The Conduit Magazine - January 2020

Magazine

SUSPECT EVERYONE AGATHA CHRISTIE’S

Crossing counties, look inside for info on the best events and activities in West Dorset and South Somerset

Starring SUSAN PENHALIGON AT THE OCTAGON THEATRE, YEOVIL

INSIDE THIS MONTH

Issue 227 January 2020

Must Attend Events and Activities

New restaurant opening in Somerton Sarah Ali Choudhury’s Lentil Special

Lynne Franks on Health & Wellbeing

Rachel’s Rambles

Serving Bruton, Castle Cary, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Langport, Sherborne, Somerton, Wincanton, Yeovil & Surrounding Villages www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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From the Editor

A New Year dawns and brings with it a fresh new decade. January is a time for looking ahead, making resolutions and then breaking them a few weeks later. However one resolution we are determined not to break at The Conduit is our mission to continue to bring you a lively and interesting magazine packed full of information on where to go and what to do whatever day of the month it is.

We also work hard to bring you a great mix of features, some of which are from local businesses and others from contributors like our new motoring correspondent Tim Saunders and celebrity chef Sarah Ali Choudhury. This month we have another new contributor joining the team – Lynne Franks, OBE, Women’s Empowerment Guru, Author and Owner of the SEED Café and SEED Wellbeing Hub in Wincanton will be writing regular columns in the months to come.

Finally I would like to say a big thank you to all our regular advertisers plus the growing band of new advertisers joining us each month. If your business or service would like to be part of our popular magazine, do get in touch. Happy New Year!

Contents

EDITOR & ADVERTISING Jane Adkins

ASSISTANT EDITOR Julie Locke

FEBRUARY DEADLINES News and Articles: FRIDAY, 10 January Advertisements: MONDAY, 13 January

WHAT’S ON p4

LIFESTYLE p27

Find out what’s going on in your area. A definitive guide to events and activities near you

New columnist Lynne Franks on Chinese Detox

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S

MOTORING p14

Full review on the Lexus UX 250

ARTS p28

All the upcoming events from the local Arts scene

FASHION p20

Catch Melbury Gallery’s winter sale and read about a winning retailer in Shaftesbury

FOOD & DRINK p44

Why lentils matter by Sarah Ali Choudhury

Visit our website for more Events, Services and Classifieds www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk Unit 4, Barton View Business Park, Sheeplands Lane, Sherborne DT9 4FW | 01935 424724 | info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk © The publisher is The Conduit Magazine Limited. The layout, format, design and all other aspects of this magazine are an original idea and therefore copyright of the publisher. No part of the contents may be reproduced in whole or in part without prior permission in writing. Whilst every care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine, the proprietor assumes no responsibility for mistakes and omissions. The views of our contributors is not necessarily the view of the publisher.

3

“A CLASSIC AMONG MURDER THRILLERS” The Observer

SUSPECT EVERYONE AGATHA CHRISTIE’S

Starring SUSAN

PENHALIGON

MONDAY 17 – SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2020 BOX OFFICE: 01935 422884 OCTAGON-THEATRE.CO.UK Prepare to be kept on the edge of your seat as the Octagon theatre welcomes Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap back to Yeovil. Experience shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot, where murder lurks around every corner. Early booking is strongly advised for this classic play, as the 2016 run was a complete sell-out at the Octagon.

The Mousetrap has become the longest running show of any kind in the world by keeping audiences on the edge of their seat in this masterful whodunit by the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie. A snowstorm closes in on a guest house, trapping a group of strangers inside with a murderer… Who is it and why have they come to Monkswell Manor?

Experience the mystery and suspense of one of Agatha Christie’s greatest plays, and remember – keep the secret!

4

WHAT’S ON

COMPETITION

Celebrating a fantastic 21 years touring in 2020, the UK’s longest running Musical Theatre Concert Tour features past principal performers from Les Miserables and delivers over two hours of the best of Broadway and the West End, ending with a stunning finale from Les Mis. This brand new show for 2020 includes many of the best numbers that have made Beyond the Barricade the most popular musical theatre concert in the country.

The concert features David Fawcett (Valjean) Andy Reiss (Enjolras & Resident Director for the National Tour of Les Miserables) Katie Leeming (Eponine) and Poppy Tierney (Cosette), together with a live band who capture the feel of the original orchestrations of the chosen musicals.

To this day every musical note is still played and sung live – very rare indeed. Beyond the Barricade gives musical theatre songs a bold concert format treatment – but with the conviction and intention to deliver the material as if the audience are watching the original performance. Tickets £23/£22

WIN:

One pair of standard tickets to see at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton on Saturday 29 February at 7.30pm.

To enter just answer the following question: Name the role played by David Fawcett in the stage production of Les Miserables.

Send answers by Monday 20 January with your name and contact details and the subject heading “Beyond the Barricade” competition to info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk or post it to the NEW address on p3. Good luck!

JAKI GRAHAM With ‘Could it Be I’m Falling In Love?’ and her other soul hits Friday 10th January, 7.30pm Tickets £17.50

HISTORIES OF THE UNEXPECTED: LIVE! An original, exciting multi period show Saturday 1st February, 7.30pm Tickets: £15/£13

PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA The 11-piece band play the best mix of swing and hot dance music Saturday 11th January, 7.30pm Tickets £20

DANCE TO THE MUSIC With ex-Strictly professional Kristina Rihanoff and hosted by Jake Quickenden Tuesday 4th February, 7.30pm Tickets £28/£26, VIP £45 (includes Meet & Greet)

CLOUDBUSTING – THE MUSIC OF KATE BUSH Running Up That Hill, Wuthering Heights, Babooshka and many more!

Friday 18th January, 7.30pm Tickets £19.50/£18.50

ICONS THE LEGENDARY DIVAS The hits of Cher, Aretha, Whitney, Dusty, Tina, Barbra & many more.

Friday 7th February, 7.30pm Tickets £18.50/£16.50

LIPSTICK ON YOUR COLLAR Back with a brand new 50s & 60s hits show Friday 21st February, 7.30pm Tickets £19.50 PROF ROBERT WINSTON What Makes Us Happy?

Reading The Human Mind Thursday 12th March, 7.30pm Tickets £18, £17, £10

Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton DT10 1FH Tel: 01258 475137 Web: www.stur-exchange.co.uk Email: info@stur-exchange.co.uk 5

What’s On WHAT’S ON

Coffee Morning SOUTH PETHERTON On Wednesday 22 January at 10.00am at The David Hall, is a coffee morning. Pop in for a cup of real coffee and a chat.

Look around the book and bric-a-brac stalls and more often than not, listen to some live music. Free entry.

Fair

WEST CAMEL Every Thursday from 9.15am to 11.45am at The Davis Hall, there is a coffee morning.

Coffee and cakes, books, cards, a selection from The West Camel Bakery plus eggs and local produce as available, and the Post Office. Free entry.

CREWKERNE On Wednesday 1 January from 10.00am to 2.00pm at Haselbury Mill, Haselbury Plucknett, there is a New Year’s Day Classic Car Show. Bring along vintage, classic, sports, commercial or grand touring cars.

Refreshments and hog roast lunch served and bar open all day. No pre-booking, just turn up, only £2 per car. Free to general public. For information visit www.yeovilcarclub.com.

Early Listing

Food

YEOVIL On Friday 28 February from 1.00pm to 3.00pm at The GateWay (Yeovil Community Church), come along and sing for fun at the first session of The Yeovil Good Afternoon Choir. There is no charge for attending the first rehearsal.

The choir will meet every

CREWKERNE Until Friday 20 December at 12.30pm at the Henhayes Centre, Christmas Lunch is being served. Fruit juice, roast turkey with pigsin-blankets, stuffing, bread sauce, roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables, followed

by Christmas pudding or fresh fruit salad, and tea or coffee.

Vegetarian alternative of parsnip, cranberry & chestnut roast is available. Only £10.50 (members £8.50). Booking essential by 10.30am. Lunch served at 12.30pm. To book, phone 01460 74340.

On Wednesday 29 January from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at The David Hall, there is a Coffee Morning. Free entry.

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6

Friday afternoon. Choir rehearsals are in four terms of 10 weeks and members pay per term £4.50 per session, this covers all room and piano hire, music, admin and musician fees.

For further information, call 01761 472468 or visit www. goodafternoonchoir.org.

On Friday 10 January at 12.30pm at the Henhayes Centre, it’s Fish & Chips Friday!

Battered Cod with chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce followed by a fruity dessert.

Only £8.75 (members £6.50).

Booking essential by 10.30am.

Lunch served at 12.30pm. To book, phone 01460 74340.

Contact: Julie Locke

/theconduitmagazine

E: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

@conduitmag

On Friday 17 January from 12.30pm at the Henhayes Centre, it is the Chef’s Special Lunch. Fruit juice, roast gammon followed by pineapple upside down cake with tea or coffee and a chocolate to finish. Vegetarian alternative available. Only £10.50 (members £8.50).

Booking essential by 10.30am.

Lunch served at 12.30pm.

For information phone 01460 74340.

On Saturday 25 January from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Henhayes Centre, there is a Big Breakfast. Egg, sausage, bacon, tomato or beans, and tea or coffee.

Vegetarian options available.

Entry £4.50. Extras 50p each, including black pudding, mushrooms and hash browns.

For information phone 01460 74340.

On Saturday 25 January at 7.00pm at Haselbury Mill, Haselbury Plucknett, enjoy Burns Night in The Lakeside Restaurant. Three-course traditional Burns supper and entertainment in honour of Scotland’s famous bard. £35 per person including a whisky toast. To reserve, contact 01460 77095.

SANDFORD ORCAS Every Thursday from 12.00 noon at The Mitre Inn, there is a Senior Citizens two-course lunch for £11.50. Contact Allen or Cheryl on 01963 220271.

On Tuesday 31 December at 7.00pm at The Mitre Inn, celebrate the New Year with an Indian Banquet! Three courses for £30. Please contact Cheryl or Allen on 01963 220271 ahead of time to reserve a place.

SHERBORNE On Tuesday 31 December at The Eastbury Hotel, celebrate New Year in Style with a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. Champagne reception, a sumptuous sevencourse tasting menu, music and dancing, followed by a spectacular firework display - be sure to start the New Year with a real bang. £90 per

person. To reserve a table, call 01935 813131 today!

YEOVIL On Thursday 9 January from 7.00pm to 11.00pm at The Emporium is the first Secret Supper of 2020. Secret Suppers are held just six times a year. An evening of fabulous acoustic and folk music arranged

by Bearcat Collective with delicious food and drinks served by The Emporium Cafe. £5 in advance, £6 entry on door, menu as priced. If a table is required, booking is essential. To book, phone 01935 411378 or visit www. theemporiumyeovil.co.uk.

On Thursday 16 January at 7.00pm at The Emporium, come and celebrate Veganuary! The Emporium’s Chef has planned another of his wonderful five-course vegan feasts. £22.95 per person. Booking is essential.

To book, phone 01935 411378 or visit www. theemporiumyeovil.co.uk.

Market CASTLE CARY Every Tuesday from 8.30am to 2.00pm at the Market House, there is a weekly market. Fruit, vegetables, bread, fish, cheese, preserves, baked goods, gluten free options, season plants and other giftware available.

CREWKERNE Every third Saturday from 9.00am to 1.00pm outside Henhayes Centre is Crewkerne Farmers’ Market. It has a comprehensive selection of around 16 stalls, offering preserves, veg and fruit, plants, fruit juice, homemade bakes, cheeses, pork products, water buffalo products, and much more.

For further information, visit www.somersetfarmersmarkets. co.uk.

MARTOCK On Saturday 11 January from 10.00am to 1.00pm at the Moorland’s

WHAT’S ON

Shopping Precinct is Martock Farmers Market, with around 16 stands ranging from plants, crafts to cheese and local produce. For more information phone 01935 822202.

MILBORNE PORT Every first Sunday from 11.00am to 2.00pm at The Queens Head is Milborne Port Farmers’ Market.

This market is held in the skittle alley and milk parlour of the pub. All produce is hand-made or locally home-grown. Hot and cold drinks are available as well as hot and cold food. Free parking. if interested in a stall or need more information, contact Mandy on 07717 117744.

SHERBORNE Every third Friday from 9.00am to 1.00pm at Cheap Street is Sherborne Farmers’ Market. Average 30 stalls. For more information, visit www.visit-dorset.com/ food-and-drink/farmersmarkets.

SOMERTON Every Saturday from 9.00am to 12.00 noon in The Unicorn Hotel skittle alley is the Wessex Country Market. This market offers a wide variety of artisan produce.

All baked goods are homemade and ingredients locally sourced. There are jams, marmalades, chutney and pickle unique to this market.

Locally sourced butter, cheese, meat and fresh vegetables in season. The craft ladies offer an amazing variety of items to suit all occasions.

On Friday 20 December from 9.00am to 2.00pm at the Butter Cross in Somerton’s Market Place is the Christmas Market.

WINCANTON Every third Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm in the Market Place is the Wincanton Seed Market.

For further information or to book a stall, contact Market Organiser Elizabeth Ralph at wincantonseedmarket@gmail. com or visit Wincanton Seed Market on Facebook.

Quiz MISTERTON On Friday 31 January at 7.00pm at Misterton Village Hall, there will be a quiz to raise funds for

a defibrillator for Silver Street in Misterton. Teams maximum 6 people, individuals welcome. £8 per person (hot supper included). Prizes, raffle and 50/50. For information and tickets, contact Phil on 01460 73815.

YETMINSTER On Tuesday 28 January at 7.00pm at The White Hart, it’s Quiz night. £5 entry per person to include a snack meal. Teams of no more than 6. Bookings essential.

For information, phone 01935 872338 or email TheTeam@ YetminsterWhiteHart.pub.

Social MARTOCK Every third Friday from 11.00am to 12.30pm at Swallowfields, Mow Barton, is a Memory Café. A place to talk about old memories and make some new ones.

NORTH CADBURY On Saturday 18 January from 6.00pm at The Catash Inn, The Rotary Club of Brue Valley Trust is hosting a Charity Wassail.

This is a great FREE family event with dancing, music, raffle, free apple juice and mulled cider, and more. Good fun, good food, good causes!

Two-course meal available from The Catash Inn for £12, children half price, vegetarian option available, booking essential on 01963 441531.

SHERBORNE Every Tuesday from 10.00am to 12.00 noon and 2.00pm to 4.00pm (two groups) in the Wingfield Room, Digby Hall, go along to Art For Memory.

Free friendly art class for people experiencing mild to moderate memory loss.

Funded by the National Lottery, organised by ArtsLink Fizz. Booking essential. Contact Kate on 01935 815899 or text 07483 338969 or email artslinkfizz@ gmail.com.

Every Tuesday during term time from 10.00am to 11.45am at the Digby Memorial Church Hall, it is Tuesday Toddlers.

This group, originally started in 1985 by The Mothers Union and supported by Sherborne Churches Together, is a popular place for mothers and babies to meet, play and exchange tips on parenthood. Recently

renamed Tuesday Toddlers, it is still run by volunteers, mostly from the local churches and a few parents and grandparents.

To keep this valuable group alive, Tuesday Toddlers are seeking helpers and a new leader. If you have a valid DBS certificate, are under 70 (for insurance reasons), and can spare a few hours of a Tuesday morning, then please pop in to introduce yourself. Maybe you are a crafting goddess, take joy in preparing food, enjoy preparing/packing away toys?

Maybe you just like to help?

Every first Thursday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Richmond Green Community Room, the Dorset Blind Association hosts a social club for people with a visual impairment in Sherborne.

It’s an opportunity get out of the house, sit and talk with others, share a joke and a coffee among friends.

Most club meetings offer entertainment and occasional

outings. Transport provided.

For more information phone Judy on 07748 212009 or 01202 712865. No meeting in January.

Every third Thursday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Richmond Green Community Room, the Dorset Blind Association hosts a handicraft club for people with a visual impairment in Sherborne. It’s an opportunity get out of the house, sit and talk with others, share a joke and a coffee among friends. Transport provided. For more information phone Judy on 07748 212009 or 01202 712865. No meeting in January.

Every Thursday from 2.30pm to 4.00pm at Tinney’s Lane Youth and Community Centre join in with Parkinson’s Dance. Free friendly class for people who are experiencing the challenges of living with Parkinson’s Disease. Funded by the National Lottery,

Free initial consultation

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WHAT’S ON

Marking 80 years of Sherborne Bombing – can you help?

Do you or do your family have memories of the day the bombs fell in Sherborne? 2020 marks the eightieth anniversary of the fatal bombing experienced by historic Sherborne on 30 September 1940. We are looking for people who may have childhood memories of this event, or perhaps a family member has passed down stories of Sherborne during the war. If you are interested in helping to put together an aural history of that day, please get in touch in the first instance with The Conduit Editor, Jane Adkins – email info@ theconduitmagazine.co.uk or leave a message on 01935 424724 and we will be in touch. organised by ArtsLink Fizz.

Booking essential. Contact Kate on 01935 815899 or text 07483 338969 or email artslinkfizz@gmail.com.

Every Thursday from 9.30am to 11.30am at St Pauls Church Hall or West End Hall (two groups) join in with Art for Parents. Free friendly art class for parents and carers of primary school age children. Funded by the National Lottery, organised

by ArtsLink Fizz. Booking essential. Contact Kate on 01935 815899 or text 07483 338969 or email artslinkfizz@ gmail.com.

On Friday 20 December from 2.30pm to 5.00pm at Digby Hall, there is an afternoon Tea Dance. Ballroom, Latin and popular sequence. Over 18s, all levels, smart casual dress.

Entry £5. For more information, contact 01460 240112 or email dance@dancewessex.co.uk.

On Tuesday 31 December at 8.00pm at Digby Hall, dance into 2020 with Strictly Jive! Dance floor, bar, free parking. Optional ‘All that Glitters‘ theme. £20 to include nibbles and a glass of bubbly at midnight. For more information, visit www. strictlyjive.com.

SOMERTON On Wednesday 22 January from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at West Street Church, join in Scottish Country Dancing U3A classes for beginners. For more information, contact Liz Beckinsale on 01935 826181 8

or at ealbeckinsale@btinternet. com.

WINCANTON Every Thursday from 2.00pm to 4.30pm at Wincanton Memorial Hall, come and enjoy an afternoon of Sequence Dancing. Entry £3. For more information phone Anne on 01747 851260.

YARLINGTON On Thursday 16 January at The Stag’s Head Inn, there will be a wassailing ceremony. This begins just before dark, as people gather at The Stag’s Head to sample the wassailing cup. The procession, led by the Wassail King and accompanied by much shouting and noise, makes its way to the local orchard nearby for the ceremony, then returns to the pub for a special wassail supper.

