Marlborough town and country april 18

TOWN & COUNTRY

People

Tim Williams Aviator

Local News Farewell Vanessa

Features Equity Release

Chiropractic and Gardening

PEOPLE | FEATURES | NEWS | WHAT’S ON | COMMUNITY INFORMATION

FREE Issue 120 . April 2018

Š 2018 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

Edit or’s Letter Chocks away!

Eagle-eyed readers will have noticed that the de Havilland Puss Moth 1930s aircraft on the front cover is not flying over Wiltshire in the picture. The plane belongs to Tim Williams, a lifelong aviation enthusiast, who has owned it since 1980. As well as having many adventures in the plane himself, Tim has researched its history, in many cases meeting or corresponding with previous owners of this remarkable plane, one of only two still in the air. Tim is our interviewee this month – full of interesting anecdotes about the plane and its owners - so much so there wasn’t enough room to cover all we talked about.

Lucky then he is doing a talk at Marlborough Town Hall about the plane’s owners and the glamorous 1930s to raise money for the church in Baydon. Details on the What’s on pages.

Have a good month,

Editor

Contact us: Andrea Jerome Address: Ivydene, High St, Wanborough, SN4 0AD Tel: 01793 791104 Mob: 07836 580699 Email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk All copy for May 18 issue is due by 6th April 2018.

Contents 3 6 10 13 14

Intro Tim Williams Local News Council News Getting sorted

16 20 22 24 26

Chiropractic and gardening What’s On Equity Release advice Dental care for pets Community info

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People

Tim Williams Tim Williams is a keen aviator, with a particular interest in de Havilland aircraft. Tim will be entertaining people with a talk about the adventures of his 1930 Puss Moth plane and some of its intriguing previous owners at the Town Hall in Marlborough on April 11. We caught up with him to find out more about him and to get a sneak preview.

Tim lives just outside Hungerford, with his wife Penny.

Tell us about yourself I grew up not too far from here near Reading.

My father was a surgeon, and my grandfather was a research scientist who studied under Louis Pasteur. I became a mechanical engineer and started my own company when I was 22 (this probably meant that I learned a lot of things the hard way!). My company was involved in designing and manufacturing equipment mostly used by water companies. I eventually sold the company, but am still involved in the industry, as I now work with a company that designs hydro generators to make electricity from running water.

I moved here to Denford Manor over 40 years ago, and Penny and I have a grown-up daughter who now lives with her family in North Yorkshire.

When did you learn to fly?

As a very young man, still in my teens.

I learned at Thruxton airfield, where lessons were £4 17s 6d per hour (which may not sound much, but took nearly all my wages for the job I was doing at the time.)

I’ve always enjoyed “playing with aeroplanes” and my first in 1974 was a Tiger Moth. I was keen to have a Puss Moth (all de Havilland Planes are named after types of moth). In 1980,

The first major adventure was when I flew the plane to Australia 6

I heard of one for sale – the owner had health problems and had lost his licence – so I bought it. It was in a pretty good state, but I still took it to pieces and put it back together to make sure that it was in peak condition.

The talk you are giving is about some of the plane’s previous owners, but I understand that you have had a fair few adventures in it yourself?

I have indeed. The first major adventure was when I flew the plane to Australia. I went with a friend, and we made a proper trip of it, staying two days somewhere for every day in the sky. We covered a lot of ground – flying across India, the Saudi desert, Burma, Singapore, the Indonesian islands to Darwin. We flew all across Australia, ending up in Melbourne. We followed the route of the famous MacRobertson Air Race which had taken place 50 years before in 1934, the connection being the fact that a Puss Moth had come second in the handicap race, flown by the famous aviator Jimmy Melrose. We had quite a lot of attention from the press and media when we got to Australia.

Technology was less advanced then, there was no GPS, and it was difficult to contact home- I only spoke to Penny twice in the three months we were away. One of these times was when the pilot of a private jet in Karachi took pity on me, letting me patch through a call home from his cockpit while his Saudi employers were off flying their hawks in the mountains. The Puss Moth

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People stayed in Australia for a year, while we flew back the more conventional way – I did a deal with an air museum that they could have it on loan if they agreed to ship it back to England.

