A Local Life Bradford on Avon No53 February/March 2017 by A Local Life

Bradford & Borders

No53 February/March 2017

ASHLEY • AVONCLIFF • BROUGHTON GIFFORD • FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD • FRESHFORD • HOLT • LIMPLEY STOKE MONKTON FARLEIGH • RODE • SOUTH WRAXALL • WESTWOOD • WINGFIELD • WINSLEY & SURROUNDING AREA

a local life Your local community magazine

entre C ic s u M e ir h s t il W er m m u S / g in r p S New Season

FREE Win a Cyprus holiday

Holidays & Cruises travel show Sat 11 Feb 10am-2pm St Margaret’s Hall, BoA

Guy Watson

Up Close Riverford’s organic vision

The Best

What’s On & Events in the Area

welcome

elcome to our February/March edition of A Local Life with gift ideas for Valentines and Mothers day from our independant business’s. With surprises around every corner, Bob Dylan wins a Nobel prize and Donald Trump becomes president!. Whilst here in Europe (and we can still consider ourselves European-geographically if nothing else) read more in a ‘Slice on Life’. Don’t forget the annual Pancake race on 9th February, there’s still time to get involved. Wiltshire Music’s new line up for 2017, a bit of live music can brighten your day, and with some of the best folk, world, jazz and classical musicians this Spring. New Comedy & Conversation events featuring Professor Robert Winston, historian David Starkey and comedian Barry Cryer, in partnership with The Pound in Corsham and Bath Comedy Festival. Check out page 12 to get involved in our own up coming council elections. Katsu Curry waming spice recipe for our chilly winter, with this nice and quick versatile recipe with a Japanese twist., and we get upclose with Guy Watson from Riverford and touch base with the Bath owners Vicki and Alan Mowat who are ambassadors for the organic delivery service in the area. Have the chance to win a holiday to Cyprus at the Holidays & Cruises Travel show at St Margarets Hall Saturday 11th February see page 34. Plus theres lots of selected events and ideas of things to do over the half term and coming months. This should cheer up our Winter Blues. all

Camilla

a local life

Editor

No53 February/March 2017

UP TO

HURRY SALE ENDS 10th Feb

50% OFF All Roll Stock fabrics

20% OFF

Fabrics + Carpets +50% off underlay

Discounts

on giftware, soft furnishings

SALE ENDS 10th February www.dibleandroy.co.uk

Tel: 01225 862320 Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1BY Open: Monday - Friday (8.00-17.00)

Local Life Oct16 issue dft1.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2016 19:2

CONTENTS

Inside Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On .......................................................................................6 Community News................................................................12,14 House & Home............................................................................ 17 Wiltshire Music New Season................................................ 23 Food & Drink................................................................................ 24 Recipe ............................................................................................ 26 Shopping....................................................................................... 29 Legal................................................................................................ 36 Up Close - Guy Watson........................................................... 32 Holiday & Cruises...................................................................... 34 Directory........................................................................................ 37 Useful Contacts.......................................................................... 40 Slice of Life................................................................................... 41

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Bradford & Borders

No41 February/March 2015

Ashley, Avoncliff, Broughton Gifford, Farleigh Hungerford, Freshford, Holt, Limpley Stoke, Monkton Farleigh, Rode, South Wraxall, Westwood, Wingfield, Winsley & surrounding area.

a local life Your local community magazine

WILTSHIRE MUSIC NEW SEASON

CONTACTING US

NATIONAL TRUST AND FILMING OF WOLF HALL ARIST APPROACH - AFFORDABLE ART

adding some culture

Sales: sales@alocallife.co.uk or call 01225 866566

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e Fre

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Contributors: C&A, Camilla, Sylvia Tate Design: A Local Life

Helping hand with your travel plans

Printed on paper sourced from responsible sources. Small Print: The publisher will not be held liable for any loss or damage caused by errors, omissions or failure of an advert to run or any other cause. A Local Life and Brand2M Ltd. does not endorse any advertising material within the publication or on the website. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior permission of the publisher.

01225 860977

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Opening hours: 9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday

54 Frome Road, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LA

No53 February/March 2017

February/March 2017

WHAT’S ON

My Science Fair Wiltshire Music Centre

James Capper Sculpture & Hydraulics

Thursday 9 February

Thursday 16 February

Pancake Race Town Bridge 4.30, Childrens Race 3.30 Lamb Yard

The Pied Piper - The Bradfordians St Margaret’s Hall Performing an entirely original musical of this well loved tale. The show has a modern twist dealing with the subject of how we treat strangers in our community. Thur 16, Fri 17 6.30, Sat 18 & Sun 19 Feb 2.30 £12/£10/£8 children 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk

The BoA Town Bridge Pancake Day Race is a firm favourite in our events calendar. Every year on Shrove Tuesday Bradford on Avon businesses get competitive with their neighbours in a fast and furious pancake flipping race.

Friday 10 February James Capper Sculpture & Hydraulics Fri 10 Feb–Sat 08 Apr The Edge-University of Bath Sculpture & Hydraulics showcases sculptures, drawings and films. Machine-like sculptures suggest an interplay between art, technology and the natural world, fascinating for being recognisable yet otherworldly. FREE 01225 386777 edgearts.org Preview 9 Feb 5-8pm RSVP

Win a Cyprus holiday

Friday 17 February Andy Zaltzman - Plan Z Pound Arts 8pm As seen on Matt Forde’s Unspun (Dave) and half of global hit satirical podcast The Bugle. He addresses diverse issues such as the past, the present, the future, body surfing and the unending volcano of confused fury that is modern global politics. £12/£10 01249 701628 poundarts.org.uk

Holidays & Cruises travel show

1920s Jazz Age: Fashion & Photographs

DAVID BOWIE IS Wiltshire Music Centre 7.30pm V&A’s sell-out exhibition on film: Described by The Guardian as ‘a triumph’, the David Bowie Is exhibition was the fastest selling in the Victoria & Albert Museum’s history, featuring a remarkable collection of never before-seen lyrics, costumes, photography, diary entries, instruments and album artwork from the archive. 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk

Monday 20 February Climate Friendly BOA meeting Quaker Meeting House 7.30 Natalie Fee from City to Sea will talk on the Refill project for BOA.

