Conduit Magazine May 2019

Magazine

Sherborne

independent

market Est. 2019

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

Issue 219 May 2019

INSIDE

Sunday, 16 June

see page 4 for more details

EVENTS/ARTS/MUSIC

FOOD AND DRINK

... AND SHORT STORY

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

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From the Editor There is so much for you to read in this bumper issue of The Conduit! We have a new column which is all about beautiful walks in the West Dorset and South Somerset area. Written by Rachel Kilbee, and aided and abetted more often than not by her four legged companion Oakley, the monthly columns will explore our gorgeous countryside and remind you of some of the amazing walks just beyond our doorsteps! Also look out for our fashion feature which this month explores the subject of Vintage! If you didn’t know the difference between vintage, antique and retro clothing, turn to Sarah Jane Lewis’s article which is a mine of information on the best places to find and buy.

EDITOR Jane Adkins

May is also a great month for all those festivals, fetes and fairs that take place in our neck of the woods. Be sure to visit the Kingsbury May Festival which has grown in to a hugely popular event, and don’t miss the Abbey Hill Steam Rally happening in Yeovil this month, and remember to make a note of the Sherborne Castle Country Fair, another “not to be missed” experience. It’s certainly the Merry Month of May!

Contents

ASSISTANT EDITOR Lauren Hill

JUNE DEADLINES News and Articles: FRIDAY, 10 May Advertisements: MONDAY, 13 May

WHAT’S ON p4

Domestic and contract flooring specialists

Find out what’s going on in your area.

A definitive guide to what’s happening near you.

GARDENING p14 Hanging baskets and designing with curves

FASHION p22 A look at Vintage Fashion

34 Princes Street, Yeovil, BA20 1EQ

FOOD & DRINK

Celebrate English Wine Week! p42

Tel: 01935 478100 walterwallyeovil@hotmail.co.uk

SHORT STORY p48 What are George and Martha up to?

ARTS p30

All the news from the Arts scene

RACHEL’S RAMBLES p50 A beautiful walk

Visit our website for more Events, Services and Classifieds www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk Wyvern Buildings, North Street, Milborne Port DT9 5EP | 01935 424724 | info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk © The publisher is The Conduit Magazine Limited. The layout, format, design and all other aspects of this magazine are an original idea and therefore copyright of the publisher. No part of the contents may be reproduced in whole or in part without prior permission in writing. Whilst every care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine, the proprietor assumes no responsibility for mistakes and omissions. The views of our contributors is not necessarily the view of the publisher.

3

WHAT’S ON

Sherborne

independent

market Est. 2019

New

Sherborne Independent Market comes to Town!

A new market is coming to town in Sherborne, Dorset this midsummer.

Taking place on Sunday 16 June, the Sherborne Independent Market will be based along the lines of the hugely popular Frome Market. It aims to provide the first curated, “destination” market for Sherborne with an eclectic mix of artisan stalls running down Cheap Street, a profusion of Sherborne “Indies” on the Abbey Green and the introduction of the highly acclaimed Eco Pop Up supermarket staged in the Digby Hall, Hound Street.

Particularly interesting for small micro or start-up traders will be the offer of stalls for just £5 giving an opportunity for these businesses to showcase a variety of different offerings whether this be homemade jam, pickles and chutneys; home-grown vegetables fresh from the allotment; tasty cakes and pastries or handcrafted jewellery; vintage clothing or woodturned bowls and pots.

It will also be the first time residents and visitors to Sherborne will have had the chance to sample the Sherborne version of The Pop Up Eco Supermarket which already runs at Odcombe, just outside Yeovil, on the first Saturday of every month. Claire Ashton and Gaynor Soulsby are delighted to bring their pop up green supermarket to Sherborne.

Based in Digby Hall, The Pop-Up provides all the convenience of a supermarket shop - bakery, dairy, fruit and vegetables, store cupboard, washing and laundry products, personal care, pet care, baby care, fresh flowers, eco sustainables, hemp clothing, stationery, gifts and of course local cider!

A recycling area will take care of items not taken at the kerbside, so people are encouraged to bring beauty and dental packaging, bottle lids, pump and trigger sprays, biscuit and crisps wrappers, batteries and lightbulbs. There will also be an area featuring local repair experts and a

cafe alongside.

Claire Ashton says, “Eco shopping is an experience – be a part of the Eco Community and work out what suits your family and budget. Many switches are cheaper than traditional purchases, and by buying non-packaged food you only buy what you need, so you save money and reduce waste. Remember to bring your own bags, containers, jars and bottles to stock up.

“Our stallholders will run a number of Eco themed workshops and activities throughout the day, and love to offer advice about their areas of expertise. So come along and see how we can help you on your Eco journey.”

The new Sherborne Independent Market is run by an independent group formed from members of the Chamber of Trade and Sherborne Indies. The funding has come from The Sherborne Chamber of Trade and The Paddock Project. Jane Wood, Chair of the Sherborne Chamber of Commerce explains, “We are hoping the market will feed into the fabulous Discover Sherborne Project and increase visitor numbers to the town by introducing a new experience for those who appreciate a curated, artisan market.” If the new market is a success for both visitors and traders, there are plans to roll it out once a month from March through to October 2020.

The Sherborne Independent Market has been launched as a result of a feasibility study on the Frome Independent Market that was jointly funded by Sherborne Town Council and the Sherborne Chamber of Trade.

For more information on The Sherborne Independent Market and to apply for a stall E/: Julesbradburn@gmail.com Thanks to André Durand for the excellent photo on the front cover

WHAT’S ON

THE STRAWBS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

The Strawbs started life as the Strawberry Hill Boys before emerging into the mainstream from the exciting British Folk Movement of the mid 60s. Major chart success followed with seven consecutive albums, including classics ‘Bursting at the Seams’, ‘Grave New World’, ‘Hero & Heroine’, and ‘Ghosts’. and well known hit ‘Part of the Union’.

The Acoustic Strawbs consist of the founder, originator and lead vocalist Dave Cousins, longtime band members Dave Lambert and the versatile Chas Cronk, who together formed the front line of the classic 1970s Strawbs.

Win

2 pairs of tickets to see The Strawbs perform at The Exchange on Friday 7 June.

To enter just answer the following question:

What was the original name of The Strawbs?

Send your answer by Wednesday 22 May with your name, address, phone number and email to info@ theconduitmagazine.co.uk or post it to the address on p.3. GOOD LUCK!

KATE HUMBLE An ‘Audience with’ TV presenter Kate Humble Thursday 6 June, 7.30pm.

Tickets £18

CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS – MOTOWN MISSION A joyous hoot, a musical riot of funkiest soul, blues and Motown hits Saturday 22 June, 7.30pm.

Tickets £22.50/£21.50 Untitled-12 1

22/02/2018 11:56:01

THE STRAWBS 50th anniversary acoustic concert, with founder/lead vocalist Dave Cousins Friday 7 June, 7.30pm.

Tickets £16

Grimethorpe Colliery Band Returning by popular demand!

Saturday 29 June, 7.30pm.

Tickets £21.50 Beatles with Wings Howie Casey, Saxophonist has performed all over the world inc The Beatles & Wings Friday 5 July, 7.30pm.

Tickets £14

GENESIS LEGACY A must-see show for any Genesis, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett or Mike Rutherford fan Friday 14 June, 7.30pm.

Tickets £17.50

TOYAH – The Crimson Queen Tour Toyah and her band perfom songs from her new album alongside her hits Friday 20 September, 7.30 pm.

Tickets £22

CANTERBURY TALES Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (Artsreach) Thursday 20 June, 7.30pm.

Tickets £10/£8

Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton DT10 1FH Tel: 01258 475137

Web: www.stur-exchange.co.uk Email: info@stur-exchange.co.uk Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

/TheConduitMag

@conduitmag

5

What’s On

WHAT’S ON

Car Boot ALWESTON On Monday 6 and Monday 27 May from 8.00am at Alweston Village Hall Playing Fields there will be Car Boot Sales.

SHERBORNE On Sunday 5 May from 9.00am to 12.00 noon at the Terrace Friends of the Yeatman have their Car Boot Sale. Sellers from 8.00am for £5 per car, buyers from 9.00am for 50p. Free parking. For more information phone 07790 863518.

Coffee Morning BRUTON On Saturday 4 May from 9.30am at the Community Hall the Horticultural Society have Plant Sale and Coffee Morning. Fundraiser for the society. Bring plants, seedlings, produce and cake.

CASTLE CARY On Saturday 27 April from 9.00am to 12.00 noon at the Market House the Gardening Association has a Plant Sale and

Coffee Morning. Free entry.

MARTOCK On Friday 31 May from 10.30am to 12.00 noon at the Parish Hall it is Come For Coffee.

Enjoy a cafetiere of coffee, pots of tea, home-made cakes and raffle.

Occasional market stalls. Profits shared between Parish Hall Fund and charities.

SHERBORNE On Thursday 25 April from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at Sherborne Library there is a Coffee Morning. Come and find out about the Home Library Service delivered from Sherborne Library and how to become a volunteer. You will have the opportunity to talk to some of their current volunteers and Royal Voluntary Service and Library Service staff while enjoying coffee and cake and browsing for a good book. If you are interested in either receiving the Home Library Service or becoming a volunteer please contact Maria Jacobson, Royal Voluntary Service Manager Dorset Home Library Service, on 07786 635154 or 01305 236666 or Maria.

Jacobson@royalvoluntaryservice. org.uk On Monday 20 May from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Methodist Church Hall there is a Coffee Morning fundraiser in aid of Sherborne Museum. Support

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:

ASSOCIATION OF PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS

Helen has specialist Asbestos Disease Accreditation and would urge people to always look out for this when instructing a specialist solicitor as these cases are highly sensitive and need to be dealt with quickly, compassionately and in accordance with a strict protocol.

Accredited Asbestos Disease Specialist

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 Thursday 30 May between 11.30 a.m to 1.30 pm for a free consultation If earlier appointment required please call our helpline.

6

Contact: Lauren Hill

/theconduitmagazine

E: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

@conduitmag

your local heritage by coming to a coffee morning where you will find stalls of museum shop souvenirs, second hand books, bric a brac, cakes and plants, as well as a raffle with exciting prizes. Proceeds will go towards the day to day running costs of Sherborne Museum, which is staffed entirely by volunteers. Free entry. For more information phone 01935 812252.

SOUTH PETHERTON On Wednesday 29 May from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the David Hall there is a Crafty Coffee Morning.

Involving craft activities for grown ups and children. Free entry.

WINCANTON On Tuesday 21 May from 10.00am at the Community Hospital there is a Coffee Morning. In aid of the Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital.

Fair BARWICK On Saturday 8 June from 12.00 noon to 4.00pm at Whitcross Recreation Ground it is the Barwick and Stoford Fete and Dog Show. Returning after a break with a number of new recruits and fresh ideas.

Ilchester gems (majorettes) judo demonstration, craft show, dog show 2.30-3.30, scallywags play corner and high inflatable slide, assault course, plate smashing, throw the chicken in a bucket, children’s races, face painting and much more.

CERNE ABBAS From now to Monday 6 May it is the Cerne Giant Festival. This is the third year of the Festival, which has now extended to about 3 weeks. With a theme of ‘Celebrating Humanity in the Landscape’, there will be a huge variety of events including workshops, talks, and walks so that there is something for everyone to explore their own connection with landscape of Dorset and what it means to them. Any profits from the Festival will go towards maintaining the fabric and work of the churches in the participating villages. For more information phone 07823 778758.

KINGSBURY EPISCOPI From Saturday 4 to Monday 6 May starting at 5.00pm on the Saturday it is the Kingsbury May Festival and they are celebrating their 25th anniversary. The Festival aims to welcome the Spring, celebrate the beauty of the village, and enable local organisations and charities to raise funds for themselves and others. New for this year is its traffic-free and less confined site.

Live music, Children’s Area, stalls,

refreshments, workshops and more. Tickets £8.50 in advance from Kingsbury Community Shop or www.kingsburymayfestival. co.uk or £10 on the door.

MINTERNE On Sunday 12 May from 11.00am to 4.30pm at Minterne Gardens it is the Minterne Spring Fair. Dog show, craft and food stalls, face painting, plant stalls, bouncy castle, cream teas, RNLI souvenirs and more. Classic car display, longbow demonstration by world champion. 27 acres of fabulous gardens as featured on BBC Gardeners’ World. Head Gardener, Mark Bobin will be on hand during the day for all those Horticultural skill-testing questions.

This year Kate Adie, CBE, DL, English Journalist & Chief news correspondent for BBC News (retired) will be judging the Family Dog Show. In aid of the RNLI and St Andrew’s Church. Entry £5, under 16’s free.

SHERBORNE From Friday 3 to Tuesday 7 May it is the Sherborne Abbey Festival. A week of glorious music and performance, with around seventy percent of concerts free entry taking place at the Abbey andother venues. From pop-up opera, workshops, children’s shows and schoolconcerts to worldclass performances by music professionals. As usual, stellar professional performances are interspersed with concerts given by hugely talented students of the town’s local schools, choirs and music groups, ranging from early music, madrigal and chamber music to jazz and barber shop. See the full programme and book tickets at Sherborne TIC or visit www. sherborneabbeyfestival.org On Saturday 4 May from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Digby Church Hall West Country Craft Fairs presents the Sherborne Annual May Craft Fair. Admission free.

Enquiries on 01749 677049.

On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May from 11.00am to 5.00pm at Digby Hall there is a ‘Healing and Spirit Fayre’. A weekend filled with ‘all things spiritual’ they will have Psychic mediums, tarot readers, Reiki, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Angelic Reiki, Thai Foot Massage, Indian Head Massage and Barr’s Treatments. There will be Anji

WHAT’S ON

Light therapy stalls aplenty selling crystals, incense, candles, fairy houses, talks and demonstrations throughout the day. Light refreshments served all day.

Charity raffle. Entry £1. For more information phone 07855 175357.

On Monday 27 May from 10.00am to 6.00pm it is Sherborne Castle Country Fair.

This family day out is held to raise funds for local children’s charities and youth organisations. It is a traditional country fair with displays and attractions, trade and craft stands and a rare and native breed animal show. Dogs welcome on a lead. Tickets £12.50, ages 5-16 £4, under 5’s free. Save 15% if booking in advance from 01749 813899.

STOURTON On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May from 10.00am to 5.30pm there is an Art and Craft Fair at Stourhead. Meet some of the talented makers of original handmade crafts in the West Country at their Spring Fair. Free entry in the Memorial Hall, opposite the Spread Eagle Inn, Stourton.

For more information visit www.artcraftsatstourhead.co.uk WINCANTON On Saturday 11 May at 9.30am at Wincanton Library there is a Spring Fair with activities for the children, book stall, refreshments and raffle.

YARLINGTON From Friday 3 to Sunday 5 May it is the Yarlington Fringe. A free festival of music, arts and crafts. Weekend opens

at 6.00pm on the Friday with an exhibition of works by established local artists which will be there all weekend and works available for sale. Afterwards enjoy The Lime Blues Trio on Friday, old friends Kangaroo Moon, who start Saturday evening with a barn dance, and soak up the eclectic mix of the West Camel Acoustic experience through Saturday and Sunday daytime. Other events include drumming, digital workshop, handbell and stained glass workshops and you can learn ballroom dancing. The Langport Mummers will perform a traditional play with contemporary twists.

Anyone aged 7 upwards should join up for the community opera ‘The Magic Flute’ which will be performed at the church at 5.00pm on Sunday.

Plus there will be a beer and cider festival and duck race in the River Cam. All events free. For more information phone 01963 440660.

On Saturday 11 May from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Yarlington House there is a Specialist Plant Fair. An opportunity to buy plants from specialist growers from all over the South West. Plus a selection of unusual annuals on the Yarlington House stall. A special day out for gardeners to enjoy the beautiful Italianate flower garden and huge walled vegetable gardens. Refreshments available all day. Free parking. Entrance £3.

Children under 16 free.

YEOVIL From Friday 3 to Saturday 6 May at the Yeovil Showground

from 8.00am it is the Abbey Hill Steam Rally. Starting as a dog show this has now grown into one of the most popular exhibitor events due to its friendly atmosphere. From traction engines to motorcycles there are also the Twistmount Gun Dogs, a fun and family dog show on the Sunday; a bug tent and an assortment of vehicle exhibits, including steamengines featuring this year the Sentinel Driver’s Club, Classic cars, lorries,military vehicles, tractors, stationary engines, motorcycles as well as tradestands, craft & model marquee and, of course, a beer tent. With over 100 trade stands selling a variety of goods from household and plants to toys and jewellery. The main arena display is Steam Horse, a trick riding equestrian display team doing various shows including jousting, circus and Wild West displays.

Entry Adults £6, Children/Seniors £4. For more information visit www.abbeyhillrally.co.uk or 01935 808095.

Food CREWKERNE On Friday 15 May from 12.30pm the Henhayes Centre there is a Chef’s Special Lunch with Roast Beef followed by Tart Tatin.

Start with fruit juices and finish with tea, coffee and chocolates.

Vegetarian options are available.

Entry £9.50. For more information phone 01460 74340.

On Saturday 25 May from 10.00am to 11.30pm at the Henhayes Centre it is Henhayes Big Brunch. Entry £4.50 for egg, sausage, bacon, tomato or beans, toast, tea or coffee. Extra available at 50p each. For more information phone 01460 74340.

EVERSHOT On Sunday 21 April at the George Albert Hotel enjoy East Sunday Lunch. Two course carvery. Adults £17.75, Children under 12 £8.25. Pre booking essential. For more information phone 01935 483430.

HINTON ST GEORGE On Friday 17 May from 8.00pm at St George’s Hall there is a Hinton Fundraisers Gin Tasting Extravaganza.

SHERBORNE On Tuesday 28 May from 12.30pm at Leweston School the Arts Society have their Annual Celebration Lunch. On this occasion, they areinviting all members and their friends/partners. Jenny Newmanis offering a walk around the grounds after lunch for those who are interested. Two course buffet lunch, wine and coffee with a glass of prosecco on arrival. £23.50 per person. For more information phone 01963 33194. For the booking form visit www.theartssociety.org TINTINHULL On Saturday 27 April from 7.30pm at Eastfield Farm there is an ‘American Evening – Pop Up Restaurant’. Canapes plus three courses. Steve James, award

CELEBRATE 40 YEARS WITH BRANSONS MOTORCYLES THIS MAY! Are you a motor cycling enthusiast? Head for Bransons on Saturday 18 May and Sunday 19 May at Bransons Motorcycles, Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil, BA21 5HR where you will find Amazing celebratory 40th Anniversary deals throughout the store with great savings on bikes, clothing and accessories.

There’s also a raffle with a brand new Yamaha PW50 kid’s off-road bike worth £1499 as first prize.

Plus demonstrator fleets from Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki.

Ride-outs will take place on both days. There’s a Honda Display Unit; Training School Try-Out sessions; Africa Twin Owners Day on Sunday together with Classic Bikes. BBQ, refreshments and lots more, for full details check out www.bransonsmotorcycles. co.uk or call 01935 474998.

7

WHAT’S ON

winning personal chef, will be hosting the evenings and creating delicious menus for you to feast on.

All evenings will be bring your own drinks. Entry £48 per person. To view the menu visit www.stevejamesltd. com For more information phone 07909 651557.

On Friday 24 May from 7.30pm at Eastfield Farm in Tintinhull go along to the next pop up restaurant ‘Indian Evening’. Steve James, award winning personal chef, will be hosting the evening and creating delicious menus for you to feast on. Bring your own drinks. 3 course meal and canapes £48. For more information, menu and to book visit www.stevejamesltd.com/pop-upsat-eastfield/

On Saturday 4 May from 9.00am to 4.00pm at the Market Place the Somerset Wildlife Trust have a Plant Sale. Part of this year’s Eat Cary Festival.

MARTOCK On Saturday 11 May from 10.00am to 1.00pm at the Moorlands Shopping Precinct it is the monthly Farmers Market. 18 stalls selling asparagus, buffalo juice, pies, jam and outdoor reared chicken. For more information or a table phone 01935 822202.

CUCKLINGTON On Saturday 11 May from 7.00pm at Cucklington Village Hall there is a Quiz Night.

Entry £10, includes supper. Bar available. Teams of six. In aid of the Wincanton Live at Home Scheme.

Bookings on 01963 33036.

Cheap Street Sherborne

Wide selection of Magazines, Periodicals and DVDs in stock.

New Naxos Classical CDs

MONTACUTE On Saturday 27 April and Saturday 18 May from 10.00am to 2.00pm at Montacute House the monthly Levels Best Market returns for the year. All welcome. Free entry.

On Tuesday 28 May from 7.00pm at the White Hart it is the Monthly Quiz. Entry £5 per person, includes snack meal. Teams of no more than six. Booking essential.

Have your daily paper delivered.

Ask in store for details.

Sale

01935 812367

On Saturday 27 April from 10.00am to 2.00pm at Montacute House the monthly Levels Best Market returns for the year. All welcome. Free entry.

Raffle. Refreshments available.

Raising funds for local charity Etatu. For more information phone 07799 412440 or virginiabanks@woodlanehouse. co.uk

Market CASTLE CARY On Saturday 4 May from 10.00am to 4.00pm in Castle Cary centre go along to ‘Eat: Cary Festival’. A one day celebration of local food and drink in the centre of Castle Cary. Expect over 60 food and drink producers, high quality street food, chef demos, cook school and lots of opportunities to learn about local food and drink.

Free entry. For more information 07771 665445.

Quiz

Abbey Bookshop

TEMPLECOMBE On Saturday 27 April from 2.00pm at Templecombe Village Hall there is a Jumble Sale organised by the WI. Entry 50p. Refreshments available.

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

SOMERTON On Saturday 4 May from 10.00am to 4.00pm at ACE Arts and the Parish Rooms celebrate five years of ‘Made in Somerset’. Over 35 unique artisan stalls – hand picked contemporary crafts, gifts such as jewellery, stylish ceramics, prints, candles plus produce.

CASTLE CARY On Monday 6 May from 2.00pm to 8.00pm at Caryford Hall there is an Auction of Promises.

An afternoon of bidding for some wonderful prizes and experiences.

Fundraising event for All Saints Church and Caryford Hall.

EVERCREECH On Saturday 4 May from 9.00am to 12.00 noon at Evercreech Village Hall the Show Society have a Spring Plant Sale.

Locally grown bedding and hanging basket plants for sale. Grand raffle, refreshments including sizzling sausages and mini market. Please bring any donated plants, cakes etc on the Friday evening at 6.00pm.

HARDINGTON On Saturday 18 May at Hardington Village Hall from 2.00pm there is a Plant Sale. Sale of

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WHAT’S ON

ALDEN PATTERSON & DASHWOOD Folk/Americana trio

Saturday 18 May at 18:45

Caryford Hall, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ

Tickets £10 from www.wegottickets.com/ event/454553

plants and garden paraphernalia.

Bring along garden tools for sharpening.

On Saturday 18 May from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at Hardington Village Hall the Garden Club have a Plant Sale.

ILMINSTER On Saturday 25 May from 9.00am to 12.00 noon at the Market House the Somerset Wildlife Trust have a Grand Plant Sale. Wide variety of plants for sale as well as cakes and preserves. Please donate good quality, labelled plants & home-made produce. Offers of help appreciated. Free entry, donations welcome. For more information phone 01460 234551.

KINGSBURY EPISCOPI On Sunday 12 May from 10.30am at St Martin’s Church Rooms the Garden and Countryside Club have a Plant Sale. Non members £2, £10 membership. Refreshments available.

LONGBURTON On Saturday 18 May from 10.30am to 12.00 noon at the Tulip Tree House, Dene Close there is a Plant Sale. Refreshments with cake stall and raffle. Free entry.

In St James Church if wet.

LOPEN On Saturday 11 May from 10.30am to 1.00pm at Lopen Village Hall there is a Plant Sale. A wide range of bedding, perennials and vegetables. Refreshments and free parking.