YEOVIL Every Tuesday from 7.00pm to 8.30pm at Westlands Sports Centre, Yeovil Table Tennis Club has a social Table Tennis Evening.

Play for fun, no need to sign up. Opportunities to join the club and play competitively if desired. Entry £4.

Every Wednesday from 7.30pm to 10.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, there is Ballroom, Latin and Sequence Dance. All abilities. Different dance host each week, playing a variety of traditional and modern dance tracks. Smart casual dress.

Over 18s only. Non-members £8.50 on the door. For more information phone 01935 825939 or westlandballroom@ yahoo.com.

Every Saturday at 7.30pm at the Holy Trinity Church Hall, there is a Whist Drive.

Enquiries 01935 862325.

On Friday 3 January at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Church, the Yeovil Archaeological and Local History Society has a Members’ Evening - all welcome. Various talks, quiz and buffet. Non-members £2 at the door. For further information, contact 01935 477174 or visit www.yalhs.org. uk.

Sport CHARD Every Wednesday from 6.00pm to 7.00pm at Holyrood Academy, Zembard Lane, there is Walking Netball.

This is a slowed down version of the game of netball, designed for anyone looking to exercise in a relaxed, supportive and friendly environment. Every session contains a gentle warm up and suitable for all ages and abilities. Entry £4 a session.

For more information phone 07738 696362 and visit www. englandnetball.co.uk/walkingnetball.

CREWKERNE Every Tuesday from 6.00pm to 7.00pm at Crewkerne Sports Centre, join in the weekly Walking Netball sessions. For all ages and abilities. All sessions contain a gentle warm up. No need to book. First session free then £3.50 per session.

Talk CASTLE CARY On Friday 24 January at 7.30pm in North Barrow Village Hall, near Castle Cary, legendary explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell CBE will present an illustrated talk on ‘A Life of Adventure’.

From the birth of white-water rafting, over mountains and deserts, through jungle and swamp and beneath the sea, JBS takes his audience through his adventurous life.

A very popular, amusing and fast-moving presentation with dramatic film and amazing archival slides, suitable for

audiences of all ages. Tickets £25 to include a welcome drink and three-course meal. To book, contact Peter Jackson at graypub@btinternet. com or Sarah Jane Lewis at sjanelewis@yahoo.co.uk or on 07817 624935. Funds raised go to the Six Pilgrims Benefice.

CHARLTON Every second and fourth Tuesday at 7.30pm at the New Remembrance Hall in Charlton, near Shaftesbury, the Blackmore Vale Amateur Radio Society has a meeting.

Visitors welcome. For more information visit www.bvars. org.uk.

CHARLTON HORETHORNE On Tuesday 7 January at 7.30pm at Charlton Horethorne Village Hall, there is a talk with slides by Ian Macfarlane entitled ‘Snowman Trek, Bhutan’. Tickets £7.50 (including a drink) from The Village Shop, Charlton Horethorne or on the door.

All proceeds to the village defibrillator.

COMPTON DUNDON On Wednesday 15 January at 7.30pm at Compton Dundon Village Hall, there is a Somerset Vernacular Group talk. Susanna van Rose will speak about the ‘Three underappreciated building stones of central Somerset: their characters, range of building uses and their names’. Susanna is a geologist, formerly working at the Geological Institute in London and editor of Rockwatch all her working life.

For more information phone 01935 822202.

EAST COKER From Thursday 16 January to Thursday 5 March from 2.00pm to 3.30pm at East Coker Village Hall, the Coker WEA branch will hold a six-week course on ‘Key Historical Influences on English Garden Design’. Tutor: Marion Dale. Course fee £33. Book online at WEA.org.uk or phone 0300 303 3464, quoting course reference C3530595. Local contact Viv 01935 863954.

HENSTRIDGE On Tuesday 7 January at 2.30pm at Henstridge Village Hall, Blackmore Vale U3A will have its AGM. Following the short AGM, Richard and Susan Kidd will give a talk about their experiences ‘Sailing Oceans’.

Members £1.50, visitors

WHAT’S ON

£2.50, refreshments included.

Everyone welcome. For more information about Blackmore Vale U3A, call 01963 371544 or visit www.u3a.org.uk.

LEIGH On Tuesday 28 January from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Leigh Village Hall, there is the monthly WI meeting. Speaker, Brian Bates, will talk about ‘Dorset People and Places’. The competition is a ‘Photograph of Dorset’. Free for members, visitors £3. For information, contact 01935 873027 or LeighWI@dorsetwi. org.

LONG SUTTON From Tuesday 28 January to Tuesday 10 March at 7.30pm at Long Sutton Village Hall, the WEA will hold a course ‘From Seed to Fork; the story of how plants evolved and humans adapted them’. Tutor: Greg Morter.

This course explores: why, where and how agriculture was invented; key discoveries and different approaches to food growing in places as diverse as China, the Americas, the Islamic World and Britain; future challenges and possibilities. Course fee £25.

Book online at WEA.org.uk or phone 0300 303 3464, quoting course reference C3530646.

Local contact Kim Bailey 01935 850077. No session on 18 February.

MARTOCK On Wednesday 8 January at 2.00pm at Martock Parish Hall, find out about ‘Gardens for Pollinators’, with a talk by Brimsmore Garden Centre on planting to encourage bees and pollinators to the garden. All those no longer in full time employment are welcome to enjoy a social afternoon and to find out about the 30 hobby and interest groups. Refreshments available.

For more information about Martock & District U3A, visit Facebook Martock & District U3A, website www.u3a.org.uk, email martocku3amembership@ gmail.com, or phone 07510 178094.

On Tuesday 28 January at 7.30pm at Martock Primary School, Jim Hart will talk on the parish boundaries around Yeovil. An annual membership of £10 gives free access to all talks. Non-member £3. For more information phone 01935 822202.

MERRIOTT On Tuesday 28 January at 7.30pm at the Tithe Barn, Dr Francis Burroughes will talk about the Victorian Head Gardener and his fascinating life on a Victorian country estate, including the correct way of mowing a lawn with a horse-drawn mower!

Refreshments and raffle.

Everyone welcome - nonmembers £2 at the door. And a Happy New Year to all!

OVER STRATTON On Monday 20 January at 7.30pm at Stratton and District Village Hall, the Over Stratton Gardening Club hosts a talk entitled ‘The olive’ by Caradoc Doy. Annual subs are £6, then £2 per meeting.

Visitors are welcome to individual meetings, £3 on the door. For information email somersetdays@hotmail.com.

SEAVINGTON On Thursday 9 January at 7.30 pm at Seavington Millennium Hall is the monthly Seavington Gardening Club talk. Claire Greenslade, Head Gardener at Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton, will entertain the audience with an informative talk on Hestercombe Gardens.

Visitors welcome, £2 at the door. Enquiries to Karen Day 01460 249728.

SHERBORNE On Thursday 19 December at 2.30pm at the Elementum Gallery, enjoy an afternoon with Stephen Moss.

Naturalist Stephen talks about his latest book ’The Twelve Birds of Christmas’. Mince pies and mulled wine. £10 from Elementum Gallery 01935 813776.

On Saturday 4 January at 2.30pm at the Digby Hall, the Blackmore Vale & Yeovil Association of the National Trust presents a talk entitled ‘Who really was George Bernard Shaw?’. Speaker: Susan Vincent. Was George Bernard Shaw a music critic, a politician, a playwright, a lover of Dorset, a broadcaster, or all these and more? Visitors £5.

Tea/coffee included.

On Thursday 9 January at 8.00pm at the Digby Hall, the Sherborne Historical Society has a talk entitled ‘Britain and Meiji Japan’. Adrian Thorpe explores British involvement in the modernisation of Japan,

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the end of the Shogunate and its replacement by rule by the Emperor. Non-members £5.

For more information, visit sherbornehistoricalsociety. co.uk.

On Wednesday 15 January at 2.30pm at the Catholic Church Hall, Westbury, Sherborne WI presents a talk by Pauline Bishop entitled ‘Colour Magic’.

This month’s guest speaker is a Personal Stylist who will explain how colour can help one to look and feel better, and feel more confident. A selection of beautiful scarves will be available to purchase on the day. For more information, phone 07709 623889.

On Wednesday 15 January at 7.30pm in the Digby Memorial Church Hall, the Sherborne Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust holds its January meeting. Ian Williamson will be speaking about his ‘Adventures in Tasmania’ and his trek across the Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain. Entry £3.00.

On Thursday 23 January at 8.00pm at the Digby Hall, the Sherborne Historical Society

TAUNTON SOMERSET 150 Priorswood Road Taunton Somerset TA2 8DU T: 01823 323575 E: taunton@beehiveselfstorage.co.uk

has a talk ‘The Reputation of William Rufus: the (in) famous king and his critics’.

Dr Benjamin Pohl asks if King William II was considered a ‘good’ or a ‘bad’ king by 11th and 12th century standards and what we can learn about the nature and expectations of medieval kingship more generally. Non-members £5.

For more information, visit sherbornehistoricalsociety. co.uk.

SOMERTON Every fourth Friday month at 10.00am at the Edgar Community Hall, there is a Somerton U3A meeting. Meetings start at 10.00am with coffee (50p) and chat. After any notices, the main event begins at 10.30am and finishes by 12 noon latest.

Free for members, £2 per visitor. All welcome. Please note there is NO meeting in December.

On Friday 24 January from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Edgar Community Hall, there is the monthly Somerton U3A meeting. The speaker will be David Boag, wildlife photographer. David lectures 9

WHAT’S ON

regularly throughout the country to a wide variety of natural history, photographic and general interest audiences.

Free for members, £2 per visitor. All welcome.

SOUTH PETHERTON On Wednesday 22 January at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, the Local History Group has a talk entitled ‘Somerset Women’. The speaker is Jane de Gruchy of the Somerset Heritage Centre.

Everyone is welcome to join (£8 annual subs) or to just come as a visitor to individual meetings (£3 on the door).

All enquiries to s_petherton_ history@hotmail.co.uk.

YEOVIL On Monday 13 January at 1.30pm at The Yeovil Court Hotel, the Yeovil Probus Club has a talk entitled ‘Stroke and Recovery’.

Speaker: Ms Jo Hill, CNS Stroke, YDH Foundation Trust.

New members welcome. For more information contact the Hon. Secretary on 01935 414765.

Walk FIDDLEFORD On Sunday 5 January at 10.15am at Fiddleford Manor car park, the Dorset Ramblers will meet for a morning walk. Woods and river walk, 5 miles. Lunch stop

at Fiddleford Inn. For further information, email jenny. newman@zen.co.uk or visit www.dorsetramblers.co.uk.

GILLINGHAM On Sunday 29 December at 10.15am at Rolls Bridge Way, the Dorset Ramblers will meet for a morning walk with festive nibbles. A fields and lanes walk of 5 to 6 miles to Wyndham’s Oak and Stilton Church. For further information, email jenny.newman@zen.co.uk or visit www.dorsetramblers.co.uk.

SANDFORD ORCAS On Wednesday 1 January at 10.00am at The Mitre Inn, join the Sandford Orcas New Year’s Day Walk. Meet at 10.00am for a 10.30am start and walk to Trent for coffee and biscuits and a charity collection. Should return by 1.30pm. Lunch can be ordered at The Mitre before setting off. It is a circular route of about 5 miles, muddy in places, so please wear boots.

Dogs welcome. For further details contact Steve and Helen Donnelly on 01963 220446 or 07990 516930.

SHERBORNE Every Thursday at 11.00am starting by Sherborne Museum, there is a 40 minute Health Walk.

Generally flat with a mixture of pavement and fields in dry weather. For more details call Bryan Pearson on 01749 938191.

Workshop

Every Friday at 2.00pm starting from Waitrose Sherborne store entrance, there is a Health Walk. Free, friendly walk of approximately 60 minutes around the town.

Optional refreshments at the end. No need to book, just turn up! For more information phone 07825 691508.

ILMINSTER On Friday 20 December from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a Felting workshop with tutor Geraldine Field.

Discover the art of felting by making scarves, bags, slippers, hats, or whatever takes your fancy! Beginners to advanced welcome. £25 (excludes materials). Book on 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk.

On Wednesday 1 January at 2.00pm, meet on the Abbey Green outside the Abbey Porch to blow the cobwebs away with Blue Badge walking guide Cindy Chant. Discover stories from Sherborne’s lost and mysterious past by taking a leisurely New Year’s Day stroll. The walk will last about 2 hours. £8 per person. Booking not needed – just turn up. For further information, contact cindyatsherbornewalks@ gmail.com.

LANGPORT Every Friday from 2.15pm at Ridgway Hall, go along to Health and Wellbeing Circuits, led by exercise specialist Marion Cooper. Ideal as a continuation of an NHS, COPD Respiratory or Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme.

Suitable if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or part of your health recovery.

The session offers support, guidance and motivation in a safe, comfortable and friend environment. For more information phone 07814 826951 or marioncooper@ hotmail.co.uk.

STOURHEAD On Sunday 26 January at 10.15am at Stourhead National Trust car park, the Dorset Ramblers will meet for walk. Car park £4 for non-National Trust members.

White Sheet Hill, 5 miles in the morning and optional Stour Valley Way 2.5 miles in the afternoon. Figure of eight. Lunch stop: picnic or National Trust cafe. For further information, email jenny. newman@zen.co.uk or visit www.dorsetramblers.co.uk.

LONG SUTTON Every Monday from 9.30am to 11.00am during term time at Long Sutton C of E Primary School, there is a workshop called Music Baddies. A group for 0 to 4 year olds which includes a sing, play and snack.

Entry £2 per family. Friendly and informal. All welcome.

MARTOCK Every Monday from 2.30pm at Martock Parish Hall, go along to an Age UK Somerset Mature Movers session, led by exercise specialist Marion Cooper. Ideal as a continuation of an NHS, COPD Respiratory or Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme.

Suitable if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or part of your health recovery.

The session offers support, guidance and motivation in a safe, comfortable and friend environment. For more information phone 07814 826951 or marioncooper@ hotmail.co.uk.

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WHAT’S ON

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS going stitching or start a new project. New members very welcome. For further information, phone Ann on 01963 34696.

Every Tuesday from 9.15am at The Scout Hut, Blackberry Lane, Sherborne, there are award-winning Monkey Music Classes for Babies and Young Children from 3 months to 3 years. Monkey Music aims to introduce music to very young children in a fun way they can easily understand and enjoy, with specialist teachers who gently encourage social and musical skills within fun, stimulating and friendly environment. Monkey Music’s unique curriculum, specially written for babies from 3 months, was in response to the demand from parents increasingly aware of the importance of introducing their children to music from as young an age as possible.

For more information or to book a free first class, phone Alison on 01935 850541 or email sherborne.dorchester@ monkeymusic.co.uk. To sample some of the delights of Monkey Music, please visit www.monkeymusic.co.uk.

On Sunday 19 January from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Digby Memorial Church

Hall, there is a Sherborne Folk Band workshop, led

by Hannah Cumming, an inspiring and experienced workshop leader, who will teach tunes and harmonies by ear. Suitable for all levels and all acoustic instruments. Notation and audio supplied. Everyone is welcome. Coffee break and homemade cake included!

For further information and admission prices, visit www. sherbornefolkband.org, email info@sherbornefolkband. org or phone Julia on 07527 508277.

YEOVIL Every Thursday from 2.00pm at Birchfield Community Centre, Yeovil, go along to Health and Wellbeing Circuits, led by exercise specialist Marion Cooper. Ideal as a continuation of an NHS, COPD Respiratory or Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme.

Suitable if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or part of your health recovery.

The session offers support, guidance and motivation in a safe, comfortable and friend environment. For more information phone 07814 826951 or marioncooper@ hotmail.co.uk.

FROM YEOVIL’S PREMIER VENUES

The Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue have a first class line-up of shows and events to look forward to this January.

The New Year will bring some spectacular Screenings in The Ballroom at Westlands Entertainment Venue, including André Rieu on Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 January. The Dutch Violinist and Conductor is celebrating a landmark birthday and is inviting cinema audiences all over the world to his party! 70 Years Young is André Rieu’s ultimate concert featuring musical highlights chosen by the maestro himself from his illustrious career so far. This unique commemorative celebration will take you on an unbelievable journey around the world to André Rieu’s most amazing concert locations, including Schönbrunn Vienna, Radio City Music Hall New York and the Coronation Concert in Amsterdam.

Due to phenomenal demand, The Winter’s Tale, Shakespeare’s timeless tragicomedy of obsession and redemption, returns to cinemas in the New Year. This beautifully reimagined production, codirected by Rob Ashford and Sir Kenneth Branagh, will be screened at Westlands on Tuesday 7 & Thursday 9 January, featuring a remarkable cast, including Dame Judi Dench as Paulina, alongside Tom Bateman, Jessie Buckley, Hadley Fraser, Miranda Raison and Sir Kenneth Branagh as Leontes. This critically acclaimed production was the first in the hugely successful Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company Live season that was broadcast to cinemas from London’s Garrick Theatre over the course of a year in 2015.

On Saturday 18 January Westlands will host a joyful Jive and Swing Dance with The Swing Commanders. Loved by fans of Jazz, Country, Swing and Blues, The Swing Commanders find it easy to fill dancehalls with lindy hoppers, modern jivers, partners and social dancers. They have headlined most of the UK’s top vintage and country music festivals and have played all over the UK, regularly touring Europe and the USA. They take well-crafted songs from the thirties to the fifties. Varying from ballads, to jive and quicksteps, The Swing Commanders are brilliant to dance along to.

The Octagon Theatre has a very special treat in store for patrons from Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 January as the world’s most successful Rock & Roll musical, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, triumphantly visits Yeovil for the very first time. This sensational multi award-winning West End show first opened in 1989 and has been thrilling audiences the world over ever since. Forget feel good, this show is feel great!

Saxophonist Jess Gillam will join Sinfonia Classica for the first classical concert of the year at The Octagon Theatre on Tuesday 28 January. Jess leapt to fame with her stylish appearances in the 2018 Last Night of the Proms and presents on TV and BBC Radio 3.

For the full programme of events or to book ticket at the Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue visit octagontheatre.co.uk or westlandsyeovil.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01935 422884.

11

BOOKS

BOOK REVIEW

By Wayne, Winstones

Sherborne’s streets

were made for walking

By Paul Birbeck

8, Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset. DTP 3PX 01935 816 128 winstonebooks1@gmail.com www.winstonebooks.co.uk

David Sheppard: Batting for the Poor: The Authorized Biography of the Celebrated Cricketer and Bishop

by Andrew Bradstock £19.99 Old Shirburnian Sheppard first came to prominence as a cricketer in the 1950s. An opening batsman, he was selected for England while still at Cambridge, and later captained his country. In the 1960s Sheppard was a leading figure in the campaign to sever sporting links with South Africa, a crucial factor in the ending of apartheid.