Thursday 23rd February What are our cats really thinking Bath Cats and Dogs Home 7pm Join Bath Cats and Dogs Home for a talk on “What are our cats really

Sat 11 Feb 10am-2pm St Margaret’s Hall, BoA alocallife.co.uk

thinking” led by Dr John Bradshaw, a world expert on animal-human relationships. £12 per person 01225 787334 bcdh.org.uk

Saturday 4 March

RONNIE SCOTT’S ALL STARS Wiltshire Music Centre 7.30pm Sharing the story of one of the world’s most iconic jazz venues. Combining stellar live jazz and rare archive footage, this fascinating show charts the Club’s rise from underground bar to world-famous jazz hangout. Fronted by Ronnie Scott’s Musical Director James Pearson, the exceptional Quintet celebrate the music of the many great acts that have graced the Club’s stage, with amusing anecdotes and tales of miscreant musicians along the way. ‘Full on brilliance’ The Guardian £20/£10 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk

Thursday 9 March Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey BoA Library 7.30pm Crown of Blood is a gripping and significant retelling of an often misunderstood life. It offers new discoveries and challenges popular myths about Jane’s upbringing, personality and motivations. Nicola Tallis, local historian and author, talks about her new book £3

Thursday 16 March First Aid for Pets Bath Cats and Dogs Home 7pm Learn more about how to care for your cat or dog in an emergency? Veterinary Surgeon Heidi Richards (from Bath Vets) £20 per person and will come with a mini first aid kit. 01225 787334 www.bcdh.org.uk/springtalks

Saturday 18 March

Sunday 5 March

Isabella Bird writer and traveller 1831-1904 Upper Masonic Hall 7.30pm Illustrated talk by Debbie Ireland describing the life of one of the most remarkable and high profile travellers of the Victorian age. £4 01225 862670 MY SCIENCE FAIR Wiltshire Music Centre 10am-4pm A Unique children’s day of music and science. Powered by the imagination and enthusiasm of local primary school children, this day-long community festival showcases eye-opening children’s projects with hands-on workshops, games and demonstrations. Ages 5-11 FREE 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk

Vintage Sale 8am to 2.30pm East Somerset Steam Railway BA4 4QP Wessex Stationary Engine Club are holding a vintage machinery, tools, by gone collectibles and antiques sale. £2/Stall charge. 01225 754374 bryancoles@btinternet.com wessexsec.org 1920s Jazz Age: Fashion & Photographs American Museum Claverton, Bath BA2 7BD An exhibition celebrating the Roaring Twenties is ‘coming home’ to the American Museum in Britain at a time when the spotlight of the world is firmly on the United States following the election of Donald

Trump. Until 29 Oct 01225 460503 americanmuseum.org Joyce Petschek: Breaking the Pattern American Joyce Petschek has been passionate about Bargello needlework for much of her life. Instead, however, of trying to preserve the history of this tradition within its rigid confines, she is ‘Breaking the Pattern’ and reinventing the genre. Bargello is a type of needlepoint embroidery consisting of upright flat stitches laid in a mathematical pattern to create motifs. The name originates from a series of seventeenthcentury chairs found in the Bargello Palace in Florence that have a ‘flame stitch’ pattern. Until 29 Oct 01225 460503 americanmuseum.org

Tuesday 21 March Arts Association coach outing to London from Station car-park, BoA. London with opportunity to visit galleries and shop.£16.50 01225 865221 trips.boaarts@gmail.com

Sunday 26 March Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra / Gwilym Simcock Piano Brilliant big band jazz with WMC Artist in Residence Joining the young musicians of WYJO as guest soloist, we are delighted to welcome awardwinning pianist Gwilym Simcock at the start of his Nimmo Residency. He will share the stage with some of the country’s finest young jazz musicians to lead an evening of big band classics, original arrangements and his own compositions. £12/£8

Family law for every family

BLB Solicitors, 3 Church Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LR 01225 866541 · www.blbfamilylaw.co.uk Free on street parking immediately outside the office

No53 February/March 2017

WHAT’S ON

REGULAR WEEKLY / MONTHLY EVENTS MONDAYS Computer Club 2-4pm BoA Library Drop in for FREE advice rj.aylward@btinternet.com Jazz Factory Wiltshire Music Centre 7.30-9.30pm Weekly workshops 01225 865787 jazzfactory.co.uk Avon Stitchers United Church Hall 2-4pm 1st and 3rd Mons. £2 avonstitchers@gmail.com BoA Bridge Club The Swan Hotel, BoA 7-10pm. 01225 865669 BoA Rotary Club Meeting Leigh Park Hotel 7.30 for 8.00pm Meeting with food, speakers, charity activities. 01225 865633 mgf30@tesco.net Singing for the Brain Wiltshire Music Centre Alzheimer’s Support (term time only). 01225 776481 alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk Climate Friendly Meeting 7.30pm Quaker Meeting House FREE Whiteheads Lane, BoA climatefriendlybradfordonavon.co.uk 3rd Monday

Healthy Pilates For mind and body Mon 10.45am Bearfield Church Hall, BA15 1RE Tue 6.15 & 7.20pm St Laurence School BA15 1DZ Wed 12.30pm Bearfield Church Hall louise@healthypilates.co.uk

07852 299646 www.healthypilates.co.uk TUESDAYS Con Brio Mixed Voice Choir United Church Hall 8pm-10pm conbriovoices.org.uk

All in Harmony Choir Wiltshire Music Centre 7.30-9.30pm. singingwithattitude.com West Wiltshire Amnesty Group Quaker Meeting House 7.30pm. 01225 863562 jillbenedictross@gmail.com 3rd Tues of month.

All Stars Netball Club St. Laurence School 6-7pm 11-13 years old. 07812 211949 allstarssportsacademy.com

Cellar Bar Live Music 8.30pm The Swan Hotel, BoA FREE 01225 868686 theswanbradford.co.uk

SATURDAYS All Stars Netball Club

St. Laurence School 11.30 -12.30pm See Tues

Little Fishes Toddler Group BOA Youth Centre 10:00–11:30am Every Fri (term time only)

Bradford Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm-United Church Hall 01225 862965 boachoral.org.uk Bradford Bridge Club See Mon

£2 per family 07467 068718 BoA Lifesaving Club 5pm-Swimming Pool 5 yrs to adults £3 boalsc.org.uk Cellar Bar Live Music 8.30pm The Swan Hotel, BoA. FREE 01225 868686 theswanbradford.co.uk

THURSDAYS

SUNDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

Market Day 9am-1pm Library Car Park Weekly

Farmers Market Westbury Gardens 9am-1pm 3rd Thursday monthly.

Holt Morris Men Mount Pleasant Centre 8pm holtmorris.co.uk Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Library Activity for babies & toddlers. FREE 01225 863280 BoA & District Flower Club Holt Village Hall 7.30 01225 868535 1st Thur of month

FRIDAYS Bath Old Time Dancers 7.30-10pm Bath Community Academy 2nd Fri of month 01225 335740 batholdtimedancers.co.uk BoA Recorded Music Society 7.30-9.30pm WMC Last Fri of month . Robin Benton 01225 425665 lynne.benton@blueyonder.co.uk alocallife.co.uk

Farmers Market Lamb Yard 10.30am-2.30pm Last Sun monthly.

BoA Walkers Westbury Gardens 9.30am. walkbradfordonavon.org BOA Arts Association Talk 7.30pm Upper Masonic Hall £4 Church Street, BoA 01225 862670 1st Sunday

Open third Saturday every month Noon-4pm Craft ales, brewery tours, local food and music!

18 Feb & 18 March 16 Treenwood Ind Est., BoA BA15 2AU

01225 864839 kettlesmithbrewing.com

Stonar’s holiday club, open to all aged 2-11 8.30-5.30pm

Volunteer at the American Museum in Britain

£32 per day £150 per week

Multi Activity Days running 13th-17th February 2017 Easter dates now on our website Outdoor Fun Craft Sports Sessions Baking Games Drama Music For more information and to book visit:

www.stonarschool.com

Contact: 01225 823017 coordinator@americanmuseum.org www.americanmuseum.org

ITEMS WANTED for forthcoming sales!