That’s probably the biggest adventure, but there have been others – last year I circumnavigated the British Isles for instance. I regularly fly the plane to Venice and Milan, and often visited one of its first owners at her Normandy estate. We also fly up to Yorkshire to visit my daughter. Luckily, she lives next door to a horse trainer who has his own landing strip that we can use.

How did this talk come about?

It is to raise money for St Nicholas’ Church in Baydon, which is in the same benefice as my Church. I was asked if I would be interested, and I agreed on the condition that we did it on a proper scale, so we could raise worthwhile funds for the church.

Marlborough Town Hall accommodates around 200 people, and we are keen to sell out. There will be a bar and free nibbles. Every ticket qualifies its holder to enter a draw to win a flight in the plane, date and time etc to be agreed.

Give us a taster of what you will be talking about I will be talking about the plane’s first four owners, who all have fascinating stories.

The first owner was an heiress related to the Duke of Marlborough, and the American millionaires the Carnegies and the Vanderbilts. She was given the plane for her 21st birthday. Already an accomplished flyer, she

had flown a previous plane from England to the family estate in Kenya. On this trip, her plane’s engine failed, and she crash landed in the desert – local tribesmen found her, but were scared because this was the first white woman and first aircraft they had seen. They didn’t approach her, but when she woke up after sleeping in the shelter of the plane, she found a dead chicken and some water.

She was eventually rescued after 3 days in the bush.

I got to know her and visited her several times at her home in Normandy. Along the way she had several husbands, became a fairly renowned sculptor, and at one point was the President of the World Wide Fund for Nature.

The plane’s second owner Jack Shand was killed in WWII, but I got to know his wife, and one of his nephews lives near Faringdon. Once, after he had quarrelled with his wife Jack flew off to Cairo, to take a puppy to a friend who was the Military Attaché there. He ended up staying there a while and started an airline with my Puss Moth, which eventually became Egypt Air. The plane’s next owner was an Egyptian entrepreneur, who eventually had to sell it because he went to prison for defrauding the Egyptian government. I’ve got some great pictures of him with his Syrian girlfriend who had run away to Cairo penniless. She became a famous nightclub singer/belly dancer. In the war she became a go-between between the British and Free French Governments and the Syrian government. She was killed

in mysterious circumstances.

After this the plane ended up in India, flown by Manmohan Singh, a famous Sikh aviator who was the private pilot of the Maharajah of Patiala, and also knew JRD Tata, a keen aviator and renowned businessman who founded Air India amongst other companies. Singh flew for the RAF in WWII, and was sadly killed in a Japanese air raid on Broome Harbour, Australia.

In researching his relationship with the plane I corresponded with JRD Tata, and there’s an interesting story about the one time I met him.

There are lots of wonderful anecdotes about all these people, along with photos and film clips.

When not flying, what do you get up to in your spare time?

As a mechanical engineer I love maintaining and restoring aeroplanes. I have a non-flying Puss Moth in my shed that I am restoring to its original glory. It belongs to the Science Museum of Milan, who hadn’t really looked after it – I nagged them into letting me restore it. It’s being paid for by the relatives of the original owner.

After four and a half years it is nearing completion and will soon be on its way back to Milan.

I also like tinkering with boats, I visit Venice fairly often and keep a Venetian rowing boat there.

Tim’s talk Glamour, Intrigue and History in the Sky is on Wednesday 11 April, at Marlborough Town Hall.

Tickets are £18.50 each and include the chance to win a flight in the Puss Moth. Available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ baydon-lcc

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AGM 2018

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Tuesday 8th May 7.00pm for 7.30pm At the Jubilee Centre, 28 High Street, Marlborough

Speakers Our speakers will include members of the Friends community who will talk about:  The

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Refreshments available from 7.00pm.