Converted in his first year at Cambridge, Sheppard was ordained into the Church of England in 1955. His curacy in Islington gave him a passion to serve the church in the inner city, a calling he fulfilled as warden for twelve years of the Mayflower Centre in Canning Town. Following his appointment as Bishop of Woolwich in 1969, he published a major text about his work in urban areas, Built as a City.

David Sheppard made his biggest mark as Bishop of Liverpool from 1975-97, forging a pioneering partnership with Archbishop Derek Worlock, his Roman Catholic counterpart. For twenty years the two worked tirelessly to revive the fortunes of the city, helping to break down its many internal divisions. In 1991 Sheppard was seriously considered for Archbishop of Canterbury following Robert Runcie’ retirement.

In 1997 Sheppard was awarded a life peerage, and played an active role in the Lords, and as a writer, speaker and preacher, until his death in 2005.

This biography draws on the papers left by Sheppard in Liverpool Central Library, other archival material, and more than 150 interviews conducted by the author.

David Sheppard: Batting for the Poor is an excellent biography dedicated to the life and times of outstanding English test batsman, captain and highly respected Anglican bishop, David Sheppard. David was a man of principle often facing difficult social times in ministry and sport. He lived his life in sacrificial service to others and for the glory of God. A wonderful opponent and encouraging Christian friend when the Ashes were played in true respect of cricket. An uplifting and challenging read.

--Brian Booth, Australian test cricketer and captain.

12

The picture perfect town of Sherborne has streets made for walking and exploring. In 2014 one enterprising lady decided to gather up her 50 years of accumulated knowledge from living in the area, package it with a truly passionate interest in this ancient town’s heritage and create Sherborne Walks to share her wealth of information and juicy titbits with an ever increasing number of eager followers. Cindy Chant has done her job well and earned a reputation as an enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable guide, promoting Sherborne in her own inimitable style.

In 2018 I joined Cindy to help her develop the business and share my own geographical, education and walking expertise. Cindy encouraged me to train as a Blue Badge Tour Guide and since 2018 I have been working as a South West Region Guide leading various groups on residential and day trips throughout the region. In the main I try to leave guiding in Sherborne in Cindy’s capable hands, although I do offer some different experiences around the town.

Blue Badge guides are the official tourist guides of the United Kingdom. We wear a Blue Badge to show we have achieved the standard of rigorous practical and knowledge exams accredited by the Institute of British Tourist Guiding.

This qualification indicates our professionalism and is recognised by tourist boards throughout the UK and beyond.

We believe the personal touch is what makes a town visit special. Our aim is to make Sherborne accessible to all and help people enjoy their visit by providing guided walks, ideas of what else to do and where to visit. We try to network and connect businesses, events and organizations to enable the visitor to have a more positive experience in the town.

We are always on the lookout for new information and local stories that allow us to improve people’s understanding of our fascinating town.

This winter we have developed a new concept through our ‘Winter Warmers’ programme. Based upon our walks we have developed a number of presentations that people can enjoy in the comfort of their own home or club. These has been very popular with residential homes, and we have learnt so much by listening and meeting people, many of whom who have lived in the town for years. It’s surprising what one can learn from their memories.

We have also enjoyed working with teachers and Year 4/5 pupils from Sherborne Primary School, enriching their experience when exploring the local History and undertaking surveys within the town. As Cindy said, “these little children knew more about the War than I do AND I was born before the War!” We knew we are on the right track when we read a recent Trip Advisor review: “A very informative walking tour of the Town by very To book a knowledgeable Guides. As guided winter a relatively new Resident (3 walk around Years), it was a great way Sherborne, to have a snapshot of the or a Winter place we’d moved to. Now Warmer talk to study the interesting bits contact: in more detail!” info@sherbornewalks.co.uk or telephone 07989 453966 or If you would like to book an 01935 816518 event, or find further details about our programme go to Further details about our www.sherbornewalks.co.uk . programme available at You can also contact me at www.sherbornewalks.co.uk paul@sherbornewalks.co.uk or telephone 07989 453966.

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MOTORING

Motoring

By Tim Saunders

Patience and understanding are required when driving the Lexus UX 250.

As an impatient, approaching middle aged man… I struggle with this especially when faced with the following issues: 1. When on a slope it rolls forward after the park function and the handbrake are applied – thank goodness I park it some distance from my house 2. It takes far too long to engage drive and get the vehicle moving 3. The rear seatbelt sensors repeatedly sound an earpiercing bleep when my children’s car seats are unoccupied 4. There’s not enough space for three car seats to fit as they should in the rear; one of them sits awkwardly at an angle Combine these factors with a Friday night when I’m late night shopping these days (not clubbing or going to the pub any longer). And more tired than usual I feel very justified in being really quite fed up. It shouldn’t be the case when I’m driving a car valued at nearly £40,000.

Not only do the rear seatbelt sensors deafen me on my trip to the supermarket, giving me an uncomfortable headache – and I don’t usually suffer from these – it then does it on the return journey, too. I swipe an angry arm into the rear to try and move the offending car seats to see if this will help but of course it doesn’t. What am I meant to do? Remove my three children’s car seats every time they aren’t in them? Having had time to simmer down, I realise that the sensors think that the car seats are passengers that should be strapped in.

Rather than promoting safety this ear-piercing repetitive beeping results in erratic driving to either get to the destination or to pull over to try to stop the damn problem. There are

Tim Saunders is an advanced motorist and journalist. He has always been passionate about motoring and regularly reviews cars from the leading manufacturers. His first report on a BMW 520i was published in the Dorset Echo when he was 17 (just after passing his driving test) in 1995. He went on to become business and motoring editor at the Bournemouth Echo. some good aspects though. For instance, while I don’t warm to the exterior, parts of which remind me of American cars of the ‘80s, the interior is luxurious. We all love the high quality of the cream leather upholstery and the comfortable seats. “I like the feel of the armrests,” says wife, Caroline. “The centre armrest is ingenious in the way it lifts and unique, I think.”

But these positives are then soon forgotten when trying to operate the overly complicated sat nav, which takes a long time for my wife to get used to – I haven’t got the patience.

The controls for the radio are interesting but again irritate me immensely as does the positioning of some of the other buttons and switches. You’ll either love this or loathe it.

We are able to travel in EV (electric vehicle) mode while driving down the road where we live at 9mph but any faster and it clicks over to petrol.

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Gardening As I write my article for this month, I am gazing out the window at my own garden and am appreciating how important it is to have a focal point and evergreen shrubs in the garden at this time of the year.

It is a dreary wet day and the multi-stem silver birch we added to the garden just over a year ago has really come into its own. The white bark looks stunning even on a day like today, and with the orange and red tipped stems of the Cornus Sanguinea ‘Mid-Winter Fire’, this combination looks very pleasing indeed.

No matter how big or small your garden is, having a permanent or seasonal focal point can be used to catch the eye and draw your gaze in a particular direction. In a larger garden it is possible to have more than one focal point in different parts of the garden, but avoid doing this in a smaller garden as this will have the opposite effect and make the garden look too busy.

Your focal point could be a summerhouse, a specimen tree, or an architectural plant like a palm

or a cluster of ferns that create an impact. A focal point could be achieved by using vibrant colour, for example the Canna lily ‘Tropicanna Black’ or a single variety of white foxglove planted in a border or positioned in a dark shady corner will look stunning.

GARDENING

UP THE GARDEN PATH

by Julie Haylock, Sandhurst Garden Design

garden; If your garden has cottage style planting and meandering paths, then perhaps a statue surrounded by soft planting would look In a smaller garden your focal point best, but if your garden is could be a bird bath or a statue. more formal, then a series Consider carefully its position, of identical obelisks would sometimes it can be tempting to be more in keeping and place the object in the centre of the complement those straight garden or border or even the middle edges in your design. of the lawn, but by placing it slightly off set to the side will make it look less twee and give the illusion the space is bigger than it actually is.

Next month I am going to talk about evergreen shrubs and how they provide essential structure for the winter garden.

Until next time Happy New Year!

Julie

Sandhurst Garden Design

If the object is heavy and difficult to move, enlist the assistance of a ‘willing helper’ to stand in the chosen location ‘and make like a tree or statue’. This will enable you to view how it will look from different angles before making your final decision, always a great game to play with your partner to see how patient they can be!

When choosing your focal point consider the style of your

Julie Haylock Garden Designer 20 Sandhurst Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2LG

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15

GARDENING

CLIMATE CHANGE GARDENING

CASTLE GARDENS New Road, Sherborne DT9 5NR Tel: 01935 814633

By Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group

Anita, who arranges the and we have worked hard to speaking engagements we control it then we can all have do for garden clubs and WI a chuckle and rue the fact that groups, handed me a list the we have saved a huge amount other day, of all the bookings of fossil fuel, reduced pollution we have for the talk I do on and made the world a greener “Gardening in a Changing more pleasant place. However, Climate”. Added to those I’ve if we are wrong and we have already carried out in the past done nothing then its just few weeks, it will be an average too late. And the evidence is of one every other week for the mounting perhaps now even next year and into 2021. overwhelming, that it is a manmade issue.

This confirms that Climate Change is being taken So, what can we do to help seriously by the gardening and what can we do to keep folk of Somerset, Dorset and our gardens going during this Wiltshire. Interestingly, at the change? The first place to start of every talk I do a little look is the soil and we need survey to gauge opinions on to get it into as good shape as the subject and to see what is possible so that our plants proportion of the audience are as healthy as possible and believes that the climate so can overcome issues that is changing. There are two are thrown at them. Whatever supplementary questions your soil type, just about, the which ask whether it’s a addition of humus (well-rotted natural phenomenon causing plant material) as a soil the change or whether it’s improver, such as well rotted a problem caused by the manure, composted bark or activities of humans. Usually your own garden compost is there are several people who a great way to start. vote for both of these options, In clay soils the humus will but I can’t remember the last open up spaces allowing the time someone put their hand passage of water and also up to say that they didn’t the easy movement of plant believe in climate change. roots. Not only that but it That’s not always been the case will lead to the creation of an though, several years ago I was ecosystem in which microbes, setting off on a Friday evening bacteria and fungal organisms to a club in Bournemouth when will proliferate as well as I got a call from friends saying microorganisms and larger that everyone was off to the creatures, such as worms will Digby Tap for an early evening live. This makes for a healthy drink. I had to decline and soil in which there is plenty trudged off southwards instead. At the start of the talk I asked my question “who believes that the climate is changing” and PROPERTY MAINTENANCE not one hand went up. I Tel: 01935 411813 berated them not because Mob: 07811 070 498 of their views but because they had dragged me away • Interior and exterior decorating from my pint to speak on a • Carpentry and small cabinet work subject that none of them believed in! We had a good • Restoration of timber windows laugh and they enjoyed the • Making/restoring leaded windows talk despite this.

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of nutrient for the plants we are growing. In sandy soils such humus will bind the soil together holding onto moisture and giving structure that sandy soils don’t have.

But when soil is turned over, we get problems of weed seed being exposed, of carbon escaping into the atmosphere and the soil structure being damaged.

So, an increasing popular system of “no dig” gardening is finding favour. This is also the case in agriculture where some farmers are leaving in the debris of the previous crop and then oversowing the new crop, which keeps the soil’s structure and also helps when we get torrential rain as the soil then doesn’t wash away which otherwise can be a huge problem. There is another

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problem of us compacting the soil as we walk on it and so instead of digging in the soil improver it can just be left at a depth of a few inches , on the surface and over time, particularly in the winter it will rot down and be dragged into the soil without you doing too much at all.

That sounds like a good start; improving the soil with not too much hard work and capturing carbon. A small victory in our own little patch and every little bit will help in the overall effort.

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N R I C

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T g w g

PROPERTY AND INTERIORS

A FUNCTIONAL AND FESTIVE KITCHEN! Some call it the most wonderful time of the year - others call it the most stressful! Panic buying, fitting in visits to loved ones plus cooking in bulk for the whole family means Christmas can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle, rather than the season of goodwill.

Decorating our homes during this festive period is a ritual celebrated in many parts of the world with some of us starting the process in early December. Our living rooms, bedrooms, hallways and even our front gardens are spared no expense as we adorn every last square inch of our homes in shiny ornaments and twinkling lights - but what about the kitchen?

If you’re entertaining this Christmas, your kitchen remains the hub of activity - whether that be for preparation or the celebration itself. Follow these top tips for a functional - and festive! - kitchen, just in time for Advent.

SEASONAL STORAGE The kitchen is, without a doubt, the busiest room in the home.

Preparing meals, especially at Christmas time, involves every utensil, electrical appliance and, more often than not, a whole lot of washing up! Allocating the appropriate storage for your larger electrical appliances will save space, giving you all the room required for the lovely party food and decorations.

If the square footage of your kitchen allows, perhaps think about adding an island unit. A favourite with families, they add a focal point to the room, plus that all-important storage. Adding slim line larder units also add maximum storage solutions in a small space, without taking away from the layout of the room.

THE BIG SWITCH ON We’re all guilty of prioritising the festive feel of the reception rooms in our homes but the kitchen deserves a touch of magic at this time of year too.

Adding light to the space is a wonderful way to freshen the room up in time for your guests’ arrival. Start with candle light on worktops and as a centre piece to your dining table, then add fairy lights and lamps to bring some warmth in.

Under-cabinet lighting adds a great deal of light to a room without the sanitary feel of bright, strip lighting or overhead lamps. Not only will this create an inviting atmosphere, it will also increase visibility for food preparation - the perfect environment for icing that Christmas cake!

COMPLEMENTARY CHRISTMAS

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Christmas doesn’t have to mean red and green! Recent trends in kitchen design have called for cooler, neutral matte tones, marble effect worktops and m o n o c h ro m e accessories. If this describes your kitchen space then, chances are, candy canes and pine trees just won’t work.

Add touches of soft white and grey accessories, hang warm white lights and a touch of sparkle. Timeless tones throughout the space are so versatile that any season can be celebrated.

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CARE

YULE NOT GO LONELY THIS CHRISTMAS WITH SAMARITANS The festive season can be the hardest time of the year for some. Last year, Samaritans, the only charity that is there for anyone struggling to cope 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, responded to more than 300,000 calls for help.

The Yeovil Branch of Samaritans was no exception. 12 volunteers turned up to work the Christmas Day shift in 2018 and this year a full house of 12 volunteers have already pledged their support.

So what is it that inspires Samaritans to answer calls for help from those feeling overwhelmed over the Christmas and New Year period?

Four Yeovil Branch Volunteers reveal what motivates them: Talking to a caller recently who had lost someone close, made me realise just how painful this time of year can be. And Christmas day is likely to intensify that pain. It gives me a really special feeling to be available to be at the other end of a phone for those who are feeling lonely and isolated and simply need to talk.

Nigel

I love Christmas, particularly being able to spend time with my friends and family. But it’s also a time when I reflect on how lucky I am, which is what inspires me to take three hours out of my day to help others less fortunate. If I can make someone feel a little bit better about themselves and help them to recognise that they really do matter, my Christmas day will be very well spent.

Ray

I ‘m looking forward to the 101pm shift on Christmas Day; I have done this shift many times.

Of course, we receive calls from people who need us but it’s also lovely to receive calls from those who simply want to give us their thanks, possibly for having helped them, or a friend or a relative in the past. More than once, we have been compared to Christmas Angels! That’s very nice to hear on Christmas day!

Penny

great feeling to know that I have made a difference to someone’s life on what, for many, is the most difficult day of the year.

Jill

Simon Hicks, Director and listening volunteer at the Branch said: “With suicide rates on the rise, Samaritans has never been more of a lifeline. But we always welcome new volunteers to ensure there are always enough of us on call to help those who need support. If you’d like to be part of our story, why not come

It costs me nothing to do a shift on Christmas day, but it’s the most valuable gift I can give. It’s a

STAY SAFE AND WELL THIS WINTER – LOOK OUT FOR YOUR NEIGHBOURS Somerset GPs are reminding us all to look out for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours this winter, especially during the colder weather.

Last winter, about 23,200 people in England died as a result of cold weather. This is significantly lower than the 50,100 figure for the previous year but many of these deaths, most of which were among the over 75s, could still have been prevented.

The elderly, people with disabilities and those living alone are particularly vulnerable at this time of year, especially if they are living with a long term condition such as chronic lung disease, heart disease or asthma. They may also be feeling lonely and isolated if they are unable to leave the house, which can carry risks for both their mental and physical health.

Dr Andrew Tresidder, GP Safety Lead at Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It only takes a few minutes to drop in for a chat and a cup of tea with a neighbour. They may not have seen or spoken to anyone for days and it can really help to see a friendly face. You could even offer to help them get some shopping or pick up their prescription from the pharmacy.

“Cold weather can have serious health implications for elderly or vulnerable people, so it’s really important to check in on those who are most at risk at least once a week and more often during really cold spells. It’s also essential to make sure they are keeping warm by wearing appropriate clothing for the weather and heating their homes to at least 18°C to 21°C. Regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day can make all the difference. And try to encourage them to move around if they can.

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along to one of our monthly open evenings which take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm at our Centre, Morley House, West Hendford.

There’s no need to pre-book, just turn up. Alternatively, you can call our information line on: 01935 478746; email recruitment@yeovilsamaritans. org.uk or visit our website at https://www.samaritans.org/ branches/samaritans-yeovilsherborne-and-district.’ *Christmas period refers to 1 Dec 2018 to 1 Jan 2019.

Volunteer with us We will train, mentor and support you all the way.

To find out more and apply, visit

samaritans.org/volunteer Call 01935 478 746 Email yeovil@samaritans.org

Yeovil Sherborne & District

Samaritans of Yeovil, Sherborne & District is a registered charity.

Sherborne’s Luxury New Care Home NOW OPEN Join us at Trinity Manor Care Home, our friendly team would love to show you around our stunning new home and answer any questions you may have.

• Bespoke residential, dementia and respite care Daily life-enrichment programme • Choice of nutritious and delicious home-cooked meals • Interactive multi-sensory environment for residents living with dementia

Tel: 01935 574 969 Bradford Road, Sherborne, DT9 6EX • www.barchester.com/TrinityManor Minibus • Café • Private dining • Concierge service • Spa bathroom • Salon • Wi-fi • Cinema 19

Fashion

FASHION

MELBURY GALLERY

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR WITH COLOUR! By Thelma Drabik, Melbury Gallery The festive season may be coming to a close but here at Melbury Gallery we still have lots of reasons to celebrate!