Friday 17th February - Antiques, Furniture & Collectables Friday 24th February - Toys Saturday 4th March - Antiques, Furniture & Collectables

01249 720888

wessexauction rooms .co.uk

Westbrook Farm, Draycot Cerne SN15 5LH. Just off J17 M4

No53 February/March 2017

WHAT’S ON

Highlight: Events, Courses & Things To Do Why not be original?

rganised by award winning Somerset artist Alce Harfield The Bath Art Fair will bring together some of the most successful and innovative professional artists from around the country in one relaxed and informal setting. Relax in our pop up cafe , listen to the music, park your car for free and get 50% off the normal entrance fee of £5 with the advert. Support our ‘pre-loved’ contemporary art stand with 100% of sales going to Dorothy House Hospice Care (top quality donations always welcome).

Browse original paintings and hand-made prints, stunning handcrafted jewellery ,hand printed scarves and artisan ceramics. Find the perfect piece for your new house extension , that awkward spot in your living room or brighten up your garden with a sculptural piece. Each artist will be happy to talk about their work, it’s creation and discuss a possible commission and prices start from £30. Or ...just fall in love with something original! Preview of our artists visit www.bathartfair.co.uk

Bollywood Brass Band at Wiltshire Music Centre Friday 17 March 7.30pm

A celebration of the golden age of Bollywood with hit tracks from Slumdog Millionaire and much more! The Bollywood Brass Band present an exhilarating showcase of Indian grooves, colourful dance and thundering percussion to get your toes tapping. A ‘truly rambunctious affair’ (Artsworld). £16 / £8 Concs / Children £1 offer! 01226 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk

Hazel Powell

MAR

CORSHAM CREATIVE MARKET

Reflexologist in BoA

1st Saturday Each Month

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£5 off 1st treatments during February and March!

1hr treatment £25 (*£30) Vouchers available for Valentines and Mothers’ day.

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11-3pm Community Campus SN13 9DN nicoladaviscrafts.co.uk

Bath Society of Artists 112th Annual Exhibition

20 May–15 July 2017 Submission day Sat13th May Victoria Art Gallery, Bath.

www.bsartists.co.uk alocallife.co.uk

3 – 5 March 2017 The Pavilion, Bath BA2 4EU Complimentary tickets via website

www.bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk

TRAVEL FEATURE

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e are passionate travellers who can offer a helping hand with all your travel needs. At Travel Options 4U we know that your stag and hen parties are events you’ll want to remember even after a few too many drinks! Whether your guys want an action packed outdoor adventure, or a legendary pub crawl, we can help. We offer a range of city breaks in London, Manchester and Brighton and an exciting range of activities including Airsoft, even playing football with a legend - but don’t hold out for

anyone in the Premier League! If you’re interested in taking the lads further afield, popular destinations include Madrid, Budapest and Prague. Your girls may want to enjoy a hot tub and a bottle of bubbly in their own luxury log cabin, or catch a show watching the dream boys do their thing! From spa days to go-karting and Go Ape experiences, choose from a menu of fun, stylish activities. Popular travel destinations for hens include Benidorm, Barcelona and Amsterdam.

Make stress free memories to last a lifetime by letting us arrange unique and memorable stag and hen do’s tailored especially for you. We’ll do the organising and you do the partying! Send us an email or pop into our office and we’ll get started! Call 01225 860977 to talk to one of our team who will be more than happy to help you. enquiries@traveloptions4u. gtmail.co.uk 54 Frome road, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LA 01225 860977 / 07917 365534

Travel & Holidays: Weddings & Honeymoons • City Breaks • Winter Sports • Adventure • Cruises • Theatre & Short Breaks

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No53 February/March 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS

Working for an IDEAL Bradford

ollowing its launch in December, the campaign for an Ideal Bradford is picking up pace. We are fielding candidates in the Town Council elections on May 4th in an effort to change the way the council works, remove party politics from local government, and to make sure decisions are taken in the interests of the whole town. We also want to improve democratic involvement in our town. Over the last month or so, we’ve seen the Town Council start to use social media to connect with a broader audience. We welcome this, and will go further to make sure that, as residents, you know what your representatives are doing and can engage with them. We’ll also improve access to the council, meeting in different places and maybe even at different times, and taking questions by email while in meetings. This is our town, so Ideal Bradford aims to ensure that everyone, from the whole community, has their say in our local democracy. We want your opinions. Share your thoughts with us in a safe and private way via our new site, having your say in the policies. This will be in addition to the policy forums which we’re running all February. Even more importantly, we’ll be helping to make voting simpler and easier. We’ll be publishing information to help people register, and explain how Town Council elections work, so you know what you’re voting for. We’d love you to get involved with us, but mostly we want you to get involved with this election! We’ll also be exploring ways to help first time voters, visiting schools to help children and young people engage in, and value, our democracy. Our next big meeting will be our manifesto launch in early spring. In the meantime, keep an eye out for other ways to get involved, and check out our new website. You can also join our mailing list – email join@idealbradford.org.

www.idealbradford.org

Your Everyday PA

ike many people, I moved to Bath to go to university, but fell in love with the city and was unable to ever leave. I was very fortunate to have the chance to teach in one of the village schools for 15 years while bringing up my two young boys with my husband. However, I soon found the demand of balancing a vocational career and family life, were being undermined by the unnecessary stress of ensuring everything else was run at the same high standard. It was during a particularly busy December, full of endless tick lists,

that I decided to turn this challenge on its head and The Everyday PA was created. The Everyday PA is designed to give you, space, time and peace of mind. In other words, a guilt-free existence to spend your precious time with those you love. Look at the website www. theeverydaypa.co.uk. Click on Life PA – for researching, reorganising or sourcing. Click on Work PA if you are looking for informal, ad hoc, administration help. Click on the OAPa for support for your loved ones, especially if you are not local to Bath, but they are. Don’t let life pass you by in a whirl of completed tasks. Let The Everyday PA work for you and your set up. alocallife.co.uk

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No53 February/March 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS

Students in Wiltshire Neighbourhood Plan French Twinners achieving good grades Consultation coming in May

ccording to latest figures GCSE and A levels according to the latest government figures released on 19 January. Two thirds (66%) of Wiltshire students achieved A*-C in both English and maths GCSEs nationally the figure was 59%. There has also been high achievement in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) which measures the proportion of pupils awarded an A*-C in core academic subjects including maths, English, science, a language, and history or geography. 26% of all Wiltshire students achieved this high threshold compared to 23% nationally. The good results come as Ofsted’s recent annual report stated nearly all of Wiltshire secondary school students are in good and outstanding schools. The Ofsted report says 99% of Wiltshire secondary students are now in good and outstanding schools with this figure rising by 6% since 2015.

