Issuu

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The

Domestic and contract flooring specialists 34 Princes Street, Yeovil, BA20 1EQ Tel: 01935 478100 walterwallyeovil@hotmail.co.uk

Conduit Issue 200 October 2017

www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Whatâ€™s Inside:

Win tickets to the ballet A spooky short story

et; e f d e r i t gers, n i f y k eat! c r i T t S r o k c i se, Tr u o h t s a l one

Y SATURDA 28 OCTOBER Serving Bruton, Castle Cary, Sherborne, Somerton, Wincanton, Yeovil & surrounding Villages To Advertise in this Magazine CallRemember 01935 424724 or Email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk to tell advertisers you saw it in The Conduit Magazine!

Sherborne Literary Festival lowdown Wines for autumn

Wordsearch competition

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What’s On

*Free admission to all events marked with an asterisk

Due to space restrictions if any event is already fully booked we no longer include them in our calendar.

SEPTEMBER 22 Stamps, Militaria, Collectors’ Items & Antiques Auction,

Charterhouse Auctioneers, Long Street, Sherborne, 10.00am Car Boot and Table Top 23 Sale, St George’s School, Bourton, 9.00am-1.00pm ‘Entertaining Mr Sloane’ performance, Swan Theatre, Yeovil 7.45pm General Auction, Lyme Bay 25 Auctions, Seaton, East Devon, 10.00am 27 Coffee Morning, David Hall, South Petherton, 10.00am-12.00 noon ‘G4’, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘In My Element’ demonstration, Holy Trinity Church, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘The 1913 Railway Disaster at Yeovil Pen Mill’, Methodist Church Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm 28 ‘Joan, The Fair Maid of Kent’ talks, Warehouse Theatre, Ilminster, 9.15am Yeovil Blackmore Vale and National Trust Association ‘Walk in the Bourton Area’, 10.00am Simpson Millar Legal Surgery, The Old Barn, Yeovil, 11.30am-1.30pm Quiz Night, Sports Club, Somerton, 8.30pm 29 U3A Meeting & Talk, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 2.30pm Jay McGuiness, Natalie Lowe, Louis Smith, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘The Farey Family’, Henhayes Community Hall, Crewkerne, 7.45pm ‘The Odyssey’ film, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm Amy Roberts and Richard Exall Quintet, Ilminster Arts Centre, 8.00pm 29-30 ‘The Church Meeting’ comedy, Charlton Horethorne Village Hall, 7.30pm

‘Say It With Flowers’, All Saints Church, Merriott, 10.00am 29-7 Oct Bespoke Fabric Sale, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 10.30-3.30pm Macmillan Coffee Morning, 30 Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 9.00am Chasty Cottage Antique Fair, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 9.30am4.00pm Coffee Morning for Bruton District Flower Club, Community Hall, Bruton, 10.00am-12.00 noon Big Breakfast, Henhayes Community Centre, Crewkerne, 10.00am-12.00 noon Levels Best Farmers Market, Montacute House, 10.00am-2.00pm 29-1 Oct

Obituary Franchesca Jane Dening, age 58, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday 8 September 2017 after a long fight with cancer. Born 28 October 1958 in Somerset, Franchesca was daughter to Erica Rosemary Dening and Ronald Edwin Dening. Franchesca worked for NATO in Brussels, Belgium at its main headquarters for four and half years before moving back to London to work as a stockbroker. In the late 90’s, Franchesca returned to Somerset and worked with several charitable organisations in the area including Somerset Wildlife Trust and held events raising money for charities such as Macmillan. Franchesca played a particularly active role in Sherborne life and was involved with the Sherborne 2000 Project, Sherborne IronMan, Sherborne in Bloom as well as playing an important part in the formation of the Sherborne Literary Festival. Sixteen years ago, Franchesca created and developed The Conduit Magazine and was its Editor up until August 2017. Franchesca loved to travel, especially to France, and organised numerous French gardening trips as well as ten large local plant fairs, including Mapperton and Yarlington. As one friend commented, “She was a very brave woman who fought the dreaded cancer with the determination she applied to everything she tackled in her life. She will be sadly missed not least for the feisty general attitude and friendliness she showed to us all.” All are welcome to attend the funeral service on Tuesday 26 September at Yeovil Crematorium at 10.40am to celebrate the life of Franchesca. Donations to MacMillan Cancer Care, Yeovil Hospital Unit.

© 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.

The

Conduit Magazine Remous Ltd Wyvern Buildings, North St Sherborne DT9 5EP

01935 424724

info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Editor - Jane Adkins

Assistant Editor - Lauren Hill

NOVEMBER DEADLINES

Advertisements: TUESDAY 10th OCT News and Articles: MONDAY 16th OCT

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30-1 Oct

‘New Beginnings’ exhibition, St James Church, Yeovil, 10.00am4.00pm ‘Tales from the Cider Cellar’ & Harvest Supper, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 7.00pm ‘A Swingin’ Affair’, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm ‘Whitney: Queen of the Night’, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘Hidden Figures’ film, Parish Hall, Martock, 7.30pm Harvest Festival Hoedown, Norton Sub Hamdon Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘Southern Tenant Folk Union’, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm Coffee and Cakes, Holnest Church, 10.00am-12.00 noon ‘Bluegrass and Oldtime Mandolin Workshop’, David Hall, South Petherton, 10.00am5.00pm

OCTOBER 1 Steam Train Day, Yeovil Junction Railway, Stoford, 10.30am-4.00pm Yeovil Concert Band, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm 2 ‘Basingstoke and its Contribution to World Culture’ talk, Frogmary Green Farm, South Petherton, 7.15pm Martin Roscoe, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘No Finer Life’ performance, Digby Church Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm 4

‘Gypsy Caravans’ talk, Langport Library, 7.30pm 3 Age UK Information and Benefits Advice Surgery, The Rendezvous, Cheap Street Church, 10.00am12.00 noon Duke’s in Dorchester General Sale, Avenue Auctions, Weymouth Avenue, 10.30am WEA Open Evening, Long Sutton Village Hall, 7.00pm ‘Beavers on the River Otter in Devon’ talk, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 7.30pm ‘Viceroy’s House’ film, Jubilee Hall, Yetminster, 7.30pm 3-4 ‘Private Lives’ play, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm 4 Pardoes Solicitors Free Legal Clinic, Parish Hall, Martock, 9.00am-12.00 noon Lawrence’s General Sale, Crewkerne, 9.30am ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Salzaars Revenge’ film, The Queens Arms, Corton Denham, 7.30pm 5 ‘And Finally...Phil Collins’, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘Plants, Poisons and Potions’ talk, Methodist Church Hall, Castle Cary, 7.30pm 5-16 Nov ‘The Golden Empire of Ancient Egypt’ WEA course, East Coker Village Hall, 2.00pm-2.00pm 6 Monthly Market, Market Place, Somerton, 10.00am2.00pm Liza Pulman, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm ‘Albert Bioletti - A Soldier of Napoleon and Master Clockmaker of Wincanton’ talk, Holy Trinity Church, Yeovil, 7.30pm AGM and Talk, Memorial Hall, Wincanton, 7.30pm David Lough book signing and talk, Digby Church Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm ‘Their Finest’ film, Hardington Mandeville Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘Folklore’, David Hall, South Petherton, 7.30pm Norton Festival Folk Concert, Norton Sub Hamdon Church, 7.30pm

Chasty Cottage Antiques

NOVEMBER ADVERT DEADLINE: 10.10.17

Saturday 21st October 9.30-4.00 Entry £1

Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, DT9 3AA Enquiries 01963 370986

TO ADVERTISE 01935 424724 email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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6-7

6-8

‘No More Champagne’ talk, Digby Church Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm ‘Carneval String Trio’, Ilminster Arts Centre, 8.00pm Mudford Players Auction, Village Hall, Mudford, 7.00pm & 10.00am Norton Festival, Norton Sub Hamdon Church, 10.30am-4.00pm Produce Market, Market House, Ilminster, 8.30am Hometrade Stalls and Pickles Sale, All Saints’ and St Andrew’s Church, Castle Cary, 9.00am-12.00 noon Coffee Morning for Methodist Church, Community Hall, Bruton, 10.00am-12.00 noon Guided Walk, Ninesprings Country Park, Yeovil, 10.00am-12.00 noon Autumn Sale, Methodist Church, South Petherton, 10.00am-12.00 noon Annual Stamp and Postcard Fair, Digby Church Hall, Sherborne, 10.00am-4.00pm Artisan Route Open Day Event, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 10.00am4.00pm Mid Wessex Singers Workshop day, Long Sutton Village Hall, 10.00am-4.30pm Coffee Morning, Long Sutton Church, 10.30am12.00 noon Autumn Fayre, Memorial Hall, Queen Camel, 10.30am-12.00 noon Milkshake Live Cast, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 12.00 noon ‘Get to Know Your Village’ event, Templecombe Village Hall, 2.00pm5.00pm Wine Tasting, White Hart, Yetminster, 7.00pm ‘In One Lifetime: Rapidity and Change in 19th Century New Zealand’ talk, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’ performance, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm Charlie Dore and Julian Littman, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 7.30pm Radio Camelot Quiz Night, Yeovil Conservative Club, 7.30pm

Country and Weston Dance Car Boot and Table Top Sale, St George’s School, Bourton, 9.00am1.00pm Cool Country Club host Dave Wilson, Davis Hall, West Camel, 7.30pm Stoke Sub Hamdon Band concert, Norton Sub Hamdon Church, 7.30pm ‘Sam Kelly’s Station House’, Evershot Village Hall, 8.00pm Tim Bassett’s ‘A Tribute to Elvis’ charity event, Somerton Sports Club, 8.00pm 7-8 Norton Arts Exhibition, Apple Barn, Norton Sub Hamdon, 10.00am-4.30pm 8 ‘Raise the Song’, Norton Sub Hamdon Church, 4.00pm ‘Fieri Consort’, St Andrew’s Church, Yetminster, 7.30pm 9 Somerton Sings, West Street Church, Somerton, 10.45am Poetry Readings, Wincanton Library, 12.00 noon ‘Battle of Trafalgar’ talk, Yeovil Court Hotel, 12.00 noon ‘I think, Therefore I Am?’, Digby Church Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm 10 Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Wincanton Library Fine Art Sale, Lawrence’s Auction House, Crewkerne, 9.30am Wolfgang Grulke’s Fossil Museum, Oborne, 10.30am ‘A Stand by Chelsea’ talk, Charlton Horethorne Village Hall, 7.15pm ‘Reach for the Stars’ talk, Jubilee Hall, Yetminster, 7.30pm 10-14 ‘9-5’ musical, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm 10-12 Nov ‘Geology in the Yeovil Area’ WEA Course, Long Sutton Village Hall, 7.30pm 11 Lawrence’s General Sale, Crewkerne, 9.30am Decorative Antiques, Lawrence’s Auction House, Crewkerne, 9.30am Craft Demonstration, Wincanton Library, 1.30pm ‘Weymouth to Bath Train Line and More’ talk, Jubilee Hall, Yetminster, 2.30pm

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‘The Sense of an Ending’ film, Digby Church Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm ‘Graduation’ film, Yeovil College, 7.30pm ‘What To Grow in Your Greenhouse’ talk, West Coker Village Hall, 7.30pm 11-15 Sherborne Literary Festival, various venues and times 12 Jewellery and 19th and 20th Century Design and Ceramics, Lawrence’s Auction House, Crewkerne, 9.30am ‘20th Century Women Gardeners’ talk, Memorial Hall, Queen Camel, 2.00pm Gardening Quiz, Seavington Village Hall, 6.30pm ‘Berried Treasure - Berries, Bark and Evergreens for Winter Colour’ talk, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm ‘Gardens of the Rich and Famous’ talk, East Coker Village Hall, 7.30pm 13 Pictures, Furniture, Clocks and Rugs Sale, Lawrence’s Auction House, Crewkerne, 9.30am Time for Tea, United Reformed Church, Martock, 2.00pm-4.00pm Afternoon Tea, Wincanton Library, 2.30pm-5.00pm Hazel O’Connor, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm ‘Denial’ film, Milborne Port Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘The Olive Tree’ film, Wadham School, Crewkerne, 7.30pm ‘Jackie’ film, Commemoration Hall, West Coker, 7.45pm Craig’s Milverton Trio, Ilminster Arts Centre, 8.00pm ‘Interlude to Prague’ film, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm 13-15 Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair, Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford, various times 14 Neighbourhood Plan Open Morning, Market House, Martock, 9.30am-12.30pm Coffee Morning for WI, Community Hall, Bruton, 10.00am-12.00 noon 6

Coffee Morning, Memorial Hall, Wincanton, 10.00am12.00 noon Farmers Market, Moorlands Shopping Precinct, Martock, 10.00am-1.00pm Honey Show, Market House, Castle Cary, 10.00am Handbell Rally, Kings Arthur’s School, Wincanton, 2.00pm-5.00pm Nearly New Bazaar, Marston Magna Village Hall, 2.30pm Fosters and Lord Digby School 25 Anniversary Dinner, Sherborne Golf Club, 6.45pm Mi Flamenco - Incognito’, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm ‘The Olive Tree’ film, Warehouse Theatre, Ilminster, 7.45pm ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’ performance, All Saints Hall, Langport, 8.00pm 14-15 Apple Day and Arts and Craft Fair, North Perrott ‘Quiltessentials’ exhibition, Memorial Hall, Queen Camel, various times 15 Apple Fair, Sandford Orcas Village Hall, 12.30pm to 6.00pm ‘Mad About The Musicals’, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm James Hickman and Dan Cassidy, Jubilee Hall, Yetminster, 7.30pm Until 16 Yeovil WEA ‘The Human Story’ course, Vicarage Street Church, Yeovil, 10.00am-12.00 noon 16 ‘Creating Biodiversity to Encourage Friends Not Foes’ talk, David Hall, South Petherton, 7.30pm 17 Early Christmas Fair, Wincanton Racecourse Marquee, 10.00am ‘The Horse and Modern Art from George Stubbs to Mark Willinger’ lecture, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 11.00am ‘Romeo and Juliet’ ballet, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm Alyce Cleve history talk, Martock Primary School, 7.30pm

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‘Saving the Levels’ talk, Parish Hall, Somerton, 7.30pm Martina Cole in Conversation with Clare Donaghue, Manor Hotel, Yeovil, 7.30pm Pardoes Solicitors Free Legal Clinic, Parish Hall, Martock, 9.00am-12.00 noon Lawrence’s General Sale, Crewkerne, 9.30am Fine Art, Antique and Collectables Auction, McCubbing and Redfern Auction Rooms, Wells, 10.00am Somerset Road Safety Team ‘Route 60 Plus’ talk, Martock Recreation Ground, 2.00pm ‘Birds of Prey’ talk, North Cadbury Village Hall, 7.30pm Ask the Experts Evening, Norton Sub Hamdon Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘Manchester By The Sea’ film, Yeovil College, 7.30pm ‘Around the World with BBC Natural History Unit’ talk, David Hall, South Petherton, 7.30pm ‘The History and Mystery of Eels’ talk, Digby Memorial Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm Artisan and Craft Market, Market Square, South Petherton, 9.00am-4.00pm ‘Talon’, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm Roger Mark’s Cornish Armada Jazz Band, All Saint’s Church, Martock, 7.30pm ‘The Sense of an Ending’ film, Jubilee Hall, Ditcheat, 7.30pm

‘A View From the Edge’ performance, Halstock Village Hall, 7.30pm 19-21 ‘A Murder Mystery Whodunit’, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm 20 Health Walk, Martock Shopping Precinct, 9.30am* Pictures, Books, Antiques, Interiors, Beswick & Sporting Items Sale, Charterhouse Auctioneers, Long Street, Sherborne, 10.00am Chef’s Special Lunch, Henhayes Community Centre, Crewkerne, 12.30pm Gin and More’ fundraising event, Majestic Wines, Yeovil, 7.00pm ‘Oz and Armonico Drink to Music’, Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘Speaking in Signs: the Life and Work of Otto Neurath’ talk, Market House, Castle Cary, 7.30pm ‘Jam Experiment’, Ilminster Arts Centre, 8.00pm 21 Coffee Morning, Market House, Castle Cary, 9.00am-12.00 noon Farmer’s Market, Henhayes Centre, Crewkerne, 9.00am-1.00pm Chasty Cottage Antique Fair, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 9.30am4.00pm Coffee Morning, Community Hall, Bruton, 10.00am-12.00 noon Family Workshop, Old Town Hall, Somerton, 10.00am-4.00pm

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Apple Days, Barrington Court, 10.30am-4.00pm Spooky Wooden Shapes, Barrington Court, 11.00am4.00pm Minster Music 65 Charity Concert, Minster Church, Ilminster, 7.00pm Trafalgar Night Dinner, West Coker Village Hall, 7.00pm ‘Their Finest’ film, Halstock Village Hall, 7.30pm Defibrillator Appeal Quiz Night, Thornford Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘Tap Factory’, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 8.00pm Sean Kelly and The Stars of Storage Hunters, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 8.00pm Martin Carthy, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm ‘Fairpoint Convention’, Square and Compass, Ilminster, 9.00pm Big Butty Breakfast, Alweston Village Hall, 9.00am-11.00am ‘Jackson: Live in Concert’, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm

Acoustic Night, David Hall, South Petherton, 7.30pm Somerton Sings, West Street Church, Somerton, 10.45am ‘Find the Yeti’, Ham Hill Country Park, 10.00am12.00 noon Spooky Shadow Play Puppet Workshop, Barrington Court, 11.00am4.00pm ‘Climbers and Wall Shrubs’ talk, Community Hall, Bruton, 7.30pm ‘Alpines and Orchids’ talk, Parish Rooms, Somerton, 7.30pm Brown and Forrest Smokery Open Day, Langport Duke’s in Dorchester General Sale, Avenue Auctions, Weymouth Avenue, 10.30am ‘Mad Victorian Science’, Sherborne Museum, 11.00am-2.00pm Den Building Day, Barrington Court, 11.00am3.00pm ‘The Wind in the Willows’, Chetnole Village Hall, 4.00pm

John Illsley, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm Fish and Chips Quiz, West Coker Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘Their Finest’ film, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 7.30pm Coffee Morning, David Hall, South Petherton, 10.00am-12.00 noon Arts Buffet, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 10.00am12.00 noon & 1.30pm3.30pm Antique Textiles Fair, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 2.30pm ‘Their Finest’ film, East Coker Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘The Story of Clark’s of Street - A Quaker Business’ talk, Methodist Church Hall, South Petherton, 7.30pm Eric Knowles, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 2.30pm ‘Churchill’ film, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.00pm ‘Magic of Motown’, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm

Quiz Night, Sports Club, Somerton, 8.00pm 26-29 Yeovil Literary Festival, Various venues and times 27 U3A Meeting, Edgar Community Hall, Somerton,10.00am-12.00 noon Come For Coffee, Parish Hall, Martock, 10.00am12.00 noon Halloween Trial, Yeovil Country Park, 11.00am2.00pm ‘Going Batty for Halloween’, Sherborne Museum, 2.00pm-4.00pm ‘Incorrect Political Correctness’ talk, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 2.30pm Sunset Cafe Stompers, Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 7.30pm ‘Some of the World’s 52 Pheasant Species and Their Conversation’ talk, Parish Hall, Ilminster, 7.30pm Dave Newton, Ilminster Arts Centre, 8.00pm ‘The Sense of An Ending’ film, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm

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Cartgate Market, A303/A3088 Roundabout, 8.00am2.00pm* Museum Heritage Day, Ilchester Town Hall, 9.30am-4.30pm Coffee Morning for Mini Day Centre, Community Hall, Bruton, 10.00am-12.00 noon Big Bibic Bake Off with Val Stones, Vida Comida, Sherborne, 10.00am-12.00 noon ‘Spooky Spiders’, Wincanton Library Coffee Morning, Market House, Castle Cary, 10.00am-12.00 noon ‘Big Breakfast’, Henhayes Centre, Crewkerne, 10.00am-12.00 noon Levels Best Farmers and Craft Market, Montacute House, 10.00am-2.00pm Handmade Craft Market, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 10.30-3.30pm Autumn Jumble Sale, Norton Sub Hamdon Village Hall, 11.00am Annual Winter Fayre, East Coker Village Hall, 2.00pm4.00pm ‘Spooky Songs, Stories and Sausages’, Pogles Wood, Leigh, 5.00pm-7.00pm Nancy Kerr, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm

‘Whole Lotta Shakin’, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm ‘Denial’ film, Parish Hall, Martock, 7.30pm 28-31 Halloween Evenings, Yeovil Junction Railway, Stoford, 5.00pm-9.00pm 29 Pumpkin Festival, Hauser and Wirth, Bruton, 10.00am-5.00pm Divertimento String Quartet, David Hall, South Petherton, 3.00pm ‘New Beats’ live music, Jubilee Hall, Yetminster, 4.00pm-6.00pm

Spooky Stories, Ham Hill Country Park, 5.00pm7.00pm 30-31 ‘That’ll Be The Day’, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm 31 ‘Tree and Shrubs and the Correct Way and When To Prune Them’ talk, Tithe Barn, Merriott, 7.30pm 30-4 Dec ‘1930’s Detective Fiction’ WEA Course, Vicarage Street Church, Yeovil 10.00am-12.00 noon

OCTOBER EXHIBITIONS* ‘Take Five’, Ilminster Arts Centre, 9.30am-4.30pm Now-30 Sept Now-30 Sept Cafe Gallery Display, Ilminster Arts Centre, 9.30am-4.30pm Now-6 Oct Exhibition of New Work by Guy Taplin, Jerram Gallery, Sherborne, 9.30am-5.00pm ‘Objectscapes’ by Hepted, ACE Arts, Somerton, Now-8 Oct 9.30am-4.30pm 30 Sept ‘New Beginnings’, St James Church, Preston Road, Yeovil, 10.00am-4.30pm 30 Sept-1 Oct ‘Art in Ilchester’ Exhibition, Town Hall, Ilchester, 10.00am-4.00pm 2-28 Oct ‘Light’ exhibition, Ilminster Arts Centre, 9.30am4.30pm 14 Oct-11 Nov ‘Menagerie’ exhibition, ACE Arts, Somerton, 9.30am-4.30pm 20 Oct-10 Nov Exhibition of New Work by John Maddison, Jerram Gallery, Sherborne, 9.30am-5.00pm 30 Oct-25 Nov Neroche Artists Exhibition, Ilminster Arts Centre, 9.30am-4.30pm

Competition

Win a pair of tickets for the performance of the ballet Romeo and Juliet at The Octagon PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

Name the composer of the music accompanying this performance

CHARITY

CAR BOOT OPEN EVERY SUNDAY Gates open 7am for sellers and 7.30am for buyers Cars £5, Transits/Cars with Trailers £8, Buyers before 9.30am £1 for cars, 50p pedestrian Buyers after 9.30am 50p for cars, 25p pedestrian Off A37/A303 Ilchester Roundabout

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Saturday 28th October Triple Award Winning

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Friday 29th September Saturday 7 October (Closed Sunday)

Abbey Bookshop Cheap Street Sherborne Wide selection of Magazines, Periodicals and DVDs in stock. New Naxos Classical CDs

Send your answer, together with your name and contact details to The Conduit Magazine (address on page 3) or email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk by 7 October.