We are seeing in the New Year with our spectacular WINTER SALE which starts on Friday 27 December 10am. Definitely a date to put in your new diary! There will be great reductions on selected clothing from our top brands including OSKA, SAHARA, MASAI, ADINI, NOMADS, THOUGHT, TWO DANES, GRIZAS and many more! Spectacular colours, sumptuous fabrics, easy to wear shapes, eye-catching designs and glamorous styles. . . all of this and more can be found in our incredible winter sale! There will also be a fantastic bargain rail with

20

items up to 70% off! Come by the shop to find yourself a gorgeous New Year’s Eve outfit. And at such a wonderful price there’s even more reason to party! Hurry! snap up the bargains before they’re all gone!

You know what they say, ‘out with the old and in with the new!’ Here at Melbury we are

SHERBORNE Half Moon Street DORCHESTER 10-11 Tudor Arcade, South Street www.melburygallery.co.uk

already thinking ahead and waiting in utter excitement for all our new Spring 2020 collections! These will start making their way onto our rails at the end of January and we cannot wait! As usual there will be a myriad of colour and lots of gorgeous prints in flattering styles. You’ll have to come visit us to see what’s new because

we’ll be getting lots of lovely goodies in all the time!

Melbury Gallery would like to thank our lovely customers who have supported us throughout this year. We really appreciate every single one of you! All our team send you the best wishes for a fabulous 2020 and look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

GARDENING FASHION

FASHION STORE HAS PERSONAL TOUCH AND IT’S OFFICIAL!

Charnos strapless bra and briefs

It’s exciting when a local shop wins a national accolade. A shop in Shaftesbury has done just that in what are described as the Oscars of the Lingerie Industry. The Shirley Allum Lingerie team were thrilled to win the 2019 Personal Touch category for UK and Ireland at Stars Underlines Best Shop Awards at Cafe de Paris in London.

Put forward by Stars Underlines international jury of brands and outlets and reaching the finals saw the Shirley Allum team pitted against the best of the best of the lingerie community.

Owner Shirley Allum says, “To have won the Personal Touch Category means the world to us and words cannot expressive this enough.

“I am very proud of my lingerie department who have exceeded in customer service and given the customer an attentive and personal experience.

“For those eight out of 10 ladies who are still in the wrong size bra – please pop in and take advantage of the award winning fitting and experience first-hand why we have won this prestigious award!”

The shop’s extensive fashion department is bursting with new seasons collections, with winter in full swing there are over 2500 pairs of trousers in stock, sizes 4-28 brands including Brax, Robell, NYDJ, Frankwalder and many more.

New for this season Joleby Jumpsuits, also amazing heavy knitwear jackets in beautiful colour mixes. The cashmere knitwear this season is amazing with colours and shapes for everyone.

SHIRLEY ALLUM FASHIONS AND LINGERIE 30 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JG

There are also Seasalt waterproof raincoats for those wet winter days. Gant mix and match and Mat de Masaine mix and match is better than ever this season. Also well worth a look is Joseph Ribkoff ½ price.

The shoe department is expanding with Ugg winter boots and slippers, Fly of London winter boots, Wolky winter boots new for us this season and many more.

Not sure what to give that special someone this festive season, then there is still time to purchase a “GIFT VOUCHER EXPERIENCE.” Vouchers are £100.00 and over to include free bubbly, chocolates, gift wrapped and personal shopper - the ideal experience for anyone who loves fashion. This is a perfect gift for someone very special.

Visit Shirley Allum Fashions and Lingerie.

30 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JG. Also find us online www.brashopuk.com.

30 High Street, Shaftesbury. SP7 8JG shirleyallumfashion.co.uk Tel: 01747 852444 21

TRAVEL

HOLIDAYS TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS!

by Heather Muir, Miles Morgan Travel

Happy New Year from Miles Morgan Travel – voted The Best Travel Agent in the South West in 2019 for the fourth year running!

We hope that you all had a great Christmas and we wish you a very Happy New Year. 2019 was a fantastic year for Miles Morgan Travel and we thank all our customers for their continued support.

November saw us move to our shiny new shop on Middle Street (opposite Primark).

If you haven’t visited our new home yet, then please pop in and join us for a tea or coffee, and to have look around.

2020 is going to be another exciting year with lots of new products and destinations launching. January is a great month to book your holiday, as it’s a perfect time to have something to look forward to and there are always some great savings available.

Being an award -winning independent travel agent and a main agent for all big brands means we can offer you a wide range of exclusive cruises with complimentary return transport to the port from Yeovil.

We offer an extensive range of worldwide tours with a VIP home departure service and are a main agent for regional airports

including Bournemouth and Bristol. We can also tailor make holidays especially for you, giving you complete flexibility to choose when you go, for how long and where you stay. We have holidays to suit all budgets and offer a free appointment service with any one of our Travel Specialists all with extensive travel experience. Therefore it’s very likely that you will be served by a Specialist who has been to your chosen destination, ensuring that you receive first-hand advice and expertise.

In addition, we have accredited agents who specialise in Ocean and River Cruise, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – handy when you are arranging that trip of a lifetime.

This January we have released three new editions of our Travel Talk magazine, catering to all travel tastes including; Ocean, River and Luxury Cruises, Escorted Tours, Faraway and European Holidays; plus, we have a new magazine dedicated to Solo Travellers. If you haven’t received your copies, then please don’t hesitate to contact us.

WHY BOOK with

Miles Morgan Travel?  Voted ‘The Best Travel Agent’, for four years running  Main Agent for all big brands

 Best service, advice & price from our well travelled Specialists

 FEEFO - Over 9,000 customers have rated our service as ‘Excellent’  Total financial security

As seen on TV

It’s no wonder so many customers trust Miles Morgan Travel to book their holiday - Call us today Phone lines open until 10pm

01935 428488

www.milesmorgantravel.co.uk

2 Borough Arcade, High Street Yeovil BA20 1RX

Don’t miss out on our many exclusive offers and the award-winning service provided at our new address, 14-16 Middle Street, Yeovil.

If your commitments mean that you are unable to visit our shop during the day, our phone lines are open until 10pm, where Jon, our Travel Specialist is on call for all your holiday enquiries. We look forward to welcoming you and once again we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Jurassic Coast

By Travel Correspondent Tim Saunders

Millions of years ago the Jurassic Coast was under water. Creatures that swam in these waters have since turned into fossils. These can still be discovered at Charmouth beach by a keen eye. Heidi (6) has been learning about famous Lyme Regis fossil hunter Mary Anning.

At Seaton Jurassic we learn that a massive Jurassic landslide exposed fossils and we’re taken on a memorable interactive journey through time. The designers have excelled themselves incorporating period furnishings through to 3D imagery.

Boarding the tram back to Colyford we sit on the open top deck. The journey cuts through wetlands beside the River Axe where there is a nature reserve.

At Beaminster Museum, Brian’s enthusiasm is infectious and helps bring the wonderful exhibits in the museum to life. So much can be learnt about the area from the fascinating axes used for killing mammoths through to smuggling, crime and the hanging of witches.

“You must visit Bridport Carnival,” recommends Shige, owner of Hell Barn Cottages in Chideock, where we stay. So we do and enjoy seeing the floats.

Hell Barn Cottages, a complex of five selfcatering stone cottages, is only about 10 miles away down a country lane. We stay 22

in Rosemary Cottage and park directly outside the accommodation, helpful for unloading. Downstairs is open plan given to sitting and dining and off this is a sizeable kitchen. There’s a downstairs bathroom and shower. Upstairs are two bedrooms, easily accommodating the five of us. There’s a popular games room where the children play and so do the adults, given chance: snooker, badminton and table tennis. Henry drives a go-kart.

One evening Caroline, Harriett and I play badminton and it’s great to see that Harriett’s co-ordination is improving.

The furthest we travel is to Pennywell Farm near Buckfastleigh (70 miles away) where the children hold rabbits and piglets and feed and walk the goats. We watch piglet racing. A bamboo maze leads to a tower giving views across the Devonshire countryside. When we aren’t admiring the animals the children are playing on the toy tractors and Henry digs sand with the excavator.

With his local knowledge, Shige recommends a hairdresser for Caroline in Bridport. She is happy with the results.

Bridport itself is a busy market town with a good mix of independent and national retailers. At Bridport Museum we learn that the town is famous for producing nets. Just over 20 miles away at Ilminster

we visit a Creative Coverage art exhibition featuring selected professional artists and craftspeople.

We dine at the Talbot Arms at Uplyme, a busy and vibrant pub at the centre of the community run by Wendy and Steve.

Caroline, Heidi and I enjoy beef and ale pie with chips while Harriett and Henry have sausages and chips. There’s an ice cream dessert for the children.

A night time walk around Lyme Regis sees us trying to find the grave of Mary Anning.

For more information visit: seatonjurassic.org www.tram.co.uk www.pennywellfarm.co.uk www.beaminstermuseum.co.uk https://talbotarms.com www.charmouth.org www.hellbarn.co.uk

Watch the videos at www.travelwriter.biz

LEGAL

Battens Solicitors Free Personal Injury, Industrial Disease & Medical Negligence Clinics

DOMESTIC ABUSE: YOU ARE NOT ALONE

By Gemma Galavni, Battens Solicitors

Our specialist lawyers will be on hand to advise you in person in our offices from 9am -1pm as follows:

• Dorchester:

• Sherborne:

Savernake House, 42 High West St, DT1 1UU

The Bank House, Long St, DT9 3BU

23rd January 2020 19th March 2020

20th February 2020 2nd April 2020

• Castle Cary:

• Yeovil:

Francis House, Fore St, BA7 7BQ

4th February 2020 31st March 2020

Mansion House, Princes St, BA20 1EP

9th January 2020 5th March 2020

No Appointment Necessary

0800 6528411 enquiries@battens.co.uk

www.battens.co.uk

If you are a victim of domestic abuse you might feel frightened and alone. You might not feel able to talk to your friends or family and may feel that you don’t know which way to turn. At Battens solicitors we are here to help you. You are not alone and you can talk to one of our solicitors in confidence. Depending on your individual circumstances we will advise you carefully on your options. We will help you decide what, if any, action you want to take against your abuser.

Asking for help is the first and most important step in protecting yourself and, if you have them, your children who will also be suffering.

Domestic abuse can occur in relationships in which people live in the same house or with people whom you share (or shared) an intimate relationship with.

We can advise you whether the person who is abusing you is within one of the recognised categories where protection is offered under family law.

The law has recently expanded to include more behaviours that are now considered as domestic abuse.

It does not just include physical abuse, it can include emotional abuse; sexual abuse; honour based abuse; controlling and coercive behaviour; and financial abuse amongst other more rare forms of abuse. If you feel threatened or intimidated there are steps we can help you take to protect yourself (and any children living with you).

There are a number of orders that we can assist you obtaining including: •

Non Molestation order – this protects you from physical violence, the threat of violence or harassing/pestering behaviour.

Come and see us at one of our

•

Occupation Order – this can prevent the abuser from returning to the property or coming within a certain distance.

Walk in on the day for a free chat and we’ll help you find the best way forward.

We can advise whether the application can be made on an “ex parte” basis so you would be protected by the order before the perpetrator of the abuse becomes aware you have been to Court. Breach of these orders could resort in the perpetrator being sent to jail.

FREE LEGAL CLINICS SOMERTON The Parish Rooms, 9am-12pm Tuesday - 7 January 2020 YEOVIL Church of St John the Baptist, 10am - 1pm Saturday - 25 January 2020 SOUTH PETHERTON The David Hall, 9am-12pm Wednesday - 29 January 2020

LOOKING AFTER YOU, YOUR FAMILY & YOUR BUSINESS Bridgwater • Taunton • Yeovil 01935 382680 @PardoesLLP pardoes.co.uk

We can advise you whether you would qualify for legal aid and if not, provide you with advice on our charges in order to help you protect yourself.

Don’t suffer alone in silence, book an appointment with one of our family solicitors who will help you protect yourself.

For more information contact family solicitor Gemma Galavni on 01935 846269 or gemma.galvani@battens.co.uk 23

BUSINESS & FINANCE

COMPUTING

ANOTHER YEAR GOES PAST BUT RETIRING SEEMS SUCH A LONG WAY AWAY!

By Mark Salter, Financial Planner Many people that come to see us are either approaching retirement within the next few years (how did that happen!), or have suddenly realised that they are half way through their working lives and start thinking about how nice it would be if they didn’t have to work for another 10-20 years or more.

They have spent years working, building up a business, paying off a mortgage and helping the children but haven’t really stopped to think about what they really want their money to do for them when they retire or how much they need to build up.

Do you know what your magic

number is or have you already got enough?

We’re often asked ‘how should I invest for the future?’ and ‘what should I do with my pensions?’

The answer is ‘It depends’.

Before you can make good financial decisions you need to know your ‘why’.

Does retirement mean stopping work completely or a change of direction?

Do you want a similar lifestyle or would you like to be spending more?

Do you want your family to benefit from your wealth now or in the future?

More than ever before, we are enjoying good health to an older age and many of us are capable of working well beyond retirement age, we also have the desire to keep working or volunteering.

For others retirement is about stopping work completely and being able to spend more time in the garden, on the golf course, travelling or helping families and charitable organisations.

Once you have established your ‘why’ you can then start to make decisions about making your money work harder for you, working out how much more you might need to save or how and when to take benefits from your pensions. With the changes to pension rules people now have much greater flexibility with their pension pots and for most people, including business owners and the self- employed, there are tax advantages on saving into a pension in the UK. At Fort Financial Planning, we have The Visual ForecastTM .

This enables you to see visually what your financial future might look like and helps you make the important decisions. It can

help us answer the real questions about money like ‘how much longer do I need to work full time for?’ and ‘How much more can we spend in retirement without running out?’ In relation to inheritance tax planning it helps you see how much you can help your family now and in the future.

The Visual ForecastTM is provided as part of Fort Financial Planning’s Comprehensive Financial Planning service and if you are interested in finding out more, please contact us on 01935 813322.

THE INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT)

By Jimmy Flynn, Milborne Port Computers

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I thought it was about time we had a look at this to help you, humble reader, to better understand how it affects you in today’s world. The IoT is a term used to describe the network of internet connected devices that can communicate with you, each other, and their maker with, or without, human intervention. For example: Your new printer can order its own ink to be delivered to your house in time for you to need it without you even being aware of it. There are huge benefits to be had for both the manufacturer and end user from this type of communication.

hot or cold, to make your house more efficient and help you save on heating and lighting bills.

For you this means that you don’t run out of ink; it just gets delivered before you run out. More usefully though, your car can remind you that it needs servicing, fuel, water etc. without you having to check it every Saturday morning.

There are smart systems of home heating & lighting controls that you can manage remotely from your mobile phone. The System learns your family’s routines and will automatically adjust the temperature based on when you’re home or away, awake or asleep,

From a business point of view, IoT not only helps with market research and product design by getting automatic feedback from the devices as they are used, but also in the logistics of running the business.

There are smart sockets and smart bulbs for you to control remotely, there are alarm and CCTV systems, there are health monitoring & fitness tracking systems, and movement sensors to track activity, enable medication reminders, and send out alerts for things like missed meals or decreased physical activity. IoT products like the “Lively” system are helping more seniors live independent lives, instead of requiring in-patient or assistive care.

For example, DHL provides shipping, warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management all over the world, and they use IoT technology that includes vehicle monitoring and maintenance, real-time tracking

of packages, environmental sensors in shipping containers, information-gathering on employees and tools, and many safety-enhancing features for vehicles and people. Remote monitoring and access to the equipment used in manufacturing could greatly improve efficiency, allow issues to be resolved more quickly, and, in the end, result in production being increased.

field, and connecting everyday devices to the internet can be hard to wrap your head around at times.

But with the technologies above, and the others coming along every day, the world is moving toward a future where devices are smarter, we’re more in control, and we’ll be able to use technology to live more efficient, intelligent lives.

Now it could be that making a cup of tea from your mobile phone so that it’s ready when you get home from walking the dog, is not really important for you, but imagine the benefit if you were incapacitated or permanently disabled! The Internet of Things is a fascinating

As always, if you need help with this or any other related technology, you know where to come!

Coming Up Next Month …

Antivirus & Internet Security (Revisited by popular demand).

PET HEALTH

FLEAS! FLEAS! FLEAS!

By Peter Luscombe BVSc GPCert(Derm) MRCVS, Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgeons It’s the middle of winter, so why do I want to write about fleas again? Surely fleas are a summer-time problem? Absolutely not!

At this time of year vets expect to see an increase in flea problems again in the winter, and certainly this year is no exception.

Over the last month, I have seen many more itchy cats and dogs with significant flea infestations, and I expect this number to increase into January. In many cases owners do not identify the problem because they are not expecting it, and itchy animals groom themselves excessively and remove a lot of the evidence.

After feeding, a female flea can lay 40-50 eggs per day, which fall off the animal into the environment: pet bedding, carpets and even their owner’s beds. This means that even relatively small numbers of fleas can lead to a build-up of large numbers of eggs and larvae in our homes which develop into pupae waiting to re-infest our pets. Under ideal conditions (for the flea), the life cycle

HISTORY

142 Preston Road, Yeovil Somerset BA20 2EE Lower Acreman Street Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3EX www.newtonclarkevet.com

can be completed in under two weeks.

However, the pupae can remain dormant for several months waiting to hatch and re-infest a cat or dog, and if hungry they are quite happy to bite humans as well.

If flea control has not been 100% through the summer and autumn, our homes can become infested with flea pupae waiting for the right conditions to hatch. In modern homes, when we turn on our central heating and close our double glazed windows we create the perfect climate for the flea to complete its life cycle and start laying more eggs which can complete another life cycle in a matter of days, and the problem accelerates.

Most owners blame other animals or visitors for an outbreak of fleas. It is more likely to reflect a failure in flea control in the previous months. This might be by selecting poor quality or inappropriate products, under dosing or applying them incorrectly or not applying them frequently enough; we all know how easy it is to forget these things.

Although one missed or late dose might not seem to make a difference it can lead to problems many weeks later.

Once your pet has a problem it is important to get advice on good quality flea control products suitable for your pet and to plan effective treatment of the pet’s bedding, carpets and furniture to control the source of the fleas. Remember adult fleas on the pet are only a small proportion of the whole flea population.

Last month Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgeons launched our Pet Health Plan for dogs and cats, which includes your pet’s preventative healthcare medications; vaccinations, flea, tick and comprehensive worm control as well as consultations. Many clients find these schemes an excellent way to budget and plan for parasite control using quality product and regularity of supply including reminders and professional advice readily available. Please contact us if you would like more details.