China Trek If you are looking for a new challenge in 2017 then Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s trek of the Great Wall of China could be for you. As well as taking on one of the most iconic landmarks on Earth, participants will be raising vital funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Rebecca de la Bedoyere, Senior

Due to an error with two documents in the submission of the plan the consultation has been extended until 5pm on Wednesday 8 March 2017. This is for six weeks from the point at which all the new information will be available for viewing at the library and town council offices. The town plan has been revisited many times with initial vision having many sensible, practical ideas from 2013 but we are yet to see any of these put into action. After scanning, there seems to be various elements of concern but without real concrete information. Page 36 talks of ‘areas of opportunity’ to the Station Car park, St Margarets and Trowbridge Road Sports Club again no detail but suggested enhancement or development. Many residents might want to delve deeper into the plan and use this extension as an opportunity to ask more detailed questions. Fundraising Manager at WAA, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience, which is by far the most exotic overseas challenge we’ve been involved with. The Great Wall is on many people’s bucket lists and what better way to experience it than on a guided tour with a small group of like-minded people, whilst raising funds to help us save lives across Wiltshire? “During the ten day adventure, participants will be able to enjoy some of the highlights this iconic structure has to offer, with breathtaking views of mountains, villages and farms, as well as having opportunities to explore Beijing and alocallife.co.uk

radford on Avon and Sullysur-Loire have been twin towns for over 25 years, this year our French friends will be in town from Weds 24th to Sun 28th May. Twinning exists to promote and foster friendship and understanding between the two towns, with visits on alternating years to each town and social events throughout the year in Bradford on Avon. It is great fun, a wonderful way to make new friends both in Sully and in Bradford, and to get a personal view of life across the Channel. We warmly welcome new members. No need to have good French or be able to host visitors. Although of course we would welcome any offers of accommodation in May what matters most is to have an interest in meeting French people and fostering friendship between us.or phone 01225-863647 bradfordonavonfrenchtwinning. weebly.com

The Forbidden City. We’ll be heading off the beaten trail and away from the tourist hotspots to experience a real taste of China.” The 60km trek takes place from 21 to 30 September 2017. Led by an experienced guide the trek is for people with a good level of fitness. For more information about the trek visit the website at wiltshireairambulance.co.uk/events/ trek-the-great-wall-of-china or call WAA’s fundraising team on 01380 739453.

Bath Decorative Antiques Fair

ince 1989 this celebrated event has taken place at The Pavilion in Bath and dealers, interior decorators and home makers have queued up to buy interesting and inspirational pieces for home and garden styling. Now 28 years later the Fair is as fresh as a daisy and is a beacon of design and so much fun to visit with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and an exciting buzz with a myriad of styles and eras with room set stands making it all so accessible. Looking to up-date your dining room? Not sure how to style it for the Spring? See painted French farmhouse tables, CMid glass dining tables, glass fronted French biblioteque cabinets or a Mid Century iron shelving unit from a factory or see a beautiful Welsh oak dresser to display your dinnerware – all styled up for all seasons! The Fair is known for painted furniture, pieces for the garden

and conservatory, mirrors, lighting, textiles, English and European pottery, collectible Country House objects, super chic metropolitan style. Expect to see exquisite Folk Art rubbing shoulders with Falcon leather chairs, period portraits and Naive Art with C20th Modern & Contemporary Art and all convening with ‘decorative’ as the headline and quality and rarity as the key at this madly busy and fun event. One of the leading antiques young guns, Edd Thomas of www. eddintheclouds.com will be taking a group of lucky visitors round the fair to give them his pick for interior styling on Sunday 5 March and continuing the tour in the afternoon at Bath VA www. vintageandantiques.co.uk – the twice monthly vintage and antiques market which falls on the same day as Bath Decorative Antiques in 2017.

3-5 March 2017 If collecting is your thing, ‘Queen of Antiques’ Judith Miller from BBC Antiques Roadshow will be touring the Fair on Friday 3 to choose “Judith’s Top Picks for Collectors’ and tickets for this will be free to download from mid-January on a first come first served basis. Complimentary tickets for both expert tours with a glass of bubbly are available now on a first come first service basis via the News section of www. bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk. Complimentary tickets for entry to the fair on all days are available via the Ticket Download page on the website.

bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk Opening times: Friday 3 – Sunday 5 March 2017 10 am – 5 pm Admission on door £5.00

3 – 5 March 2017

The Pavilion, Bath BA2 4EU

Complimentary tickets via website www.bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME Gifts for Mothering Sunday Open all over the Easter Weekend

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE

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HOUSE & HOME

Heating & Sweeping

pencer Beckingham of Avon Fireplaces has many years of experience in installing and cleaning stoves, fireplaces and chimneys and is a member of both HETAS and the National Association of Chimney Sweeps. Based in Bath he covers the area of BoA, Bath and surrounding towns and villages. In the UK, 2011/2012 6,200 chimney fires were attended by the Fire Service, so ensuring that your chimneys and flues are swept regularly is essential. Your woodburner or fireplace and the surrounding flooring will be carefully covered and protected with sheets and cloths, he is always careful and respectful of your property leaving no damage, soot or debris. He issues a recognised certificate, often required by your home insurance provider, and for your own peace of mind. Over the past few years wood burners and stoves have come back into ‘vogue’. They bring many benefits to your home, not only can they increase the value of your property, being 80% more efficient they can reduce your fuel bill by up to 75%. He can install a stove you

supply or advise and complete the whole process, often getting the stove you want at a reduced price. Chimney liners made of stainless steel are temporary installations, they can perish over time and will need replacing. He offers a liner replacement service. Smoke testing is necessary to ascertain the integrity of the chimney, wether you are opening up an previously unused chimney or installing a stove or woodburner. Nesting birds and vermin are a common problem in chimneys, you can only remove them at certain times of the year. For a wood burner, stove (lined flue) or Aga: £50 (Basic Rate) and open fire or stove (unlined flue) or inglenook: £55 (Basic rate) I offer discounts if your property has multiple fireplaces and Chimneys. 07878 229 225 www.avonfireplaces.com

ELECTRICAL

P inckney G REE N

BURBIDGE

Fireplaces for your home

BURBIDGE ELECTRICAL

KEEPING FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES SAFE AND ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED FOR OVER 40 YEARS

Tel – 01225 722011

07850 136537

Email – info@burbidgeelectrical.co.uk

www.burbidgeelectrical.co.uk

Stoves, fireplaces, gas fires & installation services. T: 01179 372 555 www.pinckneygreen.co.uk The Barn, Box Road, BA1 7LR.

No53 February/March 2017

HOUSE & HOME

Looking forward to 2017 HF Lettings 10th Anniversary and its most successful year

s we close the door on 2016 and enter 2017, we are pleased not only to have celebrated our 10th Anniversary, but also our

most successful year to date. This success is due largely to “YOU” our landlords, who have entrusted your most valuable assets to us to manage, for this we wish to say a huge “THANK YOU”!

01249 716333

Despite the adverse media negativity surrounding the lettings industry, HF Lettings continue to see new investors and landlords entering into the market. This increase is not just new landlords, but also existing landlords looking to further invest capital and expand their portfolio’s.

“...HF Lettings continue

As a landlord, most of you are aware that we have faced the challenges of further legislation changes, which we wholeheartedly welcome; as with these changes it bring with it industry regulations preventing rogue landlords and agents from operating.