Ilchester Sportsfield Fund

Have your daily paper delivered. Ask in store for details.

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To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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ALWESTON On Saturday 22 October from 9.00am to 11.00am at the Village Hall there is a Community Big Butty Breakfast. A free child’s breakfast with the purchase of an adult breakfast. Children’s activity table. Cards and preserves available. Food bank collection. BARRINGTON On Saturday 21 October from 10.30am to 4.00pm go along to Apple Days. There celebration of all things apple with much activity centred around their orchards and pressing barn. On Saturday 21 from 11.00am to 4.00pm go and Paint a Spooky Wooden Shape. Call in at the master woodcarver’s workshop where Jozef has cut a selection of wooden shapes to be painted. On Monday 23 from 11.00am to 4.00pm go to the Spooky Shadow Play Puppet Workshop. Fun for all ages. On Tuesday 24 from 11.00am to 3.00pm try the Den Building Day. Their ranger will show you how to build a crafty woodland hideaway. Suggested donation of £2 per child. All events at Barrington Court. BOURTON On Saturday 23rd September from 9.00am to 1.00pm at St George’s School there is a Car Boot and Table Top Sale. Refreshments and cake sale. Sellers £8, Buyers 50p donation. All proceeds in aid of new school library. All welcome. For more information phone 07803 195831. CHARLTON HORETHORNE On Friday 29 to Saturday 30 September from 7.30pm at the Village Hall Village Variety presents ‘The Church Meeting’ – a light comedy in one act. Tickets £8, includes ploughman supper, available from The Village Shop on 01963 220236. Licensed bar. For further information phone 01963 220595 or 07815 674175. On Tuesday 10 October from 7.15pm at the Village Hall the Gardening Club have a talk called ‘A Stand by Chelsea’ by Jo Sheldon. Jo has been part of The Royal College of Pathologists’ stand at Chelsea for several years and will talk about her experiences and particularly allergies and low allergen garden

EE FR

News

By Lauren Hill

nd om e t a ro t timer ile th r a off to ba che his ia y vou or t rg an this ify f eo n nt al G in o rese to qu s e p er baPleasf ord

Village

plants. Coffee, tea and biscuits served. Non members £2. CORTON DENHAM On Wednesday 4 October at 7.30pm at The Queens Arms the Film Night is showing ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Salzaars Revenge’. Main Meal (Chefs Choice), Vegetarian alternative available, 125ml glass of house red or white, pint of Legless Liz or Scrumpy, for drivers a glass of coke or lemonade. £15 per person. Pre booking essential. DITCHEAT On Thursday 19th October at 7.30pm at the Jubilee Hall the Ditcheat Big Screen presents ‘The Sense of an Ending’. Tickets £6, available on the door or Ditcheat Farm Shop. Licensed bar, tea and coffee available. For more information phone 01749 860396. EAST COKER From Thursday 5 October to Thursday 16 November from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Village Hall the WEA begins their six weekly sessions entitled ‘The Golden Empire of Ancient Egypt’. The Tutor John Billman will cover the history of three millennium including art, artefacts, tombs and temples. Cost £44. To enroll phone 0300 303 3464 or visit www.enrolonline.wea.org.uk On Thursday 12 October at 7.30pm at the Village Hall the Gardening Club have a talk called ‘Gardens of the Rich and Famous’ by David Moon. Visitors £3. For details phone 01935 862447. On Wednesday 25 from 7.30pm at the Village Hall see the film ‘Their Finest’. Tickets £6 on the door. For more information phone 01935 863002. (See ‘Arts’) On Saturday 28 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Village Hall it is the East Coker Society’s Annual Winter Fayre. Start your Christmas shopping early from a wide selection of produce including Christmas cards and decorations, diaries, calendars, bric-a-brac, home-baked cakes, savoury, preserves, farm foods, garden plants, books, crafts, pictures, pottery, jewellery, knitwear, home furnishings, wooden products, children’s toys and much more. Entry £2.50, includes tea/coffee and mince pie. Under 14s free

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entry. Spaces are still available for stall holders. For more information phone 01935 862218. EVERSHOT On Saturday 7th October from 8.00pm at the Village Hall see ‘Sam Kelly’s Station House’. Tickets £10. HAM HILL On Monday 23 October from 10.00am to 12.00 noon ‘Find the Yeti’ at the Country Park. Somewhere deep in the woods at Ham Hill lies ‘The Ham Hill Yeti’. Join the rangers for a morning to try and track him down. Learn about animal tracks and signs to look out for while they walk through the woods trying to track the Yeti down. Some mild fear and not for the faint hearted! Entry £5. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult, accompanying adults free. Booking required. On Monday 30 from 5.00pm to 7.00pm go along to Spooky Stories at the Country Park. Get ready for Halloween with an evening of spooky stories. Not for the faint hearted, they will regale you some spooky tales, some are real, some are not and some may be happening as the night unfolds! Entry £5. Please wrap up warm and wear suitable footwear. HARDINGTON MANDEVILLE On Friday 6 October at the Village

Hall from 7.30pm see ‘Their Finest’. Tickets £5 in advance from Springfield Stores on 01935 862363 or £6 on the door. For more information phone 01935 862688. HALSTOCK On Saturday 21 October at the Village Hall at 7.30pm the Village Cinema presents ‘Their Finest’. For more information phone 01935 893485. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) HOLNEST On Saturday 30 Sept and Sunday 1 October at the Church from 10.00am to 12.00 noon there is Coffee and Cakes. The church will be decorated for the Harvest Festival on the Sunday 1 from 6.30pm. ILCHESTER Every Sunday there is a Charity Car Boot at the Sportsfield off the A37/A303 roundabout from 7.30am. Buyers before 9.30am £1 for cars or 50p for pedestrians. Buyers after 9.30am 50p for cars, 25p for pedestrians. For more details 07967280754. On Saturday 28 October from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Town Hall the Museum has a Heritage Day. There will be a series of talks, presentations and tours on Roman heritage. Ilchester was a key settlement in Rome’s conquest and rule of ancient Britain. Tickets £10, 9

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includes lunch of chilli and crusty bread or spicy chicken and vegetables followed by crumble or lemon meringue. To book email sally.mottram@ukgateway.net with how many people, special dietary needs and phone number. LEIGH On Saturday 28 October from 5.00pm to 7.00pm at Pogles Wood go along to ‘Spooky Songs, Stories and Sausages’. Join us round the campfire and bring your own sausages and sparklers. Donations very welcome. For more information and to book email hello@pogleswoodexplorers. org.uk LONG SUTTON On Tuesday 3 October from 7.00pm at the Village Hall the WEA will be hosting an Open Evening to launch their booklet ‘Around the Village Green’. The booklet is the culmination of research carried out by a small group of volunteers from their branch focussing on some aspects of the history of Long Sutton. Go and get your copy. The evening will include an introduction by the Chair of Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society (SANHS) and a display of some of their research material, along with maps and charts of the area. Wine/soft drinks and cheese will be served. For more information phone 01458 24171 or 01935 850077. On Saturday 7th from

10.00am to 4.30pm at the Village Hall the Mid Wessex Singers led by Graham Coatman have a workshop day where you can sing the inspiring music of ‘Mozart, Monteverdi and Morten Lauridsen’. Entry £15, includes refreshments but bring your own lunch. For more information or to book your place phone 01458 250447 or visit www.midwessexsingers.wordpress. com On Saturday 7 from 10.30am to 12.00 noon at the Church there is a Coffee Morning in aid of Prostate Cancer. From Tuesday 10 October to Tuesday 21 November (no session on Tuesday 24 October) at the Village Hall from 7.30pm the WEA host a six week course entitled ‘Geology in the Yeovil Area’. Starting from Long Sutton, the immediate geology of the area will be covered. The aim of the course is to teach the rudiments of geology that will help to understand unfamiliar places, but more particularly, to discern, to interpret and more greatly appreciate our local landscapes. The professional tutor leading the course will be Simon Webster. Cost £25. To pre-enrol or for more information contact Doreen Harvey on 01458 241711 or email doreenharveylongsuttonwea@outlo ok.com MARSTON MAGNA On Saturday 14 October at 2.30pm at the Village Hall go along to the Nearly

New Bazaar. Fantastic bargains including clothing, shoes, handbags, books, bric-a-brac and jewellery. MARTOCK Every Tuesday until Tuesday 10th October from 2.00pm to 3.30pm at the Parish Hall go along and join the group for a wide range of applied sports for 50+ years old. Activities include New Age Kurling, Boccia, Seated Volley Ball and Table Tennis. You will get the chance to meet new people whilst having fun and being active. On Saturday 30 September from 7.30pm at the Parish Hall it is Film Night with ‘Hidden Figures’. The true story of three typically super brainy women who rise in the ranks of NASA in the space race in 1961 to solve how to get astronauts into space. Starring Tarali Hanson, Octavia Spencer and Dorothy Vaughan. Entry £5.50 in advance or £6 on the door. For more information phone Jonathan Swabey on 01935 826457. On Wednesday 4 and Wednesday 18 October from 9.00am to 12.00 noon at the Parish Hall Pardoes Solicitors are holding a free legal clinics. This clinic is for people looking for any advice regarding wills, probate, powers of attorney, tax planning or trusts. For more information phone 01823 446239. On Friday 13 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the United Reformed Church go along to Time For Tea.

Everyone welcome. For more details call 01935 822929. On Saturday 14 from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Market House there is an Open Morning for ideas on the Neighbourhood Plan. Go along help decide how to shape their future. All welcome. Refreshments available. On Saturday 14 from 10.00am to 1.00pm at the Moorlands Shopping Precinct go to the Farmers Market. 16 stalls selling a variety of local produce including buffalo meat, honey, fudge, flapjack, poultry, fruit gin, cakes, bread, plants, vegetables, cheese, cider, chocolates and home-roasted coffee. For a table phone 01935 822202. On Tuesday 17 at the Primary School from 7.30pm the History Group hosts Alyce Cleve who will describe her life journey to become a 16th century kitchen maid. She makes a colourful, dramatic and historically accurate performance. Refreshments available. Non members £3. Annual membership £10. On Wednesday 18 at 2.00pm at the Pavilion at Martock Recreation Ground the WI have a talk with Somerset Road Safety Team on ‘Route 60 Plus’. Visitors and new members welcome. For further information contact Brenda on 01935 508265 or b.swindells@talktalk.net On Thursday 19 from 7.30pm at the Parish Church see the Roger Marks

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Cornish Band playing popular tunes from 1880 to 1960. Roger set up his first Armada Band in 1985 and this still plays monthly at Honiton. They have established a reputation for their musicianship and good humour and have a loyal following that accompanies them on overseas tours. Tickets £8 from 01935 822706 or £9 on the door, under 16’s free. Wine and soft drinks available. On Friday 20 at 9.30am from the Shopping Precinct there is a free Health Walk. Walks are friendly and about 45 minutes long and are led by trained volunteers at a pace suitable to the group. Everyone welcome. On Friday 27 from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Parish Hall it is Come For Coffee. Enjoy a cafetiere of coffee for £1 and homemade cakes for 50p. Occasional market stalls. Profits shared between Parish Hall Fund and charities. On Saturday 28 from 7.30pm at the Parish Hall the Film Night this month is showing ‘Denial’. Entry £5.50 in advance or £6 on the door. For more information phone Jonathan Swabey on 01935 826457. MERRIOTT From Friday 29 September to Sunday 1st October from 10.00am at All Saints Church go along to ‘Say It With Flowers’. There will be a free flower festival and a Songs of Praise concert at 7.00pm for £6 available from Osborne’s Shop. For more information phone 01460 78461. On Tuesday 31 October from 7.30pm at the Tithe Barn the Gardening Club have a talk called ‘Trees and Shrubs and the Correct Way and When to Prune Them’ with Dave Usher from Hestercombe Gardens. Non members £2. Refreshments and raffle. For more information phone 01460 72298. MILBORNE PORT On Wednesday 13 October at the Village Hall from 7.30pm see the film ‘Denial’. Tickets £5 in advance from Wayne the Butcher or £5.50 on the door. For more information phone 01963 251858. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages) MONTACUTE The triple award winning Farmers and Craft Market at Montacute House, organised by Levels’ Best is on Saturday 28 October from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Parking, entry free and dog friendly so a great time to top up on local seasonal products. MUDFORD On Friday 6 from 7.00pm and Saturday 7 October from 10.00am at the Village Hall the Mudford Players will be holding auditions for their new pantomime. They have already performed four successful pantos and are ready to stage another in

the new year. They need people for cast – major or minor parts and back and stage – crew, scenery, props, costume and more. They welcome you to go along and find out more. For more information phone Jo on 07757 865575. NORTH CADBURY On Wednesday 18 October from 7.30pm at the Village Hall the Gardening Club have a talk called ‘Birds of Prey’ by Chris Sperring. Non members £2. On Saturday 28 from 7.30pm at the Village Hall Take Art hosts The Brubeck Project presented by the Neil Maya Quartet. The Golden Age of Jazz is reborn in this show featuring some of the most exciting jazz musicians working in the South West taking you back to 1959 and the cool sounds of one of the greatest jazz bands in existence, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, playing such classics as Blue Rondo Ala Turk, Unsquare Dance and Take Five. This is a unique opportunity to hear this classic music played live by top class players, so come and be transported back to the hip 1950’s as the village hall is transformed into the coolest of jazz clubs. Bar available. Tickets Adults £10, Children/Students £5 available from 01963 440705 and www.takeart.org NORTH PERROTT From Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 October there is a Apple Day and Arts and Craft Fair. NORTON SUB HAMDON On Saturday 30 September from 7.30pm at the Village Hall there is the Norton Festival Harvest Hoedown with Fiddlestix and Will Antell. Tickets £8 from Community Shop. From Friday 6 to Sunday 8 October from 10.30am to 4.00pm at the Church it is the Norton Festival. There will be Harvest Floral Displays, photographic exhibition of Old Norton and a scarecrow trail around the village. Refreshments available. On Friday 6 from 7.30pm at the Church it is the Norton Festival Folk Concert featuring 2 Folk, Jim and Laurie, Alison and Jack, The Village Folk. Tickets £7 from Community Shop. From Saturday 7th to Sunday 8th from 10.00am to 4.30pm at Apple Barn, Great Street there is a Norton Arts Exhibition. A group of dedicated painters and sculptors are holding an exhibition. Meet Salvador Scarecrow and his friend. Free entry. Donations welcome for Yeovil Blood Bikes and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. On Saturday 7 from 7.30pm in the Church see Stoke Sub Hamdon Band in concert. Tickets £7 from Community Shop. On Sunday 8 from 4.00pm go to ‘Raise the Song’ in Church. A

celebration of harvest in song, music and word. For more information visit www.nortonfestival.org On Saturday 28 from 11.00am at the Village Hall there is an Autumn Jumble Sale. Bargains galore. Great quality new/nearly new clothes, shoes, bric-a-brac, books, toys and much more. Cake stall, raffle and refreshments available. Admission 50p, Children free. In aid of hall funds. For more information phone 01935 881718. OBORNE On Tuesday 10 October from 10.30am the Dorset Wildlife Trust visit Wolfgang Grulke’s Fossil Museum. Small charge. QUEEN CAMEL On Saturday 7 October from 10.30am to 12.00 noon Castle Cary’s Save the Children have their Autumn Fayre. There will be Christmas cards, cakes, boys, toys, gifts and a tombola. On Thursday 12 at 2.00pm the Horticultural Society have a talk called ‘20th Century Women Gardeners’ speaker Mrs Jane Crozier. On Saturday 14 from 10.00am to 4.00pm and Sunday 15 from 10.00am to 2.30pm Quiltessentials together with Queen Camel Quilters will be holding an exhibition of patchwork and quilting. There will be displays of work created in the past two years, the popular bag/cushion raffle, small articles for sale, patchwork magazines to take away and demonstrations where you can actually ‘have a go’! Refreshments served throughout both days including Ploughman’s Lunches. Admission free, but donations requested in aid of the hall. All events at the Memorial Hall. SANFORD ORCAS On Sunday 15 October from 12.30pm to 6.00pm at the Village Hall it is the second Apple Fair. An apple celebration with pork hangi, apple puddings, apple games and cider. For more information phone 01963 220163. SEAVINGTON On Thursday 12 October at 6.30pm at the Village Hall the Gardening Club have a Gardening Quiz. Flower of the Month Competition and annual presentation of Irene Williams Memorial Plate. SOUTH PETHERTON On Friday 29th at 8.00pm the Petherton Picture Show presents ‘The Odyssey’. Tickets £5. On Saturday 30 September to Sunday 1 October from 10.00am to 5.00pm at the David Hall there is a Bluegrass and Oldtime Mandolin Workshop. On Monday 2nd at 7.15pm at Frogmary Green Farm the Arts Society Neroche begin a new season with a talk called

MUDFORD PLAYERS The Players group is planning to stage another PANTO in the new year and are looking for new members. We need people for CAST - major or minor parts – and BACK STAGE – stage crew, scenery, props, costume, etc. We are holding AUDITIONS at Mudford Village Hall on Friday 6th October starting at 7pm and Saturday 7th October starting at 10am. Parking opposite in the village carpark. For further information please contact Jo on 07757 865575

‘Basingstoke and its Contribution to World Culture’ by Rupert Willoughby. This looks lightheartedly at one of the ugliest episodes in English architecture while revealing the nobler Basingstoke buried beneath the concrete and the few historic gems that have survived. For more information and for the 2017-18 programme visit www.theartssocietynerochesouthso merset.org.uk On Saturday 7 from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Methodist Church there is an Autumn Sale. Stalls include books, jigsaws, bric-a-brac, cakes, preserves, raffle and a tombola. Refreshments and teacakes will be served. Free entry. On Wednesday 11 at Crispin New Farm Restaurant there is a Ladies Lunch. On Friday 13 from 8.00pm at the David Hall the Petherton Picture Show presents ‘Interlude in Prague’. A fictitious but captivating story of Mozart’s years in Prague. Tickets £5. On Monday 16 from 7.30pm the Gardening Club have a talk ‘Creating Biodiversity to Encourage Friends Not Foes’ by Penny Richards of Somerset Wildlife Trust. On Wednesday 18 at 7.30pm at the David Hall there is a talk entitled ‘Around the World with BBC Natural History Unit’ with Stephen Moss. Stephen is one of Britain’s leading nature writers, broadcasters and natural history television producers. A lifelong naturalist, he has travelled to all seven of the world’s continents in search of wildlife. His TV credits include Springwatch, The Nature of Britain and Birds Britannia. Stephen lives on the Somerset Levels, where he is President of the Somerset Wildlife Trust. He now teaches an MA in Travel & Nature Writing at Bath Spa University. Tickets £8. On Thursday 19 October from 9.00am to 4.00pm at the Market Square it is the monthly Artisan and Craft Market. To book a stall call 07966 658966. On Sunday 22 from 7.30pm at the David Hall it is the Acoustic Night. On Wednesday 25 from 10.00am to 12.00 noon there is a Coffee Morning. Free

