West Country Life 07 December 2013

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magazine Western Daily Press, Saturday December 7 2013

Feeling festive BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET IS BACK

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West Country Life

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Inside 2

COLUMNISTS

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PEOPLE

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PHOTO ESSAY

Martin Hesp wades through emails; while Alice Bell can’t find a bra that fits

Inside the farmhouse-style kitchen where Eastern cuisine meets the rural West

Bath Christmas Market, one of the best in the UK, is now bigger than ever

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PEOPLE & PEOPLE

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PEOPLE

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FOOD

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Memories of our oldest cider-maker Frank Naish; plus Jack Whitehall in Bath

Chris Rundle’s homemade party food; plus Heston’s British faves with a twist

ABSOLUTE CORKERS Champagne, sparkling wine or Prosecco? Ned Halley picks his festive favourites

SHOPPING

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BOOKS

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TRAVEL

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WALKS

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GARDENING

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ANTIQUES

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TELEVISION

Themes to dress your Christmas dinner table and festive glitzy party wear

Scott Turow’s new thriller; plus gardening and cook books, as well as reviews

The slopes of ski resort Whistler, in Canada; plus a break in sunny Lanzarote

Martin Hesp is on Exmoor; while Sue Gearing finds history at Slaughterford

Real Christmas trees are selling well; plus, Alan Power reports from Stourhead

A Harry Potter-inspired bracelet plus, what may be the first Christmas card

We talk to actor Christopher Ecclestone; plus TV highlights and Victoria Wood

TV guide Poem & Puzzles Horoscope Where in the West Cover by Clare Green

PICTURE: FRAN STOTHARD

Rural rambles

How thousands of bikes went to Africa; and Westonbirt at Christmas

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A red deer hind silhouetted on the horizon as dawn breaks over Stoke Pero Common, high up on Exmoor

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Online westerndailypress.co.uk/wcl

Roger Evans I went to see Wales play South Africa.

And among the pre match build-up was a tribute to the late Cliff Morgan – rugby union player, commentator and presenter.

I have memories of my own of the man.

When I was young, a gang of us used to go into Cardiff on Friday nights. It was a very different world down there compared to the world that we lived in on the farm. We would mix with sailors from all over the world and stare open mouthed at the prostitutes that were plying their trade. Stare I said.

Sometimes we would hear sailors planning a day-time burglary of some sort in Cardiff next day, secure in the knowledge that their ship would sail on the afternoon tide.

At the end of the evening, we would make our way back towards the city centre and visit a place called Frenchie’s Steak Bar. It wasn’t posh, probably a long way from that, and it was presided over by this huge French man who was probably nearer 30 stone than 20.

You could only have steak and chips and a big fresh tomato, and all the steaks were cooked in one huge frying pan, possibly 4ft across – time changes perception – but even to a man of Frenchie’s size it was a two-hander.

Cliff Morgan was often in there, sitting at a table at the back with two or three friends that I always assumed were colleagues from the BBC, having a meal after working late on a programme.

If you are a famous rugby player there is no anonymity in South Wales and Cliff would soon be spotted. Often someone would weave their way to his table, plonk themselves down and proceed to harangue him about rugby.

For the rest of us, this invasion of his privacy was cringingly embarrassing, but Cliff for his part was so courteous, he gave them his full attention. Gracious was a word that used to come to mind. Even at that age, with all that beer inside me I could see that there was a lesson there to be learnt. And doesn’t that endorse all the nice things that were said about him in the days after he died?

We’re getting a shed ready to put some cattle inside so that it’s ready for them if the weather should take a turn for the worse. Job done, and it’s dark now, we prepare to go home. But the loader we are using suddenly refuses to lift its main boom off the floor. We can’t find what’s wrong in the dark so we go home without it. Next day we have to get mechanics out. They discover the fault is in the joystick. These modernish machines have WCL-E01-S2

one lever with several functions to it, push forward, pull back, twist and so on. All the functions of the loader on one lever.

“How much is a new joystick?” “£1,600, plus fitting.”

Is it any wonder we’ve never got any money?

In the pub that night, Stephen says “I’ve got good news for you. There’s two printed circuits in that joystick and it might be one of them. One is £400 and one is £350.”

What sort of hard life has he had if that’s good news? And it’s still only “might”.

There’s a man I know who is often referred to by those of the same age who went to school with him, as “Capital R”. Naturally you have to ask why.

Well one day in class the teacher said, “Stand up Peter Griffiths, now tell us all how you spell Wrexham.”

Peter apparently got to his feet and after what seemed several minutes, during which time he counted his fingers, looked to the heavens for guidance taking a big gulp of air he finally began, “Capital R.” And the rest is now folklore.

In the pub and a farmer asks of us if we know a certain person. Do they know him?

They give him the person’s pedigree going back about four generations and do one or two sideways excursions on his family tree to where there was a particularly juicy bit of gossip. He resumes his story and tells us that he had been to buy a sheepdog pup off this person.

“He told me that his place was difficult to find so the best thing was to meet him in the pub in the village at 2 o’clock.” Apparently one thing led to another so it was 6 o’clock before they went to see the pup.

“We went into the kitchen and I looked up and there was a big hole in the ceiling, and there must have been a hole in the roof as well, because I could see the stars shining.”

His audience was unimpressed.

“Oh, that hole’s been there for there for years, it got so bad one hard winter that they bought one of those second-hand mobile homes and moved out of the house into that.”

They continue to move the conversation on and it is only me that is polite enough to enquire if he bought the puppy. He had, so I ask him if it’s any good. “It’s a nice enough pup all right but it’s taken my glasses out on the yard and I can’t find them.”

You don’t get stories like that sitting at home watching television.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 1

Columnists

Martin Hesp Human Spider sounds like something from a Victorian circus.

But it could also be an accurate description of a certain kind of person today.

It’s how I sometimes feel, anyway – and I reckon there must be many modern countrydwellers whose lives, in some ways, resemble the kind of creature that sits in the middle of a web pulling strings that have consequence and effect hundreds of miles away.

On the desk in front of me I have a computer and a telephone and for the past hour (as is the case most mornings) I have been using both to communicate with people located a long way away from my quiet, peaceful, un-busy, Exmoor valley. This is something I do daily before getting on with the real job which is to write stuff – and it goes without saying that loads of people who work at desks must have to wade through the same sort of thing.

First there was a bloke emailing from the Philippines – an old school friend. I picked up on what he was doing out there by following him on Twitter – which, believe it or not, is how I get a few tales of interest that eventually see the light of day in this magazine.

So that was my old mate being a kind of human spider, sitting in his hotel room in Manila tweeting stuff about his interesting work on a smartphone – a simple act which had consequences thousands of miles away.

Then my daughter telephoned while walking to university to complain that she’s getting into debt to the tune of £8,500 a year in return for a paltry handful of lectures and regular dysfunctional tiffs with her lecturers. She wanted to know my thoughts on the matter – which happen to be unprintable in a family newspaper.

Next a bloke phoned to ask if I’d received a book which he’s sending me – and also to tell me that he had sent a letter explaining the said tome – and would I like to hear all about it there and then while he was on the blower…

Actually, it has arrived and it is an impressive book, but what impressed me most was how he got my private office telephone number which is something I keep as secret as the prime minister’s pin-code for firing our nuclear arsenal.

Assorted emails that arrived overnight included the usual plethora of pleas and offers from public relations people – including one that mentioned the glories of something or other they were doing at Easter. Missives like that are one reason why I need to take blood pressure pills. We haven’t even begun to taste, swallow and digest the fact that Christmas is looming on the horizon yet…

But for every ten emails that are greeted with a hit of the delete button, there’s one that grabs my interest. Such as the one this morning which asked if I’d like to try the latest pair of lightweight walking boots? Yes, I would, thank you very much.

And what about the poor elderly lady I only vaguely know who’s emailed from deepest darkest Africa to say all her money has been stolen and she’s living in penury in a leper colony? She asks for money which should be sent immediately and I am tempted to bung several hundred quid her way by PayPal – except I know this particular woman is semidisabled and never, ever, leaves this parish.

Which causes me to muse that there must be some people who actually fall for this kind of thing, otherwise the dodgy little toe-rags who try these scams wouldn’t bother. But who these innocents are – and what planet they are plugged into – I have no idea.

Now here’s another email from a PR person, alluringly entitled: “Golden Santa Gorilla Lights Up East London’s Most Talked About Christmas Windows”.

Why, oh why, would they think a grumpy old journalist in the West Country would be in the least bit interested in that? I feel like pressing the reply button and telling her where she can shove her Golden Santa Gorilla, but don’t because I’ve already replied to 43 other emails in the last hour and my typing fingers are getting cramp before I even start using them to make a living.

Which reminds me, I must think of a subject to write about in this column…

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Alice Bell I had a shot at finding the Holy Grail the other day.

I started in New Look, then walked to Dorothy Perkins, next moved to Marks & Spencer’s in desperation and finally arrived at Ann Summers which I soon left scarred for life.

And of course, when I say “the Holy Grail” I actually mean a bra that fits. Let me tell you, it would be easier to find Nick Clegg’s backbone, and that’s saying something.

I felt like a snake shopping for shoes. None of the flipping things would go on properly, if you know what I mean, mainly because my bust is one that defies nature and requires two different cup sizes. Basically – and I don’t want to be [porno]graphic about this – if you weighed my boobs, those scales would not be balancing.

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Apparently a lot of women have the same problem. But you wouldn’t think so considering the cruelly symmetrical bras every shop stocks. Nothing is more shaming than being unable to find something that fits both breasts.

By the last shop I was carrying each flimsy bit of fabric to the changing room as though it was a rotting bird I had to dangle by its feet.

In the end I found one that almost fitted. It was the most preposterous piece of apparatus which seemed to push up rather than hold in and revealed more than it covered. Not so much an over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder as a coconut shy, with everything out on display.

It reminded me of a showbiz story I heard on the radio once which ran, and I quote: “Country music legend Dolly Parton has rapped live on the Queen Latifah show in the US. The 67year-old joked about her famous big bosom.

It’s to be aired on Monday.”

Am I the only one who misinterpreted that as Dolly Parton going a bit Page Three on the telly?

So after the shame of bra-gate, I faced an even bigger challenge: preparing for my office Christmas party. It’s next week so I decided to have my eyebrows shaped and dyed early.

Normally I go for the waxing or plucking option – which in itself is akin to self-flagellation – but this time I was booked in for the “threading” technique.

Sounds like something your gran would do with her crochet, isn’t it?

It was, I discovered, an “ancient method of hair removal”. It hurt like hell. No wonder, ancient methods of dentistry involved strings and doors, or the local blacksmith. Old is not always preferable. Other ancient eyebrow shaping methods probably include simply setting fire to unwanted hair by rubbing two twigs together.

Then, to add insult to injury, my beautician decided to dye my brows black which, considering I have the complexion of Elizabeth the First when she’s had a fright, was the sort of mistake only made by someone colour blind. I was left looking like an albino with the eyebrows of Alistair Darling. If they don’t calm down by the day of the party I will need to arrive in a Hallowe’en outfit, just so my face matches the clothes.

Finally, I faced the ordeal of shoe shopping.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that tall women shouldn’t wear shoes. Even barefoot I am lofty enough to give a giraffe the evil eye if necessary, so add a pair of heels to the equation and my hair starts to collect snow.

Why do women do it to themselves? Apparently 55 per cent of us will have to be carried home at some point because our feet are too sore to walk. Although this number is likely to go down as obesity goes up.

Meanwhile, 10 per cent spend more than £1,000 on shoes each year. I am not surprised, considering my friend managed to blow 150 quid in Primark the other day. What did she do, buy the whole business?

You can enjoy the best of Alice Bell’s and Martin Hesp’s Saturday essays – and our other writers – on the Western Daily Press website westerndailypress.co.uk/wcl

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 3

People Suzanne Savill

The converted stone barn tucked away in the village of Clapton, near Midsomer Norton, looks like a typical rural West Country home.

But when Bini Ludlow opens her front door and leads the way to her farmhouse-style kitchen, there is a subtle aroma of spices that evoke the smells and tastes of India.

This East meets West fusion of a rural English lifestyle and the exotic cuisine of Asia has created an unexpected recipe for culinary success for Bini.

In just two years, she has gone from being a secondary school teacher to establishing her own cookery business, Sweet Cumin, and enjoying national acclaim in the TV series Food Glorious Food, which was screened earlier this year.

She was also awarded Gold in the takeaway category in the Taste of the West Awards 2013, and was a finalist in the British Cookery School Awards 2013 in the People’s Choice section.

So why did Bini decide to swap the classroom for the kitchen?

“I’d been working as a supply teacher, covering maternity leave at a local school.

When that ended there were no suitable jobs in the area, and I was wondering what I could do, and a friend said: ‘You can cook’.”

The suggestion by Bini’s friend, Hannah Cox, resulted in Bini deciding to teach people to cook the authentic Indian curries she had been making since childhood, using recipes from Gujarat, the state on the north-west coast of India where her parents lived before moving to Kenya and later settling in Bradford, in Yorkshire.

Bini’s determination to introduce British people to the Indian home cooking with which she grew up has been integral to her sudden rise to prominence as a cook.

“This is called dhokra,” she says, pointing to a dish she has just made which looks almost like a sponge cake, but exudes a tantalising scent of spices.

“It’s made from semolina, sweetcorn, low fat yoghurt, ginger, garlic, chilli, mustard seeds, fresh coriander, oil and asafoetida, which is like fennel.”

The spicy dhokra, which Bini serves with coffee, is perfect on a damp, grey winter morning and makes a welcome change from sugary, creamy cakes.

It is very different from anything which might be encountered on the menu of a typical Indian restaurant in the UK – but is exactly the sort of fare that would be served in an Indian home.

“I want to teach people about real Indian food,” Bini explains, as she serves on to plates the dhokra, which is in effect a savoury steamed cake.

“So often what people in this country think of as Indian food is in fact not what people in India would eat.”

Does that mean that pupils on her courses will not be making chicken tikka masala, and that it is not included on the weekly list of frozen dishes that Bini makes available for customers?

“That is an Anglicised curry, made in a way intended to appeal to Western taste buds, and it’s not the sort of curry I teach or make,” explains Bini, who has now settled in the West Country – her husband Richard runs a specialist lighting company.

“In a way, I can understand it because when people like my mum, Dhaniben, and my dad, Dayaram, came here in 1967 they realised that people in Britain didn’t really understand what Indian food was about.

“This resulted in changes being made with the aim of making Indian food more appealing to people used to British cooking – but it meant taking out a lot of spices and changing the taste of many dishes.”

Bini – whose full name is Binixa – is taking a different approach to that of her parents’ generation.

Since setting up Sweet Cumin 16 months ago, she has been focusing upon tempting the Western palate with a more authentic range of Indian food through her cookery classes and by selling her own home-cooked dishes.

“I decided to call my business Sweet Cumin, because that is an alternative name for fennel, or fennel seeds – one of my favourite ingredients in Indian cookery,” Bini enthuses.

Needless to say, fennel features in the recipe she learned from her mother and decided to enter into Food, Glorious Food!, the ITV1 series about food produced by home cooks around Britain.

The dish “Ultimate Curry –West Country Slow Cooked Shoulder of Lamb with Tiger Prawns”, resulted in her reaching the national quarter finals and having her recipe included in the cookery book of the series – and the curry received glowing comments from the judges.

Loyd Grossman praised the “incredible complexity, which delivered at all levels its intention, conception and execution”, while Tom Parker Bowles declared it to be “one of the best curries I have tasted”.

April Preston, head of food development at M&S, enthused about the “exotic combination” and “fantastic blend of spices”.

As well as achieving such acclaim for her cooking, and a succession of awards in the past year, Bini has also been asked to give cookery lessons at a number of local schools, and has even been invited to teach young chefs at the Michael Caines Academy in Exeter – a school headed by leading chef and TV personality, Caines.

Despite her love of cooking, Bini did not study cookery at college but instead took a degree in textiles and a masters in marketing, and then worked in the textile industry but later changed careers and trained to become a teacher.

She started teaching textiles in 1999, at the age of 25, when she began working at Passmores Academy, which recently came to national attention as the school in the televi-

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Ludlowpride whoinowns Sweet a cookery school has home had great success in the 16 months it Bini takes cooking theCumin traditional food from herwhich parents’ region, Gujarat PICTURES:which CLARE GREEN WCL-E01-S2

sion series Educating Essex. She recalled: “I cried every day for the first three months.”

“I wasn’t sure about the system, and I had to find out about techniques like making sure the students were behaving outside before they came into the classroom because that way they would work better. Learning that changed my career.”

Bini spent four years as head of textiles at Passmores Academy before moving in 2003 to another job at Norton Hill School in Midsomer Norton, on the outskirts of Bath.

She left that job in 2008 to go travelling in India, and spent three months there, working in schools in Gujurat and Kerala, and meeting her extended family and discovering how the recipes they cooked compared to curry recipes found in the UK. “During the time I was teaching in Kerala I set up an art and textiles course,” she says.

“There are so many incredible fabrics in India, but the skills used in creating them were just taken for granted.”

In a similar way, however, Bini had taken for granted her own talents as a cook as it had always been such an integral part of her life.

“I’ve been cooking since I was about eight,” says Bini, who has an older sister and a younger brother “When my mum married my dad when she was 16, she couldn’t cook a thing, and she was determined that when her daughters got married they would not suffer the same difficulties that she did.”

After Bini returned from travelling in India, she got married in 2008 to her husband Richard – whom she had met the previous year at the gym they both attended in Midsomer Norton – and returned to teaching on a contract basis for a number of years, with her last contract covering a period of maternity leave.

When that ended Bini was unable to find any other suitable teaching jobs in the local area, but did not want to move away from her husband and home to take up a position further afield.

She was sitting in her garden discussing her problem with her friend Hannah Cox, and it was then that Hannah suggested she make use of her culinary skills and set up her own business.

“I look back on the business plan that I wrote back then and it looks so innocent, with ideas about setting up a stall in the village hall,” says Bini, who now holds events at the village hall in Clapton – in addition to holding her cookery classes, making and selling her homemade takeaway curries, judging competitions, giving talks and demonstrations, cooking for dinner parties, and supporting a variety of charities.

“I love what I’m doing as it combines teaching and cooking. Everything is done in a way that is defined stage by stage, to make sure everyone in the class understands what they are doing, whether they are experienced or inexperienced at cooking.

“I also teach about different spices and their tastes, all my students get their own small spice kit to take home.

“I want everyone who leaves my home after attending a class to feel confident about cooking real Indian food.”

Tonight, from 7pm to 9.30pm, Bini Ludlow will be hosting a Curry and Wine Tasting Event at Clapton Village Hall, near Midsomer Norton, BA34EB. The cost is £25 per person, and the event will feature curries and canapés by Bini to match wines from Stefan Gorda who runs QWines in Midsomer Norton. For further information on Sweet Cumin, go to www.sweetcumin.co.uk

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 5

Picture essay Clare Green

Drinking mulled wine, trying to find that extra special Christmas gift.

It’s something I’ve tried and succeeded in doing pretty much every year since the Bath Christmas Market first set up its familiar wooden huts, near the abbey, in 2000.

And it’s also something that’s appealed to me so much more than traipsing around the high street – shopping has never been my favourite activity and, as the journey towards Christmas Day gathers momentum during December, this rather lovely market should get you in the festive mood.

Set up by Bath Abbey and along its nearby streets, more than 150 traditional wooden huts have been put up this year offering handmade or unusual gifts, as well as food, drink, and beautifully made decorations. The market has grown so much since it started, I’m sure there were only about 30 huts once upon a time, but it’s a testament to its popularity and success that it’s pretty much quadrupled in size.

Taking part for the first time are John and Katherine Spencer, from Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, who have brought around a tonne of cheese with them, they say: “We are looking forward to selling directly to the public”.

Also enjoying a first year at the market is Polly Cetin, from Pocket Presents, who says: “Someone recommended Bath so we thought we would try it”.

I would recommend that you visit the market on a week-day if you can and, also, as it starts to get dark, for that extra bit of Christmas magic.

Pip Larkham ■ Bath Christmas Market is open until Sunday December 15 – Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 7pm; Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 8pm; and Sunday, 10am to 6pm

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minutes to know Jason Donovan Jason Donovan, 45, has been acting for more than 30 years, first becoming a household name in hit soap Neighbours. The Australian actor and singer talks to Roger Crow about working on The War of the Worlds stage show, his life in showbusiness, and why he’s not bothered about the 25th anniversary of ‘that’ wedding to Charlene...

How did you get involved in War of the Worlds?

It came to me a couple of years ago. I did the first season with Justin Hayward – I played the artilleryman and the producers asked me back. I did a reasonable job, but they wanted me to do something different to try and mix it up a little bit, so I played another role, the parson.

Jeff (Wayne) and Damien (Collier), who’s the producer, really liked it, and so they’ve asked me back for next year too, so I’m pretty happy.

I love the job and it’s nice to be playing big arenas. It helps me steer myself away from doing Saturday matinees, which I don’t really enjoy that much to be totally honest.

The original album scared me as a kid.

What are your memories?

I remember that string section; the classic string line that we all know, but I wasn’t too aware of the piece beyond that. I know it was very successful in Australia; they’d done a number of tours down there. I’ve yet to be involved in one of those tours, but you never know.

The War of the Worlds stage show is presumably better than ever in the technical department?

The main driving force for something like this is certainly the music; that’s the backbone of it, but audiences have come to expect a little bit more. My experience for productions like this have always been the story, though. That’s the important piece.

Many Neighbours fans are reflecting on it being 25 years since Scott and Charlene’s wedding. Did you have any idea how much of an impact it would have?

There’s a whole bunch of fans that have an emotional connection with that. It’s a long time ago. I certainly understand how there’s a big affection for it, but I’m concentrating on The War of the Worlds DVD at the moment and I’m not thinking about Scott and Charlene’s wedding, to be honest.

What’s been your favourite role over the years?

They all have fond memories for me. War of the Worlds is one of the highlights because last year I worked with Ricky Wilson and Marti Pellow – two people I admire and respect – and Kerry Ellis, and of course (hologram) Liam Neeson, who remains very ‘one dimensional’ throughout the whole experience.

Is there a dream project you would like to do?

I love working live, but I’d love to get my teeth stuck into some more drama and TV. That would make me happy.

Was there a moment as a child on TV where you thought, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life?

Well my father’s an actor, and we tend to follow our parents in a lot of ways, but I was always very realistic about whether that opportunity would come to fruition.

■ Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds... The New Generation, is out now on DVD WCL-E01-S2

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 7

People Tristan Cork

A cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End, was always going to be a dramatic experience. But for one couple it became a life changer.

David Swettenham and his teenage son Ben decided one day to cycle from the top to the bottom of the country to raise money for charity.

It was a decision that would change his life – even though they never actually went through with it.

In preparation for the ride (that never happened) David and his partner Helen looked into what good cause their efforts should be for.

And it was this search that changed their lives, not the ride or lack of it.

Instead of raising a few thousand pounds for a worthwhile charity, David and Helen decided – ultimately – to set up their own charity around cycling and bikes, education and Africa.

Nine years on and in a busy but dull unit on an industrial estate on the edge of Tetbury in Gloucestershire, the thirteenth thousand bike was loaded into a shipping container and within just a few weeks, will change a child’s life in Gambia.

“I’d come through a divorce and was at a turning point in life I suppose,” said David.

“We had this idea for Ben and I to do the bike ride, and we looked into what we could raise money for. At the time, Helen and I were going to start a business attached to holiday homes, but this blew up and we haven’t looked back since.”

The couple looked around for a charity to raise money for that had something to do with education, bikes and Africa.

They travelled to Gambia, a small country in West Africa, and found that children were struggling to get a decent education because they lived so far away from the nearest school.

Getting to school meant an hour or two’s walk, so they’d arrive tired out. Then they might have to leave early to get back before nightfall.

A bike would cut the journey to 20 minutes, and such a simple thing could mean the difference between that child educating their way out of poverty or not.

There was no charity to raise money for, so David and Helen set one up. And instead of actually doing the John O’Groats – Lands End ride themselves, they threw themselves into collecting bikes and sending them to Gambia.

As a nod to its origins, and perhaps as a reminder that they really should get around to doing the ride eventually, the charity was named Jole Rider, after the landmarks at either end of the country.

In March 2006, less than 18 months after the initial idea, the first shipping container packed with bikes left a hangar at an old RAF base in Hullavington, Wiltshire, and ended up in Gambia.

Helen King and David Swettenham, above, of Jole Rider, pictured during the ‘shipping day’, below, when their charity sent its 13,000th bike to the west African country of Gambia

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PICTURES: CLARE GREEN

Places Clare Green At the end of November, the 36th container, containing the thirteenth thousand bike, left.

The entire enterprise is a win-win-win situation. Now in new premises in Tetbury, they operate as a charity shop for bikes, where people donate old ones, and buy newer ones, with the money going to the costs of shipping.

The donated bikes are sent to prisons in Liverpool, Cardiff and Dover – and Irish bikes go to an Irish prison – where prisoners are trained to repair and refurbish them, thus learning a trade.

In Gambia, the bikes change school children’s lives, and also provide jobs: Jole Rider has now set up two workshops training and employing Gambians to fix the thousands of bikes when they are out there.

At the far end of the shipping container a volunteer – nicknamed ‘Squirrel’ because of his ability to squeeze into tiny spaces and pack the bikes so tightly that more than 400 can fit in one small space, like a squirrel hoarding nuts – is lining the bikes up. There are gaps, and often they will be filled with books and school equipment.

“The bikes go direct to schools, the schools apply to us for them, and then the schools will allocate them to individuals,” said David.

“When we started this, if you had told us how much it would have taken over our lives, it would have been difficult to take in. When we first went to Africa, it was obvious that this was a simple thing that they needed, and would give a direct benefit.”

Helen and David struggle for words when asked about the impact their efforts have had on thousands of schoolchildren in Gambia, as if they haven’t even thought about it, as if the most important thing is that there are still thousands more that haven’t got a bike.

“We don’t really concentrate on seeing for ourselves the difference it makes, we don’t even really ask,” she said. It is nice when you hear that a school has seen its grades across the board go up, and it’s that academic achievement that is the most important thing to us.

“We’ve been out there about 20 times, but it’s all about the logistics of making sure the bikes get from a ship to a school.”

As well as changing lives in Gambia, Jole Rider changes lives in Britain, and not just in prisons. Young George Belcher, from Wimborne in Dorset, has been at all but one of the ‘shipping days’ for the past three years.

Then seven, and now aged ten, his parents Jeremy and Sarah found Jole Rider online when they bought George a new bike and wanted to donate his old one.

“David invited us to come up and see the bikes get packed. George loved it and we come every time now,” said Jeremy.

“He gets a day off school, but he has to do a project on the whole thing when he gets back.

It’s great for him to see physically the bikes going off.”

After that first shipment of 400-odd, to reach 13,000 would have been unimaginable, but now it could be dwarfed in years to come.

“Every single country in Africa has similar problems in rural areas, problems of children going to school,” said David. “The model we’ve developed in Gambia seems to work, and we’ve got plans to make it work in other countries too, but we’re going to need a lot more bikes.”

Something quite magical is afoot.

Which is good news.

Because when the winter days start to really close in and it feels like it never even gets light enough to go for an outdoor walk, you might expect places like the National Arboretum at Westonbirt in Gloucestershire to hibernate for the season.

The summer concerts are a distant memory, the stunning autumn colour that brings tens of thousands from all over the country to visit, has faded and no one wants to tramp around a forest in darkness.

So Westonbirt has turned their spire-like cathedral of trees into an enchanted wonderland, thanks to a spectacle of coloured light on a one-mile tree-lined trail through the arboretum.

The shapes, textures and shadows of the forest are lit up with subtle colour, and at 5pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Westonbirt comes alive with families walking through the winter wonderland.

“The centrepiece of the event is a spectacular one mile illuminated trail highlighting the striking structures of Westonbirt’s trees lit up against the winter night sky,” said Gina Mills, from Westonbirt. “Each year a lighting design is created so visitors can experience different specimens, paths and vistas in the tree collection.

“As well as enjoying the majestic beauty of the towering trees lit by thousands of festive lights, visitors can meet Father Christmas dressed in traditional green, along with festive stilt-walkers including Jack Frost, the Christmas Fairy and a very tall reindeer and join in with the carol singing performed by local choirs.

“Festive market stalls will offer a wide range of food and drink including Moroccan street food by Exotic Tagine, hot chestnuts, hog roasts and toffee apples.”

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 9

People Tina Rowe

When Frank Naish died last week, a slice of history went with him. He was the last man standing from a vanished age, waiting to step into the past.

10 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

This is a tribute to a vanished age and to two men who gave the Western Daily Press an insight into their world, with unfailing courtesy, and good humour.

When Frank Naish died last week, aged 89, he was the oldest working cider-maker in Britain.

He and his older brother, Harold, had lived and worked at Piltown Farm, West Pennard all their lives, looking after the land, and each other, with the standards instilled by equally hard-working parents brought up in the Victorian age.

Their home has rightly been called a: “timewarp farm”. For many years it was lit by oil and candle-light. They disdained chemicals, worked their small acreage the old-fashioned way, made equipment last, not out of meanness, but partly because they honoured the effort that had gone into its creation.

They never took a holiday, and until Harold died, aged 84 in 2005, they were inseparable.

Photographer Steve Roberts and I first met them on a wet and miserable early summer’s day in 2000. We were driving along the PiltonGlastonbury road when we saw Harold, walking ahead wearing a slightly frayed, greatcoat, pushing a hay bale on a porter’s trolley, head bent down in the driving rain. Such a sight was rare, and Steve pulled in to go in search of the man who had disappeared along a farm drive.

Steve returned, having been allowed to photograph Harold, to say that he was one of two farming brothers, who would be happy for us to record something of their lives if we wished to call again.

A couple of weeks later we returned, for a memorable morning.

We parked by the fine old outbuildings and walked round to the back door, to be welcomed into the homely kitchen. The patches and cracks on its painted brick and plaster walls were earned through time, not, as I wrote, to create fake period charm.

A bellows for the fire, a hook to hang a cap, the old Aga, bought in 1948 with cash saved from wartime cider sales, were all more useful than high-tech kitchen gadgets.

Outside peonies and Christmas roses, planted long ago by Frank and Harold’s mother, bloomed, while up in the cider orchard Billy, their old Hereford bull dreamed his life away among buttercups. They could not bear to send him to slaughter before he reached 30 months, under rules to beat BSE. He survived to see his 19th birthday.

Sentimental? Perhaps. Respect for life played its part, but so did a weighing up of the costs and advantages of “new” ways.

The brothers grew up in the long shadow of the Great War, and it shaped their smaller world. Their father left the fields to serve at Ypres and on the Somme. Their mother told

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Visiting the West Country this week

him she did not want to be a widow, but would marry him if he returned. He did return, shellshocked, to work the farm that his father had bought while he was away. His two bright little boys were born well after the war ended.

Cider-making had a long tradition in the family and the boys were helping their father make his award-winning nectar by the time Frank was seven. They learned to milk by hand, how to lay a hedge, to know when a pregnant cow needed human help.

Harold was a clever, shy child, who grew into a clever, shy man. He never slept away from the farm until 2002 when he had a twoweek stay in Butleigh cottage hospital.

Their mother, Ann, was a talented amateur photographer and her photographs, lovingly pasted into albums, show white-bearded grandfathers, elegant gigs, family parties, conviviality.

Frank served in the army in the Second World War, his only break from the farm. His one excursion to London left him unimpressed. But neither could they be described as incurious. In fact quite the reverse, their busy minds worked overtime, and they had an encyclopaedic knowledge of local families, and land deals and ownerships.

They remembered the days when neighbours helped at harvest-time, enjoying cider in return, and in old age they relished the company of friends old and new.

Jack Whitehall Siobhan Stayt talks to Jack Whitehall who is in Bath to launch a new book which shows family life through the eyes of two generations

Frank Naish, who has died at the age of 89, had spent almost his entire life on the family’s Somerset farm, and was widely regarded as the oldest cider-maker in Europe. He was devoted to his brother Harold, pictured with him as a child, left, who lived and worked alongside him until his death in 2005 PICTURES: STEVE ROBERTS WCL-E01-S2

Showbusiness runs in the Whitehall family, so it is perhaps not surprising that for his latest venture comedian Jack decided to pair up with his acting agent father Michael.

The duo have penned a new memoir called Him & Me and are also starring in their own comedy show Backchat.

Interestingly, they wrote the book during a five-day stint holed up in the Royal Crescent Hotel, in Bath.

Jack said the city was his father’s first choice when he suggested getting away from the distractions of London.

“When I was writing (the sit-com) Bad Education I went to stay at a friend’s house in Grenada, so I suggested to dad that maybe I could ask around and see if I could wangle something,” he said.

“Of course he started grumbling, saying he didn’t want to go abroad, and said “Let’s go to Bath”.

“So we checked into the Royal Crescent for five days, writing intensely and buying lots of drinks from the minibar, which was very expensive, but amazing.”

The result of their efforts is a humorous look at family life, growing up in the Whitehall household, through the eyes of two generations.

The pair have also recently launched their new BBC3 comedy show Backchat and Jack said he is enjoying working with his dad.

“It is exactly as stressful as it sounds, exactly as fraught with problems. But that’s not to say it isn’t fun.”

He added: “When we were writing the book, we both wrote bits and edited each other and then brought it all together.

“As with all writing, it was really nice to have a sounding board.”

Jack admitted there was a worry that the book would contain lots of “in jokes” that only family members would find funny.

But, he said he hoped the end result would resonate with people from all walks of life.

“Of course, we are ridiculously middleclass, so there are lots of first-world problems, but I think a lot of it is quite relatable.

“It has all those generic themes about parents being embarrassing, people losing their temper on holiday, which I think most people have experienced.”

Jack is a rising star of the comedy world, having caught the public’s attention back in 2008 when he hosted the E4 show Big Brother’s Big Mouth.

Since then he has become a regular on panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and A League of Their Own, as well as taking starring roles in successful sit-coms Fresh Meat and the selfpenned Bad Education.

His comedy persona is inextricably linked with his middle class upbringing, and he said at this stage he wasn’t too concerned with being typecast.

“Of course I’d love to play something different one day, but it is all about finding new challenges.

“No one wants to be typecast, but you just have to wait for the right job and be careful about what you do.”

Michael’s previous life as an acting agent (his clients included Judi Dench and Colin Firth) has meant he has been able to help his son through the excitements and pitfalls of life in the public eye.

Jack said: “He is definitely better placed to guide me, than say if he was a librarian. But even so, it has changed quite rapidly – I don’t think Nigel Havers has a Twitter account!”

Jack and Michael Whitehall will be appearing at Bath Pavilion this evening, at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Tickets can be bought by phoning 01225 428111 or emailing bath@toppingbooks.co.uk.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 11

Food Chris Rundle

You may have felt yourself being drawn into the strange world of Malcolm Walker in the recent documentary series about his Iceland frozen food stores.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Chorizo and tomato cookies Ingredients for 12-16 (depending on how small you want them) 15g sun-dried tomato; 25g chorizo; 75g plain flour; 30g fresh grated Parmesan; 25g hazelnuts; 1tblspn dried oregano; one beaten egg; 40g butter; pinch of salt; 1tspn baking powder

Method

Preheat the oven to 210C, gas mark 7. Heat a small frying pan, wipe with kitchen paper dipped in oil and roast the hazelnuts for two to three minutes until very lightly browned.

Allow to cool then blitz to a powder in a food processor.

Chop the tomatoes and chorizo into tiny chunks. Mix together the flour, powdered nuts, baking powder, salt and parmesan in a bowl, add the egg, butter and remaining ingredients and mix well with your hands.

Form into balls, place on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment, flatten out and bake for eight to ten minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

For extra crispness reheat in the oven for two minutes shortly before serving, allowing to cool again.

Pistachio-dipped grapes 24 large, black Italian grapes (preferably seedless), heaped tablespoon full-fat creme fraiche, 50g soft goats’ or ewes’ cheese, two teaspoons powdered ginger, 60g shelled pistachios, sea salt, freshly-ground black pepper.

Method

Mix together the creme fraiche and cheese in a bowl and season lightly. Lightly toast the pistachios then place in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin, and scatter the ginger into a saucer.

Dip each grape in the cheese mix then dip in the ginger and roll in the nuts. Refrigerate until needed and serve speared onto cocktail sticks.

Chocolate and almond truffles Ingredients 200g dark confectioner’s chocolate, 200g powdered almonds, 30g butter, two tablespoons milk, one egg yolk, two dessert spoons icing sugar, chocolate vermicelli.

Method

Place the chocolate and milk in a bowl set over a pan of hot (but not boiling) water and stir until the chocolate has melted.

Melt the butter in a small pan. Away from the heat beat the egg yolk, butter and sugar into the chocolate, fold in the almonds and mix well.

Refrigerate for two hours, then form into balls, roll in the chocolate vermicelli (or you could use crushed flaked almonds or a crushed chocolate Flake) and keep refrigerated until needed.

Fran Stothard has the perfect, easy to prepare Christmas party nibbles, without mum having to go to Iceland

12 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

PICTURE: FRAN STOTHARD PICTURE: FRAN STOTHARD

Ingredients I certainly was. Not that I’ve ever bought more than the occasional packet of frozen prawns from him – and then only after checking the packaging to ensure they originated in the cold waters of the North Atlantic rather than the tepid, turbid soup of a Far Eastern fish farm pond.

But there was something refreshingly honest about his approach to the business.

Walker’s feet have never left the ground despite the vast Elizabethan manor that is now his home, and all the other outward manifestations of his success in building the business up.

Neither does Iceland aspire to be something it isn’t. It remains a purveyor of cheap food.

No one mentions ‘healthy eating’ because that is a concept which clearly is never taken into consideration, either by those who ‘design’ Iceland’s range or the customers who troop through the doors to fill their trollies with boxes of artfully-designed concoctions of ingredients which, in some cases, are enough to spark an involuntary shudder.

Which was why the advertising campaign which featured in the last of the series, aimed at persuading punters that Iceland products were ‘better than you think’ had ‘failure’ stamped all over it from the start.

Because it was an admission that not only did many people have a low opinion of what Iceland sells, the company knew that to be a fact. Better not to mention quality at all, in that case.

Somehow not even the star, the pinnacle, of the latest range – a nugget of battered fish topped with a layer of mushy peas and crowned with a single chip – is going to tempt me to take up the Iceland habit even though the commercials relentlessly inform me no party is complete without a stack of empty Iceland boxes left out for recycling.

I do tend, you see, to read the ingredients lists rather more carefully these days, which is why I know that Tesco’s own-brand mince pies are marginally ‘healthier’ – if that’s an appropriate word in the circumstances – than Mr Kipling’s.

Anyway the last time we stocked up the freezer with ‘party’ food for Christmas it certainly wasn’t from Iceland, but from a retailer at the other end of the scale. And it was still bland and distinctly underwhelming.

Flavour! That’s what’s lacking from so many ready-made foods, salt-laden though a lot of them are. More flavour equals quicker satisfaction and therefore (in theory at least) less need to go on gorging and, consequently, less likelihood of putting on extra inches.

Here are three examples of party foods which are really packed with flavour, are simple to make and which are certainly one step up from the fish, chip and mushy pea bite.

There will be more next week.

Julie Webber takes her pick from a table filled with cup cakes from Lisa Walker’s eight-month-old business Once Upon a Cupcake, in Minehead.

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Eating out Jonathan Whiley

Sometimes there is nothing to quite match a bowl of steaming hot mussels.

Many moons ago my parents were at a restaurant for a 40th birthday party.

Mussels took pride of place on the starters’ menu and so nearly all of the company chose to order them.

As a finger bowl arrived with a slice of lemon in lukewarm water, one of the party, a ditzy woman called Rose beckoned the waitress over.

“I don’t mean to cause a fuss,” she said, in all seriousness. “But I didn’t order the soup.”

We later discovered that she had a bit of a track record with culinary faux pas.

On another occasion, when asked how she would like her steak, she responded defiantly, “cooked, of course.”

It was a holiday in Italy that remains the most memorable example. Ravished by hunger she happily nibbled away at what she thought was a bowl of salted dried green peas – only to be told that it was in fact, pot pourri.

Ignorance, it turns out, isn’t bliss at all. It’s actually rather floral.

I bring this up because I often wonder how Rose copes with the gastronomic creations of 2013.

The Tavern in Cheltenham – a stone’s throw from the Prom – sums up the latest trend with interiors that are a perfect cross between the set of Dragons’ Den and some form of Wild West shack.

In truth, it’s all bit gimmicky and you get the impression that someone has spent a lot of time and effort to make it look as though it’s taken no time at all.

“What this? Oh I just threw it all together.”

The trouble is – and part of me hates myself for it – it’s growing on me.

The endless sea of wooden benches that belong in a park rather than a pub, the big silver lights that are more at home in an aircraft hanger and ‘vintage’ chairs and tables straight out of Cash in the Attic.

And now to the ethos, because, these places always have an ethos. A motto, a message, a scripture, even a hashtag.

Of course it’s ultra-cool, but thankfully quite simple; just pop in for a cheeky pint, relax and eat something you want to eat rather than what the chefs want you to eat.

The food? Well it claims to be modern American and British with world influences, particularly Asia which is a clever way of saying, well, nothing at all really.

Shame really, because the food is excellent.

While my friend tucked into a hearty American chilli dog (£10) which was all meaty splendour with a generous kick of heat, I devoured three ‘slider’ burgers’ with coleslaw (£13).

One toasted brioche bun revealed a generous portion of cider pulled pork – tender strands of juicy meat rich from a smoky barbecue sauce and sweet from cider – and the beef with red onion was a patty full of well seasoned meat.

Among the interesting selection of sides – Spam fritters Kilpatrick, fried Nocellara olives, devilled Scotch egg – it was the chickpea chips with chilli jam (£4) that caught our eye.

Served in a bang-on trend small silver bucket – who knows what Rose would have said – they were crisp from fine breadcrumbs on the outside and soft and moreish in the middle.

Dipped in a tangy relish – jam it was not – they were a delight.

Another bucket arrived – this time to reveal huge, if unremarkable sweet potato wedges at WCL-E01-S2

a pricey £4 – and the nicely balanced Mojito Royale (£8) – the classic rum cocktail with champagne – and a pint of Belgian beer Vedett (£5) meant the affair was truly global.

The menu has options to cover all bases.

Dirty mac and cheese, sticky chicken wings, rock oysters, salt and pepper squid with Asian slaw, blackened salmon and a selection of steaks – including a 22oz Chateaubriand – that would sit happily in any fine dining restaurant.

Desserts, though we didn’t have room, are plentiful and suitably novel with the caramaca cheesecake and deep fried Wagon Wheel both catching my eye.

With food and drink sourced from independent producers and a recent Bib Gourmand award for good cuisine at a reasonable price, there is much to be applauded.

I suspect even poor old Rose might like it – after all, there’s not a mussel in sight.

Venue The Tavern, Royal Well, Cheltenham Contact 01242 221212 or visit the website at www.thetaverncheltenham.com Price range Starters from £3, mains from £7, desserts from £3

The Tavern, in Cheltenham, one of a new wave of gastropubs, which according to Jonathan Whiley has decor that looks a little like a ‘Wild West shack’

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 13

Food Andy Welch

When Heston Blumenthal started making headlines, all the talk was of snail porridge and bacon and egg ice cream.

That was eight years ago, and those who wrote those dishes off as gimmicks would have done well to note that around the same time, he’d just won his third Michelin star. There was clearly more to his fusion of the chemical and the culinary than met the eye.

Since then, via TV series such as In Search Of Perfection and, following his move to Channel 4 in 2008, Heston’s Feasts, his understanding of science, wild imagination and, not least, his incredible cooking skills have been enjoyed by millions of viewers.

Following on from Heston’s Feasts, in which he focused on Victorian, Roman, Medieval and Tudor recipes, and last year’s Heston’s Fantastical Food, where he made enormous versions of everyday items – including a pub made of pies – he’s back with another series, Heston’s Great British Food.

“I’m a bit flustered today,” says Blumenthal, midway through filming the series which explores the origins of classic British dishes and then, in true Heston style, experiments with new ways of serving them.

He says he’s recovering from a mid-series freak-out. It’s not uncommon, he explains.