Call Corsham on 01249 716333 or Bath on 01225 444488 or email info@hflettings.co.uk

We look forward to 2017, so why not experience the difference….and book a free consultation with us.

www.hflettings.co.uk

to see new investors

and landlords entering

”

into the market.

Services offered:•• A personal tailored service •• Property & investment advice •• All aspects of Property Management •• Find a tenant only service & or rent collection

16 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 0HB

HOUSE & HOME

Celebrating British Heritage in Our Homes

it is these sustainable credentials, combined with its natural strength and softness, that make Harris Tweed so appealing to modern designers and customers. The latest collaborative range from Harris Tweed and Tetrad is hard wearing, expertly crafted and features beautiful cushions, footstools, sofas, armchairs and beds - sure to add a touch of warmth, style and British tradition to your home.

ichard Hayes of TR Hayes furniture store in Bath looks at the latest collaborative range of furniture from Harris Tweed and Tetrad and gives his thoughts on why it is furniture worth investing in. Over the decades, Harris Tweed has been recognised as a uniquely stylish heritage brand representing the best of British design across the world. Hand-woven and dating back over a century, it rises above fad and fashion and is embraced by royalty, celebrities and couture

designers as an affordable, musthave luxury staple. It has grown in popularity over the years because of its subtle look, hand-woven texture and classic patterns. Using100% pure wool and age-old techniques passed down from one generation to the next in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland,

The perfect choice for country settings and more contemporary homes, Harris Tweed offers a varied range of ‘feature’ furniture pieces that are timelessly stylish. More info: visit the TR Hayes store on London Street (free car parking) or www.trhayes.co.uk. Free Local Deliveries

£50 EXTRA off

All Harris tweed sofas & chairs in October. Please bring this voucher! T&C apply: Offer until 28/2/17

No53 February/March 2017

HOME FEATURE

What a difference a day makes Transform your conservatory in less than a day with our insulated roof panels

onservatories are usually constructed to add extra living space to a home, often in the hope that they will become an extra lounge, a dining room, home office or playroom. A lot of people find however, that from mid-November through until about mid-March, their conservatory is just too cold to pleasantly sit in without spending a small fortune on heating it and then from mid-June through until about the end of September, that same space is unbearably hot during the day. So what’s the answer? In 2010 the planning laws were relaxed and in the majority of cases, you can now fit a solid roof to your conservatory without planning permission. This means better insulation, keeping the room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and a room that you can use all year round.

There are a few different options to fitting a solid roof on your conservatory, most of which require major upheaval and disruption. There is, however, now an alternative option that will transform your room from an unusable space to a beautiful room in less than one day! Green Space Ltd is a family run company. We specialise in transforming conservatories. Our roof panels are lightweight and offer eight times better insulation than a polycarbonate roof. With U-values of 0.29, they will keep your conservatory at a comfortable temperature all year round. What’s more, the panels are manufactured to measure off site, so installation generally takes less than a day, and we always aim to ensure that your roof conversion is as non-disruptive as possible. We are the sole supplier

of this system in the South, our system is compatible with most conservatories, old and new - plus it comes with a ten year guarantee. Your conservatory that was too cold to eat your breakfast in the morning, could be lovely and cosy by dinner time. Transform your conservatory in one day - contact us today on 01793 208002 or find us online at www. greenspaceconservatories.co.uk and see what a difference a day makes!

conservatory is “nowTheused throughout all seasons of the year and is far more comfortable to sit in whatever the weather outside.

”

Mr & Mrs Gibson, Portishead

HOME FEATURE

already turned honestly “theI’veunderfloor “sayI can heating that the Green down. Lovely job guys, thank you!

Space roof has totally transformed a pretty Anne Bird, Bristol useless conservatory into a useful additional room, come cold winter What a difference a day makes as the saying or hot summers day. goes, and yes, that’s all Well done. it took to install. Would we recommend

”

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Mr & Mrs Barber, Wells

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to others ? Definitely!

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Key Benefits for having a Green Space roof installed: •• Warmer in winter •• Cooler in summer •• Quieter in bad weather •• Usable all year •• 10 year guarantee •• Installed in just 1 day •• Less Glare •• No more faded furniture

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2 FREE PANELS THIS MONTH* QUOTE REF: ALL0117 *Orders placed by end of January 2017. Applies to orders over 8 panels. Smaller orders receive calculated discount. Not valid for use with any other offer.

No53 February/March 2017

WILTSHIRE MUSIC

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A bit of live music can brighten your day,

and with some of the best folk, world, jazz and classical musicians this Spring. New Comedy & Conversation events featuring Professor Robert Winston, historian David Starkey and comedian Barry Cryer, in partnership with The Pound in Corsham and Bath Comedy Festival.

â&#x20AC;?

alocallife.co.uk

WILTSHIRE MUSIC

Bollywood to Beethoven: Spring highlights at Wiltshire Music Centre

ohn Williams, widely acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest classical guitarist, is one of the top artists performing at Wiltshire Music Centre this Spring. The famous guitarist will perform in a sold-out concert alongside virtuosos Gary Ryan and John Etheridge as Guitar 6 Hands in May as part of the Centre’s Season of concerts and events. Classical music lovers can also hear leading chamber ensemble, Academy of St Martin in the Fields perform a programme of Copland and Mozart’s Symphony No. 29 in A major on 14 March, as well as Vaughan Williams much-loved The Lark Ascending by the City of London Sinfonia on 8 April. For those interested in visual art, Professor Jonathan Cross of the University of Oxford will explore the fascinating links between 20th century composers and artists in a presented concert on 3 March with the London Sinfonietta, touching on Picasso, Stravinsky and many more. The Folk & Roots programme features English folk supergroup Leveret (8 Mar) featuring BBC

Folk Award musicians of the year; fiddler Sam Sweeney and melodeon player Andy Cutting. The Unthanks (30 Apr) perform a sold-out show exploring the extraordinary songs and poems of Molly Drake; the mother of Nick, and all-female group The Shee perform traditional and contemporary Scottish folk (12 Apr). Pianist and composer Gwilym Simcock takes up the position of Nimmo Artist in Residence 2017; a new Residency in memory of the Centre’s founding Artistic Director Keith Nimmo. The Parliamentary Jazz Award-winning musician will explore the boundaries between jazz and classical in an all-Bach programme with violinist Thomas Gould (29 Apr). The Centre is also delighted to welcome BBC 2 favourite Clare Teal to perform with her Trio featuring Bath-based pianist Jason Rebello (7 Apr). Children and families can join story-teller Michael Loader and his gang in The Ugly Swanling (9 Apr), as a young swan tries to find her true home. The show is jam packed with exciting musical instruments, from drainpipes to accordions,

No53 February/March 2017

as live musicians explore the Hans-Christian Anderson inspired story with swan-themed music by Tchaikovsky and Saint Saëns. £1 children’s tickets and Free Under-25 offers are also available for selected concerts. Across the year the Centre is also running exciting events for young people through its Creative Learning Programme, including monthly Zone Club for learning disabled young adults, and a project all about King Arthur with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in 9 local primary schools.