MAXEY AND THE RED LION IN MARSTON MAGNA

By Barry Brock

The earliest reference to the Red Lion I can find is an 1857 newspaper advertisement.

The next is when Simeon Salmon is named as innkeeper in the 1861 census; but it is possible that Thomas Boot was innkeeper before him, as he is identified as a ‘Beer Retailer’ in an 1859 Directory, although his beer house is not named.

Simeon married Maximelia Warren in 1860, when she was a young girl of eighteen years. The daughter of local farmer, John Warren, Maxey seemed to make life difficult for Simeon, as in November 1862, he was forced to publish the following advertisement in local newspapers: This is to give notice that I, Simeon Salmon will not be answerable for any debts whatever contracted by my wife, Maximelia, after this date.

What had she done? Had she run away?

We shall never know, but life at the Red Lion did seem to settle down eventually, as the Salmons had four children before Maxey’s early death in 1871. The newspaper notice of Maxey’s death also records that her younger sister, Julia, died only eighteen days later: a harsh blow for John Warren, their father.

Simeon was to remarry, but then, in February 1887, the Red Lion was ravaged by fire: Marston Magna - Fire - About four o’clock on Wednesday morning, the inhabitants of Marston were aroused by cries of fire, and it was soon found that the Red Lion Inn was burning rapidly.

The fire took such a hold that the inn was destroyed and had to be rebuilt. Later that year, Simeon handed over to his younger brother, David Charles Salmon. Between them, Simeon and his brother ran the Red Lion for more than fifty years. Almost twenty years after the fire, in April 1890, the Red Lion was purchased by Sherborne brewers, the Woolmington Brothers, to become part of their brewery estate.

And what of the pub’s name? The symbol of the lion is borrowed from chivalric heraldry, and the red lion is associated with John of Gaunt - its use as an inn sign was first recorded in 1637. But there seems to be no heraldic connection between the lion gules and Marston Magna, so the inn’s name is likely to have been chosen for its popularity - second only to The Crown in inn names.

The inn is closed now, and the building we see is not the one known by Maxey Salmon. There is a link with Maxey though, which makes her memory a warm one. Her mother, also Maxey, was the daughter of Jonas Down, sometime innkeeper of the Wellington Inn in Sherborne. My house in Long Street is built on the site of Maxey’s grandfather’s inn.

With my thanks to Malcolm Balmer, for permission to use the photograph of the Red Lion, taken from his Dorset Camera website: http://www.dorsetcamera.co.uk/ index.html 25

LIFESTYLE

INSPIRATIONS FOR THE CURIOUS SHOPPER

By Dawn Woodward, The Emporium, Yeovil

We can’t believe it’s been a little over four years since we first opened our front door and launched Waterloo Music! We turned a neglected, empty old shop into a beautiful hub for musicians, filled with a stunning range of instruments, teaching studios and all sorts of essential bits and bobs that keep customers coming back.

Welcome to our first column of 2020 and let me start by wishing all of our readers a very Happy New Year.

more dates planned forIt’s 2020 including six promote the importance supporting the some 2019 wascould an outstanding for us at Thewe’d meet Neither we have year imagined that so many amazing of people and had really great times. certainly been dates planned in conjunction with Bearcat small businesses onworld. the high street. You Emporium in Yeovil, our mix of traders and have an enjoyable adventure that we wouldn’t missed for the Collective for Secret Suppers, the first of might have seen our video, which we made the commitment they show to running So are, at the ripeour oldjob age with a ‘sister’ shop in and Tauntonwhich calledis Bath Place Music, stockingof on 9 January.

In celebration alongold, withnow several neighbouring shops theirhere ownwe businesses makes so of four years fabulous brands, an established team of talented staff and having justmedia? completed of our Yeovil based store. Here you’ll Veganuary, our Chef has planned another is widely available on social We a refresh rewarding! of his five course join us on show ‘Where shop we departments findtried ourto amazing guitaryou and folkmatters’ instrument are allvegan now dinners; on our ground evening 16 our January for thisdrum wonderful certainly lot of fun making it! IfOn youthe firstthe floor along had witha our repairs centre. floor you’ll of find specialist vegan feast.

Phone 01935 411378 or in contact missed it, find it on our Instagram account. department, music books and our teaching rooms. There’s so much to see, call and us via our website to book.

Our café is a take a lookthinking at our new lay-out, have a chat with our friendly staff, all musicians If you’re alongstore the same lines, great place to meet, eat and relax, come themselves, theyto can all your please be sure visithelp us and our 75playing local, related queries as well as accessories, and see us soon! repairs and teaching. independent businesses housed in The If you’d like to join us as a trader, the Emporium. Shopping doesn’t get more Waterloo can be so found at pop 16 Hendford, Yeovil, 1TE.time Tel 01935 new yearBA20 is a great to start 507330 a new or local or Music independent, please in and visit: www.waterloomusic.co.uk FB/waterloomusic venture. Talk to us about the retail units we show our traders some love. Our Winter have available and how we can help you Sale runs throughout January - come and launch or grow your own business in 2020. take a peek! It’s fabulous. Each week we celebrate by featuring a ‘Trader of the Week’ We’d love to meet you and hear about your business plans. Contact us to discuss at The Emporium - see our photographs, all available options on 01935 411378 and let’s very deserving traders! get you trading in the heart of the town We enjoyed some incredible highlights centre in Yeovil.

Our customers have been so supportive during the last weeks of 2019; so many over the last year. Thank you for supporting The Emporium, 39 Princes Street, Yeovil, Christmas parties in our café, live music independent businesses and shopping BA201EG. events including our sold out evening locally. with Black River Sinners and Fiddleback Tel 01935 411378 live, it’s been a wonderful end to the year.

We love to promote shopping locally and We’re pleased to say that we have many had great fun recently making a video to www.theemporiumyeovil.co.uk

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LIFESTYLE

New Year Detox At The Seed Hub!

By Lynne Franks, OBE., Women’s Empowerment Guru, Author and Owner of the SEED Café and SEED Wellbeing Hub in Wincanton.

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his January, in Chinese astrology which I am a great believer in, we see the start of the Year of the Rat, my very own sign, which identifies me and the other Rats as quick-witted, resourceful and smart with strong intuition and quick responses.

I am a huge believer in the wisdom of all Chinese wellbeing practices including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is based on the body’s vital energy (chi) circulating through channels or meridians, which are connected to our body’s organs and functions.

The practice of TCM, which includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage and exercises like Tai Chi, also promotes a nutritional balance of healing, seasonal food. And there is no better time to follow a TCM eating plan than during a start-of-the year detox.

Chinese Medicine is a Pandora’s Box when it comes to sharing ancient wisdom based on simply observing and following nature’s patterns.

Alongside the practical knowledge of TCM, Chinese Astrology is believed to give valuable insights on how to best use tendencies and possibilities for the coming year and in Asia, all business and personal decisions are based on your astrological chart.

The Chinese have proved that a long-lasting life full of energy and good health is based on two things – how we nourish ourselves and how to detox accordingly.

Detoxification is one of the body’s most essential functions and for centuries has been part of a regular aspect of many traditions and religions such as Lent, Panchakarma, Yom Kippur and Ramadan.

The Chinese believe that early

Spring is the best time for a detox following Winter, when we store, preserve and hibernate. Spring is the time for new beginnings, fresh energies and the time to let go of what we do not need to hold onto anymore. Anything that doesn’t serve us – whether physical, emotional or mental.

I have been working with TCM nutritionist Ursula Peer for many years and I know that when I eat her food and follow her advice, I have more energy, mentally and physically.

Which is why I am thrilled that she will be joining me at the SEED Café in Wincanton this January from her home in Mallorca when we will be jointly presenting a very special 2020 detox weekend retreat.

Ursula will be delivering carefully researched Chinese astrological tips for the year alongside delicious detox meals and how to make them. And I will be working on how to clear out what no longer serves you emotionally and practically, creating the time and space to bring in all the new projects and abundance for 2020.

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2020 by joining Lynne and Ursula Peer at their annual TCM Detox workshop at The SEED Hub in Wincanton Friday, January 24th and Saturday 25th. There will also be stand-alone delicious detox dinners at The SEED Café on Friday and Saturday nights. Details for booking at www.hubatno3.com 27

VISUAL ART

Until Saturday 21 December from 9.30pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre, the popular Christmas Collection returns with an enticing exhibition of seasonal gift ideas from local artisans - everything from jewellery to ceramics, textiles to toys, decorative art to home accessories.

Enjoy stress-free Christmas shopping Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm and Saturday from 9.30am to 2.30pm. With free entry, free parking and the Arts Centre’s Gallery Café for a light lunch and a freshly brewed Fairtrade cuppa, Christmas shopping does not get better, or more local, than this! www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Until Tuesday 24 December from 10.00am to 5.00pm at ACEArts, Old Town Hall, Market Place, Somerton, is ACEArts’ final exhibition of 2019. It is highly topical, as it explores the subject of wastage in the earth’s natural resources. ‘Wasted’ is brought to Somerton by the South West Textile Group.

This group consists of about 35 textile artists who work in a wide range of textile art forms including tapestry weaving, hand and machine embroidery, patchwork, felt making, paper forms, metal and wire work, photography, ceramics, mixed media and installation work. For more information, phone ACEArts on 01458 273008, email aceartssomerset@icloud.com or visit their Facebook page.

From Thursday 2 to Saturday 25 January at Ilminster Arts Centre, eight prize-winning artists return to take part in a special group exhibition celebrating their success in last year’s Ilminster Open Competition. Featured artists include Elaine Dixon, John Davey, Sam Dodd, Nicky

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Clarke, Michael Tarr, Philip Dudman, Chris Dunseath and Nancy Farmer. Gallery is open from Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm, and Saturday 9.30am to 2.30pm. Admission free. For more information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

From Monday 27 January to Saturday 15 February at Ilminster Arts Centre, a ‘Glorious Gallimaufry’ brings together a truly exhilarating group of artists. This new exhibition of paintings, photography and sculptures promises to be a real crowdpleaser, with something for everyone to enjoy in this celebration of the joy and fulfilment that art brings.

Featured artists include Mark Beesley, Vanessa Worrall, Peter Carter, Keith Reeves, Aarron Ferns, Jamie Condon, Judy May, Ann Jarrett and Rod West. Gallery is open from Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm, and Saturday 9.30am to 2.30pm. Admission free. For more information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

MUSIC

On Thursday 19 December at 7.30pm at The Prince of Wales, Ham Hill, there is the annual Midwinter Solstice Night of Dance.

Be entertained by five Morris teams and join the lively music session in the pub after the dancing. For further information, phone 01935 822848 or visit www. princeofwaleshamhill.co.uk.

On Friday 20 December at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Mark Daniels as Ultimate Bublé performs the biggest hits of Michael Bublé in this stunning tribute show featuring his live band. This special Christmas edition features a light dusting of festive tunes from Bublé’s renowned 2011 album ‘Christmas’, along with all of the favourites that one would expect to hear. The show’s incredible big band sound, along with Mark’s mesmerising likeness to the modern-day Canadian crooner, will appeal to fans of traditional Big Band music and Michael Bublé alike.

Expect laughter, great humour and admirable camaraderie

By Rachel Mowbray

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between Mark and his band.

A perfect indulgent Christmas treat - experience the best Big Band night of the year! Tickets £18. Box office 01258 475137.

On Friday 20 December at 7.45pm at the Henhayes Centre, Crewkerne, celebrate Christmas with mulled wine, mince pies and Crewkerne’s friendly brass band. Phoenix Brass Band will perform a host of Christmas favourites - this is one not to be missed! Only £12.50. Bar opens at 7.00pm.

Concert starts at 7.45pm.

Booking required. For tickets, please phone 01460 74340.

On Friday 20 December at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, the duo Belshazzar’s Feast perform their Christmas-themed show; a mix of traditional Folk music, seasonal material, their usual touch of Classical and Jazz with a bit of Pop and Music Hall, all topped off with lashings of wry humour. Together, Paul Sartin (of Bellowhead and Faustus) and Paul Hutchinson (of Hoover The Dog) wow audiences across the UK with their eclectic and eccentric mix of tunes and chat, that always sends the audience

home smiling. Tickets £16, concessions £15. To book, phone 01460 240340, email boxoffice@thedavidhall.org. uk or visit www.thedavidhall. org.uk.

On Friday 20 December at 9.30pm at Castle Cary’s Methodist Church, Castle Cary Choir presents its Christmas Concert. Free entry.

On Saturday 21 December at 7.30pm at Limington Parish Church, near Yeovil, The Stanchester Quire will perform their Christmas Carol Concert ‘We Singers Make Bold’. Admission £8, payable on the door.

On Tuesday 31 December at 7.30pm at the George Albert Hotel and Spa, Evershot, see in the New Year with the

Jersey Boys Tribute Night.

The event includes DJ/Disco, a three-course meal and an arrival glass of bubbly with canapés. Price £65 per head.

For more information, contact 01935 483430 or events@ gahotel.co.uk.

On Tuesday 31 December at 8.15pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, join in the New Year’s Eve Celebration Ceilidh with Jigs for Gigs.

Bring in 2020 in style with music and dance. Tickets £17 includes a light supper.

Booking essential by Friday 20 December. No tickets available on the night. To book, phone 01460 240340, email boxoffice@thedavidhall. org.uk or visit www. thedavidhall.org.uk.

On Sunday 5 January at 4.00pm and at 5.30pm at Lower Cockhill Farm, Castle Cary, mother and son duo, Clare and Faelan Sydenham, will perform two short concerts in the former medieval hall. Each performance will last about 45 minutes. They will play music from the 13th to 18th centuries through the family of recorders, voice, percussion and keyboard with ancient battle tunes from 15th Century France, English lute songs, music from the Venetian and Dutch Renaissance to the florid sonatas of the German and Italian Baroque. Advance booking is essential – there will be no tickets on the door. Tickets £10 from

Bailey Hill Bookshop, Castle Cary. Refreshments will be provided, and donations invited. Any profits go to the Cary History Society.

On Thursday 9 January at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, seasoned erudite entertainers Paul Jones and Dave Kelly return with guitar, harmonica, two authentic thrilling Blues voices and an envious repertoire of songs including reminiscences most musicians can only dream of. Tickets £24, no concessions. Book early, as tickets sell out quickly. To book, phone 01460 240340, email boxoffice@thedavidhall. org.uk or visit www. thedavidhall.org.uk.

LIVE PERFORMANCES JAZZ *CLASSICAL* FOLK ART EXHIBITIONS * ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS LICENSED CAFÉ * CRAFTS SHOP VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

www.themeetinghouse.org.uk Box Office 01460 54973 East Street, llminster TA19 0AN Registered Charity 1117698

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On Saturday 11 January at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, the 11-piece Pasadena Roof Orchestra play the best mix of swing and hot dance music, faithfully re-creating the glories of popular music from the 1920s and 1930s.

Presenting the show, and putting on the top hat, white tie and tails, is the suave singer and band leader Duncan Galloway.

So pack up your troubles, come on get happy, and experience an evening of superlative live music, with more than a dash of wit and humour. Tickets £20.00. Box office 01258 475137.

On Monday 13 January at 6.30pm at the Tindall Recital Hall, Sherborne School, there is ‘The Other Guys Acapella’ ensemble. Free concert.

On Friday 10 January at 1.45pm in Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, there is a Soloists’ Lunchtime Recital.

Free admission - all welcome.

On Friday 10 January at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, there is an evening with Jaki Graham. Jaki is one of the most appealing Soul entertainers to emerge from the UK. She achieved international success with a string of hits from 1985 including Could it Be I’m Falling In Love?, Round and Around, Set Me Free, Step Right Up and Breaking Away, also making the Music Guinness Book of Records in the 80s as the first black British female solo artist to have six consecutive Top 10/20 hits. Her career excelled in the 90s with her album ‘Real Life’ selling more than 800,000 copies in less than four weeks. Her cover of ‘Ain’t Nobody’ reached No 1 in the US Billboard Dance charts for five weeks as well as achieving gold in Australia, Japan and the USA. Tickets £17.50. Box office 01258 475137.

On Friday 10 January at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, enjoy an evening of 30

jazz with acclaimed trumpeter John Shillito and his Riviera Ramblers. This is a traditional band with a style that reflects the ‘Hot Club’ feel, which is just the ticket for a cold winter evening. Much of the repertoire originates from the Swing era of the 1930s and 40s in which the front line brass and reeds move along harmoniously and energetically on a pulsating rhythm section. Band members, John Shillito, Zoe Lambeth, Bob Martin, John Whitlock, Dale Whitlock and Pete Furnish, craft their free-and-easy melodic and rhythmic music with care and warmth, all the time sharing fun with the audience. Tickets: Concert £16; Pre-show supper £15 (supper is at 7.00pm and must be pre-booked at least 2 days before the concert). Box Office 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

On Saturday 11 January at 7.30pm at The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, come to a Night of Take That.

This charity event is in aid of the Hidden Needs Trust, supporting special educational needs children in Dorset and Somerset.

Tickets £21, now on sale from the theatre box office (01935 422884).

On Friday 17 January at 1.45pm in Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, there is a Singers’ Lunchtime Recital.

Free admission - all welcome.

On Friday 17 January from 5.30pm to 9.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, Richard Huish College students will provide an evening of quality, upbeat entertainment from a range of student performers going solo or teaming up as a band.

Tickets include a snack, and more will be available to buy.

Upcoming performers with well-known songs ranging from pop to funk and folk will be performing. Come along for food and live music to support the future artists.

Tickets £6, under 12s £3, accompanied children under 5 free. To book, phone 01460 240340, email boxoffice@ thedavidhall.org.uk or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk.

On Friday 17 January at 7.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, Concerts in the West’s 15th season starts with an impressive line-up of three classical music stars who are joining forces for a special fundraising mini-tour.

Andrew Marriner (clarinet), Alasdair Beatson (piano) and Michael Petrov (cello) will play Beethoven, Fauré, Schumann and Brahms. Tickets £15. Box Office 01460 54973 or visit www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

On Saturday 18 January at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, AEP presents ‘Cloudbusting - The Music of Kate Bush’, Running Up That Hill, Wuthering Heights, Babooshka and many more!

Cloudbusting performs this astonishing music with emotional detail and stimulating visuals. The five-piece band has gained critical acclaim not only from audiences around the country but also radio, press and even Kate Bush’s own musicians and collaborators.

Tickets £19.50, under 18s and senior citizens £18.50.

Box office 01258 475137.