“Last week I wasn’t happy with anything we’d done. It’s so much work, my brain just fries.

“For the first time ever, I turned to the director and said I didn’t think I could do something. I thought we’d failed. He was OK with that, and from a TV point of view I suppose it would be good,” he adds.

“But I’ve not failed on a challenge before.

Even when that giant ice cream looked like it was going to collapse in the last series, we brought it back. I don’t want to fail at anything.”

In the first episode, Blumenthal hops into his red time-travelling phone box and discovers the roots of British favourite, fish and chips.

He found it became popular during the First World War, when potatoes were widely grown at home thanks to the Dig For Victory campaign, and fish was one of the few foodstuffs not rationed.

“We met a load of fishermen whose dads were fishermen during the war. They were telling us all these stories about being bombed while out at sea. Would you really have wanted to go out fishing during the war? Such bravery, and it played a huge role in it being a national staple.”

Giving tradition the signature Blumenthal twist, he visits the oldest chippy in London and creates something new. It involves wrapping a saveloy in mushy pea puree, then wrapping that in blended-up fish, chips, tartare sauce and vinegar, battering and deep frying.

“It was so wrong, in many ways, but it tasted so right,” he says. Of course, no one’s going to make better chips than Blumenthal’s own triple-cooked variety, now on gastropub menus up and down the land, but to add the soaked-in-vinegar taste so specific to the chip shop chips we all know and love, he makes a dipping sauce out of vinegar malt.

The episode culminates in a feast down by a replica of the Golden Hind in Brixham, com-

plete with a fake fish that spews out lumps of turbot and has eyes made of gold leaf and squid ink.

Further on in the series, Blumenthal tackles roast beef and discovers something interesting about our relationship with the French.

“All these years I thought they called us ‘Le Roast Beef ’ in a mocking way, making fun of our love of beef and Yorkshires. But it actually started as a compliment.

“In the 18th century, they used to send their chateau chefs to Britain to learn how to roast meat properly, because we were so good at it.”

There’s also a strand that runs through the series – half of which will be broadcast before Christmas with the other half in the spring – that asks the public “how they eat theirs”.

“On the roast beef episode, we found so many people who won’t let anyone else pour their gravy on a Sunday dinner,” says Blumenthal. “There are a lot of talking points thrown up by that.”

So after those long months of development and such a stressful filming schedule, wouldn’t he just prefer to make a “nor mal” TV series – where he simply picks a few dishes, stands in a studio, looks down the camera and, heaven forbid, just cooks?

“You know, I would really, really like to do that,” he says, deadpan. “Seriously, I’d love it.

I did a few things like that for the shows we did for Channel 4 on eggs. Still with a bit of science, but mainly home cooking. Wouldn’t that be something?”

Here are two Heston recipes for you to try at home...

Brussels sprouts with bacon Ingredients for six Five slices of smoked bacon, cut into lardons; 400g Brussels sprouts; 50g unsalted butter; salt and black pepper

Method

Fry the bacon lardons in a frying pan over a medium heat until they are soft but not coloured (this will take approximately five minutes). Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Set aside.

Keep the bacon fat in the pan.

Slice the bases off the sprouts and carefully separate the leaves, pulling them off of the sprout. Alternatively, shred them finely with a sharp knife.

Melt the butter with the bacon fat in the frying pan over medium-low heat. When the butter is foaming, add the Brussels leaves and stir to coat them. Add two tablespoons of water and cover the pan with a lid.

Allow to cook for five minutes, then stir in the lardons and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Chocolate ‘French fries’ with raspberry ketchup Ingredients for four For the chocolate sticks: 300g dark chocolate (60 per cent minimum solids); 300g milk

14 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

chocolate; 350g feulletine (these are shards of crushed caramel, although you can use a cereal like Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes as a substitute); 175g popping candy For the chocolate coating: 750g white chocolate; 225g milk chocolate; 45g cocoa butter; 0.02g red food colouring for chocolate (that’s the smallest of drops); 1.5g yellow food colouring for chocolate For the raspberry ketchup: 350g rosehip puree; 100g raspberry puree; 1g citric acid; 3g Gellan F; 135g fructose; 30g Creme de Framboise; 20g lemon juice

Method

You will need a kitchen thermometer for this.

Preheat a water bath or pan of water to 55C. Place the dark and milk chocolate in a sous vide bag and seal under full vacuum, place in the water bath and allow to melt completely.

Remove the chocolate from the bag and temper. If you don’t have a sous vide bag and vacuum machine, a similar result can be achieved by melting three quarters of the chocolate in a bowl placed above a pan of simmering water.

Don’t let the chocolate get too hot, and keep stirring continuously. When it’s melted, remove from the heat and wipe off the steam from the bottom of the bowl, then slowly add pieces of the remaining quarter of chocolate you kept back, bringing down the temperature of the melted mix to 31C. Add the feulletine and the popping candy to the chocolate.

Fill a mould measuring 10.5cm by 1cm by 1cm to the top, using a spatula to level the top

off. Search “chocolate finger mould” online to easily find one.

Place a cocktail stick into each chocolate rectangle when it’s still liquid, so it sticks out like a handle, place in the fridge and allow the chocolate to set completely.

Once fully set, remove from the mould carefully with the cocktail stick in it. Using a knife, cut both ends on an angle to resemble a chip, being careful not to cut through the cocktail stick. Repeat with the rest of the fries.

Place on a tray and place back in the fridge until needed.

Preheat a water bath 45C. Place the white and milk chocolate in a sous vide bag and seal under full vacuum, place in the water bath and allow to melt completely. (Same rules apply as before, with the bowl over simmering water).

In the meantime, in another bowl over simmering water, melt the cocoa butter with the food colourings, mix well. Remove the melted white chocolate from the water bath and add to the bowl with the cocoa butter.

Using a hand blender, mix the chocolate and cocoa butter until well combined.

Remove the reserved chocolate fries from the fridge and dip one by one in the chocolate mixture. Stand the fries in a piece of polystyrene foam, using the cocktail stick, and allow the chocolate to set at room temperature.

Once fully set, carefully remove the stick from the fry and using a warm palette knife, smooth the hole left by the stick.

For the ketchup, place the rosehip and raspberry puree, citric acid, Gellan F and fructose

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into the jug of a Thermomix blender, set for medium speed and to 90C. Allow to stand at this temperature for two minutes. Pour the contents into a bowl of an iced water bath and allow to cool to 30C. Mix in the Creme de Framboise (leave out if for children) and the lemon juice until well combined.

Continue to cool until 8C, breaking the gel as needed in order to resemble tomato ketchup texture. Serve with the chocolate fries from above. (You can achieve a similar result just gently heating the ingredients in a pan and cooling by resting in a sink filled with cold water.)

Heston’s Great British Food begins on Channel 4 on Tuesday, December 10. It focuses on British food with a twist such as chocolate chips with raspberry ketchup and Brussels sprouts with bacon

Foodie treat Mark Taylor Dorset-born Mark Hix may not be a household name like some of his fellow celebrity chefs but he has spent the last two decades at the forefront of the British food renaissance.

Hix made his name in London, where he was head chef at fashionable restaurants such as The Ivy, Le Caprice and J.Sheekey.

Since then, he has become a successful restaurateur with six acclaimed restaurants of his own in London and Dorset, as well as an award-winning food writer with nine cookbooks to his name.

The latest, The Hix Collection, features 300 of his very best recipes, reflecting his love of seasonal ingredients and his simple approach to their preparation and cooking.

It features many of Hix’s classic dishes including his famous “Christmas lunch of small game birds” and “Christmas mess” – his take on Eton Mess which replaces strawberries with chestnuts and a cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange and cinnamon.

This recipe for a warming pheasant, chestnut and wild mushroom soup is a perfect dish for a chilly December evening and the fact that most of it can be prepared in advance means it’s ideal for any unexpected guests knocking on the door over the Christmas holidays.

The Mark Hix Collection is published by Quadrille, priced at £25

Pheasant, chestnut and chanterelle soup Ingredients for six-eight

One oven-ready pheasant; one onion, peeled and chopped; one small leek, roughly chopped and washed; a few sprigs of thyme; 2 litres chicken stock; 100ml white wine; sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; 40g butter; 30g plain flour; 16-18 fresh chestnuts in the shell; 23tblspns double cream; 150g chanterelles, cleaned; 2tblspns chopped flat-leaf parsley

Method

Comfort food Rosa Mashiter With less than three weeks to the big day it seems this year everybody is dashing around getting all the pre-Christmas chores done.

But for those of you who have people to feed over the festive season your job is yet to come, and it is probably time to start that Christmas countdown.

Most of us will be eating turkey, goose or duck roasted in the traditional manner, and to lift it to its special meal status, this week I am concentrating on vegetables to accompany your roast. There is an abundance of local winter vegetables to be found in the shops, and this is where you will find the freshest, unless of course you grow your own! Do be “picky” about your veggies when you buy them, and avoid vegetables that are damaged, however slightly.

Mustard roast potatoes and parsnips Ingredients for eight 1.8kg even sized potatoes; 450g baby parsnips; 100ml olive oil; 2tblspns mustard seeds; salt; one bunch fresh thyme

Method

Peel the potatoes and parsnips. To make

fanned potatoes cut into each potato three or four times three-quarters of the way through, and then put into a large bowl of cold water and leave for three or four hours for the potatoes to open up. Repeat with the parsnips, but cut the parsnips in half lengthways.

Drain the potatoes and put into a large pan of lightly salted water and bring to the boil, lower the heat and simmer for about seven minutes or until the potatoes are just becoming tender – do not overcook. Cook the parsnips the same way, but for five minutes.

Drain both and spread out on a baking tray.

Roughly chop the thyme. Heat the oil in a roasting tin in a preheated oven 200C (400F, Gas mark 6) until the oil starts to sizzle. Add the mustard seeds and stir them carefully. Add the potatoes using a spoon, sprinkle with sea salt and scatter over the thyme and cook for 15 minutes, then add the parsnips and cook for a further 30-35 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper and serve.

Brussels sprouts with juniper berries and walnuts Ingredients for eight 25g butter; 3tblspns olive oil; 1tblspn juniper berries; two fat cloves garlic; one pinch crushed chilli; 650g sprouts; 50g walnut pieces

Method

Heat the butter and oil in a large frying pan and add the juniper berries, garlic and chilli and cook over a low heat for five minutes.

Meanwhile cook the sprouts in plenty of boiling water for four to five minutes, then drain well. Add the sprouts, over a medium high heat, to the juniper, garlic and chilli, stirring all the time for two to three minutes, or until they are hot through.

Glazed carrots and baby onions Ingredients for eight 25g butter; 1tblspn olive oil; 350g baby onions; 500g baby carrots; 40g golden caster sugar; 150ml dry white wine; 200ml vegetable stock; 1tblspn roughly chopped flat leaf parsley

Method

Heat the butter and oil in a frying pan and add the onions and cook over a medium heat until golden. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for ten minutes until tender. Remove the cover and cook stirring over a high heat until the liquid has evaporated and the vegetables are caramelised. Season lightly with sea salt and more generously with freshly ground black pepper.

Roughly chop the juniper berries. Peel and roughly chop the garlic. Trim the sprouts.

Roughly chop the walnuts.

Cut the legs from the pheasant using a sharp knife, then carefully remove the breasts. Place the legs, breasts and carcass in a pot with the onion, leek, thyme, stock and wine. Season, bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer for ten minutes. Take out the breasts and set aside. Continue to simmer the soup for a further 20 minutes. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir in the flour over a low heat.

Whisk the flour and butter mixture into the simmering soup a little at a time to thicken it, then continue to simmer for another 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200C/gas mark 6. Score the chestnuts and place on a baking tray. Cover with foil and bake for 12-15 minutes. Place on a plate and leave until cool enough to handle. Peel away the skins and cut each into two to three pieces.

Strain the soup through a fine sieve into a clean saucepan and add the cream. Remove the pheasant meat from the legs and cut the breast into bite-sized pieces. Add to the soup with the chestnuts, chanterelles and chopped parsley. Simmer gently for five minutes.

Check the seasoning and serve.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 15

Absolute Corkers Ned Halley

Watering hole Off the Rails Weston-s-Mare Take the train to Weston and it’s no distance to the first pub. A stride or two along the platform and you’re at the door to Off the Rails.

Station pubs used to be commonplace, especially in the heyday of resorts such as Weston.

The town first attracted crowds of thirsty visitors brought here via the railway by local resident Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1841.

By 1884, when the present station opened, the modest tide of trippers had burgeoned to a flood.

The pub on the platform must have been an animated establishment in the glory days. It’s true that some of the gloss might have rubbed off the old place, but it’s still characterful, one part café, one part saloon bar.

On the morning I popped in it was busy enough with a mix of customers equally divided, I’d guess, between loyal locals and passengers passing through.

It’s a proper real ale pub. Beers on tap were on the right track: Shires from Great Western Brewing in Bristol and Somerset & Dorset bitter from Cottage Brewing near the railway town of Castle Cary.

I know that ales from the brilliant RCH

Ned Halley looks at the range of sparkling drinks on offer

‘I am drinking stars!’ exclaimed Dom Perignon, inventor of champagne.

At least that’s what they say he exclaimed when he took his first sip from a foaming glass.

Like most champagne stories, it’s a distinctly frothed-up version of the truth. But it has its charms.

Sparkling wine has been adding to the joy of life since its discovery, not by a French monk but by a Gloucestershire doctor, in 1662, and remains a source of innocent pleasure to this day.

Especially in the festive season. And 351 years after Dr Christopher Merret, born in Winchcombe, presented his learned paper, Observations Concerning the Ordering of Wines to the Royal Society, revealing how wine merchants were putting the fizz into wine by means of a sugar-induced second fermentation, we now have a vast choice before us.

Sparkling wine is made everywhere.

The best still comes from Champagne.

But other regions of France, the rest of winemaking Europe and every corner of the wine-producing New World has joined in the chase.

England is the newest competitor in the field. Some of our southern counties have suitable soil conditions and even the right sort of weather for growing the kind of grapes that make decent sparklers.

From Sussex, try Ridgeview Bloomsbury Cuvee Merret (Waitrose £24.95), made from the champagne grapes, chardonnay and the two pinots, noir and meunier.

It delivers an artful balance between crisp freshness and mellow fruit and I like the nod to Dr Merret in the name.

English sparklers can be convincing, but remain rather expensive.

France’s own rivals to the regal dominance of champagne do rather better. My favourite regional sparkler this year is Simmonet-Febvre P100 Blanc de Noir Crémant de Bourgogne at about £15 from retailers including Wine World in Honiton, Devon (no website; ring 01404 43767) and Amazon (yes, the online bookseller).

Simmonet-Febvre is a major Chablis producer, but this fizz is more than a mere sideline.

It’s a blanc de noir, all pinot noir (a blackskinned grape) and has exactly the creamy mousse you’d hope for from a “crémant” sparkler. The alluring gold colour has just the slightest hint of russet-pink and it gives off a correspondingly autumnal ripe sweetapple aroma that contrasts tellingly with the crispness of the zesty, refreshing fruit. It’s not champagne, but it’s definitely in the same quality league as the best champagne names.

Italy is now France’s leading rival on the sparkling front thanks to the remarkable rise of prosecco.

It’s the softly sparkling fizz of Veneto, the province of Venice, made by the “tank” method in huge pressurised vats rather than the refermentation-in-bottle method of champagne and many of its counterparts.

Prosecco comes in plenty of styles, today mostly quite dry, and vigorously fizzy in the “spumante” manner as often as the more traditional, less-busy “frizzante” foaminess. This year take the advice of the Consumers’ Association’s Which? Magazine, which has voted The Co-operative Special Cuvee Prosecco at £9.99 the top wine in their latest tasting. One judge commended

16 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

it as “a lovely aperitif ” with “floral and peachy perfumes and a hint of lemon peel.”

I tasted this wine earlier in the year and liked its sweet pear nose, busy foam and fresh orchard fruit. And I like it even better now that the Co-op, no doubt pleased to have attracted some positive comment for once, has reduced the price by a third to £6.49 until the New Year. That is a real bargain.

And so to champagne. There’s nothing quite like it, but how to choose? Price is a poor guide. The brand named after Dom Perignon, who did much to refine the champagne method but certainly didn’t invent it, became the first “prestige cuvee” in 1936. It is a wonderful wine, these days priced at about £100, but has spawned a rash of competitors aimed at the undiscriminating rich, often even more expensive than their begetter and of very doubtful merit.

Forget prestige cuvees. Try Sainsbury’s Blanc de Noirs Champagne Brut. It has just done very well in the Which? Test, and happens to be my favourite supermarket champagne with its reassuring digestive-biscuit aroma, vivacious mousse and generous, mellow flavours.

This weekend you can buy it for £12.75 a bottle at Sainsbury’s. Usual price is £21.99, but it’s discounted individually to £17 until December 10. And also until December 10 if you buy any six bottles of wine at Sainsbury’s, you get 25 per cent off the lot.

If you like a big name champagne, there’s few better than the famously yellow-labelled Veuve Clicquot. At Sainsbury’s this is also a bargain. Veuve Clicquot Brut is down from £36.99 to £29.99, and reduced further to £22.50 under the 25-per-cent offer until 10 December.

Wine of the week Chinon L’Arpenty 2012 at £12.95 from Yapp Bros at Mere in Wiltshire is a uniquely delicious and refined red wine from France’s Loire Valley, a region in which Yapps have long specialised. Made from the cabernet franc grape, this vivid wine has the grape’s trademark wholesomely fresh, summer-red-berry aroma. The fruit is remarkably bright, crisp and juicy, with stirring meadow-fresh lushness right through to the textbook dry edge. I would serve this wine gently chilled with saucy fish dishes, poultry or charcuterie. It’s a discovery and an inspiring introduction to some of the most distinctive red wines of France.

The new edition of Ned Halley’s bestselling annual guide, The Best Wines in the Supermarkets 2014 is out now

Off The Rails, in Weston-super-Mare, is likely to be the first pub that greets you as you get off the train brewery at West Hewish near Weston have featured here strongly.

Paul Davey, who runs RCH and likes to give his products rail-linked names, once told me that in his early days as a brewer Off the Rails was the only pub in Weston that would do business with him.

On this occasion, my head was turned by the draught ciders.

Besides several Thatchers’ offerings there was the legendary Rich’s from Highbridge.

The medium, at £2.40 a pint, was in prime condition, a rare treat.

This is not a foodie pub. You can get a filled bun at the bar or a wrapped sandwich from the café section, and that’s your lot.

But if you’re lucky enough to find a seat – there are just four little tables ranged before the battered banquette that provides the bulk of the seating – you can enjoy at leisure the unique metaphysical buzz.

The traffic of customers hurrying in for a fast one, counterpointed by the frozen-in-time stillness of this other-worldly place and its seasoned regulars makes for a palpable tension. Add the sighs and surges of the arriving and departing trains just beyond the door, and you’ll be transported.

Off the Rails, Railway Station, Weston-superMare, Somerset BS23 1SY. Tel 01934 415109.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 17

Shopping Gabrielle Fagan

The Christmas lunch may be the high point of the day. But spare a thought for the table.

Decorating it may be a last-minute task but with the vital ingredients – some inexpensive accessories and a dash of creativity – it can easily enhance the sense of occasion.

Scandi-smart “Red and white Scandi-style is a festive favourite thanks to its nostalgic, homely feel,” says Clare Harris, managing director at Talking Tables, specialists in party accessories.

“Opting for this classic Christmas palette means you can mix and match decorations with ease. Look for updated takes on the Scandi look, including craft and cross-stitch details, as well as hearts on accessories inspired by Nordic knitwear.

“Weave in touches of the outdoors with vases of winter berries, pine cones and holly.

Red and white gingham or tartan napkins and red table runners or tablecloths will enhance the cosiness of this setting.”

TOP TABLE TOUCHES: The Contemporary Home is bursting with brilliant table accessor-

with white roses sprayed with hairspray and then dusted with silver glitter. This gives them a truly fairytale quality and lasts for several days.

“Place mirrored glass roundels underneath a collection of white or cream candles – the glass reflects the candlelight.

“Spray walnuts with silver spray and then use as place name holders; the natural crack in the shell will hold name cards perfectly.

“Fruit painted with egg white and then dusted with caster sugar is a fabulous frosted centrepiece. Don’t forget greenery – think sprigs of holly, strands of ivy and pale seasonal flowers. Keep it simple, shimmering and understated. Beautiful!“ TOP TABLE TOUCHES: Treat a table to new china: Tesco’s white Platinum Band 12 Piece 4 Person Dinner Set, £40. Bought individually, a dinner plate costs £4 and bowls are £3.50. Its Silver Wine Lustre Goblets, £7 for two.

A centrepiece is essential but needn’t be fussy. Opt for a clear glass bowl filled with silver baubles, or a vase with silver-sprayed branches hung with baubles. Tesco’s Silver Gem Baubles, £5 for pack of four, are super value, while Brissi’s range impresses: silver Antoinette Glass Baubles, £6 each, and Silver Heart Baubles, £5 each.

Mark a place setting with a name label tied to a silver cracker: Marks & Spencer’s Silver Connoisseur Christmas Crackers, set of six, £25.

ies making it easy to revel in red and white.

Create an appealing place setting with its Gisela Graham Red Wood Reindeer Head Decoration, with ribbon and buttons, £1.50. Line red Hessian Candles, £7, small, £9, large, down the centre and scatter some Christmas bells. A pack of 12 Gisela Graham Red And White Jingle Bells, £6.

Dunelm’s selection is inspired. A Nordic Collection Hanging Decorative Stocking, £2.49, could hold a set of cutlery and a napkin, or just a table present. Clip a name label to a red Wooden Heart Peg, pack of six, £1.49.

Classic country

White magic

“The natural rustic look – a strong trend for homes – has a relaxed informality, which makes it a perfect choice for those who like a charming, unpretentious table setting,” says Clare Satchwell, managing director at The Contemporary Home.

“Forest creatures, from reindeer to rabbits, other woodland motifs and natural textures like wood and linen, look beautiful together, and this uncontrived style will appeal to adults and children alike.

“Use a white cloth as a base and decorate with all things wooden, including tea light holders, platters and candle stick holders. Add vintage-look glassware and retro-style cutlery.

“Be creative with napkins – tie with string, pearls, ribbon or twine, or simply secure with a peg tied with holly and lastly, adorn with a tiny, wooden tree decoration.”

TOP TABLE TOUCHES: Reindeer are so in vogue and characteristic of the season, and Next has wittily-named Oh Dear Tumblers bearing their image, £9 for set of six.

If you feel creative, make a pine cones and ivy centrepiece by buying a small wreath and adding collected cones and a pillar in the centre. Debenhams’ Christmas Cream Stag Pillar Candle, £5, would work well. If that’s one chore too many, try a Pine Cone Candle Holder, £14.95, Aspen & Brown.

“White and silver is an enduring seasonal colour theme – and with good reason. It’s refined, elegant and also chimes with our idealised vision of a perfect white Christmas,” says interiors expert Alison Cork, whose online store, Alison At Home, has tableware and accessories.

“For a sparkling festive table, add magic

Almondsbury Forge

Glorious gold

Cooking & so Much More Come and see our selection of woodburning, gas and electric Esse range cookers on display, also available in oil, and with back boilers to heat your home.

We offer a full installation service We also have over 100 woodburning stoves on display along with wicker log baskets, companion sets, coal hods, spark guards, spares and accessories.

Sundays Hill, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4DS

01454 613315

www.almondsburyforge.co.uk

18 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

Give some extra thought to your Christmas table from gold, to white, to traditional themes

“Gold’s made a welcome return to favour with the fashion for razzle-dazzle glamour and metallics in our rooms,” says Clare Harris.

“You can choose to interpret this look in an understated but sophisticated way with gold charger plates, cutlery, and a single eye-catching centrepiece – perhaps a gold candelabra or gilded reindeer.

“Alternatively, you can be a little more theatrical and scatter miniature gold baubles down the centre of a table, pop tiny gift boxes wrapped in gold paper and ribbon beside each plate and, as a centrepiece, feature a tall, clear glass vase filled with gold baubles and topped by a floral arrangement of white roses and sprayed gold foliage.”

TOP TABLE TOUCHES: Plunder the high street for an inexpensive, glittering, gilded table. Tesco’s selection of Gold Paper Party Plates, £2.92 for pack of 20. Poundland is packed with bargains: A 3D Christmas Gold Standing Tree and gold box of eight Christmas Party Crackers are only £1 each.

Create a focal point with a group of Gold Christmas Tree Shaped Candles, £8 each, Marks & Spencer. Then add gilded fruit, such as a pair of Golden Apples, £25, Bitten London.

A Party Porcelain Glitter Reindeer, £7, Talking Tables.

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Shopping Lisa Haynes It really is a simple enough question, but should I tell the truth?

This Judy sequin ombre top, £65; from Phase Eight (www.phase-eight.co.uk) will add some sparkle to your Christmas party

As we move into December, this is undoubtedly the month for overstated glitz.

It’s time to outshine the fairy lights with jewel tone brights, overshadow the tinsel in the sparkliest of frocks and give the tree angel a run for her money in shimmering winter whites. The party season is all about decadence, dancing and serious dressing-up. Glamour comes in many guises, so pick your favourite Christmas fashion theme and deck yourself out with all the trimmings. ’Tis the season to sparkle and shine.

White Christmas You don’t need a snowy forecast to channel the ice maiden look. Look to opulent winter whites with a dusting of silver frosting.

Work an all-white look using layers of contrasting fabrics and textures to create interest – try delicate, floaty cobwebs of chiffon topped off with a fuzzy fur or a marabou feather cover-up. If you prefer a stark silhouette, work a plain, structured dress with a strong shape.

If you feel white is too harsh, look to the palest tones of champagne or dove grey for a softer look.

The major drawback of a white party outfit?

Steer clear of the mulled wine, or risk a festive fashion disaster.

Twinkle twinkle It’s every style magpie’s favourite time of year.

There are no limits to your sparkly capabilities, whether you want to glisten in top-to-toe sequins or work a subtle dusting of glitter with accessories.

ment, experiment with structured shape and a fit-and-flare skirt for the modern-day fairy effect. If you’re more of a tomboy, metallic tones lend themselves well to tailored separates, for a look that means business on the dance floor.

The darker the metallic, the more flattering on the body. For extra party dress slimming power, look to blackened silvers and golds rather than pale champagne or icy shades.

If you don’t fancy full-on gold, silver or bronze, reach for brocade. Set against a black background, lavish gold brocade will look show-stopping for after dark.

Black magic

The key to a seductive shimmer takeover is keeping your outfit in the same tone.

For a statement spin on traditional sequins, look to oversized paillettes that have a hypnotic, pearlescent quality.

If sequins are too obvious, go for Great Gatsby decadence with intricate, shimmering beadwork. Ornate flapper dresses are the obvious option for couture sparkle but the same theory applies to heavily embellished tops and statement jackets for a vintage feel.

Bright lights Make an impression on the dance floor with dramatic colour that resembles precious jewels. Pick out your best colour and amplify it with a shimmering jewel tone. For instance, if you adore green, choose rich emerald. Fan of red? Opt for ruby.

These powerful precious gem hues require no fuss or adornments, so keep extra bling and accessories to a bare minimum.

To really embrace the Christmas spirit, riffle through the trusty Quality Street tin.

This season you’ll find jewel brights in shimmering metallic tones that resemble The Purple One, Coconut Eclair blue or Toffee Finger yellow.

Disco-inspired coloured metallics need no flounce or fuss, so strip back the bouncy blow dries and sparkly make-up.

Molten metallics Liquid-look metallics, in bronze, silver and gold, exude luxury and drama. For pure state-

There will always be understated black dresses but there are also head-turning statement makers with cut-out details, dazzling necklines and opulent fabrics where the silhouette alone steals the scene.

Black is the perfect blank canvas for going all-out glamazon with the rest of your look.

Think sparkly bauble earrings, bejewelled box clutches or gem-encrusted necklaces that have “conversation starter” written all over them.

A simple styling tweak like a bright belt or party heels can instantly amp up a black dress or separates.

If you want to think outside the LBD box, try a playsuit that’s been spruced up for party season with a subtle black shimmer.

Untold jewel detail dress, £87; marabou feather shrug, £125; both from House of Fraser (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

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Dare I tell an immaculately groomed beauty consultant in “Harvey Nicks” that the last product on my face was a dab of Aldi moisturiser which costs around £2 a jar.

“Boots Protect and Perfect Beauty Serum,” I answer opting for a white lie. It ran out a few weeks ago. But even as the words are coming out my mouth my £23.95 idea of a little luxury suddenly sounds more Poundland than pampering.

Ah well, what’s a woman to do? Before long I’m admitting I don’t religiously take my make off before bed every night, never use a night cream on a regular basis and have no qualms about using £8.99 Rimmel foundation.

Luckily Tracey’s a pro. You’d never guess she was a expecting a beauty journalist instead of a breathless hack who doesn’t know her Clarins from her Clinique.

If she was expecting Bristol’s answer to AbFab’s Edina and Patsy, she didn’t show it.

She was the perfect combination of warmth and poise as she settled me on to a stool in the middle of the posh people’s department store to ask me about my virtually non-existent beauty regime. She even managed to make “Bless” sound amusing rather patronising when I admit it’s a dab of moisturiser, some make-up usually applied in the car on the way to work and I’d never heard of La Prairie until I was handed the invitation to a personal consultation as part of the brand’s arrival in Bristol.

Totally unfazed, Tracey started telling me about how the products can all be traced back to the Clinic La Prairie in Montreux, Switzerland and are based on sound science. Yet as she talked about the anti-aging cellular complex and creams containing white caviar and platinum, all I can do is nod and smile while studying her face and her hands for telltale signs of their efficacy. And I have to admit, whether it’s genes or La Prairie, Tracey’s in much better nick than me. Yes, I know she would be, wouldn’t she, but what else can I go on? All I can say is she’s a good advert.

And a good consultant. There was none of that insincere flattery. She points out that protecting your skin from the sun is the number one anti-ageing tip and, a few careful questions later, the penny drops for the first time - I don’t like anything too gunky or too smelly on my face. Tracey picks out a cellular cleansing water that seems lighter and purer than anything that comes out of my tap and I immediately start fantasising about this being the miracle product that turns me into one of those perfect women who religiously cleanses, tones and moisturises every night.

By the time she’s applied a carefully chosen barely there moisturiser, a light serum and an anti-ageing foundation to the back of my cleansed but never-manicured left hand, I have to admit the skin looks more luminous and smooth than the naked right. Maybe the lady at the Boots No 7 counter could have done the same, I don’t know.

All I know is that I didn’t actually cotton on how much it would cost to adopt the recommended skincare regime until Tracey suggested I go easy on the eye cream and I finally asked the “how much question” which punctured the fantasy. Let’s just say the serum alone costs £134 and some of the top-of-therange creams can sell for over £400.

Is it worth it? How the heck would I know?

It’s not like I can afford to test it for six months. Given a lottery win, yes, I’d probably give it a go. Why not? It would look good on the dressing table and it’s probably more effective than a prayer to St Jude.

But then again, if money can buy timeless beauty why aren’t Madonna’s much derided hands as milky young as Tracey’s. Maybe SPF50 is the only science we need.

Janet James

The La Prairie counter at Harvey Nichols is a little bit of luxury and decorated in the brand’s signature silver and cobalt blue. You can book a one-to-one in-depth skincare consultation and a personal skincare plan or browse at your leisure.

For more, go to www.laprairie.com

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 19

Books Eva Jones

Tim Foster an organic gardener, who teaches and works in Bristol and the South West, has released a book, which he has also illustrated, about how to produce vegetables organically

Good Earth Gardening is a new and different sort of gardening book.

Indeed, the sub title, A friendly guide to growing vegetables organically, should give you a clue that it’s more just than a manual on organic gardening; it is what might be described as a “good read” in its own right.

Written in a distinctive, humorous and personal style, it makes the subject of organic horticulture an accessible and entertaining subject appropriate to people at all levels of experience.

Author Tim Foster is an organic gardener, who teaches and works mainly in Bristol and the South West. A graduate in horticultural science and a qualified teacher, his in-depth experience and professional skills make him well equipped for encouraging others to

engage in organic growing. It’s been a passion for Tim for more than three decades and the time seemed right for him to pass on some of his valuable knowledge.

He said: “I have been teaching gardening for years and I have accumulated a lot of information – it seemed like a good idea to put it all together and that coincides with my having a bit more time last year.”

Although Tim describes himself as a “doodler” rather than an artist, he has also illustrated the book himself, with clever and sometimes amusing sketches, particularly where bugs and pests are concerned.

As you’d expect, Tim practises what he preaches and tends a small garden at home in

Bishopston and allotments near his home, on which he grows a range of veg that supplies his family for most of the year.

But that’s not all he produces: the plots are also home to a whopping 35 varieties of apple, concentrating on “old” types which he says are “richer in flavour and more aromatic than modern apples” which are “poor by comparison”.

It is quite logical, therefore, to assume that Tim may well produce a second book devoted to fruit.

But to return to his first effort, Good Earth Gardening will appeal to all-comers, whether a novice food-grower, or a more experienced gardener seeking to improve their techniques.

It is loaded with useful tips, information and personal observations based on vast experience, giving the reader a comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide.

In essence, the book explains how to grow all the main annual vegetables, but particular importance is placed on the need for healthy soil, which is the key to growing healthy vegetables.

Tim describes how good soil can be created.

Whether it be a matter of converting a few square metres of your back garden to vegetable growing, using containers on an apart-

ment balcony, starting an allotment, improving your techniques as an established grower, or even exploring the issues around sustainable food production, Good Earth Gardening will be an invaluable source of information and ideas, conveyed in a clear and entertaining way.

Among the range of topics covered are: rotations; basic tools; what to do first on a new plot; sowing seeds; composting; no-dig growing; organic growing systems; seeds and where to find them; pests, diseases and prevention; slugs and snails; growing in containers; sowing and planting calendar, and cloches.

Good Earth Gardening by Tim Foster is priced at £8.95 and can be obtained from Pomegranate Books, via the website www.pomegranatebooks .co.uk, or from any good book retailer

Books reviews The Valley of Amazement

by Amy Tan is published in hardback by Fourth Estate, priced £18.99 (ebook £9.49) Chinese/American author Amy Tan is known for stories about characters caught between two cultures, and this, her sixth novel, tackles familiar themes; however this time it involves an exhausting amount of sex.

To be fair, the setting of Shanghai concubine houses in the 1920s pretty much makes this mandatory. It’s an ambitious book, based on fascinating research, but it lacks the intimacy and caustic humour of Tan's previous novels.

20 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

The Shadow of the Crescent Moon by Fatima Bhutto is published in hardback

by Viking, priced £14.99 (ebook £8.99)

The Seasons: An Elegy for the Passing of the Year by Nick Groom is published in hardback by Atlantic Books, priced £22 (ebook £11.76)

Set in a small town in Pakistan's tribal regions, close to the Afghan border, this novel follows three brothers over the course of one fateful morning. This is a fast-paced story of love and loss, betrayal and conflict and hope and helplessness.

Bhutto deftly explores how living against a backdrop of war forces people to make terrible choices. A thoughtprovoking tale of people caught up in turbulent times.

The seasons and their rhythms and rituals have traditionally marked the passing year. But do they still have any relevance in our increasingly urbanised and computerised lives? Nick Groom believes they do and in this treasure trove of ancient folklore, he explains how the years and months have come to be measured and laments our changing relationship with the land and agriculture.

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Books Hannah Stephenson

Like his gripping legal thrillers, bestselling author Scott Turow is full of surprises.

Welcoming me into his hotel suite, this short, balding man with a laconic tone – whose debut novel Presumed Innocent was made into a hit film starring Harrison Ford and Greta Scacchi – seems every inch the academic who always wanted to be a writer.

Yet, as well as being a practising lawyer in his hometown, Chicago, where he first met his old pal Barack Obama, and a bestselling author whose books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, Turow also has a wilder side – though, meeting him for the first time, you wouldn’t know it.

He’s the singer in a band of writers called The Rock Bottom Remainders, the most famous of whom is horror master Stephen King.

The band was founded by the late Kathi Goldmark. Other authors who join in include Dave Barry, Mitch Albom, Amy Tan, Greg Iles, Ridley Pearson, James McBride and Roy Blount.

“We do Sixties covers. I sing – badly. Sometimes to amuse themselves, they’ll describe me as the lead vocalist, but it’s just an act of false humility on the part of the rest of them,” Turow observes.

For the gigs – they’ve played some major venues in the US – Turow will discard his conservative daywear and don zany wigs (he has a huge collection).

“I’m up there to make a fool of myself. I wear jeans, a feather boa and a wig. We’ll play to anybody who doesn’t care about hearing good music. The audience is there out of literary interest, rather than musical.”

Stephen King plays rhythm guitar and is a fabulous performer, Turow muses.

“Compared to me, Stephen King is Mozart,” he says, erupting into laughter.

“I remember one time I jumped back from the audio monitor because there was some awful sound coming out of it. I said to Kathi, ‘What is that?’, and she said, ‘It’s Steve, he’s singing’.

“My main contribution to this band is as a sight gag, it’s certainly not my musical ability.”

Turow’s in the UK promoting his latest thriller, Identical, which sees a man pleading guilty to the murder of his girlfriend, the daughter of an influential businessman and politician.

He’s released 25 years later into the care of his identical twin, a mayoral candidate in the middle of a political campaign, who’s then subjected to damning allegations that he was somehow also involved in the crime.

Turow, 64, was inspired by his own family experience as a child.

“When I was three, my sister was born and was supposed to be a twin. I had been fully prepped that when Mum came back from hospital, she’d bring back two babies.

“But only my sister came. It was announced that the other child had died in childbirth, strangled by the umbilical cord. This was very confusing for me, particularly as my father was an OB [obstetrician], so he delivered babies, and everybody else’s babies seemed to come out healthy and happy.

“It turned out that the other baby was a boy.

I wondered if the reason the other baby didn’t come home was because he was a boy like me,” he adds.

“I became engaged with the fantasy that this other baby had actually been my twin. I strongly recall pining for this lost brother and being caught up in the idea of having an identical twin.”

Turow says he had a difficult relationship

with his father, David, an eminent physician.

“He needed my mother to himself, and the arrival of children presented him with rivals for her attention, which he didn’t necessarily welcome. He was always angry with my sister and me.”

Writing was Turow’s first ambition. After graduating, he taught creative writing at Stanford University and was set for a career as an academic, when the law came to his attention.

“It was a total surprise. When my roommates came out of Harvard Law School and started practising, I thought that was really exciting.”

He enrolled at Harvard and a legal career followed, both as a prosecutor and a defender.

Today, he divides his time between writing and working on white-collar criminal defence cases and devotes much of his time to pro bono matters.

His insight into politics and the legal profession, so prevalent in many of his books, is taken from personal experience.

Indeed, he supported Obama (they met as lawyers) during his early days in politics, but they’ve seen little of each other since Obama became President.

“We really met through writing. He had just published Dreams From My Father and I sent him a note saying how much I liked it. We became social friends and on occasions we had dinner together.

“I often refer to the president as a guy I used to know, because he has more pressing things to do than stay in touch with all his old friends in Chicago,” he reflects.

He saw Obama in March 2012 at a fundraiser and receives Christmas cards from him, but that’s about all, he says.

“If he’s back in Chicago, I assume our paths will cross.”

Although four of his novels have been adapted for film or TV, he’s never quite enjoyed the screen success that he had with Presumed Innocent, back in 1990.

“With the exception of Ordinary Heroes, every book I’ve written has been optioned.

There have been a number of films, two TV mini-series, one TV movie, a pilot for a weekly series. I’m not lacking in experience in that world. I’ve cashed many cheques.”

Identical has not, however, been sold yet.

“Right now, the world of features isn’t looking to courtroom stuff. You’d have a hard time naming a courtroom movie that’s been made in the last five years. Their view is that the courtroom belongs to television now.

“The best source of material has been comic books in the last several years.”

While his writing and law careers have continued to flourish, his personal life has had its ups and downs.

Seven years ago, he divorced his wife of 35 years, painter Annette Weisberg.

“That was the hardest thing I’ll ever do, but for me it was the right decision,” he reflects.

“The more distance I get on my marriage, the more I recognise that when a long marriage starts to go wrong, it’s like any system that starts to fail. Mistakes keep repeating themselves and the further away I get, the less blame I cast or feel.

“The marriage went off the tracks. It’s taken a while, but we now have a very respectful relationship that recognises we spent the bulk of our adult lives together.”

They have three grown-up children and Turow now lives with his girlfriend, a lawyer he hired at his firm more than 25 years ago.

“We were professional colleagues, then she

Scot Turow, practising lawyer, an old pal of Barack Obama and an internationally renowned author became a neighbour years later, but at no point was there any thought of romance. It’s come as an enormous surprise for both of us.”

He’s now working on a young adult novel, before moving on to another courtroom thriller, but for now his ambition is to be a good grandfather to his grandson, born last year.

“Being a grandfather is pure joy,” says Turow. “It’s so revitalising to have a baby in your life again.”

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Identical by Scott Turow is published by Mantle, priced £18.99

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 21

Books Martin Hesp

Orange, coriander and thyme jelly, above; Emma Macdonald, below, founder of the Bay Tree Food Company, in her kitchen at home; Chocolate risotto, bottom. Emma hopes her new book will help readers rustle up wonderful meals

I cannot fully recall what I was doing in the bowels of a Glastonbury bakery.

But I do remember sitting next to an interesting woman as we were taught how to make a basic pasty alongside half a dozen Belgian jour nalists.

She was Emma Macdonald, founder of the Bay Tree Food Company, a trained chef and now author of new cookery book called Home Deli Recipes.

It was not long before we were ignoring a good deal of the belt-and-braces pasty-making that was going on during a press trip to Somerset, organised so that the Belgian media could learn all about our regional food and drink.

Instead of crimping, Emma and I turned to discussing such crucial subjects as piccalilli, and the preparation of other classic English preserves.

Like many home cooks, I have a great yearning to learn more about the art of food preservation, but my experiments in chutney making, jelly production and the creation of other bottled and jarred delights do not always work out quite how I intend. Let me be honest – they often do not work out as planned.

Emma got quite hot under the collar when talking about piccalilli, and quite rightly so – her company has been successfully making jars of the stuff for nearly two decades.

Now I am heartily pleased to see her recipe for the classic English mustardy pickle is included in the book.

Indeed, within its 230-plus pages (with many colour illustrations), Emma explains not only how to pickle, but also how to smoke, cure and conserve all manner of different ingredients.

The book then goes on to describe how you can put these together to form wonderful meals that mix and match home-cooked and store-bought foods – the idea being that Home Deli Recipes will suit those of us with ludicrously busy lives.

Taking inspiration from the cookbook, food lovers will be able to find out how to turn delibought ingredients into memorable dishes like cheese and cayenne biscuits, pastrami with sweet cucumber relish on rye, sausages with apple and onion seed chutney or salmon gravlax with lemon and ginger. There is also plenty of sensibly laid out information on

22 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

items such as sweet garlic pickle, passion fruit curd, raspberry jam and onion marmalade.

Emma says: “After 20 years in the food business, a great wish of mine has been to publish my own cookery book, bringing together a collection of my favourite deli secrets and inspiring everyone to simply have a go at making food they would normally buy – such as sweet chilli jam, date confit or chermoula.

“There are also simple, quick-to-make ideas for weekday suppers, as well as more elaborate, adventurous dishes to try at weekends.”

Emma, who lives in Somerset, was originally inspired by family treats like cucumber relish which she enjoyed as a girl.

In the mid-1990s she came up with the simple idea that there was a commercial future in full-flavoured quality chutneys and preserves, and the Bay Tree was launched.

Sales went through the roof, awards came thick and fast – and to this day the ethos of the Bay Tree Food Company remains the same – traditional cooking methods, quality ingredients with nothing nasty or artificial added, and recipes that are based on home cooking.

Next year the Bay Tree will celebrate its 20th anniversary, and while Emma may no longer stir every single batch, she is still very much at the heart of the business.

Home Deli Recipes

by Emma Macdonald is published by Duncain Baird at £20

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Retirement dreaming?

Wake up to the benefits of renting at The Hawthorns FINDING a practical solution which matches the quality of your retirement living dream may be easier said than done – and renting may not automatically spring to the top of your list of possible solutions.