Spring/Summer Season Sponsor

BOOK NOW: 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Food Idols BIONA ORGANIC

reat tasting,thoughtfully prepared food to complement an ethical lifestyle. Their farmers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use chemical pesticides or herbicides on crops, and they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t grow genetically modified plants. They also make sure they only use sustainable farming methods and do not work their land intensively. Theres 100% traceability for all products, we know all our ingredients are of the highest quality, completely natural and suitable for vegetarians. Warm and comforting Chilli Black Beans for a super fast and wholesome dinner, made with our popular classic organic black beans. Perfect served in jacket potatoes topped with cheese and sour cream or added to tacos, enchilada and nachos for a Mexican twist. Hemp Seed Oil is cold-pressed and unrefined to ensure all nutritional benefits are retained. In a previous Food Fact we mentioned the benefits of cherries so this Organic tart cherry juice is made from carefully selected organic fruits, harvest fresh pressed with a rich, tart flavour. Ingredients Cherry juice* (not from concentrate). This is just a selection form the large range available ask in store or go to biona.co.uk. Available: Christines Sustainable Supermarket, Silver st, BoA & Harvest 37 Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BN.

Food Fact:

Made up of 96% water cucumber is one of the most hydrating foods. It contains electrolytes, which are minerals that include calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, and sodium, which helps your body restore what it may have lost through dehydration.

BUTTLE FARM

uttle Farm in Compton Bassett is home to Robert and Sara, who are building up a herd of rare breed native British pigs. Born and raised on the farm in a free range extensive system, Buttle Farm pigs live their whole lives in small groups, in a high welfare and natural environment, outdoors all year round. From these animals, Robert makes a range of award winning charcuterie including bacon, salami and air dried ham in a converted barn on the farm, as well as selling fresh pork to leading restaurants and direct to the consumer.

Buttle Farm is currently home to 6 different native rare breeds producing succulent pork, and tasty bacon, ham, salami and pancetta. They are: British Saddleback, Oxford Sandy and Black, Large Black, Mangalitza, Tamworth and Berkshire. Maybe you are eating less meat these days - just make sure that it is great quality meat - a little great meat can go a long, long way and by supporting a rare breed, you are helping keep them going for future generations to enjoy. As well as a few select restaurants, they supply pork and charcuterie direct to the public. Not having a shop on the farm, they send alocallife.co.uk

out a mailer every 3 weeks to let customers know what is available. To join their mailing list, fill in the form on the website. 01249 814918 buttlefarm.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Refill Your Water Bottles For Free! 35.8 million plastic bottles are used each day in the UK and it is horrifying to learn that only about 50% are recycled. Closer to home, Wiltshire sends 5 million plastic bottles for recycling each month, but we don’t know how many aren’t recycled and end up as litter polluting our countryside and rivers. But why recycle when you can reuse? In 2017 Climate Friendly BOA’s Waste Group are setting up a Refill Project in the town. This will promote the use of refillable water bottles and organise free tap water refill points for members of the public. Free tap water will be available in shops and cafes. British tap water is clean and safe and using a refillable bottle will reduce the cost to the environment and to the individual’s pocket. The aim is to reduce the number of single use plastic bottles that are then just thrown away, whether recycled or not. In fact it is good to keep in mind that there is no “away”! If convenient water refill facilities are provided in BOA this will help towards achieving CFB’s BOA carbon neutral 2050 target and also reduce the energy used in producing and transporting plastic bottles. CFB are linking with City to Sea, a Bristol initiative started by Natalie Fee in 2014. Refill is already operating in Bristol and is being rolled out in places such as Bath, Dorset, Exeter and Bude. There will be a Refill App showing where in the UK people will be able to refill their water bottles. Natalie Fee will be coming to the CFB Feb meeting to talk to us about the City to Sea project, including Refill, on Mon Feb 20th at 7.30pm at the Quaker Meeting House. Refill will encourage healthy hydration and benefit school children, who already often carry plastic bottles, tourists, walkers and cyclists. So a win,win scenario all round. Contact climatechampions@gmail.com for further information.

Don’t worry about food fads, just keep it simple... writes Riverford veglady, Vicki Mowat

ating more healthily is one of the most common resolutions made at the turn of the year but it’s often fallen by the wayside by the end of January. There are so many mixed messages about what “healthy eating” actually means. Eat “clean”? Eat fats or avoid them? Eat carbs or cut them out? Frankly it’s easier to flop onto the sofa with a nice cake. I’m a big believer in keeping it simple: just eat real food rather than following diets or fads in 2017. Here are my favourite tips: •• Fill half of your plate with vegetables. You’ll automatically reduce the calories on your plate but will still feel full, and you’ll benefit from the increase in nutrients.

•• Keep it seasonal. Eat with the seasons (and eat a colourful rainbow of veg) and you’ll take in the wide range of vitamins and minerals that nature has to offer us across the year. •• Batch cook. Make lots of soup, stew or curry, and stash portions in the freezer – you’ll never need a ready meal again.

Come next New Year’s Eve, you won’t need to make any resolutions at all – and you’ll be able to enjoy that cake. For more healthy eating tips, follow Vicki at facebook.com/riverfordbath and on twitter at @riverfordbath

•• Eat vegetables for breakfast. As a nation we’re obsessed with eating sugary things for breakfast, but there’s a trend for savoury eating first thing in the morning. Try an omelette with spinach, or avocado on toast. •• Prepare lots of veg at the weekend. Too busy to chop veg every evening? Do it at the weekend then you can grab and go during the week. No53 February/March 2017

RECIPE

Preparation & Cooking Time: 45 Mins

Serves 4

Chicken Katsu Curry A versatile mild Japanese curry

METHOD For the curry sauce: Heat oil in medium non-stick saucepan, add onion and garlic and cook until softened. Stir in carrots and cook over low heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Add flour and curry powder; cook for 1 minute. Gradually stir in stock until combined; add honey, soy sauce and bay leaf. Slowly bring to the boil. Turn down heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until sauce thickens but is still of pouring consistency. Stir in garam masala. Pour the curry sauce through a sieve; return to saucepan and keep on low heat until ready to serve.

INGREDIENTS Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken into hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 3 or 4 minutes each side. Once cooked, place on kitchen paper to absorb excess oil. Pour curry sauce over chicken, serve with white rice and enjoy!

TIP... Use Tofu for an ideal vegetarian version, sauce works well with vegetables as well. Add a side dish of pickled cucumber & radish salad.

