Bath is a city steeped in history. (Quite a steep city as well, as you'll soon discover if you try to get up some of the side streets). According to legend, the famous healing springs were discovered by Bladud, Ninth King of the Britons and father of King Lear, who was cured of leprosy by the beneficent waters. It's a historical fact that the Romans came here and built a temple and public baths around the springs. Later on (1704) Beau Nash, gambler and socialite, set about transforming the city into the social and fashion centre of England.
And then in August 2016, the Tremblings arrived. It's been downhill ever since - or uphill, depending on which direction you're going in. Like I said, It's a steep city.
If you come into Bath from the north, down the A46, you'll pass by Swainswick, where Bladud allegedly saw his pigs bathing in the hot springs and decided to give it a go. As you would. Here, Paul, Annie and Andrew have set up home, along with a dog and a chicken. (But no pigs). They love the wonderful view they have from here - up the green valley in one direction, out across the city in the other.
(They're not so keen on the hill they have to climb to get home, but that's Bath).
If you go into the city from Swainswick along London Road (be prepared for delays, the traffic is heavy) and turn down Walcot street, you'll come into the city centre and will pass by an impressive church building, St Michael's Without.
'Without what?' you're probably wondering. Well, originally, it was without – i.e. outside – the city walls: but when the Tremblings arrived it also happened to be without a bookkeeper. Which was convenient, because Paul was without a job, having given up his post as a CSI in Nottinghamshire (too far to commute!) And though he had no previous experience as a bookkeeper, he does love counting money, which was the main requirement. It's part time and temporary, but he really enjoys working at 'St. Mikes', and the part time bit means he has more opportunities for writing.
If you carry on past the Abbey, cross the river Avon and head uphill (no choice, if you go away from the river every direction is uphill) you will come in due course to Beechen Cliff school, which is where Andy is doing his A levels. He's settled in well and working hard. Not just at school either: a short walk away is the chip shop where he goes to dish up fish, sausages, chicken and of course chips three times a week to earn himself some cash! He also gets a big bag of chips, sausage etc. to bring home with him, but it rarely makes it that far – he usually gives it away to some of the homeless people he sees round the city centre on the way.
A little further to the south and west is Southdown, and the Methodist Church project that Annie has been appointed to run. To explain the job in detail would be a long business, because it covers a wide variety of community and church based projects, but since she started in September she's been full-on busy, and really enjoying it. Driving to and from Swainswick every day is a bit of a drag - it couldn't be further away and still be in the same city - but in the New Year they hope to be moving across to Southdown which will be much more convenient. And less steep as well, though they will miss the views.
The rest of the family have been visiting as well, taking advantage of our move to get a cheap holiday! Tom is still working in Worksop (Nottinghamshire) and doing very well, though always busy. He and Charlotte have been in their own house in Nuthall since last New Year and have been putting a lot of time and effort into making it a home. They’ve learned a lot of new DIY and gardening skills – Tom has even fixed a leaky shower, which is impressive!
Matt is in his second year studying music (composition) at Birmingham. Nobody is quite sure what he's composing! To judge by what he puts on Facebook, he's more into cooking than composition – he seems to be experimenting with giant sandwiches! Presumably feeding his creativity.
So that's the Trembling's in Bath in 2016. Looking back, it's been a difficult year in many ways. The worst was to lose Paul's younger brother, Philip. It was sudden and unexpected and has left a terrible hole in the family. Philip actually worked here in Bath, commuting in by train every day, which has made it especially poignant for us. Less unexpected but still very sad was to lose Paul's Aunty Mary shortly afterwards.
There have been highlights as well, though, such as the publication by Lion Hudson of Paul's novel, 'Local Poet', which has already received some encouraging reviews. It’s been seen on the shelves of several local bookshops, and there was a launch event held at St Michael's, when Paul had the opportunity to talk about how he came to write it (and how a short story grew into a novel!). It’s available at Amazon.co.uk, if you can’t find it locally.
Thanks to the combined skills of Tom and Matt, Paul’s earlier novel, ‘Can of Worms’, has had a bit of a boost with a new promotional video – see it on Youtube!
But the main focus for paul is working on the sequel to 'Local Poet'. 'Local Artist' should be published next year - the first chapter is included with 'Local Poet' to give a taster - but there's a lot of words to write before then.
So 2017 looks like being as busy as ever, and there are some exciting things happening next year – such as Andy going on a youth trip to Rwanda. Fundraising events are planned. And we may have other exciting news to share as well, but we'll keep you guessing on that!
So, Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year from Bath! If you’re ever down this way, do stop by and say hello. Bath is well worth a visit on its own, and now it has extra added Tremblings!
And then in August 2016, the Tremblings arrived. It's been downhill ever since - or uphill, depending on which direction you're going in. Like I said, It's a steep city.
If you come into Bath from the north, down the A46, you'll pass by Swainswick, where Bladud allegedly saw his pigs bathing in the hot springs and decided to give it a go. As you would. Here, Paul, Annie and Andrew have set up home, along with a dog and a chicken. (But no pigs). They love the wonderful view they have from here - up the green valley in one direction, out across the city in the other.
(They're not so keen on the hill they have to climb to get home, but that's Bath).
If you go into the city from Swainswick along London Road (be prepared for delays, the traffic is heavy) and turn down Walcot street, you'll come into the city centre and will pass by an impressive church building, St Michael's Without.
'Without what?' you're probably wondering. Well, originally, it was without – i.e. outside – the city walls: but when the Tremblings arrived it also happened to be without a bookkeeper. Which was convenient, because Paul was without a job, having given up his post as a CSI in Nottinghamshire (too far to commute!) And though he had no previous experience as a bookkeeper, he does love counting money, which was the main requirement. It's part time and temporary, but he really enjoys working at 'St. Mikes', and the part time bit means he has more opportunities for writing.
If you carry on past the Abbey, cross the river Avon and head uphill (no choice, if you go away from the river every direction is uphill) you will come in due course to Beechen Cliff school, which is where Andy is doing his A levels. He's settled in well and working hard. Not just at school either: a short walk away is the chip shop where he goes to dish up fish, sausages, chicken and of course chips three times a week to earn himself some cash! He also gets a big bag of chips, sausage etc. to bring home with him, but it rarely makes it that far – he usually gives it away to some of the homeless people he sees round the city centre on the way.
A little further to the south and west is Southdown, and the Methodist Church project that Annie has been appointed to run. To explain the job in detail would be a long business, because it covers a wide variety of community and church based projects, but since she started in September she's been full-on busy, and really enjoying it. Driving to and from Swainswick every day is a bit of a drag - it couldn't be further away and still be in the same city - but in the New Year they hope to be moving across to Southdown which will be much more convenient. And less steep as well, though they will miss the views.
The rest of the family have been visiting as well, taking advantage of our move to get a cheap holiday! Tom is still working in Worksop (Nottinghamshire) and doing very well, though always busy. He and Charlotte have been in their own house in Nuthall since last New Year and have been putting a lot of time and effort into making it a home. They’ve learned a lot of new DIY and gardening skills – Tom has even fixed a leaky shower, which is impressive!
Matt is in his second year studying music (composition) at Birmingham. Nobody is quite sure what he's composing! To judge by what he puts on Facebook, he's more into cooking than composition – he seems to be experimenting with giant sandwiches! Presumably feeding his creativity.
So that's the Trembling's in Bath in 2016. Looking back, it's been a difficult year in many ways. The worst was to lose Paul's younger brother, Philip. It was sudden and unexpected and has left a terrible hole in the family. Philip actually worked here in Bath, commuting in by train every day, which has made it especially poignant for us. Less unexpected but still very sad was to lose Paul's Aunty Mary shortly afterwards.
There have been highlights as well, though, such as the publication by Lion Hudson of Paul's novel, 'Local Poet', which has already received some encouraging reviews. It’s been seen on the shelves of several local bookshops, and there was a launch event held at St Michael's, when Paul had the opportunity to talk about how he came to write it (and how a short story grew into a novel!). It’s available at Amazon.co.uk, if you can’t find it locally.
Thanks to the combined skills of Tom and Matt, Paul’s earlier novel, ‘Can of Worms’, has had a bit of a boost with a new promotional video – see it on Youtube!
But the main focus for paul is working on the sequel to 'Local Poet'. 'Local Artist' should be published next year - the first chapter is included with 'Local Poet' to give a taster - but there's a lot of words to write before then.
So 2017 looks like being as busy as ever, and there are some exciting things happening next year – such as Andy going on a youth trip to Rwanda. Fundraising events are planned. And we may have other exciting news to share as well, but we'll keep you guessing on that!
So, Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year from Bath! If you’re ever down this way, do stop by and say hello. Bath is well worth a visit on its own, and now it has extra added Tremblings!