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People

Remembering Vanessa Since the last issue of MTC went to print I was saddened to hear of the death of local author Vanessa Lafaye. Although I didn’t know her well, I admired her very much – for her success with Marlborough Community Choir, as an author, a fundraiser, and not least for the way she handled being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

I first had contact with her when she got in touch to see if she could put a notice in the magazine for the new choir she was starting. Singing was very important to Vanessa, although it was something that she came to relatively late in life, almost by accident it seems. As she explained it to me when I interviewed her for the magazine in 2011, “After I moved to Marlborough I felt a bit isolated, as I was still working in Oxford and didn’t get much opportunity to meet people. I decided to take a class at Marlborough Summer School, and chose Singing for Pleasure almost at random. It was a life-changing decision, as I realised straight away that singing was something I had a real passion about.”

At that time Marlborough didn’t have an informal style choir, so after some time singing with others including the Swindon Scratch Choir, she decided to start her own and after training to be a choir leader with the Natural Voice Practitioners Network, Marlborough Community Choir was born.

That first notice invited people to a room above The Bear, but it proved so popular that more space was soon needed and the choir moved to St Peter’s Church for rehearsals. It has gone from strength to strength, with usually 2-3 performances a year, often collecting funds for charity.

Vanessa was adamant that anyone could enjoy singing, and there were no auditions, no need to read music, just a willingness to take part and enjoy yourself was needed.

She took great pleasure from the choir and was a great believer in the therapeutic

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qualities of singing, which helped her while she was ill.

In that interview in 2011, Vanessa also talked about her other passion, writing.

She worked in academic publishing, but was a keen writer of fiction. She had already written two novels, which although unpublished had succeeded in getting her an agent, and her stated ambition was to succeed in getting a novel published. It was thrilling to see her succeed in this goal with the publication of Summertime, set in her home state of Florida during the 1930s; a great debut, it was chosen for the Richard and Judy Book Club. This was followed by At First Light, the story of a mixed- race couple in Key West in 1919.

Unfortunately, the breast cancer that she had already experienced in 2009 returned and despite treatment spread to other organs. Vanessa shared her experience of cancer with her Facebook friends and in a searingly honest blog, Living While Dying.

This was aptly titled as she continued to live life to the full right up to the end, taking an amazing holiday to New Zealand, and conducting her beloved choir at the Town Council’s Civic Dinner a couple of days before she died.

I didn’t know Vanessa very well, but I consider it a privilege to have known her at all - another inspiring member of the Marlborough Community. Condolences to her husband James, her family and the very many friends who are no doubt missing her very much.

Andrea Jerome Editor

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The Greyhound London Road – 9 - 20 April 1900- midnight Further details about access and diversion routes can be found at www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk

20mph Speed Restriction – A Consultation The Town Council, at the request of Wiltshire Council’s Community Transport Group (known as CATG), helped to identify various areas to be considered for 20mph speed restrictions.

Metrocounts (devices using 2 sensor tubes placed across the road collecting data on vehicle volume, speed and classification) were placed on these roads and this data has been analysed and recommendations put forward in a report produced

by Wiltshire Council. As whether to implement 20 mph restrictions in the town is such an important one, our Councillors felt that the options presented in the report should be put out to public consultation.

This consultation is online at www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk.

The report and consultation form is also available in hard copy format at the Town Council offices and the Library. It runs to 27th April 2018. There will also be time allocated to this for open discussion at the Annual Town Meeting (see below).

Community Covenant On 23rd February, well over 100 local people came along to meet soldiers from the 4th Military Intelligence Battalion at a Civic Dinner held in their honour. They enjoyed excellent performances from the Band of the Adjutant General’s Corps as well as the Marlborough Community Choir conducted

by Vanessa Lafaye who sadly passed away on 28th February making this her last performance with the choir she founded.

She impressed and charmed everyone with her witty introductions to each piece and mastery of her craft.

The event also presented the opportunity to strengthen Marlborough’s commitment to the Battalion through our Community Covenant which was first signed during the visit of the Duke of Kent in 2014. This has been reviewed and was signed by the Mayor and the Battalion’s new Commanding Officer, Lt Col Simon Puxley.