For the chicken: Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place flour, egg and breadcrumbs in separate bowls and arrange in a row. Coat the chicken breasts in flour, then dip them into the egg, then coat in breadcrumbs, making sure you cover both sides.

alocallife.co.uk

For the curry sauce 2 tablespoons sunflower oil 2 onions, sliced 5 garlic cloves, chopped Ginger tsp grated 2 medium carrots, sliced 2 tablespoons plain flour 4 teaspoons curry powder 600ml chicken stock 2 teaspoons honey 4 teaspoons soy sauce 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon garam masala For the breaded chicken 4 chicken breast fillets, pounded to 1cm thickness Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons plain flour 1 egg, beaten 100g fine breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs Vegetable oil for frying

Start the New Year off with healthy, happy eating at our farm shop Good food starts with great ingredients. In our kitchen we cook and prepare our dishes from scratch and in our farm shop we source directly from only the best local producers. Great food that’s also good for your heart & soul! Book now for our exciting New Year Events: Supper Club & Quiz nights. £20pp, tables of 4-6, including two courses and a quiz! • Rabbie Burns @ Neston Kitchen, Atworth – 27th January • Valentines @ Hartley Kitchen, Winsley – 17th February

Winsley, Bradford on Avon BA15 2JB | Tel: 01225 864948 www.hartley-farm.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Weekly organic veg boxes delivered to your door

’s Clothes Recycled Children

riverford.co.uk/carrot 01225 437438

5 Church Street Bradford on Avon BA15 1LL 01225 863006

secondhandroseroundabout

Mon-Sat: 10-4.30

CHURCH FARM MEATS Broughton Gifford • Since 1860

Steaks for Valentines

Available Now!

2 Fillet - £12

Homemade Faggots Butchers Sausages, Burgers and a large range of marinades to suit every taste.

2 Ribeye or Sirloin - £7

For Mothers Day Top Side Joint - £7/kg

Aberdeen Angus & Hereford Beef Farm Assured aged for 21 days.

Buying from Church Farm you can be assured of the best quality free range and farm assured meats... at surprisingly good prices! t s • C h urc

Fr e

m • Far m Fa r

e range

h As

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ROUNDABOUT

Follow us and order via Facebook for special offers. Local delivery available.. Church Farm, The Street, Broughton Gifford, Melksham SN12 8PR.

01225 783467

www.churchfarmmeats.co.uk alocallife.co.uk

Opening Hours: Tues 8am-4.30pm Weds 8am-12 noon Thurs 8am-4.30pm Fri 8am-4.30pm Sat 8am-2pm

SHOPPING

1. Porcelain bowls lined with gold from £55 handmade Penny Little’s Silver Street Studio 12 Silver Street, BoA 01225 864766 facebook.com/silverstreetstudio @silverststudio

2. Gents Junkers Quartz movement £159 Zeppelin Night Cruiser Quartz movement £299 Both with 2 year guarantee’s. Orton Jewellery 6-7 Market Street, BoA BA15 1LH. 01225 309039 ortonjewellery.co.uk 3. Personalised shirts lots of designs and styles printing from £5.00 The Sports Room 30a Silver Street, BoA 01225 864044 www.the-sports-room.co.uk 4. Five Votive Candles £9.99 in fun, floral fragrances for your flirty side by Yankee Candle

Heart Copper Serving Set £35 Slate base with 2 heart shaped bowls, perfect for serving up dips, sauces & snacks - gift boxed. Strawberry Blue 6a The Shambles BoA 01225 920290

No53 February/March 2017

SHOPPING

O RTO N

Jeweller y

From a photograph to an original oil painting, or a cross stitch to a Wedding Dress. We specialise in interesting 3D items, allowing us to use our creative flair, such as, a set of Military Medals, a child’s first shoes, rare fossils or a pair of boxing gloves.

Free collection & Delivery Service 10% Off:

Quote A Local Life (Valid until 31/01/17)

T: 01225 582060

M: 07889 126050

E: info@artworkcreations.co.uk

W: artworkcreations.co.uk Court Stables, Skinners Hill, Camerton, Bath BA2 0PU

New Collection Silver Street Studio celebrates the abundance of creativity here in the British Isles. Constantly evolving, we carefully source pieces from designers, artists and makers with a focus on affordably priced pieces of art, ceramics, jewellery and textile designs.

DESIGN • WORKSHOP ON PREMISES COMMISSIONS • WEDDING RINGS

6-7 Market Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LH. 01225 309039 www.ortonjewellery.co.uk Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10-5pm or by appointment!

You can find us at 12 Silver Street in the heart of beautiful Bradford on Avon. Conveniently near the award-winning Bunch of Grapes and opposite the wonderful Melanie Giles Hair Salon. Winter hours are Wednesday – Saturday 11.00 to 5.00. 12 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon 01225 864766 @silverststudio www.facebook.com/silverstreetstudio

alocallife.co.uk

Kingsdown Kingsdown Golf Club Golf Club

Roll up! Roll up! Golf Coaching every Saturday at 2pm at Kingsdown Golf Club • Join our PGA Professional, Andrew Butler, for an hour’s golf tuition every Saturday at 2pm in our Driving Range.

A PG

ONLY £5.00 per person

Pr o

–A

ndre wB

• Join the group, hone your golf - and have some fun. • Open to non-members

Contact our Pro Shop on 01225 743 472 New Members, Visitors and Societies always welcome Contact Kerry in the club office: 01225 743 472 Email: kerry@kingsdowngolfclub.co.uk www.kingsdowngolfclub.co.uk

utler

UPCLOSE

Guy Watson - Riverford’s organic vision Delivered to doorsteps in and around Bath

uy Watson is a farmer, founder and creator of Britain’s largest supplier of organic produce. Guy’s father began farming in the 1950s and passed his passion for the land on to his five children – so Riverford has blossomed ever since. “My four siblings and I grew up watching and helping my father farm and my mother cook and garden,” he reminisces. “Growing, preparing and sharing food was the arranging force of our lives. My mother was a fantastic cook who drew her inspiration from the ingredients in the hedgerows or produced in her garden or on our Devon farm.” “The farm was run from the kitchen table, giving us all a keen appreciation of the tribulations of

business. We learned as much from his failures as from his triumphs, and watched as he lost faith in the post-war rush to intensive farming and sought a better way. Above all we absorbed his optimistic belief that anything was possible given enough determination.” Guy shared his father’s determination and optimism. “I started growing vegetables in 1986 with an ancient borrowed tractor, a wheelbarrow and a field next to our farmhouse.” Looking for a way of selling his vegetables where he was more in control than selling to supermarkets, he decided to set up the home delivery scheme, and in 1993 delivered the first veg boxes from the back of his old 2CV to 30 local homes. It wasn’t all plain sailing though, as Guy admits “I had my doubts it would work as it was pre internet, milk delivery was on

alocallife.co.uk

the decline, and people said it was a bad idea.” But he persisted, and word soon spread of this affordable, practical way of buying flavourful veg. The best of the seasons Six decades after Guy’s father came to Riverford, all five of his offspring are back on the farm after what Guy calls “a little experimentation in the outside world”. Ben, who runs the farm shop and a very creative production kitchen, two dairy farmers (Oliver and Louise), his sister Rachel (who had the idea for the recipe book series) and Guy himself, still as obsessed with growing and selling vegetables after 30 years. So after 30 years of trial and error, Riverford now packs around 47,000 veg boxes a week, and delivers across the country. “It’s been a

UPCLOSE

rollercoaster ride of insane gambles and hard work, but it feels like a blink since I was picking ingredients from the garden with my mother, washing the mud from them at the sink and waiting hungrily for her to transform them into a feast-like supper for the family and farm staff. Essentially nothing has changed; the veg box scheme is all about sharing veg at its freshest and seasonal best, with the minimum of fuss, packaging and marketing.” Real food, not fads Vicki and Alan Mowat are ambassadors for Guy’s vision in the Bradford on Avon and Bath area. They organise deliveries and events locally, bringing Riverford right to your doorstep, and sharing, inspiring and encouraging the