MARTOCK On Saturday 18 May from 10.30am to 12.00 noon at the Parish Hall the Gardening Society have their Annual Plant Sale. Free admission. Refreshments available.

For more information phone 01935 823366.

MILBORNE PORT On Tuesday 18 May at 2.30pm at Milborne Port Village Hall the Gardening Club have a Plant Sale. For more information phone 01963 32883.

NORTH BARROW On Saturday 18 May from 2.00pm to 5.00pm at North Barrow Hall there is an ‘Attic Art Auction and Sale’. Free entry.

Cash and cheques only. For more information phone 07966 173277.

NORTH CADBURY On Saturday 4 May from 10.30am to 12.00 noon at North Cadbury Village Hall the Gardening Club have a Plant and Cake Sale. Raffle. Refreshments.

Admission 50p.

QUEEN CAMEL On Saturday 11 May from 9.30am to 12.00 noon at the Memorial Hall the Horticultural Society have their Annual Plant Sale.

SEAVINGTON On Saturday 11 May from 10.00am at the Millennium Hall the Seavington Gardening Club have their annual sale of good quality plants.

Enquiries on 01460 249728.

SHERBORNE On Friday 3 from 5.00pm to 8.00pm, Saturday 4 from 9.00am to 4.00pm and Sunday 5 May from 10.00am to 2.00pm there is a Warehouse Sale at Melbury Gallery. Fabulous bargains. For more information phone 01935 814027.

and can spare a few hours of a Tuesday morning, then please pop in to introduce yourself. Maybe you are a crafting goddess, take joy in preparing food or enjoy preparing or packing away toys? Maybe you just like to help?

On Saturday 11 May from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Sherborne Studio Theatre the Amateur Players of Sherborne have their Open Day and Costume Sale. Visit them at their new theatre browse their surplus costumes (modern and historical) at bargain prices. Coffee, tea and cakes available. For more information phone 01963 210824 and visit www.aps-sherborne.co.uk

On Thursday 30 May from 11.00am to 2.00pm at Sherborne Museum have a ‘Hold an Owl Day’. Cherry and The Blackmore Vale Owls are back due to popular demand!

Everyone remembers huge eyed Bebo the tawny owl and Eddi the graceful barn owl. Who will Cherry bring this time? Free admission. £5 to hold an owl under supervision.

Proceeds to Sherborne Museum and the owl sanctuary. For more information phone 01935 812252.

SOUTH PETHERTON On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May from 9.00am at Bransons Motorcycles, Pen Mill Trading Estate go along to discover the Amazing Anniversary Deals and events throughout the store with great savings on bikes, clothing and accessories. Raffle with a brand new Yamaha PW50 kid’s off-road bike worth £1499 as first prize. Demonstrator Fleets from Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki.

Ride-outs both days. Honda Display Unit. Training School Try-Out sessions. Africa Twin Owners Day on Sunday. Classic Bikes. BBQ, refreshments and more. For more information phone 01935 474998 or bransonsmotorcycles.co.uk

Social HASELBURY On Friday 17 May from 7.00pm at Haselbury Mill Haselbury Plucknett PTFA host a Charity Ball. Dress code is black tie and sparkle. Raffle and silent auction. Music from Scoot. Tickets £40, includes welcome drink and three course meal, from 01460 74873 or johnham78@hotmail.co.uk SHERBORNE Every Thursday from 9.30am to 11.00am at St Pauls Church Hall or West End Hall (two groups) join in with Art for Parents. Free friendly art class for parents and carers of primary school age children. Fully funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. For more information and to book text 07483 338969.

Every Tuesday during term time from 10.00am to 11.45am at the Digby Memorial Hall it is Tuesday Toddlers. In 1985 a toddler group was started by The Mothers Union and supported by Sherborne Churches Together. Volunteers from each of the churches would support the running of the toddler group and became a popular place for mothers and babies to meet, play and exchange tips of parenthood.

Recently renamed Tuesday Toddlers, it is still runby volunteers, mostly from the local churches and a few parents andgrandparents.

To keep this valuable group alive Tuesday Toddlers are seekinghelpers and a new leader.

If you have a valid DBS certificate, are under 70 (for insurance reasons),

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cheese, preserves, cakes and a lovely spring garden. All profits to St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice.

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

Funded by the National Lottery.

Organised by ArtsLink Fizz. Free entry. For more information phone 01935 815899.

Every Tuesday from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Wingfield Room, Digby Hall join for Art For Memory. This group is for people experiencing mild to moderate memory loss. Free entry. Funded by the National Lottery. Organised

by ArtsLink Fizz. For more information phone 01935 815899.

SOMERTON On Thursday 25 April from 8.00pm at the Sports Club there is a Monthly Quiz. Teams of up to six. £1 per person. All welcome to this friendly monthly brain teaser.

On Monday 6 and Monday 20 May from 10.45am at West Street Church Somerton Sings are meeting. Purely for fun, for all ages and abilities. Sing anything well known, songs from the shows, old English melodies, and songs from the 30’s up to date. Visitors £1, including coffee and biscuits.

SOUTH PETHERTON On Friday 26 April from 12.00 noon to 2.00pm the Pop Up Café returns to No.7 West Street. There will be soup,

SHERBORNE ANNUAL MAY CRAFT FAIR Digby Church Hall, Sherborne SATURDAY 4 MAY 10am-4pm Admission Free West Country Fairs 01749 677049

WEST CAMEL On Saturday 4 May from 7.30pm at the Davis Hall Country and Western Dance Club hosts ‘A Cowboy and a Dancer’.

Bring your own alcohol. Soft drinks, rolls, snacks available. Tickets £6. For more details 01460 78895.

WINCANTON On Thursday 9 May from 3.30pm at Wincanton Racecourse there is a Ladies’ Night.

The racecourse has collaborated with Clarks Village and brings fabulous prizes to win for the best dressed ladies. The judging begins at 6pm when their independent judges, trainers’ wives Ciara Fry, Rachael Honeyball and Jade Barber, will select their top six from whom they will choose their winner and two runners up. Live music throughout the evening and after racing will add to the fantastic atmosphere that goes hand in hand with ladies’ night. Pre booked tickets £12.

On Friday 17 May at The Club at Holbrook go along to ‘Murder Mystery at the Manor’. Entry £35, includes drink, dinner and entertainment. Pre booking need.

For more information phone 01963 828844 or email sales@ holbrookmanor.com On Sunday 19 May from 12.00 noon at Wincanton Racecourse go along to ‘Canter for Combat Stress Centenary’. The return of this exciting opportunity since 2016, made possible by the generosity of the Jockey Club and team at

Ilchester Sportsfield Fund

CHARITY

CAR BOOT UNTIL 13TH OCTOBER

SAVE THE DATE

“Night of Miracles”

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TEMPLECOMBE On Monday 6 and Monday 27 May from 10.00am to 4.30pm go along to the next Open Days at the Gartell Light Railway. Frequent trains, refreshments, free parking. For more information phone 01963 370752 or visit www.newglr. weebly.com

EVERY SUNDAY

Friday 22nd November 2019 at Mudford Church Benefice Choir will be singing

by John W Peterson More details to follow…

STURMINSTER NEWTON On Friday 3 May from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton there is a Quiz Night.

Raffle. Tables of six. Entry £2 per person. Fundraising for The Exchange.

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

07967 280754 (Weekends only)

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WHAT’S ON

Wincanton Racecourse. This is for riders who would like to ride around a racecourse, but never had the opportunity to do so. Come and enjoy a controlled canter, in small groups around one of the South West’s premier racecourses. The event is not a race (galloping and racing are forbidden!) but a thrilling experience. Tickets £20 per round, under 16’s £15. Raising awareness and funds to support Combat Street, the Veterans’ Mental Health Charity. To register and for further details phone 01747 852693 or wincantonracecoursecanter@ hotmail.com Every Thursday from 2.00pm to 4.30pm at Wincanton Memorial Hall enjoy an afternoon of Sequence Dancing. Entry £3. For more information phone 01747 851260.

YEOVIL On Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 April at Yeovil Railway Centre from 10.00am there is a Model Railway Exhibition. Diesel rides from 11.00am in a historic brake van vehicle. Admission £4, Children 5-11 £1. Miniature railway for additional cost of Adults £2, Children £1.

Every Wednesday at Westland’s Venue from 7.30pm to 10.30pm there is Ballroom, Latin and Sequence Dance. All abilities.

Different dance host each week, playing a variety of traditional and moderndance tracks. Smart casual dress. Over 18’s only. Non members £8.50 on the door. For more information phone 01935 825939 or westlandballroom@yahoo.com On Monday 6 May from 7.45pm the Swan Theatre Company presents ‘The School for Scandal’

by Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

Tickets Adults £12, Seniors/ Students £11 available from Ian on 07478 672185. Special charity night in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice Care.

On Sunday 5 and Sunday 19 May at Yeovil Railway Centre from 10.30am there is a Steam Train Day. Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 steam engine ‘Lord Fisher’ will be used to give train rides along the 1/3rd mile of the ex-Great Western Railway Clifton Maybank branch. Model railway, exhibits and displays.

Talk

Refreshments available. Admission £9 Children 5-15 free.

On Saturday 11 May from 7.30pm at Birchfield Community Centre there is Bingo. £1 a book (10 games). For more information emailfrackfreeyeovil@gmail.com

On Sunday 19 May the Yeovil Bowls Club have an Open Day. Come along and have a try, free coaching scheme. The club is behind Yeovil Hospital next to the multi story car park. For more information visit www.ybsc.info Every Tuesday from 7.00pm to 8.30pm at Westlands Sports Centre Yeovil Table Tennis Club have a social Table Tennis Evening. Play for fun, no need to sign up. Opportunities to join the club and play competitively if desired. Entry £4.

Whist Drive every Saturday at the Holy Trinity Church Hall at 7.30pm.

Enquiries 01935 862325.

Sport CHARD Every Wednesday from 6.00pm to 7.00pm at Holyrood Academy, Zembard Lane there is Walking Netball. This is a slowed down version of the game of netball, designed for anyone looking to exercise in a relaxed, supportive and friendly environment. Every session contains a gentle warm up and suitable for all ages and abilities. Entry £4 a session. For more information phone 07738 696362 and visit www.englandnetball.co.uk/ walking-netball WINCANTON On Saturday 4 May there is an Open Day at The Club at Holbrook. Sample what they have to offer and join as a membership for a special price.

Free entry.

SHERBORNE From Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 May at Oxley Sports Centre go along for the May Half Term Activities. Morning, afternoon orall day options available. 8-14 years. Volleyball, arts and crafts and more. Entry £10.50 a session, £19 for the day.

BRADFORD ON AVON On Friday 26 April at 10:30am Bruton Horticultural Society have a visit to Iford Manor, Bradford on Avon. Internationally renowned, Grade 1 listed, Italianate gardens designed by Harold Peto, who made Iford his home from 18991933. Characterised by terraces, pools, statuary cloisters and remarkable rural views, the garden is an archetype of its period and a historic design gem. The present owners have restored, and today maintain, the historic gardens and the ethos of their original designer through modern borders blended with historic plantings. Non members £7.

BRUTON On Monday 29 April from 7.30pm at the Community Hall there is a talk called ‘Hydrangeas’ by Sally Gregson. Sally is well known to the members of BDHS. She has run Mill Cottage Plants for over 25 years and specialises in Hydrangeas. This talk covers the different species, their growing conditions, care and propagation. She will bring plants to sell. All welcome.

On Friday 3 May from 6.30pm at Hauser and Wirth see ‘In Conversation: Catherine Goodman and Lily Le Brun’. This discussion will explore the themes and works central to the exhibition, as well as the inspiration behind them.

Discussions will centre around the emergence of the figure of Eve in Goodman’s paintings, considering the moral and existential questions elicited by the shaming and blaming of Eve in the story of Genesis, and the relevance of these ancient archetypes in today’s society. Free entry but book in advance at www. eventbrite.co.uk On Tuesday 14 May from 2.00pm the Horticultural Society visit Midney Gardens. The main garden comprises a number of linked areas, each with its own character. Non members £9, includes tea/coffee and cake.

On Friday 24 May from 2.30pm the Horticultural Society visit Laughing Water, Weir Lane, Yeovilton. A mature garden, remodelled since 2011, it reflects the owner’s love of flowers and foliage with sweeping grass paths through mixed beds packed with shrubs, herbaceous perennials, annuals and bulbs. Non members £4.

Free initial consultation

A personal and friendly approach to business that will work for you www.chalmersaccountants.co.uk info@chalmersaccountants.co.uk Offices at Yeovil, Crewkerne & Langport 01460 279000 10

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CASTLE CARY On Thursday 2 May from 7.30pm at Methodist School Room the Gardening Association ‘Water: Power, Prestige and Beauty in the Garden’ by Christine Stones. Entry £1.

On Tuesday 7 May from 8.00pm at Caryford Fitness and Leisure the Somerset Wildlife Trust have a talk called ‘The Wildlife of India – More Than Just Tigers’ by Philip Mugridge. He will not only focus on tigers, but also on less well known wildlife such as Asiatic Lions and mass gatherings of Cranes. Entry £3.

For more information phone 01749 812127. Final talk of the season, restarts in September.

On Tuesday 14 May from 7.30pm at the Market House there is a talk called ‘Meeting the Peoples of India’. Ian McFarling has been travelling to India for over 30 years.

He will share his broad range of knowledge and experience of the diverse and rich cultures of the people. Refreshments available.

Free entry but collect a ticket from the Information Point at the Market House or the bookshop.

On Tuesday 21 May from 11.00am at Caryford Hall the Arts Society has a lecture entitled ‘A Load of Old Balls’ with Simon Inglis. Simon looks at the history, design and evolution of balls used in sport and recreation.

Why are marbles glass? Why did some billiard balls explode and why are rugby balls such an odd shape?

For more information phone 01963 350132. Entry £6.

CHETNOLE On Monday 13 May from 7.00pm at Chetnole Village Hall the Leigh Garden Club have a talk called ‘Interactive Propagation’.

Non members £3. For more information phone 01935 321167.

COMPTON DUNDON On Monday 8 May at 7.30pm at Meadway Hall the WI have a talk called ‘Blood Bikers’. For more informationphone 01458 447075.

EAST COKER On Thursday 9 May at 7.30pm at East Coker Village Hall the Gardening Club have a talk called ‘Making a Bee Friendly Garden’ by Neil Lovesey. Visitors £3.

For more information phone 01935

Frequent trains, Refreshments.

Free Parking. Under 3s travel Free

NEXT OPEN DAYS Bank Holiday Mondays May 6th 10.00 - 16.30 May 27th 10.00 - 16.30 signposted from Henstridge traffic lights on A30 and from Templecombe on the A357 BA8 0NB 01963 370752 www.newglr.weebly.com

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WHAT’S ON

Sherborne Castle Country fair WIN 3 Family tickets to Monday 27 May

Sherborne Castle Country Fair is held each year in the magnificent grounds of Sherborne Castle. It is one of the most popular events in the area presenting a rich programme of events, country activities, stands and entertainment including one of the largest Rare Breed Shows in the country. Every late May Bank Holiday this wonderful setting, originally landscaped by Capability Brown, is transformed into a funfilled day out for all ages - including spectacular & exciting lakeside Dragon Boat Racing, Circus, Gundog Retriever

Sherborne Castle Country Fair on Monday 27 May. To enter just answer the following question: What are two events taking place in the Main Ring?

Send your answer by Monday 20 May with your name, address, phone number and email to info@ theconduitmagazine.co.uk or post it to the address on p.3. GOOD LUCK!

Trials in the Deer Park and water retrievers from the lake, Silent Auction, Dog Shows, Scurries, main ring events, fun fair rides, archery, laser shooting, sheep shows: a great selection of activities for young and not so young.

With shopping choices of locally produced food to take home or eat as a picnic (tables provided around the show ground), you will also find fashion, homeware, crafts and rural crafts.

This year in the main ring there’s a wonderful display of Cossack bare back riding from Guido Louis and an exciting program of BMX trick jumps and more…!

Contact us via our website or Hotline: 01749 814041. Please visit www. sherbornecountryfair.com to see more.

Organised & run by volunteers to raise funds for West Country Children’s Charities Sherborne Castle Country Fair

27 MAY BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

www.sherbornecountryfair.co.uk 11

WHAT’S ON

862447.

HENSTRIDGE On Tuesday 7 May from 2.30pm at Henstridge Village Hall the Blackmore Vale U3A have a Quiz presented by Lord Penfold of Wansley Manor. Visitors £2.50.

Refreshments available. For more information phone 01963 371544.

ILMINSTER On Tuesday 14 May from 7.30pm at the Warehouse Theatre the Ile Valley Flower Club there is a talk with national demonstrator, Tracey Griffin. Tickets £10 from Harrimans Menswear or from 01460 75025.

LANGPORT On Monday 13 May from 7.30pm at Langport Library the History Society have a talk called ‘Thomas Hardy: A Literary Life’ by Rob Curtis, Blue Badge Guide. Non members £4.

On Tuesday 22 May from 6.30pm the Martock History Group have a visit to the Hanging Chapel in Langport. Visitors £3.

LEIGH On Tuesday 28 May from 7.30pm at Leigh Village Hall the WI have a talk called ‘Hanging Baskets and Container Planting’ with Sue Dodge. Competition: Bloom From Your Garden. Guests £2. For more information phone 01935 873433.

LONG SUTTON On Wednesday 15 May from 2.00pm at Long Sutton Village Hall the WEA have a talk called ‘Bird Poems of the Romantic Poets’ with Jane Crozier.

The bird is traditionally an image of the poetic voice. We shall discover

the poets’ perspective on the owl, skylark, snipe and more - from the etherial to the terrestrial, from the fanciful to the carefully observed.

Entry £10, includes tea/coffee and cake. Booking essential on 0300 303 3464. For more information from wealongsutton@gmail.com MARTOCK On Wednesday 8 May from 2.00pm at the Parish Hall the U3A have a talk called ‘Trick or Treat’. This will be about fakes and forgeries in the art World by Richard Kay MA, Director of the Picture Department of Lawrences Auctioneers. All welcome and to find out more about the 30 hobby and interest groups. Refreshments available. For more information phone 07510 178094.

On Tuesday 14 May from 7.30pm at the Primary School the Gardening Society have a talk called ‘Not Just Gertrude Jekyll’ by Christine Stones.

A look at some of the other women who shaped our gardens. Visitors £2, includes tea or coffee. For more information phone 01935 823366.

On Wednesday 15 May from 2.00pm at the Recreation Ground at the WI have their AGM. For more information phone 01935 825494.

MERRIOTT On Tuesday 28 May from 7.30pm at the Tithe Barn the Gardening Club have a talk called ‘Patio Gardening’ with a member of the Gardens Group. Refreshments and raffle. Bring a flower for Flower of the Month competition. Non members £2. All welcome. For more

information phone 01460 72298.

MILBORNE PORT On Tuesday 7 May at 2.30pm at Milborne Port Village Hall the Gardening Club have a talk called ‘Alternative Plants for Alternative Places’ by a Castle Gardens member. Entry £5. For more information phone 01963 32883.

NORTH PERROTT On Tuesday 30 April from 7.00pm at the Hoskyns Memorial Hall there is a talk called ‘Gaiety, Piety and Poverty’. A talk on Victorian Childhood with slides by Richard Kay of Lawrence Fine Art. Learn about the hardship suffered by the poor compared with the good and easy life enjoyed by the wealthy during the reign of Queen Victoria. Discover through the paintings of artists such as Sir John Everett Millais, William Powell Frith and Sir Herbert von Herkomer how Victorian children lived, played, worked and survived. Tickets £10, ages 13-18 £5, includes sandwiches and a glass of wine, from the Farm Shop or georgina222@uwclub.net or 01460 72883. Proceeds to St Martin’s Church.

NORTON SUB HAMDON On Wednesday 15 May from 7.30pm at Norton Sub Hamdon Village Hall the Crewkerne Astronomical Society have their next meeting called ‘Ask the Panel’. First visit free, then £1 after, under £16’s free.

OVER STRATTON On Monday 20 May from 7.00pm Over Stratton Gardening Club have a members shared supper with guests from otherclubs. For more information email somersetdays@hotmail.com SEAVINGTON On Thursday 9 May from 6.00pm Seavington Garden Club visit Forest Lodge, Penselwood. Entry £8.50, includes tea and cake.

On Thursday 16 May from 7.30pm at the Millennium Hall the RSPB South Somerset Local Group have a talk called ‘Winter’s Big Flocks and Transition to Spring’ with Robin Morrison, award winning wildlife photographer. Non members £4, under 18’s free. For more information phone 01460 240740.

SHERBORNE On Thursday 25 April from 7.00pm at the Catholic Church Hall Sherborne Floral Group have a demonstration called ‘Inspirations for Spring’ with Nicky Heal.

Refreshments and raffle. For more information phone 01935 813316.

On Thursday 25 April from 7.30pm at the Catholic Church Hall there is a talk called ‘Inspirations for Spring’ with Nicky Heal. For more information phone 01963 220450.

On Friday 26 April from 2.00pm at Sherborne Library there is a Guided Armchair Walk Around Sherborne with Cindy Chant. Join for an informative, interesting and enlightening tour of Sherborne with the infamous Cindy Chant, right from the comfort of the library chairs!

On Saturday 27 April from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at the Raleigh Hall ArtsLink have an interactive

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and illustrated talk called ‘Stained Glass Revealed – Past and Present’ with Kate Doig. Tickets £8, includes tea and biscuits, from Sherborne TIC on 01935 815341.

On Wednesday 1 May from 3.00pm and 6.45pm at the Digby Hall the Arts Society have a lecture ‘Not Just a Pile of Old Stones: Contemporary Art and the English Stately Home’. In this talk, Anna discusses the recent proliferation of contemporary art on display in Britain’s stately homes and parklands. Focussing on works at notable estates such as Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House and Houghton Hall, she explores the fascinating dialogue between landscape, architecture and the vibrant art of today. Among the majorinternational artists she looks at are Ai Weiwei, Barbara Kruger, James Turrellas well as Turner Prize winners, Antony Gormley, Damien Hirst and Richard Long.Visitors £7.

On Monday 1 May the Sherborne Historical Society visit the Museum of Somerset Rural Life in Glastonbury and the Clarks Shoe Museum in Street at 10.30am. Self drive/car share. Entry £12, includes entrance, tours, tea/coffee. Visitors welcome. For more information visit www.sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk On Thursday 2 May from 6.30pm at Winstone’s Bookshop go along to the launch of the paperback edition of ‘Bitter Orange’ by Claire Fuller. Claire will talk about the book as well as her other two novels and signing copies. Refreshments available. Tickets £2.

On Thursday 9 May at the Arts Centre at Sherborne Girls School TEDxSherborne visits Sherborne with 14 selected speakers with talks of up to 18 minutes. Speakers range from a world-renowned travel writer to a mental health advocate, a Member of Youth Parliament for Dorset to a pioneering social worker – will address a different aspect of what it means to be, ‘Fit for the Future, People and Place’.

TEDxSherborne is part of the global TED community that believes in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives, communities and, ultimately, the world. All talks will be filmed on the day. For more information visit www.tedxsherborne.com On Monday 9 May from 7.30pm at Digby Hall the Gardeners’ Association have their AGM plus a talk on Bumble Bees. Visitors £2.

On Saturday 11 May from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at the Raleigh Hall there is a talk with demonstration called ‘A Blank Canvas’ with Diane Summer. Tickets £8, includes tea, biscuits and discussion, from the TIC on 01935 815341.

On Tuesday 14 May the Sherborne Historical Society visit the Somerset Levels to savour some of the traditional crafts of the area. Depart Culverhayes at 9.00am. Entry £35, includes, travel, refreshments and three tours. Visitors welcome.

For more information visit www. sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Monkey Music comes to Yeovil Monkey Music, the award-winning pre-school music group for children aged three months to four years across the UK, has opened in Yeovil.