However, increasing numbers of UK retirees are discovering what their counterparts in America and Australia found out a few years back – that renting your retirement home offers many advantages over continued property ownership.

Even more are discovering how you can continue to benefit from both!

The Hawthorns Retirement has brought its highly successful American formula for retirement living to the UK at Eastbourne, Clevedon and Braintree. These developments, in a nutshell, offer you continued independent living, none of the worries of home ownership and total flexibility to change your lifestyle at a month’s notice should circumstances dictate. And all this is achieved by renting your retirement home at The Hawthorns.

Your monthly rental includes all your many monthly expenses including all your meals and snacks, utility bills, housekeeping, maintenance – even a free mini-bus to take you to the shops and back. If you sit down and calculate what you are spending on all those items living in your own home, the rental fees appears very reasonable indeed.

As well as the financial argument, life at The Hawthorns offers the added benefits of security, companionship and the flexibility of handing in just one month’s notice of your decision to leave.

Whilst many residents fund this idyllic retirement lifestyle from the proceeds of the sale of their home, many others opt to rent out their own property and fund their new-found lifestyle from the rental income, maintaining their property as part of their estate.

Either way, they enjoy to the full the many benefits of renting, namely: •The freedom to live in new areas or change accommodation as desired •The ability to easily move closer to friends or family members •A lifestyle free from property and ground maintenance and the stress of everyday bills •Enjoying the benefits of quality accommodation more suited to their needs with live-in managers.

So whilst home ownership may be central to our traditional aspirations, it’s not necessarily central to the great retirement dream. Maybe you should wake up to the benefits of renting!

To f i n d o u t m o r e p l e a s e c a l l : 0 1 2 7 5 7 9 0 0 6 0

or pop in and visit us at: 18-19 Elton Road, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 7EH.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 23

Travel Hannah Stephenson

Butterflies in my stomach, taut leg muscles, every sense alert, I wonder how I’m going to do this.

Looking down the single diamond black, I wonder how I’m going to tackle the sheer slope used by Olympic downhill skiers past and present.

The two teenagers I’m with – my son Will, 14, and my nephew Matt, 13, have no fear of the Dave Murray run on Whistler Mountain in the spectacular Coast Mountains in British Columbia, described by locals as an “easy” black with enough give to allow intermediates like me to hone their survival skills conquering steep terrain and tricky moguls.

I’m more tentative than my two young speed merchant companions but soon find that the Dave Murray is a fun high-speed cruiser with a few really steep bits but nothing, thankfully, that I can’t handle. The run, which is nearly two miles long, was named after a downhill racer who became one of Canada’s most popular ski personalities.

The boys are consistently waiting for me at the bottom, but then Will and Matt have already had a blast in a session with the local Ride Tribe program, designed specifically for teens, where their ‘cool’ instructor led them down a succession of blacks and taught them how to tackle moguls and tricks like ground 360s – where you turn full circle on your skis on the slope – and even some flashy backward skiing.

It’s easy to follow the Olympic trail at Whistler Blackcomb, the biggest ski resort in North America and host of the 2010 Winter Games. Locals tell me that if the forthcoming host, Sochi in Russia, isn’t ready in time for 2014, Whistler would be happy to step in once more, but they realise it’s a pipedream.

Access to the two mountains couldn’t be easier. Whistler and Blackcomb stand side by side and, combined, offer more than 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers served by 37 lifts, as well as the longest ski season, which lasts from November to May. The two main gondolas to each mountain are a five-minute walk from the top of the village. You can avoid the queues for the Whistler lift, which tend to be heavy in high

season and at weekends, by going up the quieter Blackcomb one and then connecting with the terrific Peak 2 Peak gondola which takes you from one mountain to another in just 11 minutes.

The gondola, the highest of its kind at 436m (1,427ft) above the valley floor, was completed in 2008 and helps adventurous skiers make the most of the largest skiable terrain in North America.

On the way we have spectacular views down the valley to the town and the Alta and Green Lakes beyond. Along the way we see what looks like an enormous giant known as The Black Tusk, lying on top of the mountain. In fact it’s a natural volcanic rock formation on the Garibaldi range, frequented by hikers in the warmer months.

The people of Whistler Blackcomb are keen to keep the Olympic memory alive. The famous Olympic rings and Paralympic symbols in the village are a favourite photo spot for visitors who urge their kids to climb in and out of the striking metal circles.

Such is the interest in the Olympics that you can splash out a cool £500 to hire a former Olympic skier for the day to help you make the most of the alpine paradise, including the Dave Murray Downhill and Franz’s Run, which are still used for international competitions and Canadian team training. But book early – slots were full when we arrived.

On a beautiful day we venture up to the summit of Whistler to find an iconic statue, the Whistler Mountain Inukshuk, created as a symbol of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in British Columbia. Historically, the inukshuk is a stone landmark used by the Inuit and other peoples of the North American Arctic regions and there are various theories about why inukshuks were created, but most likely it was used as a reference point and navigation marker for travel routes.

The boys want to try some powder and have plenty of scope, thanks to an immense backcountry giving skiers and riders access to powder-filled bowls, although I prefer the expertly-groomed corduroy.

Hannah Stephenson’s family enjoyed the excitement of Whistler

Travel news Catch all the latest travel trends for 2014 – whatever your style Riding on the current economic “feel good” factor, travellers are already making bold New Year’s resolutions to see more of the world in 2014.

Lying on the beach is no longer enough, for any generation. Honeymooners want adventure; 40-plus couples with teenage children in tow head for south-east Asia, the Himalayas and the Andes; while older holidaymakers are opting for long-haul journeys with expert guides.

Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell, co-owner of upmarket long-haul tour operator Cazenove & Loyd says: “As confidence returns, people are ready to spend again on travel – as long as it is more meaningful than lying by a pool in the Caribbean.

“For post-recession travellers, long-haul

luxury alone won’t do the trick any more.

They want to get under the skin of a destination, to do and see the unusual. Some like to be in small groups, others want tailor-made packages, as long as they get far from the beaten track.”

In a similar style, Wilmot-Sitwell says people love small group tours in cities, especially those which offer access to private houses, gardens and other places otherwise closed to the public – for example, his company’s guided tour of Istanbul, led by Turkey travel expert Jeremy Seal, is selling fast.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Brazil will be a huge magnet for visitors in 2014.

For footie fans heading there in June/July, Thomas Cook Sport has BA flights from Heathrow to the hub cities of Rio and Sao Paulo from £999, premium economy from £1699, plus “mix and match” dates to catch the pick of group stages and finals.

July 2014 also looks to be a great year for

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People are happy to spend on a real adventure

crossing the Atlantic, when Norwegian Air plans to launch its “game-changing” single flights ex-Gatwick from only £149 to New York (three times a week), LA and Fort Lauderdale (twice).

Cruising is going to keep on booming for the foreseeable future too, with nearly 2 million Brits set to cruise oceans and rivers in 2014.

But not everybody wants the newest, hugest superliners carrying over 3,000 passengers each, “Cruise and Stay” is all the rage now – where passengers can mix days at sea with the chance to explore the world’s great cities and amazing experiences on land.

Another experience likely to be popular with travellers next year is volunteering in a local community to help local people. “Voluntourism” specialist Village Ways offers projects in various communities in India, and has 10 per cent discounts on some holidays next year, as the rupee soars against the pound.

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While my two teenagers hone their freestyle skills on the boxes and grinds of the Big Easy and Nintendo terrain parks on Blackcomb, or weave their way through the trees in the Enchanted Forest on Whistler, I prefer to follow a slightly more sedate path on easier blues such as upper Olympic or the 7km Peak to Creek.

We’re staying in the perfectly situated and well equipped Crystal Lodge, a luxury hotel with restaurants, outdoor heated pool, hot tub and other mod cons. Our loft apartment has a full kitchen and several well-equipped (although pricey) supermarkets nearby, so selfcatering is a breeze.

At Crystal Lodge, a valet locks our skis away in a special room and brings them out when we need them, which is so much more civilised than jostling for space in the busy boot rooms I’ve experienced in Europe.

The village atmosphere is chilled out and wide pedestrian walkways run from one end of town to the other, fringed by plenty of bars and restaurants (more than 150, I’m told) to unwind after a hard day on the pistes.

Whistler started life in the early 1900s as a mining and logging town, home to trappers and prospectors. Known as Whistler because of the shrill whistle made by the marmots who lived among the rocks, the lakes at the foot of the mountain became famous for their fishing and when the Pacific Great Eastern Railway reached Alta Lake in 1914 it opened the valley to the outside world and tourism.

In the early 1960s, a group of Vancouver businessmen formed the Garibaldi Olympic Development Association to develop a site to host a future Winter Olympic Games, and in 1966 Whistler Mountain officially opened for ski-ing. Blackcomb Mountain opened in 1980, combining with Whistler to create one of the largest ski areas in North America.

Whistler Museum, a stone’s throw from the quirky shops in the village, houses legacies of the past, while the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre reveals the legends, history and customs of the native First Nations people. A short bus ride away, the newly-established Function Junction houses a trampoline park and a public skate ramp among other activities.

But true ski junkies will soak up the afternoon sun on the pistes, stay high up the mountains – and do that Dave Murray run one more time, immersing themselves in the Olympic legacy.

Travel facts Hannah Stephenson travelled courtesy of Ski Safari and Destination British Columbia, staying at the four-star Crystal Lodge. Prices with Ski Safari (01273 224 060, www.skisafari.com) for a seven-night holiday start from £1,279 pp or from £4,409 for a family of four, based on two adults and two children under 12, including flights with Air Canada and resort transfers.

Add a city stay in Vancouver at the five-star Fairmont Waterfront, starting from £64 pp per night or from £128 for a family of four (two adults and two under-12s).

of Kerala, cost an average £1,000 each, plus return flights around £450. Accommodation is often in guest houses built by the operator.

Richard Quick of Village Ways says: “We work directly with communities and villages which need extra income to supplement their livelihood.”

■ For more information: Thomas Cook Sport (0844 800 9900 and www.thomascooksport.com); Imagine Cruising (0800 840 5809 and www.imaginecruising.co.uk); Village Ways (01223 750049 and www.villageways.com).

Christmas shoppers save a fortune in the United States The value of sterling against the US dollar has leapt by 9 per cent since July – a welcome thought for British visitors going Christmas shopping in New York or Boston.

Shoppers can save money in the States

The sixth annual Post Office Travel Money Christmas Shopping Guide, produced with Virgin Holidays, says British visitors to the US can save up to 50 per cent on some gifts, and many US stores have even pegged prices at 2012 levels to undercut London.

The biggest savings are found on jeans and US designer label clothes, with Boston even cheaper than New York because of lower sales tax and higher tax exemption rates. Savings of 30 per cent-plus are commonplace in both cities though, and shoppers can shave 50 per cent off the London price of a Polo Ralph Lauren gilet (£295 against £146.61).

Leading brands of jeans, like 7 For All Mankind, Hollister, Levi's and J Brand, cost more than 40 per cent less in the US: for example, women’s J Brand jeans come in at under £130, almost half the £250 London price tag. British bargain hunters would be wise to chase electronic gadgets too, usually 18-26 per cent below London levels.

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Travel take-off

Isle of Wight Wightlink (0871 376 1000) offers two nights’ B&B (plus one dinner) from December 10 at Priory Bay Hotel (with private beach to stroll on) from £183, including car ferry travel from Portsmouth or Lymington.

Christmas in Cornwall Breaks in Cornwall (01621 784666) offers four nights’ self-catering from December 23 at Bay Retreat Villas within the St Merryn park, near Padstow, from total £290 – saving £100 – or as little as £58 per person. Four of these villas also welcome dogs.

Short breaks Cresta (0844 879 8014) offers three nights’ B&B at two-star Hotel Jardins de Montmartre from £175, saving £70 per couple from St Pancras International, on January 13. The same operator offers three nights’ room-only at threestar Harding Hotel, Dublin from £135, saving £125 per couple, with easyJet flights out of Cardiff, December 9

Winter sunshine Cosmos (0844 573 4261) offers seven nights’ allinclusive at five-star Enotel Lido Madeira, Funchal, Madeira from £589, with flights from Birmingham, December 9; seven nights’ allinclusive at three-star Bluebay Lanzarote, Costa Teguise, from £379, out of Gatwick on December 7; seven nights’ self-catering in four-star Clube Praia da Oura, Albufeira, from £125, out of Manchester December 13

Bali calling Hayes & Jarvis (01293 735831) offers ten nights’ B&B at three-star Centra Taum resort from January 15, from £749, saving £39. Including transfers and return Qatar Airways flights exHeathrow.

Beach break Hayes & Jarvis (01293 735831) offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Dominican Republic’s five-star Dreams Punta Cana from February 5 from £995, saving £293, including return flights frp, Gatwick and transfers.

Viva Las Vegas Hayes & Jarvis (01293 735831) offers three nights’ at four-star Hilton San Francisco Fisher man’s Wharf followed by three nights’ at the five-star Bellagio, Las Vegas, both on roomonly basis, with United Airlines flights from Heathrow, December 9. Package also include internal flights.

Down under Austravel (0800 988 4834) Cruise & Stay package from May 9 incl three-night Coral Princess cruise from Cairns to Great Barrier Reef, followed by a five-night stay at the three-star Rendezvous Reef Resort in Port Douglas from £1,849, saving £556 per couple, including return Qantas flights ex-Heathrow, if booked

by December 16.

Florida New Year America As You Like it (0208 742 8299) offers seven nights’ room-only at Helmsley Sandcastle, Sarasota, on west coast of Florida from £979, including BA return Gatwick flights on January 5 to Tampa and car hire.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 25

Travel James Tapsfield

Lanzarote is the closest destination to the UK where you can virtually always guarantee good weather outside the peak summer months, according to James Tapsfield

When you book a holiday in Lanzarote, you may not expect to end up on a submarine.

But that is exactly where we found ourselves, to the delight of my three-year-old daughter Evie.

And as the slightly claustrophobic yellow vessel descended into the water, a small voice inevitably piped up: “Daddy, I need the toilet.”

My wife Ellie had made perfectly clear from the outset that she wanted no part in this excursion. And to be fair, at seven months pregnant, she might not have fitted through the hatch.

The idea of the holiday was to give her the most relaxing time possible before the new arrival threw everything into chaos again.

But that did not mean the ever-energetic Evie and I wanted to spend all week dozing by the pool as well.

Keeping everyone happy on a pre-baby getaway like the one we had in mind can be a tricky task. We tried to strike the balance by going for luxury – and we found it at the Princesa Yaiza hotel, in the former fishing village of Playa Blanca.

Our impending delivery had pretty much ruled out long-haul destinations. But even in the absence of a baby bump, flying any distance with a small child is a nightmare.

At four hours from the UK, the Canary Islands is about the shortest haul you can go while guaranteeing decent weather outside of peak season.

Using Thomson’s Sovereign service to book helped minimise stress from the moment we cleared airport security and sauntered – or bounced in Evie’s case –into the courtesy lounge.

And despite my worst fears, the flight to Arrecife zipped by in a tolerable blur of colouring books, card games and Tree Fu Tom episodes on the tablet – every parent’s best travelling companion.

From there it was a smooth half-hour transfer to Princesa Yaiza, where the benefits of shelling out for luxury really kicked in.

Almost before we stepped out of the car, the porters had unloaded the bags and whisked them away to our suite. Moments later, staff in

26 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

the tasteful, tree-strewn lobby were pressing glasses of champagne into our willing hands, and generally getting a move on checking us in – which is exactly what you want when you’ve got an over-tired pre-schooler on your hands.

Yaiza is a genuine five-star proposition, with around 400 sumptuously-fitted suites arranged around eight swimming pools, highgrade restaurants, large spa, gym, tennis courts and all the other facilities you could possibly expect.

Even pretty much full to capacity, there was never an issue securing sun loungers among the plentiful palm fronds and babbling fountains.

If you feel like venturing beyond the opulent hotel estate, a yellow-sanded beach is literally right outside the gates with breathtaking views across to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.

So far, so good.

But Yaiza’s real selling point is what it does for families. And in large part this is down to a seven-foot tall duck they call Kiko.

Now, personally, I find oversized animal mascots in hotels a little intimidating. Sinister, even.

There were times when I looked up from my breakfast coffee and pain au chocolat, and was not entirely pleased to see Kiko marauding towards me on his morning meet-and-greet.

However, you can’t argue with his results.

Evie’s enthusiasm for the duck knew no bounds, and she demanded cuddles and photographs whenever we sighted his tail feathers waggling in the distance.

That meant she was also eager to spend time in Kikoland, an impressive purpose-built complex adjoining the main hotel site.

There are four playhouses for different age ranges, from cots and baby toys in Cooky Club through to Playstations in Gremlin Club for teenagers. Football and tennis training camps

are laid on for older children, as well as sessions of volleyball, water polo and table tennis.

All we had to do was drop Evie at the gate, hand over her ‘Kiko pass’, and go and enjoy a massage at the Thalasso Centre or read a book secure in the knowledge that she was being well looked after.

After a day of swimming, cake-making, painting and attempting to demolish the hotel’s substantial soft play zone, most evenings Evie barely had the energy to participate in the kids’ “mini-disco”.

One of the high points of our stay was her star turn as a dwarf in an all-action version of Snow White, which the staff somehow managed to stage successfully despite the best efforts of the youthful actors.

A common bugbear for holidaying parents is that their nights get brought to a crashing standstill when the kids flake out. But at Yaiza there is the option of sending them off to Kikoland for a bedtime club, while you savour a glass of the rather good local white wine and take part in a quiz or watch a show. A babysitting service is also provided if you want to go further afield, paid by the hour.

Eating is an important part of any holiday, and there was certainly no shortage of choice or quality here. An excellent hot and cold buffet breakfast is included with the accommodation. And the eight restaurants on site offer just about every type of cuisine from Italian to tapas to traditional Canarian seafood.

Travel facts James Tapsfield was a guest of Sovereign Luxury Travel (0843 770 4526; www.sovereign.com), who offer a saving of up to £505 on a week at the five-star Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort in Lanzarote.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 27

Walks Sue Gearing

Ford.

A small lane high above the pretty Bybrook stream starts this great circle which I like best in winter when the bare trees allow more light and better views.

Follow the Macmillan Way through Slaughterford hamlet with its delightful church in a field and then continue along the side of the valley before dropping down and crossing the river.

A path goes up through Monk’s Wood and Colerne Park Woods and then along the top before dropping down back to the river and following along its side back to Ford hamlet with its renowned inn.

The walk starts with a short, steep climb and there are other ups and downs, but none of these too strenuous, and it should be good for dogs. After a lot of rain, expect some mud, and be prepared for some paths that may be a little narrow and difficult underfoot.

Start Take the path from the car park down steps to the White Hart and turn right over the Bybrook, a 12 mile long tributary of the River Avon. A variety of flora and fauna is supported by the river including the endangered Whiteclawed crayfish. Twenty watermill sites have been identified on the river and none now remain in use – although local startup Bybrook Energy is currently investigating whether certain sites could be used to generate renewable energy. Soon fork right up a steep and quite dark lane under trees. Level out and continue all the way on, high above the valley, and then drop down to a T-junction at Slaughterford.

1. Slaughterford Cross straight over a stile towards the church, joining the Macmillan Way. Go ahead in this field which may well be partitioned off for horse grazing. Bear over left so that you pass to the left side of the ‘church in a field’ ahead.

This peaceful little place of worship was rebuilt in 1823 in the early English style and restored in 1883. There is a very old elm tree in the churchyard reported to be 14 feet round.

Go past the entrance and maintain direction across the field to come onto the raised pavement in the heart of the hamlet.

Legend has it that Slaughterford was the scene of King Alfred’s victory over the Danes after their defeat at the Battle of Ethandun.

Centuries later, Cromwell marched through with his army, wreaking havoc and wrecking the church which lay in ruins for 200 years afterwards. The villagers had to worship at Biddestone and a gallery was built in the Church at Biddestone so that the Slaughterford people could sit apart with an outside staircase!” Turn left and soon come down to lane level and carry on. Bend left.

2. Bridge Turn right at a T-junction and cross a fine stone bridge over the Bybrook. Go past the large ornamental gates to the old mill – one of many all along the Bybrook. In Roman times, the mills were exclusively used for grinding corn, but by the end of the 12th century, this part of Wiltshire became an important centre for the growing wool trade. Mills were converted to fulling – the cleansing and thickening of wool. With the decline of the wool industry in the 17th century, many mills returned to grain and then the rise in demand for paper from nearby Bristol led to many mills in the 18th and 19th centuries converting to paper making.

3. Old Mill Just past this, at a T-junction, turn left down to a works, on the site of the old mill. Weave your way through the works following the footpath signs and then go on up to the lane and turn right. Follow this all the way under a woodland canopy. Ignore the Biddestone turn and go down Weavern Lane ahead.

4.Track

7. Lane

When it ends go straight on along a track, still along the valley, and still the Macmillan Way. There may be mud here. Exit the trees and the path becomes smaller and bends up left.

Soon reach a very quiet lane and keep straight on. Go over the crossroads and just past cottages, turn right on a crossing footpath.

8. Farm

5. Kissing gate

At the entrance to Hall Farm take the track on the left. Just past the last barn, bend right down the side of the barn and then on along a path. After bending, the path drops down into the valley. Don’t veer to the right. Reach a field and go on down. At the foot, cross a track and continue across to another track and up through a gate. Maintain direction. You get good views to Slaughterford. Continue on down and cross a stile at the bottom. Turn right alongside the By Brook and cross it at a bridge and sluice.

Turn right through a metal kissing gate onto a bridleway which is narrow and can be difficult underfoot. Eventually come closer to the stream and go straight ahead by a metal gate along the path. Over right you can see the derelict remains of a once quite substantial farmstead. Cross the brook then climb uphill ahead on the edge of Monk’s Wood.

6. Monk’s Wood Almost immediately, take the right fork and a few yards on, go right again into the woods on a small path which climbs through. Leave the wood by crossing a stile at the end and keep on climbing gently. Continue to shadow the wood on your right and don’t go up the steep bank.

Go back into the woods over a stile then out into a field again following the left edge with farm barns on the left. At the top go through a kissing gate and turn right.

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9. Bybrook

A view of the Bybrook Valley, west of Chippenham in Wiltshire, which forms part of this week’s walk

Follow the river on your left. Cross a couple of stiles and pass a couple of benches by the river.

Stay in the field, ignoring a footbridge on the right. At the end cross a stile onto the Colerne Road and turn right back to the car park.

The White Hart, Ford, tel: 01249 782213 WCL-E01-S2

Walks Martin Hesp

Aren’t rivers fabulous?

If you think about them from an other-worldly standpoint.

From here they are the stuff of science-fiction… Long, thin, rushing, winding, lifegiving wonders that weave through a landscape, full of creatures that cannot exist in the open air.

Most of the West Country’s great rivers are born on the high moors, from where they descend to carve coombes and vales and eventually meet the sea – but a few fail to enjoy that final, salty, glorious, estuarine moment.

They are the lesser-known waterways which are often just labelled as tributaries of the rivers they join. I would like to do a whole series of articles about the wondrous streams and burns, the becks and waters, of this region – and, as if to limber up for such a task, this week’s Classic Walk visits the birth-places of both the granddaddy of all tributaries and the great river with which it unites.

I am talking about the beautiful Barle which flows into this wet and wonderful world just a mile or so from the mother river which – 15 miles or so later – takes over to become Devon’s main waterway, giving the county’s capital a name as it flows ever southwards.

The Chains make up the great swathe of sodden moorland which plays host to this riverine birthplace – a huge amorphous wedge of a place that lies north-east of the isolated village of Simonsbath. And, do be warned, they can be very wet.

The series of peat bogs that lie between Exe Plain and Rowley Down are deluged by more precipitation than anywhere else in the region. It was their tragic overspill that killed 36 people in the infamous flood disaster of 1952.

In short, you do not mess about with The Chains. No one lives there and few people go there, except for the odd shepherd who has lost a sheep. And walkers of course. It is wonderful walking country, but you must go well prepared.

We had a map, but no compass – and that could have been a mistake as this is one of the only places in England south of the Pennines, apart from central Dartmoor, where I would advise taking one.

We begin this adventure by taking the bridleway that sets off over Dure Down from the layby on the B3223 Simonsbath-Lynmouth road. You will see this parking place perched on the brink of Preyway Meads, about a mile up and out of Simonsbath.

The bridleway does not get a mention on Ordnance Survey’s otherwise excellent Outdoor Leisure Map 9, but follow the sign anyway, for the path will take you deep into this high, cold, secret wonderland.

After the first field, the right of way disappears and you are left to negotiate the barren wastes of Dure Down on your own.

It is basically a matter of keeping the gentle rounded peak of the hill slightly to your right – and after ten minutes of walking you will find yourself gazing down on Exe Head, the source of the River Exe. It is a rather disappointing little dribble. But we are not here to admire details. We are here to take in the big picture, the great expanse, the vastness of this roof of the West Country.

We are heading due west along the ridge and along the footpath that leads to Pinkery Pond – the region’s highest, remotest stretch of water.

In the bright cold sunshine last week

we sat on the old dam and I thought of Richard Gammin whose body was found in the peaty depths just over 100 years ago.

This well-respected farmer was left a widower with ten children to raise – after six years the loss of his dear departed wife was obviously beginning to cut deep, and he sought the attentions of a young Parracombe woman. Her letter, refusing his offers of love, was found in his jacket by the side of the lake.

Lynmouth lifeboat sent up a small boat so the depths could be dragged, a diver from Wales was brought in – all to no avail. There was only one thing for it – Pinkery Pond had to be drained.

The Knight family who had built the dam had equipped it with two plug holes, but nothing could budge the bungs. Teams of horses were attached to chains, but the iron rings on the plugs simply broke off. Eventually Bob Jones, the man who built the Lynton-Lynmouth Cliff Railway, was brought in and he devised an elaborate system of rams to push the bungs out from the other side of the dam.

And so Pinkery Pond was drained on the first of just two occasions in its long history.

The remains of heart-broken Mr Gammin were found and, rather mysteriously, herons came in great flocks and ate all the fish.

What I find curious and not a little disturbing is that upwards of a thousand people turned up to watch the morbid scene unfold.

They must have marched miles to get to one of the most remote corners of the region – to see a body hauled from the mud.

I would be one of the ones marching the other way – and that is just what we did for our hike. We walked westwards up to Woodbarrow Gate, and there we turned north along the path that leads down to the Saddle Stone. Next we turned right and headed east to Ruckham Combe, over Thorn Hill, past Benjamy, down to Hoar Oak, then followed the Two Moors Way back up to Dure Down.

The views were tremendous – we could see Cornwall and Wales with a mere turn of the head. The moon came up and the western sky turned gold over the barren heath.

But at last we regained the car and within minutes were thawing our toes by the fire of an ancient Exmoor pub. I did this walk years ago with an old friend, actor Tim Bannerman, who was so moved by the experience he wrote a poem about The Chains the first lines of which go like this: “Wet life forces through the softer rock, into an open mind the wind catches like a flint, to spark the skylight into flame.”

Basic hike From road by Preyway Meads west across Dure Down to Exe Head and on to Pinkery Pond, then from Woodbarrow Gate north to Saddle Stone and then east to Hoar Oak before swinging north back up to Dure Down.

Recommended Map Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 9.

Distance and going 12 miles, arduous in places.

Views from Martin Hesp’s walk over The Chains, the moors which host the source of the Exe. Martin says it is wonderful walking country for the well prepared. Pictured top, the Exe Valley; centre and above Pinkery Valley WCL-E01-S2

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Gardening Alan Down

We are only just into December and real Christmas trees are already selling strongly. Do we do it to cheer ourselves up?

Or is there is more consumer confidence or merely that to get a good tree you need to shop early? I suspect it is a combination of all these factors.

With more than eight million real Christmas trees being bought by householders in the next few days, this is a significant purchase in any sense.

Gone are the days when the straggly tops were lopped off forestry plantations to satisfy demand as most trees are now purpose grown for the job. This is a seven- to eight-year production cycle, so requires a long-term commitment from the farmer. Baby trees are planted out, kept weed free, trimmed every year to improve shape and protected against pests before they end up in pride of place in our homes. Most trees are now grown in the UK but still a shortfall is made up by imports from Europe and Eire.

Of course, buying British-grown trees supports the local rural economy but, contrary to popular opinion, cutting down a tree is good for the environment too. This is because for every tree cut several more will be planted and those growing trees recycle carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen.

Most of us now recognise the value of locally grown produce in reducing transport impact and why should the bulky Christmas tree be any different?

As you read this you may be aware that today is Small Business Saturday. Now, you might dismiss this as another gimmick but in the US, where this concept has been running since 2012 and is called Shop Small, it has now got up a head of steam. For instance, the latest figures from 2012 show consumer spending in this campaign reaching a staggering $5.5 billion (£3.4 billion) with millions of consumers getting involved. So, perhaps before you buy your tree this year you should just stop a minute and consider where you buy it since, other than DIY and supermarket giants, most Christmas trees are sold by small local businesses.

So-called “Needlefast” or “nondrop” varieties are steadily replacing the traditional Norway spruce, with these types representing two in every three trees sold.

On the other hand, artificial trees, being made of steel and plastic are non-recyclable and usually end up in landfill sites. They are generally manufactured in the Far East and brought here at great expense to the environment.

So, which real tree do you choose?

Non-drop varieties include the blue spruce, long-needled pine, Noble fir and the Fraser fir. But dominating this type is the wide spreading dark needled Nordmann fir. This is a species that we know will give a good performance but creeping up on the rails is the Fraser, which has shorter needles, a delicate forest scent and looks like the traditional Norway spruce. I believe that this is definitely one for the future.

The Norway spruce is on the back foot and has been losing ground to the non-droppers.

However, for a cool room, porch, conservatory or for outside. this is still a good choice. Kept well watered and brought in as late as possible before Christmas Day, it will still look great and smell even better too.

But what of those potted trees? Well, most of them will have left most of their roots behind in the countryside so the chance of them establishing and flourishing in your garden after Christmas is small. Not so pot grown trees! These have all their roots intact and stand every chance of seeing many other Christmases in your home.

If you are looking for a greener Christmas this year at Cleeve Nursery, we have other green tips on www.cleevenursery.co.uk.

Ask Alan QUESTION The maintenance of a local park has recently been taken over from the council by a group of volunteers. Several of the centre beds were grassed over, making the park featureless in its central area. I have offered to acquire a couple of flowering shrubs so they can open up just the centre of each bed, thus making a bit of a feature. The park is just off the seafront and in a raised position so therefore exposed to coastal conditions.

Can you suggest a shrub that will grow no higher than about six feet; flowering at some point in the year; and keeping a fairly compact shape? I have rejected Escallonia and Euonymus. I think a rock rose is pretty hardy and can flower well but would it be hardy enough?

From Mr A Chapman, Weston-super-Mare ANSWER A single shrub will certainly make a bit of a feature but a group of three or more would provide greater interest and offers the opportunity of teaming up differing foliage, textures, flowers and fruit and so extending the season of interest.

It is hard to gauge just how exposed the site is without seeing it but a stroll along the promenade areas that are planted will give you a clue to what does best there.

However, for a single plant I would suggest you choose from variegated Elaeagnus, Choisya ternata and “Sundance”, Viburnum tinus “Eve Price”, Fuchsia “Mrs Popple”, Hydrangea and variegated Aucuba japonica . Some of these also have small flowers but the bold variegated foliage counteracts that.

Rock rose (do you mean sun rose?) gets very woody and bare at the base unless regularly replaced and, as you say, Escallonia can get very woody but the new white variety ‘Everest’ is worth considering.

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Gardens Diary cuttings Alan’s Plant of the Week – Hellebores, the gold collection Christmas roses often fail to bloom by Christmas but selection and breeding has brought a greatly improved Hellebore that always flowers before, at and after Christmas. These are mostly from German breeder Heuger and the resulting varieties are not only reliable early bloomers but also have more and larger flowers. In fact, the focus of the breeding was to develop a pot plant that would brighten doorsteps and balconies all over Europe – but it produced very good garden plants too.

The attractive evergreen leaves on these varieties come from crossing Helleborus niger, the true Christmas rose, with evergreen Helleborus such as argutifolius or lividus corsicus.

My first real encounter with these was in the beautiful Pacific North West of the US, in a nursery close to the Canada border. Because these varieties are propagated by tissue culture, each is identical to the next, which is not the case with most hellebores raised from seed. Hellebores are promiscuous and hybridise readily and you can never really be sure of the outcome. It might be better than the mother plant, it just might be the same but it could also be worse. Plants raised by tissue culture can be flown around the world and so those plants in the US probably started life in Heuger’s German tissue lab.

As is often the case with plant breeders, they get carried away and name and introduce far too many similar looking plants but some have really distinct looks. Take ‘Pink Frost’ for instance; it really is a lovely shade of pink.

‘Winter Moonbeam’ has white blooms that fade to pink and ‘Winter Frost’ has many large white blooms per plant that fade to red.

These and others will not be too hard to find and may even be outside the door of your local florist since they do look great on a doorstep.

Alan’s gardening tips for the weekend ■ Grape vines should be pruned before Christmas. If pruned late, the sap will often be running and they will bleed. Magnolia, Japanese maples, walnuts, hornbeams, mulberries and laburnums may bleed too if pruned late in winter.

■ You can plant fruit trees and bushes right through until spring if the weather is okay and the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.

■ Protect vegetables from pigeons with our off-the-roll bird netting.

■ Get on with digging whenever the weather allows, but pace yourself if not used to it. Dig in Vitax Clay Breaker to improve the structure of heavy soils.

■ Move pots of tender plants inside or close to the house walls. The shelter of the house wall can make a big difference.

■ Dead-head pansies, violas and cyclamen to encourage more flowers.

■ Plant rose bushes if the ground is not too wet or frozen.

■ Dormant trees and shrubs can be moved.

Minimise root disturbance to increase chances of success and rapid re-establishment.

■ Prune old wood to rejuvenate shrubs. Wisteria pruning can be finished, as for vines.

■ Fork over borders and dig some goodness back into the soil. We recommend mushroom compost or farmyard manure.

What’s On at Cleeve Nursery Late-night shopping with mulled wine and mince pies Monday, December 9, from 5pm to 7pm. Just turn up. Free and easy parking, relaxed atmosphere in a floodlit site.

Pictures

Contact Alan

Hang your baubles on the right Christmas tree with Alan Down’s advice on buying well. Top, Helleborus pink frost bring s a touch of colour to winter, with its large flower offset against evergreen foliage. Prune dead wood now to make the most of vines next year, and keep your hand in – and your waistline trim – with digging. The blue spruce is one of the popular non-drop Christmas trees – but buy local

Cleeve Nursery’s Alan Down can be contacted at the nursery on 01934 832134. If you would like to ask Alan Down a gardening question, visit www.cleevenursery.co.uk and click on the Ask Us A Question tab. Alan can only answer emailed questions. Visit Alan’s blog at cleevenursery.co.uk/blog You can also follow Alan on Twitter: @AlanEDown

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Farewell to old friends as season hits stride Stourhead’s garden manager Alan Power in his occasional column charting the ups, downs and other events on the Wiltshire estate I have just spent two hours walking the garden with Penny, the assistant head gardener, looking at the work we need to do over the next few weeks.

The autumn has been long and spectacular and has offered so many beautiful scenes; there is still saw some lovely colour and reflections. However, we both felt that nature could do us a favour and just give the last few leaves a little nudge to fall to the ground, we need to get the leaf collecting done ideally this side of Christmas so that we can get on with the other winter jobs in the new year.

The collection of the leaves has started in places in earnest and if you are visiting, you will see the tractors trundling out of the garden loaded with leaves destined for the compost heaps, in readiness to return as mulch in about 18 months.

The leaf collection is one I love to witness, it gives the garden a real fresh and crisp feeling, the leaves have fallen to the ground allowing a new level of light to cover the garden and once they are cleared the garden is transformed; so come on Mother Nature give a little nudge. I wonder if I will still be seeing autumnal reflections on Christmas Day. Having walked the garden at Stourhead for 18 years now in various roles, I have seen so many different seasonal displays. Today’s treat and magic moment was catching sight of the Christmas tree lights in the house from the garden, a first for me from the lawns, so I am off to have a closer look later.

We are saying goodbye to two old beech trees this winter and we looked at this operation this week. All the paper work is done, the consent forms filled in, the monitoring for the last six or seven years is now complete and the time has arrived. There is a very sad moment in between the definite knowledge that they have to go and planning the operation. It is the moment when you say goodbye. The trees are now discussed in the past tense, and memories of their beauty begin to fade as they become part of a work plan, a figure in a budget and the job ahead takes over. However, there is a little excitement as to what to replant, and what the space will feel like. What new views will we see for the first time in 100 years? It is strange that sometimes the losses like this can often keep the garden alive.

Passing the Pantheon this morning I got a slight case of the butterflies. The start of the restoration to the portico roof is only days away; it’s exciting and nerve-wracking. The temple will be covered in scaffolding for four months while the work is done and it’s thanks to the SITA trust grant that we can get on with this really essential work. The craftsmen working on the job will be repairing the work done by the original craftsmen in 1754.

It is nice to walk the garden and meet the visitors there to enjoy the place and take in its beauty after all my walk mostly involves looking for flaws, making lists and taking the odd moment to admire the garden.

I hope your plans for Christmas are falling into place.

For Good Advice & Excellent Home Grown Plants visit your local nursery!

Cleeve Nursery

138 Main Road, Cleeve, BS49 4PW 01934 832134 www.cleevenursery.co.uk

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 31

Antiques World’s first Christmas card Henry Aldridge and Sons Henry Aldridge and Son’s last auction of 2013 on December 14, will bring down the curtain on one of the most successful ever years for the Devizes auctioneers.

There will be the usual eclectic mix of antiques and collectibles going under the hammer. One of the highlights is an example of the world’s first Christmas cards.

Dating from 1843 this extremely rare pictorial lithograph depicts a Victorian family eating and being merry at Christmas with two outer panels depicting Christmas spirit.

The card was designed by John Calcott Horsley at the instigation of Sir Henry Cole.

Sir Henry was born in Bath and his many credits included being the first director of the Victoria and Albert museum.

There were two types of card, a coloured variant that sold for 1/2d (6p) or the rarer uncoloured version for 1/- (5p). This example is one of the latter and was sent to a Marinda Cundy and has remained in the family since 1843.

This remarkable piece of history that can quite rightly be regarded as the genesis of the Christmas card industry is estimated to sell for £3,000-£5,000.

Another fascinating piece of history being sold relates to Robert Falcon Scott’s 1901-04 Discovery Expedition, the first official British exploration of the Antarctic regions since James Clark Ross’ voyage 60 years earlier.

It is written on official expedition stationary by Albert Armitage, the second in command from their winter quarters on February 22, 1903.

The letter gives the reader a fascinating first person perspective of this famous expedition and includes details of discoveries of new land, scientific work carried out and most importantly of Scott himself.

Armitage was a one of the pioneer breed of explorers from the turn of the 20th century having been part of the Jackson-Harmsworth Expedition to the North Pole in 1894-97 and was the first person to walk on the polar plateau during the Discovery Expedition. It is estimated at £1,500-£2,500.

The diversity of this particular auction is illustrated in the breadth of items being sold.

There are more than 800 lots going under the hammer.

Due to the sale’s proximity to Christmas it will represent an excellent opportunity to buy an imaginative Christmas gift for the loved one who has everything.

As well as more obvious presents such as silver, jewellery and a beautiful ladies gold Rolex wristwatch.

There are specific selections of Chinese material that will include numerous worked items of jade, Polynesian and South Sea artefacts such as a prehistoric polished stone adze from New Zealand, rare Buddy Holly memorabilia and a unique previously unrecorded example of an Edward I silver groat.

There are also a number of good examples of postcards, antiques, ceramics, paintings and general collectibles in the sale.

The auctioneers are now accepting entries for their first auction of collectibles and antiques of 2014 on February 15. The next free valuation day is on December 12.

Henry Aldridge and Sons is auctioning what they believe may be one of the world’s first Christmas card, from the 1840s, pictured above. In the same sale, anyone looking for unusual Christmas presents this year could get their hands on a collectible ladies’ Rolex watch, left, or even a piece of history, with a letter from an early Arctic expedition, pictured right. Last week, Chorley’s sold a Victorian doll’s house for more than £42,000, far right

Little house makes big money Chorley’s When Chorley’s were asked to sell the most beautiful early Victorian doll’s house in their November 28 sale, there was one problem – how could this be done without the house and its extremely pricey contents being split and sold off individually?

The client agreed to a sale by informal tender as being the best way to proceed. This form of sale in the antique world is uncommon, but as with the sale of land and property, it is a method of sale that is flexible and the client has the right to choose an offer that may not necessarily be the highest but the one they feel the happiest with.

Those offering tenders can also be informed

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as to the position of their bid and if they are minded to, they can adjust their original bid in the hopes that this adjustment will secure them the property.

Parties from across the country expressed interest in the Newton Dolls’ House, as it is now called, and many submitted tenders.

After much consultation, Chorley’s client was pleased to accept an offer (of nearly three times the original estimate) from a dolls’ house collector to become the next “Newton Housekeeper”.

The final sale price was £42,450 and with its future as a complete Victorian dwelling now secure, both the previous and the new owner are delighted with the outcome.

The dolls’ house was made in 1850 by Mr and Mrs Newton of Liverpool for their daughter Emma when she was six years old.

Mr Newton, a lawyer, was a keen amateur carpenter and it was he who designed and made the house and most of the furniture. Mrs Newton, meanwhile, made all the furnishings and bedclothes.

The doll’s house remained in the north country until the early 1930s before journeying with later generations of the same family through Worcestershire to Cheltenham where it was purchased in the early 1970s by the last owner who treasured it for nearly 40 years.

With its future now mapped out, the property will be treasured by further generations to come.

Chinese continues to sell well Moore Allen & Innocent The strength of the Chinese antiques market contributed to the biggest, busiest and most profitable general sale of the year at the salesroom of Moore Allen & Innocent in Cirencester.

A record £74,000 of antiques were bought and sold over 1,114 lots by almost 300 registered buyers.

The top price of the day – a circa 1900 Chinese orange kimono decorated with dragons, clouds and flowers, together with a second kimono, the blue ground decorated with floral needlework – went to a Chinese buyer for £2,600.

And eyebrows were raised when a collection of Chinese porcelain, some of it damaged, far exceeded its modest estimate to sell for £2,000 – the second highest lot price of the day.

Also in the top ten was a Chinese silk robe with embroidered floral decoration, which made £550 against an estimate of £100 to £150.

Elsewhere in the top ten, a Victorian baker’s pine preparation table achieved £1,950 against a £500 to £800 estimate.

With three brass-handled drawers, and mounted on six casters, the shabby chic item really looked the part.

Meanwhile, a smart mahogany partners desk of serpentine outline in the George III taste made £850, and a modern brass bedstead with base and mattress achieved £720 against a £300 to £500 estimate.

Almost bang up to date, a Bang & Olufsen BO Sound 9000 CD player made £360 against a £100 to £150 estimate.

The preserve of trendy bars and boutiques around the turn of the millennium, the luxury model would be wall mounted or floor mounted on a stand, and displayed six CDs one above the other, in traffic light style.

“It’s a design classic, and an antique of the future,” said auctioneer Philip Allwood.

Worth raising a glass to this Moore Allen & Innocent At up to £178 a shot, it might be the most expensive glass raised in the Cotswolds at Christmas this year – but auctioneers at Moore Allen & Innocent in Cirencester are confident that a very special bottle of whisky will sell for between £3,000 and £5,000 when it goes under the hammer next week.

The 70cl decanter of Macallan’s Millennium is the jewel in the crown of this year’s preChristmas wine and spirits sale.

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Antiques FROM PAGE 33 Bottled to mark the turn of the millennium, the Speyside single malt whisky was distilled in January 1949 and stored in Spanish oak sherry casks until it was released into Caithness lead free crystal decanters in August 1999.

The whisky comes in its original presentation box, together with leaflets and original outer cardboard delivery box. And with that £3,000 to £5,000 estimate, each single measure will be worth between £107 and £178.