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Entry. On Wednesday 25 at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall there is a talk called ‘The Story of Clark’s of Street - a Quaker business’ by Dr Tim Crumplin of the Alfred Gillett Trust. He will draw on the Clark’s own archives to show how the family built up their successful shoe business while enhancing the lives of their employees. Visitors £3 on the door. On Friday 27 at 8.00pm the Petherton Picture Show presents ‘The Sense of an Ending’. Based on the novel by Julian Barnes and starring Jim Broadbent, Charlotte Rampling and Emily Mortimer. Tickets £5. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) All events, unless stated, are at The David Hall. SPARKFORD On Friday 13 at 11.00pm to 2.00pm and Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 from 11.00am to 5.00pm it is the Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair at the Haynes International Motor Museum in Sparkford. Exhibitors include Alchemy, Appledore Antiques, Chris Holmes Antiques, Elizabeth Lee Interiors, Granta Fine Art, Hiscock and Shepherd, Jerram Gallery, John Wiseman Antiques, King George Antiques, Linda North Antiques, Mark Blower Antiques, Quillon House Antiques, Walton House Antiques, Waterfall Antiques, William Morris Antiques and many more. Entry £10. For more information phone 01278 784912 or visit http://www.brutondecorativeantiq uesfair.co.uk STOKE SUB HAMDON On Saturday 14 October from 10.00am to 4.00pm at the Memorial Hall the Village Artists Group have an Art Exhibition. Refreshments available. TEMPLECOMBE On Saturday 7 from 2.00pm to 5.00pm at the Village Hall there is a ‘Get to Know Your Village’ event. Over 25 village clubs and groups will be represented, including bells, planes, trains, choirs, schools, churches, scouts and much more. Hosted by Templecombe WI, who will be organising refreshments. THORNFORD On Saturday 21 October at 7.30pm at the Village Hall it is the Defibrillator Appeal Quiz Night. Tables of six, £3 per person. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. A raffle will be held. For more information or to book a table phone 07967 994186. WEST CAMEL On Saturday 7 October from 7.30pm Country and Western Dance Club host ‘Dave Wilson’. Tickets £6 pp. For

more details 01460 78895. On Friday 29 October from 7.30pm see the film ‘Their Finest’. Admission £5 on the door. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) All events at the Davis Hall. WEST COKER On Wednesday 11 October from 7.30pm at the Village Hall the Gardening Club have a talk called ‘What to Grow in Your Greenhouse’. Refreshments available. Annual membership £5. On Friday 13 at the Commemoration Hall from 7.45pm Cinema for All presents ‘Jackie’. Wine, beers, cider and soft drinks available at a cost. Tickets £5 from Marilyn on 01935 863176 or on the door. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) On Saturday 21 at the Village Hall from 7.00pm go along to Trafalgar Night Dinner. Entry £40. Booking essential on 01935 862704. On Tuesday 24 at the Village Hall from 7.30pm the WI have a Fish and Chips Quiz. Entry £8. For more information phone 01935 863716. YETMINSTER On Tuesday 3 October from 7.30pm see ‘Viceroy’s House’. Tickets £6, includes a choc ice from Spar Shop, Sunnyside. For more information phone 01935 872552. On Saturday 7 October from 7.00pm at the White Hart there is a Wine Tasting. Entry £20, includes wine and tapas. Booking essential. On Sunday 8 at 7.30pm St Andrew’s Church welcome back the Fieri Consort with a programme of soprano duets and music from seventeenth century Venice. Fieri have sung on Radio 3 and recently toured Australia. Tickets £14 available from John Summers on 01935 872414. Drinks in return for donations. Proceeds to the church restoration fund. On Tuesday 10 from 7.30pm the Garden Club have a talk called ‘Reach for the Stars’ by Jennie Short. On Wednesday 11 from 2.30pm the History Society have a talk called ‘Weymouth to Bath Train Line and More’ with Colin Maggs MBE speaking about the history of the Wessex Line. Colin is a railway historian and author of more than 60 books about British railways, particularly in the Southwest. He has written many articles and made several TV & radio appearances on the subject. On Sunday 29 from 4.00pm to 6.00pm at the White Hart there is New Beats live music. All events at the Jubilee Hall unless mentioned.

Movies

AROUND THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS DENIAL (12A) Based on the acclaimed book ‘History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier’, the film recounts Deborah E. Lipstadt’s legal battle for historical truth against David Irving who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier. According to the English legal system, in cases of defamation the burden of proof is on the accused, so it fell to Lipstadt and her legal team to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust occurred. Starring Rachel Weisz, Timothy Spall and Tom Wilkinson. (Showing at Martock and Milborne Port) JACKIE (15) A searing and intimate portrait of one of the most important & tragic moments in American history, seen through the eyes of the iconic First Lady, Jackie Kennedy. Set in the days following the President’s death, we see a psychological portrait of the First Lady as she struggles to maintain her husband’s legacy and the world of ‘Camelot’ that they created and loved. Starring Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard and John Hurt. (Showing at West Coker) PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: SALZAARS REVENGE (12) Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar, escape from the Devil’s Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea...including him. Captain Jack’s only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas. Starring Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush. (Showing at Corton Denham) THEIR FINEST (12A) Follows a diffident young Welsh woman who lands a job with a unit making short propaganda films for the Ministry of Information at the height of the Blitz. Hired to write ‘the slop’, as dialogue between women is dismissively termed by her jaded writer colleague Buckley, she ends up working on a morale-boosting feature film about the exploits of a couple of seafaring sisters during the Dunkirk evacuation. Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin, Billy Nighy and Jeremy Irons. (Showing at Castle Cary, East Coker, Halstock, Hardington Mandeville and West Camel) THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) Tony Webster is the curmudgeonly divorced owner of a specialist camera shop in London. He still has a cordial relationship with his ex-wife, Margaret and the two share a strong bond with their daughter who is extremely pregnant and on the verge of having her first child on her own. The arrival of a registered letter disrupts his routine. It turns out that the mother of his first love, Veronica, a vivacious young woman he met in college, has died. She has willed him an item that Veronica, whom he has not seen in over 50 years, now refuses to give him. As Tony tries to track it down, he shares with Margaret the story of this young romance, as well as the friendship with a fellow classmate that came to a tragic end. Starring Charlotte Rampling, Jim Broadbent and Harriet Walter. (Showing at Ditcheat, Sherborne and South Petherton) VICEROY’S HOUSE (12) New Dehli in March 1947. The huge and stately Viceroy’s Palace is like a beehive. Its five hundred employees are busy preparing the coming of Lord Louis Mountbatten, who has just been appointed new (and last) viceroy of India by prime minister Clement Attlee. Mountbatten, whose difficult task consists in overseeing the transition of British India to independence, arrives at the Palace, accompanied by his Edwina, his liberal-minded wife and by his eighteen-year-old daughter Pamela. Meanwhile, in the staff quarters, a love story is born between Jeet, a Hindu, and Aalia, a Muslim beauty. Things will prove difficult - not to say very difficult - both on the geopolitical and personal level. (Showing at Yetminster)

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Save on Bills by Edward Covill, Ten Go

“It is better to be looked over than to be overlooked,” said film actress Mae West This month we are looking over a few ways to save you money. The rising cost of car insurance is a problem that will not go away. Insurers blame increases in compensation rates and higher taxes imposed by The Government. One might think that you might be rewarded for your loyalty by getting the best deal that your insurer offers. This is not usually the case; new customers are often given a better deal so it is desirable to shop around. It is worth visiting “confused.com” which claims to reduce costs by an average £290 per annum. Energy prices continue to rise. We expect this trend to continue. In the past we have suggested domestic users join a consortium such as NHS Savings. The situation for business users is much more complicated. There are about 10 suppliers worth considering and most change their prices weekly, making it nearly impossible for the average small business to get the best deal. We will look at any bill sent to us to get the most savings. All that is needed is a copy bill and date of the end of any existing contract. If you are thinking of getting new car tyres, consider buying through “carshopper.com” They stock most makes and sizes, and will arrange fitting at your home and possibly at your place of work. They claim never to be beaten on price. If you use run flat tyres, that enable you to go limited distances when you have a puncture, go to “runflattyres.com” and you can order them. In this hard water area many hot water systems are affected by lime scale. It is not unusual to be paying up to 25% more for heating water than is necessary. “The Scale manager 2” may solve this problem. It costs about £250 including delivery and VAT, but can pay for itself in about 9 months where scale is severe. It is a double action device employing both radio frequency and Inductive coupling and a money back guarantee is provided. Many of our tips involve accessing on line web sites and we appreciate that there are many readers who do not have computer facilities. For those who do, why not be a Good Samaritan and offer to reduce bills for them? You can earn their gratitude by saving them perhaps £100’s annually. Call from 5am daily or email covill.tengo@btopenworld.com

Legal Matters by Jason Carr, Battens Solicitors

Unregistered Land or Property, How and Why Should You Register it There is still a surprising amount of land and property in England and Wales which remains unregistered and this means that the Land Registry has no record of the ownership. When land becomes registered the important information including ownership, a plan to show the extent, rights benefiting it and burdens upon it are kept in a central electronic register which is easily accessible and most importantly, unlike paper deeds, cannot be lost or accidently destroyed. You do not need to purchase land to make sure your ownership becomes registered. Whether you have a large farm, a semidetached house or a small piece of verge, Voluntary registration offers proof of land ownership and protection against fraud; it gives a clear record of the benefits and burdens on a property and can assist with boundary disputes which may arise. This will also make the process easier if you come to sell the land, since a buyer and their advisor can quickly get a picture of the legal implications of the title without having to pick through vast amounts of documents to decide what is pertinent.

01935 846000

Even if you have lost your title deeds you may still be able to register your ownership and we can guide you through the Land Registry requirements. Whilst it is not always possible to get what is known as a Title Absolute, i.e. definitive evidence of ownership against any other claim; the Land Registry can provide you with what is known as Possessory Title which after 12 years can be upgraded to Absolute Title – this helps protect against erroneous claims by other people until ownership can be proven without doubt. It is of the utmost importance, if you have lost your title deeds, to begin the process of registration sooner rather than later to protect your ownership and start accruing those 12 years. The Land Registry offers a reduced registration fee to voluntarily register your ownership of your property. If you think your property may be unregistered and you would like to discuss voluntary first registration then please contact Jason Carr on 01935 811316 or jason.carr@battens.co.uk in our Residential Property team and he will be happy to discuss this with you further.

www.battens.co.uk

OFFICES IN SHERBORNE, YEOVIL, DORCHESTER and WEYMOUTH

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This October sees the sixth annual Sherborne Literary Festival return to the town with a fascinating line-up. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event.

The Festival is organised under the auspices of the Sherborne Literary Society. Taking place from Wednesday, 11 October to Sunday, 15 October the Festival offers fascinating and entertaining speakers from a broad spectrum of literature. The line-up includes a few very well-known speakers, some of whom have appeared at Sherborne before and have been invited back by popular demand; and, as always, the Festival includes relatively unknown names, all of whom come with excellent reputations for being interesting speakers, not just good authors!

“People tell me that they believe this is the best programme yet, which is very gratifying.” says Festival Director John Gaye. “Certainly I believe that not only do we have a very diverse set of subjects being covered this year at our 15 events but that our speakers all come with excellent reputations for making their subjects really interesting for their audience. This year I am hoping that our season ticket, which is excellent value, will encourage people to come and hear some of the lesser known guests, who, in the past, have very often provided some of the best talks of the Festival. We are grateful to all our sponsors who make the Festival possible, in particular our main sponsor for this year, Rolfe East”. Where does the Festival take place?

With most functions taking place at The Digby Hall in Hound Street once again, there is also an engaging Schools Programme, some of which includes events open to the public. Ticket prices range from £10.09 to £21.71 and for the first time the Festival is

offering a Season Ticket (members only) for £120. Offering a huge saving to members, the season ticket will give the purchaser access to all events other than the Simon Weston talk, which is part of the Schools Programme and has limited seating available. Full details on all the events can be found online at

www.sherborneliterarysociety.com

or in the Festival brochure which is available from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre on Digby Road and various other locations throughout the town, including Winstone’s book shop on Cheap Street.

The Digby Hall has ample parking, with additional spaces in various public car parks throughout the town, and on street parking after 6pm in certain locations. All events are within 20 minutes walking distance of Sherborne’s mainline train station which runs hourly services to and from Yeovil Junction, Crewkerne and Exeter, as well as to Gillingham, Templecombe, Salisbury and

London Waterloo in the other direction. There are taxi services available from the station, together with limited bus services. What events can we expect? Many of this year’s speakers are well-known personalities from various walks of life, and the Festival is also introducing authors with debut novels. Talks include people such as historian and author of ‘Dunkirk’, Joshua Levine. Levine was the Historical Advisor on Dunkirk, Christopher Nolan’s epic adventure movie set during the Dunkirk evacuation of May/June 1940. Inspired by Joshua’s oral history ‘Forgotten Voices of Dunkirk’, the film features Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy, and was an instant box office smash on its release in July this year. Appearing on Fri 13 Oct at 11am in Digby Hall, Joshua Levine told The Conduit, “I became involved with the film, Dunkirk, in November 2015, when the director, Christopher Nolan, arrived at my house with the first

draft of the script. He stayed for the day, drank my tea, ate my hobnobs, and left the script with me overnight. So began my work on this extraordinary film. I’ve since written the companion book, in which I’ve set out the history, and attempted to explain Dunkirk’s importance. Without the evacuation, after all, Britain would almost certainly have been forced to surrender, becoming, in Churchill’s words, a slave state. As a result, the United States would not have been able to open a second front – and we would be living in a very different world today. I’m hugely looking forward to returning to Sherborne to talk about the film, about the book, and, most of all, about the story of Dunkirk.”

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If you have been diagnosed with an Asbestos illness you may wish to speak with one of our Specialist Solicitors. You may have been exposed to asbestos dust decades ago and you will not even know this as the dust comprises of invisible microscopic fibres. If you have been diagnosed with or have lost a loved one from:

Helen Grady has helped many people from the Yeovil and Taunton areas. Helen has specialised in asbestos illness claims for more than 20 years. Helen is very familiar with many local factories, schools and colleges in and around Yeovil and Taunton.

Please contact Helen Grady on Freephone 0808 129 3320 or drop into see us at our legal surgeries at: The Old Barn, Old Barn Way, Yeovil, BA20 2NX. Free Parking & Disabled Access. on 28th September between 11.30 a.m to 1.30 pm for a free consultation.

With appearances from speakers as varied as Falkland’s veteran Simon Weston through to poetry and music from Roger McGough and LiTTLe MACHiNe, the Festival offers a truly diverse and entertaining line-up. For the full schedule please see www.sherborneliterarysociety.com or pick up a brochure. The five headlining events are as follows: Wednesday, 11 October - Sir Jeremy Greenstock: diplomat and author of ‘Iraq the Cost of War’, written about his experiences as ‘UK Special Representative to Iraq on the Coalition Provisional Authority’, publication of which was banned by the FCO for many years. Thursday, 12 October - Rory Stewart, soldier, diplomat, journalist, MP and author of The Places in Between and The Marches (amongst other titles). Stewart has crammed

so much into his life already as a soldier, traveller, journalist, diplomat and, most recently, MP for Penrith and The Border. Friday, 13 October - Gulwali Passarlay, Afghan refugee and author of ‘The Lightless Sky’, an amazing book about the year he spent travelling as a refugee aged 11, using his own initiative, from his native Afghanistan to the UK. Gulwali has since completed his education at Manchester University and is an extraordinary inspirational speaker. Saturday, 14 October - Natalie Haynes, classicist, broadcaster, former stand-up comedian and author of ‘The Children of Jocasta’. Best known for her amazing ability to bring classics alive to a new and younger audience, Haynes has also written and presented two series of the BBC Radio 4 show, Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics. In 2015, she was awarded the

Classical Association Prize for her work in bringing classics to a wider audience. Sunday, 15 October - Roger McGough and LiTTLe MACHiNe – The well-known poet and host of BBC Radio 4’s Poetry Please will provide a wonderful finale to the Festival when he recites many of his poems with a musical backing from the band. This will be a two act performance. Where can I get tickets? Tickets can be purchased online at www.sherborneliterarysociety.com; from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre on Digby Road or by post on completing the form in the brochure - also available at Sherborne TIC.

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Travel

Heather Muir - Manager Yeovil Branch Miles Morgan Travel

How Miles Morgan Travel Offers an Experience to Remember Touring a variety of the world’s most stunning regions can deliver one of the most amazing experiences you will ever have the pleasure to encounter. With escorted touring increasing in popularity, and many fantastic offers, there’s no better time to try one for yourself. Upon arrival you’re assigned a knowledgeable and friendly expert guide who will take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your trip. One of my favourite reasons why an expert tour guide is so beneficial is their wealth of experience and knowledge of the area. This means they can tell you about all the local quirks and hidden gems! Local tour guides are perfect for recommending the best restaurants and points of interest which will often include locations off-the-beaten-track; so you can experience the ‘real culture’ of a destination. Bespoke and memorable experiences like authentic cookery classes or an overnight homestay are standard on an escorted tour. Often, you’ll learn new skills or immerse yourself in an unforgettable cultural experience and you won’t want to wait to share your new experiences with friends and

family. My personal escorted tour highlight was on a trip to China where I not only cruised along the beautiful Li River and visited the Great Wall of China, I was also lucky enough to have the opportunity to stay with Mrs Chang and her family for a night and experience true Chinese culture; an amazing memory I will never forget. Not all touring operating companies are created equal, some offer VIP door-to-door transport staying in high end central hotels and others offer great value for money over location. We appreciate it can be a bit overwhelming when trying to find one that suits you! However, my experienced Travel Specialists have first-hand knowledge of escorted touring so we are perfectly placed to help you find exactly what would make the perfect escorted tour for you. Not only this, but we’ve put together our exclusive escorted tour brochure which includes some of the team’s favourite escorted tours from across the globe. From the Canadian Rockies to South African safaris and everything in-between you’re sure to find something inspiring to try. Why not pop in and see us at 2 Borough Arcade, High Street, Yeovil, BA20 1RX or give us a call on 01935 428488 and book a free appointment with one of the team. We look forward to seeing you soon! In my opinion, there’s no better way to explore a country or region then with like-minded people. Sipping wine at a vineyard in Tuscany, eating a traditional Maori ‘Hangi’ in New Zealand, or visiting the snow monkeys in Japan is so much better when it can be enjoyed with others. Often, people who meet on an escorted tour will become friends for life as they have made so many memories together.

Two artists and a bookshop in Castle Cary For the first time in its 38 year history Bailey Hill Bookshop in Castle Cary is transforming itself into an art venue for Somerset Art Weeks www.somersetartworks.org.uk. Siblings Lotte and Gus Scott return to the town where they grew up to exhibit their latest artworks in the very bookshop that started them on their artistic journey. The exhibition, aptly named “Two Artists and a Bookshop” starts Sat 23 September and showcases photography, sculpture, drawings and prints. Making the most of this unique venue, Lotte and Gus will be displaying their artworks in the airy atrium of the bookshop surrounded by the books that have most inspired their work. Lotte says “I am very excited to be exhibiting in my home town of Castle Cary; showing to a Somerset audience feels an important way to bring my peat moors work full circle. Throughout my studies Bailey Hill Bookshop has inspired and fuelled my research, making it a wonderful venue to be exhibiting in."

Lotte’s recent work focuses on the Somerset Levels, an area rich in prehistoric archaeology and explores processes of transformation and preservation in this waterlogged, intensely managed landscape. Working with photography, sculpture and drawing she uses materials gathered from the moors: charcoal, beeswax, wood (torrified or bog) and peat. Lotte has just completed an MFA in sculpture at the Slade School of Art in London, where she was awarded the Jeanne Szego travel scholarship and a

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Pocket Knives

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The pocket knife, with the blade folding into the handle, was invented in the 16th century and was originally used for putting the points on the business end of quill pens.

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In the last 20 years or so there has been a huge upsurge in interest among collectors and many of the companies founded in Sheffield to produce traditional penknives continue to thrive today making limited !.#0%(6#+%7%%+)(%87&%9%+60%87:% edition examples intended solely for the collectors’ market. Such examples in their plush cases are intended as cabinet pieces, not as !.#0%(6#+%7%%+)(%87&%9%+60%87:% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%;)$*!0%<4//%($)*405%.!+(% working tools.