Allotment Association

Resurfacing Works Long awaited resurfacing of George Lane and London Road takes place during April. This work will require temporary road closures. Dates are as follows: George Lane – 3 -11 April 0700 – 1900

Due to the snowy weather conditions, Marlborough’s Allotment Association’s AGM did not take place in March as planned and will instead be held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday, 25th April

2018 at 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and discuss the future of the Association and the town’s 3 allotment sites.

Thank you The Town Council would like to thank all members of the Emergency Services and also those many people in our community who pulled together during the recent snowy weather to help out.

Annual Town Meeting To find out more about what your Town Council has been up to over the last year, you are invited to come along to this year’s Annual Town Meeting which will take place in the Assembly Room of the Town Hall on Monday, 23 April at 7pm – refreshments from 6.30pm onwards. This is not a meeting of the Town Council but a meeting for the local electorate giving them a chance to ask questions. We look forward to seeing you there.

Comments and enquiries to the council are always welcome, you can contact us on:Tel: 01672 512487 Email: enquiries@marlborough-tc.gov.uk Web: www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk Official news from Marlborough Town Council

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Lifestyle

Getting the sorting sorted Storm Emma, when she came, brought the joys of a snow day for the kids, and for me, unexpected joys. Snowed in for the weekend, other than a quick trip out with the sled and a chance to admire the spectacular snow drifts, I decided, in a mad moment to do my filing.

“What?” I hear you say. Yes, my filing. I had accumulated five years of filing in a huge basket and it loomed, like a black cloud in my study just daring me to tackle it.

So, with images of Russell Crowe and Gladiator music in my head, I decided to tackle the beast. I took the (thousands of) files downstairs and spread them out before me on the carpet.

Once spread, the carpet was gone and there was no turning back. A good cup of tea ( a truly gladiatorial drink) and three blockbuster films later, my files were tidied and I had two huge boxes of shredding. (They now loom in the garage just daring me to start the shredding ) Oh, what mighty satisfaction to complete the task. Myself and my study are liberated from the beast. I didn’t watch Gladiator though, plumping instead for tear jerkers including “Lion” and my perennial favourite, “P.S., I Love You”. Crying and filing are not, I discovered, easy running mates, but I got through it heroically dear reader and lived to tell the tale and oh, how the crowd cheered as I replaced my sword in its sheath and left the stadium..

Back on Planet Earth, my next job, and far nicer, is the sorting of photos. I have a gazillion landscape pictures of goodness only knows where but also lots of amazing memories in a huge drawer. It stirs my heart to step back down memory lane. I’m not sure if I will get round to putting them in albums but I will have fun anyway. The usual course of action is to get them out, take a trip down memory lane and then, finding that it’s then several hours later, stuff them all back in the drawer to sort them another day. A job for when I retire perhaps..

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My other sort out is a “virtual” one. I am determined to have the perfect party playlist sorted for my 50th birthday. A lot of my favourite songs are soppy or folksy and not really party appropriate. Don’t get me wrong. I now love a good boogie at a party and have shed years of inhibitions and enjoy myself, regardless of the score that Craig Revel Horwood might give me. However, I am the sort of person who will sing along to a song with a good beat despite knowing only a third of the words. For the rest of the song I develop a strange language and look confident hoping that no one realises that I haven’t a clue what the next word is.

Sadly though this often also means that I don’t know the title. For example, what’s the name of the song telling me to “dance, clap my hands”? Great beat, great song, but short of singing it to the DJ, how do I remember it?

My plan therefore is to spend the next few months scouring Spotify etc to find the perfect boogie play list, seventies onwards and maybe even learn some words and new moves along the way. If you fancy helping to tackle this “quest”, then all suggestions would be most welcome!

Fiona Kellow Fiona Kellow is a working mum of two. When she isn’t running around after her family she is a Partner at Thrings Solicitors, specialising in family law.

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Wellbeing

McTimoney Chiropractic Care for gardeners At this time of year as a chiropractor I start to see a flood of aches, pains and injuries presenting in my chiropractic clinic.

Most people forget in their enthusiasm that gardening, like any other strenuous activity, ideally requires strength training in the offseason, a dynamic warm-up, proper posture, and post-activity stretching. The goal is for gardeners to reduce the risk of injury, make lawn and garden work easier and more enjoyable… and ultimately help gardeners become stronger!

