the night.
Doors open at 7pm for what’s bound to be a full church and a great night of music for everyone.
Jody Chorley
Bath
Bath Voice and Local Democracy Reporters
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