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)=>%*!$?<#+(#$%7%%1#!"4/%*(@%8.;% The collector of old penknives should buy only those examples whose )=>%*!$?<#+(#$%7%%1#!"4/%*(@%8.;% folding mechanisms are still in good crisp working order and whose 6789:!;96<8!=!>?@ABC@DEF?BBGHBI!=!1FHJKBBL! blades are complete 6789:!;96<8!=!>?@ABC@DEF?BBGHBI!=!1FHJKBBL! and free of damage. A blade that does not reach the end of its slot means it has been broken and ground back to its original shape sometime in the past. The more decorative knives with a greater number of blades and tools are more valuable than plain, simple examples, but prices remain affordable. Rusty blades can be cleaned with some fine wire wool and penetrating oil and then polished with soft paper. The mechanism should be kept free with a careful application of refined oil (not WD 40), while handles in natural material should be treated with a little almond oil. A popular collecting area is fruit knives. French cutlers were first to produce folding knives with silver blades which, unlike their steel counterparts, were not stained by fruit acid. Since fruit was a luxury in the 19th century, so the knives used to cut it reflected the social standing of their owners. In their simplest form, most had a single hallmarked folding blade and a handle made from mother of pearl, usually engraved with motifs reflecting the purpose of the knife. At Wardon Hill Trading Post(see advertisement), several traders are displaying pocket knives at affordable prices.

residency at the Sidney Nolan Trust. Gus is a freelance graphic designer and an inhouse illustrator for Penguin Random House. His effervescent, playful work uses carefully considered block colour to build up scenes brimming with energy and excitement. Gus studied illustration & animation at Kingston University, and since graduating he has also worked as a screen print technician at Print Club London. His animation La Traviata was released as part of the Royal Opera House summer season and was presented on UK and international screens. Bookshop co-owner, Claire Brooker says: “We are looking forward to adding an extra dimension to the bookshop and we will have some fun integrating our exceptional selection of books with such vibrant and contrasting artworks. In addition to our usual wide range of reading matter we will also be featuring and selling those special books that have made such a mark on Lotte and Gus and their artistic vocation.” The exhibition takes place at Bailey Hill Bookshop, Fore Street, Castle Cary BA7 7BG and runs until 7 October.

Fresh new look for Drayton Village Hall Drayton Village Hall has new kitchen blinds and blackout curtains thanks to contributions from the local community and a £750 grant from South Somerset District Council’s Area North Committee. The curtains and redecoration have given the hall environment a new look, with a blind over the hatch to separate and screen the kitchen from the main hall. As well as brightening up the hall, the new curtains provide blackout for presentations and films to be shown effectively on screen. The total cost of the project was £1,500 and the hall management committee were successful in raising funds from local sponsors as well as contributing their own funds. Drayton’s hall is central for the village and hosts a wide range of group activities, meetings and a very popular, monthly, local produce market. Ruth Thomas, who is on the village hall committee, says: “The village hall is a really important facility for our community. Our old curtains were some 25 years old and apart from looking shabby did not meet the current Health & Safety Regulations and were therefore not fit for purpose. Our lovely new curtains make our Hall a much safer environment for our local community to meet and have significantly enhanced the look of the inside, giving it a fresher and brighter appearance. The committee would like to thank the District Council for their generous grant. We now have the confidence to re-market the facilities for weddings, parties and social gatherings in addition to the usual group activities that take place.” Councillor Tiffany Osborne who represents the Drayton ward on South Somerset District Council, says: “The hall is important to local residents as a venue for entertainment and social events and for much needed village organisation. 17

Town News

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By Lauren Hill

BRUTON Every Thursday at 11.00am starting by the 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. Every Saturday morning between 10.00am and 12.00 noon at the Community Hall there is a coffee morning to raise funds for local charities. On Saturday 30 September money raised goes go to Bruton District Flower Club, on Saturday 7 October funds go to the Methodist Church, on Saturday 14 to the WI, on Saturday 21 and on Saturday 28 money goes to Mini Day Centre. There are hot drinks and refreshments served as well as cakes, books, bric-a-brac and a raffle. For more details call 01749 812074. On Friday 13 at 11.00pm to 2.00pm and Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 from 11.00am to 5.00pm it is the Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair at the Haynes International Motor Museum in Sparkford. (See ‘Village News’) On Monday 23 at 7.30pm at the Community Hall the Horticultural Society have a talk called ‘Climbers and Wall Shrubs’ with Alan Eason. Alan is a past resident of Castle Cary who now runs his own garden design and maintenance business. He has been head gardener at Hadspen House, worked for the National Trust and spent time working in Portugal. On Sunday 29 from 10.00am to 5.00pm at Hauser and Wirth there is a Pumpkin Festival. A fun filled day for all the family with a host of entertainment including themed activities, competitions, live music, and seasonal food and drink. CASTLE CARY On Friday 29 September at 2.30pm at Caryford Hall the U3A have their AGM with a talk with Andrew McElwee, former National Trust Property Manager. With gentle humour and amusing anecdotes, Andrew recounts his time managing one of the south east’s largest properties. On Saturday 30 at Caryford Hall from 9.00am it is the Macmillan Coffee Morning. On Saturday 30 from 7.00pm at Caryford Hall there is a Harvest Supper with entertainment by Robert Bond - ‘Tales from the Cider Cellar’. Funny and moving. Proceeds to All Saints Church. On Tuesday 3 October at 7.30pm at Caryford Hall from 7.30pm the Somerset Wildlife Trust have a talk called ‘Beavers on the River Otter in Devon’. Hugh Graham of Exeter University will talk about the trial re-introduction of Beavers on the River 18

Otter in Devon and their impact on local wetlands. Tea and coffee available. Adults £3, Children free. On Thursday 5 from 7.30pm at the Methodist School Room there Gardening Association has a talk called ‘Plants, Poisons and Potions’ with Adrian Hutchinson. Non members £1. For more information phone 01963 240837. On Saturday 7 from 9.00am to 12.00 noon at the Market House All Saints’ and St Andrew’s Church has a Hometrade Stalls and Pickles Sale. Coffee and refreshments available. On Saturday 7 from 7.30pm at Caryford Hall see Charlie Dore in concert. Tickets £12. (See ‘Arts’) On Saturday 14 from 10.00am at the Market House the Somerset Bee Keeper host a Honey Show. On Tuesday 17th at Caryford Hall from 11.00am the Arts Society have an illustrated lecture entitled ‘The Horse and Modern Art from George Stubbs to Mark Willinger’. Entry £6. For more information phone 01963 350132. On Friday 20 from 7.30pm at the Market House the WEA have a talk called ‘Speaking in Signs: the Life and Work of Otto Neurath’ by Prof Michelle Henning. Neurath was a philosopher, polymath and pioneer in social planning and modern housing. For more information phone 01749 860352. On Saturday 21 from 9.00am to 12.00 noon at the Market House there is a Coffee Morning in aid of Girls Guides’ Trip. On Tuesday 24 at the Caryford Hall from 7.30pm Cinema in Caryford presents ‘Their Finest’. Tickets £5 from Market House or £6 on the door. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) On Friday 27 from 2.30pm at Caryford Hall the Camelot U3A have a talk called ‘Incorrect Political Correctness’ by Ralph Jerram. Drawing on his experiences as Personnel Manager in the police force in London, Ralph Jerram offers an entertaining, humorous and thought provoking look at a serious theme. He is unafraid to discuss perceived taboo subjects! Visitors welcome. On Saturday 28 from 10.00am to 12.00 at the Market House noon the Cary Amateur Theatrical Society have a Coffee Morning. CREWKERNE Every Tuesday at the Sports Centre from 5.00pm join in at the weekly Walking Netball sessions. No need to book. First session free then £3.50 per session. Every Wednesday it is the Crewkerne Market now extended until 2.00pm in the effort to help rejuvenate the market and attract both traders

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New Build Renovations Gas boiler installations Bathroom installations LPG Vented and Unvented Cyclinder Installation Free quotes - competitive prices Email: wills.plumbing@hotmail.co.uk Telephone Malcolm: 07885 420609 and shoppers. For more information contact Laura Gowers on 01460 74001. On Friday 29 September from 7.45pm at the Henhayes Community Centre see ‘The Farey Family’ concert. A multi talented local family playing Folk and Country music with superb harmonies. Entry £10 or £18 including pre show supper, available from 01460 74340. Bar available. On Saturday 30 at the Henhayes Centre from 10.00am to 12.00 noon there is the usual ‘Big Breakfast’. Egg, sausage, bacon, tomato or beans, tea and coffee for £4. No booking needed. On Saturday 7 October from 7.30pm at the Dance House Concerts in the West presents ‘Carneval String Trio’. Tickets £15 available from Crewkerne Local Information Centre. On Friday 13 at 7.30pm at Wadham School the Film Crew host ‘The Olive Tree’. Alma’s grandfather has not spoken for 12 years, since the family’s ancient olive tree was sold. Their quest for its return leads to unexpected consequences in this gently comic

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Spanish fable. Admission for the year is £25. For more information contact 01935 822656. On Wednesday 18 from 7.30pm at Norton Sub Hamdon Village Hall the Crewkerne and District Astronomical Society host an Ask the Experts Evening. On Friday 20 at the Henhayes Community Centre at 12.30pm it is the Chef’s Special Lunch. Three course meal including Roast Pork, followed by Baked Apple and finish with tea/coffee and chocolate. Bar open. Entry £8. Booking essential on 01460 74340. Advance notice: Christmas lunches will be served each day between Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 December. Cost £9. On Saturday 21 from 9.00am to 1.00pm at Henhayes Centre it is the Farmer’s Market. Good local produce. On Saturday 28 at the Henhayes Centre from 10.00am to 12.00 noon there is the usual ‘Big Breakfast’. Egg, sausage, bacon, tomato or beans, tea and coffee for £4. No booking needed. ILMINSTER On Thursday 28 September at the Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster from 9.15am the Thursday Group have a new season of talks beginning with local author Caroline Newark on ‘Joan, The Fair Maid of Kent’. Coffee/tea available. Visitors £3, Membership for season £20. For more information phone 01460 259596. On Saturday 7 October at the Market House from 8.30am to 12.30pm go along to the monthly Produce Market. Local groups and producers sell their goods locally and support the projects that are in need of support. If you are interested in having a stall at £5 contact Emma Jane at 01460 298090. On Saturday 14 at 7.45pm at the Warehouse Theatre the Cinema at the Warehouse presents ‘The Olive Tree’. A deceptively simple, playful Spanish drama about a family and its thousand year old olive tree that is rooted in the best cinematic soil there is — emotional truth. Members are given priority seating first. Guests asked to pay donation. On Saturday 21 from 7.00pm the Minster Church hosts Minster Music 65 Charity Concert. Featuring recorded singer-song writer and Stogumber Festival prize winner Jemima Farey. The concert will be supported by the Zembard Singers directed by Trevor Lloyd-Jones, the Minster

Voices directed by David Sutcliffe and guest artists. Refreshments available for donations and a special raffle with top quality prizes. All proceeds go to Children’s Hospice South West. Tickets £10 available on the door. For more information phone 01460 62075. On Saturday 21 at the Square and Compass from 9.00pm see legendary folk group Fairport Convention celebrating their Golden Anniversary. Credited with originating British folk-rock, Fairport first took to the stage in 1967’s summer of love. Throughout the intervening five decades and numerous changes of line up the band’s passion for live performance has never wavered. Fairport Convention still attract critical acclaim and won a coveted BBC Lifetime Achievement Award at the turn of the century. To mark its fiftieth year, Fairport has released a brand new CD titled 50:50@50. At this series of autumn shows, the band will play a selection of tracks from the album as well as long established favourites from their extensive repertoire. The line up includes Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Ric Sanders on violin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion. Tickets £25. For more information phone 01823 480467. On Friday 27 from 7.30pm at the Parish Hall Somerset Wildlife Trust have a talk called ‘Some of the World’s 52 Pheasant Species and their Conversation’. For much of his life, local conservationist John Corder has been involved in reintroduction programmes for endangered species in Asia. This illustrated talk will discuss some of these programmes, particularly those of the world’s most threatened pheasant species and will also touch on reintroductions for Tigers, Orangutans and Pandas. Tea and coffee available. Non members £3. LANGPORT On Monday 2 October from 7.30pm at the Library the History Society have a brief AGM followed by a talk called ‘Gypsy Caravans’ with Brian Phelps speaking. Non members £2. For more information phone 01458 273471. On Saturday 14 October from 8.00pm at All Saints Hall in Langport Living Spit presents ‘The Six Wives of Henry

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and with live original music, embroidary, barbie dolls, silly songs and historical hysteria, this promises to be an ill-researched lesson in Tudor history you will never forget. Tickets £8. Brown and Forrest have a Smokery Open Day on Saturday 23rd from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

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SHERBORNE From Tuesday 26 September from 7.30pm ArtsLink host a six week ‘Art in the Evening’ class. Popular tutor Ali Cockrean will guide you to reach your potential in this relaxed and informal class for all waterbased mediums. Whether you want to learn to paint or polish your existing skills Ali will support you to develop your skills. To book phone 01935 815899. On Monday 2 October at the Digby Memorial Hall at 7.30pm Dogwood Production presents ‘No Finer Life’ by Graham Harvey. He brings to the stage the true tale of an unlikely Cotswold hero and an enduring romance. Tickets £12, includes glass of wine and after play discussion. (See ‘Arts’) On Tuesday 3 at The Rendezvous, Cheap Street Church between 10.00am to 12.00 noon Age UK have an Information and Benefits Advice Surgery. Age UK Dorchester is working to help older Sherborne residents to maximise their benefits entitlements, and to obtain information and advice on all matters pertaining to the over 50’s. Surgeries will operate on the first Tuesday in each month and will be in conjunction with the coffee morning. For further information contact 01305 269444. On Friday 6 from 7.30pm at the Digby Memorial Hall the Sherborne Douzelage have a fundraising talk about Churchill’s money called ‘No More Champagne’. Tickets £10 available from Winstone’s Bookshop and the TIC. On Saturday 7 from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Digby Memorial Hall

the Yeovil and District Philatelic Society have their Annual Stamp and Postcard Fair. There will be both stamp and postcard dealers along with a light cheese ploughman lunch and refreshments. For more information phone 01460 74422. On Saturday 7 October from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Digby Hall Artisan Route have their Open Day Event. Have a look at their collection of Alpaca knitwear, pima cotton tops and handwoven silk scarves. For more information phone 01896 823765 or visit www.artisanroute.co.uk On Monday 9 from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Digby Hall the West Country Embroiderers have a workshop. £15 in advance. New members welcome. For details call Ann on 01963 34696. On Monday 9 from 7.30pm at Digby Church Hall the Sherborne Insight Programme hosts a lecture called ‘I Think, Therefore I am?’ with Jon Riding. Tickets £5 available from Parish Office, 3 Abbey Close or 01935 812452. On Wednesday 11 at Digby Church Hall from 7.30pm ArtsLink Flicks presents ‘The Sense of an Ending’. Based on a novel by Julian Barns, a divorced man is forced to confront his past when he receives a mysterious legacy. Tickets £6 from 01935 815341, the TIC, or on the door. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) From Wednesday 11 to Sunday 15 it is the annual Sherborne Literary Festival. On the Wednesday historic author Giles Milton returns, Ysenda Maxtone Graham in conversation with Blanche Girouard and Sir Jeremy Greenstock. On the Thursday guests include travel writer Rory Maclean, author, broadcaster, lecturer Jonathan Aitken and Rory Stewart. On the Friday it is your chance to see Joshua Levine who was historical advisor to major Hollywood film ‘Dunkirk’, Rosamund Young, Simon Weston in conversation with David Fitzgerald and Gulwali Passarlay in conversation with BBC Radio Solent’s Steve Harris. On the Saturday see author Ben Freeth and BBC Four presenter Natalie Haynes. Finally, on the Sunday the line up concludes with Michael Pennington and Roger McGough and the band Little Machine. Venues are the Digby Hall and Sherborne Girls School. Tickets £10, £15 or £20 available from Sherborne TIC, 01935 815341 or www.sherborneliterarysociety.com

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The festival also hosts a school programme with Tom McLaughlin at Sherborne Primary and Sherborne Abbey Primary on the Wednesday. On the Thursday Joffre White hosts workshops at The Gryphon whilst Nicole Burstein hosts Secret Superheroes Workshops at Sherborne Primary and later The Gryphon and also Crescendo Concerts will be at Sherborne Abbey Primary. On the Friday see Joanna Nadin at Sherborne Primary and Gulwali Passarlay at The Gryphon. On Thursday 12 at 7.30pm at Digby Hall the Gardeners’ Association have a talk called ‘Berried Treasture - Berries, Bark and Evergreens for Winter Colour’ by Jenny Short. Visitors £2. On Saturday 14 from 6.45pm at the Golf Club it is the Fosters and Digby School 25 Anniversary Dinner. It is 25 years ago that the long history of Fosters and Lord Digby’s Grammar Schools came to an end with the amalgamation of all the Secondary Schools in Sherborne to The Gryphon. However Old Boys and Girls from the two schools continue to meet, renew old acquaintances, catch up on news, reminisce over stories

and photographs. It is not necessary to be a member of either of the Old School Associations - the Dinner welcomes anyone associated in any way with the two schools over the years and partners are welcome too. For ticket details email Dr Ian Maun on wordsmith@eclipse.co.uk or phone Philip Dolbear on 01935 873497. On Wednesday 18 at 7.30pm at the Digby Memorial Hall the Dorset Wildlife Trust have a talk called ‘The History and Mystery of Eels’ with Michael Brown, founder of Brown and Forest Smokery. Admission £2. Tea and coffee available. On Saturday 21 from 9.30am to 4.00pm at Digby Hall it is the monthly Chasty Cottage Antique Fair. Entry £1. Enquires 01963 370986. On Tuesday 24 from 11.00am to 2.00pm at the Museum go along to the ‘Mad Victorian Science’ event. Mad Victorian Scientist Gordon Le Pard is back with his potions and poisons and peculiar facts. He has an amazing brain under his huge hat and he is willing to share lots of yucky stories with you. The scary thing is that everything he

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says is true. Free family friendly event although donations are welcome. On Tuesday 25 from 10.00am to 12.00 noon or 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Digby Hall Arts Link have an Arts Buffet. A free family holiday art session. Be creative together. Materials provided. On Friday 27 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Museum it is ‘Going Batty for Halloween’. The lovely people from East Dorset Bat Rescue and Rehabilitation are back with their chilled-out bats to help celebrate Halloween and learn more about these fascinating and vulnerable little creatures. Free and family friendly, donations welcome. On Friday 27 from 7.30pm at Cheap Street Church see the Sunset Cafe Stompers with singer Hamish Maxwell. A jazz Concert on behalf of the Rendezvous. On Saturday 28 at Digby Hall from 10.30am to 3.30pm the Handmade Craft Market returns for its third year. The traders only sell handmade goods made by themselves. The range is very wide and includes embroidered gifts and contemporary textiles, together with beadcraft, chainmaille jewellery, children’s clothes, crocheted sculptures, felted bags and hats, fishing flies, fused glass, gemstone and silver jewellery, household textiles (tea cosies/oven gloves), keyrings and wine glass charms, needle-felted pictures, wood turned gifts and wooden keepsake pictures and plaques. Teas and cakes available. Free entry. Car park £1. For more information contact kcgirl@live.co.uk SOMERTON From Friday 29 September to Saturday 7 October there is a Fabric Sale at Bespoke. For more information phone 01458 273970. Closed Sunday’s. On Friday 6 October from 10.00am to 2.00pm at the Market Place go along to the monthly Market. Plenty of stalls including meat, plants, homemade soaps and candles, wool art craft, Dorset pies, preserves, Italian cheeses, bespoke catering and more. For more details email marketonatsomerton@gmail.com On Saturday 7 from 8.00pm at the Sports Club it is Tim Bassett’s ‘A Tribute to Elvis’ Charity Event. Favourite songs from over the years with Elvis and other artists

such as Neil Diamond, Buddy Holly, Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Johnny Cash and many more. Tickets £5 from 01458 273808 or 01458 273808. There will also be a prize raffle. Raising money for St Margaret’s Hospice. On Monday 9 and 23 at 10.45am at West Street Church Somerton Sings are meeting. They sing anything well known, songs from the shows, old English melodies, and songs from the 30’s up to present. For details 01458 272750. On Tuesday 17 from 7.30pm at the Parish Rooms the Somerset Wildlife Trust have a talk called ‘Saving the Levels’. Sabine Peukert of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Groups highlights the work being done in the upper catchment of the River Parrett to ‘slow the ﬂow’ from the hills to the Levels and to reduce the impact of ﬂooding on the Levels and Moors. Non members £3. Tea and coffee available. On Saturday 21 from 10.00am to 4.00pm at the Old Town Hall ACE Arts presents a family workshop. Learn to make sculptures with found and recycled materials led by Edwina Bridgeman. For more information phone 01458 273008. On Monday 23 at the Parish Rooms from 7.30pm the Green Gardeners resume their indoor programme with a talk on ‘Alpines and Orchids’ by Paul Cumbleton, ex curator at RHS Wisley. Refreshments available. Visitors £3. On Thursday 26 at 8.30pm at the Sports Club there is a Quiz Night. Teams of up to six people, £2 per person. All welcome to this friendly monthly brain teaser. On Friday 27 at 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Edgar Community Hall the U3A are meeting. After any announcements there will be a guest speaker. Non members £1.50. WINCANTON On Friday 6 October from 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall the Gardeners Association have their AGM and a talk on bulbs. Sue Hazeldean will be talking on growing and looking after bulbs. From Monday 9 to Saturday 14 it is National Libraries’ Week at the library. On Monday 9 there will be poetry readings from the Poetry Group from 12.00 noon and Monday Readers in the afternoon. On Tuesday 10 there is a Teddy Bears’ Picnic at the usual Rhyme Time with music from Colin on the

guitar. On Wednesday 11 there is a craft demonstration of decoupage and care making from 1.30pm. On Friday 13 there is afternoon tea from 2.30pm to 5.00pm with a cake competition. Finally, on Saturday 14 there will be a Children’s Mad Hatters Tea Party along with a craft activity. Go dressed as your favourite book character. On Saturday 14 from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Memorial Hall there is a Coffee Morning. There will be a raffle, books, cakes, tea, coffee and biscuits. On Saturday 14 from 2.00pm to 5.00pm at King Arthur’s School Wincantata are hosting a Handbell Rally. The rally is to celebrate 50 years of Hand Bell Ringers of Great Britain Association and 25 years of their team. They are a team of 11 players playing 45 bells. They are expecting 106 bell ringers all will play together in a ‘massed ringing’. For more information 01963 33834 or 01935 372320. On Tuesday 17 from 10.00am at Wincanton Racecourse Marquee there is an Early Christmas Fair. Entry £3. For more information phone 01963 33656. On Saturday 28 at the Library there is a ‘Spooky Spiders’ craft activity for children aged 4 to 10 years. Please sign up at the Library desk in advance winlib@somerset.gov.uk YEOVIL Whist Drive every Saturday at the Holy Trinity Church Hall at 7.30pm. Enquiries 01935 862325. On Thursday 28 September the Blackmore Vale and Yeovil National Trust Association offers a ‘Walk in the Bourton area’ led by Barbara Smith from 10.00am starting at Bourton, then to Penselwood and back which is around four to five miles. Lunch/drinks will be at the White Lion in Bourton or at Stourhead Restaurant. If you would like to attend contact 01747 825468. On Saturday 30 from 10.00am to 4.30pm at St James Church, Preston Road going along to ‘New Beginnings’ – an exhibition of new traditional and non traditional quilts and textiles by Star Quilters Yeovil. Entry £2.50. For more information phone Frances on 07795 146509. On Sunday 1 October at Yeovil Junction in Stoford between 10.30am to 4.00pm there is a Steam Train Day. There will also