On Saturday 18 January at 7.30pm at The Dance House, Crewkerne, Concerts in the West’s 15th season starts with an impressive line-up of three classical music stars who are joining forces for a special fundraising mini-tour.

Andrew Marriner (clarinet), Alasdair Beatson (piano) and Michael Petrov (cello) will play Beethoven, Fauré, Schumann and Brahms. Tickets £15, concessions for students and children, unreserved seating.

For advance bookings email concertsinthewest@gmail.com or book at https://helmtickets. com/, or buy from Crewkerne Town Hall’s Local Information Office or on the night from 6.45pm. No disable access.

On Thursday 23 January at 6.30pm at the Tindall Recital Hall, Sherborne School, there is a Visiting Artists’ Recital featuring the ‘Dave Newton Trio’. Tickets £10 from Sherborne School Reception 01935 812249 or tickets@ sherborne.org.

On Friday 24 January at 1.45pm in Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, there is a Woodwind Lunchtime Recital.

Free admission - all welcome.

On Friday 24 January at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, enjoy Three of the Very Best - three of the bestknown award winning names on the British jazz scene will appear in what is being billed as one of the top gigs ever to be held at the centre. For this very special evening of easy-going mainstream/

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www.sherborneartslink.org.uk

Creative Art New for 2020

Watercolour course Felted Vessel, Wire Sculpture, Linocut workshops

Booking now

visit website for details

Free weekly groups:

Parkinson’s Dance, Art for Memory, Art for Parents

01935 815899

Charity no.1007680 Company no.24714382 Funded by Dorset Council and National Lottery Community Fund

modern jazz, trumpeter Ben Cummings, saxophonist Martin Dale and guitarist Dominic Ashworth join the Craig Milverton Trio. Tickets: Concert £20; Pre-show supper £15 (supper is at 7.00pm and must be pre-booked at least 2 days before the concert). Box Office 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

On Saturday 25 January at 7.30pm at Long Sutton Village Hall, join the Somerton Concert Band for its annual New Year’s Concert.

Tickets £7, children free!

Refreshments in cost of ticket.

Doors open 7.00pm.

On Saturday 25 January at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, The James Taylor Quartet (JTQ) will take to the stage lead

by Hammond organ-guru, James Taylor. For more than 25 years, JTQ have set the standard for the coolest sounds in funky acid jazz. On dozens of critically acclaimed albums and at their legendary live shows both at home and around the world, they have quietly become a byword for distinguished British creativity.

In addition to his work with JTQ, James has collaborated with the likes of U2, The Wonderstuff, Manic Street Preachers, The Pogues, as well as with Tom Jones on the multi-platinum album Reload.

JTQ are perhaps best-known and best-loved for their unrivalled live performances.

Tickets £19.00/£18.00. Box office 01258 475137.

On Saturday 25 January at 7.30pm at Chetnole Village Hall, there will be an evening of ‘choro’ music; a rich and

uplifting style of instrumental music from Rio de Janeiro.

Alvorada, UK’s leading performers of this style, unites top musicians from London and Brazil, whose diverse backgrounds - including jazz, classical and Brazilian music - lend the group a unique edge. Their debut album, First Light, released in May 2019, contains choro classics and original works, revisiting the genre with influences from the UK. Tickets £10, under 18s £8. To book, phone 07966 177789. For more information, visit www. artsreach.co.uk.

On Saturday 25 January at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, Steve Knightley is back with his new show ‘Pass Notes - The stories behind the songs’.

Following the success of last year’s intimate one-man show, Steve’s latest outing is intended for anyone fascinated by the art and craft of song writing. Exploring his extensive back catalogue and introducing unheard new material, he explores the themes and stories that inspire him. He shows how lyrics, chords and notes can meld to create songs that acquire a life of their own.

Tickets £19, no concessions.

To book, phone 01460 240340, email boxoffice@ thedavidhall.org.uk or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk.

On Thursday 30 January at 7.30pm in Sherborne School Chapel, there is a Winter Organ Recital. Free entry.

On Friday 31 January at 1.45pm in Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, there is a

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Soloists’ Lunchtime Recital II. Free admission - all welcome.

On Friday 31 January at 7.30pm at Evershot Village Hall, listen to the fabulous Devon-based The Neil Maya Quartet - The Brubeck Project playing the cool sounds of one of the greatest jazz bands ever, the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Performing such classics as Blue Rondo A la Turk, Unsquare Dance and of course Take Five, the band will take the audience back to 1959, a golden year for jazz. Neil Maya on saxophone delivers quality accessible music, with a light skilful touch and an air of frivolity. He is joined by some of the most exciting jazz musicians working in the South West today. Listen out in the first half for the band’s original compositions and other standards and then all the Brubeck favourites in the second half. Tickets £9, under 18s £6. To book, phone 07867 536754. For more information, visit www. artsreach.co.uk.

On Friday 31 January at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, join compere and local folk star Jemima Farey and the rest of her family - mum, dad and her three sisters - for this unique concert. Well-known locally as ‘The Farey Family’, together they comprise an extremely practiced sextet of close harmony singers who have delighted audiences across the South West for the last twelve years or more. Jemima will also perform a few solo songs her uncomplicated delicate guitar work provides the

/TheConduitMag

perfect accompaniment for her strong and mesmerising voice. Also featured is BBC2 Young Folk Award Nominee Jack Cookson. Jack, a Devonbased singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music producer, combines dry and visceral word play with intricate finger-style guitar arrangements in a unique way. Tickets £10.

Café and bar open. Box Office 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

PERFORMANCE On Friday 10 January at 7.30pm at Frampton Village Hall, the intrepid string quartet Bowjangles present their most magical show so far, Excalibow, a theatrical, musical journey through myths, folklore, legends and through a portal in a cello case in the quest to find the most priceless relic of all - a magical violin bow known as Excalibow. Expect tales of monsters, ancient gods, historical figures and characters of pure fantasy in this action packed show, all presented in Bowjangles’ own inimitable and unique style. They dance, sing, leap, tumble, juggle and joke whilst they play. May contain traces of ABBA! Tickets £10, under 18s £6. To book, phone 07968 586906. For more information, visit www. artsreach.co.uk.

On Thursday 16 and Friday 17 January at 7.30pm and on Saturday 18 January at 2.00pm and 7.30pm at Charlton Horethorne Village Hall, CHAPS presents the pantomime ‘Robin

@conduitmag

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Hood’. Licensed bar and refreshments. Tickets available from The Village Shop, Charlton Horethorne (01963 220236), chapspantomime@ gmail.com or 01963 220750.

Ticket prices for Thursday: adult £6.00, child £2.00, family £14.00. Ticket prices for Friday and Saturday: adult £7.00, child 3.00, family £17.00.

On Friday 17 January at 7.30pm at Melbury Osmond Village Hall, come and see James Rowland in ‘Revelations’! A few years ago, James’ best friends, Sarah and Emma, asked for his sperm to start a family. An epic story about friendship, faith, life, death, foxes, snow buddies, and trying to do the right thing even when it involves taking all your clothes off. From one of the UK’s most acclaimed storytellers, James Rowland’s Revelations combines story, comedy and song - accompanied by James’ own music - live on stage. This is a follow-up to his multi-award-winning shows

Team Viking and A Hundred Different Words for Love, both of which have toured with Artsreach. Tickets £9, under 18s £6, family £25. To book, phone 01935 83453. For more information, visit www. artsreach.co.uk.

From Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 January at 7.30pm at The Davis Hall, West Camel, The Little Barn Theatre Group presents a pantomime favourite ‘Dick Whittington’. There is also a matinée on Saturday 25 January at 2.30pm. Tickets £7, family £20. For more information, contact Sue Agland on 01935 850302 or at sueagland@googlemail. com.

CHILDREN

On Friday 20 December from 9.30am to 10.00am at Castle Cary Library, bring the little ones for stories, rhymes and songs, and then stay on to help them choose books to borrow (including board books, touchy

The Rising Sun Chinese takeaway offer delicious traditional Chinese cuisine freshly cooked to order for collection or delivery*. Using the very finest ingredients and setting the highest of standards. Please visit our website for our full menu.

We look forward to seeing you. * Conditions apply for delivery service

Monday – Thursday 5.00 pm – 10.00 pm Tuesday CLOSED Friday – Saturday 5.00 pm – 10.30 pm Sunday 5.30 pm – 10.00 pm

61 Princes Street, Yeovil, BA20 1EE • Tel. 01935 476184 www.therisingsunyeovil.co.uk 32

feely books, large picture books, etc). Free entry.

On Friday 20 December from 5.30pm to 8.30pm around Coldharbour, Sherborne, see Santa on his Sleigh.

Organised by Blackmore Vale Lions. Donations for charity welcomed.

On Saturday 21 December from 8.30am to 3.30pm outside Waitrose, Sherborne, see Santa on his Sleigh.

Organised by Blackmore Vale Lions. Donations for charity welcomed.

On Monday 23 December from 10.30am to 11.00am in Sherborne Library, come and enjoy a Festive Storytime.

Listen to your favourite joyful stories and join in with a minicraft. Suitable for ages 2 to 8 years. For more information, please call 01935 812683.

On Monday 23 December at 11.00am and at 2.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, come and see Santa’s Elves & The Shoemaker

by CBBC TV Writer and children’s author, Ian Billings.

With just three days left before Christmas, Mr. Klopp, the penniless shoemaker, has only enough leather left to make one pair of shoes, so sets the leather aside to be completed the next morning. That night two cheeky elves, Bip and Bop, make the leather into a splendid pair of shoes. Find out what happens to Mr Klopp and the shoes! With some Christmas Magic, Santa saves the workshop, and he rewards the boys and girls for their help, with an exciting early Christmas present. This show features original songs and energetic choreography, audience

participation and gifts for all the children. Recommended age 2+. Tickets £12. Box Office 01935 422884.

On Monday 23 December from 6.00pm to 11.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, bring the family together this Christmas for this popular Christmas Family Disco, a fantastic party suitable for all ages. Tickets £5, under 2s free. Box Office 01935 422884.

On Monday 23 December at 4.00pm and on Tuesday 24 December at 11.00am at The Davis Hall, West Camel, Sam Bradshaw presents the musical ‘Santa’s New Sleigh’.

Sprocket and Dibs have a problem! Christmas is fast approaching and Santa’s Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will they be able to create a new sleigh in time or will Christmas be cancelled?

With audience participation, sing-alongs and a present from Santa for every child, it promises to be the perfect festive treat. Get a photo with Santa himself! Ideal for pre-school and children up to 8 years. Running time 50 minutes. Tickets £10 from box office 0 333 666 3366 or www.ticketsource.co.uk/sambradshaw-productions.

On Monday 23 December from 11.00am to 3.00pm at Barrington Court, near Ilminster, spend time with Father Christmas. Tickets 9.50 per child to include an individual audience with Father Christmas and quality gift for each child who books in to see him. For details, phone 01460 241938.

On Sunday 19 January at

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2.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, there is a gig for little people and their grown-ups! Rock The Tots presents a fun and fabulous music event for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, and their adults. Well-known pop and rock covers, performed by a live guitarist with puppets, percussion and stories included. Sit, stand, dance... just have fun! An afternoon gig for all the family. Tickets £6. To book, phone 01460 240340, email boxoffice@ thedavidhall.org.uk or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk.

On Friday 24 January at 7.30pm at Buckland Newton Village Hall, Spitz & Co presents ‘Les Gloriables’.

Following on from the success of ‘Gloriator’ and ‘Glorilla’, the award-winning Spitz & Co is proud to present the third and final show of the trilogy ‘Les Gloriables’. Inspired by Victor Hugo’s classic French novel ‘Les Miserables’, legendary French actress Gloria Delaneuf is determined to create a piece of theatre with the

power to reunite Europe. She has dreamed a dream and her UK tour manager Josephine Cunningham is going to help her make it happen. Vive La Revolution! Tickets £9, under 18s £6, family £25. To book, phone 01300 345455. For more information, visit www. artsreach.co.uk.

On Saturday 25 January at 2.30pm at Cerne Abbas Village Hall, Protein Dance presents ‘The Little Prince’.

The incredible story of The Little Prince is retold by a pilot stranded in the desert.

Hear how he leaves behind his tiny asteroid and beloved rose, and journeys through the universe to the baffling world of grown-ups! Who’s ever heard of a king who reigns over nothing? Or a businessman, obsessively counting stars? Upon landing on planet Earth, the Little Prince is welcomed by a mysterious snake and a truly wise fox before encountering the lone pilot. Together they discover the power of friendship and the complexity

of love. Brought to life using Protein’s award-winning mix of dance, humour and spoken word, this new show invites the audience to reconnect with their inner child. Tickets £6, under 18s £5, family £20. To book, phone 07823 778758. For more information, visit www. artsreach.co.uk.

On Saturday 25 January at 7.30pm at Drimpton Village Hall, Spitz & Co presents ‘Les Gloriables’. Following on from the success of ‘Gloriator’ and ‘Glorilla’, the award-winning Spitz & Co is proud to present the third and final show of the trilogy ‘Les Gloriables’.

Inspired by Victor Hugo’s classic French novel ‘Les Miserables’, legendary French actress Gloria Delaneuf is determined to create a piece of theatre with the power to reunite Europe. She has dreamed a dream and her UK tour manager Josephine Cunningham is going to help her make it happen. Vive La Revolution! Tickets £9, under 18s £6, family £25. To book,

phone 01308 867241. For more information, visit www. artsreach.co.uk.

OTHER

On Saturday 21 December at 8.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there’s chance to party with fabulous live performances from The Best Of WHAM! Dance the night away to all the best 80s hits from the resident DJ. Last year’s event sold out, so be quick to get tickets for this themed party night. This is a standing gig.

Over 18s only. Advance tickets £18, on the day £20.

Box Office 01935 422884.

On Sunday 19 January from 7.30pm to 11.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, it is the monthly Acoustic Night. All styles and forms of performance welcome – not just music. To secure a performance slot, email folk@chriswatts.org. Just £1 for performers and £2 for audience. Please pay on the door.

33

MOVIES

MOVIES BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12A) The is the story of Javed, a British teen of Pakistani descent, growing up in Luton in 1987, who learns to live his life, understand his family and find his own voice through the music of American rock star Bruce Springsteen. A nostalgic musical comedy. Gurinder Chadha’s best movie since ‘Bend it like Beckham’!

SHOWING AT Ditcheat on Thursday 16 January, Jubilee Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5. For information: Geoff Webber 01749 860184.

South Petherton on Friday 10 January, The David Hall, 8.00pm. Tickets £5.

DOWNTON ABBEY (PG)

The television series Downton Abbey followed the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who worked for them at the turn of the 20th century in an Edwardian English country house. Over its 6 seasons, the series garnered 3 Golden Globe Awards, 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, 69 Emmy nominations in total, making Downton Abbey the most nominated non-US television show in the history of the Emmys - even earning a Special BAFTA award and a Guinness World Record for the highest critically rated TV show along the way.

SHOWING AT Castle Cary on Tuesday 28 January, Caryford Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance from The Market House and from Tessa Gayford on 01963 350132 or £6 on the door.

West Camel on Friday 31 January, The Davis Hall, 7.30pm. Admission £5 on the door.

JUDY12a

Wednesday 8 January 7.30pm

Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne DT9 3AA Tickets £6 in advance from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre 01935 815341 or on the door if available

www.sherborneartslink.org.uk

Charity no 1007680 Company no 2471382

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JUDY (12A)

Legendary performer Judy Garland (Renée Zellweger) arrives in London in the winter of 1968 to perform a series of sold-out concerts. It’s 30 years since she shot to global stardom in ‘The Wizard of Oz’, but if her voice has weakened, its dramatic intensity has only grown.

SHOWING AT Sherborne on Wednesday 8 January, Digby Hall, 7.30pm.

Tickets £6. In advance from TIC 01935 815341 or on the door if available.

South Petherton on Friday 24 January, The David Hall, 8.00pm. Tickets £5.

Yetminster on Tuesday 7 January, Jubilee Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6, from the Spar Shop.

KNIVES OUT (12A)

When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan’s dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan’s untimely death. A great whodunit that’s unpredictable and extremely funny.

SHOWING AT Halstock on Saturday 18 January, Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Tickets £6 from Halstock Shop or on the door. Contact 01935 892485.

Milborne Port on Friday 17 January, Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Tickets £5 in advance from Wayne the Butcher from 7 October or £5.50 on the door.

South Petherton on Friday 31 January, The David Hall, 8.00pm. Tickets £5.

AROUND THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES NAE PASARAN (12A)

In a Scottish town in 1974, factory workers refuse to carry out repairs on warplane engines in an act of solidarity against the violent military coup in Chile. Four years pass before the engines, left to rust in factory yard, mysteriously disappear in the middle of the night. A story of corruption, horror and brutality offset by the actions of a few good men. A powerful and thoughtprovoking film that shows what happens when a stand is made.

Beautifully filmed with humour and humility.

SHOWING AT Crewkerne on Friday 10 January, Wadham School, 7.30pm. Full annual membership £25. Visitors £6 per film. 01935 822656.

RAFIKI (12A)

In Swahili ‘rafiki’ means friend.

This film depicts the romance between two young women in Nairobi, where homosexuality is illegal. Kena (Samantha Mugatsia) and Ziki (Shelia Munyiva) are the daughters of opposing politicians who meet when their fathers are campaigning in a local election. As their relationship deepens, the stakes become higher and they are forced to choose between openness and secrecy, happiness and safety.

(Swahili with subtitles).

SHOWING AT Batcombe on Friday 17 January, Jubilee Hall, 7.45pm. For information or guest tickets phone 01749 850307.

ROCKETMAN (15)

The story of Elton John’s breakthrough years, following the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar

Elton John. This inspirational story, set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed, tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.

SHOWING AT Hardington Mandeville on Friday 17 January, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance from Springfield Stores 01935 862363 or £6 on the door.

THE LION KING (PG)

After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom, only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery. Voices of James Earl Jones, Beyonce, Chiwetel Ejiofor. Songs by Elton John and Tim Rice.

SHOWING AT Kingsbury Episcopi on Saturday 4 January, Community Centre, 3.30pm.

Tickets £5, under 16s £2. Info 01935 823298.

THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (12A)

Zak, a young man with Down Syndrome, runs away from his care home to chase his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. He attends The Salt Water Redneck wrestling school where he meets Tyler, an unlikely coach and ally. This is a story about belief, family and the pureness of hearts - a very enjoyable and feel-good movie.

SHOWING AT Odcombe on Monday 13 January, Village Hall, 8.00pm.

Tickets £5 in advance from 07934 737104 or £6 on the door.