The sale will also boast a single bottle of what is considered to be one of the finest wines ever produced. Auctioneers are anticipating bids of between £1,500 and £2,000 for the bottle of 1945 Chateau Latour, Grand Cru Classé.

The pre-Christmas sale is also an opportunity for collectors to snap up antique toys.

Moore Allen has a wide selection ranging from vintage teddy bears and dolls to train sets, cars and model soldiers.

The dolls include a number of Armand Marseille models, while there are a smattering of Steiffs among the teddies. The most sought-after, however, is likely to be a black and white woodwool filled dog with jointed head, arms and legs, glass eyes and handstitched nose and mouth, probably by Farnell, which should make £100 to £150.

Among the toy cars, there are some excellent boxed examples of Dinky models. A single Jaguar XK120 coupe number 157 carries an estimate of £100 to £150, as does a Studebaker Land Cruiser number 172. A Rover 75 Saloon number 156, a Bristol 450 Sports Coupe number 163 and a Bentley Continental number 224 each carry estimates of £80 to £120.

Like the Chateau Latour, one particular toy with a fascinating heritage is the product of Europe at war. The wooden painted pull-along toy depicting a dog and four puppies was made by a German Prisoner of War at a farm in Winstone, near Cirencester, during the Second World War, with bits of scrap around the farm. The PoW was paid 20 cigarettes for his efforts. A bid of £25 to £30 should secure the lot.

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The December sale saw a fine selection of silver, jewellery, furniture and ceramics go under the hammer. Among the items on offer was a pretty Chinese famille verte bottle vase.

This piece was guided at £500-£800.

The sale was followed the next day by the ever-popular collectors’ sale at the same venue.

More than 500 diverse lots from rare stamps to movie memorabilia featured in the eclectic sale.

Of particular note was a Victorian stamp album in excellent condition which featured a £5 orange stamp circa 1870 which is franked 1892 and a purple blue 5d stamp from 19021904.

Entries are now being taken for the next monthly sale which takes place on Thursday, January 9.

Free valuation mornings are held each Monday from 9am-1pm.

All that glitters at festive sale Stroud Auctions

One for when sales are flagging Charterhouse An enormous Union flag is one of the more unusual lots in the Charterhouse auction of collectors items on Wednesday, December 18.

“Our collector’s auctions always turn up the weird and the wonderful, but I was somewhat flabbergasted when the owner came into our saleroom on a militaria valuation day with an 18ft Union Jack,” said Richard Bromell.

“The owner, who lives in Devon, had previously used it as a canopy for his market stall when he was trading in army surplus items, but is now looking to move house and not only brought the flag in for auction, but also an air raid siren and a small arsenal of flintlock and percussion cap pistols from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.”

The huge Union Jack probably came from a vessel of the Royal Navy, but sadly the owner cannot shed any light on this matter. Today, estimated at a modest £100-£200, it would certainly grace any man cave or garage, is probably cheaper than getting the decorators in, or would make several duvet covers with matching pillow cases.

Charterhouse is now accepting for their forthcoming programme of antiques auctions with specialist sections of coins, stamps, medals, collector’s items and clocks in December; followed by pictures, books, Beswick in January; and classic cars and motorcycles in February.

View to making a killing on Greenslade Taylor Hunt Thursday saw the curtain come down on the final monthly sale of the year for auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

It has been a highly successful year for the fir m’s Octagon Salerooms in East Reach, Taunton – only last month a magnificent £22,500 was achieved for a 19th-century Russian oil painting.

There is a glittering array of lots in Stroud Auction Rooms’ popular December sale.

With the spotlight once again on jewellery, there are some wonderful pieces already causing strong interest across the globe.

The theme for the pre-Christmas auction is always “postable items suitable as seasonal gifts” and this year buyers are spoilt for choice with some interesting “bidding battles” on the cards.

Reminding us that diamonds are definitely a girl’s best friend, there are a number of sparkling items on offer. These range from rings (including a 2ct diamond solitaire by Christopher Milton Stevens of Bath) to a diamond and aquamarine necklace, which has a matching ring as a separate lot, a crescent-shaped diamond brooch and a highly covetable Tiffany diamond-encrusted cocktail watch.

Also causing interest are a boxed set of silver guilloche coffee bean spoons and an unusual Egyptian necklace.

One of the more unusual lots going under the hammer in December is a rare 19thcentury Santa Claus. This Ives Connecticut clockwork automaton with has brown robes and his original sack of toys.

Father Christmas, who made his first appearance in 1862, was dressed in brown or green until 1931 when Coca Cola decided to use the old gentleman for a seasonal advertising campaign and gave him the festive red suit we know today.

A good selection of silver, bijouterie and festive drinks, including champagne, whisky and brandy will also be auctioned at this seasonal sale.

To see some of the items which will be selling on Wednesday, December 11 and Thursday, December 12 (10am) take a look at Stroud Auction Rooms’ new website www.stroudauctions.co.uk Remember, you can have a good look around the rooms on viewing day, Tuesday, December 10 (10am-7pm) and it is also possible to view on sale days from 9am.

Dogs not just for Christmas Elford Fine Art With its Christmas exhibition and sale, Elford Fine Art has unwrapped a sparkling selection of paintings to inspire your festive gift ideas.

This event, at The Gallery in the heart of Tavistock, offers an enticing new collection of period and contemporary oils and watercolours, many of them celebrating the beauty of our region’s coast and countryside.

With works spanning three centuries, the exhibition features historic views of Cornwall and Devon in traditional Victorian and Edwardian style, alongside 20th-century Impressionism and an exciting choice of landscapes and seascapes by some of our most popular artists of today.

Classic watercolours of Plymouth Sound, The Hamoaze and the River Tamar illustrate the importance of this busy waterway and its appeal for generations of calibre artists.

In 1863, the renowned coastal and marine painter John Mogford, RI ROI was attracted to

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The enormous Union Jack being sold by Charterhouse is thought to have once graced a Royal Navy ship, above; Henry Aldridge and Sons, in Devizes, is preparing to sell a range of Buddy Holly-themed memorabilia, including a signed card, top; while Greenslade Taylor Hunt made £22,500 for this 19th-century Russian landscape, main image above left WCL-E01-S2

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 35

Antiques FROM PAGE 35 its shores and captured the serenity of sailing craft drifting peacefully alongside the giant hulks of battleships anchored in The Hamoaze.

Another 19th-century scene shows HMS Britannia leaving The Sound to a gun salute, with well-wishers waving from the shore as she sets sail.

If it is animals you prefer, two portraits of terriers with “take me home” eyes will appeal to dog lovers. These dogs are not just for Christmas, either, as they are already more than a century old and are bound to give many more years of enjoyment to their new owners.

Elford Fine Art’s Christmas exhibition at 3, Drake Road, Tavistock, is open every weekday and Saturday (10.30am to 4.30pm) until December 21. Telephone 07712 137272 or email elfordfineart.co.uk for more details.

Diana dress an Emanuel Kerry Taylor Auctions A “fairytale” dress that once belonged to Princess Diana has sold for more than £100,000 at auction.

The ornate gold and white gown, designed

by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, features sequins, crystals and pearl beads and was worn by Diana on several occasions, including the premiere of James Bond film The Living Daylights. It was sold by Kerry Taylor Auctions in London for £102,000, including buyer’s premium, having been estimated to reach from £50,000 to £80,000. There was a huge amount of interest from the US but a museum based in another overseas country made the successful bid.

Kerry Taylor said: “This is the 11th Princess Diana dress that I have sold this year, and I feel very lucky and privileged. It is a beautiful

This dress, which once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales, has been described as fairytale-like

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

December Sale of over 1500 lots

Wednesday 11th & Thursday 12th December at 10am

Viewing Tuesday 10th 10am - 7pm & sale mornings from 9am To include specialist sections of jewellery, silver, A Breitling Old Navitimer II watches, clocks, coins, fine wines & spirits gentleman's wristwatch, £2500-£3000

An Art Deco platinum and diamond brooch, set with central 1/3 carat diamond within interlocking square panel £400-£600

Entries now invited for our January sale to include ceramics and glass; books; ephemera including advertising and memorabilia; binoculars, telescopes and photography; scientific instruments; weights and scales.

FREE valuations every Friday & Saturday at our saleroom or at your home by appointment

December catalogue now online A rare 19thC Ives Connecticut Father Christmas clockwork automaton with brown clothing in our December auction £400-£600

www.stroudauctions.co.uk Unit J Bath Road Trading Estate Bath Road Lightpill Stroud Gloucestershire GL5 3QF

Telephone: 01453 873800

36 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

Email: info@stroudauctions.com WCL-E01-S2

dress, worn by a beautiful woman, and deserved to do well.”

The auctioneer described the dress as having a “pretty, fairytale princess feel to it” and added that the dress’ current owner “is pleased that the gown will be preserved for others to enjoy in years to come”.

It is not yet known where the gown’s new home will be.

Diana first saw the dress at a Red Cross benefit fashion show in summer 1986, and rather than having it specially commissioned from the designers, she was happy to take the standard size ten dress from the show. She wore it at a banquet at the German ambassador’s residence in London in July 1986, and to the Royal Opera House for a performance of Ivan The Terrible by the Bolshoi Ballet later the same month, as well as to the film premiere in Leicester Square the following year. The dress was part of the Emanuels’ Diaghilev collection, which was inspired by Leon Bakst’s geometric designs for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes.

According to the auctioneer, Elizabeth Emanuel said that because of its lavish decoration and striking gold and white colours, the dress was something that people would either love or hate and she remembered that the Princess told her she “loved it”.

The Emanuels were a fashion favourite of the Princess and they made special ensembles and evening gowns for Diana’s overseas tours with the Prince of Wales, as well as producing maternity wear for her.

Model railways are always popular with boys both young and old at Christmas. Items in the sale range from vintage Triang to several large scale engines headed by a 5in gauge model of coal-fired steam-driven SHMR Ajax No 1078 0-4-0 tender locomotive (£2,500£3,000).

Jewellery has many examples of gold, silver and other precious metals, but the largest gold lot is a fine cased North African (Moroccan) gold-handled presentation dagger. The stained ivory handle is embossed with a Royal coat-ofarms and script; the curved blade with minaret below crest and further script. Together with fitted, embossed presentation case the estimate is £4,000-£6,000.

Of interest to collectors of militaria will be two groups of campaign medals. Comprising a 1914 Star trio plus ribbons, South Africa Medal 1877-9, one clasp 1879 to Pte Jefferson 24th Foot service number 2030; and to Sgt H Vigors 42nd Bty, RFA comprising Queen's South Africa Medal one clasp Natal, and a Long Service and Good Conduct medal No 62842; together with a 2nd Class Iron Cross 1914, and a 1914 brass Christmas tobacco tin.

Guide £800-£1,200.

There are more than 100 paintings and prints including two signed Fred Yates oils, one on board features figures walking along a village street (£2,000-£2,500).

The furniture section has an interesting 19th-century French Vernis Martin walnut vitrine with gilt metal mounts, having four lower panels painted with figures in a garden landscape (£1,800-£2,200).

Lot 1 in the sale, which is a red Triumph TR4 sports car in restored condition with a cherished number plate, for £10,000-£15,000.

Slice of Harry Potter magic Sotheby’s A charity auction is to be held for a unique charm bracelet inspired by the Harry Potter stories. The lot will be sold at Sotheby’s of London and is expected to fetch between £15,000 and £20,000, with all proceeds going to JK Rowling’s charity, Lumos.

The organisation aims to end the institutionalisation of children, creating community-based services that provide access to health, education and social care. The sterling silver bracelet which features 11 Harry Potterthemed charms and the charity’s butterfly logo, will be sold on December 10.

At Elford Fine Arts you can buy Hulks at Anchor in The Hamoaze, a watercolour dated 1863 by John Mogford, right; or HMS Britannia in Plymouth Sound, a 19th-century English School watercolour, above right; while these eye-catching rough and smoothcoated terriers, below, are looking for a caring new home and, at more than 100 years old, are guaranteed to be house-trained

Kray’s own unique ‘insider art’ Arthur Johnson and Sons Two paintings by gangster Reggie Kray have been sold at auction.

The pair of Norfolk oil landscapes went under the hammer alongside a Roberts radio that he used in his prison cell.

Kray completed the paintings while he was in Wayland Prison in Norfolk.

The lot fetched £1,200 at Arthur Johnson and Sons auctioneers in Nottingham on Saturday.

A spokesman for the auction house said: “The oils were painted while Reggie was at HM Prison Wayland, Griston, Norfolk, where he also had his radio.

“The paintings and radio caused considerable interest and very competitive bidding resulted in them reaching a final hammer price of £1,200.”

Twins Reggie and Ronnie Kray were responsible for much of the organised crime in London in the 1950s and 1960s. They were sentenced to life imprisonment in 1969.

Reggie died in 2000 after a short period of compassionate release from prison, five years after his brother died in Broadmoor.

Sale will be the largest ever Devon and Cornwall Auctions Devon and Cornwall Auctions’ next sale will be the largest ever, which seems fitting given that Nigel Trevelyan, who has run the organisation for the past five years, has announced he will be retiring at Easter after more than 30 years in the business.

The December sale, being held today, will be the largest ever, with 1,400 lots. The saleroom at Broadwoodwidger (just off the A30) will be packed with items from curiosities to fine antiques.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 37

Television and radio FILM CHOICE

TOP TV CHOICE

The Good Shepherd Spy drama, exploring the secret history of the CIA, spanning from the Second World War to the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, in which a team of US-funded Cuban exiles unsuccessfully tried to overthrow Fidel Castro.

It focuses on the personal and professional struggles of Edward Wilson, who lands a job with the government’s intelligence agency.

Edward’s role in the secret service leaves little time for a family life and soon he is forced to make a choice between national security and his loved ones’ safety.

By concentrating on paperwork, files and folders, Robert De Niro’s ambitious second directorial outing strips the spy movie of its glamour and focuses on one man’s personal tragedy as he becomes an automaton for the American government’s intelligence service.

De Niro’s fresh perspective on a tired genre is definitely a joy to behold.

Look out for Keir Dullea among the supporting cast. The actor best known for his work in 2001: A Space Odyssey is still going strong at 77. (BBC One, Wednesday, 11.35pm)

We are in the presence of genius tonight. Not the word “genius” that is banded around for everything from a slightly witty joke to someone who kicks a ball around a field.

Stephen Hawking is not just a renowned theoretical physicist who has changed science. As such a familiar character, he has brought complex theories to the masses.

But it wasn’t always so, as Stephen Finnigan’s feature-length documentary Stephen Hawking: A Brief History Of Mine (Tonight, Channel 4, 7.15pm) shows in unprecedented detail. Told for the first time in Hawking’s own words, and of those close to him, this intimate biography contains unique access to his private life and reveals his extraordinary life and career.

From talking heads in Hollywood and science, the documentary moves into deeper matters, with Hawking’s previously unseen everyday life. Witnessing his daily struggle with motor neurone disease affords us an opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on this living genius.

Julie & Julia What’s It About? Meryl Streep and Amy Adams star in this biopic telling the stories of 1960s American chef Julia Child and modern-day housewife Julie Powell.

About to turn 30, unemployed and with an unpublished novel, Julie decides to cook her way through her heroine’s recipes while at the same time keeping a blog about it.

Meanwhile, back in the early 1960s, Julia follows her diplomat husband to Paris, and embarks on a new career of her own.

Based on two memoirs set more than 50 years apart, Julie & Julia is a frothy and entertaining tale of cuisine and l’amour which simmers nicely but never quite comes to the boil. Nevertheless, it’s another one to add to Streep’s hall of fame, as she continues to astound us with her ability to inhabit a role.

Listen out for the song Stop the Train. It’s performed by Henry Wolfe, aka Streep’s son Henry Gummer. (BBC Two, Friday, 11.05pm)

DVD The Conjuring (15) Roger Perron (Ron Livingston) and wife Carolyn (Lili Taylor) arrive at a rundown farmhouse in Harrisville with their five daughters.

Eldest child Andrea (Shanley Caswell) sulks about relocating to the middle of nowhere while sisters Christine (Joey King), Nancy (Haley McFarland), Cindy (Mackenzie Foy) and April (Kyla Deaver) run from musty room to musty room.

The family dog Sadie refuses to enter the property and that first night, the clocks all stop at precisely 3.07am. In the coming days, the Perrons experience increasingly violent episodes, which terrify Carolyn and her brood.

In desperation, the family turns to renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga), who immediately sense a malevolent force. Based on a true story, The Conjuring steadily cranks up tension with doors opening of their own accord and whispering voices, before revealing the evil that manifests in every creaking floorboard.

IN PROFILE Name Victoria Wood Best known for Endless TV hits and her standup performances.

Early Life Born on May 19, 1953, in Prestwich, Greater Manchester. She has three siblings and was educated at Bury Grammar Girls’ School and the University of Birmingham. It was while she was still an undergraduate studying drama that she won the TV talent show New Faces. Her second big break came in 1976 when she landed a weekly slot on BBC consumer affairs programme That’s Life! She first teamed up professionally with long-term collaborator Julie Walters in a 1978 theatre revue, In at the Death, and the pair worked together again when Wood’s first play, Talent, was made for TV. Career Victoria Wood and Julie Walters received equal billing in a short-lived sketch show for Granada Television, Wood and Walters, but they enjoyed more success at the BBC in 1984 with Victoria Wood As Seen on TV. The series was notable for classic sketches such as Acorn Antiques, which was eventually turned into a stage musical in 2005. Wood’s stand-up routine was showcased in 1988 on ITV in the Bafta-winning An Audience with Victoria Wood. She later wrote and starred in comedy drama Pat and Margaret, and the sitcom dinnerladies. She took on a serious acting role in 2006 when she starred in Housewife, 49, a role that garnered Baftas for both her acting and writing. She played Eric Morecambe’s mother in Eric & Ernie. Wood has also returned to sketch comedy for several Christmas specials.

Trivia Wood married illusionist Geoffrey Durham, aka The Great Soprendo, in 1980, but they separated in 2002.

See QI, BBC Two, 10pm.

RADIO In The Drunken Sailor (BBC Radio2, Tuesday 10pm), Richard Hawley explores the rich and fascinating tradition of the shanty, a very specific type of folk song that’s connected with – but not necessarily about – the sea.

A work song, the shanty has a purpose and a rhythmic structure designed to help mariners carry out their work. Its heyday was around 1840 to 1880, aboard the great full-rigged ships in a century of expanding imperialism, when the Royal Navy did rule the waves.

It was the merchant sailors who developed the sea song, often known as a forebitter, and the shanty; drawing on all manner of songs to create their own body of work. By the end of the 19th century, as sail gave way to steam, the shanty was starting to disappear.

Contributors include Martin Carthy; Steeleye Span lead vocalist Maddy Prior; Shanty Jack; Chris Roche of the Shanty Crew; and Pete Wood and Jim Mageean of the Keelers.

TV QUIZ

TV QUIZ ANSWERS 1 Personal trainer. 2 The Great Art Robbery.

3 Rory Kinnear. 4 Stephen Gately. 5 2011.

A documentary this week casts light into the world of Stephen Hawking, examining not only his astounding scientific discoveries and theories but also revealing the daily struggles he faces with motor neurone disease

38 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

1 Jimi Mistry makes his first appearance in ITV's Coronation Street on Sunday, December 8. What is his character Kal's occupation?

2 Illusionist Derren Brown is back to undertake another dramatic spectacle for Channel 4. What is the programme called?

3 Christopher Eccleston stars in ITV's new drama Lucan. What's the name of his co-star who plays the title character Lord Lucan?

4 Former boyband Boyzone reunite for an ITV special. What is the name of their late member who died in 2009?

5 Cast your mind back... As usual, Spencer Matthew is currently causing all sorts of problems for his cast mates in E4's Made In Chelsea. He's been part of the show since the beginning, which was in what year?

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Television Keeley Bolger

Rory Kinnear as Lord Lucan and Christopher Ecclestone as John Aspinall in this week’s two-part drama about the disappearance of Lord Lucan

Actors say the biggest draw is the challenge of playing a character – not the hefty cheque.

But when asked about his motivation for playing roles in blockbusters such as G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and Thor: The Dark World, Christopher Eccleston doesn’t pull any punches. It was, he says unapologetically, “primarily the money”.

As one of Britain’s most acclaimed actors, straight-talking certainly hasn’t dented his career prospects, but it does mean he has a reputation as being rather uncompromising.

His reluctance to do interviews is wellknown, so it says something that he’s agreed to do press for his latest role, as eccentric club owner John Aspinall in Lucan, ITV’s new two-part drama about the peer’s infamous disappearance.

But caring and raving are two very different things; Eccleston’s economical with his words and he’s never really been one to gush. “The drama is not about John Aspinall, the drama

is very much about Lucan,” he says. “Aspinall’s a secondary character in that sense. The focus is Rory [Kinnear] as Lucan.”

It’s little surprise, then, that the no-nonsense star is unfazed by the upper-class circles – “they hold no allure for me” – in which Lord Lucan mixed.

Don’t be fooled though, there was some monkeying around on set... But that came from one of his furry co-stars – Eccleston shares screen-time with a chimp, as the late Aspinall owned a private zoo. So how did the serious actor cope with that?

“I was very comfortable with the animals,” he says, softening slightly. “It added a new dimension of unpredictability to the scenes we were playing. But fortunately, they all behaved.”

On Aspinall, Eccleston is quick to say he “knew nothing of the man” before accepting

the part but was intrigued by the infamous case. He was only 10 when, in November 1974, the Lucans’ nanny, Sandra Rivett, was bludgeoned to death in the basement of the family’s home, as she made her way to the kitchen to make a cup of tea.

To this day, Lucan is believed to have mistaken Sandra for his wife Veronica, whom he blamed for the fractures in his well-to-do family life. Following an attack on Veronica, he later fled and his whereabouts and eventual fate have remained a mystery for nearly four decades – though, as often happens with such things, are still the subject of speculation.

“I was familiar with the phrase ‘Lord Lucan’ as it always applied to someone who had gone missing. My dad would say, ‘Where have you been, Lord Lucan?’” says Eccleston, now 49, who grew up in Greater Manchester and now lives in London. “But aside from knowing he was possibly on the run, that was it. I knew very little of the case.”

He was initially sceptical about the drama, he reveals, until he read the script by Jeff Pope and realised it has a “real moral centre”.

“I think a huge motivation for Jeff was to point out that Sandra Rivett lost her life, and that was never given due prominence by the press. And Veronica lost the children [custody was awarded to her sister following bouts of illness] and was made a social pariah,” he says.

“Judgement is unavoidable but great writers are aware of their own particular bias, and Jeff has huge respect for his audience’s intelligence.”

“As a viewer, I don’t want to be told what to think. I hate it,” he says. “Life is mysterious and people are ambiguous and paradoxical.”

Ambiguity isn’t something Eccleston suf-

fers from when describing his TV habits, however.

“I do love a documentary,” he says. “And I watch a certain amount of sport and news.”

But there is one particular genre that he has a hard time tuning in for.

“I don’t watch a huge amount of drama, because I do it,” says the actor, who trained at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama before his scene-stealing performance as an illiterate adult convicted of murder in 1991’s Let Him Have It, and a TV Bafta nomination for Our Friends In The North six years later.

“I find I’m critical of it and I’m in on the joke,” he notes. He’s made an exception for one cult American series, though.

“When I fall in love with something, as I did Breaking Bad, for instance, I’m very passionate about it. I’m hugely admiring of that series. I think it was brilliantly done in every way.”

Eccleston, who earned critical acclaim for playing the ambitious DCI David Bilborough in Cracker and the ninth incarnation of the Time Lord in Doctor Who, is suitably frank on what drives his career choices. It’s definitely not the opportunity to depict real life people.

“No, I’ve not proceeded like that [in my career]. I think the excitement of being an actor is that somebody comes up with something like Lucan,” he says.

“Or it’s when someone comes up with Hillsborough, or Derek Bentley in Let Him Have It, or Fred Noonan in Amelia.”

And just as it looks like Eccleston is about to give something away, he rounds off the interview as he started, with an answer that manages to be both straightforward and enigmatic in equal measure. “But I’m not [that taken with] anybody.”

PICKS OF THE WEEK W:44.261mm H:44.288mm

MUSIC Get Folked: The Great Folk Revival looks at the genre’s resurgence with acts like Jake Bugg (More4, 10pm, Saturday)

COMEDY Brian wins tickets to see Celine Dion in another slice of grown-up cartoon Family Guy (BBC Three, 10pm, Sunday)

GARDENING Monty Don and other experts want us back in our gardens in The Great Garden Revival (BBC Two, 7pm, Monday)

SPORT Sports Personality of the Year at 60 (BBC One, 9pm, Wednesday) Gary Lineker looks back at 60 years of the award

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FOOD Heston Blumenthal is back with a typical twist on our favourite foods in Heston’s Great British Food (C4, 9pm, Tuesday)

ENTERTAINMENT The annual chance for the showbiz world in the in the Royal Variety Performance 2013 (Monday, ITV1, 7.30pm)

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 39

Saturday television&radio Saturday’s Television Guide TV PICKS

ATLANTIS 8.15pm, BBC1

The trio go in search of the missing Medusa, only to become caught up in a tribe’s brutal blood sport – where they themselves are the prey. Robert Lindsay guest stars.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 10.00 Saturday Kitchen Live (S). 11.30 Food & Drink (R,S,HD). 12.00 Football Focus (S,HD).

12.45 Saturday Sportsday (S,HD). 1.00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather (S,HD). 1.15 Live Snooker: UK Championship (S). The opening session of the second semi-final. 4.30 Final Score (S,HD). A round-up of this afternoon’s football results. 5.10 My Family Christmas Special (R,S).

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

STRICTLY COME DANCING 7.10pm, BBC1

Bruce Forsyth is having another break, so Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman present as the celebrities hit the dance floor in an attempt to make it through to next week’s semi-final.

All the remaining contestants have proved they have what it takes, so it will be a tough one to call this week.

BBC2 BBC2

6.00 This Is BBC Two (S). 7.10 Film: The Stars Look Down (S) (1940). ●●●● 8.45 Film: The Captive Heart (S) (1946). ●●●● 10.20 The Sky at Night (R,S,HD). 10.40 Reel History of Britain (R,S). 11.10 Life of Birds (R,S). 12.00 Paul Hollywood’s Pies & Puds (R,S,HD). 12.45 Paul Hollywood’s Pies & Puds (R,S,HD). 1.30 The A to Z of TV Cooking (S). 2.15 EastEnders (S,HD).

4.05 Coast (R,S,HD). 4.30 Live Snooker: UK Championship (S). 5.30 Flog It! (R,S).

THE X FACTOR 8.15pm, ITV

The remaining acts have been in rehearsals all week and now the time has come for them to show the voting public why they deserve a place in next week’s final. Dermot O’Leary hosts.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 CITV 9.25 ITV News (S). 9.30 The Home of Fabulous Cakes (R,S,HD). 10.30 Murder, She Wrote (R,S,HD). 11.30 ITV News and Weather (S). 11.40 Surprise Surprise (R,S,HD). 12.40 Doc Martin (R,S).

1.45 Film: Babe (S,HD) (1995). Family comedy, starring James Cromwell and Magda Szubanski. ●●●●● 3.25 Film: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (S,HD) (2002). Fantasy adventure sequel, starring Daniel Radcliffe. ●●●●

THE BIBLE 9pm, Channel 5

Joshua is camped outside Jericho and the city seems impregnable, but he obeys God’s instructions to march around the walls for six days and on the seventh have the priests blow their horns to bring down the walls. Many years later, Samson is betrayed by Delilah when she discovers the secret of his strength.

Channel Channel 4

6.00 The Treacle People (R,S). 6.10 The Hoobs (R,S). 6.35 Anglesey Sandman Triathlon (S). 7.05 The Great Ethiopian Run (S). 8.00 The Morning Line (S). 9.00 The American Football Show (S). 10.00 Frasier (R,S). 11.00 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 11.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 12.30 The Simpsons (R,S). 1.30 Channel 4 Racing (S). Live coverage from Sandown Park and Aintree.

4.10 Come Dine with Me (R,S,HD).

Channel Channel 5

6.00 Milkshake! 10.05 Power Rangers: Megaforce (S,HD). 10.40 Slugterra (S,HD).

11.05 Stobart: Trucks, Trains & Planes (R,S,HD). 12.05 Stop! Police Interceptors (R,S). 1.00 Almost Dead: Scariest Near Misses (R,S,HD). 2.00 Film: It’s Christmas, Carol! (S,HD) (2012). ●●● 3.45 Film: Christmas Song (S,HD) (2012). ●●● 5.35 Film: Matchmaker Santa (S,HD) (2012).

Premiere. Romantic comedy, with Lacey Chabert and Adam Mayfield. ●●●

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

7.00 Live Snooker: UK Championship (S). Hazel Irvine presents the concluding session of the second semi-final at the Barbican Centre in York, where the first player to reach nine frames will progress to the final. Mark Selby defeated Mark Davis 9-4 in the semi-final last year to set up a final against Shaun Murphy, ensuring the first all-English line-up in a UK Championship final since Jimmy White faced John Parrott in 1992. The commentary team includes Willie Thorne, John Virgo and John Parrott. Subsequent programmes subject to change.

7.15 The Chase: Celebrity Special (S,HD). 10/14. With Karen Barber, Dick Strawbridge, Catherine Tyldesley and Russell Kane. Bradley Walsh hosts.

7.15 Stephen Hawking: A Brief History of Mine (S,HD) (2013).

Premiere. Documentary about the renowned physicist’s life and work, from his schooldays to his scientific discoveries and 50-year struggle with motor neurone disease – a condition doctors predicted would lead to his death within two years of the initial diagnosis. As he lost the use of his body, Hawking had to find new ways to think, and went on to write the bestseller A Brief History of Time. See Choices Above. ●●●

7.10 Road to Christmas (S,HD) (2006). Romantic comedy drama, starring Jennifer Grey, Clark Gregg and Megan Park.

Edited for language. ●●

9.00 The Bible (S,HD). 2/5. See Choices Above.

10.00 QI XL (S,HD). 12/16. Extended edition. With Victoria Coren Mitchell, Sue Perkins and the Rev Richard Coles.

10.45 AI: Artificial Intelligence (S,HD) (2001). A highly advanced robotic boy is created with one purpose – to love his owner as a parent. When he is rejected by his ‘mother’, he is left to roam the bleak landscapes of a futuristic America with a fellow android, searching for a means of becoming a real boy. Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi drama, starring Haley Joel Osment and Frances O’Connor. See Choices Above. ●●●●

10.45 The Jonathan Ross Show (S,HD). 9/10. The host is joined

by Olympic diving star Tom Daley, stand-up comedian Jack Dee, Bafta-winning actress Olivia Colman and physicist Brian Cox. Ellie Goulding provides the music.

9.00 Unknown (S,HD) (2011). A doctor on a business trip in Germany ends up in a coma after a car accident. He wakes up to find another man is claiming to be him, his wife does not recognise him and any evidence of his real identity has disappeared. He seeks the help of the woman who saved his life as he tries to find out what has happened to him. Thriller, starring Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger and January Jones. ●●●

▼

6.45 News (S).

▼

6.20 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

6.45 New You’ve Been Framed!

(S).

7.10 Strictly Come Dancing (S,HD). See Choices Above.

▼

12

6.30 Dad’s Army (R,S). 10/14.

Mainwaring and his platoon are put in charge of manning an observation post on a derelict pier, but they are marooned when their boat drifts away.

6.00 Regional News (S,HD).

6.20 Pointless Celebrities (S,HD).

11/12. EastEnders special, with Nitin Ganatra, Rita Simons, Peter Dean and Todd Carty.

8.15 Atlantis (S,HD). 10/13. See Choices Above.

▼

after

Channel 4 Racing, 1.30pm

9.00 Casualty (S,HD). 17/48. Fletch has to rescue a child from danger.

9.50 The National Lottery Live (S,HD). Chris Evans announces the results of the Lotto and the Thunderball, and reveals the locations of winning tickets for the lottery raffle.

▼

11

The Chase: Celebrity Special, 7.15pm

10.00 BBC News; Weather (S,HD).

10.20 Match of the Day (S,HD).

Highlights from the Premier League, featuring Manchester United v Newcastle United at Old Trafford and Southampton v Manchester City at St Mary’s Stadium. Followed by National Lottery Update.

▼

10

Live Snooker, 7pm

11.45 The Football League Show (S). Manish Bhasin presents highlights and all the goals from today’s fixtures in the Championship, including Derby County v Blackpool at the iPro Stadium.

▼

6 7 8 9

Casualty, 9pm

1.00 Weatherview (S). 1.05 BBC News (S,HD).

1.00 Film: Racing for Time (S,HD) (2008).

A guard at a facility for teenage offenders is struck by the racial tensions between the female inmates, and resolves to bring them together. He organises the girls into a track team, and encourages them to break down the divisions between them as they strive to turn their lives around. Drama, with Charles S Dutton. ●●● 2.25 This Is BBC Two (S).

40 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

8.15 The X Factor (S,HD). 21/22.

See Choices Above.

9.45 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! (S,HD). 19/20. The few remaining campers have made it this far in the survival challenge, and they all have their eyes on the prize – but who will fall at the last hurdle and miss out on a place in the final?

11.50 ITV News and Weather (S); Weather.

11.20 Neds (S,HD) (2010). See Choices Above. ●●●●

12.05 FA Cup Football Highlights (S,HD).

Action from the opening second-round matches, which included Grimsby Town v Northampton Town, Kidderminster Harriers v Newport County and Hartlepool United v Coventry City. 1.00 Jackpot247 3.00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA (R,S). The host takes his successful talk show stateside.

3.45 ITV Nightscreen (HD).

1.40 Stand Up for the Week (R,S,HD).

Paul Chowdhry hosts the satirical comedy show, with Seann Walsh, Josh Widdicombe, Simon Evans, Romesh Ranganathan and Angela Barnes discussing the news. 2.25 Hollyoaks (R,S,HD). 4.35 90210 (S,HD).

Annie and Vanessa search for Liam. 5.15 Deal or No Deal (R,S,HD). High-stakes game show, with Noel Edmonds.

WCL-E01-S2

Stobart: Trucks, Trains … 11.05am

8.55 5 News Weekend (S,HD).

10.55 A Perfect Christmas (S,HD) (2012). Premiere. An advertising executive walks past a display mannequin in a department store window every day. When she suffers a bad fall outside the shop, the dummy comes to life to help her. He turns out to be everything she has always wanted in a man – but she soon realises her dream does not bring her happiness. Festive fantasy, starring Claire Coffee and Ryan McPartlin. ●●●

12.35 SuperCasino Live interactive gaming. 3.05 Blackbeard’s Last Stand – Revealed (R,S). 3.55 Wildlife SOS (R,S).

4.20 Make It Big (R,S). 4.50 Roary the Racing Car (R,S). 5.00 Angels of Jarm (R,S). 5.05 Hana’s Helpline (R,S). 5.20 Angels of Jarm (R,S). 5.25 The Funky Valley Show (R,S). 5.40 Roary the Racing Car (R,S). 5.50 Hana’s Helpline (R,S).

STEPHEN HAWKING: A BRIEF HISTORY OF MINE 7.15pm, Channel 4

THE XTRA FACTOR 9.45pm, ITV2

Premiere. Documentary about the renowned physicist’s life and work, from his schooldays to his scientific discoveries and 50-year struggle with motor neurone disease.

ITV2 ITV2

6.00 Coronation Street (HD).

8.35 Emmerdale (HD). 12.00 The X Factor USA (HD). 1.50 The X Factor USA (HD). 2.50 Rizzle Kicks – The Hot Desk (HD). 3.00 You’ve Been Framed! at Christmas (R). 3.30 You’ve Been Framed! Christmas (R). 4.00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

(R,HD). 5.35 Film: Small Soldiers (HD) (1998). ●●●

Caroline Flack and Matt Richardson present the companion show, getting the first reactions from the contestants and judges following the night’s live semi-final. Viewers put their questions directly to the acts and judges via social media, and some famous X Factor fans also offer their opinions.

E4 E4

6.00 Switched (R). 6.25 Being Erica (R,HD). 7.10 Ugly Betty (HD). 7.55 Charmed (R). 8.55 Glee (HD). 10.00 Made in Chelsea 11.00 Rules of Engagement (R,HD). 1.35 Mindy Project (HD).

2.00 Prep & Landing (R,HD). 2.30 Lost and Found (R,HD). 3.00 Big Bang Theory (R,HD). 4.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD). 5.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

Sky1 Sky1

6.00 Luton Airport (R,S). 8.00 The Fantasy Football Club 9.00 Game Changers 10.00 Soccer AM 12.00 WWE Superstars (HD).

1.00 The Hobbit (R,S). 1.30 Frozen Special (S,HD). 2.00 Ashley Banjo’s Secret Street Crew (HD).

3.00 Micro Monsters with David Attenborough (HD). 4.00 NCIS: Los Angeles (HD). 5.00 Portrait Artist of the Year (R,S,HD).

FILM PICKS

Saturday television&radio AI: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 10.45pm, BBC2

NEDS 11.20pm, Channel 4

A teenager in 1970s Glasgow follows in his elder brother’s footsteps by joining a violent street gang. Drama, with Conor McCarron and Gregg Forrest.

A robot boy programmed to see his owner as a parent tries to become human. Sci-fi drama, with Haley Joel Osment and Jude Law.

Gold GOLD

6.00 Sykes 6.30 The Brittas Empire 7.00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 7.30 The Green Green Grass 8.10 The Good Life 8.50 Bring Me Morecambe & Wise 10.50 The Two Ronnies Sketchbook 11.50 The Two Ronnies Spectacle 12.50 The Best of Les Dawson 1.30 Only Fools and Horses 2.35 Only Fools and Horses 3.40 Only Fools and Horses

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1

6.00 Football Gold (S). 6.15 Football League Gold (S,HD). 6.30 Football Gold (S). 7.00 Darts World Championship Years (HD).

7.30 Premier League Preview (HD). 8.00 Fantasy Football Club (HD). 9.00 Game Changers (HD).

10.00 Soccer AM (HD). 12.00 FL72 Live (HD). 2.30 Team Talk (HD). 3.00 Soccer Saturday (HD). 5.00 Live Saturday Night Football (HD).

Rude Tube, 9pm

Ghostbusters II, 9pm

Bottom, 10pm

Live Football, 5pm

6.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD). Ted gets too involved in Lily’s pregnancy.

6.30 Suburgatory (R,HD).

6.00 All Aboard: East Coast Trains (R,S,HD). A passenger claims the ticket machine failed to produce a travel card.

7.50 Johnny English (HD) (2003). A bumbling secret agent becomes Britain’s leading spy following the assassination of all the country’s other espionage experts.

Comedy, starring Rowan Atkinson, John Malkovich, Natalie Imbruglia and Ben Miller. Including FYI Daily. ●●●

7.00 New Girl (R,HD). Part one of two. Jess’s dad pays a surprise visit.

7.30 New Girl (R,HD). Part two of two. Cece’s wedding day arrives.

7.00 Inside RAF Brize Norton (R,S,HD). A returning soldier is reunited with his family.

6.00 The Best of Les Dawson Four-part series paying tribute to the comedian.

6.40 The Man Who Made Eric and Ernie A profile of TV producer Bill Cotton, whose hit shows included Morecambe and Wise, The Two Ronnies, The Generation Game, Dad’s Army and Parkinson.

6.00 Live Saturday Night Football Continued.

Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur (Kick-off 5.30pm). All the action from the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. Spurs are aiming to finish in the top four, while the Black Cats are looking to recover from a poor start to the season and avoid relegation.

8.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

8.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Sheldon tries to conceal his friendship with Penny from Leonard. Comedy, starring Jim Parsons.

8.00 The Simpsons (R,S).

A bump on the head leaves Marge with no memory of Homer.

8.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

Bart sees into the future.

9.45 The Xtra Factor (HD).

See Choices Above.

9.00 Rude Tube (R,HD). Alex Zane counts down 50 internet video mash-ups, in which original footage is given an amusing twist. Examples include Darth Vader playing the blues.

Small Soldiers, 5.35pm

8.00 Bring Me Morecambe & Wise Tribute to the comedy double act.

Narrated by Victoria Wood.

Darren Barker v Felix Sturm. Coverage of the bout for the IBF Middleweight title at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, Germany, as Barker makes the first defence of the title he won against Daniel Geale in August. The Barnetborn man has lost just one of his 27 professional fights, but faces a major test against his experienced German opponent, who has not fought outside his home country since 2005.

11.50 Fake Reaction (R,HD).

The comedy panel show, as Joe Swash and Ellie Taylor are joined by panellists Roxanne Pallett, Ollie Locke, Nicola Adams and Tom Craine. Last in the series.

12.35 The X Factor (R,HD). The acts battle to win places in next week’s final. 1.55 You’ve Been Framed! (R). Harry Hill narrates camcorder calamities. 2.20 You’ve Been Framed! (R). Featuring bridesmaids behaving badly. 2.45 Teleshopping 5.45 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD).

12.15 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD). Ted and Marshall kidnap Barney on his stag night. 12.45 Rules of Engagement (R,HD).

1.15 The IT Crowd (R). 1.45 The IT Crowd (R). 2.10 Rude Tube (R,HD). 3.05 Glee (R,HD). 3.50 Being Erica (R,HD). 4.30 Ugly Betty (R,HD).

RADIO

Radio 1 5.00am Rob da Bank 7.00 Gemma Cairney 10.00 Matt Edmondson 1.00pm Huw Stephens 4.00 Radio 1’s Dance Anthems with Danny Howard 7.00 MistaJam 9.00 Charlie Sloth 11.00 DJ Target 1.00am Diplo and Friends 3.00 Friction Radio 2 6.00am Anneka Rice 8.00 Sounds of the 60s 10.00 Graham Norton 1.00pm Pick of the Pops 3.00 Dermot O’Leary 6.00 Liza Tarbuck 8.00 Johnnie Walker’s Long-Players Lou Reed’s Transformer and Paul Simon’s Still Crazy After All These Years. 10.00 Sounds of the 80s Midnight Bob Harris Sunday 3.00 Richard Allinson Radio 3 7.00am Breakfast 9.00 News

12.10 Night Cops (R,S). Police in Crewe calm down an excitable youth. 1.10 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 1.40 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 2.10 Caribbean Cops (R,S,HD). 3.05 Road Wars (R,S).

4.00 Dog Patrol (R,S). 4.30 Dog Patrol (R,S). 5.00 Dog Patrol (R,S).

5.30 Dog Patrol (R,S).

9.03 CD Review 12.15pm Music Matters 1.00 News 1.02 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert 2.00 Saturday Classics 4.00 Sound of Cinema 5.00 Jazz Record Requests 6.00 Jazz Line-Up 7.30 Radio 3 Live in Concert 9.45 The Wire: Mother of Him 10.45 Hear and Now Midnight Geoffrey Smith’s Jazz 1.00 Through the Night Radio 4 5.30am (LW) Test Match Special 5.30 (FM) News Briefing 5.43 (FM) Prayer for the Day 5.45 (FM) iPM 6.00 (FM) News and Papers 6.07 (FM) Open Country 6.30 (FM) Farming Today This Week 6.57 (FM) Weather 7.00 (FM) Today 8.00 (LW) Today 8.51 (LW) Yesterday in Parliament

9.00 Saturday Live 10.30 The Enfield Thunderbolt 11.00 The Week in Westminster 11.30 From Our Own Correspondent Noon News 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast 12.04 Money Box 12.30 The News Quiz 12.57 Weather 1.00 News 1.10 Any Questions? 2.00 Any Answers? 2.30 Saturday Drama: Angel Maker 3.30 Soul Music 4.00 Weekend Woman’s Hour 5.00 Saturday PM 5.30 iPM 5.54 Shipping Forecast 5.57 Weather 6.00 Six O’Clock News 6.15 Loose Ends 7.00 Profile. The personality and motivation of a person making the headlines. 7.15 Saturday Review. Presented by Tom Sutcliffe. 8.00 Archive on 4: Prisoners

12.00 Big Train Comic skits and sketches, with Tracy-Ann Oberman, Simon Pegg Catherine Tate, Mark Heap and Kevin Eldon. 12.40 The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer The duo survive a plane crash. 1.15 Bottom Richie and Eddie celebrate Christmas. 1.45 The League of Gentlemen: Christmas Special of Conscience Revisited. Rex Bloomstein revisits the stories of some of the many prisoners of conscience previously told in his long-running televised series of human rights appeals. 9.00 Classic Serial: James M Cain’s Double Indemnity. 10.00 News and Weather 10.15 The Moral Maze 11.00 Round Britain Quiz 11.30 (LW) Test Match Special 11.30 (FM) The Whitsun Weddings Midnight (FM) News and Weather 12.30 (FM) Three for My Baby 12.48 Shipping Forecast 1.00 (LW) Test Match Special 1.00 (FM) As BBC World Service 5.20 Shipping Forecast Radio 5 Live 5.00am Morning Reports 6.00 The Ashes: Breakfast

WCL-E01-S2

7.00 Pop’s Greatest Dance Crazes (R,S).

7.10 The Best Sport Film Ever! (R,S).

7.40 Top Gear Bolivia Special (R,S). The team uses secondhand 4x4s to negotiate the Amazon basin and reach Chile.

9.00 Russell Howard’s Good News (R,S). The comedian’s perspective on the news.

9.30 Russell Howard’s Good News (R,S).

10.00 Kevin Bridges – The Story Continues (R,S).

11.00 Family Guy (R,S).

11.25 Family Guy (R,S).

11.50 Family Guy (R,S).

12.15 Family Guy (R,S).

1.00 Family Guy (R,S).

1.50 Him & Her: The Wedding (R,S). 2.20 The Revolution Will Be Televised (R,S). 2.50 Russell Howard’s Good News (R,S). 3.20 Russell Howard’s Good News 3.50 Pop’s Greatest 8.00 Fight Night – Live (HD). (R,S).