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be model railway, art gallery displays and historical railway exhibits. On Sunday 1 at the Octagon Theatre from 7.30pm see the Yeovil Concert Band. Tickets £14.50. (See ‘Arts’) On Friday 6 at 7.30pm at the Holy Trinity Church the Yeovil Archaeological and Local History Society have an interesting talk called ‘Albert Bioletti - A Soldier of Napoleon and Master Clockmaker of Wincanton’ with speaker John Baxter. Guests £2. On Friday 6 from 7.30pm at Digby Church Hall there is a book signing and talk with author with David Lough. Bar and raffle. Tickets £10 from Sherborne TIC and Winstone’s Bookshop. On Saturday 7 from 10.00am to 12.00 noon discover some fabulous examples of fungi on a guided walk through Ninesprings Country park with renowned mycologist Michael Jordan. Fungi are fundament to the life of plants and animals as the third Natural Kingdom of the world. Welcome to bring a camera to capture some of your own shots. Wellies or walking boots advised. Adults £7, Children £5. Booking required. On Saturday 7 at Digby Hall from 2.30pm the Blackmore Vale and Yeovil National Trust Association have a talk called ‘In One Lifetime: Rapidity and Change in 19th Century New Zealand’ by Peter Tait. Peter has an interest in history of New Zealand and different interpretations of history and offers a view from a colonial viewpoint. Visitors £5, includes tea and biscuits. On Saturday 7 from 7.30pm at Yeovil Conservative Club there is a Radio Comelot Quiz Night. Tickets £6 per team, includes refreshments. On Monday 9 at 12.00 noon at the Yeovil Court Hotel The Probus Club have a lunch followed by a talk on ‘Battle of Trafalgar’. From Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 at 7.30pm at Octagon Theatre YAOS presents ‘9-5: The Musical’. Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick and based on the 1980 hit film. (See ‘Arts’) 21

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Gardening

by Mike Burks Managing Director of The Gardens Group

Soft Fruit What great delight there is in picking succulent fruit from your own garden and tasting the extraordinary flavour – so much better than shop bought fruit. While that flavour lingers on your tongue, you may be thinking of the many other varieties of soft fruit plants you can grow in the garden, and what a great selection there is to choose from. As autumn creeps closer, now is the perfect time to begin planting, as the soil is still warm and moist to give them a head start for the summer ahead. If space is tight then strawberries are an excellent choice as they can be easily grown in pots, hanging baskets and in grow-bags, which make excellent strawberry beds. When planting in pots and baskets, it’s best to use a decent quality multipurpose compost and refresh the plants each year. Flavour is in the taste bud of the beholder, and most modern varieties of strawberries are bursting with wonderful taste, with my favourite currently being the alpine strawberry, which has tiny but incredibly tasty fruit. These can be grown as a crop, but I tend to use them dotted at the edge of borders and in cracks in the paving. For growing fresh raspberries, the soil needs to be more acidic than most of us have locally but with regular feeding and good

mulching this can be overcome. As with strawberries, choice of variety will extend the season and many people now prefer the autumn raspberry varieties. These have the advantage of cropping in a one-year cycle, which means that pruning is straightforward, as the old canes can be cut down in the autumn after they have fruited. In the spring, new growth or spawn will start to romp away, however it will fruit again in the following year. The various blackberry and blackberry/raspberry crosses, such as loganberry or tayberry can be great fun. They’re best grown against a wall or a fence preferably in a sunny spot, which will make them grow on a two-year cycle with new stems accelerating at a rapid pace, these should be trained in one direction and will fruit the following summer. In the second year, new growth starts again from the base and should be trained in the opposite direction so that the new growth and the old growth don’t get mixed up. When the old growth has fruited it should be pruned back hard, leaving space for the fresh growth the following spring. This will make crop management straightforward, leaving you to pick fresh fruit every year. Blueberries, which are increasingly popular as an ornamental plant, also love acidic soil, the flowers are interesting and quite attractive in the spring, while the fruit always looks good on the bush. In the autumn as the cold gets to the leaves, they turn into rich autumnal colours that stay on the plant for most of the winter. With the right soil, they can grow in the garden but I would recommend using a large pot filled with ericaceous John Innes, with regular feeding in the growing season and watering with rainwater to keep the plants in good health. If you can get all of those planted then I will talk about the other varieties next month! Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group.

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A non-profit making co-operative, made up of people with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome is running a small computer refurbishing project, upgrading and repairing old computers to sell or give to people on a low budget or are disabled or elderly. The group offers work experience to people with Autism and Asperger’s and says there are many roles within the group.

Recently the group refurbished a laptop and donated it to the Children’s ward, Yeovil Hospital. If you have any computers you want to sell or donate or would like to join the group, please contact them at: info@autismservices.me.uk or to find out more go to: www.autismservices.me.uk or Tel 01460 391449.

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On Wednesday 11 at Yeovil College from 7.30pm Yeovil Cinematheque Film Society will be showing ‘Graduation’. There is a welcome clarity of vision in this tough yet elegant exposure of Romanian compromise and corruption. Romeo, an honest doctor, is confronted with moral choices to be made when his daugher’s academic success is jeopardised by a physical assualt. Annual membership £30. Guests £5. For more information phone 01935 421905. Until Monday 16 at Vicarage Street Methodist Church from 10.00am to 12.00 noon the Yeovil WEA have the first of their interesting six week courses called ‘The Human Story. This looks at the broad sweep and patterns of human history with tutor Greg Morter. Cost £45. To enrol phone 0300 303 3464 or enrolonline.wea.org On Wednesday 18 at Yeovil College from 7.30pm Yeovil Cinematheque Film Society will be showing ‘Manchester By The Sea’. This award winning drama set in a wintry, coastal Massachusetts is totally absorbing. Annual membership £30. Guests £5. For more information phone 01935 421905. On Friday 20 from 7.00pm at Majestic Wines there is a Gin and More Fundraising event hosted by the Mayor of Yeovil. Majestic Wines will be running a gin tasting evening including Newton Gin and Conkers Gin. Other drinks will be available to sample (and buy) on the night. All money raised will be going towards St Margaret’s Hospice (Yeovil) and School in a Bag. For more information phone 01935 848768. On Tuesday 24 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre see John Illsley perform with his band. (See ‘Arts’) On Thursday 26 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre see the Magic of Motown. (See ‘Arts’) From Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 it is the annual Yeovil Literary Festival. On the Friday guests include Joanne Harris, Mark Billingham in Conversation with Chris Ewan, Michael Portillo, Polly Toynbee, Paddy Ashdown and Suzi Quatro. On the Saturday you can see Jacqueline Wilson, Alan Johnson, Jeremy Vine, Miles Jupp and An Evening with Sarah Millican. On the Sunday the line up includes Lauren Child, Professor Robert Winston, Harry Hill, Dame Harriet Walter, Ben Fogle, An Evening with Monty Don and George Costigan, Hugh Fraser and Robert Daws in conversation. Tickets prices and venues vary. For more information visit www.yeovilliteraryfestival.co.uk On Friday 27 at Yeovil Country Park from 11.00am to 2.00pm there is a Halloween Trail. Follow the pumpkin markers through the haunting woods and collect the missing letters from the witches spell. Help her complete the wicked spell to conjure up a prize. This is a self- led trail and there is an adventurous pushchair/short trail available. Turn up anytime - the trail takes around one hour to complete. Entry £2. On Saturday 28 from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at Vida Comida, Swan Yard it is the Big Bibic Bake Off. Much loved Great British Bake Off contestant and Cake Whisperer Val Stones is joining them for a very special event. A retired headmistress with a fondness for talking to her cakes, Val is the perfect baker for them to partner with. Val’s passion for baking is infectious and magical. There will be fun for all the family with games, raffle prizes, a cake auction and BBBO goodies to buy. Fancy sharing your baking passion? Take part in their #bibicshowstopper competition on the day. Val will be judging entries, all ages welcome! Tickets £5 per adult (no advance purchase) and includes a delicious cake and hot drink. Donations for children. All proceeds to bibic – you will help change children’s lives. Val has also kindly donated her Virtuous Cake recipe to the Big bibic Bake Off. Find the secrets to Val’s delicious and nutritious recipe in your free fundraising pack. For more information phone 01458 253344. On Saturday 28 and Tuesday 31 from 5.00pm to 9.00pm Yeovil

For all your I.T. solutions

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Junction Railway near Stoford host their Halloween Evenings. Go dressed in your scary outfits with prizes to be won. Free horror bag for children. Ghostly steam train rides from the haunted house into the night. Halloween themed food on sale. Admission £5 in advance, £6 on the door, under 5’s free. On Monday 30 October to Monday 4 December from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at Vicarage Street Church the WEA have their sessions entitled ‘1930’s Detective Fiction’ with tutor Dr. Greta Depledge. Cost £45. To enrol phone 0300 303 3464 or visit www.enrolonline.wea.org.uk

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Penny for your Thoughts a short story by Allison Heed

‘You won’t even visit me,’ Mildred had said as she slammed the welcome pack on the table, knocking off the photograph of her as a young woman with a small dog. She looked so happy and lovely; it was very hard to believe the photograph was even of her. ‘You told me you didn’t want anything more to do with me,’ I answered, feeling more than slightly relieved. The Mildred I knew had always managed to intimidate me, from day one when she tried to pay me in rusty old gold coins. I had told her with a smile that the agency paid me and that she needn’t give me anything, but she took offence and had disliked me ever since. It was all I had ever known from her and had long ago learned not to expect anything more. Other carers talked about the sweet, kind old people they looked after, the types who told stories and baked cakes for them, all I ever got was accusing looks and harsh criticisms. Mildred had been at The Meadows for a couple of weeks but seemed just as foul with everybody there as she had always been with me. ‘That woman is a thief, and that man is an adulterer.’ She pointed her bony fingers and spoke loudly. I gave sympathetic smiles to the residents and carers as I left to go and collect the last of her things from the house. She wanted the entire contents of her wardrobe and nothing more. I mechanically folded the woollen jumpers, silk blouses and cotton, floral print dresses. I thought to myself how strange it was that they were all such normal clothes for such an abnormal woman, but I didn’t need to worry about that anymore, Mildred was safely in a home and could terrorise a whole host of trained staff for the rest of her days, I was finally done. I climbed into her large, wooden wardrobe to reach the last of the cotton skirts. I pulled them forward along the rail, but as I did the flimsy thing snapped. I shrieked as it crashed down beside me. I sat on the solid floor while I calmed myself and started, hands still shaking, to pick up the fallen, moth eaten skirts. As I lifted the last few I noticed a small, wooden box pushed against the very back of the wardrobe. I pulled it out into the light of the bedroom. It was a small, green, wooden chest. I studied the unusual lock. It was probably very sophisticated when it was made, but I could probably break it with a couple of hair grips. It couldn’t have much in it, but I had to admit I was curious about its contents. A small part of me even considered breaking in and taking a peek, I could easily say I dropped it by accident, but then the thought of her squinting, piercing eyes made me shudder. I was better than she thought I was. I put the box in with her clothes and locked up the house for the last time. I found Mildred sitting in a chair at the back of the communal sitting room. She was scowling, judging every other resident who had dared to take a seat. ‘Put them in my ugly, plastic wardrobe Elaine. No doubt you will take my beautiful wooden one for yourself since I can’t have my own furniture here. Yes, very crafty of you.’ 24

I stared at Mildred. I thought about telling her that the wardrobe she was so fond of was actually a death trap, but there would be no point, she would have only have accused me of breaking it on purpose. ‘And I know exactly how many dresses, blouses and skirts I have young lady, don’t think you can take any,’ Mildred called as I took the bags into the bedroom. I threw them onto the bed with the intention of leaving it for Mildred and the staff to unpack when I heard a clinking sound. I took the chest out of the clothes bag and gave it a gentle shake; the sound of coins against wood rattled inside. I didn’t notice the shuffling slippers entering the room. A bony, liver spotted hand touched my shoulder. I gasped and spun around coming face to face with the cruel, tight features of Mildred. ‘Thought you would steal my treasure did you?’ Mildred said with a sneer on her face. ‘No actually,’ I replied, angrier than I had expected to sound. My face flushed red and hot and my ears burned. Mildred snatched the chest with a surprising amount of strength. Without knowing what came over me, I snatched it back. I expected Mildred would try to get it again, but to my discomfort, Mildred simply took a step back and closed the bedroom door, trapping us together and cackling as she did. I had never heard such a menacing and cruel

sound. It was enough to shock me into dropping the box. It shattered as it hit the ground. The gold coins scattered around the floor, some rolling under the bed and wardrobe. I had no idea what had come over me and quickly began to collect the coins together, unable to stop apologising to Mildred who was still standing with her back against the door. Her cackle had stopped but her thin lips still smiled cruelly. I stacked the coins in my hand and tried to hand them to Mildred. ‘You don’t want to do that.’ Mildred’s eyes flashed as she held up her hands, refusing to take the coins. I glanced around the room. There were no flat surfaces that I could place the coins on and Mildred’s behaviour made me want to leave and never come back. I offered the coins to Mildred again. Mildred narrowed her eyes. I had never seen her look so terrifying. Slowly the old woman licked her dry, wrinkled lips and cracked a wide smile as she held out one of her hands to take the stack of coins. I approached her, my heart beating fast and my tummy feeling as though it was full of angry butterflies. I dropped the coins into Mildred’s hand and was immediately hit with a cacophony of whispered sounds. They seemed to be coming from all directions; I could hear nothing

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EARLY CHRISTMAS FAIR

Tuesday 17th October 10am Wincanton Racecourse Marquee Entry £3 Free Parking

When I left the home that day Mildred’s prediction had been correct, I didn’t visit. Why would I? Mildred saw only the potential for bad in everyone, especially anyone who tried to get close to her. It was another three years before I heard anything more of Mildred. She had died at the age of 96 in the home and had left something for me. I wasn’t sure I wanted anything from the old tormentor, but curiosity eventually got the better of me. It was a letter and a small, drawstring purse with a handful of old, gold coinage inside.

Art BY RACHEL MOWBRAY

From now until Saturday 30 September at Ilminster Arts Centre see the new group exhibition ‘Take Five’. This involves five West Country artists and combines them to create a colourful and richly textured display that visitors will savour. The rewarding combination of media, styles and subject matter features paintings inspired by people, places, landscapes near and far, the everyday and the unfamiliar, along with mixed media textiles that evoke the environmental issues facing our seas, and powerful and poetic ‘sculpted books’. Meet the Artists on Sunday 3 September from 3.30pm to 5.30pm along with a preview of the exhibition. Refreshments available. From now until Saturday 30 September there will be a display of work in the Cafe Gallery at the Ilminster Arts Centre of pastels, acrylics and watercolours by some of the artists represented by Creative Coverage, an organisation that represents professional artists and craftspeople. From now to Friday 6 October from 9.30am to 5.00pm the Jerram Gallery in Sherborne has a new Exhibition of New Work by Guy Taplin.

but the whispers. I could see Mildred smiling and the cruelty in her eyes. She knew what was happening and was enjoying it.

Each coin works once. When it is given to somebody their thoughts are clear to you. It’s up to you what you do with them.

My head ached and my vision started to blur, the more I looked at the satisfaction on Mildred’s wicked face, the angrier I felt. I focused on the cruel slit eyes of the woman who had spent so long undermining and belittling me and as I focused, I started to recognise the whispers. They were Mildred’s voice, although her lips were not moving she was communicating.

I got onto the bus home unsure of how I felt. As I took a seat I brought the purse out of my bag and removed one of the coins. It had rams horns and something in a foreign language embossed around the edges. Everything about it seemed sinister.

On Saturday 30 September from 10.00am to 4.30pm at St James Church, Preston Road in Yeovil go along to ‘New Beginnings’ – an exhibition of new traditional and non traditional quilts and textiles by Star Quilters Yeovil. There will be quilts, cushions, bags, pictures, stalls, tombola, teas, cake and conversation in celebration of the reopening of the newly refurbished church and the Quilters new home. Entrance £2.50. For more information phone Frances on 07795 146509.

‘That’s an interesting looking coin,’ a voice said from behind me.

From Saturday 30 September to Sunday 1 October from 10.00am to 4.00pm in the Town Hall there is ‘Art In Ilchester’. This is an exhibition of invited West Country talent. Cafe open. Free Entry. Enquiries: 01935 840970.

‘Penny for your thoughts,’ she hissed in my head.

I turned quickly to see a middle aged man leaning over the seat. He seemed innocent enough. He was slightly overweight and had very red skin. I looked at him and then back at the coin, gripping the purse tighter as I thought of the power I now had. I felt the tension, the fear, the thrill. A wave of heat rushed to my head as I twirled the coin between my fingers.

I focused hard. I could hear Mildred’s thoughts, her angry, paranoid thoughts which had made her such an awful person to be around. ‘You used these coins to read people’s minds?’ I asked, grasping my head, already aware of the answer. She answered with nothing more than a sneer. I pushed past her and ran for the exit.

‘Oh, you can have it,’ I said as I handed him the coin with an innocent smile. ‘I have plenty more.’

From Saturday 23 September to Sunday 8 October at ACE Arts in Somerton there is an exhibition called ‘Objectscapes’ by Heptad: a personal interpretation of chosen objects using a wide variety of methods and media to dispel conventional expectations.

From Monday 2 to Saturday 28 October at the Ilminster Arts Centre, Artists303 present a ‘Light’ exhibition. They will be showing their recent explorations on the theme of light using paint, print, collage, stitch and artists’ books. This West Country group was set up in 1965 by artists living and working near the A303. From Saturday 14 October to Saturday 11 November at ACE Arts in Somerton - an exhibition called ‘Menagerie’ by Edwina Bridgeman, comprising two and three dimensional work exploring found objects and unexpected materials to create a body of work around people and their animals. Meet the artist on Saturday 14 October from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Family workshop available on Saturday 21 October. On Friday 20 October to Friday 10 November from 9.30am to 5.00pm the Jerram Gallery hosts an Exhibition of New Work by John Maddison. From Monday 30 October to Saturday 25 November at the Ilminster Arts Centre the Neroche Artists have an exhibition. They are a diverse group, each artist excelling in their own particular field. Mediums range from intricate engravings to beautifully executed sculptures along with watercolours, oils, pastels and etchings. 25

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MUSIC On Saturday 23 September from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘Purple Rain’. They are a world class live celebration of the music, life and legacy of Prince. This full eight piece live band delivers a non-stop, hit packed show spanning more than two hours! Complete with backing vocals, horn section, keys and of course Jimi Love as the unsurpassed Prince. Expect to see, hear and feel all of the hits from one of the most loved artists of all time. Hailed by original Prince and the Revolution drummer Bobby Z as ‘authentic and on the money’. Tickets: £23.50.

