A novel view of Bath.

You have got to hand it to Bath businessman Gordon Bloor because he knows how to throw a good party.

Pretty generous fellow too as all the sparkling wine and razzamatazz of this colourful get together at the Apex City of Bath Hotel was organised by him to celebrate the launch of another book by local author Douglas Westcott.

Well sssssh – while no one’s listening – they are one and the same person. Douglas Westcott is a pseudonym for our local father of three. The son of a Polish immigrant who fled to England after the First World War, Westcott (Gordon) was orphaned at 17, left school and started as a messenger boy for a property agency in London.

His entire working life has been spent in the world of commercial property investment, culminating in the multi-million pound public company he founded.

Finally putting that behind him he has got down to book writing – and books based in and around Bath.

An Unfolding Soul: A Tale of Bath was proudly released from Valley Spring Press at the hotel gathering.

The eagerly awaited second novel – Go Swift and Far was the first –  is an inspiring novel of resilience and reinvention, set in Britain’s finest Georgian city.

An Unfolding Soul continues Wescott’s sweeping, coming of age saga, painting a shocking portrait of Bath, and shining a spotlight on little-known aspects of the city’s colourful past.

Business, politics and history are interwoven in this page-turning tale, with Westcott’s engaging prose filled with moments of cultural interest, humour, and ultimately, hope.

Any lover of Bath or visitor to the historic city will – l am sure – be captivated by Westcott’s exceptional second novel.

Bath Newseum spoke to them ‘both’ about the second instalment in what is becoming a series.

An Unfolding Soul is now available from all good bookshops in Bath.

Meanwhile l see the Apex in Bath has got itself a new manager.

Experienced hotelier, Michael Musgrave, will lead the team at the four-star property in the heart of Bath.

His appointment comes hot on the heels of the hotel announcing a strong first year of conference and events success, which was capped with a place on the shortlist for ‘Best Hotel’ at this month’s C&IT Awards.

Michael, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, will oversee operations at the 177-bed property which is also Bath’s only purpose-built city centre conference and events venue.

With a career spent mostly in four-star establishments, Michael brings with him a wealth of management experience having worked in general management roles for recognised industry names such as IHG and Hotel Du Vin.

His most recent role saw him take on the challenge of Business Development Director at hospitality industry ‘food solutions’ company, PSL.

Michael Musgrave, General Manager at Apex City of Bath Hotel, said: “I’m thrilled to have officially joined the team here at Apex City of Bath Hotel.

“The hotel has achieved so much since opening its doors last year – not only providing Apex’s signature warmer welcome to the thousands of guests who have visited and stayed with us, but also bringing in more than half a million pounds to the local economy thanks to a fantastic conference and events offering.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to build the hotel’s reputation for offering a first-class guest experience to anyone who comes through our doors – whether they’re stopping by for a coffee, attending a conference or bringing the family for a relaxing stay.”