Classes are held every Tuesday at Yeovil Baptist Church, with each child enjoying their first ‘complimentary’ class for free. Alison Bryant is delighted with the response so far. “Monkey Music was the first group of its kind when it started in London in 1993” said Alison. “It is wonderful to see how totally absorbed children become, how quickly they pick up musical concepts and how much music benefits their early development.”

Monkey Music aims to introduce music to very young children in a fun way they can easily understand and enjoy, with specialist

teachers who gently encourage social and musical skills within a fun, stimulating and friendly environment. Unique to Monkey Music is their newest curriculum which has been specially written for babies from three months in response to huge demand from parents, who are increasingly aware of the importance of introducing their children to music from as young an age as possible. Called “Rock’n’Roll”, each class is themed around the everyday life of a very young child and is a special time in the week for parents and carers to simply stop, look at each other and enjoy the sensory experience of sound together.

Monkey Music Sherborne and Dorchester E: sherborne.dorchester@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01935 850541

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To find out more, or to book your free first class, call Alison on 01935 850541 or email sherborne.dorchester@monkeymusic. co.uk. Or visit: www.monkeymusic.co.uk to sample some of the delights of Monkey Music for yourself?

Yeovil Baptist Church BA20 1QF..........Tuesday mornings Frome HUBnub Centre BA11 3BY..........Thursday mornings Weymouth Bay Methodist Church DT4 7TH...........Friday mornings

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WHAT’S ON

On Wednesday 15 May from 7.30pm at the Digby Memorial Church Hall the Dorset Wildlife Trust have a talk called ‘Sharandys Birds of Prey’. The talk will be on birds of prey, covering captive and wild birds. A selection of birds will be brought along and there will be a flying display. Entry £2.50.

For more information phone 01935 872742.

On Friday 17 May from 7.00pm at the Raleigh Hall the Sherborne Literary Society have a talk called ‘Churchill’s Abandoned Prisoners’

by Rupert Wieloch. Tickets £5, includes wine and canapés, from Winstone’s Bookshop and the TIC. On Thursday 19 May from 7.00pm at Beddington Lecture Theatre at Sherborne Girls the Sherborne and District Dementia Action Alliance have their AGM. Refreshments available. RSVP by Friday 10 May to sherborneddaa@gmail.com

On Thursday 23 May from 7.00pm at the Catholic Church Hall the Floral Group have a demonstration called ‘Joy of Flowers’ by Katie Baxter. For more information phone 01935 813316.

On Saturday 25 May from 7.00pm at Castle Gardens there is ‘An Evening with Pam Rhodes’. Pam is promoting her latest book release, ‘Arthur’s Garden: Up the Garden Path, Down Memory Lane’. In association with Winstone’s Books, Castle Gardens will host the special author event and book signing in The Butterfly House. A collection of heart-warming songs and poems, along with advice on managing an English garden, this is a gardening book with a story to tell. Told through the life of Pam’s great-uncle Arthur, the book covers the life of an ordinary English family from 1906 to the present day. Tickets £5 from Winstone’s Books or Castle Gardens. Refreshments available.

On Wednesday 29 May the Sherborne Historical Society visit Hatch Court, Jordansand Rowlands: Georgian Elegance and Eccentricity.

Three Georgian houses in Somerset which exhibit both elegance and eccentricity. Coach leaves Culverhayes at 9.00am. Entry £38, includes travel, guided tours, coffee at Hatch Court and tea at Rowlands.

Limited numbers. Visitors welcome.

For more information visit www. sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk SOMERTON On Friday 26 April from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Edgar Hall the Somerton U3A are meeting. All welcome.

On Monday 29 April from 7.30pm at the Parish Rooms the Green Gardeners have a talk called ‘Hedgerow Medicine’ with Helen Kearney, Medicinal Herb Farmer.

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Refreshments available. Visitors £3.

For more information phone 01458 272333.

On Tuesday 30 April from 2.30pm at the Parish Rooms the Friends of Somerton Library have their annual AGM. For more information phone 07778 934902.

On Tuesday 7 May from 7.15pm at the Parish Rooms the WI have their next meeting. New members welcome.

On Friday 24 May from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Edgar Hall the Somerton U3A are meeting. All welcome.

On Tuesday 28 May from 10.30am at the Parish Rooms there is a talk called ‘Advancement of Tattoo Techniques from 1920 to Now’ looking at the evolution of equipment and art styles. Tickets £4 from 07778 006543. Part of Somerton Music and Arts Festival.

On Thursday 30 May from 8.00pm at the Sports Club there is a Monthly Quiz. Teams of up to six. £1 per person. All welcome to this friendly monthly brain teaser.

SOUTH PETHERTON On Monday 13 May from 7.15pm at the Frogmary Green Conference Centre the Arts Society have a lecture called ‘The Holland Park Circle’ by Jennifer Toynby-Holmes. Visitors £5.

TEMPLECOMBE On Monday 13 May from 7.15pm at Templecombe Village Hall the WI have a talk by Castle Gardens and their AGM. WINCANTON On Monday 13 May from 3.00pm at Wincanton Library crime writer, Nikki Copplestone, will be talking about her new book, ‘The Shaming of the Innocents’.

On Tuesday 14 and Tuesday 28 May from 2.30pm at Wincanton Library the Feel Better With a Book group meets.

On Monday 20 May from 12.00 at Wincanton Library The Poetry Group meet to discuss poems chosen around a theme.

On Wednesday 29 May from 10.30am at Wincanton Library there is an activity session called Rumble in the Jungle for children aged 3 – 10.

YEOVIL On Friday 3 May from 7.30pm at the Holy Trinity Church the Yeovil Archaeological and Local History Society have their AGM followed by a talk called ‘Parish Boundaries In and Around Yeovil’ with speaker Jim Hart. Special free entrance for non members. For more information phone 01935 477174.

On Wednesday 8 May from 6.00pm at the Yeovil Hospice it is the launch of the next St Margaret’s Hospice Trek in October 2020 to the Great Wall of China. You will discover the beauty of China on this challenging five day trek along parts of one of the world’s greatest wonders. The route features both original and restored sections of the wall, offering challenging terrain and a very rewarding experience as

you trek on, and next to, this marvellous structure, set off by a backdrop of rolling hills and rural farming communities. The trip is rounded off with a visit to two of Beijing’s highlights, The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. There is a £330 registration fee to secure your place. You are then required to fundraise a minimum of £2,800 for St. Margaret’s Hospice.

Support and fundraising ideas will be provided by staff to help you reach, and even exceed this target. For more information phone 01823 365609 or visit www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk On Monday 13 May from 1.30pm at the Yeovil Court Hotel the Yeovil Probus Club have a talk about the ‘School in a Bag Charity’. New members welcome. For more information contact the Hon. Secretary on 01935 414765.

On Monday 13 May from 6.45pm the Kingsbury Episcopi Garden and Countryside Club visit Brimsmore Garden Centre.

On Thursday 16 May from 7.30pm at the Johnson Studio, the Octagon Theatre the YCAA presents ‘An Evening with Author Jane Borodale’.

Set at Lytes Cary Manor on the edge of the Somerset Levels, ‘The Knot’ is a story of obsession, love and family tension, exploring the life of 16th-century herbalist Henry Lyte. Jane will give an illustrated talk about her novel. Why was Henry Lyte so forgotten, and is his history in safe custody when a novelist gets her hands on it? She discusses why she believes in historical realism in fiction, plus the power of medicinal herbs, the threat of flooding, and the challenge of writing about real people from the past! Bar and nibbles available. Tickets £6.

Early Listing SHERBORNE On Wednesday 5 June from 6.00pm at the Digby Hall the Sherborne Chamber of Trade and Commerce have their AGM. Drinks and nibbles available afterwards and the chance to meet the Committee Members.

Walk COMPTON DUNDON On Saturday 25 May from 9.00am to 12.00 noon meeting at the car park, off Kingsweston Street Road the Somerset Wildlife Trust host ‘Discover Great Breach Wood’.

A guided walk around this SWT woodland reserve looking at flora and fauna along the way. This excellent example of ancient woodland has a great deal to offer and in the right weather is a riot of plants and invertebrates as well as birds and woodland mammals. Free

entry, booking required, donations welcome. For more information phone 07973 534282.

KINGSBURY EPISCOPI On Wednesday 15 May from 6.30pm at Kingsbury Episcopi Recreation Ground Ash Primary School presents ‘Town Tree Trail Obstacle Fun Run’. Children’s fun run (20 minute lap challenge) followed by the 10k run. Showers, bar and refreshments available.

LANGPORT On Saturday 27 April from 7.00am to 9.00am meeting at the car park opposite Lloyds Animal Feeds Westover the Somerset Wildlife Trust host a walk. Roger Dickey will lead a 3 km walk from Langport, out along the old railway line and back along the bank of the River Parrett, looking and listening for early migrant birds.

Binoculars will be useful. Free event, but booking required, donations welcome. For more information phone 0797 353 4282.

MARTIN DOWN On Sunday 19 May from 10.15am to 4.00pm from Martin Down Nature Reserve Car Park Dorset Ramblers host a walk.

Bokerley Ditch and Pentridge 5.5 miles morning and Vernditch Chase 3 miles in the afternoon. For more information phone 07857 302101.

MARTOCK On Friday 17 May from 9.30am at the Precinct there is a Free Health Walk. Friendly 45-60 minutes, led by trained volunteers at pace suitable to group. For more information phone 01935 824252.

MELBURY ABBAS On Sunday 5 May from 10.15am to 4.00pm from Win Green the Dorset Ramblers host a walk. Wessex Ridgeway to Ashcombe Bottom & Tollard Royal for five miles. Optional afternoon walk to Melbury Beacon for two miles. For more information phone 07880 575084.

MIDDLE MARSH On Sunday 28 April from 10.15am to 1.00pm from the Hunters Moon the Dorset Ramblers lead a 4.5 to 5 mile walk.

Optional afternoon. Lunch stop at the Hunter’s Moon. For more information phone 07929 318037.

SHERBORNE From Tuesday 23 April to Thursday 26 September from 10.30am meeting at the TIC the Explore Historic Sherborne walks programme begins with Blue Badge guide, Cindy Chant.

The walk will last two hours. Entry £8. For more information email cindyatsherbornewalks@gmail.com Every Friday from 2.00pm starting from Waitrose Sherborne store entrance there is a Health Walk. Free, friendly walk of approximately 60 minutes around the town. Optional refreshments at the end. No need to book, just turn up! For more information phone 07825 691508.

On Sunday 26 May from 10.15am from Castle Gardens the Dorset Ramblers host a Sherborne Walk around woods and fields for five

WHAT’S ON

Kingsbury May Festival Saturday 4 May & Monday 6 May

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Kingsbury May Festival goes from strength to strength. From modest beginnings of a few stalls and a Maypole, the festival now covers two large fields, streets and both churches.

The Maypole is the focal point for the opening Green Man procession and all the traditional elements – Morris Dancers, Mummers, country dancing and the opening song and speech. New for this year is its traffic-free and less confined site.

Music features prominently: The Green Man Stage has a full programme and a rival venue in the Events Field (Harry’s Field). Both churches will be filled with music and song and Kingsbury Band will be playing in the main street.

Two Morris sides will play and dancw both in the street outside the pub and around the site. Wandering the festival will be our very own Pipe and Tabor man, Jonathan Weeks.

Main highlights:

• The Children’s Area has a Bubbles show, Punch and Judy, roundabout, face painting, cupcake workshop and more.

• The Cabbage Patch featuring food stalls with

a range to satisfy all tastes from carnivore to vegan; a picnic area; the Green Man stage featuring the Old Malthouse Jazz Band, Mary Bateman, Dominic Jones, Nick Parker and Ben Wayne, and a big high-wire structure featuring Helena.

• Harry’s Field is the upcoming venue, home to fun and games, food and music: Funtasia Inflatables, bungee trampoline, minigolf, egg throwing, the Dog Show, vintage tractors and cars, Food Fair in the marquee, Morris Men on the Village Green, and music on the HTB stage hosted by Guitarist on Wheels.

• Choirs, displays and tea and cakes in both the Methodist Church and St Martin’s. Craft stalls line Church Street all the way to The Top of the Street. This is the route the Green Man Procession will take after leaving the Cabbage Patch at 12 noon.

These restrictions do not apply on Saturday 4 May, which is the date for the main music gig. The line-up for Music in the Marquee is The Leylines Duo, Clay Bottom Jug Busters and the Noble Jacks. Doors open at 7 pm, directly after the Hobby Horse race in Church Street. Drinks and burgers at ridiculously good prices, and this year there’s a Cocktail Bar and Sweet Shop. Tickets are

£8.50 in advance or £10 on the door, if there are any left.

Tickets are available from Kingsbury Community Shop, Parrett Café, Langport or online from: www. kingsburymayfestival.co.uk .

As well as tickets, read loads more information, look at past festivals and even listen to the bands.

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

6th May 2019 11am till 5pm

4 Music Venues • Green Man Procession Maypole & Morris Dancing • Mummers Kingsbury Band • Children’s Area • Food Deli Market • Arts & Crafts • Plants Dog Show • Vintage Vehicles • & much more...

Car Parking £7 per vehicle Sat Nav TA12 6AT

ENTRY FREE

Note the Top of the Street – the main road through the village – will be closed to traffic from 10 am to 5 pm.

All visitors from the Langport area will not be able to get to the festival approaching via Muchelney. Instead travel to Kingsbury via Hambridge or Long Sutton and Long Load, bringing you to the car parks where you will be asked for the princely sum of £7 to park, regardless of the number of people you cram into your car!

15

WHAT’S ON

miles. For more information phone 07847 066168.

SOMERTON On Thursday 2 and Thursday 16 May from 11.30am at the Library there is a Health Walk for an hour. Wear sensible shoes and clothing. Organised

by Macmillan, The Ramblers Association and SSDC. For more information phone 01458 274631.

TISBURY On Sunday 12 May from 10.15am to 4.00pm from Nadder Close Car Park Dorset Ramblers host a walk. 4.3 miles in the morning and 2.3 miles in the afternoon. For more information phone 07890 787664.

Every Tuesday at the Sports Centre from 6.00pm to 7.00pm join in at the weekly Walking Netball sessions. For all ages and abilities.

All sessions contain a gentle warm up. No need to book. First session free then £3.50 per session.

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.

Workshop BARRINGTON On Sunday 28 April from 1.30pm at Barrington Village Hall go along to ‘Dances with Shakespeare: Historical Dance Class’. Taught by friendly specialist.

No experience or partner needed.

Wear light loose clothes and flexible footwear. Entry £6, just turn up, check before first time. For more information phone 01935 472771 or email thedancingmaster@outlook. com On Sunday 19 May from 1.30pm at Barrington Village Hall go along to ‘Dances with Shakespeare: Historical Dance Class’. Taught by friendly specialist. No experience or partner needed. Wear light loose clothes and flexible footwear. Entry £6, just turn up, check before first time.

For more information phone 01935 472771 or email thedancingmaster@ outlook.com BRIDPORT On Sunday 12 May from 1.30pm at the Royal British Legion Hall, Victoria Grove go along to ‘From Wolf Hall to Poldark: Historical Dance Class’. Taught by friendly specialist. No experience or partner needed. Wear light loose clothes and flexible footwear.

Entry £6, just turn up, check before first time. For more information phone 01935 472771 or email thedancingmaster@outlook.com CASTLE CARY On Thursday 25 April from 7.30pm at the Market House go along to ‘From Wolf Hall to Poldark: Historical Dance Class’.

Taught by friendly specialist. No experience or partner needed.

Wear light loose clothes and flexible footwear. Entry £6, just turn up, check before first time. For more information phone 01935 472771 or email thedancingmaster@outlook. com On Thursday 23 May from 7.30pm at the Market House the ‘From Wolf Hall to Poldark: Historical Dance 16

Class’ meets. Taught by friendly specialist. Wear light loose clothes & flexible footwear. Entry £6 (just turn up, check before first time). For more information phone 01935 472771.

CHARLTON HORETHORNE On Thursday 16 May from 11.00am to 1.30pm at Charlton Horethorne Village Hall there is a Cooking Demonstration by Lesley Waters called ‘Stress free entertaining – Lesley’s Favourite Summer Food’. Samples of the recipes demonstrated will be available at the end of the morning and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Exact dishes to be demonstrated will be decided by Lesley nearer the time dependent on fresh produce available. If you would like to bring a cake of your own making, Lesley will be the judge in ‘The Great Charlton Horethorne Bake Off’. Wonderful prize draw. Tickets £25. All proceeds to Charlton Horethorne Village Hall external refurbishment fund.

To ensure the best experience for all attendees, numbers will be limited so to purchase your ticket please contact Sue 01963 220249 or keithgudgeon@btinternet.com COMBE ST NICHOLAS On Monday 29 April from 10.00am to 1.00pm at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall there is a workshop called ‘Tulip Mania’ taught by award-winning Somerset tutor Jackie Nicholls from Ashville Design. This workshop reveals how to arrange your beautiful tulips and foliage in a very stylish design. You will learn continental floral techniques and endless trade tips. A modern masterpiece made with your own fair hands, it is also a perfect gift. Entry £22. For more information and other workshops phone 01460 67795 or visit www. ashvilledesign.co.uk SHERBORNE On Monday 13 May from 9.30am to 3.30pm at Digby Hall the West Country Embroiderers have a workshop called ‘Texture in Textiles – Inspired by the Sea’ with tutor Paula Simpson. New member welcome. For more information phone 01963 34696.

On Sunday 19 May from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Digby Memorial Hall the Sherborne Folk Band have their monthly workshop. Workshops will be led by Hannah Cummings, who is an inspiring and experienced workshop leader, who will help you buildconfidence to learn and play new tunes by ear. Suitable for all levels and all acoustic instruments.

Notation and audio supplied.

Everyone welcome! Admission £10 in advance from 07527 508 277, 3 workshops for £25 via www. sherbornefolkband.org or £12 on the door.

On Saturday 25 May from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Parish Rooms there is Flower Arranging for Absolute Beginners. All materials, bring scissors. Tickets £20 from on 07778 006543. Part of Somerton Music and Arts Festival.

On Monday 27 May at the Parish Rooms at 11.15, 12.00 noon and 12.45pm there are Lego Challenges For Children. This activity involves choosing a Lego challenge card

then simply building that challenge.

Sadly they cannot let you take the (provided) Lego away but take a photo of the finished product and share with your friends. Tickets free but book on 07778 006543. Part of Somerton Music and Arts Festival.

On Tuesday 28 May from 6.00pm to 8.00pm at the Parish Rooms go along to ‘How to Make the Perfect Scone with Val Stones’. You will be able to take your scones and biscuits home. Tickets £8 from 07778 006543. Part of Somerton Music and Arts Festival.

On Wednesday 29 May from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Old Town Hall there is a ‘Crochet Workshop for Absolute Beginners’. Come and learn how to crochet in this relaxed and fun workshop. Materials and tuition provided. Tickets £5 from 07778 006543. Part of Somerton Music and Arts Festival.

On Thursday 30 May from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Parish Rooms there is a ‘Felting Workshop for Beginners’. Learn how to lay out the wool, use soap and water to construct a plain piece of pre-felt and gain a basic understanding of how felt forms and shrinks. Each person will make a simple vessel or pot to take home. Tickets £10 from 07778 006543. Part of Somerton Music and Arts Festival.

On Friday 31 May from 10.00am to 1.00pm at the Parish Rooms there is a ‘Beginners Upcycling Workshop’.

Provides an opportunity to learn how to up cycle furniture or other items from around your house as Sandy shares her knowledge and expertise through demonstrations. This will

be a hands-on practical session as well as Q&A session. Tickets £40 from 07778 006543. Part of Somerton Music and Arts Festival.

WINCANTON On Saturday 11 May at The Club at Holbrook there is a Mindfulness Event.

Mini holistic treatments, holistic stalls and reading and drama workshops. For more information phone 01963 828844.

YEOVIL Every Tuesday at the Baptist Church go along to the award winning Monkey Music Classes for Babies and Young Children for ages 3 months to 4 years. Monkey Music aims to introduce music to very young children in a fun way they can easily understand and enjoy, with specialist teachers who gently encourage social and musical skills within a fun, stimulating and friendly environment. Unique to Monkey Music is their newest curriculum which has been specially written for babies from 3 months in response to huge demand from parents, who are increasingly aware ofthe importance of introducing their children to music from as young an age aspossible. Each class is themed around the everyday life of a very young child. To find out more, or to book your free first class, phone Alison on 01935 850541 or email sherborne. dorchester@monkeymusic.co.uk Or why not visit the interactive website at www.monkeymusic. co.uk to sample some of the delights of Monkey Music for yourself?

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Gardening dening Specialist Charity Plant Fairs A must for all plant and garden lovers!

Saturday 11th May

(10am—4pm)

Yarlington House, nr Wincanton BA9 8DY Over 30 plant and garden stands Admission £3 - supporting Wincanton Catholic Church Refreshments available in the courtyard!

www.plantfairs.com

YARLINGTON HOUSE PLANT FAIR

On Saturday 11 May, Yarlington House, between Castle Cary and Wincanton, will host the 19th and largest Specialist Charity Plant Fair in South Somerset. With over 30 nurseries from the South of England, this plant fair is a must for keen plant buyers and gardeners alike. Along with herbs and organic young vegetable plants, there will be interesting climbers, perennials, ferns and shrubs. Other nurseries will be selling wild flowers, plants for shade, rare edible plants and unusual annuals from the Yarlington House stall. Artisan metal plant supports and wood fired terracotta plant pots will also be on sale.

Access to the pretty Yarlington House garden, which is not normally open to the public, is included in the entry of the plant sale for £3; children under sixteen and parking is free. The fair is open 10.00am to 4.00pm and there will be refreshments available throughout the day. This year, the Count and Countess de Salis have chosen the Wincanton Catholic Church as the benefiting cause.

Yarlington House is on the edge of Yarlington village, well sign posted or sat nav postcode BA9 8DY. For more information and a list of exhibitors go to www.PlantFairs.com. For more information call Becky on 01460 242620

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This month Andy and Shelley Stewart are celebrating five years in business!

Spring Plant Fair

Gardens, nr Beaminster DT8 3NR Having beenMapperton overwhelmed with the response across their area, from April they have Sunday expanded14th into Taunton and the surrounding towns April 10am – 4pm and villages which is great news for the area’s homeowners who have £3 admission in aid of Dorset Wildlife Trust become frustrated and tired of maintaining their traditional timber (house tours and garden entrance extra) fencing.

The hard working couple say they have thoroughly enjoyed transforming gardens with their fencing since 2014 and also love promoting the benefits of ColourFence.

Gorgeous in its design, the metal garden fences are excellent value for money since they are built to last and don’t require expensive treatments or paint to maintain them; they also come with a 25-year guarantee. ColourFence is truly the ‘fit and forget’ garden fencing solution.

Details of other fairs and stall holders at plantfairs.com

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17

GARDENING

UP THE GARDEN PATH

SUMMER HANGING BASKETS

by Julie Haylock, Sandhurst Garden Design When you start to look closely at nature, you will see spirals and curves everywhere from sea shells to fir cones, and when they are used in garden design create a pleasing effect using hard landscaping materials, plants or even your lawn.

Curved designs give a calm and relaxed feel to a garden that is easy on the eye and encourages you to follow the curve to the centre or to a focal point.

Alternatively you could use a suitable evergreen like Buxus Sempervirens (Box hedging) neatly trimmed to shape and placed on either side of a gravel path. Make sure they are far enough apart to allow space for you to walk between using a gravel path to make your mini labyrinth. You could even make your spiral scented, using lavender to release a lovely aroma as you brush by.

Creating a curved or spiral seating area is easy to do and will suit any size garden making the space seem bigger. Create your curve or spiral using a low wall and paving following the curve of the design to the centre where, depending on the space, you could position a neat table and chairs, a small tree or a piece of sculpture.

