NEWS RELEASE

PR 1732

For Immediate Release                                                                                            

17 May 2004

Come and discover the magic of the Roman Baths

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

DURING the evening of Thursday, May 20 you can experience the magic of the Roman Baths by torch light.

The event (7pm-8.30pm) is organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council for Museums and Galleries Month and Adult Learners Week. It is open to everyone but is particularly designed for wheelchair users and their friends and relatives.

Due to the many steps and uneven, sometimes slippery surfaces at the Roman Baths it is not usually possible for wheelchair users to access the entire site.

However on May 20 a series of temporary ramps will be installed to allow wheelchair users and their companions the opportunity to explore nearly all of the site.

Visually impaired visitors are also encouraged to come along and explore some of the museum’s objects by touch.

A British Sign Language interpreter will also be on hand during the evening to enable hearing impaired visitors to learn more about the site.

Cllr Nicole O’Flaherty, Executive Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council holds around two access evenings at the Roman Baths a year and they are very popular. We aim to be as inclusive as possible towards people with special needs.

“There will be plenty to see and this year there will be a number of activities on offer based around a transport theme – we look forward to seeing you there.”

Normal admission charges to the Roman Baths apply on the evening, however, visitors who are registered as disabled (and one companion) can get in for free.

Entry is free to all residents of Bath & North East Somerset with a Discovery Card or proof of residency.

For more information about the evening call the Roman Baths on Tel: 01225 477779 or log on to www.romanbaths.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

The Roman Baths contains the remains of one of the greatest religious spas in the ancient world and a Roman museum collection designated as being of outstanding national importance. It is the most popular heritage attraction in the South West and is among the UK’s major heritage sites and, together with the Pump Room, receives more than one million visitors a year.

For more information, contact:

Stephen Clews, Curator of the Roman Baths, on Tel: 01225 477774 or e-mail stephen_clews@bathnes.gov.uk

Patricia Dunlop, Commercial Marketing Manager - Heritage Services, on Tel: 01225 477759 or e-mail patricia_dunlop@bathnes.gov.uk

For comment, contact:

Cllr Nicole O’Flaherty, Executive Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, on Tel:01225 310349 or 01225 477419 or e-mail nicole_oflaherty@bathnes.gov.uk

Issued by: Bath & North East Somerset Press Office, tel 01225 477827 or 477283, email: pressoffice@bathnes.gov.uk