Somerton on Saturday 18 January, Parish Rooms, 7.30pm. Tickets £6, in advance from Cobbs, Brunel Precinct.

Music Gigs

MOVIES

MUSIC

All Music Gigs are FREE entry unless mentioned.

DECEMBER SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15)

Ricky and his family have been fighting an uphill struggle against debt since the 2008 financial crash. An opportunity to wrestle back some independence appears with a shiny new van and the chance to run a franchise as a selfemployed delivery driver. It’s hard work, and his wife’s job as a carer is no easier. The family unit is strong but when both are pulled in different directions everything comes to breaking point. Director, Ken Loach, is unafraid to champion working class heroes with evocative narratives and new faces. The subject matter may be grim but the storytelling is utterly compelling.

SHOWING AT Martock on Saturday 25 January, Parish Hall, 7.30pm.

Tickets £5.50 in advance from Martock News, Moorlands Precinct or £6 on the door.

YESTERDAY (12A)

Jack, a struggling musician, wakes up after a freak accident to realize he’s the only person on Earth who can remember The Beatles. Performing songs by the greatest band in history to a world that has never heard them, and with a little help from his steel-hearted American agent, Jack’s fame explodes. From director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Richard Curtis comes a rock-n-roll comedy about music, dreams, friendship, and the long and winding road that leads to love.

SHOWING AT Ditcheat on Thursday 19 December, Jubilee Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5. For information: Geoff Webber 01749 860184.

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21

22 24

26 27 28

31

Adam Sweet, Blues, The Thatched Cottage, Shepton Mallet, 8.30pm Bad Edukation, Classic Rock, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.00pm Bowie Fashion, David Bowie Tribute Band, The Railway Hotel, Yeovil, 9.00pm Ian Valentine, Covers 60s to present, The Old Pound Inn, Langport, 9.00pm Jackdaw, Classic Rock, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.30pm Stacey Lou, Vocalist, Yeovil Labour Club, 4.00pm Bad Edukation, Classic Rock, Fleur De Lis, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, 9.30pm Chris Banderas, Classic Rock, White Hart, Sherborne, 9.30pm D-State, Covers 70s to present, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.30pm DVO, Covers 50s to present, The Stonemasons, Ilminster, 8.30pm Ian Valentine, Covers 60s to present, The Old Pound Inn, Langport, 9.00pm John de Barra, Covers 60s to present, The King William Inn, Crewkerne, 9.00pm Olliedays, The Rose & Crown, Bower Hinton, 9.00pm Powercut, Acoustic/Electric Rock/Pop, The Duke of York, Shepton Beauchamp, 9.00pm ReD, Rock/Pop, The Globe Inn, Somerton, 9.15pm Stevie P, Pop, Yeovil Labour Club, 4.00pm Rexes Hollow, Rock/Pop Covers, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.00pm The Strayhearts, Acoustic, The Tippling Philosopher, Milborne Port, 9.30pm Elvis 56, Rock & Roll, Yeovil Labour Club, 4.00pm Rexes Hollow, Rock/Pop Covers, The Unicorn, Somerton, 3.00pm Lewis & The Sound of the Suburbs, Ska/2-Tone, Sherborne Football Club, 8.00pm Mandown, Rock/Pop Covers, The Bell Inn, Ash, 8.00pm Milk & Alcohol, Dr Feelgood Tribute Band, The Railway Hotel, Yeovil, 9.00pm Nasty Habits, Blues Rock, The Pickled Inn, Evercreech, 9.00pm D-State, Covers 70s to present, The Arrow, Yeovil, 9.00pm Frazer Mitchell - House Drum & Base, The Tippling Philosopher, Milborne Port, 9.30pm Jackdaw, Classic Rock, Coopers Mill, Yeovil, 9.00pm Karma Alarm, Covers, The Royal British Legion, Gillingham, 8.30pm Nevertheless, Rock Covers, The Halfway House, Pitney, 6.00pm Powercut, Acoustic/Electric Rock/Pop, Stoke-sub-Hamdon Working Mens Club, 4.00pm Project 17, Pop/Rock, Coronation Club, Gillingham, 9.45pm ReD, Rock/Pop, The Westminster, Yeovil, 3.30pm Undersound, Covers, Gainsborough Arms, Milborne Port, 9.00pm

JANUARY 11

18

24 25

Grouvecat, Acoustic Rock, The King William Inn, Crewkerne, 9.00pm Powercut, Acoustic/Electric Rock/Pop, White Hart, Sherborne, 9.30pm Roadstars, Rock/Pop Covers, The Preston, Yeovil, 9.00pm James Hollingsworth, Acoustic Blues/Folk/Rock, The Phoenix, Gillingham, 9.00pm Karma Alarm, Covers, The Wine Bar, Gillingham, 9.00pm Roadstars, Rock/Pop Covers, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm Grouvecat, Acoustic Rock, The Railway Hotel, Yeovil, 9.00pm Chill, Covers 60s to 90s, White Hart, Crewkerne, 9.30pm James Hollingsworth, Acoustic Blues/Folk/Rock, The George Hotel, Castle Cary, 8.00pm

Karma Alarm, Covers, The Armoury, Yeovil, 9.00pm

Kingfisher, Acoustic Covers, The Stonemasons, Ilminster, 9.00pm

The Furious Pussies, Classic Gold 50s to 70s, Coopers Mill, Yeovil, 9.00pm

The Diamonds, Covers 60s/70s, Yeovil Labour Club, 8.00pm 31 Karma Alarm, Covers, The Bear Inn, Wincanton, 9.00pm

Powercut, Acoustic/Electric Rock/Pop, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.30pm

Ross Kirk, Rock Covers, The Old Pound Inn, Langport, 9.00pm 35

MUSIC

CELEBRATING LOCAL MUSIC WITH AN OUTSTANDING COMPILATION ALBUM

By Ross Owen Williams, Presenter on Radio Ninesprings, 104.5fm Here at Radio Ninesprings, we’ve been working hard to put together something special just in time for the holidays and we were delighted to finally see it become reality in mid December.

A MUSICAL NOTE!

By Ryan Leese, Manager of Waterloo Music Looking back over 2019 reminds us of how much we’ve achieved! It’s been another very busy year for us at Waterloo Music and yet we can’t wait to get started on 2020.

The Best of Radio Ninesprings: Volume 1 is a compilation album comprised entirely of original tracks which I have personally curated, all by artists from the Yeovil and South Somerset region.

As all who’ve tuned in to my Sunday See/Hear show (from 4pm to 6pm for anyone who doesn’t!) will know, our commitment to supporting the local music scene is well established. Over the last year, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed interviewing numerous solo artists and bands alike, and sharing their music with our listeners and this CD release offers us an opportunity to shine a far bigger spotlight on these superb local talents than ever before and help them reach an audience they so greatly deserve.

This album has also helped us with something else to which we are heavily committed, and that is our support of Yeovil Hospital’s Breast Cancer Unit Appeal. We’re delighted that this CD will be in aid of the charity and hope customers will be happy knowing proceeds from their purchase will go towards both local musicians and this important cause.

The album itself is phenomenal and I would feel confident putting it up against any worldwide commercial release in terms of quality. It features an incredible range of music, from the retro 80s pop sound of Echo of Us to classic rock from Rizen, hitting the heavier notes with Duskwood, then moving to the soulful sounds of Sadie Horler, as well as including contemporary pop/dance fusion from Frazer Mitchell and REA, boot-scootin’ country and western from the Black River Sinners, fantastic guitar-led tracks by Jack Humphries and Bella Beney and so, so much more. There genuinely is something for absolutely everyone on this release.

A great present for the music lover in your family this festive season, make sure you pick one up, either from HMV Yeovil in the Quedam Shopping Centre, directly from the Ninesprings studio in Waterloo House, Yeovil or, to buy online, please visit www.radioninesprings.co.uk/bestofcd for ordering information.

In summary, we revamped our shop, moving our drum department upstairs and our acoustic guitars downstairs. We also introduced some fantastic new brands of guitar into our mix too and ran some amazing events for both guitarists and drummers.

Yet some things have remained the same, our dedicated team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff and the support from our loyal customers. Our constant stream of students coming in for weekly lessons delivered by our many dedicated teachers is another aspect of daily life in our shop which we love so much.

Our team enjoy making product demo videos and have been creating some fabulous guitar videos which will be available soon. Hearing and seeing an instrument being played, demonstrating the various features and showing what they mean can make a whole lot of difference when choosing an instrument.

New Year, new you? Are you thinking of starting to learn a new instrument in 2020? Come on in for a chat. We can help you get started and get you playing.

Tel: 01935 507330 shop@waterloomusic.co.uk 16 Hendford, Yeovil, Somerset www.waterloomusic.co.uk FB/waterloomusic 36

Antiques & Collectables

ANTIQUES

This section covers local sales, auctions, antiques fairs and events in the area with advice from dealers and experts on different topics. If you are interested in this and have some items to sell or run an antique or restoration business then do contact us for our next issue.

TOP PRICES PAID FOR OLD TOYS

AUCTIONS, FAIRS AND SALES

On 28 January, Dukes in Dorchester will be holding an Avenue Auction comprising a sale of Toys & Collectables, Vintage Clothing & Accessories at 10.30am. Please note viewing is every Saturday prior to sale from 9.30am12.00noon and on every Monday prior to sale - 9.00am7.00pm as well as on the morning of the auction day from 9.00am. On 23 January there is a Fine Art sale with the pertinent title of Winter Fine Art. Contact one of their specialists to find out more: enquiries@dukes-auctions.com.

Auction house Lawrences in Crewkerne has General Sales taking place on Wednesdays 8 January and 22, 29 January.

All general sales start at 9.30am and viewing is from the Tuesday before the sale from 9am to 7pm. For more information call 01460 73041. On 14 January starting at 10am is a Silver & Vertu sale including a Private Collection of The Late J.P. Crabb; on 15 January there is a Decorative Antiques sale followed by Jewellery, 19th/20th Century Design & Ceramics on 16 January and Pictures, Furniture, Clocks & Rugs on 17 January.

FOOD & DRINK

- any condition

We are always keen to buy antique silver and old Sheffield plate at current prices Please telephone or call into the shop 38 CHEAP STREET, SHERBORNE DORSET DT9 3PX

01935 816828

enquiries@henrywillis.co.uk

www.henrywillis.co.uk

Trains, cars and lorries, soldiers, etc Britains, Dinky, Corgi, Hornby, Meccano, Tri-ang, etc

01935 816072 (07527 074343) Pastimes of Sherborne, 3 Westbury (in front of the Abbey)

CLOCK REPAIRS

ANTIQUE AND MODERN CLOCK REPAIRS

Long Case Clocks a speciality Free pick up and delivery 40 years experience

01935 477582

FEBRUARY DEADLINES News and Articles: FRIDAY, 10 January Advertisements: MONDAY, 13 January

A NEW CONCEPT STORE OPENS IN SHERBORNE Model Motors – some of the scale models from an attic and included in the Charterhouse December 13th Collectors’ Items auction

Leading Dorset wholesaler, Hunt’s Foodservice, which has been serving the South West catering industry for over 80 years has opened a new concept store to supply affordable quality wholesale products to the public, as well as the trade alongside a fantastic range of retail grocery, fresh meat and a packaging free zone.

The new concept store, Hunt’s Food Outlet has opened on the old Bradford’s Building site on Digby Road, Sherborne and will be open seven days a week.

The Hunt’s Food Outlet will supply

wholesale products in a friendly retail environment, And unlike other local cash and carry’s’, customers do not need an account to shop in the Hunt’s Food Outlet which means everyone is welcome.

The store says it will stock a unique range of products. Alongside the range of affordable, restaurant quality cash and carry food is a range of everyday groceries and fresh meat. The Outlet also offers a more eco way to shop with a packaging free refill station for everyday essentials such as rice and pasta along with a fresh milk bottle station.

Richard Hunt, Managing Director of Hunt’s Foodservice said; “The family business had a shop back in the 1930s and it was a key part of the community.

I wanted to be able to offer a unique shopping experience again to the people of Sherborne and I think the new Hunt’s Food Outlet does just that. If its family value packs of meat, frozen veg, vegan mayo or zero packaging you’re after, the Hunt’s Food Outlet has it all!”

The Hunt’s Food Outlet is open seven days a week and is on Digby Road, Sherborne, DT9 3NW. Visit www. huntsfoodoutlet.co.uk for more info.

37

FOOD & DRINK

Food & Drink

WASSAILING IN YARLINGTON AND OTHER REASONS TO MAKE IT A JANUARY TO REMEMBER!

By The Stag’s Head Inn

After all the festive cheer of Christmas and New Year, the month of January is considered by many to be pretty dark, dank and dreary. This year (2020!)

The Stags Head Inn is planning to buck that trend by offering lots of interesting and exciting events and activities during the months of January and February. We’ll start by holding the wassailing ceremony in Yarlington on Thursday 16 January 2020.

The wassailing ceremony begins just before dark, with people congregating at The Stag’s Head to sample the wassailing cup - Yarlington has its own traditional recipe for hot, spiced cider! The procession is led by the Wassail King who ceremonially bears the Wassail Bowl, followed by people armed with sticks, tins and drums and makes its way to the local orchard nearby, where the oldest, most venerable tree is surrounded.

The old tree is serenaded with chants, songs and rhymes and is then beaten around the trunk with sticks, to begin the process of awakening the tree and to

encourage the sap to start flowing. This is accompanied by much shouting and noise, to wake the tree up as well as frightening away any evil spirits!

Pieces of cider-soaked toast are then placed in the boughs and hollows of the tree, with the remainder of the cup being poured around the trunk, accompanied by singing. Yarlington has its own traditional Wassailing Carol, with everyone encouraged to join in with singing this and other boisterous wassailing songs!

Once the ceremony is over the procession makes its way back to the pub, where a special Wassail Supper is laid on, with 10% of the proceeds being donated to a local charity.

In addition to the Wassail we’ll be holding our increasingly popular Quiz Nights on Tuesday 14 January and two weeks later on Tuesday 28 January. And we’ll be holding our Burns Night Supper on Saturday 25 January. So, plenty of reasons to venture out down to The Stags Head in January, see you there!

The Mitre Inn

Sandford Orcas

Nr Sherborne, DT9 4RU

01963 220271 FREEHOUSE

Allen & Cheryl welcome you with a cosy bar & great food.

Wed to Fri - Senior Citizens 2 course lunch £11.00 Sunday Roast - £9.95 Adult, £8.95 OAP and £6.50 children 2 En-suite double rooms now available Tuesday - Saturday 11.30 - 2.30, 7.00 - 11.00 Sunday 12.00 - 3.00, 7.00 - 10.30 (Monday drinks only 7.00 - 11.00)

www.MitreInn.co.uk

38

FOOD & DRINK

Conduit Interviews...

The

BEN CROFTON AND DAN FLETCHER 28 Market Place is the highly anticipated restaurant, bakery and wine shop launching in Somerton, Somerset on 3rd January 2020.

The brainchild of former Soho Farmhouse and Babington House director Ben Crofton, his wife Vanessa and Great British Menu finalist Dan Fletcher, 28 Market Place is housed in Somerton’s beautiful 17th and 18th Century buildings and will source the majority of its ingredients from surrounding farms and producers, celebrating the great produce the West Country has to offer!

stationary shop. From the start, Somerton felt like somewhere we could really become part of the local community and it’s also perfectly positioned just four miles from the A303 so we can cater for visitors from London and further afield; whether they’re popping in for a cup of coffee and pastry in our bakery, a glass or two with a friend in the wine shop or dinner with family in the main restaurant.

Comprising the restaurant, bakery, and wine shop, the venue celebrates the very best of West Country and wider British produce with a modern European menu and house-made artisan bread, pastries and filled sourdough doughnuts, made fresh daily. The adjoining wine shop will carry up to 100 wines not found on the main wine list that can be enjoyed in the restaurant or to take away.

“It was the historical beauty of the town which informed our approach to the renovations at 28 Market Place. We wanted to be sympathetic to the history of the building during the restoration, and have actually uncovered even more original features in the process. But we also wanted to add modern touches, so we’ve introduced a large covered courtyard space and these great geometric tiles we found from Bert and May.”

In the restaurant, guests will enjoy a menu of seasonally changing dishes from head chef Dan Fletcher, formerly of Michelinstarred The Square in London’s Mayfair and Fenchurch at Sky Garden, also in the capital, and senior sous chef Matt Heeley, who previously worked with Dan at The Square.

The Conduit asked Ben Crofton, founder at 28 Market Place, why he chose Somerton to open the restaurant.

“We’d been looking for a location in Somerset for quite some time and when the properties that now house 28 Market Place came up for sale in Somerton, I knew we’d found the right place.

“Somerton offered us the perfect combination of beautiful surroundings, historical buildings and a great community.

It’s a real undiscovered gem in an area of the county that has become a magnate for creatives over the past two decades, with Hauser & Wirth and Babington House just up the road.

“We love that most of the businesses in the town are still independent, from the pubs, to the local supermarket and even the

We asked Dan Fletcher, head chef at 28 Market Place what compelled him to get involved in the project.

“The opportunity to help create a restaurant from scratch is exactly what I was looking for to be able to have an influence on suppliers, the organisation, the food and ethos. 28 Market Place is an opportunity I couldn’t miss out on; the restaurant is literally surrounded by incredible producers from ice filtered cider brandy, smoke houses, incredible dairies and independent vegetable growers.

“We are working with Chris Whitmore, an experienced former chef, now turned farmer, who is growing impeccable produce with a great eye for detail, and Ivy House Dairy Farm who produce great hand patted, bright yellow butter and rich, decadent dairy products. Our launch menu is going to make the best of local produce, with dishes such as Cornish red chicken with delica pumpkin, livers and chanterelles on sourdough toast and Pollock with wood-fired leeks, St Austell Bay mussels & sea vegetables.”

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FOOD & DRINK

A TASTE OF ASIA

By Sarah Ali Choudhury

As a mum of four, I used to experience a lot of difficulty getting my children to eat so would end up having to cook something myself to tempt them. There were always my favourite ‘go to’ recipes for resolving these eating issues. My mum taught me these special recipes and my mum had learnt these from her mum (and my daughters have just learnt from me)!

Our food columnist Sarah Ali Choudhury is a TV Chef, Multi Award Winner and Indian food expert. Her recipes and articles have featured in print and online publications locally, nationally and internationally including Forbes, The Sun, The Telegraph, Independent and various others.

Sarah presented BBC’s Inside Out highlighting female chefs in the UK which was translated and went global on BBC World News.

Her work has been highlighted by Forbes who recognise her as ‘The Curry Queen’ and as a leader for Asian women in Catering.