Dance Crazes (R,S).

9.00 Bring Me Morecambe 9.00 Ghostbusters II (HD) & Wise The series paying (1989). The eccentric tribute to the double act spectre-hunters reunite continues with a look at to save New York from a some of the most massive river of slime memorable guest stars to generated by the appear on their shows. citizens’ negativity and Narrated by Victoria nasty thoughts.

Wood.

Meanwhile, the spirit of a 16th-century tyrant tries to return to the land 10.00 Bottom The pals look 10.00 The IT Crowd (R). Jen of the living by forward to celebrating has to deal with a possessing the body of a Christmas, but an difficult builder, Roy toddler. Sequel to the unexpected guest loses £20, and Moss supernatural comedy, disrupts their plans as learns how to stand up starring Bill Murray, Richie suffers delusions for himself. Comedy, Sigourney Weaver, Dan of grandeur. starring Chris O’Dowd.

Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, 10.40 The League of 10.35 The IT Crowd (R). Roy Rick Moranis and Ernie Gentlemen: Christmas and Moss revel in their Hudson. ●●● Special In this yuletide masculinity. visit to Royston Vasey, local vicar Bernice 11.05 The Inbetweeners (R). 11.10 NCIS: Los Angeles 11.00 WWE: Late Night – Woodall is forced to Carli organises a fashion (R,S,HD). Shocks lie in Superstars (HD). A listen to three spooky show. store for the agents as round-up of all the latest tales from her odd they resume their search news, interviews and 11.40 The Inbetweeners (R). parishioners.

Comedy for the stolen nuclear highlights, featuring the Simon tries to impress a from the award-winning weapons, and a familiar stars of the Raw and girl. Comedy, starring team of Mark Gatiss and face returns to form an Smackdown stables.

Joe Thomas.

Steve Pemberton. unlikely alliance.

10.45 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! (HD). As the competition nears its finale, Laura Whitmore and Joe Swash present the live companion show, joined by last year’s winner Charlie Brooks.

BBC3 BBC3

BBC4 BBC4

7.00 Frozen Planet (R). People who live and work in the polar regions.

8.00 Shipwrecks: Britain’s Sunken History (R).

Maritime historian Dr Sam Willis reveals the stories behind some of the shipwrecks that surround Britain’s coastline.

9.00 Borgen The prime minister takes everyone by surprise by calling a general election, so TV1 and the political parties swing into action.

10.00 Borgen Birgitte comes clean.

11.00 Glen Campbell: The Rhinestone Cowboy (R). An insight into the life of the country music star.

12.00 An Evening with Glen Campbell (R). 1.20 The Sky at Night (R). 1.50 Frozen Planet (R). 2.50 Shipwrecks: Britain’s Sunken History (R).

12.00 WWE: NXT (HD). The next generation of wrestling talent. 1.00 The Gloves Are Off: Middleweights (HD) 2.00 Live International Fight Night (HD).

Guillermo Rigondeaux v Joseph Agbeko. 5.00 Sporting Greats 5.30 Sporting Greats A look back at the career of Muhammad Ali. 9.00 The Danny Baker Show 11.00 Fighting Talk Noon 5 Live Sport 12.45 5 Live Sport: Premier League Football 2013-14 3.00 5 Live Sport: Premier League Football 2013-14 5.00 Sports Report 6.06 6-0-6 8.00 Saturday Edition 9.55 5 Live Sport: 5 Live Boxing 11.30 Stephen Nolan 1.00am Up All Night Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast 9.00 Alan Titchmarsh Noon Nicholas Owen 3.00 Jamie Crick 5.00 Saturday Night at the Movies 7.00 Alex James’s Magical Musical Tour. Music inspired by trains. 9.00 The New Releases Show 10.00 Smooth Classics Midnight Bob Jones

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 41

Sunday television&radio Sunday’s Television Guide NEW SECRETS OF THE TERRACOTTA WARRIORS – SECRET HISTORY 8pm, Channel 4

TV PICKS

BRITAIN AND THE SEA 9pm, BBC1

David Dimbleby sails along East Anglia’s coast to explore how the sea inspired artists, transformed architecture and created a uniquely British beach culture.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 7.30 Match of the Day (R,S,HD). 9.00 The Andrew Marr Show (S,HD). 10.00 Fern Britton Meets John Simpson (S,HD). 11.00 Sunday Politics (S). 12.15 MOTD2 Extra (S,HD).

1.00 BBC News (S,HD). 1.15 Bargain Hunt (S,HD). 2.15 Homes Under the Hammer (R,S,HD). 3.15 Escape to the Country (R,S).

4.15 Nigel Slater’s 12 Tastes of Christmas (R,S,HD). 5.15 Songs of Praise (S,HD). 5.50 BBC News; Regional News and Weather

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

The unearthing of China’s Terracotta Army in 1974 captured the imagination of the world.

Since then, scientists have resumed work on the site, and their research has turned up a series of fresh discoveries about the people who made them more than 2,000 years ago.

BBC2 BBC2

6.00 This Is BBC Two (S). 6.40 Film: The Mouse That Roared (S) (1959). ●●● 8.00 Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein (R,S,HD). 8.30 Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein (R,S,HD). 9.00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites (S). 10.30 Paul Hollywood’s Pies & Puds (R,S,HD).

11.15 Paul Hollywood’s Pies & Puds (R,S,HD). 12.00 Live European CrossCountry Championships (S,HD). 1.55 Live Snooker: UK Championship (S).

I’M A CELEBRITY GET ME OUT OF HERE! 9pm, ITV

HOMELAND 9pm, Channel 4

Ant and Dec follow the finalists’ last 24 hours in the Australian jungle, reveal the results of the public vote and crown this year’s winner. Last in the series.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 CITV 9.25 ITV News (S). 9.30 Storage Hoarders (R,S,HD). 10.30 Sunday Side Up (S,HD). 11.30 Sunday Scoop (S). 12.30 ITV News and Weather (S). 12.35 Inside the National Trust (S,HD). 1.30 Live FA Cup Football (S,HD). Tamworth v Bristol City (Kick-off 2.00pm). Coverage of the secondround fixture at the Lamb Ground, where the Conference Premier side welcome the League One club. 4.30 The X Factor (R,S,HD).

Brody embarks on a high-stakes mission, but his fragile condition threatens its success, while Quinn makes an uncomfortable discovery about Carrie and a sudden crisis forces Fara to rejoin the team. CIA drama, starring Damian Lewis, Claire Danes, Rupert Friend, Nazanin Boniadi and Mandy Patinkin.

Channel Channel 4

6.10 The Hoobs (R,S). 6.35 The American Football Show (R,S). 7.30 Snowman Triathlon (S). 8.00 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 8.30 Frasier (R,S). 9.30 Sunday Brunch (S). 12.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 1.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

3.05 Gadget Man (R,S,HD). 3.40 Film: City of Ember (S,HD) (2008). Fantasy adventure, starring Saoirse Ronan. ●● 5.25 Film: Home Alone (S,HD) (1990). Family comedy, starring Macaulay Culkin. ●●●

Channel Channel 5

6.00 Milkshake! 10.00 Power Rangers Samurai (S,HD). 10.35 Slugterra (S,HD).

11.00 Inside Hollywood. 11.05 Cowboy Builders (R,S,HD). 12.00 Film: Help for Christmas (S,HD) (2012). ●●● 1.45 Film: Dear Santa (S) (2011). Romantic comedy, starring Amy Acker. ●●● 3.30 Film: The Goonies (S,HD) (1985). Children’s adventure, starring Sean Astin. ●●●● 5.50 Film: Pearl Harbor (S,HD) (2001). War drama, with Ben Affleck. ●●

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

after

12

7.30 News (S).

8.00 The X Factor Results (S,HD).

21/22. The two least popular acts face each other in the singoff, and there are performances by X Factor alumnus Leona Lewis and Canadian crooner Michael Bublé. Dermot O’Leary hosts.

8.00 New Secrets of the Terracotta Warriors – Secret History (S). See Choices Above.

8.55 5 News Weekend (S,HD).

9.00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! (S,HD). 20/20. See Choices Above.

9.00 Homeland (S,HD). 10/12.

See Choices Above.

9.00 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (S,HD) (1991). An English nobleman returns home from the crusades to find his father has been murdered and the local people are repressed by the tyrannical rule of the Sheriff of Nottingham. Branded an outlaw, he recruits a group of bandits to fight for justice and protect the downtrodden.

Action adventure, starring Kevin Costner, Alan Rickman, Morgan Freeman and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Edited for violence and language. ●●●●

▼

7.00 Coronation Street (S,HD).

Hour-long episode. Kylie confronts David in the salon and an infuriated Nick orders him to leave the Street.

▼

7.00 Live Snooker: UK Championship (S). Hazel Irvine introduces coverage of the second session of the final at the Barbican Centre in York, where the first player to reach 10 frames will be crowned champion. Shaun Murphy led Mark Selby heading into the concluding session of last year’s final, but the Jester from Leicester fought back in style to clinch a 10-6 victory and claim the title for the first time. The commentary team features Dennis Taylor, Ken Doherty, Willie Thorne, John Virgo, John Parrott and Stephen Hendry.

Subsequent programmes subject to change.

7.20 Strictly Come Dancing: The Results (S,HD). Another couple perform their last dance and Robbie Williams performs.

▼

6.00 You’ve Been Framed! (R,S).

Comical clips, narrated by Harry Hill.

6.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.45 ITV News and Weather (S).

8.00 The Paradise (S,HD). 8/8.

See Choices Above.

▼

6.00 Flog It! (R,S). /75. Anita Manning and Adam Partridge value items at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, including a Beswick wall mask and a grotesque piece of pottery.

6.20 Countryfile (S,HD). John Craven visits Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire.

9.00 Britain and the Sea (S,HD).

4/4. See Choices Above.

10.05 ITV News and Weather (S); Weather.

10.20 FA Cup Football Highlights (S,HD). Action from the concluding second-round fixtures, which were Bury or Cambridge United v Sheffield United and Tamworth v Bristol City. With commentary by Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend.

▼

11

Coronation Street, 7pm

10.00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather (S,HD).

10.25 Match of the Day 2 (S,HD).

Arsenal v Everton and Fulham v Aston Villa. Mark Chapman presents action from the Premier League matches at the Emirates Stadium and Craven Cottage respectively.

▼

10

Never Mind the Buzzcocks, 11.30pm

11.30 The Good Shepherd (S) (2006). See Choices Above. ●●●

11.00 Hebburn (R,S). 4/6. Sarah is shocked when her dad reveals he has left her mother.

11.30 Never Mind the Buzzcocks (R,S,HD). 11/13. Dizzee Rascal hosts, with Jamie Cullum, Aston Merrygold and Katherine Ryan.

11.05 Red Heat (S,HD) (1988). A Russian detective and a Chicago cop put aside their mutual mistrust to catch an escaped Soviet drug baron. Action thriller, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. ●●●

▼

6 7 8 9

Fern Britton Meets … 10am

2.05 Weatherview (S). 2.10 BBC News (S,HD).

12.00 Film: Donkeys (S,HD) (2010).

Premiere. An old man wants to make up for his mistakes with his family, but finds his daughter is not willing to forget the past.

Comedy drama, starring James Cosmo. ●●● 1.15 Sign Zone: Countryfile (R,S).

Testing out the Peak District leg of next year’s Tour de France. 2.10 Sign Zone: Holby City (R,S). 3.10 This Is BBC Two (S).

1.00 The Store. 3.00 Motorsport UK (HD). Action from the latest races at Brands Hatch, featuring the Ginetta Junior Championship and the Porsche Carrera Cup. With commentary by Richard John Neil. 3.50 ITV Nightscreen (HD). Textbased information service. 5.05 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD). Guests air their differences.

Homeland, 9pm

Cowboy Builders, 11.05am

10.00 Hanna (S,HD) (2011). Premiere.

A former CIA agent raises his daughter alone in the wilderness of Finland, teaching her to be the world’s deadliest assassin. When she turns 16, she is sent to carry out her one intended mission, but as she travels the world in search of her target, she is pursued by a CIA operative with a link to her mysterious past. Action thriller, with Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett and Eric Bana. See Choices Above. ●●●●

12.05 Fresh Meat (R,S,HD). Vod’s mother visits the housemates. 12.55 American Football Live (S). New Orleans Saints v Carolina Panthers (Kick-off 1.30am).

Coverage of the week 14 fixture at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, where the NFL South rivals face each other. 4.45 KOTV Boxing Weekly (R,S). Artur Szpilka v Mike Mollo. 5.15 Countdown (R,S,HD).

12.00 Film: Wrong Turn (S) (2003). ●● 1.35 SuperCasino 3.05 Gadget Show Christmas Special (R,S,HD). 3.55 Wildlife SOS (R,S). 4.20 Make It Big (R,S). 4.50 Roary the Racing Car (R,S). 5.00 Angels of Jarm (R,S). 5.05 Hana’s Helpline (R,S).

5.20 Angels of Jarm (R,S). 5.25 Funky Valley Show (R,S). 5.40 Roary the Racing Car (R,S). 5.50 Hana’s Helpline (R,S).

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Why sell your valuables to just one person?

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A finely deep carved ivory Chinese Canton card case Sold for £1,100

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42 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

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A Chinese porcelain brush pot with detailed pagoda scene sold for £3,800

THE PARADISE 8pm, BBC1

French businesswoman Clemence is back in town, and finds herself at the mercy of Tom, so Moray (Emun Elliott) risks everything to be rid of his rival once and for all. Last in the series.

ITV2 ITV2

6.00 Emmerdale (R,HD). 8.55 Coronation Street (R,HD). 11.50 The X Factor (R,HD). 1.20 The Xtra Factor (R,HD). 2.25 Film: The Little Vampire (HD) (2000).

Children’s adventure, starring Richard E Grant. ●●● 4.15 You’ve Been Framed at Christmas! (R).

5.15 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! (R,HD). Ant and Dec send another camper home.

AN IDIOT ABROAD 3 9pm, Sky1

Karl Pilkington and Warwick Davis finally make their way to China. However, just when they thought their expedition was finished, Ricky Gervais extends it one step further than the original journey by Marco Polo, taking them beyond China to Macao, where a surprise awaits. Last in the series.

E4 E4

6.00 Switched (R). 6.20 Make It or Break It (R,HD). 7.05 Ugly Betty (R,HD). 7.55 Charmed (R).

8.50 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD). 9.50 Hollyoaks (R,HD).

12.30 Made in Chelsea (R). 1.35 Rules of Engagement (R,HD).

2.35 The Mindy Project (R,HD).

3.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

4.00 Film: Never Been Kissed (1999). ●●●

Sky1 Sky1

6.00 Hour of Power (HD). 7.00 Micro Monsters with David Attenborough (R,S,HD). 10.00 WWE Superstars (HD). 11.00 WWE: Experience (HD). 12.00 Film: Ghostbusters II (HD) (1989). ●●● 2.15 Futurama (R,S). 2.30 Ashley Banjo’s Secret Street Crew (R,S,HD). 3.30 Frozen Special (R,S). 4.00 The Hobbit (R,S). 4.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

FILM PICKS

Sunday television&radio THE GOOD SHEPHERD 11.30pm, BBC1

HANNA 10pm, Channel 4

A teenage girl trained by her father to be an assassin travels the world on a secret mission. Action thriller, starring Eric Bana and Saoirse Ronan.

A CIA worker faces a choice between national security and ensuring the safety of his family.

Fact-based spy drama, with Matt Damon.

Gold GOLD

6.05 The Green Green Grass 6.35 Ever Decreasing Circles 7.05 Bread 7.40 Sykes 8.20 The Brittas Empire 9.00 The Green Green Grass 9.55 The Man Who Made Eric and Ernie 11.15 Only Fools and Horses 12.25 Only Fools and Horses 1.35 Only Fools and Horses 2.55 Only Fools and Horses 4.10 Only Fools and Horses

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1

6.00 SNF – Match Choice (HD).

7.30 Game Changers (HD). 8.30 FL72 Highlights (HD). 9.00 The Sunday Supplement (HD).

Reviewing the latest football stories. 10.30 Goals on Sunday (HD). 12.30 Live Super Sunday (HD). Fulham v Aston Villa (Kick-off 1.30pm). 3.30 Live Super Sunday (HD). Arsenal v Everton (Kick-off 4.00pm).

The 40 Year Old Virgin,11.05pm

A Knight’s Tale, 8pm

An Idiot Abroad 3, 9pm

Rev, 11.20pm

Live Super Sunday, 3.30pm

6.20 The Perfect Storm (HD) (2000). The skipper of a fishing boat and his crew ignore severe weather warnings and head for a dangerous area of the North Atlantic in search of the last lucrative catch of the season, but end up fighting for survival in the worst storm of the 20th century. Fact-based disaster drama, with George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Diane Lane, John C Reilly and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

Including FYI Daily. ●●●

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Sheldon’s mother comes to visit.

6.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

6.00 The Simpsons (HD).

Marge signs up Bart for piano lessons.

6.30 Yonderland (S,HD).

6.00 ’Allo ’Allo! Christmas special of the comedy from 1985. Starring Gorden Kaye and Hilary Minster.

6.30 Sportswomen of the Year (HD). Highlights of the recent awards ceremony.

7.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Sheldon unwittingly makes a scientific breakthrough.

7.30 Rules of Engagement (R,HD).

7.00 The Simpsons (R,S).

Homer moves into a camper van.

7.30 The Simpsons (R,S). Lisa wins a trip to Washington.

7.05 The Green Green Grass Marlene falls under the spell of a former GI. Sue Holderness and John Challis star.

7.30 One2Eleven Guests select their all-time lineups.

7.45 One2Eleven

8.00 A Knight’s Tale (HD) (2001). A povertystricken squire spies an opportunity to make his dreams come true when his employer dies. He takes his place as a knight, launching himself on the road to riches by competing in jousting tournaments, but his ruse is jeopardised by a dastardly nobleman.

Comedy adventure, starring Heath Ledger, Paul Bettany and Mark Addy. ●●●

8.00 The Simpsons (R,S).

Marge is arrested.

8.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

Featuring the voice of Sting.

8.00 The Two Ronnies Spectacle The making of the double act’s TV series.

9.00 An Idiot Abroad 3 (R,S,HD). See Choices Above.

9.00 The Vicar of Dibley The villagers celebrate Christmas, and vicar Geraldine learns there is a heavy price to be paid for festive kindness when she agrees to attend three slap-up lunches.

Guest starring Peter Capaldi and Mel Giedroyc.

8.00 International Fight Night (HD). Guillermo Rigondeaux v Joseph Agbeko. A chance to see the bout for the WBA Super and WBO World Super Bantamweight titles, held at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

9.00 The Xtra Factor (HD).

Caroline Flack and Matt Richardson present the companion show, getting the first reactions from the contestants and judges following the live semifinal elimination.

11.00 Banshee (R,S). A town’s 11.20 Rev Adam prepares for 11.30 One2Eleven his first Christmas in incoming sheriff is killed 11.45 One2Eleven London, but soon and a recently paroled discovers St Saviour’s is a master jewel thief takes world away from his on the man’s identity sleepy old parish in and his job. Pilot episode Suffolk. Comedy, with of the drama, starring Tom Hollander.

Antony Starr.

1.30 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (R,HD). The highest number of eggs to be carried on a single hat. 2.00 The Vampire Diaries (R,HD). Bonnie is touched by Jeremy’s determination to stand by her. 2.50 Teleshopping 5.50 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD).

12.20 Road Wars (R,S). 12.50 Road Wars (R,S). 1.20 Road Wars (R,S,HD). Police officers combat vehicle crime. 2.10 Night Cops (R,S). 3.00 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 3.30 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 4.00 Dog Patrol (R,S). 4.30 Dog Patrol (R,S). 5.00 Dog Patrol (R,S). 5.30 Dog Patrol (R,S).

RADIO

11.05 The 40 Year Old Virgin 11.15 The Inbetweeners (R).

(HD) (2005). Judd 11.50 The Big Bang Theory Apatow’s comedy, (R,HD). Penny and starring Steve Carell, Bernadette shop for Catherine Keener and bridesmaid dresses Paul Rudd. Including FYI without Amy. Comedy, Daily. ●●● starring Mayim Bialik.

Radio 1 5.00am Seani B 7.00 Gemma Cairney 10.00 Matt Edmondson 1.00pm Huw Stephens 4.00 The Official Chart Show 7.00 Dan & Phil 9.00 The Surgery with Aled & Dr Radha 10.00 Annie Mac Midnight BBC Introducing with Jen and Ally 2.00 Monki 4.00 Dev Radio 2 6.00am The Sunday Hour 7.00 Clare Balding with Good Morning Sunday 9.00 Steve Wright 11.00 Weekend Wogan 1.00pm Elaine Paige 3.00 Johnnie Walker’s Sounds of the 70s 5.00 Len Goodman 7.00 Sunday Night with Michael Ball 9.00 Clare Teal 11.00 Don Black Midnight Nicki Chapman 2.00 Alex Lester

Radio 3 7.00am Breakfast 9.00 News 9.03 Sunday Morning with Rob Cowan Noon Private Passions 1.00 News 1.02 Lunchtime Concert 2.00 The Early Music Show 3.00 Choral Evensong 4.00 The Choir 5.30 Words and Music: Wagner 200 6.45 Sunday Feature 7.30 Radio 3 Live in Concert 10.00 Wagner 200: Drama on 3: One Winter’s Afternoon 11.20 BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra 12.30am Through the Night Radio 4 5.30am (LW) Test Match Special 5.30 (FM) News 5.43 (FM) Bells on Sunday 5.45 (FM) Profile 6.00 (FM) News Headlines 6.05 (FM) Something Understood 6.35 (FM) On Your Farm

7.00 (FM) News 7.07 (FM) Papers 7.10 (FM) Sunday 7.55 (FM) Appeal 8.00 News 8.07 Papers 8.10 Worship 8.48 A Point of View 8.58 Tweet 9.00 Broadcasting House 10.00 The Archers 11.15 Desert Island Discs Noon News 12.01 (LW) Shipping 12.04 I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue 12.30 The Food Programme 1.00 The World This Weekend 1.30 Hardeep’s Sunday Lunch 2.00 Gardeners’ Question Time 2.45 The Listening Project 3.00 Classic Serial: James M Cain’s The Butterfly 4.00 Open Book 4.30 A Notebook on Aimé Césaire 5.00 Cry Freehold! 5.40 Profile 5.54 Shipping 6.00 Six O’Clock News 6.15 Pick of the Week 7.00 The

Archers 7.15 Meet David Sedaris 7.45 Through the Wardrobe 8.00 Feedback 8.30 Last Word 9.00 Money Box 9.26 (LW) Radio 4 Appeal 9.26 (FM) Radio 4 Appeal 9.30 In Business 10.00 The Westminster Hour 11.00 The Film Programme 11.30 (LW) Test Match Special 11.30 (FM) Something Understood Midnight (FM) News 12.15 (FM) Thinking Allowed 12.45 (FM) Bells on Sunday 12.48 Shipping 1.00 (LW) Test Match Special 1.00 (FM) As BBC World Service 5.20 Shipping Radio 5 Live 5.00am Morning Reports 5.30 The Non League Football Show 6.00 The Ashes: Breakfast 9.00 SportsWeek 10.00 Pienaar’s Politics

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12.00 Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad (R,S). 12.30 Sweat the Small Stuff (R,S). 1.00 The Revolution Will Be Televised (R,S). 1.30 Russell Howard’s Good News (R,S). 2.00 Russell Howard’s Good News (R,S). 2.30 Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad (R,S). 3.00 Him & Her: The Wedding (R,S). 3.30 Sweat the Small Stuff

BBC4 BBC4

7.00 The Bridges That Built London with Dan Cruickshank (R).

8.00 The Review Show. Martha Kearney previews two of 2014’s big film releases.

9.00 Les Mis at 25: Matt Lucas Dreams the Dream (R).

10.00 Romantics Anonymous (2010). Premiere.

Comedy, with Isabelle Carre and Benoit Poelvoorde. ●●●● 11.15 The Bridges That Built London with Dan Cruickshank (R).

The history of the city’s Thames crossings.

12.15 Blues America (R).

1.15 Blues on Later with Jools Holland (R). 2.15 The Godmother of Rock ’n’ Roll – Sister Rosetta Tharpe (R). 3.15 Seasick Steve: Bringing It All Back Home (R).

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Entries now invited for our upcoming auction

to include specialist sections of jewellery, silver, watches, clocks, coins, fine wines & spirits

10.00 Little Britain Abroad 10.00 Revolution (S,HD). Dr First of two specials in Horn’s interest in Aaron which Matt Lucas and grows, Charlie gets David Walliams take caught in the middle their characters when Rachel and Gene overseas. try to save their relationship, and Neville 10.40 Little Britain Abroad takes a gamble with the Guest starring Dawn Patriots.

French, Peter Kay and Julia Davis.

12.00 Getting On A graduate nurse drives a wedge between Den and Kim, Hilary’s new handwashing protocols cause frustration, and Pippa has to reapply for her own job. 12.40 Little Britain Abroad 1.15 Little Britain Abroad 1.45 Rev 2.15 Getting On 2.50 Rex the Runt

7.00 World’s Craziest Fools (R,S).

7.30 Top Gear India Special (R,S).

9.00 Russell Howard’s Good News (R,S). The comedian’s perspective on the news.

9.30 Russell Howard’s Good News (R,S).

10.00 Family Guy (S).

10.25 The Revolution Will Be Televised (S).

10.55 Family Guy (R,S).

11.15 American Dad! (R,S).

11.40 American Dad! (R,S). Steve joins a junior football team.

December 11th & 12th

10.05 I’m a Celebrity Get 10.40 The Inbetweeners (R).

Me Out of Here Now! Simon is eager to (HD). The show comes to participate in Carli’s a close, with main hosts fashion show, and Will Ant and Dec dropping tries to shake off his by along with all the embarrassing ex-campmates and the reputation. Comedy, newly crowned Jungle starring Emily Head, Joe King or Queen. Last in Thomas, Simon Bird and the series.

Blake Harrison.

12.20 Misfits (R,HD). The first anniversary of the storm approaches. 1.25 Rules of Engagement (R,HD). 1.55 Rules of Engagement (R,HD). 2.15 The Cleveland Show (R,HD). 2.40 The Cleveland Show (R,HD). 3.00 The Cleveland Show (R,HD). 3.20 Hollyoaks (R,HD).

BBC3 BBC3

10.00 Football Special (HD).

Arsenal v Everton and Fulham v Aston Villa.

Action from the Premier League matches at the Emirates Stadium and Craven Cottage respectively.

12.00 Darts World Championship Years (HD). 12.30 Champions League Weekly (HD). 1.00 Football Special (HD). 2.30 Darts World Championship Years (HD).

3.00 Champions League Weekly (HD). 3.30 Football Gold. 3.45 Football Gold 4.15 Football Gold. 4.30 Football Special (HD).

11.00 5 Live Investigates Noon 5 Live Sport 12.15 MOTD2 Extra 1.00 5 Live Sport: 5 Live Rugby 2.30 5 Live Sport 4.00 5 Live Sport: Premier League Football 2013-14 6.06 6-0-6 7.30 On the Money 8.30 5 Live News 9.00 60 Years of BBC Sports Personality of the Year 10.00 Stephen Nolan 1.00am Up All Night Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast 9.00 Aled Jones Noon Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen 3.00 Charlotte Green’s Culture Club 5.00 The Classic FM Chart 7.00 David Mellor 9.00 Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Classical Music 10.00 Smooth Classics Midnight Bob Jones

Free valuations every Friday & Saturday at our saleroom or at your home by appointment

www.stroudauctions.co.uk

01453 873800

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 43

Monday television&radio Monday’s Television Guide TV PICKS

GREAT BRITISH GARDEN REVIVAL 7pm, BBC2

THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE 7.30pm, ITV

John Bishop hosts the entertainment extravaganza from the London Palladium in the presence of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. The star-studded line-up of performers includes Gary Barlow, Olly Murs, Jessie J, Mary J Blige, Only Men Aloud and Britain’s Got Talent winners Attraction.

In this new series, TV gardeners try to turn Britain into a greenfingered nation once again, beginning with Monty Don on wild flowers.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 9.15 Heir Hunters (R,S,HD). 10.00 Homes Under the Hammer (R,S,HD). 11.00 Caught Red Handed (R,S,HD). 11.30 Helicopter Heroes (S,HD). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (S,HD). 1.00 BBC News; Weather (S,HD). 1.30 Regional News (S); Weather. 1.45 Doctors (S,HD).

2.15 Perfection (S,HD). 3.00 Escape to the Country (S,HD). 3.45 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin (S,HD). 4.30 Flog It! (S,HD). 5.15 Pointless (R,S,HD).

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

BBC2 BBC2

6.00 This Is BBC Two 6.05 Homes Under the Hammer 7.05 Caught Red Handed 7.35 Operation Hospital Food with James Martin 8.20 Sign Zone: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 9.05 The House That £100K Built 10.05 Swansea Market 10.35 Click 11.00 BBC News 11.30 BBC World News 12.00 Daily Politics 1.00 One Man and His Campervan 1.30 Fred Dibnah’s World of Steam, Steel and Stone 2.00 Cash in the Attic 2.45 Expedition Borneo 3.15 Orangutan Diary 3.45 Cagney & Lacey 4.30 Are You Being Served? 5.05 ’Allo ’Allo!

5.30 Priceless Antiques Roadshow

FRESH MEAT 10pm, Channel 4

RIPPER STREET 9pm, BBC1

The housemates take part in a university protest organised by Oregon to demonstrate against the deportation of an attractive Tunisian man, while Josie is taken hostage by Sabine.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 Daybreak (S,HD). 8.30 Lorraine (S).

9.25 The Jeremy Kyle Show (S,HD). 10.30 This Morning (S). 12.30 Loose Women (S,HD). 1.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

1.55 Regional News (S). 2.00 Peter Andre’s 60 Minute Makeover (S,HD). 3.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal (S,HD). David Dickinson and the antiques dealers visit Gloucester. 3.59 Regional Weather (S).

4.00 Show Me the Telly (S,HD). 5.00 The Paul O’Grady Show (S,HD).

A valuable uncut diamond arrives in London, having been freed from the grasp of an overseas monopoly by one Daniel Judge – none other than Jackson’s reckless and untrustworthy elder brother. As the captain assesses the situation, Reid and Flight are drawn to the plight of a local craftsman.

Channel Channel 4

6.10 According to Jim (R,S,HD). 7.05 Will & Grace (R,S). 7.55 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 9.00 Frasier (R,S). 10.00 Ruth Watson Means Business! (S,HD).

11.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S). 12.00 Channel 4 News Summary (S). 12.05 Come Dine with Me (R,S). 2.10 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent (S,HD). 3.10 Countdown (S,HD). 4.00 Deal or No Deal (S,HD). 5.00 Four in a Bed (S,HD). 5.30 Come Dine with Me Christmas (S,HD).

Channel Channel 5

6.00 Milkshake! 9.15 The Wright Stuff (HD). 11.10 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers (R,S,HD). 12.10 5 News Lunchtime (S,HD). 12.15 Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan (R,S,HD). 1.15 Home and Away (S,HD). 1.45 Neighbours (S,HD). 2.15 NCIS (R,S). 3.15 Film: A Christmas Dance (S,HD) (2012). Premiere.

Romantic drama, with Andrew McCarthy and Michelle Nolden. ●●● 5.00 5 News at 5 (S,HD). 5.30 Neighbours (R,S,HD).

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

6.00 Celebrity Eggheads (S,HD).

1/10.

6.30 Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two (S,HD). 51/60. Zoe Ball chats to the latest couple to be eliminated.

7.00 Great British Garden Revival (S,HD). 1/10. See Choices Above.

6.00 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

6.00 The Simpsons (S,HD). 17/23.

Mr Burns is sent to prison.

6.30 Hollyoaks (S,HD). Fraser and Trevor set their sights on Browning’s life insurance.

6.00 Home and Away (R,S,HD). Indi struggles to deal with the news of Romeo’s death.

6.30 NewsTalk Live (S,HD).

7.00 Emmerdale (S,HD). Cain decides to give Moira some space, and Declan takes a huge gamble in a game of roulette.

7.30 The Royal Variety Performance (S,HD). John Bishop hosts the entertainment extravaganza from the London Palladium in the presence of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. The starstudded line-up of performers includes Gary Barlow, Olly Murs, Jessie J, Mary J Blige, Bryn Terfel, Gareth Malone with Voices, Britain’s Got Talent winners Attraction, and the casts of West End shows Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Stephen Ward. Harry Hill introduces a preview of I Can’t Sing! The X Factor Musical, and there’s comedy from Dame Edna Everage, Jimmy Carr, Seann Walsh and Jason Byrne.

See Choices Above.

7.00 News (S).

7.55 4thought.tv (S). Short films in which members of the public share their thoughts on religious and ethical issues.

7.00 Tutankhamun: The Mystery Revealed (R,S). The secrets of King Tutankhamun’s life and death. Followed by 5 News Update.

8.00 Secrets of the Discount Stores: Channel 4 Dispatches (S).

8.30 Food Unwrapped (S,HD). The presenters test some of the food techniques they have discovered.

8.00 The Gadget Show (S,HD).

See Choices Above. Followed by 5 News at 9.

9.00 Liberty of London (S,HD). 2/3.

Managing director Ed Burstell and buyer Stephen Ayres head to Fashion Week to decide what Liberty will be selling in six months’ time, and model Alexa Chung launches her new book.

9.00 Monty Halls and Japan’s Lost Atlantis (S,HD). 3/4. The explorer and his team travel to the island of Yonaguni to try to determine whether an underwater structure is the remains of a lost city or a natural phenomenon.

▼

Monty Halls and Japan’s … 9pm

▼

Secrets of the Discount … 8pm

7.00 The One Show (S,HD).

7.30 Fightback Britain (S,HD). How the British public are helping the fight against crime.

Followed by BBC News; Regional News.

▼

The Agenda, 10.35pm

6.00 BBC News (S,HD); Weather.

6.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

8.00 EastEnders (S,HD). Phil hits Alfie right where it hurts.

8.30 Energy Bills: Power Failure?

– Panorama (S,HD). The promise to cut rising energy bills.

8.00 University Challenge (S,HD).

22/37. Two more teams battle it out for a place in the quarterfinals as the second-round matches continue. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

8.30 MasterChef: The Professionals (S,HD). 21/24.

9.00 Ripper Street (S,HD). 7/8.

See Choices Above.

9.00 The Choir: Sing While You Work (S,HD). 6/8. Gareth Malone’s five workplace choirs perform in front of a panel of judges at London’s Royal Academy of Music as they compete for the four places in the semi-final.

▼

10.00 BBC News (S,HD).

10.25 Regional News (S); Weather.

10.35 Have I Got a Bit More News for You (S,HD). 9/11. Kathy Burke chairs the quiz, as actor Miles Jupp and MP Tim Loughton join Ian Hislop and Paul Merton to have a laugh at recent news-makers.

10.00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks (S,HD). 12/13. A guest host takes over the hot seat for another round of the comedy music quiz, with team captains Phill Jupitus and Noel Fielding being joined by celebrity panellists.

10.30 Newsnight (S,HD). Followed

by Weather.

10.00 ITV News at Ten (S).

10.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

10.35 The Agenda (S,HD). 10/10.

ITV’s political editor Tom Bradby presents a discussion on the week’s main talking points, with guests from the worlds of politics and popular culture.

Last in the series.

10.00 Fresh Meat (S,HD). 6/8.

See Choices Above.

10.50 Cardinal Burns (S,HD). 6/6.

A friendly squash match turns violent. Last in the series.

▼

10 11

The Choir: Sing While You … 9pm

▼

6 7 8 9

Have I Got a Bit More … 10.35pm

11.20 The Graham Norton Show (R,S,HD). 8/20. Graham chats to actor Daniel Radcliffe, crazy comic Harry Hill, veteran rocker Cliff Richard, superstar composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and the queen of baking Mary Berry.

11.20 Pilgrimage with Simon Reeve (R,S,HD). 1/3. The author and broadcaster retraces journeys made by British pilgrims, beginning by travelling from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne to Canterbury.

11.10 Public Enemies (S,HD) (2009).

See Choices Above. ●●●●

11.25 Man Down (R,S,HD). 5/6. Dan prepares for a date. Comedy, starring Greg Davies, Mike Wozniak and Rik Mayall.

11.55 Alan Carr: Chatty Man (R,S,HD). 15/18. Guests include Lady Gaga and John Bishop.

12.05 Weatherview (S). 12.10 BBC News (S,HD).

12.20 Sign Zone: Film 2013 (R,S). Reviews of Spike Lee’s remake of the 2003 revenge thriller Oldboy, Daniel Radcliffe as beat poet Allen Ginsberg in Kill Your Darlings and father-son road movie Nebraska. 12.50 Sign Zone: A Very English Education (R,S). 1.50 This Is BBC Two (S). Preview of upcoming programmes. 4.00 BBC Learning Zone (S,HD).

1.40 Jackpot247. Viewers get the chance to participate in live interactive gaming from the comfort of their sofas, with a mix of roulette-wheel spins and lively chat from the presenting team. 3.00 Champions League Weekly (S,HD). A look ahead to the matchday six fixtures. 3.25 ITV Nightscreen (HD). 5.05 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S).

12.55 Random Acts (S,HD). A look through the eyes of a city sleepwalker. 1.00 Film: Monsieur Lazhar (HD) (2011).

Premiere. Comedy drama, starring Mohamed Fellag. ●●●● 2.40 Nashville (S,HD). 3.25 90210 (R,S,HD). 4.05 Deal or No Deal (R,S,HD). 5.00 Countdown (R,S,HD). 5.45 Hugh’s 3 Good Things: Best Bites (S,HD).

▼

after

12

www.stroudauctions.co.uk

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

10.00 Hatfields & McCoys (S,HD).

2/3. A minor altercation at a fair escalates into a knife fight, with Ellison Hatfield left gravely injured by one of the McCoys.

In retaliation, Anse takes three of Randall’s sons hostage and declares that if his brother dies, the boys will suffer a similar fate. Fact-based drama, starring Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton.

12.00 Car Crime UK: Caught on Camera (R,S,HD). The use of CCTV to tackle vehicle theft. 1.00 SuperCasino. Live interactive gaming. 3.05 Surviving the Desert with Chris Terrill (R,S,HD). 3.55 House Doctor (R,S). Compilation of makeover tips. 4.20 House Doctor (R,S). 4.45 Divine Designs (R,S). 5.10 Wildlife SOS (R,S). 5.35 Michaela’s Wild Challenge (R,S).

01453 873800

Entries now invited for our February auction To include Asian art, rugs, textiles, ceramics, glass & musical instruments

We have been achieving extraordinarily high prices in all areas including Asian arts, textiles, ceramics and glass.

We use the world's number one online live auction platform to ensure that your items are seen by the right people, wherever they are in the world.

FREE valuations every Friday & Saturday or at your home NO SALE NO FEE - ONLINE BIDDING - WHY ACCEPT LESS?

44 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

WCL-E01-S2

THE GADGET SHOW 8pm, Channel 5

GEEKS 8pm, E4

Four male brass-band members from York visit the Greek party paradise of Malia with a quartet of costume-play fanatics based in Basildon, Essex. Under the guidance of MC Reckless, the geeky group tries to embrace the unfamiliar culture – despite the fact that they would all prefer a quiet night in.

The team celebrates the 250th episode by attempting to set two world records, and Jon Bentley takes a look at the advances that have been made since the series first aired back in 2004 .

ITV2 ITV2

E4 E4

6.00 Emmerdale 6.25 Coronation Street 7.25 Up All Night 7.50 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA (R). 8.35 Dinner Date 9.35 Real Housewives of New York City 10.30 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 11.25 You’ve Been Framed! 12.25 Emmerdale 12.55 Coronation Street 1.55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 4.05 The Real Housewives of New Jersey (R,HD). 5.00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! (R,HD).

6.00 Switched 6.25 90210 7.10 Ugly Betty 8.00 Charmed 9.00 Glee 10.00 New Girl 10.30 The Mindy Project 11.00 Rules of Engagement 11.30 Charmed (R).

12.30 Hollyoaks 1.00 How I Met Your Mother 2.00 The Big Bang Theory 3.00 New Girl 3.30 The Mindy Project (R,HD). 4.00 Rules of Engagement (R,HD). 5.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD).

Sky1 Sky1 6.00 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). 7.00 The Middle (R,S,HD).

8.00 Stargate Atlantis (R,S,HD).

9.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 10.00 NCIS: Los Angeles (R,S,HD). 12.00 NCIS: Los Angeles (R,S,HD). 2.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 3.00 Stargate Atlantis (R,S,HD). 4.00 The Simpsons (R,S). 4.30 The Simpsons (R,S). 5.00 The Middle (R,S,HD). 5.30 The Middle (R,S).

FILM PICKS

Monday television&radio PUBLIC ENEMIES 11.10pm, ITV

THE HOLIDAY 10pm, ITV2

Fact-based crime drama about bank robber John Dillinger, who became America’s most wanted criminal. Starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale.

Gold GOLD 6.00 Sykes 6.35 The Brittas Empire 7.05 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 7.35 Sykes 8.10 The Brittas Empire 8.50 Ever Decreasing Circles 9.30 Only Fools and Horses 12.00 Only Fools and Horses 1.50 ’Allo ’Allo! 3.00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 3.30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 4.00 Last of the Summer Wine 4.40 Last of the Summer Wine

Two single women from opposite sides of the Atlantic find love after they swap houses over Christmas. Romantic comedy, starring Jude Law and Kate Winslet.

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1 6.00 Good Morning Sports Fans (HD). 9.00 FL72 Highlights 9.30 Football Special 11.00 FL72 Highlights 11.30 Game Changers (HD). 12.30 Football Special (HD).

2.00 FL72 Highlights (HD). 2.30 Champions League Weekly (HD).

3.00 Football’s Greatest (S). 3.30 The Fantasy Football Club (HD).

4.00 Game Changers (HD). 5.00 Soccer AM: The Best Bits (HD).

Peter Andre: My Life, 9pm

2 Broke Girls, 12.05am

Arrow, 8pm

The Royle Family, 10pm

Live Football, 7pm

6.00 Dinner Date (R,HD).

Kevin from Birmingham chooses three blind dates. Narrated by Charlotte Hudson.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

6.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

6.00 Yonderland (R,S,HD).

A self-centred king tries to woo Debbie.

6.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

6.00 The Two Ronnies Spectacle. The making of the double act’s TV series.

7.00 You’ve Been Framed!

(R). Featuring a dog with a lightsaber.