Use curved edges to your border or lawn rather than straight lines to add interest. Plant a shrub or structural plant on the edge of the border slightly obscuring the view; this will have the effect of inviting you to follow the curve to see what come next.

Spirals and curves can be found in garden accessories too, from the gorgeous wooden tree seat by www. gazeburvill.com which would make a very stylish place to sit, to spiral wind chimes twirling from a tree branch in the breeze.

With the low walls ‘wrapped’ around you, the space will feel cosy making it an ideal place to relax. Plant evergreen shrubs like euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald and Gold’ or choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ around the outside edge, and for a lovely scent include lilac syringa vulgaris ‘Charles Joly’ or philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’ and combine with perennials to make the space usable all year round.

It is Chelsea Flower Show later this month and I am looking forward to catching up with my Garden Design Tutor, Michelle Brown. Michelle is exhibiting her Artisan Garden ‘Miles Stone: Kingston Maurward Garden’.

I am going again this year with my lovely mum on our annual pilgrimage. It is great to be able to share our passion for plants and gardens, and perhaps even a glass of Pimms!

Until next time, Julie

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

Tel: 07899 710168 Email: haylock2lg@btinternet.com www.sandhurstgardendesign.co.uk Contact Julie for garden and border design, planting plans, plant selection advice and garden styling

BBC Gardeners’ World Live Gold Medal Award Taunton Flower Show Gold Medal Award and The Western Daily Press Cup for Best Show Garden

18

By Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group There’s nothing more pleasing than a well planted summer hanging basket, bringing a riot of colour to the garden from the end of May until the first frosts of autumn. This is only possible though if the basket is well planted in the first place, regularly watered and fed, with care being taken to remove (or dead head) flowers as they go over to encourage more growth.

In my opinion, the larger the basket the better, but it’s important to select one that fits its position. The larger the basket, the greater the volume of compost, which in turn means a larger number of plants can be supported and successfully grown.

Compost needs to be a good quality potting or multi compost or better still, hanging basket compost. With the correct balance of fertiliser for hanging basket plants, it often has a water retentive gel which aids keeping the plants properly hydrated.

We also add in slow release fertiliser which gives a season-long background feed.

If your basket is wire mesh, then it will need to have a liner to prevent the compost from escaping. Part fill the basket before planting the sides up with trailing plants. Make a hole in the liner and feed the plant from the inside out, which ensures that the roots aren’t damaged. Any damage to the foliage will be quickly repaired. Suitable for this sort of planting are trailers like Helichrsyum, Lysimachia, Brachycome, Lotus, and Convolvulus.

Keep filling the basket with compost layer by layer until it is finally full and bear in mind that if your plant is going to be hung against a wall that only the sides and front of the basket need to be planted as the back will never be seen.

The top of the basket needs a centrepiece, and this could be a compact Century Geranium, a repeat flowering type, which come in a wide range of colours and just keep performing as long as the old flowers are taken off as they fade.

Chose three large trailers, such as trailing (Ivy leaved) Geraniums, trailing Fuchsias and trailing Begonias for the edges and between these select a number of smaller trailers including Bacopa, Bidens, Helichrysum, Lobelia, and trailing Petunia.

Together these will cascade down the side of the basket eventually hiding it completely.

Just when you thought the basket was finished, fill in the gap between the centrepiece and the trailers with something like bedding Begonias, Violas, Upright Verbena and French Marigold.

If you have a greenhouse or conservatory, grow the basket on inside during May and then, whilst keeping an eye on the forecast, come the end of the month or in early June it can head out to its final position.

Water every day and really keep the basket soaked, feed weekly with a high Potash fertilizer, such as Tomorite and keep nipping off those faded blooms. Then enjoy until the autumn.

Care

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Your unique needs are considered every step of the way, meaning you stay in control of your care and support at all times. A member of our team will ask what is important about the way you live your life so we can provide the care you want, the way you want it.

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Live in care - keeping your familiar friends, family and belongings around you. No upheaval. No stress. No trouble 19

CARE

LEGAL

WHY VOLUNTEER FOR THE SAMARITANS?

By Kate Stockman

Kate, who is in her forties, is a mum to three teenagers, works 35 hours a week and still has time to be a listening volunteer with the Yeovil Samaritans.

How on earth does she do it? Here’s her story: It takes some juggling. I do a two –to three-hour shift every week (which is entirely flexible according to my available time) and I sometimes act as a leader - overseeing a shift by other Samaritans from home and debriefing with them afterwards.

I have a wonderful partner who holds the fort if I’m doing an evening shift but now that the twins are 13 and a half, it’s getting a lot easier.

Going out to work has never been a choice for me. I split up from my husband 10 years ago, and, as a single parent at the time, needed to make ends meet. I’ve tended to work in environments which have not necessarily been a career choice but more because the hours can fit around my children.

But Samaritans is something I really wanted to do.

It wasn’t a lightbulb moment. It had been at the back of my mind for many years. I had experience of suicide when a friend attempted it years ago and I discovered her. She found support from Samaritans. Samaritans were also there for me when my marriage was failing.

I went along to an information evening and underwent the training in 2016. I can’t express enough how valuable this was for me. Samaritans’ training is

the best there is. It teaches you so many valuable life skills. Of course, a Samaritan needs the training for their work, but what one learns extends to all areas of life, professional and personal.

For instance, my kids and I have a much more open and candid relationship now I really know how to listen.

What’s also great about Samaritans is the community. My fellow Samaritans genuinely care and when things get tough, as they sometimes do, I can reach out to them and know they will be there for me.

My life is pretty chaotic. But if you truly want something you can always make it work. And I’m very glad I did, as being a Samaritan is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

Could you do it too? You don’t have to have any particular skills or qualifications, just the ability to be open-minded and nonjudgmental. That’s it.

Information evenings take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm at 25 The Park, Yeovil, BA20 1DG. To find out more, call our information line on 01935 414015, email recruitment@ yeovilsamaritans.org.uk or visit our website at https://www.samaritans. org/branches/samaritans-yeovilsherborne-and-district.

VOLUNTEER WITH US Find out about joining us

01935 414 015* volunteering@samaritans.org

20

Child Arrangement Orders following Divorce and Separation

By Louise Gidley, Battens Solicitors For many parents, the dilemma of how to keep their children entertained for six weeks is just one of their worries.

Following a divorce or separation, there is often the difficult question of who the child is to live with and how they are to spend their time, especially over the school holidays.

For some families, amicable arrangements can be made between themselves with no problems. However, sometimes an agreement is not possible and there is dispute over the care arrangements.

If there is any disagreement, mediation is usually the first way to attempt to resolve any issues.

This involves both parents sitting down and attempting to come to an agreement with the help of a trained mediator.

The majority of cases can be resolved this way but, unfortunately in some cases, a suitable agreement cannot be reached by the parents. An example of this is where a child lives with one parent and they refuse to allow the other to see their child.

When agreement cannot be reached, an application can be made to the court for a Child Arrangements Order. A Child Arrangements Order is an order setting out with whom the child will live and what time they will spend with the other parent.

When considering an application, the court’s starting point is that it is in the child’s best interest to have both parents in their life and that they should spend time with the parent that they do not live with. However, there may be reasons why it is not in the child’s best interest for this to happen.

The court will weigh up all the information available and decide what is best for the child. The child’s welfare is of paramount importance.

Once an order is made by the court, if either parent breaches it they could be fined, ordered to do unpaid work or sent to prison.

It is therefore important that both parties fulfil and adhere to the arrangements set out in the order.

Complications can arise when one of the parents wants to take their child on holiday abroad.

Parents must obtain the written permission from everyone with parental responsibility for the child before taking him or her abroad. An exception to this is where a Child Arrangements Order is in force and the parent with whom the child lives wants to go abroad for a holiday and the holiday does not exceed 28 days. In that case consent of the other parent is not required. If agreement cannot be reached then an application can be made to the court for a Specific Issue Order, i.e. to determine whether the child can be taken abroad for a holiday.

For the parent who objects to the other taking the child abroad they can make an application to the court for a Prohibited Steps Order, i.e. for an order preventing the other parent taking the child abroad.

Unless the court deems there is a safeguarding issue or there is concern that the other parent is intending to permanently remove the child from England, it will likely decide that a holiday is in a child’s best interest.

If you have any concerns regarding arrangements for your children, please contact Louise Gidley, Head of Family on 01935 846058 or louise.gidley@ battens.co.uk who will be happy to advise on any matters.

samaritans.org/yeovil

D DISTRICT

*Local call charges apply. A registered charity.

School holidays

E AN YEOVIL, SHERBORN

01935 846000

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A friendly home. Your home. A home that provides tailored care, beautiful environments and choice in every meal or activity.

A place that celebrates the little things that mean everything – morning, noon and night.

Visit us for friendly advice and a look around.

Call: 01935 574 963 Stourton Way, Yeovil, BA21 3UA www.barchester.com Residential care • Nursing care • Dementia care • Respite breaks En-suite rooms • Sensory garden • Hairdressing salon • Wi-fi Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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21

FASHION

Fashion Vintage Clothing

by Sarah Jane Lewis

(former Vogue Magazine Fashion Retail Editor) It’s time to celebrate our wonderful vintage & retro clothing heritage at shops and market stalls in the area for classic designer names,

accessories, quality fabrics, glitz and fun. In the current revival of vintage

Blue Star by Nancy Rose hats £50-60 to hire

and retro clothing, feel proud to own something old, made in beautiful fabrics, affordable, sustainable and ethically sourced.

Curiously, this brings a debate about the difference between antique, vintage, retro and repro! Wikipedia states the following: Generally speaking, clothing which was produced before the 1920s is referred to as antique clothing and clothing from the 1920s to 20 years before the present day is considered vintage. Retro, short for retrospective, or “vintage style,” usually refers to clothing that imitates the style of a previous era. Reproduction, or repro, clothing is a newly made copy of an older garment.

Clothing produced more recently is usually called modern or contemporary fashion.

Opinions vary for these definitions.

Vintage clothing is a form of ease in a fast moving world. Re-wearing clothes from a personal wardrobe and wearing newly acquired vintage and retro clothing can be understood as a desire to recreate familiarity, or felicity, in a world that is rapidly changing and increasingly impersonal.

SHOPS & DRESS AGENCIES

Bath - Sumptuous Designerwear, 68, Walcot St. Bath’s newest Dress Agency boutique, selling stunning new and pre loved luxury and premium brand ladies designer wear and accessories to clients all over the world.

A small collection of retro menswear is also available. This little shop is buzzing with colour, vibrancy and originality. Clothes are sold on a 50/50 basis.

Also available at Sumptuous Designerwear: Nancy Rose Hats - charming handmade bespoke pieces for all occasions to purchase or hire from £150 for bespoke, under £100 off the peg and £60 to hire. Totally unique, quirky, fun and frivolous! Nancy lives in Devizes where she also works independently on bespoke commissions: Tel: 07855461863 www.sumptiousdesignerwear.co.uk 01225 533092 22

Bath - Grace and Ted, Kingsmead Square This is a mother/daughter owned boutique specialising in the resale of pre-owned designer clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women. Explore two floors of designer labels such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Mulberry - at around 50-70% less than their original prices. https://www.facebook.com/GraceandTed 01225 461518 Bruton - Swan Vintage Zoe Ford owns a small shop absolutely bursting with colour in the most select vintage and retro garments in the area with a celebrity client list of buyers and sellers!

Instagram: @swanvintagebruton

Foxtrot Vintage

Salisbury - Foxtrot Vintage, Fisherton St. Here is a high-end, specialist vintage clothing supplier to the international film and theatre industry. Nominated by Vogue magazine as one of the best vintage shops in the country and recently working with the BBC on their “Trust “series. Find outfits for Goodwood Revival, winning award for “best dressed” lady there! They sell on commission basis via the shop and at specialist auctions. Free valuations fittings and style advice by appointment.

Instagram: @foxtrotvintage1 www.facebook.com/FoxtrotVintageClothing 01722 326633 Exeter - The Real McCoy

Established in 1984, The Real McCoy is the Southwest’s leading Vintage destination with clothing and accessories from the 1880’s - 1980’s. Leatherwear (flying jackets etc), Vintage, American Retro and Hire Department www.therealmccoy.co.uk 01392 410481

MINT VINTAGE AT LANGPORT VINTAGE MARKET

FASHION

Bournemouth - Vintage Clobber, Christchurch Rd, Boscombe.

A very well established shop. Buy and sell and home visits/valuations can be arranged. www.vintageclobber.com 01202 433330.

Bristol - Heartfelt Vintage Clifton Down A carefully curated collection that combines elegance and style with the quality and craftsmanship that vintage fashion is renowned for. Find handpicked items, cleaned and restored including bridal. www.heartfeltvintage.co.uk 0117 904 2898 Charlton Musgrove - Somerset Trading Barn, next to Kimber’s Farm Shop (on B3081 between Wincanton & Bruton) is an emporium of antiques including some pretty vintage clothes and accessories. Make a special trip as Kimber’s Kitchen opened in late 2018 and offers delicious homemade breakfast, lunch, pop up evenings and Sunday lunches. https://www.facebook.com/KimbersFarmShop 01963 33177

BESPOKE Ali Wells is a designer who can turn a 1950’s lace tablecloth into a satin lined evening dress! Plus she’s also a costume historian. Fashion Design qualified and based near Castle Cary, Ali is a true inspiration. Also colour coding (based on birth date numerology- very interesting!) Ali will be giving talks in Sherborne Library on: Saturday 15 June - Wellbeing with Colour & Dress Saturday 21 Sept - A Brief intro to Tudor & Victorian Dress Saturday 16 Nov - Victorian Dress to the LBD (Little Black Dress) Talks are free of charge but donations for coffee/tea are invited Tel Ali: 07828 625 897

Wednesday March is another very innovative designer of retro inspired ladies clothing and of course, all British made by owner Morrigan Palmer Brown, based near Liskeard but her business is bespoke and mail order. https://www.facebook.com/wednesdaymarch/ Tel: 01579 348188 Vintage Gal

Blog: Vintage Gal - cate@vintagegal.co.uk Cate is based in Oxfordshire but frequents vintage fairs, shops & flea markets and events in and around Somerset.

VINTAGE MARKETS Castle Cary - Second Sunday every month 10-3, commencing 14 April. www.facebook.com/CastleCaryVintageMarket

Wednesday March

Charity shop ‘Save the Children’ in Castle Cary opens on Vintage Market Sundays.

Frome - Vintage Bazaar - 22 June www.thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com

www.cheeseandgrain.com/markets 01373 455420 Street - Saturday 15 June - Crispin Hall Village Fair www.facebook.com/CrispinHallVintage Wells - Vintage Somerset Fairs 21 September, 23 November at Wells Town Hall, Market Place www.vintagesomerset.co.uk

Sumptuous, Bath £89

Royal Bath & West Showground, The Giant Flea Market www.sheptonflea.com 01278 784912 21 July, 25 Aug, 13 Oct, 24 Nov - entry £4.50 per adult

Sara Blair Vintage Somerset credit Jason Bryant

Langport - Second Saturday every month, AprilDecember, 10am - 4pm The Undercroft Island, TA10 9PR www.facebook.com/pq/langportantiquesvintagemarket

KGB Innovations - Collector extraordinaire of 20th century British tweed coats and jackets for men (top end labels) beautiful waistcoats, Militaria, pocket watches, spectacles, bowler hats and bakers caps and lots more. Theatrical trinkets and accessories for ladies and a great stall for unusual vintage presents (occasional gramophone, antique piece of luggage etc) At market sets up regularly in Sherborne (Thurs & Sat), Langport, (second Sat every month) Tel: 07564 146523 Charity Shops are a brilliant source of vintage/retro clothes and accessories. Start locally at St, Margaret’s Hospice Shops in Somerton, Wells, Shepton Mallet, Castle Cary and their main hub in Yeovil, including a Bridal Shop. I recently attended an excellent fashion staged by the Hospice which showed a retro & vintage collection.

The show was brilliantly choreographed and styled, resembling a west end musical featuring models of all ages. Certainly worth attending if they repeat. www.somerset-hospice.org.uk

Vintage Clobber, Boscombe

KGB Innovations

St Margaret’s Hospice Fashion Show.

Photo by Greg Trezise 23

FASHION

BLOOMING WITH COLOUR!

By Thelma Drabik, Melbury Gallery

MELBURY GALLERY

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

It’s our favourite time of year here at Melbury Gallery when all the Spring and Summer collections arrive in both our shops! We have extra reason to be excited this Spring . . . we have been nominated as a finalist in The Great Gifts Retailer Awards for the Best Gift Retailer of Jewellery & Fashion Accessories!!! Wish us luck at the awards ceremony at Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane taking place on Wednesday 15 May! The rails in Melbury Gallery are bursting with stunning prints, vibrant colours and wonderful fabrics. It is so inspiring being surrounded by such vivid hues and our newest collections are blooming with floral prints! We LOVE it!

RALSTON have created a gorgeous design featuring colourful flowers expressively printed onto the finest quality linen. It’s almost as if you’re wearing the prettiest watercolour painting! This fabric comes in wonderful shapes that are suitable for both day to day wear and special occasions and fits all shapes and sizes.

Adini have designed some beautiful fabrics this season mixing accents of prints with plain colours.

It feels so fresh and makes the print really POP! THOUGHT have taken this floral trend and made it a bit more abstract with bold shapes and strong colours. Their garments have so many great details including ties to accentuate the waist, the perfect length of sleeve and flattering necklines.

Their clothes are so comfortable and easy to wear as well as being made from organic materials.

Simply perfect!

To match all of our unique garments we have a STUNNING range of jewellery that you won’t see anywhere else! You are sure to find a quirky piece that will complete your ensemble in our treasure trove of accessories! Come by one of our shops and have a look for yourself!

Also don’t forget to visit us at our SPECTACULAR WAREHOUSE SALE for lots of fun, shopping and bargains!!!

24

TRAVEL

DEMAND CONTINUES TO GROW FOR RIVER CRUISING…….

Miles Morgan Travel THE HOME OF

RIVER CRUISE

NEW River Cruise Brochure

Out Now

by Heather Muir, Miles Morgan Travel

I am thrilled to see the fourth edition of Miles Morgan Travel’s river cruise Travel Talk brochure just arrived. The interest in river cruising seems to be ever increasing and with so many new ships and itineraries to try, there really are river cruises available to suit all.

As a main agent for all of the country’s main river cruise companies, we have a River Cruise Specialist in each of our shops. Two of our team here in Yeovil have recently returned from a Viking River cruise on the Danube, giving them fresh, up to date knowledge of this amazing product to share with our customers. The rest of the team have also recently attended more training, ensuring that we can help select the right river cruise for you.

Though each company sails down the same rivers - Douro, Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Nile, Irrawaddy and Mekong - we provide the widest choice of cruise companies as each offer something unique. We are confident in distinguishing between each cruise company to ensure you have the most memorable holiday, and this brochure aims to give insight into what different opportunities are available. We are always striving to travel and sample many different brands to ensure we carry on extending our knowledge for your benefit.

As river cruising becomes a more mainstream holiday option for many, even more exciting opportunities reveal themselves. On board Emerald Waterways and Scenic, you can cruise alongside celebrity guests; including the Delights of the Douro with Mary Berry, down the Danube with Anton du Beke and Erin Boag, or explore The

Cultural Heritage of Russia with Dame Darcey Bussell and the Culinary Delights of Bordeaux with Gregg Wallace. On board, you can attend inspiring talks with the celebrity guests and Q&A sessions whilst still having time to enjoy insightful onshore excursions to historic landmarks and areas of natural outstanding beauty.

Contact us today for your copy Phone lines open until 10pm

01935 428488

www.milesmorgantravel.co.uk

You may not know much about river cruising, but we’re finding that many seasoned ocean cruise customers are now turning to river cruising and loving the intimate ships, the convenience of being taken straight to the heart of the city and the stunning scenery along the way. We’re local to you here in Yeovil and our River Cruise Specialists are available over the phone until 10pm to discuss river cruise opportunities with you. Pop in and see us at 2 Borough Arcade, make an appointment for a coffee and a chat, or call us on 01935 428488.

2 Borough Arcade, High Street Yeovil BA20 1RX

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812720 25

BEAUTY

CLEANSING WIPES:

Are they really that bad?

By Samantha Mullett, So Pampered Cleansing wipes – they’re quick, convenient and not expensive.

Eyelash Extensions • Make Hot Stones • Lava Shells Waxing • Body Reatments Spa Packages • Wedding Pack

So Pampered Beauty Salon Relax • Unwind • Rejuvenate

01935 434679 07772 822324 Email: info@sopampered.co.uk

www.sopampered.co.uk

At the end of a busy day they may be your best friend. With some claiming to cleanse, tone and MOISTURISE all in one simple swoop! Sounds like a WIN WIN solution.. but are they? No ! They are not – they are your enemy!

If you’ve ever had a conversation with a skin care professional, you may have wondered why they recoil in fear! Let me continue..! Cleansing wipes don’t effectively cleanse the skin, they tend to smear dirt, makeup and the day’s pollution across the skin – not actually removing it. Even the physical act of wiping the skin could cause problems – dragging the skin, and the wipe’s ingredients can play havoc on your skin.

The cleansing fluid that wipes are soaked in contain surfactants – detergent-like chemicals that dissolve make up and grime, but as we don’t rinse them off when using a wipe the surfactants can be left on the skin causing irritation. As well as these harmful chemicals, there most likely is alcohol in them stripping the skin of its natural oils, sapping your skin of moisture, leaving it tight and dehydrated.

But it doesn’t stop there ... it goes without saying that moist environments breed bacteria, and of course packets of wipes must stay free of bugs. This means a high level of preservatives are used to keep skin hygienic, again causing irritation and triggering allergic reactions.

A good cleanse with non-comedongenic ingredients, tone and moisturise is always best for your skin! - This is your basic skin care routine. We always recommend a ‘double cleanse’ one to properly remove makeup, dirt and debris.. the second actually cleaning your skin.

Do you have any skin concerns or need advice? Book our DERMALOGICA SKIN SOLVER TREATMENT, just £10 – we will analyse your skin, apply product and recommend further treatments or homecare products customised to you!

Contact our skin care experts at So Pampered Beauty Salon 01935 434679 for more details.

The

Conduit Magazine

01935 424724 info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

JUNE DEADLINES

News and Articles: FRIDAY, 10 May 26

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COMPUTING

BUSINESS & FINANCE

MILSTED LANGDON James Hughes from Milsted Langdon knows how wary people can be about the costs involved when seeking financial advice and offers ‘free financial health checks’ to all clients to be able to determine whether he can help or not.

“The beginning of the tax year is a good time to review what’s already in place and plan ahead for the future. Reviewing your pension is a perfect example of this. Pensions have gone through massive changes over the last four years with the introduction of new flexibility rules and changes to the amounts you can save. These changes weren’t put in place by all the product providers and you need to make sure you’re utilising your full allowances,” explains James.

James has been providing financial advice to people in Yeovil and the surrounding area for more than a decade. In February 2018 he joined Milsted Langdon Financial Services Ltd and works closely with the wider accountancy practice to provide

effective financial advice to a wide range of clients.

They include individuals, families, businesses and sole traders, examining their goals and objectives to provide advice tailored to their requirements.

James previously worked for one of the UK’s largest banking groups, gaining significant insight and expertise in wealth management. His holistic approach to clients takes into consideration all aspects of protection, investments, pensions and estate planning.

As both a member of the London Institute of Banking & Finance and holder of a Diploma in Financial Advice, James has the accreditations to back up his experience.

In his spare time, James enjoys spending time with his family and watching Yeovil Town FC.

FREE

Financial Health Check

For more details, contact James Hughes: 07818 475141 mobile 01935 383500 office Motivo House,Yeovil, BA20 2FG

PUBLIC WIFI AND HOW TO STAY SAFE

By Jimmy Flynn, Milborne Port Computers The convenience of Wi-Fi for most people is invaluable.

Whether it is at home or out and about we long to get connected wirelessly as mobile data is limited in speed and an added expense. As such, being able to access it, anytime and anyplace, is essential to how we now live.