Gardening isn’t exactly an extreme sport, but while you might not need a helmet to participate, you can take steps to avoid injury by maintaining proper posture.

Common Posture Problems Round Shoulders Hunched over a garden weeding or planting can result in the condition commonly referred to as Round Shoulders, which is distinguished by the hunched over appearance it produces.

Uneven or rotated hips Twisting to shift dirt from a wheelbarrow to a garden, or to pull out and pile up weeds can lead to issues with uneven or rotated hips.

In severe cases, long term bad posture can lead to Scoliosis, a condition that results in the spine twisting from left to right, instead of running in a straight line from top to bottom. In the short term we risk pain from muscle strain, increase the chances of a disc injury and mechanical back pain.

Correcting Posture The good news is that postural issues can be corrected, and even, in some instances reversed.

In the first instance, give your posture the best chance. By preparing before you enter the garden and having a few simple rules in mind, you can minimise your chance of experiencing some of these common gardening afflictions.

1 Mind your posture: Bend from the hips, lengthen the spine rather than curving into that letter C shape. Hinging at the hips takes pressure off the back muscles.

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2 Bend your knees to lift heavy loads, use the strength of your legs and engage your core muscles 3 Equalise your sides in lifting loads.

4 Swop sides working, e.g. hoe for 10 minutes on one side and then the other. Swop feet when using the garden fork.

5 Don’t overdo it! Build up time in the garden, build up your strength and capacity to lift loads.

It’s not just poor posture which causes pain, studies have shown that loading the spine from lifting too much too soon is possibly as damaging.

6 Take frequent breaks and walk around. Staying in the same position may contribute to a sore back.

7 Warm up before and have a good stretch after.

We have evolved as humans to possess a beautiful, functionally curved spine. Maintaining the natural curves of your spine in good posture while working is a key way to prevent back pain.

Chiropractors can assess your spinal health and provide the chiropractic care needed to improve it. Your chiropractor can also provide guidance on some exercises that, when done regularly, will help to strengthen your muscles and maintain improved posture.

What everyone wants is to be fit and healthy enough to enjoy sitting in their garden and enjoy the fruits of their labours come summer time.

Take care and happy Gardening!

Teresa Mann runs a successful practice from the Wellbeing Clinic in London Road. She uses McTimoney Chiropractic, Cranial Sacral Therapy as well as other gentle techniques. She believes not only in the relief of pain but of an improvement in the quality of life.

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Marlborough McTimoney Chiropractic Teresa Mann Bsc (Hons), MCA

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What’s On

What’s On April 2018 Marlborough Folk-Roots present Gigspanner Big Band

Murder on the Orient Express

Date: Thursday 5 April, 8pm Venue: Marlborough Town Hall, Wiltshire SN8 1JE A stunning and rare collaboration award winning duo Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin and Gigspanner led by the brilliant erstwhile Steeleye Span fiddler Peter Knight. This will be a performance of dazzling and adventurous musicianship and arresting chemistry.

Tickets £18 from 01672 512465, Sound Knowledge at Hughenden Yard, Marlborough, or online at www.marlboroughfolk-roots.co.uk

Ramsbury Roxy Victoria And Abdul (PG)

Date: Friday 6 April, 7.15 for 8pm Venue: Ramsbury Memorial Hall The extraordinary true story of an unexpected friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria’s remarkable rule. Tickets £4 from Ramsbury Post Office until 1pm on film night or £4.50 on the door. Contact roxy@ramsbury.org

Art Exhibition

Date: Friday 6 - Saturday 14 April, 10am - 4.30pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough Wiltshire Artists show a fascinating range of work by local artists for their annual exhibition in the church. Free admission.

Glamour, Intrigue and History in the Sky

Date: Weds 11 April, 7.30pm Venue: Marlborough Town Hall An enthralling talk by local aviator Tim Williams, about the fascinating previous owners and extraordinary history of his 1930 de Havilland Puss Moth aircraft.