7.30 You’ve Been Framed!

(R). Comical clips, narrated by Harry Hill.

7.00 Hollyoaks (HD). Dirk puts pressure on Cindy to share her dark secret.

7.30 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD). Ted goes on a date.

7.00 The Simpsons (R,S).

Bart buys a rare comic.

7.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

Featuring the voice of Sting.

7.00 The Vicar of Dibley.

Geraldine attends three Christmas lunches.

8.00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! Trials and Tribulations. The funniest and freakiest Bush Tucker Trials.

8.00 Geeks. See Choices Above.

8.00 Arrow (S,HD). Oliver suspects there is more to a Central City police scientist than meets the eye, but is preoccupied by a robbery, and Roy crosses paths with Brother Blood.

8.00 Yes Minister. Christmas special. Hacker runs for Prime Minister. Starring Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne.

9.00 Peter Andre: My Life (HD). The Australian singer takes Emily and the kids on holiday to New Orleans, and they arrive just in time for the city’s famous Halloween festivities.

9.00 Rude Tube (R,HD). Alex Zane presents a top 50 countdown celebrating the greatest internet mash-ups, including an amusing scene in which Ryan Gosling refuses to eat his breakfast.

9.00 Strike Back: Shadow Warfare (S,HD).

Stonebridge and Scott receive some new intelligence, and get a taste of life inside a notorious mafia-run prison in Moscow following a drug deal gone wrong.

9.20 Not Going Out. Lee clashes with a youth when he gets a job distributing leaflets in a shopping centre, and is persuaded to pretend to be Tim in front of Kate’s Australian friend Ruth, who has landed on their doorstep.

6.00 FL72 Review. A roundup of recent matches, featuring all the goals from the Championship, League One and League Two. 7.00 Live Monday Night Football (HD). Swansea City v Hull City (Kick-off 8.00pm). All the action from the Premier League fixture at the Liberty Stadium, where the Tigers are seeking a rare away victory. Hull have impressed at home on their return to the top flight, but will start as underdogs here, although Michael Laudrup’s hosts have rarely hit the same heights this season as they did during the last.

10.00 The Royle Family.

10.00 Made in Chelsea. The 10.00 Banshee (R,S). Sheriff Festive special from Lucas Hood displays his gang heads to South 2008. Denise decides to own brand of law Africa, where things get cook the Christmas enforcement at an off to a rocky start when dinner after being illegal rave organised by Lucy finds out that inspired by Nigella a local drug dealer, while Phoebe will be coming Lawson, and invites Carrie pleads with him along – something Binky Dave’s parents – much to to leave town. is not too happy about Jim’s dismay. Starring either.

Ricky Tomlinson.

11.10 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Leonard and Sheldon hire a former TV host to entertain them.

11.40 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

11.10 Spartacus: Gods of the 11.20 Harry Hill’s TV Burp. A comic look at soaps and Arena (R,S,HD). Titus celebrities. announces a tournament to determine the worth 11.50 Harry Hill’s TV Burp. A of his stable of comic look at soaps and gladiators, and Crixus celebrities. becomes embroiled in the politics of the house.

11.00 FL72 Review

12.45 Take Me Out (R,HD). A tailor, a fitness model, a tattoo artist and a ventriloquist take part.

1.50 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (R,HD). The longest underwater kiss. 2.15 David Guetta: The Hot Desk (R,HD). 2.25 Teleshopping. 5.55 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD).

12.05 2 Broke Girls (R). Max and Caroline try to invent trendy food.

12.35 Suburgatory (R,HD). 1.00 Rules of Engagement (R,HD).

1.35 The Cleveland Show (R,HD).

1.55 The Cleveland Show (R,HD).

2.15 Bob’s Burgers (R,HD). 2.40 Glee (R,HD). 3.20 Glee (R,HD).

4.00 Ugly Betty (R,HD).

12.25 Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (R,S,HD). 1.40 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK (R,S,HD). 2.35 Road Wars (R,S). 3.05 Caribbean Cops (R,S,HD). 4.00 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). Tracking fugitives. 4.30 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). 5.00 Airline (R,S,HD).

5.30 Airline (R,S).

12.00 SPFL Round-Up (HD).

A review of the latest round of fixtures from the Scottish top flight.

12.30 Soccer AM: The Best Bits (HD). Highlights of Saturday’s show.

1.30 Monday Night Football (HD). Swansea City v Hull City. 4.00 FL72 Review 5.00 Soccer AM: The Best Bits (HD).

RADIO

10.00 The Holiday (HD) (2006). Two single women living on opposite sides of the Atlantic agree to exchange houses over the Christmas holidays.

In their new surroundings, both women unexpectedly encounter prospective partners, but as the house swap draws to a close, difficult decisions have to be made.

Romantic comedy, starring Cameron Diaz.

See Choices Above. ●●

Radio 1 6.30am The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw 10.00 Sara Cox 12.45pm Newsbeat 1.00 Scott Mills 4.00 Greg James 7.00 Zane Lowe 9.00 Radio 1’s Stories 10.00 Phil Taggart and Alice Levine Midnight Rock Show with Daniel P Carter 2.00 B.Traits 4.00 Dev Radio 2 5.00am Vanessa Feltz 6.30 Chris Evans 9.30 Ken Bruce Noon Jeremy Vine 2.00 Steve Wright 5.00 Simon Mayo 7.00 Paul Jones 8.00 BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2013 9.00 Jo Whiley 10.00 BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2013 10.30 Jo Whiley 11.00 Russell Davies With Midnight Janice Long 2.00 Alex Lester

Radio 3 6.30am Breakfast 9.00 Essential Classics Noon Composer of the Week: Iceland 1.00 News 1.02 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert 2.00 Afternoon on 3 4.30 In Tune 6.30 Composer of the Week: Iceland 7.00 Opera on 3 from the Met: Verdi 200 – Rigoletto 10.00 Night Waves 10.45 Wagner 200: The Essay: Wagner’s Philosophers 11.00 Jazz on 3.

Highlights from Jazz in the Round at the London Jazz Festival. 12.30am Through the Night Radio 4 5.30am (LW) Test Match Special 5.30 (FM) News Briefing 5.43 (FM) Prayer for the Day 5.45 (FM) Farming Today 5.58 (FM) Tweet of the

Day 6.00 (FM) Today 8.00 (LW) Today 9.00 Start the Week 9.45 (LW) Daily Service 9.45 (FM) Book of the Week: Gold – The Race for the World’s Most Seductive Metal 10.00 Woman’s Hour 11.00 Riding the Graphene Wave 11.30 Ed Reardon’s Week Noon News 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast 12.04 You and Yours 12.57 Weather 1.00 The World at One 1.45 A Cause for Caroling 2.00 The Archers 2.15 Afternoon Drama: Fearless 3.00 Brain of Britain 3.30 The Food Programme 4.00 Bryan Ferry’s Jazz Age 4.30 The Infinite Monkey Cage 5.00 PM 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast 5.57 Weather 6.00 Six O’Clock News 6.30 I’m Sorry I

12.20 Not Going Out 1.00 The Royle Family 2.00 Rev. A terrible review of one of Adam’s sermons triggers a crisis of faith, which comes to a head at a fancy dress party when he makes a drunken move on Ellie. 2.30 Ever Decreasing Circles. Hilda thinks Anne is having an affair.

Haven’t a Clue 7.00 The Archers 7.15 Front Row 7.45 The Diary of Samuel Pepys 8.00 Whatever Happened to Community? 8.30 Crossing Continents 9.00 Shared Planet. Monty Don examines the difficulties of keeping coastal waters free from toxins. 9.30 Start the Week 9.59 Weather 10.00 The World Tonight 10.45 Book at Bedtime: Truman Capote Short Stories 11.00 Mastertapes 11.30 Today in Parliament Midnight News and Weather 12.30 Book of the Week: Gold – The Race for the World’s Most Seductive Metal 12.48 Shipping Forecast 1.00 As BBC World Service 5.20 Shipping Forecast

WCL-E01-S2

BBC3 BBC3

7.00 Winter Wipeout Celebrity Special (R,S).

8.00 Don’t Tell the Bride – Christmas on Ice (R,S).

9.00 Don’t Tell the Bride (R,S). A wedding in the middle of New York’s Central Park.

10.00 Snog, Marry, Avoid?

Christmas Special (S). A festive-themed edition of the makeover show.

10.30 EastEnders (R,S).

Phil hits Alfie right where it hurts.

11.00 Family Guy (R,S).

11.25 Family Guy (R,S).

11.45 American Dad! (R,S).

12.10 American Dad! (R,S). 12.30 The Revolution Will Be Televised (R,S). 1.00 Him & Her: The Wedding (R,S).

1.30 Snog, Marry, Avoid?

Christmas Special (R,S).

2.00 The Call Centre (R,S).

3.00 Hotel of Mum and Dad (R,S).

BBC4 BBC4

7.00 World News Today; Weather.

7.30 Great British Railway Journeys (R).

8.00 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?

(R). Terry moves in with Bob. 8.30 Only Connect.

Victoria Coren Mitchell presents the first semifinal.

9.00 Shipwrecks: Britain’s Sunken History. The shipwrecks of the Georgian age.

10.00 Don’t Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves. Benjamin and Rasmus move in together.

11.00 Lionel Bart, Reviewing the Situation (R).

12.00 Greek Myths: Tales of Travelling Heroes (R).

1.30 Only Connect (R).

2.00 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (R).

2.30 Great British Railway Journeys (R).

3.00 Shipwrecks: Britain’s Sunken History (R).

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Why sell your valuables to just one person?

When you can sell to the world with Stroud Auctions

Radio 5 Live 5.00am Morning Reports 5.30 Wake Up to Money 6.00 The Ashes: Breakfast 10.00 Victoria Derbyshire Noon Tony Livesey 2.00 Richard Bacon 4.00 5 Live Drive 7.00 5 Live Sport: The Monday Night Club.

Football debate with Mark Chapman.

8.00 5 Live Sport: Premier League Football 2013-14. Swansea City v Hull City (Kick-off 8.00pm). 10.00 5 Live Sport: Final Whistle 10.30 Phil Williams 1.00am Up All Night Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast 9.00 John Suchet 1.00pm Jamie Crick 5.00 Classic FM Drive 8.00 The Full Works Concert 10.00 Smooth Classics 2.00am Nick Bailey

Stroud Auction Rooms have been achieving extraordinarily high prices in all areas including gold, silver, jewellery, watches, clocks, coins, medals, stamps, ceramics & Oriental art We use the world's number one online live auction platform to ensure that your items are seen by the right people, wherever they are in the world.

FREE valuations every Friday & Saturday at our saleroom or at your home by appointment

www.stroudauctions.co.uk

01453 873800

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 45

Tuesday television&radio Tuesday’s Television Guide TV PICKS

LAST TANGO IN HALIFAX 9pm, BBC1

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY 7pm, Channel 5

Caroline and Kate have a romantic weekend away – only to end up arguing. Light-hearted drama, starring Derek Jacobi, Anne Reid and Tony Gardner.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 9.15 Heir Hunters (R,S,HD). 10.00 Homes Under the Hammer (S,HD). 11.00 Caught Red Handed (R,S,HD). 11.30 Helicopter Heroes (S,HD). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (R,S). 1.00 BBC News; Weather (S,HD). 1.30 Regional News (S); Weather. 1.45 Doctors (S,HD).

2.15 Perfection (S,HD). 3.00 Escape to the Country (R,S,HD). 3.45 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin (S,HD). 4.30 Flog It! (R,S,HD). 5.15 Pointless (R,S,HD).

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

Myleene Klass, Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes present a two-hour extravaganza in which one lucky viewer will win a huge haul of prizes.

Boy band Union J, EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy and Olympic boxer Anthony Ogogo help a team of young reviewers test a range of toys and games.

BBC2 BBC2

6.00 This Is BBC Two 6.35 Homes Under the Hammer 7.35 Helicopter Heroes 8.20 Sign Zone: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 9.05 Antiques Roadshow 10.05 Britain’s Empty Homes 10.35 HARDtalk 11.00 BBC News 11.30 BBC World News 12.00 Daily Politics 1.00 One Man and His Campervan 1.30 Fred Dibnah’s World of Steam, Steel and Stone 2.00 Cash in the Attic 2.45 Expedition Borneo 3.15 Orangutan Diary 3.45 Cagney & Lacey 4.30 Are You Being Served? 5.05 ’Allo ’Allo! 5.30 Priceless Antiques Roadshow

LIVE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 7.30pm, ITV

HEBBURN 10pm, BBC2

Manchester United v Shakhtar Donetsk.

Coverage of the matchday six Group A fixture at Old Trafford, where United need only to avoid defeat to clinch top spot.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 Daybreak (S,HD). 8.30 Lorraine (S).

9.25 The Jeremy Kyle Show (S,HD). 10.30 This Morning (S). 12.30 Loose Women (S,HD). 1.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

1.55 Regional News (S). 2.00 Peter Andre’s 60 Minute Makeover (S,HD). The team makeover the home of a social worker.

3.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal (S,HD). 3.59 Regional Weather (S). 4.00 Show Me the Telly (S,HD). 5.00 The Paul O’Grady Show (S,HD).

Jack’s book isn’t a secret any more when extracts of his pregnancy diary are published in a national newspaper. Can he explain the situation to Sarah before she sees the article?

Pauline also faces a race against time when Swayze’s places a huge order for cupcakes for a relaunch party, and Vicki dumps Gervaise.

Channel Channel 4

6.10 According to Jim (R,S). 7.00 Will & Grace (R,S). 7.50 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 8.55 Frasier (R,S). 10.00 Ruth Watson Means Business! (S,HD).

11.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S). 12.00 Channel 4 News Summary (S). 12.05 Celebrity Come Dine with Me (R,S). 2.10 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent (S,HD). 3.10 Countdown (S,HD). 4.00 Deal or No Deal (S,HD). 5.00 Four in a Bed (S,HD). 5.30 Come Dine with Me Christmas (S,HD).

Channel Channel 5

6.00 Milkshake! 9.15 The Wright Stuff (HD). 11.10 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers (R,S,HD). 12.10 5 News Lunchtime (S,HD). 12.15 Stop! Police Interceptors (R,S). 1.15 Home and Away (S,HD). 1.45 Neighbours (S,HD). 2.20 NCIS (R,S). 3.15 Love’s Christmas Journey (R,S,HD). Part one of two. Period drama sequel, starring Natalie Hall. 5.00 5 News at 5 (S,HD). 5.30 Neighbours (R,S,HD). Kyle accepts Georgia’s marriage proposal.

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

6.00 Celebrity Eggheads (S,HD).

2/10. With Nick Cochrane, Mark Moraghan, Ian Aspinall, Paul Usher and Dean Sullivan.

6.30 Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two (S,HD). 52/60.

7.00 Great British Garden Revival (S,HD). 2/10. Topiary and roof gardens.

6.00 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

6.00 The Simpsons (S,HD). 18/23.

6.30 Hollyoaks (S,HD). Dirk puts pressure on Cindy to share her dark secret.

6.00 Home and Away (R,S,HD).

Andy takes a gun to court as Brax’s trial starts.

6.30 NewsTalk Live (S,HD).

7.00 Emmerdale (S,HD). Ross sets his sights on Debbie when Moira asks him to fill in for Cain at the garage, and challenges Adam to get close to Katie again.

7.30 Live UEFA Champions League (S,HD). Manchester United v Shakhtar Donetsk (Kick-off 7.45pm). Coverage of the matchday six Group A fixture at Old Trafford, having already qualified for the last 16. David Moyes’ men claimed a marvellous 5-0 win away to Bayer Leverkusen last time out, which was their biggest away win in the Champions League, as well as the greatest by any English side away to Bundesliga opposition since the European Cup was rebranded in 1992.

Presented by Adrian Chiles, with commentary by Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend, and analysis by Roy Keane and Lee Dixon. See Choices Above.

7.00 News (S).

7.55 4thought.tv (S). Short films in which members of the public share their thoughts on religious and ethical issues.

7.00 The Great Christmas Toy Giveaway (S,HD). Myleene Klass, Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes present a two-hour extravaganza in which one lucky viewer will win a huge haul of prizes. Boy band Union J, EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy and Olympic boxer Anthony Ogogo help a team of young reviewers test a range of toys and games, while McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter talk about their new book. See Choices Above.

▼

Castle, 10pm

▼

Masters of Sex, 10pm

7.00 The One Show (S,HD). Live chat and topical reports.

7.30 EastEnders (S,HD). Ava is offered a job opportunity away from Walford. Followed by BBC News; Regional News.

▼

Emmerdale, 7pm

6.00 BBC News (S,HD); Weather.

6.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

8.00 Holby City (S,HD). 9/52. Guy persuades Elliot to perform an impromptu heart operation, Mary-Claire tries to get the better of Edward, and Zosia challenges Arthur to stop talking about Chantelle.

8.00 MasterChef: The Professionals (S,HD). 22/24.

The finalists visit Modena in Italy, where they are challenged to work under chef patron Massimo Bottura at the three Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana.

9.00 Last Tango in Halifax (S,HD).

4/6. See Choices Above.

9.00 Pilgrimage with Simon Reeve (S,HD). 2/3. Simon investigates ancient routes and shrines across Europe that are still being used, trying to find out if modern pilgrims are motivated by religious devotion or a sense of adventure.

8.00 Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners (S). 7/8. Featuring a vintage-stall owner who has filled sheds, a gazebo and much of her house with her hoard, and a woman whose home has not had a deep clean in 12 years.

9.00 The Mentalist (S,HD). 7/22.

The list of Red John suspects is narrowed to two and the CBI concentrates on finding out which of them is the serial killer, but Jane thinks he already knows who it is.

▼

9.00 Heston’s Great British Food (S). 1/3. See Choices Above.

10.00 BBC News (S,HD).

10.25 Regional News (S). Followed

by National Lottery Update.

10.35 Imagine: Doris Lessing – The Reluctant Heroine (R,S). 1/7.

Another chance to see this profile of author Doris Lessing, winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature, who died last month at the age of 94.

10.00 Hebburn (S). 5/6. See Choices Above.

10.30 Newsnight (S,HD). Followed

by Weather.

10.00 ITV News at Ten (S).

10.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

10.35 UEFA Champions League: Extra Time (S,HD). Highlights of this evening’s matchday six fixtures, which included Manchester United v Shakhtar Donetsk, Galatasaray v Juventus and Bayern Munich v Manchester City.

10.00 Masters of Sex (S,HD). 10/12.

The pregnancy of a participant in the sexual response study drives a wedge between Masters and Johnson, while Margaret learns the truth about her husband. American drama set in the 1950s, starring Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan.

10.00 Castle (S,HD). 11/24. The actress cast as Nikki Heat in the movie adaptation of Castle’s novel Heat Wave joins Beckett and the author as they investigate a murder. Guest starring Laura Prepon.

10.55 NCIS (R,S,HD). 22/24. Tony’s one-time Baltimore PD partner is murdered.

▼

10 11

Pilgrimage with Simon Reeve, 9pm

▼

6 7 8 9

The One Show, 7pm

11.40 The Painted Veil (S) (2006).

See Choices Above. ●●●

11.20 The Choir: Sing While You Work (R,S,HD). 6/8. The five choirs compete for the four places in the semi-final.

11.35 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA (S). The host takes his successful talk show stateside, where he invites American guests to air their differences, and dispenses his own judgment on the situation.

11.10 Tyrannosaur (S,HD) (2011).

See Choices Above. ●●●●

11.50 Serial Killing Saviour: Born to Kill? (R,S,HD). 3/4.

Californian multiple murderer Herbert William Mullin.

1.35 Weatherview (S). 1.40 BBC News (S,HD).

12.20 Sign Zone: The Midwives (R,S).

Cameras follow staff at Birmingham Women’s Hospital as they help expectant women to decide whether to have a natural delivery in the birth centre or opt for the more hi-tech delivery suite. 1.20 This Is BBC Two (S). Preview of upcoming programmes from BBC Two. 4.00 BBC Learning Zone (S,HD).

12.30 Jackpot247. Viewers get the chance to participate in live interactive gaming from the comfort of their sofas, with a mix of roulette-wheel spins and lively chat from the presenting team. 3.00 Loose Women (R,HD). With Jason Donovan, Sarah Millican and Susan Boyle. 3.45 ITV Nightscreen (HD). Text-based information service. 5.05 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S).

12.55 Random Acts (S). Short documentary about the dreamlike style of independent film-maker Sam Steer. 1.00 Poker (S). 1.55 KOTV Boxing Weekly (S).

Lee Haskins v Jason Booth. 2.25 Beach Volleyball (S). 3.20 Anglesey Sandman Triathlon (R,S). 3.50 Snowman Triathlon (R,S). 4.20 The Great Ethiopian Run (R,S).

5.15 Deal or No Deal (R,S,HD).

12.45 True Crimes: The First 72 Hours (R,S). A homeless man is murdered. 1.15 SuperCasino 3.05 Charley Boorman’s USA Adventure (R,S,HD). The actor visits Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

3.55 House Doctor (R,S). 4.20 HouseBusters (R,S). 4.45 Divine Designs (R,S). 5.10 Wildlife SOS (R,S). 5.35 Michaela’s Wild Challenge (R,S).

▼

after

12

www.stroudauctions.co.uk

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

01453 873800

Entries now invited for our January auction

to include ceramics & glass; ephemera including advertising memorabilia; binoculars, telescopes & photography; scientific instruments; weights & scales

and for our February auction

A 17thC stumpwork needlework picture of a finely dressed young woman in a garden setting. Sold for £3,000

to include Asian & tribal art; textiles; toys; musical instruments; fine furniture

Free valuations every Friday & Saturday at our saleroom or at your home by appointment

46 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

WCL-E01-S2

A Simon & Halbig bisque headed Japanese doll with open mouth Sold for £1,000

HESTON’S GREAT BRITISH FOOD 9pm, Channel 4

ALL ABOARD: EAST COAST TRAINS 8pm, Sky1

Newcastle Central Station prepares for one of the country’s biggest football matches. A fan of 1980s rock band Big Country follows his idols on their cross-country tour, and more manpower is required at Durham Station to cope with the annual exodus of university students.

Heston Blumenthal celebrates Britain’s iconic dishes, beginning with fish and chips, looking at the roots of the chip shop and rustling up imaginative meals.

ITV2 ITV2

E4 E4

6.00 Emmerdale 6.25 Coronation Street 7.25 You’ve Been Framed!

7.50 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 8.35 Dinner Date 9.35 Real Housewives of New York City 10.30 Real Housewives of New Jersey 11.25 You’ve Been Framed! 12.25 Emmerdale 12.55 Coronation Street 1.55 Jeremy Kyle Show 4.05 Real Housewives of New Jersey 5.00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! Trials and Tribulations

6.00 Switched 6.25 90210 7.10 Ugly Betty 8.00 Charmed 9.00 Glee 10.00 New Girl 10.30 The Mindy Project 11.00 Rules of Engagement 11.30 Charmed 12.30 Hollyoaks 1.00 How I Met Your Mother 2.00 The Big Bang Theory 3.00 New Girl 3.30 The Mindy Project (R,HD). 4.00 Rules of Engagement (R,HD). 5.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD).

Sky1 Sky1 6.00 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). 7.00 The Middle (R,S,HD).

8.00 Stargate Atlantis (R,S,HD).

9.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 10.00 NCIS: Los Angeles (R,S,HD). 12.00 NCIS: Los Angeles (R,S,HD). 2.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 3.00 Stargate Atlantis (R,S,HD). 4.00 The Simpsons (R,S). 4.30 The Simpsons (R,S). 5.00 Futurama (R,S). 5.30 The Middle (R,S,HD).

FILM PICKS

Tuesday television&radio THE PAINTED VEIL 11.40pm, BBC1

TYRANNOSAUR 11.10pm, Channel 4

An English doctor in 1920s China takes his unfaithful wife on a dangerous journey to a remote village ravaged by disease. Drama, starring Naomi Watts.

Gold GOLD 6.00 Sykes 6.25 The Brittas Empire 6.55 Ever Decreasing Circles 7.35 Sykes 8.15 The Brittas Empire 8.55 Last of the Summer Wine 10.55 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 11.25 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 11.55 As Time Goes By 1.00 The Good Life 1.40 Yes Minister 3.00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 3.30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 4.00 Last of the Summer Wine

A violent alcoholic tries to control his destructive urges as he helps a charity shop worker escape an abusive marriage. Drama, with Peter Mullan.

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1 6.00 Good Morning Sports Fans (HD). 9.00 Darts World Championship Years (HD). 9.30 FL72 Review 10.30 Monday Night Football (HD). 1.00 FL72 Review 2.00 Darts World Championship Years (HD). 2.30 Monday Night Football (HD).

5.00 Darts World Championship Years (HD). 5.30 Football Gold (S).

5.45 Football Gold (S).

Knocked Up, 10pm

The IT Crowd, 10pm

Revolution, 9pm

Steptoe and Son, 8.25pm

Football Gold, 11pm

6.00 Dinner Date (R,HD).

Chris from Nottinghamshire goes on three blind dates.

Narrated by Charlotte Hudson.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

6.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

6.00 The Middle (R,S,HD).

6.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

Marge and Homer buy Bart a guitar. Featuring the voices of Spinal Tap.

6.00 Bring Me Morecambe & Wise. The comedy duo’s sketches.

6.00 Premier League Review (HD). A look back at recent fixtures in the English Premier League.

7.00 You’ve Been Framed!

(R).

7.30 You’ve Been Framed!

Christmas (R). Festive selection of camcorder calamities.

7.00 Hollyoaks (HD). Sienna realises Tom is not quite as powerless as he seems.

7.30 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD).

7.00 The Simpsons (R,S). Lisa has to share a room with Bart.

7.30 The Simpsons (R,S,HD).

The 500th episode of the long-running animation.

7.00 One Foot in the Grave.

Christmas special from 1995. A ghastly prediction proves ominous for Victor.

8.00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! Best of the Bush. The highs and lows of life in the jungle over the years.

8.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD). The Captain asks Lily to move to Rome for a year.

8.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Leonard and Raj take a heartbroken Howard to Las Vegas.

8.00 All Aboard: East Coast Trains (HD). See Choices Above.

8.25 Steptoe and Son. Harold plans to spend Christmas abroad, but Albert takes umbrage at the thought of being left behind and insists on inviting himself along.

Harry H Corbett stars.

7.00 Sportswomen (HD).

The biggest talkingpoints in the world of women’s sport.

7.30 Soccer Special (HD).

Julian Warren introduces pre-match reports and news of all tonight’s goals as they go in, while studio guests keep an eye on the big games and talking points. Plus, a classified results roundup from all of this evening’s fixtures.

9.00 The Vampire Diaries (HD). Stefan makes a confession as Damon and Elena try to explain doppelganger Amara’s situation to him.

Meanwhile, Dr Maxfield has bad news for her other lookalike, Katherine.

9.00 Rules of Engagement (HD). Jeff’s college friend Heidi makes a confession.

9.30 Rude Tube (R). Celebrity spoofs and a tipsy squirrel.

9.00 Revolution (R,S,HD). Dr Horn’s interest in Aaron grows, Charlie gets caught in the middle when Rachel and Gene try to save their relationship, and Neville takes a gamble with the Patriots.

9.20 Not Going Out. First episode of the sitcom about mismatched flatmates, starring Lee Mack and Megan Dodds.

Lee wants to discover his serious side while Kate tries to lighten up at clown school.

10.00 Outnumbered – The 10.00 Premier League Christmas Special. The Review (HD). family’s Christmas is marred by burglars – and a missing hamster.

10.55 French and Saunders.

A spoof of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

10.00 NCIS: Los Angeles (R,S,HD). Kensi and Deeks head to Tijuana when the body of a Mexican cartel boss is snatched from a morgue, while Callen and Sam ponder the possibility of a mole in the NCIS ranks.

11.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

11.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Pilot episode of the comedy, starring Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons.

11.10 Not Going Out. Lee 11.00 NCIS: Los Angeles 11.00 Football Gold (S). agrees to give Kate (R,S,HD). The agents try Manchester United v driving lessons.

Comedy, to locate a missing Liverpool from October starring Lee Mack. undercover operative 1995. who has been gathering 11.35 Harry Hill’s TV Burp. A 11.15 Football Gold (S). intelligence on a comic look at soaps and 11.30 Football Asia (S). Soccer possible nuclear arms celebrities. news from the Far East. dealer.

12.40 Take Me Out (R,HD). A rugby player, a student, a morris dancer and a security adviser enter the love lift in the hope of impressing 30 single women. Paddy McGuinness presents. Last in the series. 2.00 Life’s Funniest Moments (R). 2.20 Teleshopping.

5.50 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD).

12.00 2 Broke Girls (R). 12.30 Rude Tube: WTF?!? (R). Alex Zane presents 50 of the internet’s most extraordinary videos. 1.35 New Girl (R,HD). 1.55 New Girl (R,HD).

2.20 The IT Crowd (R). 2.45 The IT Crowd (R). 3.10 Rude Tube (R).

3.35 Glee (R,HD). 4.20 Ugly Betty (R,HD).

12.00 Road Wars (R,S,HD). 1.00 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK (R,S,HD). 2.00 Road Wars (R).

Police officers combat vehicle crime. 3.00 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK (R,S). 4.00 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). 4.30 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). 5.00 Airline (R,S). 5.30 Airline (R,S,HD).

RADIO

10.00 The IT Crowd (R). Jen loses concentration in a board meeting because of an uncomfortable bra, so Moss decides to invent one that will not be such a distraction.

10.30 The IT Crowd (R).

Douglas hires Jen as his new assistant.

Radio 1 6.30am The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw 10.00 Fearne Cotton 12.45pm Newsbeat 1.00 Scott Mills 4.00 Greg James 7.00 Zane Lowe 9.00 The Review Show 10.00 Phil Taggart and Alice Levine Midnight Punk Show with Mike Davies 2.00 Nihal 4.00 Dev Radio 2 5.00am Vanessa Feltz 6.30 Chris Evans 9.30 Ken Bruce Noon Jeremy Vine 2.00 Steve Wright in the Afternoon 5.00 Simon Mayo 7.00 Jamie Cullum 8.00 Jo Whiley. Music and chat. 10.00 The Drunken Sailor.

The history of the sea shanty. 11.00 Mark Radcliffe’s Music Club Midnight Janice Long 2.00 Alex Lester

Radio 3 6.30am Breakfast 9.00 Essential Classics Noon Composer of the Week: Iceland 1.00 News 1.02 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert 2.00 Afternoon on 3 4.30 In Tune 6.30 Composer of the Week: Iceland 7.30 Radio 3 Live in Concert 10.00 Night Waves. Philip Dodd with a review of an exhibition at the Science Museum.

10.45 Wagner 200: The Essay: Wagner’s Philosophers 11.00 Late Junction 12.30am Through the Night Radio 4 5.30am News Briefing 5.43 Prayer for the Day 5.45 Farming Today 5.58 Tweet of the Day 6.00 Today 8.31 (LW) Yesterday in Parliament 9.00 The Making of the Modern Arab

World 9.45 (LW) Daily Service 9.45 (FM) Book of the Week: Gold – The Race for the World’s Most Seductive Metal 10.00 Woman’s Hour 11.00 Shared Planet 11.30 Soul Music Noon News 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast 12.04 Call You and Yours 12.57 Weather 1.00 The World at One 1.45 A Cause for Caroling 2.00 The Archers 2.15 Afternoon Drama: The Morpeth Carol 3.00 The Kitchen Cabinet 3.30 Mastertapes 4.00 Data, Data Everywhere 4.30 Great Lives 5.00 PM 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast 5.57 Weather 6.00 Six O’Clock News 6.30 That Mitchell and Webb Sound 7.00 The Archers 7.15 Front Row

7.45 The Diary of Samuel Pepys 8.00 Inside the Fed. Simon Jack reveals the story of the US Federal Reserve. 8.40 In Touch 9.00 All in the Mind. Strategies used to help stop teenagers developing a negative body image. 9.30 The Making of the Modern Arab World 9.59 Weather 10.00 The World Tonight 10.45 Book at Bedtime: Truman Capote Short Stories 11.00 The Infinite Monkey Cage 11.30 Today in Parliament Midnight News and Weather 12.30 Book of the Week: Gold – The Race for the World’s Most Seductive Metal 12.48 Shipping Forecast 1.00 As BBC World Service 5.20 Shipping Forecast

WCL-E01-S2

7.00 Winter Wipeout Celebrity Special (R,S).

8.00 Gavin & Stacey (R,S).

8.30 Gavin & Stacey (R,S). Pete and Dawn renew their wedding vows.

9.00 Snow, Sex and Suspicious Parents (S). The six skiers reveal what happened after their holiday. Last in the series.

10.00 Sweat the Small Stuff (S).

Highlights of the second series of the programme.

Last in the series.

10.30 EastEnders (R,S).

11.00 Family Guy (R,S).

11.25 Family Guy (R,S).

11.50 American Dad! (R,S).

12.15 American Dad! (R,S). 12.35 Snow, Sex and Suspicious Parents (R,S). 1.30 Sweat the Small Stuff (R,S). 2.00 The Revolution Will Be Televised (R,S). 2.30 Him & Her: The Wedding (R,S).

3.00 Snow, Sex and Suspicious Parents (R,S).

BBC4 BBC4

7.00 World News Today; Weather.

7.30 Great British Railway Journeys (R).

Michael Portillo visits the Isle of Man. 8.00 Orbit: Earth’s Extraordinary Journey (R). An examination of Earth’s orbit from January to the March equinox.

9.00 New Hidden Killers: The Victorian Home.

Part one of two.

The dangerous products in Victorian homes.

10.00 Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (R).

10.45 Byzantium: A Tale of Three Cities (R).

11.45 Dinosaurs, Myths and Monsters (R).

12.45 Orbit: Earth’s Extraordinary Journey (R). 1.45 Britain on Film: Country Living (R). 2.15 Great British Railway Journeys (R). 2.45 New Hidden Killers: The Victorian Home (R).

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

NO SALE NO FEE ONLINE BIDDING WHY ACCEPT LESS?

Can you afford not to sell with us?

10.00 Knocked Up (HD) (2007). Ambitious journalist Alison’s onenight stand with directionless layabout Ben has unexpected consequences when she discovers she is pregnant. However, the unlikely parents decide to give the relationship a try for their baby’s sake, forcing Ben to face the challenge of accepting responsibility for the first time in his life. Romantic comedy, starring Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl. ●●●●

12.05 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 12.35 Not Going Out 1.10 French and Saunders 1.40 Rev. Adam is acclaimed as a hero for thwarting a mugging, but soon draws unwanted attention from the higher levels of the clergy. Guest starring Ralph Fiennes. 2.10 Rev 2.40 Rex the Runt

BBC3 BBC3

12.00 UEFA Champions League Goals (HD). 1.00 Football League Gold (HD). 1.30 Football Asia (S).

2.00 Premier League Review (HD). 3.00 UEFA Champions League Goals (HD). 4.00 Football League Gold (S,HD). 4.30 Football Asia (S). 5.00 Premier League Review (HD).

Radio 5 Live 5.00am Morning Reports 5.30 Wake Up to Money 6.00 5 Live Breakfast 10.00 Victoria Derbyshire Noon Tony Livesey 2.00 Richard Bacon 4.00 5 Live Drive 7.00 5 Live Sport 7.45 5 Live Sport: Champions League Football. Manchester United v Shakhtar Donetsk (Kick-off 7.45pm).

2013-14 9.40 5 Live Sport: Final Whistle. A selection of pundits review the evening’s football. 10.30 Phil Williams 1.00am Up All Night Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast 9.00 John Suchet 1.00pm Jamie Crick 5.00 Classic FM Drive 8.00 The Full Works Concert 10.00 Smooth Classics 2.00am Nick Bailey

A 19thC Burmese ivory dha handle carved with birds and other creatures, on wooden plinth.

Sold for £340

Free valuations every Friday & Saturday at our saleroom or at your home by appointment

www.stroudauctions.co.uk

01453 873800

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 47

TV PICKS

Wednesday television&radio Wednesday’s Television Guide SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AT 60 9pm, BBC1

NIGEL AND ADAM’S FARM KITCHEN 8pm, BBC1

The duo conclude with a look at heritage foods – the old favourites still on people’s shopping lists today, revealing that the way they are cooked and who eats them has changed over the years. They focus on pork which, counting all the different types makes it the most popular choice of meat in the world.

Gary Lineker presents a look at the history of the ceremony, which has become a sports and broadcasting institution.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 9.15 Heir Hunters (R,S,HD). 10.00 Homes Under the Hammer (R,S,HD). 11.00 Caught Red Handed (R,S,HD). 11.30 Helicopter Heroes (S,HD). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (R,S). 1.00 BBC News; Weather (S,HD). 1.30 Regional News (S); Weather. 1.45 Doctors (S,HD).

2.15 Perfection (S,HD). 3.00 Escape to the Country (R,S,HD). 3.45 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin (S,HD). 4.30 Flog It! (S,HD). 5.15 Pointless (R,S,HD).

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

BBC2 BBC2

6.00 This Is BBC Two 6.30 Homes Under the Hammer 7.30 Helicopter Heroes (R,S,HD). 8.15 Sign Zone: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (R,S). 9.00 Comet of the Century: A Horizon Special (R,S). 10.00 Ronnie’s Animal Crackers (R,S). 10.30 See Hear 11.00 News 11.30 Daily Politics 1.00 One Man and His Campervan (R,S,HD). 1.30 Fred Dibnah’s World of Steam, Steel and Stone (R,S). 2.00 Cash in the Attic (R,S). 2.45 Expedition Borneo 3.15 Orangutan Diary (R,S). 3.45 Cagney & Lacey (R,S). 4.30 Are You Being Served? (R,S). 5.05 ’Allo ’Allo! (R,S).

5.30 Priceless Antiques Roadshow (R,S).

LUCAN 9pm, ITV

I’M A CELEBRITY GET ME OUT OF HERE! COMING OUT 8pm, ITV

Part one of two. Drama based on the life of flamboyant aristocrat Lord Lucan, whose children’s nanny was bludgeoned to death in the basement of his home. Starring Rory Kinnear.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 Daybreak (S,HD). 8.30 Lorraine (S).

9.25 The Jeremy Kyle Show (S,HD). 10.30 This Morning (S). 12.30 Loose Women (S,HD). 1.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

1.55 Regional News (S). 2.00 Peter Andre’s 60 Minute Makeover (S,HD). A lounge and dining room is transformed in Surrey. 3.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal (S,HD).

3.59 Regional Weather (S). 4.00 Show Me the Telly (S,HD). 5.00 The Paul O’Grady Show (S,HD).

After enduring up to three weeks facing the horrors of the Australian jungle, the celebrities get ready to embark on life back in the real world. The programme follows each of the campers, who are reunited with friends and family, and spend a night in luxury.

Channel Channel 4

6.10 According to Jim (R,S,HD). 7.00 Will & Grace (R,S). 7.55 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 8.55 Frasier (R,S). 10.00 Ruth Watson Means Business! (S,HD).

11.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S). 12.00 Channel 4 News Summary (S). 12.05 Come Dine with Me (R,S). 2.10 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent (S,HD). 3.10 Countdown (S,HD). 4.00 Deal or No Deal (S,HD). 5.00 Four in a Bed (S,HD). 5.30 Come Dine with Me Christmas (S,HD).

Channel Channel 5

6.00 Milkshake! 9.15 The Wright Stuff (HD). 11.10 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers (R,S,HD). 12.10 5 News Lunchtime (S,HD). 12.15 Surviving the Desert with Chris Terrill (R,S,HD). 1.15 Home and Away (S,HD). 1.45 Neighbours (S,HD). 2.20 NCIS (R,S). 3.15 Love’s Christmas Journey (R,S,HD). Part two of two. Drama sequel, starring Natalie Hall.

5.00 5 News at 5 (S,HD). 5.30 Neighbours (R,S,HD). Terese clashes with Paul.

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

6.00 Celebrity Eggheads (S,HD).

3/10.

6.30 Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two (S,HD). 53/60. Ian Waite analyses the couples’ training.

7.00 Great British Garden Revival (S,HD). 3/10. Carol Klein visits the former home of Beatrix Potter to champion the merits of the cottage garden.

6.00 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

6.00 The Simpsons (S,HD). 19/23.

Lisa befriends a beached whale.

6.30 Hollyoaks (S,HD). Sienna realises Tom is not quite as powerless as he seems.

6.00 Home and Away (R,S,HD).

Andy tells Josh that Brax killed their dad and outlines his plans for revenge.

6.30 NewsTalk Live (S,HD).

7.00 Emmerdale (S,HD). Megan tells Declan she has accepted Gil’s job offer and is moving out.

7.30 Coronation Street (S,HD).

Nick tells Gail she has to choose between him and David.

7.00 News (S).

7.55 4thought.tv (S). Short films in which members of the public share their thoughts on religious and ethical issues, and aspects of our spiritual lives.

7.00 Tutankhamun: The Mystery Revealed (R,S). Dr Zahi Hawass and his team explore Tutankhamun’s later years.

Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

16 Blocks, 10pm

▼

24 Hours in A&E, 9pm

7.00 The One Show (S,HD). Matt Baker and Alex Jones present the live magazine show.

Followed by BBC News; Regional News.

▼

Emmerdale, 7pm

6.00 BBC News (S,HD); Weather.

6.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

8.00 Nigel and Adam’s Farm Kitchen (S,HD). 4/4. See Choices Above.

8.00 MasterChef: The Professionals (S,HD). 23/24.

The three finalists face the challenge of cooking for 30 of the world’s best chefs, with each contender having a main course and a dessert of their own creation on the menu.

8.00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out (S,HD).

See Choices Above.

8.00 SuperScrimpers Christmas Cracker (S). See Choices Above.

8.00 Stop! Police Interceptors (S).

Another selection of memorable moments from the series following the work of highspeed police interception teams from Essex, South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Cumbria.

Followed by 5 News at 9.

9.00 Sports Personality of the Year at 60 (S,HD). See Choices Above.

9.00 Tudor Monastery Farm (S,HD). 5/6. This edition shows how the monasteries played a key role in providing welfare and charity for those in need.

The team helps to restore a corrody room, which would have been granted to an elderly worker as a form of pension.

9.00 Lucan (S,HD). 1/2. See Choices Above.

9.00 24 Hours in A&E (S). 5/6.

Schoolboy Eddie, 12, is brought into A&E having been hit by a car on his way home from school, and doctors are concerned he may have suffered a bleed on the brain, as well as damage to his kidneys.

9.00 Thieves and Thugs: Caught on Camera (S,HD). 5/6. Nick Wallis shows how CCTV and technological advances are helping tackle the problem of violent crime, from burglaries to muggings and street fights.

10.00 16 Blocks (S,HD) (2006). A burned-out detective is given the task of escorting a criminal to court to testify against a group of corrupt policemen – but what seems to be a routine assignment quickly turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse as the crooked officers try to stop them reaching the courthouse alive. Thriller, starring Bruce Willis, Mos Def, David Morse, Jenna Stern and Casey Sander. ●●●

▼

10.00 BBC News (S,HD).

10.25 Regional News (S). Followed

by National Lottery Update.

10.35 A Question of Sport (S). 6/36.

With Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson, Scottish rugby union star Greig Laidlaw, British tennis player Dan Evans and 400m hurdler Eilidh Child.

10.00 Mock the Week – Again (S).

6/12. An edition of the quiz show from July 2012 in which host Dara O Briain and regular panellists Hugh Dennis, Andy Parsons and Chris Addison looked back at highlights of past episodes.

10.30 Newsnight (S,HD). Followed

by Weather.

10.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

10.00 Gogglebox (S). 12/13. Weekly TV review programme.

10.45 Jon Richardson: Funny Magnet (R,S,HD). A performance by the awardwinning comedian and 8 Out of 10 Cats team captain at the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End.

▼

10 11

Strictly Come Dancing … 6.30pm

▼

6 7 8 9

A Question of Sport, 10.35pm

11.05 Film 2013 (S,HD). 6/7.

Including a review of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

11.35 Oranges and Sunshine (S) (2010). See Choices Above. ●●●●

11.20 The Silent War (R,S,HD). 1/2.

Part one of two. British, American and Soviet submarine crews recall their experiences of the Cold War, when their vessels engaged in perilous games of cat and mouse.