The availability of public Wi-Fi is growing all the time in shops, bars and cafés but there are risks associated with signing up to public hotspots, which many people seem to forget. We’ve all done it. We’ve all gone to a coffee shop and clicked to connect to the free Wi-Fi, without a second thought for whether it’s legitimate or secure.

Here are a few tips to staying safe on public Wi-Fi. 1 Check the authenticity Always ask the owner of the Wi-Fi hotspot for the correct

network name and password.

Be wary if there is no password as this will mean the connection is unencrypted, and pay close attention to potentially spoofed hotspots that bear close resemblance to the official name.

2 Look for HTTPS You should ensure that the web pages you visit are https encrypted where possible. You can check this by looking for https at the start of the page address, or for the green security padlock sign. This indicates that the website, and that page, has a valid digital certificate and upto-date encryption. DON’T do online shopping or banking on un-encrypted websites.

3 Update before you go Keeping up-to-date with the updates that are available for your laptop is essential. You should keep your web browser,

software and antivirus solution current as an up-to-date antivirus engine will scan, detect and remove the latest threats.

4 A void accessing sensitive information By and large, public wireless networks should not be used to access email, online banking and credit card accounts, or any other sensitive data for the matter. Your best bet is doing that from home, where hopefully your internet service provider delivered router is both password and firewall protected.

5 M anually select Wi-Fi networks Make sure your laptop, tablet or smartphone are set to manually select a Wi-Fi network, rather than having it connect to public hotspots automatically.

6 Use 2-step authentication or 2FA

Enable two-factor authentication where possible.

This adds an extra layer of protection by sending you a text code every time you login (HMRC use this!).

7 Logout when finished Don’t stay permanently signed in to your personal accounts when accessing public Wi-Fi hotspots as you may leave yourself exposed - log out from each website after each session.

8 Turn off Wi-Fi if not in use If you want to guarantee your security and you’re not actively using the internet, simply turn off your Wi-Fi – the longer you stay connected, the longer the crooks have to notice you’re there.

Coming Up Next Month …

Banking, Shopping & Paying On-line 27

BUSINESS & FINANCE

GET OUT OF THE CAVE - PART 2.

THE PATH TO AUTHENTICY

By Peter Radford, Beyond This The ancient philosopher Plato suggested that people everywhere live most of their lives like prisoners trapped in a cave. The prisoners are confined in their viewpoint and can only see shadows on the inner wall of the cave. They believe these shadows to be real. One day a prisoner escapes, makes her way out of the cave and discovers true reality. I think this is a highly useful metaphor for our own lives and businesses. The shadows represent the assumptions we all make. The things we think are true but actually aren’t. There are three big ones:

Back to Plato’s cave. In the outer part of the cave, behind the prisoners there is a divide. Behind this divide are puppeteers who are holding aloft objects which deflect the light coming from the fire at the front of the cave creating the shadows which shape the prisoners’ version of reality (see last month’s column). Those shadows are not real, they are the product of deflected light. The prisoner escaping the cave, having questioned his or her assumptions, comes face to face with the DEFLECTORS responsible for shaping those assumptions. Getting out of the cave and achieving your potential is impossible without dealing with these Deflectors.

The Deflectors in our own lives are the EXPECTATIONS of others. Of course, our parents are in there, our teachers or mentors, the media, our culture or religion, our peers and so on. These deflectors have the power to shape our lives, but only to the extent that we let them.

To some extent we are all a product of our pasts… I remember when I realised 28

this. I am one of five children.

My mum was a teacher, my dad was a banker – five children: four teachers and a banker! And I thought I became a teacher of my own free choice! We know this about society. We largely stay within the confines established by the norms and expectation of the people around us. Social mobility is lower now than in the year 1900!

Why do these forces hold so much power over us? Ruth Berenda conducted a famous experiment on peer pressure and found that 75% of the time people of all ages will go along with what they KNOW to be wrong simply because that is what the majority are doing.

The issue is the quest for VALIDATION: these Deflectors have power over us to the extent that we seek validation from them. But does our validity come from any of these sources? I think not. Each human is valid, has infinite value simply because they are a human

being; each with the potential to make an invaluable contribution to this world.

And yet we constantly make decisions, many contrary to our best interests, in order to achieve this elusive validation.

I heard a fascinating Buddhist tale about a particular method some villagers had for catching monkeys.

They would attach a narrow -necked jar to a tree containing some nuts. During the night a monkey would come out of the forest, smell the nuts, put its hand in the jar and grab a handful. But then, with its hand now balled into a fist, it couldn’t get it out of the jar. So it sat there

all night, and in the morning the villagers would knock it on the head with a stick. All the monkey had to do to stay free was let go of the nuts.

How much are you limiting your own freedom as well as the growth of your business or yourself because you will not let go of your need for validation from the Deflectors? You are hesitant to pursue your true dreams and be your authentic self because you fear the opinions of others. If you want to be free you have to let go! Of course this isn’t easy; but it simply CANNOT be bypassed if you want to find your true definition – outside the cave.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

WHICH WAY I OUGHT TO GO FROM HERE?

By Mark Salter, Financial Planner their investment decisions.

As such, they’re relegated to making emotional decisions that have detrimental impacts on their long term goals.

Would you try to build your home without any drawings?

Would you want a surgeon to blindly start cutting without planning out the surgery? If not, then why build your wealth and long term financial wellbeing without a plan?

Whilst reading the story of Alice in Wonderland this short exchange between Alice and The Cheshire Cat resonated with how I try and help clients think of their investments differently and build personal financial plans for them and their family.

Alice: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”

The Cheshire Cat: “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.”

Alice: “I don’t much care where.”

The Cheshire Cat: “Then it doesn’t much matter which way you go.”

Alice: “…so long as I get somewhere.”

The Cheshire Cat: “Oh, you’re sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.”

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE Reading this, I thought it could absolutely apply to financial planning and investments.

How can you pick a road to somewhere when you don’t know where you are going? How do you ‘get there’ when you don’t know where there is? Just like any good trip, you can’t possibly plot a specific course or plan the journey if you don’t know where there is.

THE POOL OF TEARS Likewise, without a proper investment strategy and goal in mind, what’s to keep the

average investor from making poor decisions that could end up diverting them from wherever their there is?

“No matter what the state of the markets, boom or bust: Investment results are more dependent on investor behaviour than on fund performance. Fund investors who hold on to their investments are more successful than those who try to time the market.”*

ALICE’S EVIDENCE As you think about your own family’s financial future, consider how you’ll approach managing and building your wealth and investments. Take some time to consider the lifestyle you want to achieve (and maintain) for yourself and your family.

Whatever you do, don’t be Alice and ignore your

To quote Gene Fama Jr., a famed economist, “Your money is like a bar of soap. The more you handle it, the less you’ll have.”

I believe it’s because they don’t have a plan in place to drive

If you’d like more information on our financial planning service, please feel free to contact Fort Financial Planning on 01935 813322 or via email at info@ffp.org.uk +Quote taken from Dalbar Inc – a company which studies investment behaviour

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Study after study shows that when the stock market goes up, investors put more money in it. And when it goes down, they pull money out. This is akin to running to the local department store every time the price of something goes up and then returning the merchandise when it is on sale - but you are returning it to a store that will only give you the sale price back. This irrational behaviour causes investor market returns to be substantially less than the historical market returns.

financial future in the hope to simply get somewhere. If you walk long enough, you’ll get somewhere, but why not make a plan and get to where you really want to go!

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29

VISUAL ART

From now to Saturday 27 April at the Ilminster Arts Centre from 9.30am to 4.30pm there is an exhibition called ‘Wild Landscapes’. This is a collection of paintings observing the effects of weather on wild landscapes around the UK including the Scottish islands of Orkney and Islay, and, closer to home, the rugged uplands of Dartmoor. Painting in situ, Margaret Micklewright records her response to being part of the landscape using ink on wet paper and oils, creating powerful and atmospheric works that are unique to that place and that particular moment.

From now to Saturday 27 April from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre there is an exhibition called ‘Telling Tales’ – An Exhibition by Stitch Textiles.

Places, events, experiences and personal items all provide creative triggers that inspire our individual stories. A rusty mark on a bridge, a letter home, a tangle of brambles in a hedgerow - these are just some of the things that provide a memory or spark the imagination. They set out to tell their tales through a rich variety of colour and texture in fabric and stitch. The artists will be in the gallery from mid-morning on Saturday 13 April to talk to visitors about their work.

From now to Friday 3 May at Jerram Gallery from 9.30am to 5.00pm there is an ‘Exhibition of New Work by Kate Lynch and James Meiklejohn’.

From now to Saturday 4 May from 10.00am to 5.00pm ACE Arts in Somerton have their next exhibition called ‘Course of Events’ by Barbara Karn. A celebration of movement, change and the ground beneath our feet in paintings based on the colours and textures of rocks and other collected materials. For more information phone 01458 273008. There will be an artist Q&A on Saturday 13 April from 2.00pm.

30

From Monday 29 April to Saturday 11 May at Ilminster Arts Centre from 9.30am to 4.30pm Greenfylde School have an exhibition. Art, while a key subject in their curriculum, is also an important way for children to develop their creative potential and see beyond ‘the image’ to the emotions and character that underpin all of their creativity. The children work in a variety of mediums and every piece is celebrated as an achievement for our pupils, recognising that there is no right and wrong in Art, only individual interpretation.

From Monday 13 to Saturday 18 May from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre there is an exhibition called ‘Made @ IAC’. Pastel pencils are a wonderful medium to work in, as Linda Hampson’s students have discovered in her hugely popular workshops. The resulting artworks show each artist’s individuality, as they explore the medium. The Slow Stitch workshops started in 2017 and are held monthly. During this time participants have developed their creative skills with tutor Paula Simpson, friendships have been formed and ideas shared. The textile works in this exhibition have been created while exploring traditional and contemporary hand-stitching techniques from around the world.

From Saturday 11 May to Saturday 8 June from 10.00am to 5.00pm at ACE Arts in Somerton see the exhibition ‘Oh, There’s A Face’. Large drawings of everyday faces hung as crowds that will watch you as you watch them. Just fleeting glances of everyday faces.

Meet the artist on Saturday 11 May from 4.00pm. There will be a ‘Charcoal Drawing Workshop’ on Saturday 18 May from 2.30pm with Kay Lewis-Bell – entry £35.

From Monday 20 May to Saturday 8 June from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre the next exhibition is called ‘The Creative Collective’. They are a diverse group of makers, each pursuing their own individual passions to create unique, high

By Rachel Mowbray

ARTS ARTS

quality pieces. Beautiful work in a variety of mediums - ceramics, textiles, jewellery, glass, embroidery, paintings, stencils and more! Andrew Eddleston, Jo Moorshead, Kate Westcott, Jo Eddleston, Shuya Cheng, Karen George, Lila Streether, Martin Rumary, Lise McDermott, Terry Bridgeman will be showcasing their work. A series of workshops, led by members of the Creative Collective, accompanies the exhibition.

From Saturday 25 to Monday 27 May at the Blake Hall in South Petherton from 10.00am to 4.00pm the Combined Arts Society have their annual exhibition of paintings. All welcome to browse and even buy exhibits. Cards for sale too. There will be a preview evening on Thursday 24 May at 7.00pm – buy before anyone else! For more information phone 01460 52311.

MUSIC

On Friday 26 April from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘Showaddywaddy’. They have long been established as Europe’s most successful ever exponents of retro-inspired rock and roll. The record simply speaks for itself having amassed 23 Top 40 hit singles.

Tickets £21.

On Friday 26 April at 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘Flook’. flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly weave and spin traditionally-rooted tunes into the breath-taking sound of the ground-breaking band, Flook. This group possesses a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination.

There is no shortage of virtuosity amongst the members of Flook, but the unique impact of this Anglo-Irish band stems from the wholly intuitive, almost symbiotic, exchange between the various flutes, frets and skins. Tickets £17.

ARTS

On Friday 26 April from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre see the ‘Nikki Iles Trio’. A quintet chock full of top talent, featuring Karen Sharp and Stan Sulzmann, two of the UK’s top tenor sax players, along with Dave Green on bass and Steve Brown with his drum kit. Tickets £17.

On Friday 26 April from 7.00pm at Thornford Village Hall enjoy Ceilidh’s Comet Barn Dance Band, plus special guest Bonny Sartin. Ceilidh’s Comet play traditional barn dance music from the UK and Europe, creating a lively and fun atmosphere with accordion, fiddles and acoustic guitar. The band includes a friendly dance ‘caller’ to talk you through each move so that everyone can join in, even with no ceilidh dancing experience. Trio Fremsley formed by three multiinstrumentalists to explore the rich diversity of traditional music found in continental Europe and beyond. Expect to hear polska, zweifacher, bouree and tunes from the Klezmer tradition with some of the improvisatory flair of jazz on piano accordion, clarinet, hurdy-gurdy, bass, octave mandolin and acoustic guitar.

Bonny Sartin is well known and loved, performing professionally with The Yetties since the 1960s with a knack for engaging story and audience participation.

Funds raised by the evening provide courses run by local health and social care specialists Simply Training for local family carers in Dementia, Autism and Mental Health Awareness. Raffle prize donations very welcome, either on the night or collect in advance. Bar available. Tickets Adults £7.50, under 16’s £2 from www.CeilidhsComet.co.uk cheques payable to BearCat Collective at Silverthorne Farm, Milborne Wick DT9 4PW (please include names and dietary requirements). Tickets on the door £9.

On Saturday 27 April from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘Rat Pack: Live’.

They were the definition of cool during their Fifties and Sixties Vegas heyday; Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr. Rat Pack Live invites you to be part of the gang and features all the patter and razzamatazz of their infamous live shows.

Tickets £24.50.

On Saturday 27 April from 7.30pm at All Saints’ Church Yeovil Concert Band will be performing. They have 16 brass and 19 woodwind instrumentalists plus a percussionist and plays a wide range of music, including songs from stage shows and films, marches, folk music, classical suites, tributes to classical and popular composers. Admission £8 on 01935 829576 or £9 on the door.

On Sunday 28 April from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see violin soloist Tamsin Little performing works

by Mozart, Shostakovitch, Haydn and more. Tickets £23.50.

On Monday 29 April from 7.30pm the Sherborne Girls Arts Centre invites you to renowned Sherborne Old Girl and violinist, Ruth Rogers. The concert will feature iconic violin music

by Kreisler, Massenet, Elgar, Chopin and Fauré performed

by Ruth and accompanied

by Viv Mclean on the piano.

Proceeds to the new Arts Centre Appeal. Refreshments in interval. The Arts Centre is a transformational project that comprises a new music school, concert hall, drama school and multifunctional social space, which will benefit the girls, staff and local community for generations to come. Tickets £15 from www.sherborne.com/ events For more information phone 01935 818320.

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On Tuesday 30 April from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see the electrifying new dance-circus from Motionhouse.

‘Charge 2019’ is inspired by the role of electricity in the human body and this exhilarating multimedia is about energy. Tickets £15.50, Children £12.

On Wednesday 1 May from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘Go Now! The Music of The Moody Blues’.

An opportunity for fans to experience this timeless music live, in a tribute to the greatest classic rock band of a generation. Gordy Marshall toured and recorded with The Moody Blues for twentyfive years. Together with Mick Wilson (lead singer of 10CC for twenty years) they present a super-group of world class musicians, singers and songwriters and meticulously recreate the elegance of a Moody Blues Concert. In this show, all the classic hits are celebrated, including Nights in White Satin. Tickets £23.

On Tuesday 2 May from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil enjoy ‘The Carpenters Story’.

Enjoy a highly acclaimed concertstyle production continues to captivate audiences across the UK with its spectacular recreation of The Carpenters’ timeless repertoire of music. The outstanding vocal talents of Claire Furley and pianist Phil Aldridge take centre-stage, accompanied by orchestral arrangements from LIVE musicians and a stage-wide backdrop of state-of-the-art video projection. Featuring the classic hits ‘Yesterday Once More’, ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’, ‘Superstar’ and more. Tickets £25.

On Thursday 2 May at the White Hart in Yetminster from 8.00pm see the Frome Valley Morris Dancers.

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On Friday 3 May from 7.30pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre Concerts in the West presents Alasdair Beatson with Elissa Cassini. Alasdair Beatson is now one of the UK’s most prominent chamber musicians, as well as a prolific soloist, performing in London’s major venues and festivals in the UK and abroad. Alistair has a particular affinity with classical concerto repertoire by composers such as Bach, Bartok, Faure and Mozart. However, equally, he is not afraid to explore works by more exotic or little known composers such as the Russian Catoire and the French composer Gabriel Pierné.

Franco-American violinist Elissa Cassini has a Masters degree from the Juilliard School. Elissa captivating performances include Philip Glass’ concerto The American Four Seasons with the Orchestre Symphonique de Bretagne in Rennes, as well as Jérôme Combier’s concerto ‘Conditions de Lumière’, performed with the Argento New Music Project.

The evening programme includes Schubert Violin Sonata (Sonatina) No 3 in G minor, Op 137 D 408; Fauré Sonata No 1 in A major, Op 13; Brahms Violin Sonata No 3 in D minor, Op 108.

Tickets £15.

On Friday 3 May from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘Gigspanner’.

In the wake of his departure from Steeleye Span, multiaward-winning fiddle player, Peter Knight, has turned his full attention to his trio, Gigspanner - and in the process, established their reputation as one of the most genuinely groundbreaking forces on the British Folk scene. Tickets £17.

On Saturday 4 May from 7.30pm at the Dance House in Crewkerne Concerts in

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ARTS

www.sherborneartslink.org.uk

Art for All Art talk for May:

A Blank Canvas Summer term booking now: courses, workshops, films

Free weekly groups for people with:

Parkinson’s, memory loss or challenged parents 01935 815899

Your link to art and culture Charity no.1007680 Company no.24714382 Funded by Dorset Council and National Lottery Community Fund

the West presents Alasdair Beatson with Elissa Cassini.

Alasdair Beatson is now one of the UK’s most prominent chamber musicians, as well as a prolific soloist, performing in London’s major venues and festivals in the UK and abroad. Alistair has a particular affinity with classical concerto repertoire by composers such as Bach, Bartok, Faure and Mozart. However, equally, he is not afraid to explore works by more exotic or little known composers such as the Russian Catoire and the French composer Gabriel Pierné.

Franco-American violinist Elissa

Cassini has a Masters degree from the Juilliard School. Elissa captivating performances include Philip Glass’ concerto The American Four Seasons with the Orchestre Symphonique de Bretagne in Rennes, as well as Jérôme Combier’s concerto ‘Conditions de Lumière’, performed with the Argento New Music Project.

The evening programme includes Schubert Violin Sonata (Sonatina) No 3 in G minor, Op 137 D 408; Fauré Sonata No 1 in A major, Op 13; Brahms Violin Sonata No 3 in D minor, Op 108. Tickets £15.

On Friday 10 May from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see ‘Abba Fever’. With a 4 piece live band, this show will transport you back to the 70’s through the biggest hits of the world’s favourite band. Live vocals, stunning musicianship, authentic costumes and exciting choreography all contribute to a spectacular show featuring ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Take A Chance On Me’ and ‘Dancing Queen’. Tickets £14.

On Friday 10 May from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre see the ‘Magnolia

STATE-OF-THE-ART MUSIC STUDIO OPENS FOR BUSINESS Mill Farm Music Studio has opened a new top of the range recording studio. Built on the site of Mill Farm in Bradford Abbas and run by established music producer, Tom Jobling, the studio provides a state-of-the-art setting for musical creativity to shine amidst the beautiful West Dorset scenery that the farm affords.

“A top of the range studio ran by people with a true passion for music. The best equipment selection and an incredible environment, all inspiring the best results” – Geoff Coward (Lead Singer,

Sorry About Shaun) Owned by Mark O’Reilly, Mill Farm Music’s studio has been designed in a way to keep creativity at a maximum and set up time to a minimum, to create a seamless recording environment for bands and soloists alike. Built with a well-equipped live room and separate vocal booth, there is ample space for full bands and vocalists to set up and play.

Clients will have access to a wide selection of the best recording equipment

MUSIC STUDIO VENUE A C C O M M O D AT I O N WILDLIFE AND FARM

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available, including a Slate Digital Raven MTi production console, Neve & SSL preamps, Drawmer channel strips, as well as a huge selection of guitar amps and over 30 acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, ukuleles.

Mill Farm Music Studio provides musicians access to a stunning array of recording equipment in a warm, friendly, and characterful atmosphere.

Further information on: www.millfarmdorset.com/ music .

MILL FARM MUSIC BRADFORD ABBAS, DORSET W W W. M I L L FA R M D O R S E T. C O M 01935 413168

Jazz Band’. By the end of the 1920s New Orleans jazz had faded away and was replaced by larger bands playing orchestrated arrangements which then gave rise to the mid-30s and wartime big swing bands. In the late 40s there was a Revivalist’ movement back towards the original style but incorporating a much broader spectrum of tunes. This music then spawned the ‘trad boom of the 50s and 60s. The Devon based Magnolia Jazz band was formed quite recently with musicians from a number of other bands, with the express intention of playing this ‘new-old’ jazz. The repertoire

ARTS

is carefully chosen to avoid the muchrepeated standard tunes and covers a wide variety of the many attractive melodies from the jazz era aimed at giving a mixture of the novel and the familiar. Tickets £14.

On Saturday 11 May from 7.30pm at Charlton Horethorne Church go along to ‘Music for Pleasure’. This is the opportunity for anyone to share their enjoyment of playing music. It does not matter how old you are or what level of skill you have reached – all are welcome from early beginners to accomplished musicians. For more information phone 01963 220640.

On Friday 17 May from 7.30pm at the Westlands Venue in Yeovil see ‘The Illegal Eagles’. Following continued public demand the World’s Official No.1 tribute to the legendary rock band the Eagles return in 2019 for more stunning vocals, tight harmonies and awesome guitar riffs! The Illegal Eagles are internationally renowned for their outstanding ability to recreate the Eagles’ distinctive sound with both flare and incredible authenticity. Featuring all of the Eagles’ classic hits including ‘Hotel California’, ‘Take it to the Limit’, ‘Life in the Fast Lane’, ‘Take It Easy’, ‘Lyin’ Eyes’, ‘Desperado’ and more. Tickets £27.50.

On Friday 17 May from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre go along to ‘Flying Folk’. Comprises three performances by singer songwriters local to the southwest.

Together they will be presenting a widely varied mix of folk material which will no doubt provide us with a thoroughly entertaining evening. Jemima Farey will also be singing a song or two. Tickets £10.

On Saturday 18 May from 6.45pm at Caryford Hall in Castle Cary see ‘Alden Patterson and Dashwood’. Folk/ Americana trio weaving rich vocal harmonies, fiddle, dobro, guitar and mandolin around beautifully written songs and melodies. Tickets £10 from www.wegottickets.com/event/454553 On Saturday 18 May from 7.30pm at King’s School Memorial Hall in Bruton it is the Bruton Choral Society Summer Concert.

The musical director Barbara Jenkinson has chosen some wonderful music to cater for very different tastes. Most will already know and love the songs from Bernstein’s West Side Story, but the St Ursula Mass

by Michael Haydn is a real gem of a discovery, both uplifting and joyful. For this performance they will be accompanied by an orchestra and are also delighted to welcome four talented young postgraduate soloists from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Tickets £10, includes a glass of Pimms, from Church Bridge Stores or 01749 813161, or £12 on the door.

On Saturday 18 May from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre enjoy an evening of classical music performed by ‘Bacchaeia Wind Quartet’. Together with guest pianist Lysandre Menard the Quintet will be performing works by Farrenc, Roussel, Bonis, Ravel, Bozza and Francaix. A delightful programme of quintessentially French music of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Includes richly romantic and virtuoso music characteristic of the 19th century, as well as the elegant, picturesque and thoroughly entertaining music typical of the French wit and charm of the early 20th century guaranteed to please, amuse and draw a smile! Bacchaeia are a young wind quintet formed from past and present students of Royal Academy of Music. They are touring a programme that gives some focus to works by women composers, notably Louise Farrenc who, notoriously, finally achieved her goal of equal pay with her male counterparts at the Paris Conservatoire in the mid-19th century.