Tickets £18.50 each, including entry into a draw to win a flight

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in the Puss Moth with Tim. (See pages 6/7 for more info on the talk) www.ticketsource.co.uk/ baydon-lcc In aid of St Nicholas Church, Baydon.

Murder on the Orient Express (12A)

Date: Thursday 12 April 7.30pm (doors 7.00pm) Venue: Marlborough Town Hall Classic Agatha Christie, this latest version stars Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot. Tickets £5 in advance Sound Knowledge and The White Horse Bookshop, Marlborough or online at marlboroughonscreen.events.

Licensed bar.

Brilliant Young Musicians Date: Sunday 15 April, 7.30pm Venue: St Peter’s Church, Marlborough

Harry Nowakowski Fox (piano) and Alisa Liubarskaya (cello) perform a great programme of music. Tickets £10/£8 on the door or in advance from White Horse Bookshop and Sound Knowledge.

Marlborough History Society

Date: Thursday 19 April, 7.30pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough Christopher Moule (Head of History at Marlborough College) lectures on “Castles as they

were meant to be seen”.

Non-members £5.

Merchant’s House Lecture Date: Friday 20 April, 7 for 7.30pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough

Amanda Herries lectures on “Skin Deep: The Beastly Art of Beauty”. Tickets £15/£12 from the Merchant’s House.

Ramsbury Roxy Goodbye Christopher Robin (PG)

Date: Friday 20 April, 7.15 for 8pm Venue: Ramsbury Memorial Hall A rare glimpse into the relationship between beloved children’s author A. A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin, whose toys inspired the magical world of Winnie the Pooh. Stars: Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie, Kelly Macdonald. Tickets £4 from Ramsbury Post Office until 1pm on film night or £4.50 on the door. Contact roxy@ramsbury.org

Ogbourne Primary School Jumble Sale Date: Sat 21 April, 10-12noon Venue: Ogbourne Primary School, SN8 1SU

Clothes, shoes, accessories, toys, books, homeware, bric-a-brac, refreshments. Admission 50p Raising funds for the school.

To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk

What’s On Jumble donations gratefully received – please leave at school on Friday 20 April or phone 07771 733326 for local collection.

Victoria & Abdul (PG)

Plant Fair

Judi Dench stars as Queen Victoria in this charming tale.

Tickets £5 in advance Sound Knowledge and The White Horse Bookshop, Marlborough.

(A handling charge may apply.) £6 on door. Licensed bar.

The annual plant fair in aid of Kennet Valley Carriage Driving Group for the Disabled Adults £5 Children (under 12) Free

Marlborough Folk-Roots present - Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman

Date: Sunday 22nd April 10.30 to 3 pm Venue: Barbury Racecourse, Barbury, Wiltshire SN8 1RS

Annual Town Meeting Date: Monday 23 April, 6.30 for 7pm Venue: Assembly Room, Marlborough Town Hall

An opportunity to find out more about what your Town Council has been up to over the last year, this is not a meeting of the Town Council but a meeting for the local electorate with a chance to ask questions.

Allotment Association AGM

Date: Weds 25 April, 6.30pm

Date: Thursday 26 April, 7.30pm (doors 7.00pm) Venue: Marlborough Town Hall

Date: Saturday 28 April, 8pm Venue: St Mary’s Church Hall, Silverless Street, Marlborough SN8 1JQ

Twice winners of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for ‘Best Duo’, an evening in the company of this much-loved and highly respected couple is intimate, inclusive, warm and inspiring with their energetic and sophisticated interpretations of traditional and self-penned songs. Tickets £14 from 01672 512465, Sound Knowledge at Hughenden Yard, Marlborough, or online at www.marlboroughfolk-roots.co.uk

Venue: Council Chamber, Marlborough Town Hall amends Marlborough’s Allotment

Village Green Spring Maket

Association’s AGM, postponed from March due to the snow.

Everyone is welcome to come along and discuss the future of the Association and the town’s 3 allotment sites.

Come along for Sunday Brunch - from Indian takeaways and filled crepes to burgers cooked to order - not to mention a

Date: Sunday 29 April, 11am - 2pm Venue: Aldbourne Village Green

glass of prosecco from the back of a converted tuk tuk.

