Regarding the controversial siting of a new mobile phone mast at Bathwick St Mary's Church, the planned 'Hearing' will not now happen until later this year.
••• Read the Bath Chronicle Story

A public presentation today by the museum director Alexander Sturgis and Architect Eric Parry explained the plans for the museum's future.

A major extension is proposed at the back of the museum, providing improved facilities and display space. The existing building will also undergo extensive renovation.

Plans and computer mock-ups of the proposed extension were shown. The extension is comtemporary in style, which concerned a number of the audience. It would be a striking glass, stone and ceramic box-like construction.

Planning permission will be sought at the end of February 2007. Planned timescales are for work to commence mid 2008, with the museum closed for 18-24 months.
Projected costs are £9.6 million, £5m of which is pledged by the Heritage Lottery Fund. £2.3m is already in the museum's own endowment fund to fund the development.

The recent survey carried out with 22 Bath residents' associations has shown a majority of people are in favour of keeping Bath Rugby at The Rec. This survey is part of the public consultation process currently underway.
••• Read the Bath Chronicle story

Part of the National Trust field (the smaller sloping area around the walnut tree below the quarry) will be turned into an orchard. Fences are being erected. According to a public notice in the field, further improvements will also being made to the hedgerow above the quarry.

Latest: The orchard is being planted as a 60th birthday present. Volunteers are sought on Sunday 28th January 2007 to help with planting.
••• Read Bath Chronicle story for more info
••• Now planted! Read second Bath Chronicle story

If you have ever tried to view Bath using Google Maps or Google Earth you'll know that their resolution isn't good for this part of the country [EDIT, 11 April 07: Google resolution has now improved]. However, there is an alternative: Microsoft 'Virtual Earth' aerials of Bath are very good indeed. Try out the impressive 'birds eye' 3D view as well. (Drag map to move around.)