Tickets £16.

On Tuesday 21 May from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil celebrate Marty Wilde’s 80th birthday, together with Eden Kane, Mike Berry, and The Wildcats, as well as very special guest Little Miss Sixties, Nancy Ann Lee as they join forces in The Solid Gold Rock n Roll Show. The late fifties and early sixties were without doubt some of the most exciting and important years in the history of music. With the arrival of rock n’ roll, a whole new pop culture was born.

Performing their own hits and collaborating live on stage, Marty, Eden and Mike, teen idols of their day, show us how rock n’ roll with its fusion of sound and rhythm shaped the style of music that we listened to then and still do today. Tickets £32.50.

On Wednesday 22 May from 7.30pm at All Saints’ Church in Poyntington see the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir. Tickets £12, includes drink, from 01963 220759 and 01963 220980.

On Wednesday 22 May from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see Clarinet Soloist Emma Johnson who will be performing works by Haydn, Weber and Mozart. Tickets £15.

On Thursday 23 May from 7.00pm at The Emporium there is a Secret Acoustic Folk Supper. Entry £5. For more information visit www.BearCatCollective.co.uk

On Sunday 19 May from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘Some Guys Have All The Luck – The Rod Stewart Story’.

A brand new show, bringing to the stage a fantastic live concert celebration of one of rock music’s greatest icons. Frontman Paul Metcalfe is incredible as Rod and captures all the excitement, energy and charisma of the legendary performer including the infamous moves, showmanship and sense of fun that have made Rod one of the most successful artistes of all time. The first half of the show features hits from Rod’s earlier career such as ‘Handbags & Gladrags’ and ‘You Wear It Well’ along with some Faces’ favourites like ‘Stay With Me’ and ‘Twisting The Night Away’, all interwoven with some interesting and amusing anecdotes, and takes you on a musical journey through Rod’s career over the last five decades - from humble beginnings to superstardom. Tickets £23.

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ARTS

On Friday 24 May from 7.30pm at the Methodist Church in Castle Cary see the Castle Cary Choir Concert. Special Guest: Marta Fontanals-Simmons - internationally acclaimed mezzo soprano. Tickets £10 from 07970 039007. Fundraising for a lift at Castle Cary Methodist Church.

On Friday 24 May from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘Leo Sayer: Just a Boy at 70’. With this performance, Leo and his band brings boundless energy, exuberance and a hit packed show to some of his favourite venues across the country. Known the world over for his army of hits which include ‘Thunder In My Heart’, ‘Moonlighting’, ‘One Man Band’, ‘More Than I Can Say’, ‘Have You Ever Been in Love’, ‘The Show Must Go On’ and the transatlantic number ones, ‘When I Need You’ and ‘You Make Me Feel Like Dancing’.

Tickets £34.

On Friday 24 May from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre see Alan Barnes, Art Themen and the Dave Newton Trio.

Another welcome visit by the UK’s top pianist with two other names who are very well known. Between them they represent the very best that our national jazz scene can offer. They will be playing a mix of well known modern jazz standards in their usual light hearted way. Tickets £18.

On Sunday 26 May from 7.00pm at the White Hart in Yetminster see ‘Celtic Confusion’. A four piece band based in Dorset who play mostly traditional celtic tunes with contemporary songs mixed in.

They play dance music, interspersed with slow airs to suit each occasion. A mix of Irish, English, Scottish and European folk tunes, jigs, reels, polkas, hornpipes and waltzes.

On Thursday 30 May from 7.30pm at All Saints’ Church in Martock see the ‘Black Cat Jazz’. They will be performing New Orleans ‘Dance Hall’ in inspired music created by musicians prominent during the 1940-1960 traditional jazz revival music with a mixture of trumpet; trombone; euphonium; clarinet; sax; strings & drums. They will also play spirituals and popular tunes from earlier periods. Admission £8 from 01935 829576 or £9 on the door.

PERFORMANCE

On Thursday 25 April from 8.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil go along to ‘Laughing Boy Comedy Show’.

Proud to only book bills that they would pay to see themselves the promoters of Laughing Boy enjoy mixing a show with well-known faces and those fresh faced young guns. Renowned for their stirling lineups Laughing Boy promoters Danny Julian and Flo Collins love the buzz when punters come away from a gig with a new favourite comic that they hadn’t heard of prior to the show. As well as the shock factor when bestselling comics pop down and surprise the crowd. Tickets £9.

On Saturday 4 May from 8.00pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil go along to ‘Rich Hall’s Hoedown’. There has never been a better time to be an American comedian in 34

Caught In The Net

by Ray Cooney

22nd - 25th May 2019

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! £9 & £8 (concessions) Saturday Performance 2 for £15 To order online visit www.civicplayersyeovil.com Or Telephone: 07593 539593 T h i s ama t eu r prod u ct ion is pres ent ed b y s pecia l a rra ng ement w it h SA MUE L F R E NCH LT D a Concord T h ea t rica ls Compa ny.

the UK. Hall’s precision dismantling of the tenuous relationship between two countries is as freewheeling and deadly accurate as ever. His BBC Four documentaries, most recently ‘Rich Hall’s Countrier Than You’ and ‘Rich Hall’s Presidential Grudge Match’ and BBC Radio 4 series ‘Rich Hall’s (US Election) Breakdown’ have built him a new legion of followers, as has appearances on ‘Have I Got News for You’ and ‘QI’. Tickets £18.

On Sunday 5 May from 7.00pm at Norton Sub Hamdon Village Hall see ‘Bowjangles’.

Legends tell of one ‘bow’ made more powerful than all others. Many battles were fought in the quest for this bow, for the person to weald it would truly be Lord of the Strings. This bow was known as…

Excalibow! Join Bowjangles as they tell this story of ancient gods, whilst leaping, tumbling, juggling, joking as well as playing their instruments. Rescheduled date from February – previous tickets valid. Tickets £10, under 16’s £6 from the Village Shop or 01935 881227.

From Friday 3 to Saturday 4 May from 7.30pm at the Parish Hall in Martock Martock Players presents ‘A Celebration of All Things English’. Tickets £7 from the Gallery or 07591 290262 or on the door.

From Monday 6 to Saturday 11 May at 7.45pm the Swan Theatre Company presents ‘The School For Scandal’. In May 1777, it was reported that a man passing the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane heard ‘an enormous roar coming from within’ and thought that the whole building was falling down. What he actually heard was the audience responding to Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s new smash hit, The School for Scandal. By the end of the 18th Century, it had been performed more than any other play in London and has been regularly revived ever since. A crackling satire on an ostensibly polite society, the play is populated by a cast of hypocrites, schemers, and fake news pedlars. It is filled with dazzlingly

sharprepartee, a non-stop barrage of wit and farcical situations. Numerous plots revolve around each other; an old men trying to manage his young wife, a widow’s revenge on those who maligned her, brothers whose characters are the opposite of what they seem and a rich uncle from the far east who returns unexpectedly.

However, all of these are simply a way to get “the scandalmongers” on stage and watch while they demolish the characters of all their friends and acquaintances - including any of their company that happen to leave the room for a moment. The brilliance of the writing isthat, although the times may have changed, the scandal and gossip are as fresh (and sometimes as nasty!) as if they had appeared on Twitter rather than the scandal sheets of the time. Tickets Adults £12, Seniors/Students £11.

From Wednesday 9 to Saturday 18 May from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil go along to ‘Starlight Express’.

A child’s train set magically comes to life and the various engines compete to become the fastest engine in the World.

The underdog, Rusty the Steam train, has little chance until he is inspired by the legend of the Starlight Express and ultimately defeats his arch-rivals Greaseball and Electra before going on to win the hand of the lovely first class coach, Pearl. Tickets £16.50.

On Saturday 11 May from 7.30pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘Sangre Flamenca’. This evening will take the audience on a journey around Spain, filled with vibrant colours and a passion for food, Flamenco music and dance. Flamenco dancers Aneta Skut and Victoria Clifford are joined by the finest Flamenco musicians in the South West Cuffy Cuthbertson (guitar), Jaime Cantera and Kostka Garcia (vocals/percussion). Tickets £15, includes performance and tapas. Book by Wednesday 8 May. On Saturday 11 May from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see Barbara Nice. She was all-conquering in her four-part BBC Radio 2 sitcom broadcast in March 2017. Experience this critically acclaimed tip-top character comedy live from ‘Phoenix Nights’ actress and comedian Janice Connolly. Tickets £13.

On Friday 17 May from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘Richard Digance with support from Eric Sedge’.

Richard Digance is a BAFTA-nominated TV Entertainer of The Year and Gold Award recipient from The British Academy of Composers. He is one of a just a handful of Folk singers listed in The Virgin Anthology of Songwriters. Tickets £16.

On Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 May at the Swan Theatre in Yeovil at 7.45pm the Civic Players presents ‘Caught in the Net’ by Ray Cooney. The sequel to Run for Your Wife finds the bigamist taxi driver John Smith still keeping his two families in different parts of London,

ARTS

both happy and blissfully unaware of each other. However, his teenage children, a girl from one family and a boy from the other, have met on the Internet and are anxious to meet in person since they have so much in common name, surname and taxi driving dad! Keeping them apart plunges John into a hell hole of his own making. His lodger Stanley could be a saviour, but he is about to go on holiday with his decrepit old father who turns up thinking he is already at the guesthouse. The situation spirals out of control as John juggles outrageously with the truth. Tickets £9, Saturday performance offer 2 of £15, from www. civicplayersyeovil.com or 07593539593.

On Thursday 23 May from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see Julian Clary.

He will murder some well known songs along the way, no doubt, read you a sneak preview from his next memoir ‘A Night At the Lubricant’ and make withering remarks about punters foolish enough to sit in the front row. Tickets £24.

On Sunday 26 May from 7.30pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘Blackbeard’s Tea Party’. The past few years have seen Blackbeard’s Tea Party play at festivals as diverse as Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival, Fairport’s Cropredy Convention and many more. 2018 saw them release their new EP, Leviathan! bringing with it a bigger, bolder sound and a revamped live show. A mix of traditional and self-penned songs and tunes are given a heavy rock edge with playful arrangements and driving dance rhythms. This is all mixed up in an engaging, high-octane stage show that leaves audiences cheering for more. Tickets £18.

On Sunday 25 May from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘The Summer of Love’. Take a nostalgic journey back to the legendary summer of 1967 in this live celebration of one of the most important cultural events in history. This is an eclectic explosion of flowers, psychedelia, freedom, peace and love and, of course, timeless music that inspired a generation. Join for the greatest 60’s party in town - all the hits from one of music’s most influential eras, including ‘California Dreaming’, ‘San Francisco’, ‘Turn Turn, Turn’, ‘Somebody To Love’, ‘Happy Together’, and over 40 more classic songs from the summer that changed the world. With original 1960s film footage, incredible vocalists and a world class live band, this ultimate 60s party will have you dancing in the aisles. Tickets £24.

On Sunday 26 May from 5.00pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘Margot Fonteyn: Centenary Celebration’. Margot Fonteyn was an iconic figure in British ballet. Along with Ninette de Valois and Frederick Ashton she was instrumental in shaping of the Royal Ballet company and the direction of British Ballet. Fonteyn was renowned for her great performances of the classics. Her charming quality and steely technique set the standards for the British Ballerina’s. Fonteyn was also celebrated for her famous dance partnership with the

great Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev. Join Ballet Theatre UK to mark the centenary of the great ballet icon with a celebration of her greatest moments in the classical ballet repertoire, including highlights from Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle and more. Tickets £19.

From Thursday 30 May to Saturday 1 June from 7.00pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘The Wind in the Willows: Castaways’. This riotous comedy follows the impulsive Mr. Toad whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble. With his beloved home under threat for the notorious Chief Weasel and his gang of sinister Wild Wooders, Toad must attempt a daring escape leading to a series of misadventures and a heroic battle to recapture Toad Hall. Book by Julian Fellowes, Music by George Stiles, Lyrics

by Anthony Drewe. Based on the book by Kenneth Grahame. Tickets £14.

On Friday 31 May from 7.30pm at the Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster Genius PR and Events presents a ‘Comedy Event’. See MC – Cerys Nelmes, David Alfie Ward, Jon Wagstaff and headline act Nick Page. With storytelling comics there is a moment where the audience asks themselves ‘I wonder if that’s true?’.

With Nick there is more doubt, because the stories are so outlandish, and yet at the same time there is the sure knowledge that every story is true, and that his is a life lived laughing from disaster to disaster. He has an enviable gag rate, with each story and routine filled with set ups, call backs and devastating punchlines. His stories are unique, yet relate to everyone. Everyone has felt frustrated by the legal system, nobody else has tried to go to prison to prove a point. Everyone watches daytime TV, nobody else has been sacked from it for an incident involving a Russian call girl and an antique rocking horse. Tickets £12 from Harrimans Menswear. Not suitable for children.

On Friday 31 May from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see Steve Turner.

Steve is a pioneer of highly sophisticated English concertina song accompaniments - he is a multi-instrumentalist, playing mandolin and banjo and also accompanying himself on the cittern. After 13 years away from the Folk scene, Steve made a welcome return in 2004, producing his highly-acclaimed album, Whirligig of Time, featuring UK luminaries Martin Carthy, Nancy Kerr and Miranda Sykes. In December, Steve released his much-anticipated eighth album, Late Cut, featuring Eliza Carthy, Martin Simpson and Sam Carter. Tickets £14.

CHILDREN

On Tuesday 30 April from 11.00am at Yeovil Country Park go along to ‘Woodland Storytelling for Preschool Children’. Explore the meadows and woods and listen to woodland stories as you follow the paths through the trees. Join in with games and a craft activity. We go along rough and bumpy tracks and up steep slopes, pushchairs are welcome if they can manage the terrain.

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Booking essential. Children £3, adults free, from www.southsomersetcountryside.com On Tuesday 28 May from 11.00am at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘Commotion in the Ocean’. Demeter (Goddess of Harvest & Agriculture) is having a bad day. All she wants is some peace and quiet, but there is too much noise, distraction and plastic! Her good friend Poseidon (God of the Sea, Earthquakes and Horses) means well, but he is not helping.

To distract Poseidon, Demeter decides to send him on a quest. He comes back with more than see bargained for, but it might just help save the planet. Tickets £5.

On Wednesday 29 May from 1.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton go along to ‘The Commotion in the Ocean Songwriting and Singing Workshop’ with Trevor Lloyd-Jones. Tickets £4.

OTHER

On Friday 26 April from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton go along to ‘Casino Royale, Bond Night’.

Get dressed up and party like 007 at their unique themed bond party. On arrival you will be welcomed with a cocktail and a ‘fun casino’ (no money involved) will be open allowing you to play blackjack and roulette for prizes.

Canapés will be served by waiting staff offering a selection to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. Later in the evening live band Stone Groove will play a mix of Bond themes and dance floor fillers. Tickets £35.

On Sunday 28 April from 7.30pm at the David Hall there is an Acoustic Night. All styles and forms of performance, not just music. If you wish to perform email folk@ chriswatts.org On Saturday 4 May from 7.45pm at the Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster Cinema at the Warehouse presents a Members Choice evening. Annual membership £25. Guests to make donation. Due to increased popularity of our films and to ensure members get a seat, guests can claim their seat after 7.30pm. For more information visit www. cinemaatthewarehouse.co.uk On Friday 24 May from 7.30pm at Wadham School the Film Club have a Members’ Choice evening from a short list of three films.

On Sunday 19 May from 7.30pm at the David Hall there is an Acoustic Night. All styles and forms of performance, not just music. If you wish to perform email folk@ chriswatts.org

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MOVIES MOVIES

A PRIVATE WAR (15)

Celebrated war correspondent Marie Colvin was a woman who is as comfortable downing martinis with high society’s elite as she is brazenly staring down warlords and fleeing from gunfire. Driven by an enduring desire to bear witness and give voice to the voiceless, Colvin charges into danger, constantly testing the limits between bravery and bravado.

SHOWING AT South Petherton on Friday 10 May, David Hall, 8.00pm.

Tickets £5.

Yeovil on Monday 13 at 11.00am, Thursday 16 at 11.00am, 2.30pm and 6.30pm & Tuesday 21 May at 11.00am, Westlands Entertainment Venue, Tickets £10.

A STAR IS BORN (15)

In this new and fourth take on the iconic love story, fourtime Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper makes his directorial debut, and also stars alongside multiple award-winning, Oscarnominated music superstar Lady Gaga in her first leading role in a major motion picture. Cooper portrays seasoned musician Jackson Maine, who discovers and falls in love with struggling artist Ally. She has given up on her dream to become a successful singer, until she meets Jack, who immediately sees her natural talent. In addition to playing Ally, Gaga performs original songs in the film with Cooper, which they

wrote with a handful of artists, including Lukas Nelson, Jason Isbell and Mark Ronson. The music is original and all vocals for the movie were recorded live during filming.

SHOWING AT Castle Cary on Tuesday 30 April, Caryford Hall, 7.30pm, Tickets £5 from the Market House or £6 on the door.

CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? (15)

When Lee Israel falls out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception.

Starring Melissa McCarthy.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Tuesday 7 May, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 2.30pm.

Tickets £10.

EVERYBODY KNOWS (15)

Laura, a Spanish woman living in Buenos Aires, returns to her hometown outside Madrid with her two children to attend her sister’s wedding. However, the trip is upset by unexpected events that bring secrets into the open.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Wednesday 29 May, Swan Theatre, 7.30pm.

Guests £5.

FIVE FEET APART (12A)

Stella Grant is every bit a seventeen-year-old… she’s attached to her laptop and loves her best friends. But unlike most teenagers, she spends much of her time living in a hospital as a cystic fibrosis patient. Her

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

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

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

36

AROUND THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES

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

lifestyle is put to the test when she meets a charming fellow patient named Will Newman.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Friday 10 at 11.00am and Monday 13 May at 2.30pm and 6.30pm, Westlands Entertainment Venue. Tickets £10.

GREEN BOOK (12)

In 1962, Tony ‘Tony Lip’ Vallelonga, a tough bouncer, is looking for work when his nightclub is closed for renovations. The most promising offer turns out to be the driver for the African-American classical pianist Don Shirley for a concert tour into the Deep South states.

Although hardly enthused at working for a black man, Tony accepts the job and they begin their trek armed with The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide for safe travel through America’s racial segregation.

Together, the snobbishly erudite pianist and the crudely practical bouncer can barely get along with their clashing attitudes to life and ideals. However, as the disparate pair witness and endure America’s appalling injustices on the road, they find a newfound respect for each other’s talents and start to face them together. In doing so, they would nurture a friendship and understanding that would change both their lives.

SHOWING AT Sherborne on Wednesday 8 May, Digby Church Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6.

Leigh on Monday 20 May, Village Hall, 7.00pm. Tickets £6 from 01935 873269.

Castle Cary on Tuesday 28 May, Caryford Hall, 7.30pm, Tickets £5 from the Market House or £6 on the door.

HIGH LIFE (18)

Monte and his baby daughter are the last survivors of a

damned and dangerous mission to deep space.

The crew— death-row inmates led by a doctor with sinister motives—has vanished. As the mystery of what happened onboard the ship is unravelled, father and daughter must rely on each other to survive.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Tuesday 28 and Friday 31 May at 6.30pm, Westlands Entertainment Venue, Tickets £10.

KING OF THIEVES (15)

The incredible true story of the spectacular Hatton Garden diamond heist, the biggest and most daring in British history, carried out by a group of OAP career criminals. The stellar cast includes Sir Michael Caine, Jim Broadbent, Ray Winstone, Michael Gambon, Tom Courtenay and Charlie Cox. SHOWING AT Cerne Abbas on Monday 29 April, Village Hall, 7.30pm, Tickets £5 from Marion on 01300 341375

LEAVE NO TRACE (PG)

Will and his teenage daughter, Tom have lived off the grid for years in the forests of Portland, Oregon. When their idyllic life is shattered, both are put into social services. After clashing with their new surroundings, Will and Tom set off on a harrowing journey back to their wild homeland.

SHOWING AT Cerne Abbas on Thursday 9 May, Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Tickets £5.

MOVIES

MARY POPPINS RETURNS (U)

Now an adult with three children, bank teller Michael Banks learns that his house will be repossessed in five days unless he can pay back a loan. His only hope is to find a missing certificate that shows proof of valuable shares that his father left him years earlier. Just as all seems lost, Michael and his sister receive the surprise of a lifetime when Mary Poppins the beloved nanny from their childhood who arrives to save the day and take the Banks family on a magical, fun-filled adventure.

Starring Emily Blunt and Ben Wishaw.

SHOWING AT Corton Denham on Wednesday 1 May, The Queens Arms, 7.30pm. Tickets £15, includes main meal, pint of local ale or wine or soft drink. Booking essential on 01963 220317.

MID90S (15)

Written and directed by Jonah Hill, Mid90s follows Stevie, a thirteen-year-old in 90sera LA who spends his summer navigating between his troubled home life and a group of new friends that he meets at a Motor Avenue skate shop.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Friday 24 at 2.30pm & 6.30pm and Friday 31 May at 2.30pm, Westlands Entertainment Venue.

Tickets £10.

MISSING LINK (PG)

Mr. Link recruits explorer Sir Lionel Frost to help find his long-lost relatives in the fabled valley of Shangri-La. Along with adventurer Adelina Fortnight, this trio of explorers travel the world to help their new friend.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Tuesday 28 at 2.30pm and Friday 31 May at 11.00am, Westlands Entertainment Venue. Tickets £10.

RED JOAN (12A)

In a picturesque village in England, Joan Stanley (Academy Award® winner Dame Judi Dench), lives in contented retirement.

Then suddenly her tranquil existence is shattered as she’s shockingly arrested

by MI5. For Joan has been hiding an incredible past; she is one of the most influential spies in living history…

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Monday 20 at 11.00am, 2.30pm & 6.30pm, Tuesday 21 at 2.30pm & 6.30pm and Friday 24 May at 11.00am, Westlands Entertainment Venue. Tickets £10.

SOME LIKE IT HOT (PG)

When Chicago musicians Joe and Jerry accidentally witness a gangland shooting, they quickly board a southbound train to Florida, disguised as Josephine and Daphne, the two newest – and homeliest – members of an all-girl jazz band. Their cover is perfect until a lovelorn singer falls for ‘Josephine’, an ancient playboy falls for ‘Daphne’ and a mob boss refuses to fall for their hoax.

SHOWING AT West Coker on Friday 10 May, Commemoration Hall, 7.45pm.

Tickets £5.

SPARTACUS: AUSTRALIAN (12A)

Tells the story of a gladiator who led a slaves’ rebellion against the Roman Empire.

Charting the journey of a man finding passionate love, his mission and freedom, the ballet showcases the company’s men at their spirited and athletic best.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Thursday 9 at 6.30pm and Friday 10 May at 2.30pm, Westlands Entertainment Venue. Tickets £10.

STAN AND OLLIE (PG)

The heart warming story of what would become the pair’s triumphant farewell tour.

With their golden era long behind them, the pair embark on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland. Despite the pressures of a hectic schedule, and with the support of their wives Lucille and Ida – a formidable double act in their own right – the pair’s love of performing, as well as for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public.

SHOWING AT Halstock on Saturday 27 April, Village Hall, 7.30pm, Tickets £6 from the Village Shop or on the door.

Martock on Saturday 27 April, Parish Hall, 7.30pm, Tickets £5.50 from Martock News or Martock Gallery or £6 on the door.

Somerton on Saturday 18 May, Parish Rooms, 7.30pm, Tickets £6 from Cobbs, Brunel Precinct or on the door.

Corton Denham on Wednesday 29 May, 7.30pm. Tickets £15, includes main meal, pint of local ale or wine or soft drink.