On Saturday 23 from 8.00pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see ‘Heaven 17’. The brainchild of Martyn Ware and born from the collapse of the original Human League, 80’s synth pioneers Heaven 17 have stood the test of time and been an influence on the future of modern music for over thirty years. Glenn Gregory and Martyn continue to perform the hits from their overwhelming back catalogue, along with unveiling their first new material in 12 years. Tickets: £26. Standing only event.

On Sunday 24 at the David Hall in South Petherton from 7.30pm see award-winning singer and composer Luke Daniels bring his new show and Electrophon machine performing beautifully crafted songs. Luke’s past work as a member of the Riverdance Orchestra and with Cara Dillon sets his pedigree at the very highest level and promises a night of outstanding acoustic songs and instrumental music. Tickets: £13.

On Tuesday 26 at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil at 7.30pm enjoy music by Mendelssohn, Mozart and Beethoven performed by conducted by Victor Aviat with violin solos by Alexander Janiczek. Tickets: £30.

On Wednesday 27 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil ‘G4’ are back to due overwhelming demand. Having reformed in 2014 they have continued to transport their loyal following right back to the moment they first fell

in love with G4’s trademark harmonies. G4 are excited to take their classic releases of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘My Way’ and ‘Nessun Dorma’ on the road and are also thrilled to showcase some of the greatest love songs of all time as they tour the songs from their hotly anticipated album, G4 Love Songs for the very first time. G4 will be joined by some very special guests live on stage at this show including soprano MaryJess (winner of the Chinese X Factor and singer of the Downton Abbey Theme), Oli Nez (internationally-renowned multi-instrumentalist), Sorrelli Strings (critically-acclaimed string trio) and a local choir. Tickets: £29.50.

On Friday 29 at Ilminster Arts Centre from 8.00pm see Amy Roberts and the Richard Exall Quintet. Amy has continued to develop and is now very accomplished as a charismatic performer on flute, clarinet and saxophones. Richard has experience in widely varied jazz styles and has played with Chris Barber since 2004, the Mike Westbrook Big Band and a performance at the Barbican with the World famous Big Carla Bley Band. They are both multi instrumentalists who perform an eclectic range of high octane music on a range of clarinets, saxophones and flute. Together they make music that crosses that traditional divides of the jazz world, performing melodic and intricate arrangements that appeal to listeners of all styles of music. Tickets: £16.

On Saturday 30 from 7.30pm at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton join internationally renowned vocalist and BBC Radio presenter, Claire Martin OBE, and legendary saxophonist and singer, Ray Gelato, for their new show together: ‘A Swingin’ Affair’ celebrates the release of their album ‘We’ve Got a World That Swings.’ These much celebrated and respected artists take to the stage to explore Great American Songbook. If you like your music sassy, sharp and swinging, this is the show for you. Tickets: £17. On Saturday 30 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see

‘Whitney: Queen of the Night’. This promises to be a stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time, Whitney Houston. This award winning production features a sensational line-up of musicians and artistes which, together with a powerhouse and breath-taking performance in the spirit of Whitney, delivers a show that exceeds expectation on every level. Taking us on a magical rollercoaster ride through three decades of classic hit’s that include, ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’, ‘One Moment In Time’, ‘I’m Every Woman’, ‘My Love is Your Love’, ‘I will Always Love You’, and many more, this show beautifully remembers the most highly awarded female artist. Tickets: £24.

On Saturday 30 from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘Southern Tenant Folk Union’. One of the most highly acclaimed Folk/Bluegrass bands in the UK today, they have just released their seventh album, ‘Join Forces’, and since starting out in 2006 have toured their exciting live show all over the UK, Ireland, Netherlands and Germany. An all acoustic band with banjo, fiddle, double bass, acoustic guitar, percussion and harmony vocals, they perform an eclectic mix of high energy atmospheric Folk. Tickets: £16.

On Sunday 1 October at the Octagon Theatre from 7.30pm see Yeovil Concert Band. They formed in 1999 and since then have gone from strength to strength, now consisting of over 30 brilliant musicians and earning their very own show. Their wide repertoire takes them to all sorts of events in the area under the direction of Tom Griffin. This exciting journey though some most memorable Stage and Screen moments, will be an absolute treat for everyone! Also taking to the stage will be special guest Matthew Rock. Matthew has most recently appeared at the Octagon Theatre as the Musical Director of the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir at their sell out concerts. As a highly sought after vocalist himself, he will bring some vocal delights to the show, with some all time audience favourites. Tickets: £14.50.

On Monday 2 October from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil world renowned Martin Roscoe will be performing Beethoven, Schubert and Chopin. Tickets: £14.50.

On Thursday 5 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil go along to ‘And finally...Phil Collins: 10th Anniversary Tour’. They are recognised throughout the industry as the market leaders and definitive Phil Collins & Genesis tribute show. This truly amazing eleven piece band which includes the And Finally Horns faithfully recreate all the classic hits from the Phil Collins and Genesis timeless back catalogue. As always the ‘two drummer’ line up remains an integral part of the act and once again the addition of a dedicated percussionist performing the Louis Conte role has moved the And Finally experience both musically and visually to a whole different league. Tickets: £19.50.

On Friday 6 from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see Liza Pulman. The acclaimed singer and comedienne of Fascinating Aida, celebrates the songs of the great Barbra Streisand with her six piece band, The Stardust Ensemble. Alongside renowned musical director Joseph Atkins, Liza brings glorious new arrangements and orchestrations of these now legendary songs. Expect the much loved classics ‘Evergreen’, ‘The Way We Were’, ‘New York State Of Mind’, ‘Second Hand Rose’ and many more in a full to bursting 90 minute show.. Tickets: £17.

On Friday 6 from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre the Carneval String Trio will be performing works by Dohnanyi, Beethoven, Kodaly and Martina. Tickets: £15.

On Saturday 7 from 7.30pm at the Caryford Hall in Castle Cary see Charlie Dore with Julian Littman. Charlie, who is a singer-songwriter, musician and actress, best known for her 1979 hit ‘Pilot of the Airwaves’, will be joined on stage by Julian Littman from Steeleye Span, Dexy’s Midnight Runners. Expect an evening of eclectic, contemporary folk as the pair swap guitars, mandolin, harmonium, ukulele, piano, autoharp,

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harmonies and stories. Advance tickets: £12 from 01963 350 194.

On Saturday 7 from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see Gaz Brookfield. Following the release of his critically acclaimed fifth studio album, and his sell out UK tour, Gaz will be bringing his unique style of upbeat and catchy Folk songs. Supporting him will be Nick Parker playing his tonguefirmly-in-cheek folk/country/straggly songs. Tickets: £14.

From Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 at 7.30pm at Octagon Theatre YAOS presents ‘9-5: The Musical’. Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick and based on the 1980 hit film. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge set in an office, where the working hours are ‘9 to 5’, is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While their boss, Hart, remains ‘otherwise engaged’, the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Tickets:£16 for opening night and Saturday matinee, £18 all other performances. On Friday 13 from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton there is a very special evening with award-winning singer

songwriter Hazel O’Connor, joined by Clare Hirst on sax and Sarah Fisher on keyboards. The superb blend of the three voices and stunning musicianship adds a sweet touch of class to their vibrant performance. Live onstage, hear her unforgettable songs from the iconic film Breaking Glass, which recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. Expect a soulful introspective dip into Hazel’s stunning portfolio, the old and the new. There is also a special meet and greet immediately after the show! Tickets: £20.

End musicians to bring you the very best show in town. Tickets: £25.

On Friday 13 from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre there is a rare treat as two of the World’s top clarinettists will be playing together with Craig’s Milverton trio. Clarinet duels have frequently been fought by the top players throughout the history of jazz, perhaps not so much a fight, but more in a challenge to mimic, to blend together and maybe out-do each other in terms of ideas, technique, phrasing and stamina. This concert puts together the best in the UK and the best in the USA. Tickets: £18.

From Sunday 15 from 7.30pm at Yetminster Jubilee Hall see James Hickman and Dan Cassidy. This is an Artsreach debut for this award winning Transatlantic Folk Duo. This virtuoso duo creates a unique sound that flows from the connection between British and American folk, bursting with all the humour, heartbreak and excitement of these genres. James Hickman’s emotive vocals, driving guitar and lively English wit are complemented by Dan Cassidy’s virtuosic fiddling, bonedry irony and American drawl. Dan Cassidy (brother of the late Eva Cassidy) grew up in Maryland, but is now based in Iceland. James Hickman grew up in Shropshire on a diet of folk and bluegrass, and now tours internationally with Uiscedwr. Previously crowned winners of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, expect a dynamic and unforgettable transatlantic journey from these rising stars. Tickets: £10 from 01935 873719. For more information visit www.hickmanandcassidy.co.uk

On Sunday 15 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil go along to ‘Mad About The Musicals, celebrating the very best songs from the shows we all know and love. The show stars Jai McDowell winner of Britain’s Got Talent and Michael Courtney. With a host of your favourite numbers from the pen of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Kander & Ebb, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Boublil & Schonberg and many more, the talented cast will evoke the true spirit of the stage, with brilliant vocals and West

On Thursday 19 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘Talon: The Very Best of the Eagles’. Over the last two decades Talon have risen from humble beginnings to one of the most successful theatre touring shows in the UK and the 20th anniversary tour will once again feature all those classic Eagles Greatest Hits, from their timeless back catalogue including ‘Hotel California’, ‘Take It Easy’, ‘One Of These Nights’, ‘Life In The Fast Lane’ and many more. This world

class seven piece band are a phenomenon and have truly transcended the tag of ‘tribute’. They have become a brand name in their own right who are not only revered by their peers, respected by the music industry but dearly loved by their massive and expanding fan base. Tickets: £25. On Friday 20 at 7.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil see ‘Oz and Armonico Drink to Music’ - An Evening of Wine Tasting and Live Music. Tasting wines from across the world, expertly guided by the UK’s best loved wine critic. Writer, broadcaster and wine critic Oz Clarke was a singer for many years. Tickets: £26. On Friday 20 from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre see ‘Jam Experiment’. They are a young jazz quintet from London and have won the 2014 ‘Jazz North Introduces’ scheme and played at leading jazz festivals across the UK. The lineup includes the winner of the inaugural BBC Young Musician Jazz Award, saxist Alexander Bone. Tickets: £5. On Saturday 21 from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see Martin Carthy. For more than 40 years Martin has been one of folk music’s greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many accolades. Tickets: £17. On Sunday 22 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘Jackson: Live in Concert’. Michael Jackson is not only

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remembered as one of the most influential artists of all time, but many of today’s artists have been inspired by his iconic style. His career spanned nearly five decades of music, and he was continually at the forefront of popular music. This show sees long-time fan and hugely talented Ben recreate the Michael Jackson experience with his stunning rendition of all his favourite songs. Ben’s portrayal of Jackson has to be the most accurate and exciting tribute to the King of Pop to have ever toured UK theatres. Ben is joined on the stage by his incredible band and dancers who work their way through all the hits. Tickets: £18.50.

On Saturday 28 at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton from 7.30pm see ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ tribute starring Rebel Dean with full live band. The rags to riches story based on the 40 hits of 80’s rock n’ roll icon Shakin’ Stevens. The performance includes a full concert (including the famous denims and pink jacket) as would have been seen during the late 80’s including all the hits such as ‘Green Door’, ‘This Ole House’, ‘Oh Julie’, ‘You Drive Me Crazy’ and many more. Tickets: £16.

On Tuesday 24 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see John Illsley. John has had a remarkable musical journey since 1977, selling over 120 million albums and picking up a few Grammy’s on the way as well as an Ivor Novello award in 1988 for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. The show will feature all of the well known songs from his band Dire Straits such as ‘Sultans of Swing’, ‘Money for Nothing’ and ‘Brothers in Arms’ plus songs from John’s latest album ‘Long Shadows’. Tickets: £21.

On Sunday 29 from 3.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton the Divertimento String Quartet will bring you a programme of widely varying music, which shows the range of contrasting music written for this genre. They will play music from Mozart to Shostakovich and Beethoven to Villa Lobos. The ensemble of two violins, viola and cello has been blessed by the attention of some of the greatest, and some less well-known, composers down the ages. Tickets: £16.

On Thursday 26 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see the ‘Magic of Motown’. Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience. Celebrate the sound of a generation as the timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and many more are sensationally recreated for you by an exceptionally talented cast and band. Tickets: £25.50.

PERFORMANCE On Friday 29 September at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil at 7.30pm see Jay McGuiness, Natalie Lowe and Louis Smith. Live on stage with BBC Radio Two’s Leo Green with musicians, dancers and singers with two Strictly champions and one Strictly professional who will swing, bop, jitterbug, lindy hop, jive and ballroom through the greatest songs from the greatest decade of music! The music in the show spans various styles from romantic ballads and crooner songs through to classic pop hits and the shattering world of rock ‘n’ roll. Tickets: £36.

On Friday 27 from 8.00pm see multi award winner Dave Newton at the Ilminster Arts Centre with two more London based players with the very best of reputations. Baritone sax player Andy Panayi returns and paired with trumpet player Percy Persglove, a relatively new name, but one with a burgeoning reputation that is now becoming very familiar on the UK jazz scene. Tickets: £16.

On Monday 2 October at the Digby Memorial Hall at 7.30pm in Sherborne Dogwood Production presents ‘No Finer Life’ by Graham Harvey. Graham was Agricultural Story Editor of ‘The Archers’ for twenty years and writer of more than 600 episodes. He brings to the stage the true tale of an unlikely Cotswold hero and an enduring romance. Set in the Oxfordshire countryside at the end of World War Two, rich in tradition and full of vivid, memorable characters. But this is no nostalgic, bucolic ramble. This

On Saturday 28 from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see Nancy Kerr and the Sweet 28

Visitor Band. Since her debut solo album in 2014, Nancy has emerged as one of the foremost composers of modern folk and social commentary songs in the British Isles. Tickets: £20.

is Elizabeth’s story... What inspires a young Somerset land girl to set off in search of a best selling author in the darkest days of war? The story moves between the 1940s and the current day, reflecting that the love of the countryside, the need to protect it and issues of national identity, are timeless. Graham Harvey will be taking part in an after-show conversation where he will discuss the issues in the play and all things Ambridge! Elizabeth is played by Rebecca Bailey and the show is directed by James Le Lacheur, who has recently spent a year in London’s West End in ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’. The show features new live music composed and performed by Alastair Collingwood. Tickets: £12, includes glass of wine and after play discussion available from 01935 814801, peter.neal21@outlook.com or the TIC. For more information visit www.nofinerlife.co.uk

On Tuesday 3 at 7.30pm and Wednesday 4 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see Noel Coward’s ‘Private Lives’. Two newly-married couples occupy adjoining honeymoon suites in the same hotel. As a distant orchestra plays, Sibyl gazes adoringly at charismatic husband Elyot, while Victor admires his new wife, the vivacious and sophisticated Amanda. Champagne flows and the sea shimmers in the moonlight as the newlyweds prepare for the evening ahead. But when Amanda overhears a familiar voice singing a forgotten song, an old spark reignites, with spectacular consequences. Tickets: £16.50.

On Friday 6 from 7.30pm at the David Hall in South Petherton the Off the Map Dance Company presents ‘Folklore’. Trapped in a living state of limbo, Jay is controlled by her over protective sister on one side and drawn to an intriguing creature offering her a sense of freedom on the other. Tickets: £8. On Saturday 7 October from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton Living Spit presents ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’. After their previous selffunded historical drama is savaged in the press, Howard & Stu are at their wits end. Then they hit on an idea for a show that could change everything…. But can two of the South West’s favourite theatrical sons put aside

their differences and make it through to the end without killing each other? ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’ is an undisputed hit and with live original music, embroidary, barbie dolls, silly songs and historical hysteria, this promises to be an ill-researched lesson in Tudor history you will never forget. Tickets: £10.

On Saturday 14 from 7.30pm the Exchange in Sturminster Newton and Artsreach Dorset presents Mi Flamenco - Incognito. Mi Flamenco is an international flamenco company with artists of the highest calibre. Featuring explosive dance by Ester Tal and Kelian Jimenez, the amazing voice of Luis Vargas Monge (El Mono), beautiful music composed and played by the talented guitarist Uri Tal, and the added magic of Nick Squires on cello. ‘Incognito’ is a show with all the spirit of authentic, pulsating flamenco, intertwined with the unexpected. Expect exciting, moving flamenco dance, powerful song, virtuoso guitar and cello; with lots of charm, imagination and theatre thrown in - a passionate spectacle for dance, music and theatre lovers everywhere. Tickets: £11.

On Tuesday 17 at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil from 7.30pm see ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Ballet. Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a large live orchestra with over 30 musicians. Romeo and Juliet has become one of the most beloved ballets, capturing the imagination of many generations over the years. It continues to attract audiences worldwide, who love its mystery and romance. The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is a gem for the Russian cultural traditions, bringing as they do the passion and vibrancy of Russian character to this well-known ballet. It has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality, and never fails to delight audiences. Set to one of Prokofiev’s most evocative scores, this production is filled with beautiful dance, riveting battles and compelling drama, all amidst production designs. Tickets: £33.

On Thursday 19 from Halstock Village Hall at 7.30pm Artsreach hosts ‘A View From The Edge’. Private eye and troubled sleeper Charlie Daniels is hired by the seductive Elise Hillerman to investigate the disappearance of her husband, a prominent gallery owner; meanwhile, writers Charlotte and Dan struggle to

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T THE TOWNS FOR MORE MUSIC & FILMS write the script of their new noirinspired theatre show about an art forgery ring. As scenes spin, fragment and entangle with each other one question arises: whose reality is real? Cornish company Owdyado present their brand new, slick and surprising show where the search for the truth provokes a mind-bending journey through the world of dreams, imagination and ‘real life’. With its sharp wit, quick pace and a heavy dose of noir style; from the classic to the neo, A View from the Edge also takes influence from cult filmmakers Charlie Kaufman and David Lynch. This is a highly original show, expect to be delighted, intrigued and kept guessing until the end! Tickets: £9, under 18’s £6 from 01935 891744.

From Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see ‘A Murder Mystery – Whodunit’ by Francis Durbridge. Dodgy dealings and murder abound in this gripping and ingenious play. Jack and Sarah Radford appear to be a happy and successful couple living in a large home in the country. However, Jack is secretly plotting to murder his wife and inherit everything. He tries to convince Sarah that she is on the verge of a nervous breakdown and enlists the help of his girlfriend Anna to dispose of his wife. But all does not go as planned! Enter Inspector Cliff Jordan, a man of insight and perception but will his investigative skills become distracted? Almost everyone has a motive but who is the real killer? Tickets: £10.

On Saturday 21 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘Tap Factory’, an international hitshow for all the family. Featuring urban tap dance, percussion, comedy with high energy dance, explosive percussion and unbelievable acrobatics, all wrapped up in a fun-filled evening. The stunning live music and choreography is created from the most ordinary of objects by a highly talented, internationally renowned cast of award winning tap dancers. Tickets: £22.

On Saturday 21 at 8.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil see Sean Kelly and The Stars of Storage Hunters. Autioneer Sean will be joined by T-Money and Green Mile for the first time ever. Audiences are encouraged to bring along a cheeky item from home, to be

auctioned off. Proceeds to Help for Heroes. Tickets: £22.50.

On Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 at 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘That’ll Be the Day’. Highly acclaimed for its live entertainment, it is an outstanding celebration for all true fans of golden era of popular music. This latest production features a fantastic new line up of smash hits spanning the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, plus more side-splitting comedic sketches. Tickets: £27.

CompetitionWin a pair of tickets for the performance of the ballet Romeo and Juliet at The OctagonPlease answer the following question:Name the composer of the music accompanying this performance Send your answer, together with your name and contact details to The Conduit Magazine (address on page 3) or email your answer to: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk by 7 October.

FILMS On Friday 29 September at 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton the Petherton Picture Show presents ‘The Odyssey’ - a biopic of the French ocean-going adventurer and filmmaker, Jacques Cousteau. In 1948 Cousteau, his wife and their two sons are living an idyllic life in a pretty house overlooking the Mediterranean. But Cousteau longs for adventure. Having invented an aqualung which enables him to breathe under water, he discovers a whole new world. And having discovered it, he sets out to explore it. And to do that, he is willing to sacrifice everything else - in French with subtitles. Tickets: £5.

On Wednesday 11 October at Digby Church Hall from 7.30pm ArtsLink Flicks presents ‘The Sense of an Ending’. Based on a novel by Julian Barns, a divorced man is forced to confront his past when he receives a mysterious legacy. Tickets: £6 from 01935 815341, the TIC, or on the door. On Friday 13 from 8.00pm at the David Hall the Petherton Picture Show presents ‘Interlude in Prague’. The events that unfold are not a biographical retelling but a captivating fictitious story that many could compare to John Madden’s 1998 Shakespeare in Love, a turbulent tragedy that inspires. Tickets: £5.