Sarah recently partnered with chef extraordinaire, Sanjeev Kapoor in India to promote his Wonderchef brand in UK and is planning to visit India very soon.

You can connect with Sarah on twitter at @ saraheasycurry and through social media channels Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube @ Sarah Ali Choudhury. www.sarahalichoudhury.com

40

I am sharing the dhal recipe which I use that is perfect for both children and adults.

Daal is cooked lentils but you may find it spelt differently. It may be dal, daal, all, dhal, dahl, but it all amounts to the same thing, cooked lentils.

Lentils contain protein, iron, a myriad of minerals, vitamin B and are high in fibre, therefore offering important nutrients to everyone. They are also really simple to prepare as they normally have instructions on the package of the raw ingredient.

There are so many types of lentils in many different colours and sizes: red lentils cook faster than the others which makes them suitable for soups and purees. Do not confuse red lentils with masoor lentils which are split peas and cook fast and mushy, masoor dhal also has a spicier flavour. I always use turmeric in my lentils which has been used in India for centuries. It is one of the most common spices and is used for medicinal purposes. It has almost 3 natural components including vitamin C, calcium, zinc, potassium, niacin and so many other highly nutritional components. Turmeric should only be used in small amounts as it can cause stomach problems. Most of the benefits that come from turmeric are from the curcumin component. Curcumin helps fight disorders in the system; it prevents inflammatory bowel disease and is a natural pain killer. It helps digestion too amongst so many other benefits. Adding turmeric as a spice while cooking is a great source of nutrition.

Lentils can be made in quite a few different ways but here’s the recipe I use the most.

FOOD & DRINK

INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup of red lentils • 800ml boiling water • one garlic clove, crushed • one small echalion shallot( or a quarter of an onion), very finely sliced or grated • quarter tsp salt (or to taste) • tsp sunflower oil • quarter tsp turmeric

GARNISH • 1 tbsp oil • 1 tsp mustard seeds • 1 tsp cumin seeds • Quarter onion finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic finely cut or grated • Fresh coriander

METHOD 1. Soak the lentils in hot water while you prepare the other ingredients 2. Finely cut a clove of garlic (you can use a pestle and mortar to make it into a paste or you can grate the clove of garlic) 3. Finely cut the onion 4. Wash and drain the lentils 5. Add 800ml of boiling water to the pan (we will be adding more water later) 6. Add the onion and garlic into the pan 7. Then add a quarter tsp of turmeric and a tsp of pure sunflower oil

8. Regularly stirring it with a handheld whisk on a medium to high temperature will ensure it doesn’t run over and may make a mess on the cooker.

9. After 10 minutes add just less than a quarter tsp of salt and continue to stir regularly - when you notice it starts to thicken this is when the lentils are perfect for adults to have as a soup but if you want the consistency to be not so thick, add 200 ml more water and give it a stir, leave it to boil for 3 more minutes then take it off the heat.

Now for the garnish: Heat the oil and add the mustard and cumin seeds, garlic and onion and gently fry until the seeds start to pop and the garlic is golden brown and pour this mixture into the cooked daal. Then sprinkle with some thinly chopped fresh coriander.

You can store this in the fridge for 48 hours or in the freezer in small batches.

I went through the above process step by step whilst writing this article to ensure it was perfect for you. If you feel that after cooking you wanted it to be smoother or you were not happy with the consistency you can put it in a blender. The key to making it perfect is to make the onion and garlic very fine. It is also very important to add the salt later rather than at the beginning.

If you love lentils yourself and want to spruce up the daal for yourself then please connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, twitter or linkedIn and feel free to ask any questions, or leave any comments.

! e lu a V y il m a F y a d y r e v E Fresh full fat and semiskimmed milk only 50p per litre from the Hunt’s Milk Station. Pick up a reusable glass bottle in store today and get saving!

65p

£4.25

A pack of bacon to per kg feed the entire family!

1x2kg Back Bacon only £8.49/£4.25 per kg

£1.45

50p 1x1kg

1x250g

THE HUNT’S FOOD OUTLET, DIGBY ROAD, SHERBORNE, DT9 3NW CHILLED | FROZEN | GROCERY | FRESH MEAT ICE CREAM | MILK STATION | ZERO PACKAGING FOOD F I N D O U T M O R E O N L I N E O R L I K E U S O N FA C E B O O K !

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Health

& Wellbeing

THE EASTBURY SPA

BY AMELIA ROSE WITH CAUDALIE

Conduit Editor Jane Adkins visited the new Eastbury Spa and here’s what she found!

You could well imagine a few fairies hiding within the undergrowth at the bottom of The Eastbury hotel’s beautiful garden in the picturesque Dorset town of Sherborne, but finding a real life “woodland spa” nestled in the walled garden amongst the trees and shrubs was an unexpected and welcome surprise!

This quirky Woodland Spa really does have the appearance of an organic forest house evolving from the undergrowth with its sedum and moss roof and circular doorway. It was designed by a team of architects and designers who worked closely with owners Peter and Lana de Savary, following the success of their Beach Huts and boutique Spa at the sister hotel, Cary Arms & Spa in Babbacombe.

My daughter Rhiannon and I were invited to experience an Afternoon Tea Spa Break one cold and wet November afternoon and came away feeling thoroughly pampered and

Winner “Best Luxury Value Hotel” Condé Nast Johansens Readers Awards 2020

Winner “Restaurant Category” Taste of the West Awards 2019

FINE DINING

“… a friendly team of staff, delicious food and walled garden” Sawday’s 2019

LUXURY BOUTIQUE SPA By Amelia Rose

RELAX AND REJUVINATE IN OUR LUXURY SPA NESTLED IN THE WOODLANDS OF THE WALLED GARDEN. FEATURING PRODUCTS FROM PARIS

“The Eastbury Spa — A little piece of Heaven” Dorset Magazine 2019 The Eastbury Hotel, Long Street, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3BY Tel: 01935 813131 www.theeastburyhotel.co.uk 42

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Jump

Up our Shape Challenge

into January with

For more information please call 01935 818270 or go to our website www.oxleysc.com Bradford Road, Sherborne DT9 3DA

WATER FITNESS CHALLENGE

By Heather Crewe, Swim School and Aquatics Manager

As we finish the Christmas season, having eaten and drunk far more that we intended, most of us will no doubt be thinking about how to get rid of those excess pounds gained.

relaxed. The spa was unlike any other I have ever visited and has been designed to create a lovely bijou experience, ideal for a couple of people, but with two separate treatment rooms able to accommodate three or four.

Once through the arched doorway we lost little time in changing into swim-wear to make full use of the spacious hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam shower. There were plenty of striped blue and white towels as well as comfortable bath robes and slippers to keep us warm, not to mention the cosy log burner which we relaxed in front of, studiously ignoring the mini gym equipment at the other end of the room!

As part of the Afternoon Tea package we both enjoyed a back, neck and shoulder massage in adjacent treatment rooms courtesy of local Amelia Rose therapists and using oils from the glamorous French luxury brand Caudalie.

I may have mentioned it was November, but the call from the bubbling hot tub just outside the spa building was too great and we had to try it. For me it was probably the best part of the visit as I lay in the perfectly heated tub watching the autumn leaves drift down from the trees and caught the eye of a small grey squirrel surveying me rather quizzically from the branch of a tree – truly magical!

Once back inside the spa we made ourselves a drink of warming Caudalie tea (other beverages were available!) and sat by the log burner as dusk approached outside.

After our spa experience we followed the path alongside the five new dog-friendly Victorian Garden Potting Shed Suites, which also blend perfectly into the beautiful gardens and into the arms of the hotel itself where we dined out on a perfectly delicious afternoon tea complete with finger sandwiches, yummy cakes and scones with cream and jam. I knew I should have made use of that mini gym!

NOTE: A full treatment menu is available at the spa, including facials, massages and other treatments. The spa opens between 9:00am and 6:00pm daily and offers a unique, exclusive use experience for couples or friends with two hour sessions available to hotel residents throughout the day. Non-residents booking a treatment will need to pay a cost of £25 for use of the spa facilities (maximum of 2 hours). Treatments and use of the spa facilities are booked at reception by calling 01935 813131.

How about giving yourself a swim fitness challenge? The Water Fitness Challenge involves swimming 18,000 metres which equates to 870 lengths equivalent to 11.5 miles over a 12 week period. So if you are a swimmer or just someone who wants to get back in the water, this is the challenge for you. The aim is to get you in the water on a more regular basis.

Swimming is renowned for being one of the best forms of exercise.

It can be enjoyed by everyone, there are no pre-requisites whether for age or fitness levels. There is a certain freedom when you are in the water, you can just switch off from the world and swim up and down and as it is non weight bearing, those with certain injuries can also enjoy exercising. The whole family can enjoy the water too and while they are entertaining themselves you can get your lengths in, 20 at a time (equivalent to 500m), all going towards your challenge.

Of course there is the added incentive that there are prizes to be won, but your own satisfaction that you are exercising more is enough to keep you coming back!

Oxley Sports Centre is starting their Water Fitness Challenge in January and would love to see you enter. You don’t need to be a member to join up; you can just pay as you go, although there are fewer slots for swimming. If you decided that you are enjoying your swimming so much there are various ways to reduce the cost, just ask at Reception and they can find the most suitable and cost effective way for you to use the Centre.

There is no maximum age limit, although you do have to be over 16 to sign up. All you will need to do is to come to Reception and register. You will be given your own card where we will log every 500m you swim. The cards are then kept by reception.

So what are you waiting for? Pop along to Oxley Sports Centre in January to sign up. The challenge will begin on Monday 6 January and will finish at 10pm on Sunday 29 March. We look forward to seeing you at the centre.

For further information contact Heather Crewe, h.crewe@oxleysc.com or Reception on info@oxleysc.com or call 01935 818270.

43

HEALTH & WELLBEING

SHERBORNE SPORTS CENTRE

Sports Centre

IL V O E Y S S E N IT F E IM T Y N A !

TRY US WITH A FREE 7 DAY PASS

VISIT ANYTIMEFITNESS.CO.UK/YEOVIL OR CALL 01935 350247 Quedam Shopping Centre, 4-6 Frederick Place, BA20 1LD ANYTIMEFITNESS.CO.UK *Ts&Cs Apply.

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*

HEALTH & WELLBEING

LEARN

TO SWIM

at Wincanton Sports Centre • Adult & Baby / Toddler classes • Duckling classes for ages 3 – 5 years • Learn to Swim programme from 5 years + following the Swim England National Teaching Plan Stages 1-10 – Beginners through to Competitive swimming • Rookie Lifeguard programme • Junior Swim fit sessions • Holiday Intensive swimming courses • Disney Inspired Family swimming sessions • Adult Lessons – Beginners to Advanced

For further information please contact Dawn

dharvey@ledleisure.co.uk Reception 01963 824400

Anytime Fitness in Yeovil has been and still is working hard to create a community club that fulfils the users overall fitness and wellbeing needs, both physically and mentally. To achieve this they set up a monthly coffee morning, where they take their members to Boswells Cafe in the Quedam Shopping Centre for a free coffee and a chat. Plus they offer free member walks around local national trust properties, from Barrington Court to Stourhead, all of which are free and dog friendly.

HAPPY NEW MIND, HAPPY NEW LIFE!

By Niki Cassar

We all start the new year with good intentions. New year, new start etc. We make promises to our Self and to others about releasing weight, drinking less alcohol, exercising more, budgeting more carefully. We are filled with enthusiasm about starting new projects, relating better with family and generally becoming more fit and healthy. We embark on our new regime with vim and vigour, but realise after just a few weeks that the enthusiasm has waned and we are slipping back to the old ways.

The answer lies not in our daily conscious mind but deep within our infinite subconscious that has no idea what your intentions are and why you’re wanting to make changes.

Rather like a computer processor (albeit a highly-complex and sophisticated one), until updates are installed, it will continue to run the same programmes over and over.

You’ve heard the expression ‘Its all in the mind’? Well, that’s absolutely true – it is. Any changes we want to make in our life need the support of our subconscious mind in order to be successful. And that’s where hypnotherapy comes in, because in hypnosis we can uninstall all the old, outdated information and install new information in its place. Now, to some people that might sound scary, and they might even think that they’re going to be brainwashed or mind controlled. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Hypnosis is a focused state of concentration and awareness, and in that calm state, we can identify all the thoughts, feelings, attitudes and beliefs that are holding us back and preventing us from achieving our goals, whatever they might be. Working with a highly-trained and experienced hypnotherapist, you are always in control, and it is you, the client, who is in charge of making the changes.

If you can identify with this message, then please contact me on 07973 346 747 or 01963 371 695 so we can arrange a free and confidential 20 minute phone or skype call to talk about your issues and what it is you would like to achieve, without any sales pressure. After we’ve spoken, book your first session in January to see if you think hypnotherapy can work for you, and I’ll give you a £25 discount as my ‘New Mind, New Life’ gift to you.

‘When I let go of what I am, then I become what I might be’ (Lau Tzu)

As well as this they work with lots of local companies where members of Anytime can show their key fob to receive discounts and freebies, such as a free starter or quarter chicken at Nandos, 20% off National Tyres in Yeovil, 25% off at Ask Italian, 10% off at Coffee One and loads more. Go and find out what they have to offer with this free 7 day trial pass.

FEBRUARY DEADLINES News and Articles: FRIDAY, 10 January Advertisements: MONDAY, 13 January 45

WALKING

RACHEL’S RAMBLES

By Rachel Mead

Bing Crosby dreamed of a White Christmas. My wish this year was for an Orange Christmas please. Orange?! This may not be the colour usually associated with the festive season but this winter I have had my wish granted time and time again in the form of the most jawdropping sunrises.

In fact I have turned into a bit of a sunrise junkie, waking up that little bit earlier to ensure I can see the whole mesmerising break of day. This new found addiction has brought with it the desire to see the sun doing its thing in differing locations, and this is how Oakley and I came across this month’s ‘four-mile folly walk’.

We’re parking up at Yeovil Country Park (or Ninesprings as the locals call it) and the beginning of the walk is through the woodland and past some of the natural water springs which gave the area its original name. Expect plenty of squirrel chasing from your four-legged friends and an undulating pathway as you meander your way up and around the water’s edge before you hook up

46

with the footpath which leads you across Aldon.

hamstone archway with the sunshine bursting behind.

This part is hilly and the terrain is variable with longish grass and muddy patches, definitely a day for sturdy walking boots or comfy wellies. Be sure to keep an eye out for the footpath signs because in order to take in this prescribed sunrise spot, you don’t want to miss the track to the follies. On arrival to Two Tower Lane, you need to cross the road to pick up the trail and it is here that you are greeted by the first folly ‘Fish Tower’. If daybreak is bright enough you can also see ‘The Rose Tower’ folly out to your west. Two for the price of one!

If you have time it is worth staying twenty minutes or so to watch the sunny delight. The orange rays dancing through the neighbouring trees tease ‘Jack the Treacle Eater’ as they bounce off his stoney pedestal. It is nature performing at it’s very best and moments of reflection and gratitude rest close by.

The field you are crossing is stocked with sugar beet and the sunrise show is about to start. Looking to the east you can see the sun teetering over the hills in the distance, and the eagerness to find the next folly ‘Jack the Treacle Eater’ will make you pick up the pace. Barwick House leads you on your way and before long you will see the Greek God, Hermes (or is it perhaps Jack himself?) perched upon the most splendid

After a while Oakley has out-sniffed the surrounding area and is keen to move on, so we leave Jack with his sugary treats and loop back along the bridlepaths and on to Summer House Hill. The end of your walk is nigh, you are rewarded with an out-stretching view of the town below before cascading down the sandy banks towards your car which is conveniently located next to a warm and cake-laden cafe.

If you would like to recommend a ramble for Rachel then please email rachel@zestbureau.co.uk You can also see more photos from each walk on instagram: rachelsrambles

WIN £10 IN OUR

WORDSEARCH Bargain PUZZLE Hunters

Corner

If an item/items are valued at more than £200 there will be a £6 charge. Wanted adverts are also charged at £6.

Vintage terracotta plant pots in good condition, various sizes. Photos available Tel: 01460 55105 Classic Plant and Machinery magazines 2017and 2018 complete in good condition £20.00 Also Tractor and Farming Heritage 2012 onwards £15.00 per year, ie. 12 issues.

Tel: 01460 55105

With the short days and dark nights, it is easy to imagine how our ancient ancestors embraced Druid beliefs of seeking rebirth within the Earth. Around 3000 BC great mounds were built in which initiates would sit in darkness waiting to be “reborn” with the light.

This month we have taken words associated with Druids and put them in our Wordsearch. Just find the hidden words in the grid below, ring each word until you have found all of them and when you have completed the puzzle send it to: The Conduit Magazine, Unit 4, Barton View Business Park, Sheeplands Lane, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4FW. The lucky winner receives a £10 cheque. The closing date is: Monday 20 January.

GOOD LUCK

ANCIENT ASH WAND BELTANE BROTHERHOOD CELTIC

CLOAK CRYSTAL HEALING HOLLY IMBOLC

LUGH MAGIC PRIEST RELIGIOUS RITUALS

SACRED SACRIFICE SAMHAIN SECRETS TEMPLE

Portmeirion Botanic Garden Chamberstick Candle holder 1980s with forget-me-not flowers. excellent unused condition £10.00 Tel: 01458 442747 Large collection of Royal Memorabilia, Mugs, plates and booklets. Includes Queen Victoria, King Edward V11 and Queen Alexandra, King George and Queen Mary also a coronation mug for Edward V111 the uncrowned King. £40.00 Tel: 01458 442747

Write Your Life Story

Memories and Photos preserved for Friends and Family to treasure Full memoir writing service available (01458) 223251 07969 333940 Please visit: www.mandybloom.co.uk

Name:__________________________________________________________ Tel :_________________________Email:______________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________

WANTED Dave buys all types of tools.

Tel: 01935 428975

Dry Stone Walling and Paving All types of stone walling undertaken www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

01963 371123 Patrick Houchen - DSWA member

Professional & reliable service

________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

If you would like to know who has won our Wordsearch Puzzles see our website.

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Providing Dental Care for the Yeovil area since 1864

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Princes Street Dental Practice are an independent private practice where you will see the same dentist at each visit. We keep up to date with, and like to invest in, new technology. We have invested in a CEREC machine which allows us to fit crowns and bridges in just one visit no impressions!

We are proud to be members of the Denplan Excel scheme.

Please feel free to ring and ask any questions, or come in and meet our lovely staff.

45 Princes St, Yeovil BA20 1EG

01935 475962 www.princesstreetdental.co.uk