11.00 Regional News (S); Weather.

11.10 The Kingdom (S,HD) (2007).

See Choices Above. ●●●

11.50 The Best Of I’m Spazticus (S,HD). Highlights from the hidden-camera show.

Celebrities support a charity that campaigns against the use of monkey-arm replacements for amputees.

1.15 Weatherview (S). 1.20 BBC News (S,HD).

12.20 Sign Zone: See Hear (R,S). Update on research carried out at University College London. With voiceover. Last in the series. 12.50 This Is BBC Two (S). Preview of upcoming programmes from BBC Two. 4.00 BBC Learning Zone: Schools – Empire. 5.00 Schools – Labrinth’s Speak Out (S,HD). 5.55 Wonders of Nature: Stoat – Play (S,HD).

1.05 Jackpot247. 3.00 Film: Columbo Cries Wolf (S) (1990). The slovenly sleuth suspects a magazine owner has murdered his business partner, even though the victim’s body has never been found. Crime drama, with Peter Falk and Ian Buchanan. ●●●● 4.40 ITV Nightscreen (HD). Textbased information service. 5.05 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD).

12.20 Random Acts (S,HD). 12.25 What Happens in Kavos (R,S). Girls partying in the Greek resort. 1.20 Film: Incendiary (S,HD) (2008). Drama, starring Michelle Williams, Ewan McGregor and Matthew Macfadyen. ●● 3.00 Coming Up (R,S,HD).

3.30 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun (R,S,HD). 4.30 Deal or No Deal (R,S,HD).

5.25 Countdown (R,S,HD).

▼

after

12

www.stroudauctions.co.uk

12.00 The Big Game (S,HD). Action from the poker game. 12.55 SuperCasino Live interactive gaming. 3.05 Myra Hindley: The Untold Story (R,S,HD). Docu-drama focusing on the murderer’s victims. 3.55 HouseBusters (R,S). 4.20 HouseBusters (R,S). 4.45 Divine Designs (R,S). 5.10 Wildlife SOS (R,S). 5.35 Michaela’s Wild Challenge (R,S).

01453 873800

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Entries now invited for our January auction

To include ceramics & glass; ephemera including advertising memorabilia; binoculars, telescopes & photography; scientific instruments; weights & scales A signed David Beckham football boot consigned for our January auction

Free valuations every Friday & Saturday at our saleroom or at your home by appointment

48 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

WCL-E01-S2

A pair of WWII Japanese 'big eye' binoculars

by Nikko no 962, on tripod, length 45 cm.

Sold for £1,700

SUPERSCRIMPERS CHRISTMAS CRACKER 8pm, Channel 4

GLEE 8pm, Sky1

Mrs Moneypenny reveals how to have a frugal but fun festive holiday, from homemade decorations and gifts, to party games for the family. Plus, a guide to buying champagne.

In an episode of the musical comedy paying tribute to Billy Joel, Blaine and Sam try to decide what to do post-McKinley High and reunite with Rachel, Kurt and Santana in New York, where they visit potential colleges. Meanwhile, Artie encourages Becky to look beyond high school.

ITV2 ITV2

E4 E4

6.00 Emmerdale (R,HD). 6.25 Holiday Airport: Sydney (R). 7.25 You’ve Been Framed! (R). 7.50 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 8.35 Dinner Date 9.35 The Real Housewives of New York City (R,HD). 10.30 The Real Housewives of New Jersey (R,HD). 11.25 You’ve Been Framed! (R). 12.25 Emmerdale (R,HD).

12.55 Cube Gold Medallist Special 1.55 Jeremy Kyle Show (R). 4.05 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 5.00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! Best of the Bush (R).

6.00 Switched 6.25 90210 7.10 Ugly Betty 8.00 Charmed (R). 9.00 Glee (R,HD). 10.00 New Girl (R,HD).

10.30 Mindy Project (R,HD). 11.00 Rules of Engagement (R,HD). 11.30 Charmed (R). 12.30 Hollyoaks (R,HD). 1.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD). 2.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). 3.00 New Girl (R,HD).

3.30 The Mindy Project (R,HD). 4.00 Rules of Engagement (R,HD). 5.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD).

Sky1 Sky1 6.00 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). 7.00 The Middle (R,S,HD).

8.00 Stargate Atlantis (R,S,HD).

9.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 10.00 NCIS: Los Angeles (R,S,HD). 12.00 NCIS: Los Angeles (R,S,HD). 2.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 3.00 Stargate Atlantis (R,S,HD). 4.00 The Simpsons (R,S,HD). 4.30 The Simpsons (HD). 5.00 Futurama (R,S). 5.30 The Middle (R,S,HD).

FILM PICKS

Wednesday television&radio ORANGES AND SUNSHINE 11.35pm, BBC1

THE KINGDOM 11.10pm, ITV

An FBI agent investigates the bombing of a US military facility in Saudi Arabia. Thriller, with Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner.

A social worker discovers thousands of British children have been sent to care homes and suffered abuse. Drama, with Emily Watson.

Gold GOLD

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1

6.10 Sykes 6.40 The Brittas Empire 7.15 As Time Goes By 8.20 The Good Life 9.00 Last of the Summer Wine 11.00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 11.30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 12.00 Good Life 12.40 One Foot in the Grave 2.00 Steptoe and Son 3.00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 3.30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 4.00 Last of the Summer Wine 4.40 Last of the Summer Wine

6.00 Good Morning Sports Fans (HD). 7.00 Good Morning Sports Fans (HD). 8.00 Good Morning Sports Fans (HD). 9.00 Darts World Championship Years (HD).

9.30 UEFA Champions League Goals (HD). 10.30 Premier League Review (HD). 11.30 UEFA Champions League Goals (HD).

12.25 Live International OneDay Cricket (HD).

Two Weeks Notice, 7.55pm

Dear John, 8pm

Glee, 8pm

The Vicar of Dibley, 9.05pm

Live One-Day Cricket, 12.25pm

6.00 Dinner Date (R,HD).

Emma from Wolverhampton chooses three blind dates.

Narrated by Charlotte Hudson.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

6.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Leonard asks a woman out.

6.00 The Middle (R,S,HD).

Frankie and Mike go on a group dinner date for Valentine’s Day. 6.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

6.00 The Two Ronnies Spectacle The double act’s musical numbers and serial sketches.

7.00 You’ve Been Framed!

(R).

7.30 You’ve Been Framed! at Christmas (R).

7.55 Two Weeks Notice (HD) (2002). A lawyer catches the attention of a real-estate tycoon, who offers her a job.

However, she quickly tires of running the selfabsorbed millionaire’s life for him and quits – forcing him to pull out all the stops to win her back. Romantic comedy, starring Sandra Bullock, Hugh Grant, Alicia Witt and Dana Ivey. Including FYI Daily. ●●

7.00 Hollyoaks (HD).

7.30 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD). Ted meets a girl he set his eyes on 10 years previously.

7.00 The Simpsons (R,S,HD).

Homer befriends a former CIA agent.

7.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

With the voices of Lucy Lawless and Tom Arnold.

7.00 Keeping Up Appearances Hyacinth decides to build a dream kitchen. Festive special from 1994, starring Patricia Routledge.

6.00 Live International One-Day Cricket Continued. South Africa v India. Coverage of the final fixture in a threematch series, staged at SuperSport Park, Centurion. This encounter is followed by a two-Test series, starting at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, on December 18.

8.00 Dear John (HD) (2010).

A soldier falls in love with a student he meets while on two weeks’ leave, and he promises to seek her out after completing his tour of duty. However, in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, he decides to re-enlist in the army, putting their relationship to the test.

Romantic drama, with Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried.

Edited for violence and language. ●●●●

8.00 Glee (R,S,HD). See Choices Above.

8.10 Outnumbered – The Christmas Special It is Boxing Day in the Brockman household and Santa has paid a visit – along with some burglars.

10.00 The Royle Family One- 10.00 What’s the Story? (HD). off festive edition from Sarah-Jane Mee presents 2009. Jim and Barbara a discussion show cannot decide whether focusing on recent sports to spend a cash windfall developments. on a holiday or a satellite HD system. Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson star.

11.00 An Idiot Abroad 3 11.00 The 40 Year Old Virgin 11.05 Made in Chelsea (R).

The gang heads to South (R,S,HD). Karl Pilkington (HD) (2005). A middleAfrica, where things get and Warwick Davis aged virgin is set up on off to a rocky start when arrive in China. Last in a series of dates, only to Lucy finds out that the series. fall for a woman who Phoebe will be coming does not want a physical along. relationship. Comedy, with Steve Carell. ●●●

11.20 Harry Hill’s TV Burp A comic look at soaps and celebrities.

11.50 Harry Hill’s TV Burp A comic look at soaps and celebrities.

11.00 Football Gold (S).

Manchester United v Arsenal from February 2001.

11.15 Football Gold (S).

11.30 FIFA Futbol Mundial

1.25 The Vampire Diaries (R,HD).

Supernatural drama focusing on the lives of Elena Gilbert, her friends and the vampire inhabitants of the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia. 2.20 Teleshopping Buying goods from home. 5.50 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD). Textbased information service.

12.20 The Comic Strip Presents: Consuela, or the New Mrs Saunders A satire on Hitchcock’s distinctive interpretation of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. The maid Consuela receives a new mistress. Comedy, starring Dawn French. 1.00 The Royle Family 2.00 Rev 2.30 Rev

12.00 UEFA Champions League Goals (HD). 1.00 What’s the Story? (HD). 2.00 Football Gold (S). 2.15 Football Gold (HD). 2.30 FIFA Futbol Mundial 3.00 UEFA Champions League Goals (HD).

4.00 What’s the Story? (HD). 5.00 Football Gold (S). 5.15 Football Gold 5.30 FIFA Futbol Mundial

RADIO

10.00 Strike Back: Shadow 10.00 The Only Way is 10.00 Misfits (HD). In the Warfare (R,S,HD).

Essexmas (HD). The final ever episode of the Stonebridge and Scott gang returns for the comedy drama, Rudy’s receive some new annual Christmas special alter ego discovers that intelligence, and get a of the reality series as Helen, Karen and Sam taste of life inside a Essex’s most glamorous are not quite the notorious mafia-run citizens prepare for the superheroes he prison in Moscow holiday season. Plus, expected them to be. following a drug deal how will Arg top last Last in the series. gone wrong. year’s Christmas jumper?

12.10 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

Sheldon tries to do Penny a favour by tidying her room. 12.40 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Leonard asks a woman out. 1.10 Suburgatory (R,HD). 1.40 Rude Tube (R,HD). 2.35 Geeks (R). 3.30 The Cleveland Show (R,HD). 3.50 Glee (R,HD).

4.35 Ugly Betty (R,HD).

Radio 1 6.30am The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw 10.00 Fearne Cotton 12.45pm Newsbeat 1.00 Scott Mills 3.30 The Official Chart Update 4.00 Greg James 7.00 Zane Lowe. With live music from Maida Vale. 9.00 My Playlist. Jason Derulo takes over Radio 1, and selects the music. 10.00 Phil Taggart and Alice Levine Midnight Huw Stephens 2.00 Benji B 4.00 Dev Radio 2 5.00am Vanessa Feltz 6.30 Chris Evans 9.30 Ken Bruce Noon Jeremy Vine 2.00 Steve Wright in the Afternoon 5.00 Simon Mayo 7.00 The Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe.

Traditional and contemporary folk and

12.00 Road Wars (R,S,HD). 1.00 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK (R,S). The work of police officers in Devon and Cornwall. 2.00 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK (HD).

3.00 Road Wars (R,S). 4.00 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). 4.30 Dog the Bounty Hunter 5.00 Airline (HD). 5.30 Airline (R,S,HD).

acoustic music. 8.00 Jo Whiley 10.00 The People’s Songs 11.00 Trevor Nelson’s Soul Show Midnight Janice Long 2.00 Alex Lester Radio 3 6.30am Breakfast 9.00 Essential Classics Noon Composer of the Week: Iceland 1.00 News 1.02 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert 2.00 Afternoon on 3 3.30 Choral Evensong.

Live from Exeter Cathedral. Director of Music: Andrew Millington. 4.45 Opera on 3: Wagner 200 – Parsifal. 10.45 Wagner 200: The Essay: Wagner’s Philosophers. Christopher Janaway explores the impact of Arthur Schopenhauer on Wagner. 11.00 Late Junction 12.30am Through the Night

Radio 4 5.30am News Briefing 5.43 Prayer for the Day 5.45 Farming Today 5.58 Tweet of the Day 6.00 Today 8.31 (LW) Yesterday in Parliament 9.00 Midweek 9.45 (LW) Daily Service 9.45 (FM) Book of the Week: Gold – The Race for the World’s Most Seductive Metal 10.00 Woman’s Hour 11.00 Lives in a Landscape 11.30 Believe It! Noon News 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast 12.04 You and Yours 12.57 News and Weather 1.00 The World at One 1.45 A Cause for Caroling 2.00 The Archers 2.15 Afternoon Drama: The People Next Door 3.00 Money Box Live 3.30 All in the Mind 4.00 Thinking Allowed 4.30 The Media

Show 5.00 PM 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast 5.57 Weather 6.00 Six O’Clock News 6.30 What Does the K Stand For? 7.00 The Archers 7.15 Front Row 7.45 The Diary of Samuel Pepys 8.00 The Moral Maze 8.45 PopUp Ideas. New series. 9.00 Frontiers 9.30 Midweek 9.59 Weather 10.00 The World Tonight 10.45 Book at Bedtime: Truman Capote Short Stories 11.00 Political Animals 11.15 Bird Island 11.30 Today in Parliament Midnight News and Weather 12.30 Book of the Week: Gold – The Race for the World’s Most Seductive Metal 12.48 Shipping Forecast 1.00 As BBC World Service 5.20 Shipping Forecast

WCL-E01-S2

7.00 Pop’s Greatest Dance Crazes (S).

7.15 Atlantis (R,S).

The trio become the prey in a brutal blood sport.

8.00 Great Movie Mistakes 2013 (S). Blunders in Hollywood films.

10.00 Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad (S).

With Bear Grylls, Rylan Clark and Louie Spence.

10.30 Russell Howard’s Good News (R,S). The comedian’s perspective on the news.

11.00 Family Guy (R,S).

Peter establishes his own country.

11.25 Family Guy (R,S).

Meg and Peter are sued.

11.45 American Dad! (R,S).

12.10 American Dad! (R,S). 12.30 Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad (R,S). 1.00 Great Movie Mistakes 2013 (R,S). 3.00 Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad 3.30 Snog, Marry, Avoid? Christmas Special

BBC4 BBC4

7.00 World News Today; Weather.

7.30 Britain on Film: Country Living (R). Examining transformations in British agriculture.

8.00 The Fairytale Castles of King Ludwig II with Dan Cruickshank (R).

Documentary exploring the aesthetics associated with Ludwig II of Bavaria.

9.00 Patisserie with Michel Roux Jr. The attraction of the perfect sweet delicacy.

10.00 Balmoral (R).

The history of the royal family’s most private residence.

11.00 Christina: A Medieval Life (R).

12.00 Frozen Planet (R).

1.00 The Fairytale Castles of King Ludwig II with Dan Cruickshank (R). 2.00 Balmoral 3.00 Patisserie with Michel Roux Jr (R).

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9.00 Darts World 9.05 The Vicar of Dibley Championship Years Passions erupt in Dibley (HD). A look back at the when Geraldine plays 2010 and 2011 PDC World Cupid in her efforts to Championship finals. bring Alice and Hugo together, and at the 9.30 Football Gold same time she receives an 9.45 Football Gold Liverpool astonishing proposal v Newcastle United from from an unexpected 1995/96. source.

9.00 Typhoon Haiyan: Eye of the Storm (S,HD).

Documentary about the typhoon that swept through the Philippines in November, claiming thousands of lives and destroying entire cities.

Featuring first-hand accounts from survivors.

BBC3 BBC3

Radio 5 Live 5.00am Morning Reports 5.30 Wake Up to Money 6.00 5 Live Breakfast 10.00 Victoria Derbyshire Noon Shelagh Fogarty 2.00 Richard Bacon 4.00 5 Live Drive 7.00 5 Live Sport 7.45 5 Live Sport: Champions League Football 2013-14.

Commentary on one of tonight’s matchday six fixtures. 9.40 5 Live Sport: Final Whistle. 10.30 Phil Williams 1.00am Up All Night Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast 9.00 John Suchet 1.00pm Jamie Crick 5.00 Classic FM Drive 8.00 The Full Works Concert. Schubert, Mozart, Finzi, Tchaikovsky. 10.00 Smooth Classics 2.00am Nick Bailey

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 49

TV PICKS

Thursday television&radio Thursday’s Television Guide CHRISTMAS SUPERMARKET SECRETS 9pm, BBC1

CHARLEY BOORMAN’S USA ADVENTURE 8pm, Channel 5

Gregg Wallace looks at how some of Britain’s biggest retailers gear up for Christmas, when food sales increase by 36 per cent.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 9.15 Heir Hunters (R,S,HD). 10.00 Homes Under the Hammer (S,HD). 11.00 Caught Red Handed (R,S,HD). 11.30 Helicopter Heroes (S,HD). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (R,S). 1.00 BBC News; Weather (S,HD). 1.30 Regional News (S); Weather. 1.45 Doctors (S,HD).

2.15 Perfection (S,HD). 3.00 Escape to the Country (S,HD). 3.45 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin (S,HD). 4.30 Flog It! (R,S,HD). 5.15 Pointless (R,S,HD).

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

The actor sets off on the final leg of his journey, scaling a cliff in Colorado before visiting a soda ash mine in Wyoming. He then heads to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah and joins Erin Hunter and Andy Sills in an attempt to set a world speed record for three people on one motorbike.

BBC2 BBC2

6.00 This Is BBC Two (S). 6.35 Homes Under the Hammer 7.35 Helicopter Heroes (R,S,HD). 8.20 Sign Zone: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (R,S). 9.05 The Crane Gang (R,S). 10.05 Ronnie’s Animal Crackers (R,S). 10.35 HARDtalk (R,S,HD). 11.00 News (S,HD). 11.30 World News (S,HD). 12.00 Daily Politics (S). 1.00 One Man and His Campervan (R,S,HD). 1.30 Fred Dibnah: Age of Steam (R,S). 2.00 Cash in the Attic (R,S).

2.45 Expedition Borneo (R,S). 3.15 Orangutan Diary (R,S). 3.45 Cagney & Lacey (R,S). 4.30 Are You Being Served? (R,S). 5.05 ’Allo ’Allo! (R,S).

5.30 Priceless Antiques Roadshow (R,S).

BRITISH COMEDY AWARDS 2013 9pm, Channel 4

MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS 8pm, BBC2

Jonathan Ross hosts the live ceremony honouring the best comedy actors, actresses and entertainment personalities, along with the pick of the year’s TV and film comedies.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 Daybreak (S,HD). 8.30 Lorraine (S).

9.25 The Jeremy Kyle Show (S). 10.30 This Morning (S). 12.30 Loose Women (S,HD). 1.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

1.55 Regional News (S). 2.00 Peter Andre’s 60 Minute Makeover (S,HD). 3.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal (S,HD). Valuing an early fire extinguisher in Loughborough, Leicestershire. 3.59 Regional Weather (S).

4.00 Show Me the Telly (S,HD). 5.00 The Paul O’Grady Show (S,HD).

After six gruelling weeks, the finalists’ last challenge is to prepare a three-course menu for Michel Roux Jr, Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace. The judges assess their efforts before deciding who will be crowned champion, succeeding last year’s joint winners Keri Moss and Anton Petrowski.

Channel Channel 4

6.10 According to Jim (R,S,HD). 7.00 Will & Grace (R,S). 7.55 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 9.00 Frasier (R,S). 10.00 Ruth Watson Means Business! (S,HD).

11.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S). 12.00 Channel 4 News Summary (S). 12.05 Come Dine with Me. 2.10 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent (S,HD). 3.10 Countdown (S,HD). 4.00 Deal or No Deal (S,HD). 5.00 Four in a Bed (S,HD). 5.30 Come Dine with Me Christmas (S,HD).

Channel Channel 5

6.00 Milkshake! 9.15 The Wright Stuff (HD). 11.10 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers (HD). 12.10 5 News Lunchtime (S,HD). 12.15 Stobart: Trucks, Trains & Planes (R,S,HD). 1.15 Home and Away (S,HD). 1.45 Neighbours (S,HD). 2.20 NCIS (R,S). 3.20 Film: Matchmaker Santa (S,HD) (2012). Comedy, with Lacey Chabert. ●●● 5.00 5 News at 5 (S,HD). 5.30 Neighbours (R,S,HD). Imogen is shocked to spot Bailey and Gem together at the lake.

The Best of The Sarah … 10pm

You’ve Been Framed!, 8.30pm

George Clarke’s Amazing … 8pm

Person of Interest, 10pm

▼

6.00 BBC News (S,HD); Weather.

6.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.00 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

6.00 The Simpsons (S,HD). 20/23.

6.30 Hollyoaks (S,HD). Sam takes the law into her own hands after Tegan is attacked in the village.

6.00 Home and Away (R,S,HD).

Andy waits anxiously at the hospital, expecting to be arrested.

6.30 NewsTalk Live (S,HD).

▼

7.00 The One Show (S,HD). Topical stories from around the UK. 7.30 EastEnders (S,HD). Kat visits Alice to confront her about Michael’s murder. Followed by BBC News; Regional News.

6.00 Celebrity Eggheads (S,HD).

4/10.

6.30 Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two (S,HD). 54/60. The latest footage from inside the training rooms.

7.00 Great British Garden Revival (S,HD). 4/10. Toby Buckland meets a conservationist who saves species of fruit trees that are close to extinction.

7.00 Emmerdale (S,HD).

7.30 Pop, Sex & Videotape: Tonight (S,HD). Annie Lennox talks to Julie Etchingham about suggestive content in pop music.

7.00 News (S).

7.55 4thought.tv (S). Members of the public reflect on religious issues.

7.00 Tutankhamun: The Mystery Revealed (R,S). Dr Zahi Hawass and his team investigate the fate of the pharaoh’s wife.

Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

6 7 8 9

Keeping Britain Safe 24/7, 8pm

8.00 Keeping Britain Safe 24/7 (S,HD). 2/4. Julia Bradbury and Matt Allwright profile winter’s unsung heroes, including paramedics dealing with injuries arising from hectic festive parties and RAF searchand-rescue teams.

8.00 MasterChef: The Professionals (S,HD). 24/24.

See Choices Above.

8.00 Emmerdale (S,HD). Charity awaits Jai’s decision.

8.30 You’ve Been Framed! (R,S).

More calamities caught on camera, narrated by Harry Hill, featuring fun in the sun, cute kids, crazy animals and a few scares.

8.00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces (S,HD). 8/8. The architect prepares to unveil his tree house and meets a couple with plans to build a theatre in a caravan, plus a man who has created a pub in his shed. Last in the series.

8.00 Charley Boorman’s USA Adventure (S,HD). See Choices Above. Followed by 5 News at 9.

▼

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

9.00 Christmas Supermarket Secrets (S,HD). See Choices Above.

9.00 The Silent War (S,HD). 2/2.

Part two of two. British, American and Soviet submarine crews reveal how the nuclear arms race took ballistic missiles beneath the Arctic ice and nearly ended in disaster at sea.

9.00 There’s Something About Susan (S,HD). See Choices Above.

9.00 British Comedy Awards 2013 (S). Jonathan Ross hosts the live annual ceremony honouring the best comedy actors, actresses, entertainment personalities and newcomers, along with the pick of the year’s TV and film comedies.

Nominees include Miranda Hart, James Corden, Jo Brand, Ant and Dec, Alan Carr, David Mitchell, Graham Norton, Jack Whitehall, Lee Mack and Sarah Millican. See Choices Above.

9.00 Mummy’s Little Murderer (S,HD). Documentary using covert police recordings and surveillance footage to examine the events surrounding the murder of Emily Longley by her boyfriend Elliot Turner.

▼

11

10.00 The Best of The Sarah Millican Television Programme: Vol 2 (S,HD). 2/2.

Second of two compilations of highlights from the comedienne’s chat show.

10.30 Newsnight (S,HD). Followed

by Weather.

10.00 ITV News at Ten (S).

10.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

10.35 The Jonathan Ross Show (R,S,HD). 9/10. The host is joined by stand-up comedian Jack Dee, and Bafta-winning actress Olivia Colman, who talks about her forthcoming projects. Ellie Goulding provides the music.

▼

10

10.00 BBC News (S,HD).

10.25 Regional News (S); Weather.

10.35 Question Time (S,HD). 14/38.

Panellists including Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles answer topical questions from the audience as David Dimbleby chairs a debate from Swansea.

11.35 This Week (S). Andrew Neil presents the political round-up, joined by Michael Portillo and Alan Johnson for a look at the developments of the past seven days.

11.20 Tudor Monastery Farm (R,S,HD). 5/6. The team restores a room in the monastery that would have been granted to an elderly worker as a form of pension and also helps the abbot prepare a feast.

11.40 Regional Programme.

11.05 Gogglebox (R,S). 12/13.

Weekly TV review programme.

11.55 24 Hours in A&E (R,S). 5/6. A schoolboy is brought in after being hit by a car on his way home from school.

11.00 Myra: Murder, Lies and Manipulation (R,S,HD). 3/3.

The search for the remains of Keith Bennett. Last in the series.

12.20 Skiing Weatherview (S). 12.25 BBC News (S,HD).

12.20 The Review Show (R,S,HD).

Cultural highlights. 1.20 Sign Zone: Energy Bills: Power Failure? – Panorama (R,S). 1.40 Sign Zone: The Culture Show: Wars of the Heart (R,S).

2.10 This Is BBC Two (S). 4.00 BBC Learning Zone: What Did You Do After the War? 5.00 Schools – 3, 2, 1 Go!: Key Stage 2 (S,HD).

12.05 Jackpot247 Interactive gaming.

3.00 Pop, Sex & Videotape: Tonight (R,S,HD). Annie Lennox talks to Julie Etchingham about suggestive content in songs by the likes of Miley Cyrus and Rihanna, and music industry insiders respond to criticisms of their work. 3.25 ITV Nightscreen (HD). 5.05 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD).

12.50 Random Acts (S,HD). 12.55 One Born: What Happened Next? (S). 1.50 Getting Rich in the Recession: The Man Who Buys Anything (R,S). 2.45 Food Unwrapped (R,S,HD). 3.10 Kirstie’s Vintage Gems (R,S). 3.35 Secret Removers (S,HD). 4.30 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun (R,S,HD). 5.25 Countdown (R,S,HD).

12.00 SuperCasino Viewers get the chance to take part in live interactive gaming, with a mix of roulette-wheel spins and lively chat from the presenting team.

3.05 Nazi Temple of Doom (R,S,HD); 5 News Update. 3.55 HouseBusters (R,S).

4.20 HouseBusters (R,S). 4.45 Divine Designs (R,S). 5.10 Wildlife SOS (R,S).

5.35 Michaela’s Wild Challenge (R,S).

▼

after

12

10.00 Person of Interest (S,HD).

8/22. The Machine issues the social security numbers of married couple Sabrina and Daniel Drake, the CEOs of a successful publishing company that recently released an unflattering book about private militia leader Wade Huggins.

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50 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

WCL-E01-S2

A Chinese porcelain brush pot with detailed pagoda scene sold for £3,800

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT SUSAN 9pm, ITV

THE BIG CHRISTMAS REUNION 9pm, ITV2

Documentary following Susan Boyle as she prepares for her first solo tour – a series of sell-out concerts across her native Scotland – as well as a stadium gig in America.

The bands from The Big Reunion series get together in the recording studio to produce a Christmas single for the Text Santa charity campaign. Blue, Atomic Kitten, 5ive, Honeyz, B*Witched, 911 and Liberty X team up to sing a version of I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday.

ITV2 ITV2

E4 E4

6.00 Emmerdale 6.25 Coronation Street 6.55 You’ve Been Framed! (R).

7.45 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA (R).

8.30 Dinner Date (R,HD). 9.30 The Real Housewives of New York City (R,HD).

10.25 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 11.25 You’ve Been Framed! (R).

12.25 Emmerdale 12.55 Coronation Street (R,HD). 1.25 You’ve Been Framed! (R). 1.55 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R). 4.05 The Real Housewives of New Jersey (R,HD). 5.00 The Real Housewives of New Jersey (R,HD).

6.00 Switched 6.25 90210 7.10 Ugly Betty 8.00 Charmed (R). 9.00 Glee (R,HD). 10.00 New Girl (R,HD).

10.30 The Mindy Project (R,HD).

11.00 Rules of Engagement (R,HD).

11.30 Charmed 12.30 Hollyoaks (R,HD). 1.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD). 2.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). 3.00 New Girl (R,HD).

3.30 The Mindy Project (R,HD). 4.00 Rules of Engagement (R,HD). 5.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD).

Sky1 Sky1 6.00 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). 7.00 The Middle (R,S,HD).

8.00 Stargate Atlantis (R,S,HD).

9.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 10.00 NCIS: Los Angeles (R,S,HD). 12.00 NCIS: Los Angeles (R,S,HD). 2.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 3.00 Stargate Atlantis (R,S,HD). 4.00 The Simpsons (R,S,HD). 5.00 Futurama (R,S). 5.30 The Middle (R,S,HD).

FILM PICKS

Thursday television&radio AMERICAN PIE: THE WEDDING 11pm, ITV2

KUNG FU PANDA 8pm, BBC3

A lazy panda is forced to master martial arts to protect his valley home from a snow leopard. Animated comedy, featuring the voice of Jack Black.

The friends reunite to celebrate Jim and Michelle’s forthcoming trip to the altar. Comedy sequel, with Jason Biggs and Eugene Levy.

Gold GOLD 6.00 Sykes 6.30 The Brittas Empire 7.00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 7.30 One Foot in the Grave 8.20 The Good Life 9.00 Last of the Summer Wine 11.00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 12.00 One Foot in the Grave 12.55 Keeping Up Appearances 2.05 The Vicar of Dibley 3.00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 4.00 Last of the Summer Wine 5.20 Last of the Summer Wine

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1 6.00 Sports Fans (HD). 9.00 Darts World Championship Years (HD).

9.30 UEFA Champions League Goals (HD). 10.30 What’s the Story?

11.30 Darts World Championship Years (HD).12.00 UEFA Champions League Goals (HD). 1.00 Sporting Greats (S). 1.30 Live Rugby Union (HD). 4.00 UEFA Champions League Goals (HD). 5.00 Darts World Championship Years (HD). 5.30 Premier League World (HD).

Celebrity Juice, 10pm

Suburgatory, 7.30pm

Moone Boy, 9pm

One Foot in the Grave, 7pm

Live Rugby Union, 7pm

6.00 Dinner Date (R,HD).

Kim from Bristol picks three blind dates from five potential partners, based entirely on menus they have created.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Sheldon loses his job.

6.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

6.00 The Middle (R,S,HD).

6.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

Homer befriends a group of holidaying celebrities.

6.00 Bring Me Morecambe & Wise Celebrating the comedy duo’s series of sketches based around plays that Ernie wrote.

6.00 FL72 Preview A look ahead to the latest round of fixtures in the Championship, League One and League Two.

7.00 You’ve Been Framed!

(R).

7.30 You’ve Been Framed!

(R). Featuring lookalikes of Alan Titchmarsh and George Michael.

7.00 Hollyoaks (HD). Tilly vows to reveal the truth.

7.30 Suburgatory (HD).

Dallas questions whether George loves her. Last in the series.

7.00 The Simpsons (R,S).

7.30 The Simpsons (R,S,HD).

Homer is promoted to accounts manager at the power plant.

7.00 One Foot in the Grave Victor has a spooky encounter with paranormal forces, which seems to completely change his outlook on life.

8.00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! Crown Jewels. Former King of the Jungle Joe Swash celebrates the previous winners of the 13 series of the show.

8.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Sheldon unwittingly makes a scientific breakthrough.

8.30 The Big Bang Theory (HD). Sheldon is hurt when Professor Proton contacts Leonard.

8.00 Inside RAF Brize Norton (S,HD).

Emergency crews step in when a Hercules’ landing gear fails, and UK reserves undertake parachute training for Afghanistan.

8.20 Only Fools and Horses Del and Rodney’s Christmas celebrations are disrupted by the unexpected arrival of their estranged father.

Festive special from 1983.

9.00 The Big Christmas Reunion (HD). See Choices Above.

9.00 2 Broke Girls (HD).

Caroline throws away one of Max’s treasured belongings.

9.30 2 Broke Girls (HD). The girls give a stripper a makeover. Comedy, starring Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs.

9.00 Moone Boy (R,S,HD).

Martin becomes an altar boy and Fidelma joins the choir.

9.30 Trollied (R,S,HD). Craig visits the supermarket, but gives Julie a dilemma when he asks for a favour.

9.00 Porridge Mackay and Barraclough discover Fletch is making booze in his cell and the crafty con seems certain to spend Christmas in solitary.

Festive special from 1976, with Ronnie Barker.

7.00 Live European Challenge Cup Rugby Union (HD). Biarritz v Worcester Warriors (Kickoff 7.45pm). Coverage of the Pool One fixture at the Parc des Sports Aguilera, as the clubs compete in their fourth match of the campaign.

The sides met as recently as last week and are looking to boost their chances of progressing to the quarter-final, with only the pool winners set to make it through.

10.00 Harry Enfield and His 10.00 FL72 Preview A look 10.00 Rude Tube (R,HD). Alex 10.00 Brit Cops: Frontline Yule Log Chums Festive Crime UK (R,S). ahead to the latest Zane presents a special from 1998, with Hammersmith and round of fixtures in the countdown of internet the popular funnyman Fulham officers raid a Championship, League stars, including a man and partners in mirth crack den, and the One and League Two. who threw a house Paul Whitehouse and robbery team hunts party in a furniture shop Kathy Burke. down a drug-dealing car and the Jesus lookalike thief. who was removed from 10.55 Gimme Gimme a darts tournament.

Gimme Linda plans Tom’s 30th birthday.

11.00 American Pie: The Wedding (HD) (2003).

See Choices Above. ●●●

11.05 British Comedy 11.00 Road Wars (R,S,HD). A Awards: Live Lock-In drink-driver quickly 2013 Lauren Laverne sobers up when he and co-host Angelos makes an ill-advised Epithemiou present the attempt to hide from backstage gossip and dog handler Steve, aftershow surprises from German shepherd Razor the awards. and a police helicopter.

11.35 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 11.00 Ringside (HD). Boxing The quirky comic takes a magazine, including surreal look at soap highlights of recent sagas and celebrities, bouts and interviews subjecting them to his with the stars currently unique brand of scrutiny. causing a stir in the ring.

12.10 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). 12.35 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Leonard fears he is wasting his time with Penny. 1.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD).

1.30 Misfits (R,HD). 2.30 The Cleveland Show (R,HD). 2.50 Glee (R,HD). 3.35 Glee (R,HD).

4.20 Ugly Betty (R,HD).

12.05 Harry Hill’s TV Burp. 12.35 Harry Enfield and His Yule Log Chums Festive special from 1998, with the popular funnyman and partners in mirth Paul Whitehouse and Kathy Burke. 1.20 Gimme Gimme Gimme Comedy, starring Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus.

1.50 Rev. 2.20 Rev.

RADIO

Radio 1 6.30am The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw 10.00 Fearne Cotton 12.45pm Newsbeat 1.00 Scott Mills 4.00 Greg James 7.00 Zane Lowe 9.00 In New DJs We Trust. Sets by DJs from the Residency slot. 10.00 Phil Taggart and Alice Levine. Music and chat.

Midnight The Residency: Kutski 2.00 Toddla T 4.00 Dev Radio 2 5.00am Vanessa Feltz 6.30 Chris Evans 9.30 Ken Bruce Noon Jeremy Vine 2.00 Steve Wright in the Afternoon 5.00 Simon Mayo 7.00 Bob Harris Country 8.00 Jo Whiley. With David Walliams. 10.00 Established 1973 – 40 Years of Commercial Radio

12.00 Road Wars (R,S,HD). Police officers combat vehicle crime. 1.00 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK (R,S,HD). 2.00 Road Wars (R,S).

3.00 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK (R,S). 4.00 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). 4.30 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). 5.00 Airline (R,S,HD). 5.30 Airline (R,S,HD).

11.00 Nigel Ogden: The Organist Entertains 11.30 Listen to the Band Midnight Janice Long 2.00 Alex Lester Radio 3 6.30am Breakfast 9.00 Essential Classics Noon Composer of the Week: Iceland 1.00 News 1.02 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert 2.00 Afternoon on 3 5.00 In Tune 6.30 Composer of the Week: Iceland. Jón Leifs’ epic Saga Symphony – and a haunting tribute to a lost daughter.

7.30 Radio 3 Live in Concert. The BBCSSO performs Beethoven, John Adams and Shostakovich. 10.00 Night Waves 10.45 Wagner 200: The Essay: Wagner’s Philosophers 11.00 Late Junction 12.30am Through the Night

Radio 4 5.30am News Briefing 5.43 Prayer for the Day 5.45 Farming Today 5.58 Tweet of the Day 6.00 Today 8.31 (LW) Yesterday in Parliament 9.00 In Our Time 9.45 (LW) Daily Service 9.45 (FM) Book of the Week: Gold – The Race for the World’s Most Seductive Metal 10.00 Woman’s Hour 11.00 Crossing Continents 11.30 Precious Metal Noon News 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast 12.04 You and Yours 12.57 Weather 1.00 The World at One 1.45 A Cause for Caroling 2.00 The Archers 2.15 Afternoon Drama: Pilgrim 3.00 Open Country 3.27 (LW) Radio 4 Appeal 3.27 (FM) Radio 4 Appeal 3.30 Open Book 4.00 The Film Programme

4.30 Inside Science 5.00 PM 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast 5.57 Weather 6.00 Six O’Clock News 6.30 The Secret World 7.00 The Archers 7.15 Front Row 7.45 The Diary of Samuel Pepys 8.00 The Report 8.30 In Business 9.00 Inside Science 9.30 In Our Time 9.59 Weather 10.00 The World Tonight 10.45 Book at Bedtime: Truman Capote Short Stories 11.00 Alice’s Wunderland 11.30 Today in Parliament Midnight News and Weather 12.30 Book of the Week: Gold – The Race for the World’s Most Seductive Metal 12.48 Shipping Forecast 1.00 As BBC World Service 1.55 (LW) Test Match Special 5.20 Shipping Forecast

WCL-E01-S2

7.00 Don’t Tell the Bride: Christmas Revenge 2012 (R,S).

8.00 Kung Fu Panda (S) (2008). See Choices Above. ●●● Followed by Donkey’s Carolling Christmas-tacular.

9.30 Russell Howard’s Good News (R,S). The comedian’s perspective on the news.

10.00 Him & Her: The Wedding (S).

10.30 EastEnders (R,S).

11.00 Family Guy (R,S).

11.25 Family Guy (R,S).

11.45 American Dad! (R,S).

12.10 American Dad! (R,S). 12.30 Him & Her: The Wedding (R,S). 1.00 The Revolution Will Be Televised (R,S). 1.30 Snow, Sex and Suspicious Parents (R,S). 2.30 Sweat the Small Stuff (R,S). 3.00 Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad (R,S). 3.30 Him & Her: The Wedding (R,S).

BBC4 BBC4

7.00 World News Today; Weather.

7.30 Sounds of the 70s 2 Rock – The Boys Are Back in Town (R).

Featuring performances by Alice Cooper and AC/DC. 8.00 Ocean Giants (R). The intelligence of whales and dolphins.

9.00 Byzantium: A Tale of Three Cities. The last centuries of Christian Constantinople.

10.00 New Hidden Killers: The Victorian Home (R). Part one of two. The dangerous products in Victorian homes.

11.00 Shipwrecks: Britain’s Sunken History (R).

12.00 Pop! The Science of Bubbles (R). 1.00 Sounds of the 70s 2 Rock – The Boys Are Back in Town (R). 1.30 Ocean Giants (R).

2.30 Byzantium: A Tale of Three Cities (R).

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Entries now invited for our upcoming auctions

January 15th & 16th

10.00 Celebrity Juice: Christmas Special (HD). Festive edition of the comedy quiz, featuring Kelly Brook, Olly Murs, Peter Andre, Vanessa White, Jason Byrne, Kim Wilde and James Blunt. Last in the series.

1.00 The Only Way is Essexmas (R,HD). The gang returns for the annual Christmas special of the reality series as Essex’s most glamorous citizens prepare for the holiday season. 2.00 Life’s Funniest Moments (R). 2.25 Teleshopping. 5.55 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD).

BBC3 BBC3

12.00 NFL – A Football Life (HD).

1.00 Live NFL (HD). Denver Broncos v San Diego Chargers (Kick-off 1.25am). 4.30 World Darts Championship (HD). 5.00 Premier League World (HD). A round-up of the latest news. 5.30 Football Gold Liverpool v Manchester United from 1999. 5.45 Football Gold Radio 5 Live 5.00am Morning Reports 5.30 Wake Up to Money 6.00 5 Live Breakfast 10.00 Victoria Derbyshire Noon Shelagh Fogarty 2.00 Richard Bacon 4.00 5 Live Drive 7.00 5 Live Sport 7.30 5 Live Sport: Get Set Glasgow. A look ahead to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. 9.00 The Ashes. A look ahead to the opening day of the Third Test.

10.00 Question Time Extra Time 1.00am Up All Night Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast 9.00 John Suchet 1.00pm Jamie Crick 5.00 Classic FM Drive 8.00 The Full Works Concert 10.00 Smooth Classics 2.00am Nick Bailey

Ceramics and glass; books; ephemera including advertising and memorabilia; binoculars, telescopes and photography; scientific instruments; weights and scales.

February 12th & 13th

Asian and tribal Art; textiles; toys; musical instruments and rare vinyl; fine furniture

March 12th & 13th

Jewellery; silver; watches and clocks; coins and stamps; paintings and pictures

Free valuations every Friday & Saturday at our saleroom or at your home by appointment

www.stroudauctions.co.uk

01453 873800

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 51

Fr iday Television television&radio Friday’s Guide TV PICKS

HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU 9pm, BBC1

THE ABBA YEARS 9pm, Channel 5

Martin Clunes chairs the quiz, with Jennifer Saunders and Bernard Cribbins joining Ian Hislop and Paul Merton to have a laugh at the week’s news-makers.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 9.15 Heir Hunters (R,S,HD). 10.00 Homes Under the Hammer (R,S,HD). 11.00 Caught Red Handed (R,S,HD). 11.30 Helicopter Heroes (S,HD). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (S,HD). 1.00 BBC News; Weather (S,HD). 1.30 Regional News (S); Weather. 1.45 Doctors (S,HD).

2.15 Perfection (S,HD). 3.00 Escape to the Country (R,S,HD). 3.45 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin (S,HD). 4.30 Flog It! (S,HD). 5.15 Pointless (R,S,HD).

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

Documentary exploring the history of the Swedish band and the careers of Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad after their split in 1982. The film charts their rise to fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 and the worldwide success that followed.

BBC2 BBC2

6.00 This Is BBC Two (S). 6.30 Homes Under the Hammer (HD). 7.30 Helicopter Heroes (R,S,HD).

8.15 Sign Zone: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (R,S). 9.00 Africa 2013: Countdown to the Rains (R,S). 10.00 Question Time (R,S,HD).

11.00 News (S,HD). 11.30 World News (S,HD).

12.00 Daily Politics (S). 1.00 One Man and His Campervan (R,S,HD). 1.30 Fred Dibnah’s Age of Steam (R,S). 2.00 Cash in the Attic (R,S). 2.45 Expedition Borneo (R,S). 3.15 Orangutan Diary (R,S). 3.45 Cagney & Lacey (R,S). 4.30 Are You Being Served? (R,S). 5.05 ’Allo ’Allo! (R,S). 5.30 Priceless Antiques Roadshow (S).

QI 10pm, BBC2

Victoria Wood, Richard Osman and Jason Manford join Alan Davies on the comedy quiz, with host Stephen Fry asking a range of unusual questions on the theme of the kitchen sink.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 Daybreak (S,HD). 8.30 Lorraine (S).