Booking essential on 01963 220317.

THE FAVOURITE (15)

Early 18th century. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper.

When a new servant Abigail arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots. As the politics of war become quite time consuming for Sarah, Abigail steps into the breach to fill in as the Queen’s companion. Their burgeoning friendship gives her a chance to fulfil her ambitions and she will not let woman, man, politics or rabbit stand in her way. Starring Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone.

SHOWING AT Corton Denham on Wednesday 15 May, The Queens Arms, 7.30pm. Tickets £15, includes main meal, pint of local ale or wine or soft drink. Booking essential on 01963 220317.

Sturminster Newton on Thursday 16 May, The Exchange, 7.00pm. Tickets £4.

Hardington Mandeville on Friday 17 May, Village Hall, Tickets £5 from Springfield Stores on 01935 862363 or £6 on the door.

THE SISTERS BROTHERS (15)

Based on Patrick Dewitt’s acclaimed novel of the same name, follows two brothers — Eli & Charlie Sisters — who are hired to kill a prospector who has stolen from their boss. The story, a genre-hybrid with comedic elements, takes place in 1851 Oregon.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Thursday 9 at 2.30pm and Friday 10 at 6.30pm, Westlands Entertainment Venue. Tickets £10.

GREEN BOOK Wednesday 8 May 7.30pm 12A Digby Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne

Tickets £6 in advance from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre 01935 815341 or on the door if available

www.sherborneartslink.org.uk Charity no 1007680 Company no 2471382

37

MUSIC GIGS

Music Gigs

A MUSICAL NOTE!

All Music Gigs are FREE entry unless mentioned.

By Ryan Leese, Manager of Waterloo Music

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

Neither could we have imagined that we’d meet so many amazing people and had some really great times. It’s certainly been an enjoyable adventure that we wouldn’t have missed for the world.

APRIL

just completed a refresh of our Yeovil based store.

Here you’ll find our amazing guitar and folk instrument departments are all now on our ground floor along with our repairs centre. On the first floor you’ll find our specialist drum department, music books and our teaching rooms. There’s so much to see, call in and take a look at our new store layout, have a chat with our friendly staff, all musicians themselves, they can help all your playing related queries as well as accessories, repairs and teaching.

26 ‘Flook’, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm, £17

‘Transporters’, Rock/Pop Covers, The Old Pound Inn, Langport, 8.45pm

‘The Dissenters Bluesband’, Rock/Blues, Fleur De Lis, Stoke Sub Hamdon, 9.00pm 27 ‘David 9 Lunas’, Original Acoustic, The Gallery Bar, Castle Cary, 9.00pm

‘Jackdaw’, Classic Rock, Coopers Mill, Yeovil, 9.00pm

‘Sweet Black Angels Trio’, The Railway Hotel, Yeovil, 9.00pm

‘Soulville Express’, Soul Funk/Disco, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm

‘Bad Edukation’, Classic Rock, Half Moon Inn, Stoke Sub Hamdon, 9.15pm 28 ‘Acoustic Night’, David Hall, South Petherton, 7.30pm

Waterloo Music can be found at 16 Hendford, Yeovil, BA20 1TE. Tel 01935 507330 or visit: www. waterloomusic.co.uk FB/ waterloomusic

So here we are, at the ripe old age of four years old, now with a ‘sister’ shop in Tel: 01935 507330 Taunton called Bath Place shop@waterloomusic.co.uk Music, stocking fabulous brands, an established team 16 Hendford, Yeovil, Somerset of talented staff and having www.waterloomusic.co.uk

MAY 3 4

5

10 11

17 18

19 24

25

26

27 31

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‘Lewis Clark & The Essentials, Acoustic, The Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi, 9.00pm ‘One Tree Hill’, Acoustic, Abbey Hill Steam Rally, Yeovilton, 2.00pm ‘The Shadrack Street Band’, Various, Abbey Hill Steam Rally, Yeovilton, 7.00pm ‘Grouvecat’, Acoustic Rock, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Rexes Hollow’, Rock/Pop Covers, The Arrow, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Powercut’, Acoustic/Electric/Rock/Pop, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Milk & Alcohol’, Dr Feelgood Tribute Band, The Railway Hotel, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Shockwave’, Rock, The Royal Standard, Yeovil, 8.30pm ‘Lewis & The Sound of The Suburbs’, Ska, The Great Lyde, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘The Fat Marrow Band’, Jazz/Blues, Yetminster Village Hall, 8.00pm, £10 ‘The Relics’, Rock/Blues, The Railway Hotel, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Bad Edukation’, Classic Rock, Gillingham Town Social Club, 9.00pm ‘Unknown Identity’, Covers & Originals, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.15pm ‘Cover All Bases’, The Preston, Yeovil, 8.30pm ‘Time Travellers’, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Nevertheless’, Rock Covers, Rose and Crown, East Lambrook, 9.00pm Greg Agar, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.30pm ‘Utter Chaos’, Various Covers, Stoke Sub Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm ‘Rexes Hollow’, Rock/Pop Covers, The Prince of Wales, Stoke Sub Hamdon, 3.00pm Ross Kirk, Rock Covers, Milborne Port Sports and Social Club, 8.00pm ‘Area 51’, Rock Covers, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.15pm ‘Karma Alarm’, Covers, The Royal British Legion Club, Sturminster Newton, 9.00pm ‘The Foo Fakers’ tribute band, Flashback Festival, Yeovil, £20 ‘Bad Uncle’, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.30pm ‘Shockwave’, Rock/Pop, Stoke Sub Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm ‘Bowie Fashion’ tribute band, The Great Lyde, Yeovil, 3.00pm ‘Bad Edukation’, Classic Rock, The Rose and Crown Inn, Huish Episcopi, 4.00pm ‘D-State’, Covers 70’s-present, George Reynolds Centre, Crewkerne, 9.00pm ‘Chill’, 60’s-90’s Covers, The Brewers Arms, South Petherton, 2.00pm ‘The Diamond’, 60’s-70’s Covers, Yeovil Labour Club, 9.00pm ‘Ph4se’, Pop/Rock, The Old Pound Inn, Langport, 8.30pm ‘The Relics’, Rock/Blues, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.15pm

LIFESTYLE

INSPIRATIONS FOR THE CURIOUS SHOPPER

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

Neither could we have imagined that we’d meet so many amazing people and had some really great times. It’s certainly been an enjoyable adventure that we wouldn’t have missed for the world.

So here we are, at the ripe old age of four years old, now with a ‘sister’ shop in Taunton called Bath Place Music, stocking fabulous brands, an established team of talented staff and having just completed a refresh of our Yeovil based store. Here you’ll find our amazing guitar and folk instrument departments are all now on our ground floor along with our repairs centre. On the first floor you’ll find our specialist drum department, music books and our teaching rooms. There’s so much to see, call in and take a look at our new store lay-out, have a chat with our friendly staff, all musicians themselves, they can help all your playing related queries as well as accessories, repairs and teaching.

Waterloo Music can be found at 16 Hendford, Yeovil, BA20 1TE. Tel 01935 507330 or visit: www.waterloomusic.co.uk FB/waterloomusic

It’s fair to say that we’ve had a truly special time over the last month! Looking back, how did we pack all of that in? In our café, we held so many events, celebrations, private parties, clubs, networking meetings, French conversation classes, Chef’s Vegan Tasting Menu, Sshhh...Secret Folk Acoustic Supper, Cocktail Evenings, leaving parties, birthdays and still served delicious home cooked, nutritious food on a daily basis.

We have many events planned over the coming months, lots to look forward to, details of which can be found on our website.

Our shop is looking great and our blend of 75 different independent shops, all under one roof, makes each visit a different experience; a journey of discovery! Antique clad rooms, vintage train sets, collectables china, interior design service, beautiful fashion accessories, handmade gifts for girls, boys and even your pets... I could go on, but I’m sure you’ll get the picture (we sell those as well) - there’s a LOT to see! Come and experience all we have to offer, there’s nowhere quite like The Emporium.

in the program, can be found in our cafe.

Although our shop is fairly full at the moment, we’re always very happy to meet business owners wishing to join us at The Emporium and invite applications from anyone wishing to trade with us. Please contact us using the details below.

Thank you to all who have visited us recently!

Visit our website for more information about us or to book for our events. Or pop by at: The Emporium, 39 Princes Street, Yeovil, BA201EG. Tel 01935 411378

Did you see us on BBC1’s Money For Nothing recently? We were included in series 6, episode 18 and the pair of tables, made from the wheels of an old lawn mower which were featured 39

BOOKS

BOOK REVIEW

By Wayne, Winstones

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

Join us on Thursday 2 May in Winstone’s Sherborne for the launch of the paperback edition of ‘Bitter Orange’ by award winning author Claire Fuller. Claire will be talking about and signing copies and we’ll have drinks and nibbles as well as her other two novels. Bitter Orange is a brilliant page turner with an atmosphere of simmering menace and all the assurance of a latter-day Daphne du Maurier.

Bitter Orange

by Claire Fuller £8.99

A man who calls himself the vicar visits Frances, hoping to extract a deathbed confession.

He wants to know what really happened that fateful summer

One For the Diary We have organised a splendid event with Cathy Newman, much respected presenter of Channel 4 News.

She will be interviewed by veteran reporter Kate Adie and promoting her new book ‘Bloody Brilliant Women’ (£8.99), a fresh, opinionated history of all the brilliant women you should have learned about in school but didn’t.

of 1969, when Frances - tasked with surveying a dilapidated country house - first set eyes on the glamorous bohemian couple, Cara and Peter. She recalls the relationship they forged through sweltering days, lavish dinners and elaborate lies, and the Judas hole through which she would spy on the couple. Were the signs there right from the beginning? Or was it impossible to avoid the crime that

This event will be held in Cheap Street Church on Saturday June 29th at 2pm

split their lives open like rotten fruit?

“With shades of Brideshead and Manderley, Claire Fuller’s

Tickets for both of these are available from the shop.

atmospheric third novel plays a satisfyingly unpredictable game with reader expectations. Prepare to be meticulously unsettled and horribly enthralled.” Country Life Review

Dorset Shorts!

Coffee shop idea leads to book launch for Dorset writers Seventeen Dorset authors, including Sherborne’s Suze Pasparakis feature in a new collection of short stories published on Tuesday, 16 April.

Dorset Shorts: Winning Entries from the Dorset Writers’ Prize – is being launched by a Sturminster Marshall-based small press, led by former journalist Tom Roberts and illustrator Jo Barry.

40

They established the Dorset Writers’ Prize to attract material for the new book.

“We wanted to know what Dorset writers were writing about today, and we were rewarded with a great selection of stories from Poole to Portland, Sherborne to Wimborne,” said Tom. “We have tales of mermaids and murder, horror and humour, life and death. There is wide range of styles and genres;

something for everyone.

“We are delighted that what began as a coffee house-idea for a writing competition has been developed into such a tremendous end result,” says Tom. “This is a little gem of a book. It is a great read, it looks lovely and we are very proud of it.”

• Dorset Shorts: Winning entries from the Dorset Writers’ Prize. RRP: £12.99

Antiques & Collectables

ANTIQUES

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

AUCTIONS, FAIRS AND SALES On 26 April, Dukes in Dorchester will be holding its Spring Fine Art sale and on 20 May there will be an Asian Art sale. Dukes will also be continuing with its General Sales and is holding an Avenue Auction featuring Toys & Collectables, Vintage Clothing & Accessories on Tuesday 30 April and Tuesday 21 May at 10.30am. Please note viewing is every Saturday prior to sale from 9.30am-12.00noon and on every Monday prior to sale - 9.00am-

7.00pm as well as on the morning of the auction day from 9.00am.

Auction house Lawrences in Crewkerne has General Sales take place on Wednesdays 24 April, 1, 8 & 15 May and 22 May. On 16 May there is a sale featuring Militaria, Coins & Medals. The following day, 17 May the focus shifts to Collectors, Sporting and Textiles. All sales start at 9.30am and viewing is from the Tuesday before the sale from 9am to 7pm.

For more information call 01460 73041.

On 27 April Yeovil Auctions located at Court Ash, Yeovil has a general sale offering furniture, paintings and prints, sporting and taxidermy, silver, Militaria, jewellery and collectable objects. Check www.yeovilauctionrooms.com for more details or call: 01935 433965.

On 4 May the Sherborne 14th Annual May Day Craft Fair takes place at The Digby Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. Don’t miss it!

Vintage is the Height of Fashion Plenty of interest is expected for a rare group of British vintage motorcycles going under the Charterhouse hammer in its 1 June auction of vintage and classic motorcycles at The Vintage Nostalgia Show at Stockton Park, Wiltshire.

“There is something charming and yet challenging with this vintage motorbikes as they come from an era where manufacturers pioneered their own designs which they thought were the way motorcycles should be constructed,” commented Matthew Whitney. “All with their own quirky little features it is perhaps the 1928 James which stands out as it is the only motorbike not to be painted black!”

The earliest of the motorbikes currently entered into this specialist auction is a 1919 Calthorpe. Calthorpe Motorcycles can trace their heritage back to 1909 and production continued until 1938.

The 1919 Calthorpe being sold by Charterhouse comes to auction from a deceased estate. Beautifully restored, this vintage motorcycle is estimated at £4,000-6,000.

Also from the same estate is a 1920 ABC. Another rare and early British motorcycle manufacturer, with its distinctive 400cc flat-twin 1919 Calthorpe

engine mounted with its cylinders across the frame, several years before BMW adapted the design, it is estimated at £7,000-9,000.

With several decades of ownership from the same estate, and restored to a high standard as are all the motorcycles in this collection, perhaps the most powerful motorbike is a 1927 AJS Vee-twin combination. AJS were founded in 1909, the same year as Calthorpe Motorcycles. Fitted with an 800cc Vee-twin engine and sidecar it will be just perfect for going out in on a Sunday ride and is estimated at £15,000-18,000.

However, if black is not your colour and you like your vintage motorcycles, then a 1928 James Model 12 might tick the box.

Bought by the owner as a box of bits for £14 many years ago, it has undergone a meticulous restoration which took the owner a lot longer than was planned for. With its olive green petrol tank and wicker pic-nic basket fitted on the back, this is estimated at £10,500-11,500.

For advice, valuations and further information, contact Matthew Whitney and the team of experts at Charterhouse, Tel: 01935 812277 or email bikes@charterhouse-auction.com

TOP PRICES PAID FOR OLD TOYS

1920 ABC

- any condition

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

1927 AJS combination

Please telephone or call into the shop 38 CHEAP STREET, SHERBORNE DORSET DT9 3PX

01935 816828

enquiries@henrywillis.co.uk 1928 James Model 12

www.henrywillis.co.uk

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

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

CLOCK REPAIRS

ANTIQUE AND MODERN CLOCK REPAIRS

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

01935 477582

41

Food & Drink FOOD & DRINK

VIVA CINCO DE MAYO!

By The Stag’s Head Inn

At The Stags Head Inn we know that spring has finally arrived once the Wye Valley and New Forest asparagus is here; both are absolutely delicious served chargrilled with grana padano, asparagus and wild garlic puree and a crispy egg (yes, really, a crispy egg that is perfectly soft in the middle!).

We also have an abundance of local rhubarb, serving it poached alongside our pannacotta, in a Although this wasn’t taken at the pub, this picture fool with raspberries of a Stag’s Head in its South American finery is vey and as rhubarb and much in keeping with our Cinco de Mayo Festival! apple crumble, which can be enjoyed after one of our many delicious Sunday lunches.

We also get the spring feeling when thinking about and planning for the upcoming bank holidays in May. For the first one, at the

beginning of May, we are supporting the biennial Yarlington Fringe, which has many events scheduled around Yarlington throughout the weekend. And as well as the Fringe, on Bank Holiday Sunday we shall once again be celebrating the Cinco de Mayo festival (5 May in Spanish).

The date is observed in Mexico to commemorate the Mexican Army’s defeat of the superior French forces at the Battle of Puebla, on 5 May, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza.

However, in the USA, Mexican Americans take the opportunity to fully celebrate the culture of Mexico on this day, with all-day street fiestas and lots of Mexican food, drink and music.

To us, Mexico is synonymous with hot, sunny weather, fiestas with vibrant colours and music, plus Margaritas, Tequila and Mezcal!

Tequila came onto the scene as the fashionable spirit of choice last summer. It is a type of Mezcal and is made by distilling the fermented juices of the Weber blue agave plant, (a member of the lily family which looks like a giant aloe vera plant with spiked barbs on the tips) with water. There are several different types of Tequila, ranging from Blanco or Silver Tequila which is clear; Gold Tequila which gets its colour from the addition of caramel; Reposado (‘rested’), which is rested in wooden casks for 2 - 9 months; Anejo (‘aged’) which is very smooth, having been aged in bourbon barrels for a minimum of 1 year; to Extra-Anejo, which is matured in bourbon barrels for over 4 years and is considered to be of similar quality to malt whisky.

However, in 2019 Mezcal has become the spirit of the moment, with Berry Brothers stocking one for the first time this season, and George Clooney having widely promoted his Tequila and Mezcal Company, Casamigos to the cogniscenti (although he has since sold out to Diageo)!!

So, this May bank holiday weekend, book some time to come and visit Yarlington to experience all the various events and music, then round the holiday weekend off Mexican-style by helping the Stags Head celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Come and sip an expertly prepared Margarita in the sunshine on our sheltered south-facing terrace, or sample our wonderful selection of Tequilas and Mezcal alongside some delicious Mexican snacks!

Leading the way…

Dorset‘s favourite spa Helping our community and NHS staff to maintain a Healthy lifestyle.

With affordable monthly Spa Memberships for individuals, couples and businesses that wants to invest in its people.

We offer the following treatments with a difference:         

ELEMIS Facials ELEMIS Massage Lava Shell Massage Callus Foot Treatment Gelish Manicure & Pedicure SiennaX Spray Tan Mii Make-up Nouveau LVL Lash Lift REDKEN Haircare Trust us to exceed your expectations…

Opening Times Sunday – Saturday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Call us on 01935 483435 to ask any questions or to schedule an appointment.

42

FOOD & DRINK

LET’S CELEBRATE ENGLISH WINE! ENGLISH WINE WEEK

By Camilla Wood, Owner/MD The Somerset Wine Company Did anyone else notice that English sparkling wine (Chapel Down to be specific) was presented to, and then liberally sprayed over, the winning crew of the Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race last Sunday?

Then I read that English sparking wine was given instead of French champagne in the winner’s enclosure at last weekend’s Grand National.

This is the first time in the race’s 180 year history that English fizz has eclipsed French. Both events clearly signify a step change in the exposure of English sparkling wine and come at an opportune moment as Britain prepares to forge a new life outside Europe.

This won’t be a moaning minnie missive about Brexit and its potentially catastrophic effects on the wine trade, but given we are likely to see price hikes and import tax rises for European wines whatever the political outcome, then it is time we really started to embrace our own burgeoning wine industry. English Wine Week in May is that opportunity!

Kicking off on Saturday 25 May, English Wine Week is a national campaign designed to raise awareness of English wine across the country. Here at the Somerset Wine Co. it is an exciting and important week in our calendar. As an independent wine merchant featuring high quality smaller producer wines from all over the world, we also champion all good things local and artisanal. At our Castle Cary shop we’ll be hosting tastings of all our listed Somerset wines matched with cheeses from our partner The Deli, Castle Cary, together with the chance to Meet The Winemakers. Full listing of tastings can be viewed on our website www.somersetwinecompany.com and on our Instagram and Facebook pages @SomersetWineCo. English wine is having its moment. In 2017 the total production was 5.5 million bottles. Compare this with the figure of 15.5 million bottles in 2018, coupled with the fact that every year on average 1.5 million new vines are being planted and there is no doubt about the huge growth and development in the English wine industry. Add to this the nearperfect viticultural conditions of last season with that gorgeous summer and we have the prospect of a stunning 2018 vintage. Early tasting indications are of supreme quality - my winemaker friend Guy Smith, of Smith & Evans near Langport, told me 2018 was tasting “almost New Worldly in its fruit and richness, it’s full, rounded and sensational!” How exciting.

Vines are clever plants: good early growing conditions around June one year get genetically programmed into the vine for the next season. So the potential is there already for repeated success this vintage and those to come. With the number of buds on the vine pre-destined from last season, these promise good flowering and fruit set, provided Jack Frost doesn’t pop in to spoil the party at this delicate early Spring moment.

So why is England capable of greatness on the world wine stage? Here in Southern England we boast similar chalky soils as the Champagne region and together with increasingly warmer temperatures, improved knowledge of wine making techniques and serious investment in winery kit, the quality of our home-grown wines is increasing enormously. Many are winning accolades on the world wine stage - look no further than within our own county: Smith & Evans won Silver in the International Wine Challenge for their 2011 Sparkling and Wraxall Vineyard, located only 5 miles from us, took the Silver for their Somerset Rosé Sparkling in 2017. Red wine, previously thought to be unsuccessful here, is now gaining ground with the discovery of new early ripening grape varieties such as Pinot Noir Précoce. Aldwick Estate near Bristol as well as having an award-winning Sparkling Brut, Jubilate, has released a stunning, fruit-driven yet savoury Pinot Noir blended with Regent, aptly named The Flying Pig (after those who thought it could never happen!). And

for those who like pink, seek out the highly-acclaimed Pinot Noir rosé, Mary’s Rose, which won Bronze in the International Wine Challenge 2018 and Commended in Decanter magazine.

The South West is still an area of smaller, family-run vineyards - even our most famous winery Camel Valley in Cornwall (the Queen’s choice apparently), run by father and son team Bob and Sam Lindo is tiny at 7 hectares compared to the large corporate wineries of the South East such as Nyetimber at c.107 hectares. But where we may not have size we can boast the biggest spectrum of wines made here in the South West. It’s not just all about traditional method sparkling, as it is in the South East, but here we have a fabulous variety of whites, reds, and rosés. Oatley vineyard near Bridgwater for example, a new listing in the shop, produces ‘Jane’s’ a stunning crisp but rounded white Madeleine Angevine, a fresh Riesling-like Kernling and a delicious, complex Barrel Matured white, a Gold medal winner in the recent SWVA awards. Also Fenny Castle, another Somerset vineyard and new arrival in the shop, impressed us with its delicate, elegant sparkling and rosé and unusual barrel-fermented Ortega. Variety is indeed the spice of life when it comes to Somerset wines!

When you buy a local English wine you can be proud to be supporting a burgeoning local and national industry. These small producers craft their wines with soul and integrity and the hard work is done in the vineyard - with healthy, often organically grown grapes with minimum fertilisers and sprays, not adjusted nor made to a recipe in a winery, as is often the case with mass produced supermarket wines. English wines haven’t travelled far either so you can credit yourself with enjoying a great low carbon footprint wine to boot.

As Brexit looms, drinking European wines many become an expensive luxury so let’s look to our homegrown products to fill our glasses.

Come and join us in celebrating our exciting wine industry and taste some of our best local wines during English Wine Week at the Somerset Wine Co.

The Mitre Inn

Sandford Orcas

Nr Sherborne, DT9 4RU

01963 220271 FREEHOUSE

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

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

www.MitreInn.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

A WARM WELCOME

at The Royal George, West Coker

If you are looking for a traditional, family friendly Somerset pub that’s always keen to welcome customers, both old and new, through its doors, then The Royal George in West Coker is the place to go.

The 16th century Palmers pub has a breath of fresh air blowing through it with its characteristic beams, old slab flooring and a roaring log burner echoing the warm welcome from the new tenants.

Martin Byrne and Emma Earle, who are originally from the North West, took over the pub in February and have worked hard to refurbish the inside and bring a fresh new menu to the table. Emma is a fully qualified chef with a passion for pastry and works wonders in the kitchen concentrating on fresh traditional, locally sourced food and of course sumptious cakes!