On Friday 27 from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton the Petherton Picture Show presents ‘The Sense of an Ending’, based on the novel by Julian Barnes. Tony, a curmudgeonly divorced man, is forced to confront his past when he receives a mysterious legacy from the mother of his university girlfriend, Veronica. Starring Jim Broadbent. Tickets: £5.

On Thursday 26 from 7.00pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see the film ‘Churchill’. Fearful of repeating the invasion of Gallipoli in 1915, Winston Churchill attempts to stop the planned invasion of Normandy in 1944. Only the support of Churchill’s wife, Clementine, can halt the prime minister’s physical and mental collapse. Starring Brian Cox and Miranda Richardson. Tickets: £4.

FOR CHILDREN On Saturday 7 October from 12.00 noon at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil the Milkshake Live Cast will be singing songs and sharing stories. Starring Milkshake! favourites Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, Shimmer & Shine, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Wissper, Milkshake’s very own Milkshake! Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters, this all singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece, will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales. Set amongst Milkshake’s magical bookcase, this brand new live show is sure to amaze and delight! Tickets: £16.

On Tuesday 24 from 4.00pm at Chetnole Village Hall see ‘The Wind in the Willows’. From the peaceful pleasures of Ratty’s beloved River Bank, to the fearful frights and wicked weasels of the Wild Wood, join Ratty and Mole on their marvellous adventures, along with gruff old Badger and magnificent Mr Toad. A beautiful new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic, The Wind in the Willows features unique handmade fabric puppets and a charming original score. Tickets: £8, under 18’s £6 from 01935 872998.

sensation when it was published in 1992 and launched one of the bestselling fiction writers of her generation. 25 years later, Marina has gone on to have more No. 1 original fiction bestsellers than any other adult fiction author. She won the British Book Award for Crime Thriller of the Year with The Take, which then went on to be a hit TV series for Sky 1. Her unique, powerful storytelling is acclaimed for its hard hitting, true to life style. Tickets: £10.50. This is a Yeovil Literary Festival event. On Wednesday 25 from 9.30am to 3.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre there is an Antique Textiles Fair a treasure trove of beautiful antique fabrics, haberdashery and notions to browse and buy. Specialist fair curated by A Talent for Textiles. Admission free. On Thursday 26 from 2.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton there is an evening with Eric Knowles. Eric is one of those rare individuals who is able to share his extensive knowledge of the world of antiques in a manner that is easily understood. With over twenty years working on the BBC’s flagship programme The Antiques Roadshow under his belt, Eric has become the friendly face of what for many years proved to be a business shrouded with no small element of mystery. In What’s it Worth? the lad from Lancashire takes the wraps off a business in which he has been immersed for over 30 years. The first part of the evening is given over to what are quite often irreverent anecdotal reminiscences, ably supported by excellent images. The second part of the evening is devoted to the audience’s ‘treasures’, 25 of which have been selected by Eric during the initial meeting and greeting session and welcome party. Eric is keen to assure all those bringing heirlooms that he for one will be drinking only Adam’s Ale until all are safely returned. Audience members can bring along their heirlooms and treasures for on stage discussion but then, in the final part of the show, they will be able to see their objects brought to the screen, courtesy of a web type camera that will allow a more detailed view and appreciation in the valuation session. Tickets: £15.

OTHER On Tuesday 17 October from 7.30pm at the Manor Hotel in Yeovil see Martina Cole in Conversation with Clare Donaghue. Martina’s first novel ‘Dangerous Lady’ caused a

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Antiques & Collectables

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.

This month Duke’s in Dorchester has two General Sales at Avenue Auctions, Weymouth Avenue on 3 October and another on 24 October at 10.30am. Viewing times: Saturday prior to auction 9.30am-12 noon; Monday prior to auction 9.30 am -7 pm and morning of the auction. Viewing times: Saturday prior to auction 9.30am-12noon; Monday prior to auction 9.30am -7pm and morning of the auction. Catalogues are available online. McCubbing and Redfern Auction Rooms based in Wells has a Fine Art, Antique and Collectable auction on 18 October. Viewing for sales takes place on the previous Monday 10am – 5pm and Tuesday 10am -7pm. Further information is available from 01749 678099. Lyme Bay Auctions in Seaton, East Devon is worth a visit at 10am on 25 September for its monthly general auction of furniture, antiques, collectables, artwork and household goods. Viewing is the weekend before the sale and from 9am on the morning. Live online bidding is available. Further information is available from 01297 22453. 30

We are always keen to buy antique silver and old Sheffield plate at current prices

Lawrences Auction house in Crewkerne has General Sales on Wednesdays on 4, 11 and 18 October. All sales start at 9.30am and viewing is from the Tuesday before the sale from 9am to 7pm. There are also several Fine Art Sales: 10 October features Silver and Vertu; 11 October offers Decorative Antiques; 12 October Jewellery and 19th and 20th Design and Ceramics comes under the hammer and on 13 October there will be a Fine Arts Sale incorporating Pictures, Furniture, Clocks and Rugs For more information call 01460 73041. Charterhouse Auctioneers based in Long Street, Sherborne has a Coins, Stamps, Militaria, Collectors’ Items and Antiques auction on 22 September at 10am. Viewing is on Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm and Thursday 10 am to 5 pm during sale week. On 20 October at 10am there is a sale featuring Pictures,

Books, Antiques, Interiors, Beswick and Sporting Items – viewing details are the same as above. Further details are available from 01935 812277.

Two regular Saturday fairs are coming up in Sherborne this month. On Saturday 30 September and Saturday 21 October from 9.30am to 4pm pop along to the Digby Hall, Sherborne and discover a multitude of bargains at Chasty Cottage Antique Fair. This has a number of interesting dealers and entry is £1.

If you missed its debut last year, make sure you mark your diary for this year’s Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair on 13 - 15 October at Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford. Hours of opening: Friday from: 2pm – 5pm; Saturday and Sunday: 11am – 5pm. The Trade Preview is being held on Friday 13 October 11am – 2pm. Further information from: www.brutondecorativeantiq uesfair.co.uk.

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Antiques Fair motors back to Haynes Museum! The Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair returns to the Haynes International Motor Museum just off the A303 in Sparkford from 1315 October following a smash hit debut in October 2016 when buyers flooded in from across the country and the rest of the world!

Organisers Cooper Events will welcome some brilliant new names on board, Kore Purchase, Tetbury, Bombe Interiors and Elham Antiques from Kent, Molly & Maud’s Place and Chris Holmes Decorative Antiques both Yorkshire, John Read Smith, Wales, The Archives from The Netherlands will join Bruton this year with their Folk Art, Country House furniture and collectible glass.

Decorative dealers pull out all stops at this show and there will be choreographed displays from some of the most exciting decorative dealers in the UK, Europe and the Channel Islands with C18th – C20th decorative trouve for the home and garden, architectural reclamation, humble English Folk Art – early pottery, samplers, walking canes, CMid furniture and accessories, lighting, textiles, grand painted furniture from local country houses, mirrors, dazzling jewels and even desirable vintage designer handbags.

The transformation of the sleepy Somerset town of Bruton into the ‘Notting Hill of the South West’ with the arrival of the internationally renowned Hauser & Wirth Gallery, lighting a media fire under this untouched corner of leafy Somerset and drawing an influx of City money, second home owners and celebrities to the area, presented a light bulb moment for organisers Sue and Peter Hodder

of Cooper Events who knew they had found the perfect site in the area for their new event - the £6million extension to The Haynes International Motor Museum, with its luxury interior and extraordinary raspberry red futuristic facade, just outside Bruton and very hi viz from the adjacent A303.A number of notable Somerset dealers will return in 2017 including The Factory in Castle Cary home to seven leading dealers from the decorative trade founded by David Tupman Antiques. Sharing the beautiful former dairy house factory in Castle Cary are Brighton based dealer Jill Palmer, Pimlico, London W1 dealer Christopher Butterworth, London based Derek Greengrass and Ashburton, Devon dealer Roger Organ. Expect to see a highly charged eclectic mix of decorative antiques for the home and garden.

Alchemy from Bruton will also be returning with French and English upholstery, dining tables and chairs, C20th century glass tables, beautiful English and European mirrors, textiles, and a selection of contemporary art and sculpture, Quillon House Antiques, also Bruton based, with fine English oak and country furniture and equestrian paintings, Elizabeth Lee Interiors from Frome with French, Swedish and English decorative antiques for the home and garden, Waterfall Antiques, Bath, with a wide selection of leather luggage, conservatory decoration and kitchenalia, Sherborne based Macintosh Antiques with painted country house furniture and upholstery from the leading furniture makes of the C18th – C19th and Somerton based specialist

upholstery and CMid design dealers Life England will also return in 2017. Exquisite Swedish and French painted furniture and antiques for the garden and conservatory will be shown by La Place Antiques and No1 Lewes from Sussex. Folk Art will be shown by leading experts Erna Hiscock and John Shepherd, Devon based Appledore Antiques and venerable long term Bath exhibitors Terry & Marie Kelly and collectible walking canes will be shown by Winfield Canes.

dealers White Space Gallery, Totnes, The Jerram Gallery, Sherborne and by Cambridge based Granta Fine Art. Period portraits will be displayed by Channel Islands exhibitor Mark Blower Antiques. Sue Ede: “We had such a fantastic Bruton debut at Haynes International Motor Museum last year - the superbly equipped conference halls offered us a spacious and stylish venue for our exciting new event and we cannot wait to return in October 2017.”

Fine British, European and Modern & Contemporary Art will be well represented by local

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Pair of George III style mahogany settees sold for £4,500

Early 18th century parcel gilt wall mirror sold for £4,800

Pair of early 18th century silver tea caddies sold for £4,500

Platinum and diamond ring sold for £8,000

Country House Bidding Fever at Charterhouse The residual contents from Capard House, Loais, Ireland produced country house bidding fever at the Charterhouse salerooms in Sherborne on Friday 25 August. “With such strong bidding it felt like brown furniture is back!” commented Richard Bromell. “Many of the items from Capard House have been in storage for several years and some items came to the salerooms in a barn stored market fresh condition which always gets bidders excited.” The furniture, ceramics and other items which came from this Irish early Georgian neo-classical 32

country house attracted bidders from Ireland, America, the Isles of Scilly and London. Highlights from this Charterhouse August auction which totalled just under £280,000, included a platinum and solitaire diamond ring, bought as a wedding anniversary present for its lucky new owner at £8,000, an early 18th century walnut wing armchair requiring restoration at £5,000, an early 18th century parcel gilt wall mirror at £4,800, a pair of George III style settees for £4,500 and a pair of early 18th century silver tea caddies at £4,500. Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for its busy

programme of auctions which include Beswick and Royal Doulton, along with pictures, books and maps and a selection of hunting, shooting, fishing and other sporting items on 19 & 20 October, closely followed on 5 November with classic and vintage cars. For further information regarding these auctions, or to arrange a home visit, please contact Richard Bromell or Justine Jackson at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or email items for valuation at info@charterhouse-auction.com

IAN CROSSLAND

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Tel: 01935 411813 Mob: 07811 070 498 • Interior and exterior decorating • Carpentry and small cabinet work • Restoration of timber windows • Making/restoring leaded windows • Hanging doors • Fitting fences and gates • Exterior lime mortaring With over 20 years’ experience for a friendly reliable service please give me a call

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Pet Health

Matt Saunders BVetMed MRCVS is a Director at the

Are your pets protected Newton-Clarke Partnership with surgeries in Yeovil and Sherborne

This month I am unashamedly going to preach the benefits of vaccination again. I think with all the discussion regarding vaccinations currently in the press, let alone social media, it is worth remembering what we are actually trying to achieve with a vaccination. We are trying to prevent a number of fatal diseases becoming commonplace amongst out pets once more. Yes, any medicine can have side effects but genuine vaccine reactions are very rare and when they occur, often mild. The benefits are however, life saving and there are few things that serve as a reminder of the importance of vaccination than witnessing pets suffering from the diseases vaccinations could and would have prevented. Last year we treated a dog in liver failure, the diagnosis of leptospirosis was made promptly but despite treatment, the dog passed away. Very recently a litter of puppies were presented to the surgery with acute and severe gastroenteritis, they were again quickly diagnosed with parvovirus but despite intensive, round the clock care, half the litter was lost. These cases are thankfully now rare with these diseases at low levels in the South West due to a high percentage of vaccinated pets and a fairly sparse population. A quick reminder of the core

www.newtonclarkevet.com

vaccinations we recommend are as follows: cats are vaccinated against flu (herpes and calici virus), a common cause of respiratory, eye and oral disease; feline enteritis which is closely related to canine parvovirus causing vomiting and diarrhoea and lastly feline leukaemia virus, which can simply be considered a viral form of cancer.

Dogs are routinely vaccinated against distemper - a viral infection of the gastrointestinal, respiratory and neurological systems. Hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver. Parvovirus causes vomiting and diarrhoea with a 50% mortality rate and finally leptospirosis - also known as Weil’s disease - spread by rodents and frequently leading to kidney and liver failure. I suppose as vets it’s not only very frustrating but also very sad to lose pets to diseases that could have been prevented. I accept there are people who do not agree with blanket vaccination and I am always open to this discussion. However, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks and do I vaccinate my own pets? Yes, I absolutely do. And lastly a date for your diaries; we are having an open day at our Yeovil Surgery, Preston Road on Sunday the 19 November. Come and have a look behind the scenes and let the staff take you through a day in the life of your pet at the vets.

Health & Wellbeing by Niki Cassar

I’m Claustrophobic Get me out of here Claustrophobia, or fear of confined spaces, is a surprisingly common fear, with NHS estimates putting it as high as 10% of the British population. Within that 10%, there will be those who are able to manage their fear, usually because they are embarrassed about revealing it to friends or work colleagues. For others, the fear can become so great that it makes them think carefully before venturing into situations where they may freak out and, in their eyes, make a fool of themselves. Lifts are a major problem and definitely to be avoided, but those who know they are claustrophobic may suffer in many other ways, such as windowless rooms, buses or tubes, crowded events, even tight necklines or pulling clothes over their head. For some people, the initial fear can turn to panic, and may induce nausea, vomiting, fainting or full-blown panic attacks. Logically, they know that the thoughts churning around in their head are totally irrational, but they have no control over them and will do anything they can to get away from the perceived cause of their fear. Heart and pulse racing, adrenalin pumping around their body, they will seek escape by any means. Once they feel safe and calm again, they feel foolish and embarrassed, then angry for having let the fear get out of control. Most people are bewildered as to why they suffer in this way. Some will remember a specific event, but many have no recollection of how and when their fear of small spaces began. Having worked with many claustrophobic clients over the years, I never cease to

be surprised when we identify the root cause – and of course neutralise it. Clients have recalled being shut in cupboards by mischievous friends; being unable to unlock a loo door; waking in the night to discover they are under the bedclothes and thinking they can’t breathe; being in a broken down lift with a panicking adult when they were young, and even being stuck in the birth canal whilst journeying into the world. However minor or groundless the fear, it is then stored permanently in your infinite subconscious mind and will grow over the years to many times its original size, as the subconscious is always on the lookout for a match to the stored information. Every subsequent event that it regards as being in any way similar to the original one, will be stored in the same storage folder, until that folder becomes so stuffed, that it begins to burst open. At that point, you are more than likely going to suffer panic symptoms the next time you find yourself in a confined situation. If you are someone who suffers from any form of claustrophobia, you can be assured that there is actually nothing wrong with you, and with the help of an experienced hypnotherapist, you can be totally free to go through your life without having to avoid places or situations where you might – in the past – have lost control. If you’d like to chat to me, in total confidence, to find out how I can help you, please call me on 01963 371 695. Tell me you’re a Conduit reader and I will happily offer you a 10% discount on your first session.

REMEMBER TO TELL ADVERTISERS YOU SAW IT IN THE CONDUIT MAGAZINE!

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Sport

by Gary Shackle, Sherborne Sports Centre Manager

Where to get team fit this autumn For the past five or six years Sherborne Sports Centre’s qualified staff have been helping train local sports teams in the area. Using facilities at the Centre or on home ground pitches, our sports conditioning coaches have delivered many routines designed to improve fitness and coordination, by using speed and strength training techniques. Sherborne Rugby Club’s pre-season training has seen them have great results on the pitch year after year, partly due to their eight week program. This Summer we had our astro pitch refurbished and are hoping to get more teams involved in this type of training. ‘Fartlek’ and interval training has becoming increasingly popular over the past decade, so if you have a team either wanting to just hire the facilities or have some additional training then please contact the Sports Centre.

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There are a few spaces available on this newly resurfaced pitch on Monday and Wednesdays, so get in fast! If you would prefer for us to train you at the centre we can devise training to include indoor cycling sessions, boxercise, kettlecore, Abs and water based exercises. If you are interested in learning more about what Sherborne Sports Centre can provide for YOUR team, then please email gym@sherborne.org

Christmas displays return at Gardens Group From hanging thousands of baubles and labelling boxfuls of ornaments to building partition walls and painting festive scenes, Louise Burks, director of The Gardens Group, and her team are busy preparing for the centres’ much-anticipated and awardwinning Christmas displays, which will be unveiled at a number of special open evenings throughout October. Speculation is already building, but as always, this year’s themes will be kept tightly under wraps right up until the big reveal. It won’t be long though until gardeners of all ages will be able to wander through these magical wonderlands, which promise to feature meandering displays, twinkling lights and festive food and drink, to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Also the Apple Tree Farm Shop at Brimsmore will be hosting a German-inspired Christmas market on Tuesday 24 October. Filled with festive food and drink from local suppliers, such as Lyme Bay Winery, Perrys Cider, Bramley and Gage, Tom’s Pies, Hotch Potch and The Bay Tree, visitors will be able to meet the producers, sample and buy early Christmas presents. Christmas display open evenings: Poundbury Gardens, Dorchester - Wednesday 4 October at 7:30pm Brimsmore Gardens, Yeovil - Wednesday 11 October at 7:30pm Castle Gardens, Sherborne - Thursday 19 October at 7:30pm

To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk . • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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Financial Planning by Mark Salter, Financial Planner.

How easy is it to stick to a plan? It’s often said that the secret of success in achieving a goal or plan is “stickability”, a person’s ability to persevere with something; staying power. But success also depends on having goals or plans you can actually stick with. Managing that tension is what a good coach, mentor or adviser does. Inspired by the impressive weight-loss of a work colleague, a portly middle-aged man decides to copy the programme that gave his friend such results. It’s a crushing regime, involving low carbs, 5am sprint sessions and mountain biking. You can guess what happened. The aspiring dieter lasted about a week on the programme before throwing it all in and returning to sedentary life, crisps and beer. It may have been better for this individual to get some advice first, starting slowly, swapping the 5am sprint sessions for brisk walks around the countryside and dumping the low carb diet for smaller portions. He may not have shed weight as quickly as his friend, but he probably would have had a better chance of sticking with the plan in the longer term. Similar principles apply with investment. You envy friends and colleagues who seem to have succeeded with high-risk strategies, but that doesn’t necessarily mean those are right for you. And in any case, their stories on the golf course may leave out key information, like how they sit up all night watching the market and worrying and the losses they might have incurred in the past. Just as the want-to-be weight loser can’t live with 5am sprints, not everyone can stick with highly volatile investments that

keep them up at night or that cause them to constantly second-guess themselves. And few people can do it without a trainer. On the other hand, reaching a long-term goal like losing weight, getting fit and building wealth requires accepting the possibility of pain and uncertainty in the short-term. The trick is finding the right balance between your desire to satisfy your long-term aspirations and your ability to live with the discomfort in the here and now. Quite often, this tension can be managed through compromise. In other words, you can accept some temporary anxiety or you can moderate your goals. The point is you have choices and the role of a financial planner is to help you understand what they are. So, for example, a financial planner can assist you in clarifying your goals and setting priorities. Which is more important— retiring early or the children’s education? Perhaps you can do both by reducing the cost of your discretionary expenditure such as holidays and new cars.

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www.dorset-water.co.uk It’s just like a personal trainer would be unlikely to recommend an out-of-shape sedentary business executive to start with a triathlon or try to halve his body weight in six months. The job of the trainer, or the planner, is to manage your expectations and ensure the goals you are pursuing work with everything else you want to achieve in your life. A good financial planner will also assess your capacity for taking risk. Not all of us are thrill seekers. And that’s perfectly OK. A portfolio that’s right for one person may be all wrong for another. That’s because each individual’s circumstances, risk appetites and goals are different. A financial plan shouldn’t be a one size fits all approach. A third contribution a planner can make is to help you manage through change. Our lives are not static. We change jobs, our incomes evolve, we take on new responsibilities,

we deal with aging parents, we move homes. Nothing stays the same and a financial plan shouldn’t either. So not only do different people have different goals, but each person’s own goals evolve in unique ways as they move through life. Reaching those goals requires a detailed and realistic plan, plus a commitment to stay with it. Some people may be up for the triathlon when they’re young and fit. But in later years, they might just need a more conservative programme of stretching and walking. . You can try doing this on your own, of course. But it makes it easier if you have someone to keep you focused, keep you disciplined and help you change course when the circumstances of life require it.