9.25 The Jeremy Kyle Show (S,HD). 10.30 This Morning (S). 12.30 Loose Women (S,HD). 1.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

1.55 Regional News (S). 2.00 Peter Andre’s 60 Minute Makeover (S,HD). 3.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal (S,HD). David Dickinson travels to Ludlow in Shropshire.

3.59 Regional Weather (S). 4.00 Show Me the Telly (S,HD). 5.00 The Paul O’Grady Show (S,HD).

DERREN BROWN: THE GREAT ART ROBBERY 9pm, Channel 4

In this one-off special, the master illusionist and showman tries to pull off the perfect crime. He has bet Ivan Massow he can steal a painting from right under his nose. Derren reveals which work is being targeted and tells Ivan exactly what time the theft will happen.

Channel Channel 4

6.10 According to Jim (R,S,HD). 7.00 Will & Grace (R,S). 7.50 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 8.55 Frasier (R,S). 10.00 Ruth Watson Means Business! (S,HD).

11.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S). 12.00 News Summary 12.05 SuperScrimpers (R,S,HD). 12.25 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent (S,HD). 1.30 Racing (S). 3.30 Countdown (S,HD). 4.15 Deal or No Deal (S,HD). 5.00 Four in a Bed (S,HD). 5.30 Come Dine with Me Christmas (S,HD).

Channel Channel 5

6.00 Milkshake! 9.15 The Wright Stuff (HD). 11.10 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers (R,S,HD). 12.10 5 News Lunchtime (S,HD). 12.15 Floating Town: Monster Moves (S,HD). 1.15 Home and Away (S,HD). 1.45 Neighbours (S,HD).

2.20 NCIS (R,S). 3.15 Film: A Perfect Christmas (S,HD) (2012). Festive fantasy, starring Claire Coffee and Ryan McPartlin.

Edited for language. ●●● 5.00 5 News at 5 (S,HD). 5.30 Neighbours (R,S,HD).

Mastermind, 8pm

Off the Beaten Track, 8pm

Alan Carr: Chatty Man, 10.35pm

Tutankhamun: The Mystery … 7pm

▼

6.00 BBC News (S,HD); Weather.

6.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.00 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

6.00 The Simpsons (S,HD). 21/23.

Moe stirs up marital strife in Springfield.

6.30 Hollyoaks (S,HD). Tilly vows to reveal the truth.

6.00 Home and Away (R,S,HD). Indi leads the mourners to the lighthouse to scatter Romeo’s ashes.

6.30 NewsTalk Live (S,HD).

▼

7.00 The One Show (S,HD).

7.30 A Question of Sport (R,S).

With Paul Robinson, Greig Laidlaw, Dan Evans and Eilidh Child. Followed by BBC News; Regional News.

6.00 Celebrity Eggheads (S,HD).

5/10.

6.30 Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two (S,HD). 55/60. A look ahead to tomorrow’s live semi-final.

7.00 Great British Garden Revival (S,HD). 5/10. Alys Fowler celebrates the glories of the kitchen garden and reveals some unusual edible plants.

7.00 Emmerdale (S,HD). There is confusion in the air on Archie’s birthday.

7.30 Coronation Street (S,HD).

Brian tries to explain to Julie why he is unwilling to foster.

7.00 News (S).

7.55 4thought.tv (S). Short films in which members of the public share their thoughts on religious and ethical issues.

7.00 Tutankhamun: The Mystery Revealed (R,S). Dr Zahi Hawass and his team of scientists examine the cause of the pharaoh’s death. Last in the series.

Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

6 7 8 9

EastEnders, 8pm

8.00 EastEnders (S,HD). Carol’s day goes from bad to worse.

8.30 Miranda (R,S,HD). 2/6. Gary decides to join the dating scene so that he can bring someone to Stevie’s birthday party, prompting Miranda to do the same.

8.00 Mastermind (S,HD). 16/31.

Specialist subjects include Philadelphia soul and Blackadder.

8.30 Kangaroo Dundee (S,HD). 3/6.

Brolga discovers that one of his kangaroos has given birth.

8.00 Off the Beaten Track (S,HD).

6/6. Christine Bleakley heads to Fife. Last in the series.

8.30 Coronation Street (S,HD).

Kylie works herself into an angry and drunken state at the Rovers, while Nick begs David to reconsider his plans.

8.00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD (S,HD). 10/22. Coulson takes the war back to Centipede, and this time he brings in Mike Peterson for some super-soldier support.

As they get closer to the truth, startling secrets are revealed.

8.00 Stobart: Trucks, Trains & Planes (S,HD). Preparations for the annual Stobart Fest are under way and 30 vehicles must be transported to Carlisle to be scrubbed clean and put on display. Followed by 5 News at 9.

▼

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

9.00 Have I Got News for You (S,HD). 10/11. See Choices Above.

9.30 Live at the Apollo (S,HD). 4/6.

Adam Hills hosts an evening of stand-up at the Apollo in Hammersmith, London.

9.00 Wild Burma: Nature’s Lost Kingdom (S,HD). 3/3. The team splits up to search for tigers, with Justine Evans heading to the jungle in the north and Gordon Buchanan travelling to the forests of the far south. Last in the series.

9.00 Boyzone at 20: No Matter What (S,HD). See Choices Above.

9.00 Derren Brown: The Great Art Robbery (S,HD). See Choices Above.

9.00 The Abba Years (S). See Choices Above.

▼

11

10.00 QI (S,HD). 13/18. See Choices Above.

10.30 Newsnight (S,HD).

▼

10

10.00 BBC News (S,HD).

10.25 Regional News (S). Followed

by National Lottery Update.

10.35 The Graham Norton Show (S,HD). 9/20. Graham chats to Hollywood actor-director Ben Stiller, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug star Martin Freeman and chef Jamie Oliver.

Jessie J provides the music.

11.20 The Last Castle (S,HD) (2001).

See Choices Above. ●●●

11.00 Weather (S).

11.05 Julie & Julia (S,HD) (2009).

See Choices Above. ●●●●

1.25 Weatherview (S). 1.30 BBC News (S,HD).

1.00 Sign Zone: Question Time (R,S).

Topical debate from Swansea, with panellists including Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles. Chaired

by David Dimbleby. 2.00 Sign Zone: The Paradise (R,S). Moray risks everything to be rid of Tom. Last in the series. 3.00 This Is BBC Two (S). Preview of upcoming programmes from BBC Two.

▼

after

12

www.stroudauctions.co.uk

10.00 ITV News at Ten (S).

10.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

10.35 The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (S,HD) (2006). An American teenager is sent to live with his father in Tokyo after a brush with the law, but soon becomes involved in illegal street racing. When he ends up owing money to gangsters after losing a race against a driver with Yakuza connections, he has to learn to master the Japanese style of driving to win and pay back his debts. Action adventure, starring Lucas Black, Nathalie Kelley and Bow Wow. ●● 12.30 Jackpot247. 3.00 Film: The Pledge (S,HD) (2000). A cop on the verge of retiring becomes obsessed with the murder of a seven-year-old girl, and starts his own unofficial investigation. Drama, directed by Sean Penn and starring Jack Nicholson, Robin Wright, Benicio Del Toro, Patricia Clarkson and Aaron Eckhart. ●●●● 5.00 ITV Nightscreen (HD).

10.35 Alan Carr: Chatty Man (S,HD). 16/18. The host is joined by comedian Seann Walsh, star of Stand Up for the Week, who talks about the release of his debut DVD, Seann to Be Wild.

Plus, Canadian crooner Michael Buble drops by for a chat and performs his latest single You Make Me Feel So Young.

10.00 Abba: The Image (S,HD).

Documentary examining the Swedish band’s visual presentation, including their flamboyant costumes, the designs for their album sleeves and groundbreaking videos.

Part of Abba @ 40.

11.40 Stand Up for the Week (S,HD). 7/8. Paul Chowdhry hosts the satirical comedy show, filmed at the Clapham Grand in south London.

11.00 Abba – Live at Wembley (R,S).

The Swedish band in concert during their six-night residence at London’s Wembley Arena in November 1979, featuring hits including Voulez-Vous, Dancing Queen and Waterloo.

12.25 Random Acts (S). A boy sees his future frozen under the ice. 12.30 British Comedy Awards 2013 (R,S). 2.30 The Ricky Gervais Show (R,S,HD). 2.55 The Big C (S,HD). 3.25 2 Broke Girls (S,HD).

3.50 Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 (S,HD). 4.15 90210 (S,HD).

4.55 Suburgatory (S,HD). 5.20 Deal or No Deal (R,S,HD).

12.10 SuperCasino Live interactive gaming. 3.05 Monty Halls and Japan’s Lost Atlantis (R,S,HD). The explorer investigates an underwater structure. 3.55 Motorsport Mundial (HD). A round-up of motorsport news. 4.20 HouseBusters (R,S). 4.45 Divine Designs (R,S). 5.10 Wildlife SOS (R,S). 5.35 Michaela’s Wild Challenge (R,S).

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01453 873800

Entries invited for our February auction

To include Asian & Tribal art, textiles, toys, musical instruments & fine furniture

A 18thc19thC Chinese Yixing stoneware libation cup sold for £6,000

Free valuations every Friday & Saturday at our saleroom or at your home by appointment

52 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

WCL-E01-S2

19thC oak three-drawer North Wales Angelsey dresser with plate rack above Sold for £850

BOYZONE AT 20: NO MATTER WHAT 9pm, ITV

YONDERLAND 8pm, Sky1

To celebrate their 20th anniversary, the group perform their biggest hits and their new single, and share candid insights into life in the music industry. Dannii Minogue hosts.

Debbie teams up with self-centred King Bernard to find something tucked away in a distant tomb. The suburban mother-of-two and Negatus meet for the first time while camping in the woods and, back in Maddox, Elf tries his hand at housework. Comedy adventure, starring Martha Howe-Douglas.

ITV2 ITV2

E4 E4

6.00 Emmerdale 6.55 You’ve Been Framed! 7.45 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 8.30 Dinner Date 9.30 The Real Housewives of New York City 10.25 The Real Housewives of New Jersey (R,HD). 12.25 Emmerdale (R,HD).

1.25 You’ve Been Framed! (R).

1.55 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R).

4.05 The Real Housewives of New Jersey (R,HD).

6.00 Switched 6.25 90210 7.10 Ugly Betty (R,HD). 8.00 Charmed (R). 9.00 Glee (R,HD). 10.00 New Girl (R,HD).

10.30 The Mindy Project (R,HD).

11.00 Rules of Engagement (R,HD).

11.30 Charmed (R). 12.30 Hollyoaks (R,HD). 1.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD). 2.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). 3.00 New Girl (R,HD).

3.30 The Mindy Project (R,HD). 4.00 Rules of Engagement (R,HD). 5.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD).

Sky1 Sky1 6.00 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). 7.00 The Middle (R,S,HD).

8.00 Stargate Atlantis (R,S,HD).

9.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 10.00 NCIS: Los Angeles (R,S,HD). 12.00 NCIS: Los Angeles (R,S,HD). 2.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 3.00 Stargate Atlantis (R,S,HD). 4.00 The Simpsons (S,HD). 4.30 The Simpsons (S,HD). 5.00 Futurama (R,S). 5.30 The Middle (R,S,HD).

FILM PICKS

Friday television&radio THE LAST CASTLE 11.20pm, BBC1

JULIE & JULIA 11.05pm, BBC2

A court-martialled general sent to a highsecurity military jail sets out to bring down the cruel warden. Thriller, starring Robert Redford and James Gandolfini.

Gold GOLD 6.10 Sykes 6.40 Brittas Empire 7.20 Green Green Grass 8.00 The Good Life 8.40 To the Manor Born 9.20 Last of the Summer Wine 11.20 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 11.50 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 12.20 Green Green Grass 1.00 Good Life 1.40 To the Manor Born 2.20 One Foot in the Grave 3.40 Only Fools and Horses 4.20 Only Fools and Horses

Biopic telling the stories of 1960s American chef Julia Child and modernday blogger Julie Powell, who tries to emulate her heroine in the kitchen.

With Meryl Streep.

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1 6.00 Sports Fans 9.00 World Darts Championship 9.30 Darts World Championship Years 10.30 Darts Gold 11.00 Darts World Championship Years 12.00 Darts Gold 1.00 Darts World Championship Years 2.00 Darts Gold 3.00 Darts World Championship Years 4.00 Darts Gold 4.30 Darts World Championship Years 5.30 World Darts Championship (HD).

American Pie ... 11.45pm

Max Payne, 9pm

Yonderland, 8pm

dinnerladies, 9.15pm

Live World PDC Darts ... 7pm

6.00 Dinner Date (R,HD).

John from St Albans chooses three blind dates from five potential partners.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD).

6.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Howard seduces one of Penny’s friends.

6.00 The Middle (HD). Brick gets a paper round.

6.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

Grampa inherits $100,000.

6.00 The Two Ronnies Sketchbook Messrs Barker and Corbett reunite to provide an insight into their remarkable career.

6.00 The Fantasy Football Club (HD). John Fendley and Paul Merson present a discussion on key fantasy football issues.

7.00 You’ve Been Framed!

(R). Crazy kids and doggie disasters.

7.30 You’ve Been Framed!

(R). Comical clips, narrated by Harry Hill.

7.00 Hollyoaks (HD).

7.30 How I Met Your Mother (R,HD). Robin and Barney feel guilty about their hidden relationship.

7.00 The Simpsons (R,S,HD).

Bart discovers a passion for American history.

7.30 The Simpsons (R,HD).

Marge signs up Bart for piano lessons.

7.00 Porridge Fletch plans to bring a bit of Christmas spirit to Slade Prison in the form of his own home-made booze.

8.00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

Coming Out (R,HD).

The camp-mates leave the jungle and return to their regular lives.

8.00 The Big Bang Theory (R). Sheldon is hurt when Professor Proton contacts Leonard.

8.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). Leonard and Raj take a heartbroken Howard to Las Vegas.

8.00 Yonderland (R,S,HD).

See Choices Above.

8.30 The Simpsons (R,S,HD).

Mr Burns replaces the power plant employees with robots.

8.00 To the Manor Born Christmas revival from 2007. Audrey and Richard plan a party to celebrate 25 years of marriage.

9.00 The Holiday (HD) (2006). Two single women living on opposite sides of the Atlantic agree to exchange houses over the Christmas holidays.

In their new surroundings, both women unexpectedly encounter prospective partners, but as the house swap draws to a close, difficult decisions have to be made about their blossoming relationships. Romantic comedy, starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law and Eli Wallach. ●●

9.00 Max Payne (HD) (2008). 9.00 Glee (S,HD). Blaine tries 9.15 dinnerladies Twinkle A tormented cop and Stan spoil Petula’s to pull the New searches in vain for the Christmas plans, Bren’s Directions’ strings when man who killed his wife romance with Tony is he devises a plan to win while also investigating ruined by the unexpected Nationals, Kurt and his a series of murders reappearance of her band get their first gig, connected to an husband, and a baby is and Sue reveals the story experimental drug that found abandoned near behind her tracksuit. causes nightmarish the canteen. hallucinations. However, he finds himself pursued 10.00 The Catherine Tate 10.00 An Idiot Abroad 3 by a vengeful woman Christmas Show (R,S,HD). Karl Pilkington who thinks he was Festive edition of the and Warwick Davis involved in the death of sketch show from 2007, arrive in China, where her sister. Action thriller, with guest stars George highlights include a based on the video Michael, Philip Glenister, cruise along the game, starring Mark Kathy Burke and Tamzin Yangtze, bonding with Wahlberg, Mila Kunis Outhwaite. pandas and a surprise and Beau Bridges. ●● from Ricky Gervais. Last 10.55 Gimme Gimme in the series.

Gimme

7.00 Live World PDC Darts Championship (HD).

The opening evening of the event at the Alexandra Palace in London, where the firstround matches get under way in the most prestigious tournament on the calendar. Adrian Lewis started as the defending champion last year after winning the event in successive years, but his run was ended by Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals, and Phil Taylor went on to win an incredible 16th world championship, beating van Gerwen in the final. Plus, coverage of a preliminary-round fixture.

11.35 Bottom Eddie hatches a 11.00 Brit Cops: Frontline get-rich-quick scheme Crime UK (R,S). that actually works – Focusing on the work of until a psychotic police officers in London counterfeiter gets wind as they tackle street of his activities and crime. demands a cut of the proceeds.

1.35 The Big Christmas Reunion (R,HD). The bands from The Big Reunion series get together in the recording studio to produce a Christmas single for the Text Santa campaign. 2.30 Teleshopping Buying goods from home. 5.55 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD). Textbased information service.

12.00 Film: Last Action Hero (S) (1993). Comedy adventure, with Arnold Schwarzenegger. ●●● 2.35 Road Wars (R). 3.00 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK (R,S,HD). 4.00 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S).

4.30 Dog the Bounty Hunter (R,S). 5.00 Airline (R,S,HD). 5.30 Airline (R,S,HD).

RADIO

11.45 American Pie Presents 11.00 2 Broke Girls (R).

Band Camp (HD) Caroline throws away (2005). A mischievous one of Max’s treasured teenager dreams of belongings. becoming a porn film11.30 2 Broke Girls (R,HD). maker like his big The girls give a brother. Comedy, with prostitute a makeover.

Arielle Kebbel. ●● 12.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,HD). 1.00 PhoneShop (R,HD).

1.35 Facejacker (R,HD). 2.05 Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy (R,HD). 2.35 Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night (R,HD). 3.15 Meet the Parents (R,HD). 4.05 The Cleveland Show (R,HD). 4.25 Ugly Betty (R,HD).

Radio 1 6.30am The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw 10.00 Fearne Cotton 12.45pm Newsbeat 1.00 Scott Mills 4.00 Greg James 6.00 Radio 1’s Dance Anthems with Greg James 7.00 Annie Mac 9.00 Pete Tong 11.00 Skream and Benga 1.00am Radio 1’s Essential Mix 3.00 Annie Nightingale Radio 2 5.00am Vanessa Feltz 6.30 Chris Evans 9.30 Ken Bruce Noon Jeremy Vine 2.00 Steve Wright in the Afternoon 5.00 Simon Mayo 7.00 Desmond Carrington: The Music Goes Round 8.00 Friday Night Is Music Night 10.00 The Radio 2 Arts Show with Claudia Winkleman Midnight Huey

Morgan 3.00 Richard Allinson Radio 3 6.30am Breakfast 9.00 Essential Classics Noon Composer of the Week: Iceland 1.00 News 1.02 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert 2.00 Afternoon on 3 4.30 In Tune 6.30 Composer of the Week: Iceland 7.30 Radio 3 Live in Concert. 10.00 The Verb. Ian McMillan is joined by guests including performance poet Benjamin Zephaniah and musician Laura J Martin.

10.45 Wagner 200: The Essay: Wagner’s Philosophers 11.00 World on 3 1.00am Through the Night Radio 4 5.30am (LW) Test Match Special 5.30 (FM) News Briefing 5.43 (FM) Prayer for the Day 5.45 (FM)

12.15 The Catherine Tate Christmas Show 1.05 Gimme Gimme Gimme Tom and Linda go out clubbing and get very drunk, leading to one of them spending the night with a security guard and the other with a woman. Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus star. 1.35 Bottom 2.05 Rev

Farming Today 5.58 (FM) Tweet of the Day 6.00 (FM) Today 9.00 (FM) Desert Island Discs 9.45 (LW) Act of Worship 9.45 (FM) Book of the Week: Gold – The Race for the World’s Most Seductive Metal 10.00 (LW) Test Match Special 10.00 (FM) Woman’s Hour 10.30 (LW) Woman’s Hour 11.00 Sons and Lovers 11.30 On the Rocks Noon News 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast 12.04 You and Yours 12.52 The Listening Project 12.57 Weather 1.00 The World at One 1.45 A Cause for Caroling 2.00 The Archers 2.15 Afternoon Drama: Helen 3.00 Gardeners’ Question Time 3.45 (LW) Saki 3.45 (FM) Saki 4.00 Last Word

4.30 Feedback 4.56 The Listening Project 5.00 PM 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast 5.57 Weather 6.00 Six O’Clock News 6.30 The News Quiz 7.00 The Archers 7.15 Front Row 7.45 (LW) The Diary of Samuel Pepys 7.45 (FM) The Diary of Samuel Pepys 8.00 Any Questions? Jonathan Dimbleby presents political debate from Leeds.

8.50 A Point of View 9.00 A Cause for Caroling 9.59 Weather 10.00 The World Tonight 10.45 Book at Bedtime: Truman Capote Short Stories 11.00 Great Lives 11.30 Today in Parliament 11.55 The Listening Project Midnight News 12.30 Book of the Week: Gold – The

WCL-E01-S2

BBC3 BBC3

7.00 Pop’s Greatest Dance Crazes (R,S).

7.25 Doctor Who (R,S). Rory tries to rescue Amy from a quarantine facility.

8.15 Doctor Who (R,S). The Tardis lands in a hotel with a deadly secret. With David Walliams.

9.00 Sherlock (R,S).

Holmes faces Moriarty one last time. Last in the series.

10.30 EastEnders (R,S).

Carol’s day goes from bad to worse.

11.05 Family Guy (R,S).

Stewie tries out his new teleportation machine.

11.30 Family Guy (R,S).

11.50 American Dad! (R,S).

12.10 American Dad! (R,S). 12.30 Great Movie Mistakes 2013 (R,S). 2.30 The Revolution Will Be Televised 3.00 Badults (R,S). 3.30 Badults (R,S).

BBC4 BBC4

7.00 World News Today; Weather.

7.30 Placido Domingo’s Gala Concert (R).

Celebration of the tenor’s career, from London’s Royal Opera House.

9.00 David Bowie – Five Years (R).

Exploring five key years in the singer’s career, which saw him redefine himself as an artist by adopting different personas – including Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke.

10.30 The Genius of David Bowie (R).

The musician performs some of his best-known songs.

11.30 David Bowie and the Story of Ziggy Stardust (R).

12.30 Film: Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1973). ●●●● 2.00 David Bowie – Five Years (R).

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Our next sale is on the 11th & 12th December Why not check our online catalogue for the perfect Christmas gift?

December auction includes Rolex & Omega watches, diamond rings, gold bracelets, fine wines & spirits

12.00 The Fantasy Football Club (HD). 1.00 Premier League Preview (HD). 1.30 Champions League Weekly (HD). 2.00 The Fantasy Football Club (HD). 3.00 Premier League Preview (HD).

3.30 FIFA Futbol Mundial 4.00 Football League Gold (S,HD). 4.30 Football Asia Race for the World’s Most Seductive Metal 12.48 Shipping Forecast 1.00 As BBC World Service 2.00 (LW) Test Match Special 5.20 Shipping Forecast Radio 5 Live 5.00am Morning Reports 5.30 Wake Up to Money 6.00 The Ashes: Breakfast 10.00 Victoria Derbyshire Noon Shelagh Fogarty 2.00 Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review 4.00 5 Live Drive 7.00 5 Live Sport 10.00 Stephen Nolan 1.00am Up All Night Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast 9.00 John Suchet 1.00pm Jamie Crick 5.00 Classic FM Drive 8.00 The Full Works Concert 10.00 Smooth Classics 2.00am Bob Jones

Rolex Oyster perpetual Datejust gentleman's wristwatch £6000-£8000

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01453 873800

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 53

Puzzles and poetry

west crossword 1

MANY A GOOD TUNE ...

Our local talent contest was a showcase for the young, We were ready for our cocoa when the final songs were sung, At least the dearth of entries would ensure an early night But we waited for that moment when departure seemed polite.

We sat in apprehension of the talents they'd disclose 'Til they reached inside their pockets and began to tap their toes, Then came the revelation, met with disbelieving tones As Willie played harmonica and Lennie played the bones.

Then the chairman took the microphone and looked around the room, 'I hope we're all agreed,' he said, 'We've finished far too soon, Is there anybody else who'd care to step up on the stage, Regardless of ability, embarrassment or age ?'

From somewhere, someone clapped their hands in steady, rhythmic time And like a surging, rising wave, it spread from line to line, It carried that contagion of the pleasure we display On finding something meaningful we thought we'd thrown away.

His words were met with silence bar the sound of shuffled feet As heads went down to signify our timorous retreat But then, with some discussion and to gathering applause, A pair of ancient cavaliers responded to the cause.

Old Willie Bell and Lennie Brown, strange candidates indeed, Two balding, paunchy farming men in corduroys and tweeds Who, scorning all the usual accoutrements of song, Acknowledged our approval as they gazed across the throng.

'It's been a long time, Willie-boy,' ' Too long,' said Willie Bell, ' But if the devil spares us, we shall manage pretty well, Old fiddles play good tunes, they say, and I believe it's true, Now, let's roll back the years, my friend, and show what we can do.'

How long they played, I cannot say, none bothered keeping score As youngsters, too, embraced the mood, crosslegged upon the floor, Their own ambitions now subdued and yet of no concern Against these strange, bewhiskered arts of mystical return.

And so, some fifty years removed, two rising stars were born, Their new-found status shrugged aside with deprecating scorn, 'It makes a change from feeding pigs,' said Lennie Brown to me, 'But it's nothing special, nothing new, just how it used to be.'

For book enquiries, including about Call of the Wild, ring 01752 600366

chess Bob Jones Devon beat Gloucestershire at West Buckland a fortnight ago, but not by the margin their overall superior strength might have suggested, the score being 9½-6½. Devon names first. 1 D Mackle 0-1 J Stewart. 2 K Derrick 0-1 N Hosken. 3 A Boyne 1-0 D Lambourne. 4 J Stephens 0-1 J Jenkins. 5 S Homer 1-0 M Ashworth. 6 D Regis 0-1 P Meade. 7 A Brusey ½-½ P Dodwell. 8 J Underwood 1-0 G Taylor. 9 M Shaw ½-½ A Walker. 10 B Hewson ½-½ B Whitelaw. 11 T Thynne 1-0 P Baker. 12 P Brooks 1-0 J Carterer. 13 G Body ½-½ A Richards. 14 W Ingham 1-0 R Ashworth. 15 N Rahimili ½-½ I. Blencowe.16 S Martin 1-0 P Bending.

Former Gloucestershire captain and Bristol League president, Ken Derrick, plays for Devon now, but provided a bright spot for his former county.

White: N Hosken (191). Black: KW Derrick (206).

Dutch Defence – Leningrad System.

Notes by Ken Derrick.

1.d4 d6 2.Nf3 g6 3.c4 Bg7 4.g3 f5 5.Bg2 Nf6 6.b3 0–0 7.Bb2 c6 8.0–0 Re8 9.Qc2 Nbd7 10.Nbd2 e5 11.dxe5 dxe5 12.e4 Challenging Black’s “Dutch” f5 pawn. 12...Nc5 12...fxe4 13.Nxe4 Nxe4 14.Qxe4 Nc5 seems to be a playable alternative. 13.Rad1 Qc7 14.Nh4 Nfxe4 15.Nxe4 Nxe4 16.Bxe4 fxe4 17.Qxe4 Bh3 18.Rfe1 Rad8 19.Nf3 Bf5 20.Qe3 Rxd1 21.Rxd1 Bg4 22.Re1 e4 Black had planned 22...Bxf3 23.Qxf3 Qa5 with good counterplay, but could not bring himself to swap off his good bishop. The text accepts the loss of the e-pawn in the hope of benefiting from the weak white squares around the king. 23.Bxg7 Qxg7 24.Nd2 Bf5 25.f3 Bringing further pressure against the isolated pawn. 25...Qb2 26.a4? 26.Nxe4 was better. 26...Rd8? Too hasty – missing the chance to justify his 22nd move. If 26...Bh3! the e4 pawn cannot be taken. 27.Nxe4 Bxe4 28.Qxe4 Rf8 Black could not regain his pawn with 28...Qxb3 because he would lose his rook to 29.Qe6+ Kf8 (Or 29...Kh8 30.Qf6+) 30.Qe7+; 28...Rd2?? hands White a forced mate. 29.Qe3 Qf6 30.Kg2 Kg7 31.Qe5 Rf7 32.f4 Rd7 33.Kf3 Rd3+ 34.Re3 Rxe3+?? 35. Kxe3 1-0 Lack of time caused this oversight.

The resulting K+P ending is an easy win for White.

Last week’s two-mover was solved by 1.Ba7! threatening 2.RxR mate, and if 1…RxR then 2.

PxR=Q mate. In this position, White is two pieces down, but at least his forces are active.

Can he force the issue before Black completes his piece development?

54 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

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ACROSS 1 Leading linguists educated in Cornish continually 1 Leading linguiststraditions educated in Cornish traabout language ditionsargue continually argue which about which language group group Cornish belongs to (6) to (6) Cornish belongs 5 After this leading artist left 5 AfterBeaford this leading left Beaford heartist moved to a he village moved to a village near Topsham (6) near Topsham (6) I ahave a Hatt, place Hatt, and I 9 I9 have place in and in I have another have another place place on an island in the South Pacificon (6) an island in the South Pacific (6) 1010 ThisThis district of Cardiff be allowed district ofcannot Cardiff cannot to change be (6) allowed to change (6) narrow promontory can be 1111 ThisThis narrow promontory can be found to atthe east of just to found the east ofjust Portland, the southPortland, at the ernmost point of Dorset (4) southernmost point of Dorset (4) 1212 At the of Augustof myAugust girlfriendmy At beginning the beginning left Tresco and relocated to a place near girlfriend left Tresco and Long Sutton (8) relocated to a place near Long Sutton (8) 14 Surprisingly, in this town there are 16 top 14 Surprisingly, in onthis town there businessmen living right the coast between Bridport Harbour and Weymouth are 16 top businessmen living (4,9) right on the coast between Bridport Harbour and 18 I sustained chest and head injuries in an Weymouth (4,9) accident in Teignmouth last Christmas – I 18getI sharp sustained chest andI ex-head still pains in my side when ercise injuries (8) in an accident in Teignmouth last Christmas – I 20 On Saturday, hear youpains are off in to amy place still getI sharp side near Olveston (4) when I exercise (8) On Saturday, I hear youofare 2120 In Woolacombe, average numbers this off a been place near Olveston (4) rodentto have recorded (6) 21 In Woolacombe, average 22 Thenumbers body found on in Middlezoy ofa hillside this rodent have turnedbeen out to recorded be of a former male student of (6) the school I went to (3,3) 22 The body found on a hillside in turnedleft out to be of a 23 Yes,Middlezoy after my sweetheart Yate former male student ofand the everything changed – I became troubled agitated (6) school I went to (3,3) 23 Yes, after my sweetheart left 24 Yes! I hear you are coming to Kea to visit Yate everything changed – I me, finally! (6) became troubled and agitated (6) 24 Yes! I hear you are coming to Kea to visit me, finally! (6)

ACROSS

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poem David Prowse

DOWN 2 Eve is having an affair with Len from Lisvane – with they’ve had to 2 Eve is having an affair Len from be terribly secretive (7) secretive Lisvane – they’ve had to be terribly (7) 3 We’re taking only one of the three kittens my cat gave birth 3 We’re taking only one of the three kittens to when she had her litter to my cat gave birth to when she had her litter our new place in Plymouth (7) to our new place in Plymouth (7) 4 I can get to this church in the countryside in aintrice from my 4 I can get to this church the countryside in a place trice from my Llanystumdwy place near Llanystumdwy near (9) (9) 6 My second cousin, a headmaster from Bromsash, is 6 My second cousin, a headmaster from terrible with money (5) (5) Bromsash, is terrible with money 7 Our parents first took us to 7 Our parents first took us to Trewavas Head Trewavas Head at the at the beginning ofof October – it’s a–rugged beginning October it’s a and rugged remote part of the countrypart (7) of the and remote country (7) 8 Edward briefly lived in Gunn with Oscar – 8 place Edward brieflyit lived Gunn the was horrible, was likein a dark with – the place was prison cell! Oscar (7) horrible, it was like a dark 13 From Misterton, I travelled on to a village prison cell! (7) nearFrom West Down (9) 13 Misterton, I travelled on to a village near West (9) 14 What’s the best way to travel toDown this place 14 What’s theBridport? best way to travel to on the coast near (4,3) this place on the coast near 15 This shrub of (4,3) the rose family, which can Bridport? be found by theofseathe in Par, is primarily 15 This only shrub rose family, hidden from view (7) which can be found only by the sea inmy Par, primarily hidden 16 The road granislives on in Exmouth is from view and (7) imposing than any of more impressive 16 The road my gran lives on in the others (7) Exmouth is more impressive 17 I and spotted a leading celebrity stoodof looking imposing than any the confused by the kerbside just outside Salisothers (7) bury (7) 17 I spotted a leading celebrity by the 19 Astood box fulllooking of treasureconfused has been found buried in Dorchester kerbside just (5) outside Salisbury (7) 19 A box full of treasure has been found buried in Dorchester (5)

ACROSS

Solutions on Page 56 WCL-E01-S2

Stars Claire Petulengro

cryptic crossword Cryptic ACROSS

Crossword

DOWN 9 Now andACROSS subsequently – or in future (9) 10 The hors d’oeuvre produced praise all round, 9 dear Now (9) and subsequent1 Quickly wield the axe 12 Prepare the welly - or in way future by (9) giving a muted twice (4-4)2 To come10to (4) The hors d oeuvre a soldier, denotes 13 So long getting two runs (3-3) praise allto make ends money of one s own 14 More produced than manage meet, round, (9) (7) (7,5) but drink too dear much 12 aPrepare the face, way byno doubt, 3 Didn t 15 With flushed and leave as yet, a rash (3-6) giving a muted welprepared to assume 17 Reallycome badtoactors (4- 5) (4) (6,2) 18 Something to eat before the family quiz (7) 13 So long getting two 4 Felt like a doctor (6) 19 Cold and exhausted, go to see (4,2) runsinside (3-3) to see the 5 Meet (4) with success in 20 We peek weapon 14 Morelittle than manage to dangling thefrom vale (8)it, is 23 Without trinkets unattractive make (9) ends meet, but 6 Resistance in the 25 Not yet out the(7)table? (9) work-place (10) drink tooon much 26 Time to enquire 15 With a flushed about face, a job 7 (4) Goes to mend the 27 Fast food being unavailable (6) no doubt, and a rash tent, in a sad state of 29 Wink – of sleep! (4-3) disrepair (7) (9) 32 Given(3-6) promotion, besides, by the editor 17 Really actors (4- a8setback As before, 34 Thinks it’s bad badly timed: (9) have to 35 Fold and (2,5)(10) 5) fit into the lower part charm 36 Exposing one’stosecret on the (6) 18 Something eat 11 excursion A large bar sent 37 She won’t leave us in the dark (4) before the family quiz round to appease (5) 38 Turned out again to have made (7) 16 I have the odd smoke amends (9) 19 Cold andthe exhausted, with 39 Concerning origins of the outside money (9)the forgo to see (4,2) eigner (6) DOWN 20 We peek inside to 19 Firms the leaves that see the weapon (4) wilt when no longer 1 Quickly wield the axe twice (4-4) 23 Without little trinkets fresh (3) 2 To a soldier, denotes money of one’s 21 Steps taken to show own (7,5)dangling from it, is (9) prepared todisapproval (7,5) 3 Didn’t unattractive leave as yet, assume 25 (6,2) Not yet out on the 22 A number will resign; 4 Felt like a doctor (6) table?

(9) that s clear (6) 5 Meet with success in the vale (8) 26 Time to enquire about 23 Sculpt a statue, to 6 Resistance in the work-place (10) job (4) the tent, in a sadcreate 7 Goes toa mend statean ofimpression 27 Fast (3,1,6) disrepair (7)food being 8 As before, have to unavailable (6) charm (10) 24 To gain access, use a 11 A29 large bar Wink - ofsent sleep!round (4-3) to appease jemmy,(5) showing bold16 I have the odd smoke outside with the 32 Given promotion, ness (10) foreigner (6) by thethat editorwilt25 People waiting, we re 19 Firmsbesides, the leaves when no longer told, for a signal (3) fresh (3) (9) 34 Thinks 28 The (7,5) word does con21 Steps takenit s tobadly show disapproval 22 A number resign; timed: will a setback (9) that’s clear jure up(6) trees (8) 23 Sculpt a statue, to the create an 35 Fold and fit into 29 Make us retreat and impression (3,1,6) lower part (2,5) see off the foreigner 24 To gain access, use a jemmy, showing 36 Exposing one s secret (8) boldness (10) the excursion (6) told,30forAchieving 25 Peopleonwaiting, we’re a signalfluency (3) is 28 The doesleave conjure (8) itself (8) 37 word She won t us in up trees simplicity 29 Make the us dark retreat (4) and see off 31the Many rushed, panickforeigner (8) 38 Turned out again to ing, around in the 30 Achieving fluency is simplicity itself (8) made panicking, amends quakein(7)the 31 Manyhave rushed, around 33 Plump for a sandwich quake (7)(9) 39 Concerning the ori- (5) (5) 33 Plump for a sandwich 34 Grown-up dull, (9) rue the gins ofand the money 34transformGrown-up and dull, ation (6) rue the transformation (6)

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A stubborn mood is stopping you from making apologies and you could back yourself into a corner.

Events and conversations on Tuesday give you the chance to clear the air. Call to hear why it’s worth admitting what you really want in love this month.

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The build up for Christmas starts and much of your time is spent working out logistics. Thankfully, Mercury gives you the words and charm you need to talk those around you into anything you desire, so make sure you take full advantage. Ring for insight.

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Finances are stretched and you might take out the stress this causes on those you love. Talks on Wednesday can clear the air. Someone in work is lying to you on Thursday and Friday. Ring now to hear why it’s worth investing time and money in travel.

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Your self esteem has taken a real knock but you’re slowly starting to build yourself up to where you belong. Although your circle of friends has changed, December is all about damage limitation. Ring to hear how teaching and education are lucky for you now.

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It’s going to be easy to say the first thing that comes into your head but by counting to ten you will save yourself from looking the fool. Not everything is what it seems. A great week for blind dates and new friendships and relationships. Ring for more.

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You may have to give up spare time to help out those who have run into problems. Finances become more fluid when you least expected it. That doesn’t mean you won’t have to do some running around. Call to hear how Saturn promises to heal a rift.

quick Quickcrossword Crossword ACROSS ACROSS

DOWN DOWN

Decoration (9) 99 Decoration (9) 10 Iota (9) 10 Iota (9) 12 Gemstone (4) 12 Gemstone (4) 13 Movie theatre (6) 13 (6) 14 Movie Went intheatre (7) 14 in (7)(9) 15 Went Treasured 15 17 Treasured Relate (9) (9) 17 18 Relate Solvent(9) (7) 18 19 Solvent Intelligent(7)(6) 19 (6) 20 Intelligent Woodwind instrument (4) 20 23 Woodwind Flowers (9) instrument (4) 23 25 Flowers Daring (9)(9) 25 26 Daring Melody (9) (4) 26 (4) 27 Melody Tyrant (6) 27 29 Tyrant Sport (7)(6) 32 Sport Central 29 (7)Criminal Court (3,6) 34 Central Office-holder (9) 32 Criminal Court (3,6) 35 Office-holder Prime minister (7) 34 (9) 36 Prime Crowd minister together (6)(7) 35 37 Crowd Eyelid inflammation (4) 36 together (6) 38 Eyelid Intermediary (9) 37 inflammation (4) 39 Intermediary Hotel employee (9) (9) 38 39 Hotel employee (9)

1 1 Portable Portable baby s bedbed (8) (8) baby’s 2 Diplopia (6,6) 2 Diplopia (6,6) 3 Decode (8) 3 Decode (8) 4 Be present at (6) present 5 4 Be Adventure (8)at (6) 6 5 Adventure Prevalent (10)(8) 7 6 Prevalent Height (7) (10) (7)(6,4) 8 7 Height Vegetables (6,4) 118 Vegetables Grub (5) Grub (5)(6) 1611 Disregard Disregard 1916 Lettuce (3) (6) Lettuce (3) 2119 Capitals (5,7) Capitals 2221 Division (6) (5,7) Division (6) (6,4) 2322 Car fuel dispenser Car fuel instruments dispenser(5,5) (6,4) 2423 Caribbean 2524 Appropriate (3)instruments (5,5) Caribbean 2825 Public telephone (3) (8) Appropriate 2928 Hen-like (8) (8) Public laughter telephone 3029 Ragged (8) laughter (8) Hen-like 3130 Ice cream flavour Ragged (8) (7) 3331 Fear (5) Ice cream flavour (7) 3433 Bring Fearon(5)(6) 34 Bring on (6)

Don’t allow family differences to spiral out of control.

You’re setting standards this week and laying down your most alternative Christmas plans yet. Contact via a third party boosts your self esteem and reveals an admirer. Ring for insight.

You’d be a fool to believe any gossip or rumours, as many of the signs are talking for the sake of it. An offer from the past will mean cutting ties. Only you can decide which path is right. Ring now for clarity to life and love.

A more artistic slant to your stars means you’ll be able to impress with ease. Make sure you dress well over the coming days. Overtime pays dividends, so don’t complain. Give me a call. I want to show you how great your future can be.

You have the upper hand in love, but before you start using it, think for a moment about giving it back. The written word can save and earn you a fortune this month. Give me a call now to find out why you’ll be ending this year on such a personal high.

Solutions on Page 56

scribble pad

You’ve allowed the past to rule for too long and it’s only by looking forward that you will find out what else is on offer. Boredom brings out your mischievous side on Friday. Make sure you know how far you can go. Call to hear why you can take chances.

A messy personal life sees you putting up your defences. Your element of water can be your crowning glory if you lay your cards on the table to the person you can’t get off of your mind. Call to hear how the Sun promises making up will be easy to do.

WCL-E01-S2

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 55

Puzzles

1

Where in the West?

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Can you name and locate these five wellknown West Country landmarks, as seen by Fran Stothard and Clare Green?

Solutions below.

2

Crossword solutions West

Across: 1 Celtic, 5 Ebford, 9 Tahiti, 10 Canton, 11 Bill, 12 Catsgore, 14 West Bexington, 18 Stitches, 20 Aust, 21 Beaver, 22 Old Boy, 23 Yeasty, 24 Eureka.

Down 2 Evasive, 3 Triplet, 4 Criccieth, 6 Brass, 7 Outpost, 8 Dungeon, 13 Trimstone, 14 West Bay, 15 Spiraea, 16 Grander, 17 Odstock, 19 Chest.

1 Vicars Close, Wells. 2 The famous clock on the outside of Wells Cathedral. 3 Ashton Windmill near Wedmore, Somerset. 4 The Hackpen Hill White Horse, Wiltshire 5 Plaque on a path at Malmesbury Abbey, Wiltshire

4 Cryptic

Across: 9, Here-after 10, Ap-pet-iser 12, P-ave 13, Bye-bye 14, Over-lap 15, Hot-headed 17, Evil-doers 18, Pump-kin 19, C-all in 20, Epee 23, Charm-less 25, Conscious 26, T-ask 27, Starve 29, Shut-eye 32, Further-ed 34, Medit-a-tes 35, Go under 36, Outing 37, Dawn 38, Re-dressed 39, Re-sources Down: 1, Chop-chop 2, Private means 3, Staye-d-on 4, Probed 5, Fare-well 6, Op-position 7, A-tten-ds 8, Pre-possess 11, Sa-L-ve 16, Esk-I-mo 19, Cos 21, Protest march 22, A-C-quit 23, Cut a figure 24, Enter-prise 25, Cue (queue) 28, Redwoods 29, Su-danese 30, Easiness 31, Shu-D-der 33, Round 34, Mat-ure

Quick

Across: 9, Adornment 10, Scintilla 12, Ruby 13, Cinema 14, Entered 15, Cherished 17, Appertain 18, Thinner 19, Clever 20, Oboe 23, Primroses 25, Audacious 26, Tune 27, Despot 29, Cricket 32, Old Bailey 34, Incumbent 35, Premier 36, Huddle 37, Stye 38, Middleman 39, Concierge Down: 1, Carrycot 2, Double vision 3, Decipher 4, Attend 5, Escapade 6, Widespread 7, Stature 8, Garden peas 11, Larva 16, Ignore 19, Cos 21, Block letters 22, Schism 23, Petrol pump 24, Steel drums 25, Apt 28, Payphone 29, Cackling 30, Tattered 31, Vanilla 33, Dread 34, Induce

56 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2013

WCL-E01-S2

3

WCL-E01-S1

4

WCL-E01-S1