The Conduit asked Martin to give us an example of a typical dish and he cited the Piggy Platter (not for the faint hearted!) which comprise two locally sourced pork sausages, slow cooked BBQ belly pork, honey and mustard roasted ham, tripled cooked home-made chips, onion rings and a selection of chutneys all served up with a sprinkling of pork scratchings and salad.

You will need to work hard to keep this delicious tasting dish away from any of your four legged friends who have their own specially designated “doggy station” named “Pugweiser” or “Pawroni” at the old fire place with treats, water bowls and a doggy water barrel providing everything you could want for thirsty dogs who have enjoyed joining their owners in exploring the picturesque Somerset countryside around the pub.

If you need to bring your car, there is a large car park to the rear of the pub, plus a spacious beer garden, perfect for soaking up the May sunshine. Also the Skittle Alley can be converted to a function room that’s available for hire.

See our advert on the back cover for more info!

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Join us at the Club for an action-packed May!

Mindfulness Event – Saturday 11th May

� Mini holistic treatments.

� Holistic stalls and readings. � Drama workshops.

Murder Mystery at the Manor – Friday 17th May � Pre-book tickets for £35 per person. � Includes welcome drink, dinner and a night of entertainment! � Contact sales@holbrookmanor.com for more information.

Tel: 01963 828844 club@holbrookhealthclub.com

Open Day – 4th May

Come along to the Club and Manor and use our wonderful facilities for the day free of charge.

This includes:

� Use of the gym and free-weight area � Class timetable running from 10-2 � Swimming pool, spa bath, steam room and sauna � Tour of the newly refurbished Manor

After sampling all we have to offer, why not visit the Brook Bar for a coffee, cake, panini or protein shake?

We will be offering membership with no joining fee for this day only.

Health

& Wellbeing

SLEEP PARALYSIS OR SLEEP WALKING?

By Niki Cassar

These are two very different sleep issues that affect a surprisingly large number of people. Sleep walking often starts in childhood, and is almost certainly a sign of some deep emotional disturbance that isn’t apparent while the child is in the normal waking state. Many children stop sleepwalking as they grow up, but some continue to sleepwalk as adults, albeit spasmodically.

Interestingly, there are few reported cases of sleepwalkers coming to any serious harm, perhaps because even in their sleep, there is some kind of protective instinct still at work.

Sleep paralysis can also result in what is called Out of Body Experience (where the person feels as if they are leaving their body) and is experienced as being terrifying, often causing the additional fear of going to sleep at night. Whether you suffer from either of these conditions, the one certainty is that your sleep cycle is being seriously affected, and over time, this will affect both your physical and emotional health.

Funds for research into what are regarded as relatively minor behaviour disorders are limited, and there is no clear evidence to show what are the underlying causes, although there are many theories. Nor is there very much help on offer beyond advice on good sleep hygiene and, in more severe cases, counselling.

It may come as a surprise to you, but doing a course of hypnotherapy can help you to have a greater understanding and, ultimately, to eliminate the problem. With the expert use of hypnosis, which in simple terms is nothing more than a focused state of attention and awareness, you can access and update the information in your subconscious mind that is causing the sleep issue, whatever it may be. Just six sessions done on a regular basis are often sufficient, although some people may require a few more.

Here are the sleep issues I can help you with: sleep paralysis, sleep walking, sleep talking, insomnia including difficulty going to sleep or remaining asleep, nightmares, and more.

If you’re interested to know how I can help you to have deep, peaceful and restful sleep, why not give me a call on 01963 371 695 or 07973 346 747 for a free, confidential chat? Please remember to quote The Conduit to get a £15 discount on your first session with me.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

BENEFITS OF CHOOSING ZUMBA

By Elena Walter – Oxley Sports Centre

Are you ready to dance yourself into summer or are you holding back because you aren’t quite beach body ready? With summer just around the corner we are starting to think about working out and eating better, but do you actually enjoy eating salad and going to the gym every day?

If, like me, you need to have the company of a friend to help with your motivation then why not choose Zumba...?

MAY MA M AY HA H AALLF AL FVVITE TITTIIES ER E RM RM CTIV CT TIIV S Tuesda essday ay 28 8-F Fri riid da ay 31 M May

8-14 Y Years ea ars Morning, Afte Mornin erno noo oon n&A Alll D Day Da ay optio op ptions available a ailabl 9 to 5 5p pm m £10.50 £1 50 0 pe err se esssio on n, £1 £19 per er da d y

Zumba is a great all Volleyball, Hamsterballs, Volle round body workout Arts and Crafts and many y,, many more activities which has many For more information and to book your place please call reception on 01935 818270 beneficial factors such as or visit our website www w.o oxleysc.com/holiday-activities Bradford Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3DA burning fat and calories without even realising it. It is a total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning and balance and flexibility, whilst listening to the great upbeat music. The National Centre for Health Research shows that listening to music can help improve the quality of your workout by increasing your stamina and putting you in a better mood. There is no better feeling then coming out of an exercise class feeling pumped and energized.

Did you know that Zumba classes take place in 180 different countries every day? As well as having its beneficial fitness factors it also helps with building your confidence and is a great way to meet new people; research shows that working out with a friend or a large group of people makes you more likely to keep it up and continue attending such classes. Certainly gyms try to help with this with promotions such as Refer a Friend schemes, giving away free classes and encouraging people to have a fitness buddy. However as we go forward into Summer, if you are still bored of your usual workout, why not give Oxley Sports Centre a visit and come along to one of our Zumba classes. Our enthusiastic Instructors are always welcoming new participants.

Oxley Sports Centre will be at Sherborne Country Fair on Bank Holiday Monday 27 May, where we will be hosting a mass Zumba participation behind the castle. Hosted by our very own instructors Gemma and Heather where they will be teaching you some of the newest and most popular routines. If you fancy giving Zumba a go and want to sample a taste of this addictive activity and are ready to be blown away with the contagious amount of energy that Zumba fulfills, pop along to the Fair. This hour long event is welcome to all. As well as this event you will be able to find us along the main ring where we will have lots of goodies for you including free coffee vouchers to be used at The Coffee Pod, along with free swimming and class vouchers. We very much look forward to seeing you there.

Whether you’re looking for ongoing classes or a family membership that gives you a chance to keep fit together, please call Oxley Sports Centre on 01935 818277 or visit our website www.oxleysc.com.

45

WIN £10 IN OUR

WORDSEARCH

LADIES’ BARBELLES

By Gary Shackle, Sherborne Sports Centre

PUZZLE

It’s a beautiful day outside and this set me thinking on just how often we use that word to describe something, and yet there are so many other words you could also use. Just find the hidden words in the grid below, ring each word until you have found all of them and when you have completed the puzzle send it to: The Conduit Magazine, Wyvern Buildings, North St, Sherborne DT9 5EP. The lucky winner receives a £10 cheque.

The closing date is: Monday 2O MAY.

GOOD LUCK

WONDERFUL CHARMING HANDSOME APPEALING STATUESQUE RESPLENDENT GORGEOUS

STUNNING EXQUISITE DIVINE PRETTY SUBLIME RAVISHING DAZZLING

ALLURING CLASSY CUTE ELEGANT BEWITCHING

So it’s 7am on Wednesday morning. How can you set yourself up for the day ahead? Simple - come to our new Ladies Barbelle sessions 7-7:45am These sessions have been tailored for ladies of any age or ability who want to learn a bit more about strengthening and the use of free weights and bars.

According to scientists there are a number of key benefits to weight training:

• You will only burn fat and be able to burn more calories in a short period as compared to cardio workouts.

• A mixed workout to include strength training helps to build lean muscle mass.

• Your body starts losing muscle mass after your thirties, making strengthening an essential part of your workouts.

• Muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons are all used thus preventing the risk of injuries.

• Scientists have proved that by lifting weights, people can improve and protect their heart.

• You can improve your posture by following correct lifting techniques.

• Repeated stretching and contracting movements not only help build strong muscles and bones, but also improve flexibility.

Name:__________________________________________________________ Tel :_________________________Email:______________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

46

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

• Finally… by lifting weights you can notice a big change in your energy levels throughout the day. That’s because every muscle fibre will awaken and you will be ready for the day ahead!

Sports Centre

PET HEALTH

HISTORY

CELEBRATING VETERINARY NURSES

WILDFLOWERS AND BIRDSONG

By Peter Luscombe BVSc MRCVS, Newton Clarke Partnership

A copy of Mr Oliver Holt’s talk, ‘On first coming to Sherborne’ given to the Sherborne Historical Society in 1983 has just arrived. Outside, in this corner of South Wales the ground is covered with frozen rutted snow but I have been back in memory to a wood near Sherborne, where Mr Littleton Powys, accompanied by a vague boy figure called Oliver Holt, had taken some of us on a nature ramble. These are the words of Norah Dibble born Symes in Sherborne just before the start of WW1 and they constitute the opening paragraph in her 7,000 word memoir of her time growing up and going to school where she was inspired by her teachers to later become a teacher herself. Norah’s words conjure up a Sherborne with its surrounding lanes and villages full of wildflowers and birdsong.

Norah went on to tell about the collecting of First Finds. How much do I owe to Mr Littleton Powys, a great lover of English literature and of natural history? To encourage interest in the latter he offered prizes for various competitions that he himself had set. For the First Finds competition we had to see how early we could find specimens of wildflowers and bring them live to school, where they were recorded, with name, date and name of the find. Just imagine a batch of eager young first-finders arriving on a Monday each clutching a paper bag containing the first primrose, daisy, celandine, chickweed etc, all to be checked into a notebook. Many started off but some fell by the wayside.

One year I succeeded in collecting over 600 specimens. I owe my grandfather (Edmund King, one time licensee of the Woolmington Hotel) a great debt in that he taught to me the names of many wildflowers, as I learned to speak, so that the task was less arduous than it might have been. The seeking out of First Finds appears to be taking place in most of the Sherborne schools and very possibly in the surrounding village schools as well.

Each May the British Veterinary Nursing Association celebrates the role of veterinary nurses by promoting veterinary nursing awareness month. I thought this would be the ideal time to talk about the role our veterinary nurses have in keeping a veterinary practice running efficiently, and their important role in caring for your pets.

Outside of the consulting room, most of the attention and medical care your pet receives is at the hands of a veterinary nurse. In any given day a veterinary nurse may find themselves taking x-rays, medicating patients, doing consults, maintaining equipment, monitoring anaesthetics, dressing wounds, answering phones, and the list goes on!

The title “Veterinary Nurse” is not yet protected in law (meaning anyone can use it), but it is advised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons that it should be taken to mean only Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs). RVNs have undertaken a rigorous training programme, sat examinations, and are subject to a Code of Conduct, which includes a disciplinary process if a grievance should arise. They continue to study, and log professional development hours to maintain their Registration throughout their careers. Some RVNs undertake specialist training in a range of topics, especially the care of exotic pets, feline medicine, anaesthesia and dentistry.

There are several different routes to becoming a veterinary nurse, and BVNA can provide you advice on the career and studying, if you are interested in pursuing this career.

Over the last 25 years I have had the privilege of working with many dedicated veterinary nurses, and come to value and rely on their knowledge, experience and technical expertise.

Their sense of vocation and professionalism is invaluable in any modern veterinary practice and brings an added perspective to the care of your pets. It has been a joy to observe the profession of veterinary nursing develop, and I have always felt that veterinary nurses are the great unsung heroes of any veterinary practice.

At the Newton Clarke practice we have a great team of nurses, who manage the daily care of our in patients including working with clients to promote the best outcomes for the treatment of their pets. In keeping with our practice philosophy and the objectives of the BVNA, all our nurses undertake further studies and professional development. The practice is also active in training new nurses and we have RVNs enrolled for further qualifications themselves, in the same way several of our vets are undertaking further advanced training.

We have a team of five RVNs and two trainees who are always willing to help you and your pets with a pet problem you have been having. Also, RVNs usually have pets themselves, and love to talk about them just as you do!

www.newtonclarkevet.com

By Barry Brock

Oliver Holt had a similar experience to Norah when some years later he was in the heart of the City of London where he bought some white violets from a flower seller and on stuffing them into his buttonhole the perfume wafting up from the tiny flowers meant he was Spirited away from the bustling streets to a lane a mile or so from Sherborne where the same white violets would be in full bloom.

Littleton Powys arrived at Sherborne Preparatory School aged nine in 1883 and having already acquired an extensive interest and knowledge of natural history he would probably have set out as soon as he could to explore his new area. He left Sherborne School in 1893 to begin teaching, returning as Headmaster at the Prep School in 1905. It is very likely that he would have consulted Gerarde’s Herball of 1597 as an aid to identification during his formative years and later he would have helped his young protégés to appreciate the benefits of consulting with a good reference book. Gerarde’s Herball (a first edition) and Martyn’s Flora Rustica, both held today in the Sherborne School Archive, were probably the two publications of choice.

47

SHORT STORY

George and Martha A short story by Allison Heed

George glared as he heard the sound of keys being fumbled at the front door.

wide screen television sets and sofas that converted to bunk beds.

‘Him again, will we ever get a moments peace?’

‘I know he is doing his job, but why does it always have to be these young ones who want to come and destroy the place? Why can’t he show it to someone more like… more like…’

Martha laughed at him, ‘Come now dear, he’s just doing his job.’

George got up from his seat and shuffled to the window.

It looked like another young couple who, if they bought it, would no doubt rip the place apart, fill it with Swedish furniture and create ‘feature walls’ with bold colours and minimalist patterns.

They left the estate agent to it as they always did and went into their garden. Nobody ever paid much attention to their little haven, but it was always the place they felt happiest.

The perfume smell and the vibrant colours of the plants when it had just rained gave them both the most beautiful, peaceful feeling.

Delighted tones and enthusiastic descriptions of how the place could look with a little bit of decoration echoed through the bungalow, out of the kitchen window and into the garden. George shivered every time the dreaded word IKEA assaulted his ears. This house wasn’t designed for 48

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‘More like us?’ Martha finished for him.

The bungalow was their pride and joy. They had saved all through their working lives and had retired to their beautiful home in the friendly little village that they had always loved. It had given them almost fourteen years of happiness but now it was being marketed as a ‘stepping stone home’ to youngsters who wanted to get their foot on the property ladder.

When the couple and the estate agent had gone George sat in his chair resting his head in his hands.

‘You know, if we really wanted to put people off, we could stop retreating to the garden every time someone comes to view the place,’ Martha said calmly, a coy smile on her face.

George’s mouth dropped open at the suggestion, he had

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SHORT STORY

wanted to sabotage the sale from the very beginning but Martha had always stopped him. He gave his wife a large gummy grin as he realised he finally had her on board. …

Dean watched, wide eyed and biting his lip till it bled, as Mary struggled her way down the stairs. They had tried to get a stair lift put in but the staircase was too narrow, she would keep struggling until Tony could come and convert the dining room into a bedroom.

It was starting to feel like their cottage was mocking them.

The narrow halls, the stone steps and heavy wooden doors used to give them so much pleasure but now it was almost impossible simply getting around their home.

‘I think we are going to have to give in and move,’ Dean sighed as Mary reached the last few steps.

‘How? Where to?’ She answered sadly.

‘You are always saying you want to be closer to Tony and the grand kids, maybe we could sell this place and get a little flat on the ground floor.

Nothing fancy, just something that wont be responsible for our untimely deaths.’

It wasn’t the first time they had talked about moving, Mary had hurt herself more than once slipping on the stone in winter and falling over the uneven floor. They had really loved the cottage when they were young and able, but it was time to face the truth, they weren’t getting any younger and they were almost 100 miles away from the rest of their family.

It took only a glance at the fire place at the picture of their two

grandsons beaming smiles to cement their decision.

‘I’ll give Tony a call,’ Dean said and smiled at her. …

George stood by the window, occasionally pacing and twitching the curtains. It had been almost three weeks since the estate agent had been.

‘What if we have missed our chance? What if they have bought the place?’ He asked as he grinded his teeth.

‘If they have bought it then we will just have to put them off when they move in dear, come away from the window, people will see you.’

He rolled his eyes. That’s what he wanted. He wanted people to see him, to know how he felt about the whole thing. He started to walk to his seat when the unmistakeable sound of the estate agents car screeched around the corner. It was followed by another family car,

a people carrier with a young looking man and two young boys in the back. George rubbed his hands together and grinned at Martha.

with a slightly crooked smile.

Two of his adult teeth were poking through his gums on one side but he looked so sweet and kind.

‘Looks like I have created a monster.’ She giggled at him.

George and Martha looked at each other, both ashamed of what their intention had been.

They didn’t want to scare this little boy, or anyone really, they just didn’t want someone coming and destroying their home.

The key turned in the lock and George took his seat.

The agent babbled on about access to the property and car parking availability.

They were pretty limited in what they could do physically but they had practiced moving the blinds and the tassels which decorated their armchairs. With great effort George focused hard and started to flip the pages on one of the magazines. By the time he had managed one turn of the page, the agent had taken the man and slightly older boy through to the kitchen.

‘What are you doing?’ The younger boy asked.

George stopped what he was doing and looked at Martha.

She was as confused as he was.

‘What do you mean?’ George asked the boy.

‘Do you want me to turn the pages so you can read it?’ He offered.

The boy couldn’t have been more than six years old.

His wide blue eyes showed nothing but concern for the old man.

‘Can you see us both dear?’

Martha asked, leaning forward in her chair.

‘Yes, I can see you both. I can see everyone,’ he answered

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‘Do you like the house?’

Martha asked him.

‘Oh yes, it’s very lovely.

It would be brilliant if my grandparents could live here. I miss them.’

‘Grandparents?’ George asked.

‘Yes, they want to be closer to us and help daddy.’

Tony was talking in the kitchen to the agent. ‘It’s perfect, almost like it was designed with them in mind.’

The little boys face lit up.

Martha took George by the hand. They had been in the house almost two years waiting to see what happens next.

Now they knew that their beloved home was going to be in safe hands.

‘Thank you sunshine, I’m sure your grandparents are going to love it and I hope you are a frequent visitor.’ George said to the boy as they left.

Their little haven by the roses looked even more vibrant and inviting than usual. They held each other close as they walked into the garden for the last time. …

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49

WALKING

RACHEL’S RAMBLES

By Rachel Kilbee

The call to see The Spreading Oak Tree begins with a welcome change of hue to my bedroom curtains as I am greeted with a vibrant sunrise. I can tell today is the day to hurry through my first cup of tea in order to chase one of those morning walks which is uninterrupted by other keen wanderers.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the company of other like-minded walkers but when the sun still hasn’t thawed the late frost of the season, I want to be the one who reaps the satisfying, if childlike desire to crunch the frozen grass underfoot.

We ( for I do have a companion in my loyal labrador) park along the main street running through Hinton St George and we follow a footpath directly opposite the church. This enclosed footpath begins our walk with a slight decline and within minutes we are greeted with the most spectacular views over open countryside.

If one had already walked for a few miles 50

this would be a Thermos and sandwich rest stop but as we have only been going for a matter of moments, we track down the field and breathe in the crisp clear peacefulness.

The sun still sitting firmly in the east engulfs our route with its beams and the early morning frost and dew combine to create a rather squelchy and muddy path. Labrador heaven! We trudge merrily along and to our left we start to see the boughs and branches of one of nature’s slumbering beasts stretching magnificently into the blue.

The Spreading Oak Tree isn’t standalone showy for she shares her space with neighbouring trees, but as you approach her and look up betwixt her arms, her glorious age and magnitude are mutely dominating. Take heed of your wellingtons though for her standing spot is quite simply a bog!

One of us pauses to marvel her, the other of us busily sniffs her and then we leave her with our shadows as our route continues on with the sound of the brook leading the way. The dandelions are still frozen in their sleep here despite the birds joyously singing their alarm calls. Spring is winning her battle against Winter but now and again a point is still gained as the harsher season throws a chilly reminder our way.

Turning southwards we find ourselves faced with an incline but the aptly named Summer Lane ensures that I pop on my sunglasses and unzip my jacket. The gradient is gradual and manageable but certainly needs to be rewarded, now with an unhurried cuppa, in either the tea room or local pub either of which will welcome our muddy boots and paws.

Bargain Corner Hunters

Dry Stone Walling and Paving

All types of stone walling undertaken www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

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

Wanted adverts are also charged at £6.

Chubb Oval Extra Fishing Umbrella 50” with pegs and groundsheet. Never used £50.00 o.n.o Tel: 01935 476815 ( Bradford Abbas) Wedgwood Bone China Coffee Cans.

Design Hathaway Rose. 8 Coffee Cans and Saucers. £35.00 Tel: 01935 851211

Floor standing craft magnifying lamp with free motion head joint for precise positioning. White. Excellent condition £50.00 Tel: 01935 812286 DINING TABLE - AMERICAN HARDWOOD (Maple/Cherry) imported 1960’s, elegant shape, 5’2.5” long x 3’6.

Seats 8 with insert. £150.00 Tel: Street 01458 443264

Elnapress Ironing System for use on tabletop £25.00.

Period style coal effect electric fire £20.00 Tel: 01935 850647 Bundle of Art materials £25.00.

All new and unused Collapsible wooden easel starter set. Selection of paints ( oil and acrylic). Palette, Brushes, spatulas, Some reference books. Canvasses and sketchbooks ( A3, A4 and small) Buyer to collect from Yeovil address.

Tel: 07704340844 for further details.

Write Your Life Story

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

Webb , WER46SP, Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower, Cost £200 in 2018 For sale £80.00 Tel: 01935 812743.

House clearance - pictures, collectors plates etc. £1 each o.n.o Mahogany double dropleaf table and accessories. £30 o.n.o Electric paper shredder. £5 o.n.o Tel: 01935 429641

01963 371123 Patrick Houchen - DSWA member

Professional & reliable service

Ladies 3 speed bicycle. 26” wheel. Super condition. £50.

Tel: 01935 814856 Dimplex Electric Fire in black with realistic loose coal effect. Superb condition. Selling due to house move. £20.00.

Large Collection of Royal Memorabilia, Mugs, Plates and booklets. Includes King Edward V11 and Queen Alexandra, King George & Queen Mary also a coronation mug for Edward V111 the uncrowned King. £40.00 Tel: 01458 442747 Children’s aluminium garden climbing frame, 3m x 1m x 2m high plus slide.

Grandchildren have enjoyed many happy hours on it. Free if collected and help given to dismantle it.

Sherborne.

Tel: 01935 815806

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH

WANTED

Any size, any condition, make or model We collect in any area

Dave buys all types of tools.

By Registered Firearms Dealer

Tel: 01935 428975

07970 742471

IAN CROSSLAND

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Tel: 01935 411813 Mob: 07811 070 498

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT

• Interior and exterior decorating

www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

• Carpentry and small cabinet work • Restoration of timber windows

FOR MORE EXCITING NEWS AND EVENTS!

• 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

01935 808052 51

THE

Royal

GEORGE WE ST CO K E R , S O M E RS E T

FRESH NEW MENU • VEGAN & GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS AVAILABLE DOG FRIENDLY • LARGE CAR PARK TO THE REAR OF THE PUB FAMILY FRIENDLY • SKITTLE ALLEY/FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

Martin & Emma are happy to announce that The Royal George in West Coker is back up & running again after a small closure for a refurbishment, the 16th century pub has a breath of fresh air blowing through it with its characteristic beams & old slab flooring.

With a roaring log burner it is a lovely warm welcome greeted to all.

PUB OPENING TIMES MONDAY – THURSDAY 11am - 3pm / 5pm - 11pm Food 12pm - 2:30pm / 5pm - 9pm FRIDAY Bar open ALL DAY 11am - Midnight Food 12pm - 2:30pm / 5pm - 9pm SATURDAY Bar open ALL DAY 11am - Midnight Food served ALL DAY 12pm - 9pm SUNDAY Lunch bar open ALL DAY 11am - 11pm Food 12pm - 5pm SERVICE TIMES MAY VERY OVER BANK HOLIDAYS & HOLIDAY PERIODS.

www.royal-george.co.uk T: 01935 862334

E: info@royal-george.co.uk

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11 High Street, West Coker, Somerset, BA22 9AN