Now that’s stickability.

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Music Gigs

All Music Gigs are FREE entry unless mentioned.

September 23

24 29 30

‘Buzz’, Yeovil Labour Club, 8.30pm ‘Forever Free’ Tribute Band, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘The Sabbath Years’ Tribute Band, The 94 Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm, £6 ‘Livewired’, Rock Covers, The Mermaid Hotel, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Microlight’, Rock, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Chill’, 60’s-90’s Covers, Stoke Sub Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.00pm ‘Soft Option’, 60’s-90’s Covers, South Petherton Sports & Social Club, 9.00pm ‘Rockin Ronnie’, Various, Crewkerne Conservative Club, 9.00pm Phil Kelly, The Royal Oak, Crewkerne, 9.00pm ‘Bad Edukation’, Classic Rock. The Kelways Inn, Langport, 6.00pm ‘Freak Circus’, Rock Covers and Original, White Hart, Sherborne, 9.00pm ‘More Than One’, Yeovil Labour Club, 8.30pm ‘Soft Option’, 60’s-90’s Covers, The Royal Standard, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Utter Chaos’, Various Covers, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Wrecking Ball’, Country Rock, The Royal Oak, Crewkerne, 9.00pm

October 6 7

13 14

15 20 20 21

22 27 28

‘The Lewis Creaven Band’, Rock, The Foresters Arms, East Coker, 9.00pm ‘Sam Kelly’s Station House’, Blues, Evershot Village Hall, 8.00pm, £10. ‘D-State’, Covers 70’s-present, Yeovil Labour Club, 8.45pm ‘Rip It Up’, Rock, The Royal Standard, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Silverback’, Rock, The 94 Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Soulville Express’, Soul Funk/Disco, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Snakebyte’, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm Vince G, The Royal Oak, Crewkerne, 9.00pm ‘Sidekicks’, 60’s-90’s Covers, Stoke Sub Hamdon Working Men’s Club, 9.30pm ‘Eat the Rich’, Rock, Ilminster Cricket Club, 9.00pm ‘Soulville Express’, Soul Funk/Disco, The Arrow, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Daytona’, Rock/Pop, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Abbaholics’ tribute band, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Sounds Like Silver’, Rocks Covers & Original, Merriott Social Club, 9.00pm Les Martin, The Royal Oak, Crewkerne, 9.00pm Chris Banderas, Classic Rock, The King William Inn, Crewkerne, 9.00pm ‘Goliath’, Rock, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.15pm ‘The Sabbath Years’ tribute band, Square & Compass Ash Hill, Ilminster, 9.15pm ‘The Wolf Pack’, Various Covers, The Foresters Arms, East Coker, 3.00pm ‘Turnette Doone’, Covers, The Royal Oak, Ilminster, 9.00pm ‘K’fuffle’, Rock/Pop, The Royal Oak, Ilminster, 9.30pm ‘New Era’, Yeovil Labour Club, 8.30pm ‘Crimson On Silver’, Classic Rock, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Bad Edukation’, Classic Rock, White Hart, Sherborne, 9.00pm ‘Syndicate’, Rock Covers, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘The Peaceful Holligan’, Acoustic, The Rose & Crown, Martock, 9.00pm Lewis & the Sound of the Suburbs, Ska, The Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon, 9.00pm ‘Wrecking Ball’, Country Rock, The Dolphin, Ilminster, 9.00pm ‘Named & Shamed’, Pop/Rock, Half Moon Inn, Stoke Sub Hamdon, 9.30pm ‘Crown Dawn’, Rock, Stoke Sub Hamdon Working Men’s Club, 9.30pm ‘Bad Edukation’, Classic Rock, The Foresters Arms, East Coker, 3.30pm ‘Loose Connections’, Various Covers, The Bear Inn, Wincanton, 9.00pm ‘Gut & Steel’, Acoustic Covers, The Sparkford Inn, 8.00pm ‘The Defibrillators’, Rock, Horse Pond Inn, Castle Cary, 9.00pm ‘Powercut’, Acoustic/Electric/Rock/Pop, The Mermaid Hotel, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Livewired’, Rock Covers, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm Andrew Riverstone, Blues Rock, The King William Inn, Crewkerne, 9.00pm

History

by George Tatham

Steam, soap and starch: St Swithin’s Laundry, Sherborne

Steam, soap and starch: St Swithin’s laundry, Sherborne. Before the later mechanized era of sanitary steam laundries, laundrettes and domestic washing machines, what facilities for laundering were available in late Victorian Sherborne and who undertook the arduous tasks of sorting, washing, mangling, starching, drying, ironing, packing and delivery?

Laundering, laundresses and the laundry trade were a vital adjunct to Victorian society and economy, although subject to changing fashions and materials. In the 1901 Dorset census, the numbers engaged in laundry services (almost exclusively women) were 1896 females, 57 per cent of whom were either married or widowed ladies with 43 per cent, single females. The 1891 Sherborne census lists 95 female laundry workers, including 10 wives and widows assisted by their daughters. Other major occupations available to Sherborne women were domestic service, the silk factory and gloving. The 1891 Sherborne census lists 19 laundry girl trainees under the care of Miss Constance Hook, the lady superintendent of the St Swithin’s laundry. The couple behind this enterprise were the Rev. E.M. Young (headmaster of Sherborne School 18781892 and his wife Augusta). The property (which stood in Waitrose carpark-see Sherborne Camera plate 139) was purchased and converted in 1885, after an outbreak of scarletina at Sherborne School, traceable to the house of one of the school’s washerwomen. Formerly, it had served as a livery stables and posting establishment under the management of Charles Johnson, followed by Thomas Axtence.

The girls were orphans aged between 14 and 18 largely drawn from Dorset and Somerset although others were drawn from London, Manchester and Leeds. The prevailing ethos, while Christian based (local clergy were actively involved and an 1890 advertisement required the superintendent to be a churchwoman and abstainer) was designed to produce skilled laundry maids and to instruct the girls in reading, writing, religious knowledge, needlework and singing in a safe, home environment. The girls received 3d weekly pocket money, rising to £6 pa after one year until suitable placements were found. A system of incentives were established: an honour board was created for girls who had graduated and after six months’ probation at St Swithin’s, girls received the badge of the ‘St Swithin’s Guild,’ in the form of a Maltese cross. An annual festival was held in October, attended by local ladies and gentlemen at which songs were sung (compiled by Mrs Young), and tea partaken, followed by an inspection of the home. A bazaar was held in July 1888 in aid of the Poyntington organ fund (£47 10s raised) and it was reported that 7,000 articles were washed every week. An auction of the freehold property was held in December 1894, followed by a sale of all the laundry plant in July 1896. And so ended a reputable 10 year philanthropic, social and sanitary enterprise (by October 1890, some 93 girls had passed through the home) to be succeeded in 1901 by the Sherborne Sanitary Steam Laundry, one of whose directors was the Rev. Canon F.B. Westcott, headmaster of Sherborne School!

To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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Meet the fence system taking the UK by storm… An increasing number of people are finding West Dorset and South Somerset is the ideal place to launch a business. This month we talk to local business owners Andy and Shelley Stewart. Andy and Shelley Stewart launched Colourfence, an alternative to traditional timber fencing, in Dorset and South Somerset in April 2014. After successfully running and selling another franchise together for nine years they had started looking for a new business and discovered the franchise Colourfence. Colourfence was launched in the UK over a decade ago. Manufactured in Newport, all surveys and installations are handled by a network of locally owned franchises but, until the Stewarts became involved with the brand, nobody covered the South West something that surprised Andy when he first came across the company. He says, “I was amazed Colourfence wasn’t promoted in this area already, as there is clearly so much demand. “We would certainly buy it ourselves; we have a garden and have spent too many afternoons facing a wooden fence with a paintbrush in hand. We’ve also spoken to friends and family who’ve recently had to repair or replace storm-damaged panels. For them, Colourfence was missing from the local market; its durability, low maintenance and better value stands out.” He continues “A timber fence needs maintaining – at least once a year. And that takes time. But even with the utmost care and attention, timber will age, spoil and need replacing. Colourfence, on the other hand, is made from innovative Colourbond steel and features an anti-corrosive coating that won’t rust. The company also produces ColourRail matching railings or gates that are guaranteed not to corrode or flake for ten years.” Shelley explains the attraction of running a franchise: “Being part of a franchise has helped us because you get the backing of head office and as it’s a national brand customers can see that they are buying from a reputable company. Training is given on the product and also information on the installation. “We went into Colourfence to give us more flexibility and improved lifestyle with us working from home. We generally keep our roles separate; this has worked well for us since we first bought our own business.” Andy & Shelley know customer service is the most important factor in their business, and they have the skills and experience to help homeowners get the most from this outstanding product. Shelley explains: “Andy and I built and sold a franchise with a well-known home-improvement company, and we had a great reputation with the public,” she says. “We always put a lot of emphasis on customer service, and were pleased to find Colourfence upholds those same standards.” Andy is a carpenter by trade, but he also has an engineering background which means attention to detail in all installations will be of the highest quality. Shelley has worked as a PA and has experience in running all administrative tasks in a business, so enquiries are dealt with efficiently and courteously. Shelley says, “The feedback from customers has been overwhelming and this has increased our recommendations from happy customers who are extremely pleased with their new low maintenance fence as it lets them spend more time enjoying their gardens.” Call Colourfence for a free no obligation: 01935 481013 or visit: www.colourfencesouthsomerset.co.uk

Wine

by Tim Pearce - Tim’s Wines, South Petherton

Wines to match with seasonal Autumn Food My first choice would be Chardonnay, it is the "Big Daddy" of white wine grapes and one of the most widely planted in the world. Burgundy is Chardonnay’s spiritual home and the best white Burgundies are dry, rich, honeyed wines with marvellous poise, elegance and balance. They are unquestionably the finest dry white wines in the world. Recently in the New World, we have seen a move towards more elegant, betterbalanced and less oak-driven Chardonnays. This grape variety is really hard to beat at times as it is such a versatile variety when it comes to food. My next Wine of the Season has to be the sweet Muscat wines that have such an affinity with many autumn fruits.

tannin in the wine; but any low tannin red will fit the bill. Roast Beef is delicious with a mature red Bordeaux, but you must make sure it is mature otherwise the wine will be too tannic. The autumn months are fantastic for many types of fish, flat fish in particular. Italian white wines or white Burgundy are the best overall match for fish. So here are two "overall winners" - an Italian white for simply prepared fish, or a white Burgundy for richer dishes. For native oysters, this special delicacy deserves a special wine and the wine of choice has to be Champagne. If bubbles aren’t your thing opt for a 1er Cru Chablis. Lots of other shellfish are good now including mussels and scallops, both work well with Sauvignon Blanc wines.

Muscat Blancs à Petits Grains is the most noble of the variety and makes the best and most distinctive wines. It is the only wine grape that produces wines that actually taste of grapes, and can produce a range of wines from pale, bone dry whites, through to golden yellow, rich, sweet wines. In Alsace, two types of Muscat are grown - Muscat Blancs à Petits Grains and Muscat Ottonel. Muscat de Beaumes de Venise is one of the best Vin Doux Naturels in France - the best producers, such as Domaine de Durban, produce deliciously sweet wines with rich grapey aromas balanced by fruity acidity.

Fruit and Vegetables Rich vegetables like pumpkins and sweetcorn replace the green summer vegetables. Sweetcorn is well-matched with an oaked Chardonnay, particularly those from Australia, California and New Zealand. The sweet, full flavours of pumpkin and butter nut squash need a wine with enough character to stand up to them; a Californian Chardonnay would work again here, as would a Viognier.

Meat and Fish Having grazed on the rich grass of summer pastures, beef is full of flavour now. Beaujolais is an excellent match with lean cuts like steak because of the low levels of

Wild mushroom like ceps/porcini and chanterelles are available now and these expensive delicacies deserve a good wine. Mature red Burgundies work very well, as do mature Riojas.

Game birds such as pheasant, partridge and grouse are back in season - red Rhône wines are the best overall match with game birds.

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Helping to change the face of ageing It is widely acknowledged that none of us are getting any younger! Statistically the UK is seeing an expansion of an ageing population, many of whom (like the rest of the population) are entitled to maintain their independence and remain in their own familiar environment, if they so wish. Ashley Gray from Home Instead Senior Care, based in Yeovil, firmly believes that the ageing process should not equate to losing one’s identity or dignity but of course as we age, there is sometimes a requirement for a little additional help. This is where the award winning business Home Instead, which specialises in additional nonmedical care in the home, can support those who need

homecare. Part of the national Home Instead family of independently owned offices in over 180 locations throughout the UK, Ashley says, “We believe there is a better way to provide homecare. For us, care and companionship go hand-inhand, in visits that last a minimum of one hour. We believe quality care can't be delivered in less. “Our services help our clients remain in their own homes for longer, and we encourage people to talk about what is important to them, allowing the service they receive to be truly personal. This we have no doubt gives our clients and their families greater happiness and trust in the service we provide. This is what makes what we do

here at Home Instead truly unique and worthwhile.” Ashley, who lives near Martock with his wife and three children, continues, “My ambition is for excellence within the care provision sector. Home Instead offers a high-quality bespoke service to clients, that is based on the principles of empathy and respect. Our CAREGivers are of course fundamental to the business. They are carefully selected for their values, passion and commitment to caring for the older population. From a personal perspective, I am very much looking forward to building long term relationships within the local community. If you are interested in enquiring about our services, either for

yourself, a family member or a friend, or if you are interested in becoming a CAREGiver, please call us on 01935 577030. We would be delighted to talk to you about how we can help. www.homeinstead.co.uk

Bargain Hunters Corner Dyson DC14 bagless vacuum cleaner with various tools, recently serviced and in excellent working order. £70 Ono - genuine reason for sale. Tel 01935-41492

Early Learning wooden dolls house suitable for under 5’s. £10 Details Tel:- 01935 863954 4’ light grey cloth padded headboard (with struts). Hardly used. 01935 882609 Television stand. Modern chrome and glass 2 shelf TV stand. As new. Purchased from Marsh’s in Sherborne. £45. Tel. 01935 850647 Mahogany repro chest of drawers. Ex.con. £45. Tel. 01935 850647 Victor traditional cast iron kitchen scales, pear shape brass pan. Includes full set of cast iron weights. Superb condition. £60. Electric Blender 3 in 1 blending set, for pureeing, chopping and blending, plus whisk attachment, jug and recipe book. Stainless steel blades, 600w. Item is boxed and unused. £15. Fish cutlery, 12 piece silver plate knives and forks, 5DWTS per doz, coronet plate EPNS A1. £20.

Truma high pressure propane pigtail POL connector, new, unused £10. Royal Doulton ‘Rondelay’

fine bone china, 7 cups, 5 saucers, superb condition. £35. Telephone 01935 824029

Silver Cross pram, carriage built grey and navy, collapsable frame,wheels detach for car or storage,shopping tray and sun canopy included £199. Tel 01935 814909 WOODFURN Garden Table. 38" x 24" x 18" high. Hardly used, wintered indoors £25. Tel. 01935. 851211 Oak Rocking Chair with neutral fitted cushion. £25. Tel 01935 851211 Benross 14 and 20 degree loft hybrid golf clubs with regular graphite shafts and head covers. In good condition. £30 the pair ono. Phone 01935-414928 6 uplighters, semi-circular with pull switches. £10 for all six. 01935 389357 BHS Classics winter coat.three quarter length with separate scarf.78% wool.colour: Peacock.fully lined. Single buttoned.size 14.worn twice.had it dry cleaned.perfect condition. £18 o.n.o .tel: 07841 285644 Vintage, Avery shop scales, £10. Stainless steel Kenwood Microwave. £10. 01935 812743.

Blender, Breville, seldom used. Chopping blending, soups, smoothies, etc. Good working order. £4.50. 01935-815997

Desk-Large Light beech veneer 150cm w 77cmD 76cmH £25 Tel:07761 022396. Dining Table- Modern Light Solid Rubberwood, Tapered legs - Excellent Condition 31.5"x55.5" 29.5H £70 Tel:07761 022396 Myakka solid wood coffee table 18"w £25 Tel:07761 022396 Solid, light coloured wooden table 4 foot high, 6 foot long 18 inches wide. 3 drawers along the length together with a shelf also running the length, £30. 01935 812743 Ladies’ casual shoe, tan leather. Size 5.5 Unworn. Can Email photos. £8.50 Tel. 01935-815997 Blender, Breville, seldom used. Chopping, blending, soups, smoothies, etc. Good working order. £4.50. 01935-815997 Modern Victorian style bathroom wall mounted towel rail with inset radiator. Overall size 66cms x 70cms, inset radiator has 8 panels.Only 2 years old, excellent condition, £35.00 ono. Tel 01935 813916 or 07443455586

Pair of Basket Chairs, natural weave, suitable for conservatory. £15 each. 01935 700108

Ladder style computer desk in oak finish, size approx 200cms high x 70cms wide. Desk area is 70cmsx50cms plus two narrow shelves above. Flat pack for easy transportation. £15.00 ono Tel 01935 813916 or 07443455586 Bathroom cabinet from Roper Rhodes range, size approx 70cms x 60 cms x 10cms. Fully fitted inside with glass shelves, mirrors outside and inside. Excellent condition, only 2 years old, £35.00 ono. Tel 01935 813916 or 07443455586 Demi Johns for Sale. £2 each. 01935 421389 Invalid Buggy. Can fold down and put in car boot. £150. 01935 421389 Electric Bath Seat. Almost new. £100. 01935 421389 Electric Road Buggy. Good condition with all new tyres. £250. 01935 421389 White spacious 2 door bathroom cabinet with 2 shelves. £10. 01935 700108 Tubular Bathroom Light with pull switch. £5. 01935 700108

3 position folding patio chairs with padded covers. £10 for both. 01935 700108 Pair of White Chrome touch light beside lights. Both for £7.50. Pair of white wall mounted spotlights. £3. 01935 700108

Circular padded-top stool. Unused. £3. 01935 700108 Artists Overhead Lamp. £3. 01935 700108 3 tier chrome hanging vegetable rack. £3. 01935 700108 Beautifully in-laid six sided table on wheels. Needs TLC. 28” at widest part. £50.00 Incomplete collection of British postage stamps, mainy in two small albums with black pages. Many loose stamps also. Sensible offers Men’s M&S Blue Anchor dark navy blazer/jacket. Large. Seldom worn. £25.00 Mini MHL/HMDI to Scart Converter plus Bright Box Wireless Router – Both items EE TV BRAND NEW Free to collector 01935 814067

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH Any size, any condition, make or model We collect in any area

By Registered Firearms Dealer

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Patients can enjoy artwork created by local Primary School children

Artisan Route announces Open Day Event Artisan Route specialises in rare pieces of Alpaca Knitwear, exotic hand woven silk scarves, and ‘Perfect Fit’ Pima cotton tops, with an attention to fit and finish which just ‘shout’ quality. A young business that’s just two years old, but with a wealth of experience gathered over many years by Clive Webber, there is a maturity underpinning this new brand.

Children at West Coker Primary School have created a colourful exhibition to liven up the corridor to the FOPAS department of Yeovil Hospital. During the summer term children aged between five and ten have worked with their teacher Cait Crisp to create a series of beautiful multi-media panels reflecting flowers and nature. The children were taking part in their “Community Caring” sessions, where the school has become involved in a variety of local initiative. The Hospital’s Arts coordinator Caroline Barnes visited the school to talk with the children about how art is used to enhance the healing environment. Caroline said: “The children came up with a huge variety of responses as to how we could improve our hospital. They were fascinated by the idea of pictures and colours being able to help people, be that reducing anxiety or just putting a smile on someone’s face.” The children decided to focus on the theme Outside Inside, which they thought would be positive and cheerful for patients, staff and visitors to the hospital and, working with their teacher, they were able to explore batik, stitching, paper collage and painting. Each picture is a collective creation with children of different ages working together to create some stunning work.

Teacher Cait Crisp added: “We have been proud and privileged to have been able to take an active role in making this beautiful art work for Yeovil Hospital and we hope they will be enjoyed and appreciated by all who see them. The children are really motivated by having ‘real’ projects to work on within the local community.” The exhibition is located near the Queensway Day Hospital in the Community Gallery on level two and will be on display for the next six months before moving to the children’s ward on level 10.

Clive is no newcomer to Alpaca and Pima Cotton products, having built up a solid reputation, working extensively in Peru and Bolivia for over 20 years, and with products sold throughout much of the UK and Scandinavia. Clive has had connections with Sherborne for close to 20 years and says he is pleased to be holding the first Open Day Event at Digby Hall in Sherborne at which the Autumn collection will be sale. The Open Day Event takes place at the Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne from 10.00am 4pm on Saturday, 7 October.

If you are part of a community group who enjoys creativity and would like to present your work as part of an exhibition please contact Caroline Barnes. Email caroline.barnes@ydh.nhs.uk

You can check out the collection in advance at www.artisanroute.co.uk.

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