“Riverford Way” that Guy so passionately espouses. Vicki says “Healthy eating can seem complicated – it feels as though the messages about what’s good for us change every week and there are so many supposed experts in the media – but it doesn’t have to be complicated at all. Here at Riverford we believe in real food, not fads. Just getting more vegetables into your diet is a nice simple way to eat more healthily. And a regular vegbox makes eating more veg easy: not only do you get an exciting box of different organic vegetables each week, but we provide a recipe card in each box, loads of recipes online, and how-to videos too. Our veg changes with the seasons, so you eat a much wider variety of nutrients throughout the year than you do

No53 February/March 2017

when you cruise the supermarket aisles and buy the same things each week.” Vicki continues “Studies show that organic food is more nutritious than non-organic, but supporting Riverford is about more than eating healthily. Organic farming is also better for birds, bees and wildlife, so it also helps sustain our environment for future generations.” For recipes, healthy eating tips and organic news, follow Vicki and Alan at facebook.com/riverfordbath and on twitter at @riverfordbath or call them on 01225 437438. riverford.co.uk

TRAVEL

Win a Cyprus holiday at the Holidays & Cruises travel show Saturday 11th February 10am-2pm St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon BA15 1DE

ocal independent holiday and cruise experts Holidays & Cruises for You are again hosting their annual Travel Show this month on 11th February. Seventeen tour operators and cruise lines will assemble at St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford On Avon to create a unique opportunity for locals to come and take a closer look at hundreds of worldwide holiday options. Visitors will have the chance to meet with the suppliers, gather information, discuss possible holiday plans or provisionally book requirements on the day to qualify for show benefits. The Travel Show that attracted over 300 visitors last year will be taking place from 10am–2pm. Holidays and Cruises for You are offering a seven day 4* holiday raffle prize to Cyprus courtesy of Constantinou Hotels. Refreshments will be available and all proceeds to include the raffle will be donated to Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Tour operators & cruise lines in attendance include P&O Cruises Sailing from Southampton makes P&O Cruises a popular choice for cruise holidays. An added bonus for the show is book a Balcony or above and receive a free home collect service subject to availability. Rail Discoveries Part of Great Rail Journeys, the UK’s most experienced organiser of holidays by rail, with regional departures and fly rail options. Saga Over 60 years specialising in holidays and cruises for the over 50’s with optional comprehensive travel insurance available and additional cancellation rights a welcome feature for many mature travellers. Riveria Travel Boasts the prestige of being a ‘Recommended Holiday Provider’ by ‘Which’, Europe’s finest four and five star river cruises and fascinating European and worldwide escorted tours with inclusive pricing.

Big Journey Experts in high quality fully escorted tours to amazing and breath-taking destinations worldwide. www. thebigjourneycompany.com Titan 2016 British Travel Awards winners. Expertly crafted for the British market with a virtually unlimited choice of escorted holidays around the globe. Balanced itineraries feature a number of meals, excursions, leisure time and the services of an English speaking tour manager. Thomas Cook The Thomas Cook Group is the oldest and best known name in leisure travel with a history of innovation that started in 1841. Offering holidays available to suit every person and every budget look no further than Thomas Cook for your getaway this year. Cunard The distinctive red and black funnels are the signature of Cunard’s magnificent quintessentially British ships; Queen Supporting

TRAVEL

Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2. Traditional, impeccable standards and premium comfort are perfected by Cunard, which is now celebrating over 175 years of cruising expertise. Cruise & Maritime Voyages Britain’s independent leading cruise line with great single traveller deals with just a 25% supplement on selected sailings. Offering a warm friendly home from home atmosphere, Itineraries with smaller ports of call and departing from Avonmouth Bristol your local port. River Cruise Line Stepping aboard one of their European river cruises allows you to explore Europe at a steady pace. Aboard everything is taken care of from delicious meals, evening entertainment and first class service along with space to relax and enjoy the views. Exodus Once in a life time global adventures since 1974 Exodus take you to other worldly places for exhilarating and uplifting experiences and these are the words of their clients who book time and time again with a 97% recommendation rate.

Constantinou Bros Luxury 4* and 5* hotels in Phapos Cyprus, Athena Beach, Athena Royal and the Asimina Suites hotels. Particularly popular with the British market with guests returning year after year. Direct flights available from Bristol. Home Collect service subject to availability.

FANTASTIC DRAW PRIZES INCLUDES: 7 NIGHT HOLIDAY TO CYPRUS, £100 THOMAS COOK VOUCHER, BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE, TRAVEL CLUB DAYS OUT, EXODUS COOK BOOK PLUS MORE…

The Travel Club Our hugely successful Travel Club with organised day trips and coach holidays from Bradford on Avon and other local towns. Come and learn about the benefits of membership for £10 per household, membership offers booking benefits and reductions on day trips and longer tours, plus personal travel bookings with Holidays & Cruises. Being a member is an ideal way to see new places, enjoy social events and meet new acquaintances you might otherwise be unable to experience. “It is not just the journey or the destination it is who you are travelling with”

The Holiday and Cruises Team - Sherina, Louella, Steve, Claire and Kelly.

To find out more information, contact Holidays & Cruises for You on 01225 865725 or email on enquiry@holidays.cruises. 10 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1JY.

www.holidaysandcruisesforyou.com / www.holidaysandcruisestravelclub.com 35

LEGAL FEATURE

I have a diagnosis but do I still have mental capacity to make a Will?

James Trescothick-Martin, Wills and Probate Lawyer considers the question of mental capacity as it relates to making or updating a Will

am often contacted by clients who are concerned that a diagnosis, most commonly, of dementia or Alzheimers means that they lack capacity to make or update their Will. I think understandably, people assume that because someone has been diagnosed with some form of disease affecting their mind that they are unable to make a Will. This is not always the case and each must be assessed on its own merits. Obviously care must be taken but mental capacity is assumed until it is proven otherwise. The guiding case in this area is that of Banks v Goodfellow. Although an old case decided in 1870, it is still good law.

The ability or capacity to make a Will is summed up in three tests:1. The person making the Will must be capable of understanding the nature of the Will and its effects. This includes the property they are disposing of; 2. They must appreciate any claims to which they ought to consider and give effect; and 3. They must not be suffering from any mental condition that influences their decision. This last is of course the one which may raise doubts as to the effect of a relevant health problem. However, in a recent case, (Lloyd v Jones and Others) the presence of delusions did not negate a person’s capacity to make a Will. In that case the delusions did not affect understanding and did not appear to influence the person’s way of thinking.

As with all things assumptions should never be made and advice should always be sought. This doesn’t always have to be legal. You could consult a GP to obtain an opinion. Ultimately the test is a legal one and therefore if there is any doubt, the advice of a suitably qualified and experienced solicitor should be sought. There is a danger that not taking legal advice might later invite claims against the estate when it is difficult to form a full opinion of someone’s capacity at the time they made the Will. In short, we have a legal test that has stood the test of time. A problem with someone’s mental capacity, does not mean someone cannot make a Will, it just means that sometimes extra steps need to be taken.

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