Bath has many historical characters – both real and imagined – and there are shelves packed with ‘histories’ in the Central Library to help you get to grips with its past and understand the archaeological and architectural legacy from which it now earns much of its living.
With respect to every writer who has already put their research into print, l have to say coming across Charles Nevin’s Sometimes in Bath – which has just been published – was a breath of fresh folio air.
Born in Lancashire, this former journalist, newspaper columnist and already published author, has put a new spin on the city’s heritage in weaving fact and fiction together in a warm, witty and captivating way.
Charles had his book launch at the MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel which is where l caught up with him.
He moved to our neck of the woods from London ten years ago and admits his first impressions of Bath were a little negative.
Sometimes in Bath is published by The Book Guild Limited and is available from http://www.bookguild.co.uk or from good local bookshops.
I moved to Bath from London 37 years ago but am increasingly falling out of love with the city because I feel it is being spoilt by too many visitors in enormous coaches and too many students being housed in increasing numbers either in HMOs or purpose built accommodation. Also the Council, whatever their colour, never managing to decently organise rubbish collection, homelessness or public toilet facilities for all. How is it that European cities are all cleaner than ours and don’t have all the take away outlets so everyone can eat on the street, then leave their litter wherever they like? I feel ashamed nowadays. (PS: Richard, I just read your piece in Bath Magazine and being just 7 years your senior and attending the same GP surgery as you, I was just called in for my MOT!)
You don’t look your age either!