Plant stalls, local food and drink makers, craftsmen, artists, and sellers of imaginatively recycled goods. Our traders are like old friends, happy to talk about their offer. Sunday market on the Green is like no other shopping experience. The Market is organised by Village Green. We welcome new traders and charge traders £5 for their pitch. Charities are exempt. Contact Lesley on 540180 if any queries.

Manon

Date:Thursday 3rd May 7.15pm (doors 6.45pm) Venue: Marlborough Town Hall The Royal Ballet Live screening of Kenneth MacMillan’s powerful telling of Manon and Des Grieux’s tragic love, a masterpiece of modern ballet.

Music by Massenet. Tickets £15 in advance Sound Knowledge and The White Horse Bookshop, Marlborough or online at marlboroughonscreen.events, £17.50 on door. Licensed bar.

Friends of Savernake Hospital AGM Date: Tuesday 8 May, 7 for 7.30pm Venue: Jubilee Centre, 28 High St, Marlborough

Open to all, come along and find out more about the work of the Friends.

Further afield

NGS Open Garden

Date: Wednesday 18 April, 11am - 4pm (last entry 3.30pm) Venue: Rooksnest, Ermin Street, Lambourn Woodlands RG17 7SB Ten acre traditional English garden. Car park, light refreshments, wheelchair access Admission £5.00 (children free) All proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support and other charities nominated by NGS www.ngs.org.uk

Village Green Spring Market

Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements

21

Finance

Equit y Release goes mainstream Equity release is a generic term for realising the value of some of the capital locked up in your home to be used to fund needs in later years. Whilst it is available to home owners over the age of 55, the available proportion of the equity in your house increases with age.

With pension incomes being squeezed, an increasing number of retirees are turning to equity release and drawing capital from the value of their home to fund needs in retirement. Monies from equity release could be used to top up income shortfalls, to fund home maintenance or for other purposes such as clearing existing debts or funding personal and family needs. Releasing equity from the value in your home should be considered the last source of funds, so it is prudent to always look at the alternatives before diving in.

Advisers are also seeing a marked increase in the number of people close to retirement with interest only mortgages coming to an end and where mortgage lenders are reluctant to extend the borrowing. Whilst there are instances where a property downsize is the ideal solution, equity release arrangements can be an alternative. There are lifetime mortgage products that allow interest payments to be made instead of having the interest rolling up as with many equity release plans, this ensures that the remaining equity in the property would not risk being consumed in compound interest.

With an increasing number of providers entering the equity release marketplace, this is providing greater competition and innovation. Historically, all providers offered similar solutions but now there are a broader range of options available and making the right decision becomes much harder. The vast majority of providers are members of the Equity Release Council and these all agree to adhere to the ERC standards but their products all have different features which make some better suited to particular individuals needs than others. As equity release products usually have greater early repayment penalties than mainstream mortgages, it is even more important to

22

get the right solution at outset to suit your individual requirements.

Local independent financial advisers Chilvester Financial have published a Guide to Equity Release which provides an introduction to the subject and starts to explain the options available. They are making copies of this publication available free of charge, either in a printed or electronic format, to readers of Marlborough Town and Country.

Taking advice on the most suitable solution has never been more important than it is today and Kirsty Mathis of Chilvester Financial is a specialist Equity Release adviser who would be happy to have a discussion with you. As a member of the Equity Release Council, Kirsty works within their strict framework and code of ethics, so you can be assured of the quality of the advice you will receive.

For more information on equity release, to request a copy of the Guide to Equity Release, or to discuss your particular situation with Kirsty Mathis, please do contact Chilvester Financials Marlborough office on 01672 500 600 or email advice@chilvester.co.uk.

EQUITY RELEASED FROM YOUR HOME WILL BE SECURED AGAINST IT

To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk

When it comes to financial advice, Chilvester could be just what you need

• Mortgages

Our advisers don’t have sales targets and don’t use jargon, while our chartered status means you only ever get

• Insurance

professional support. What’s more, you’ll find us based on the high street in Marlborough and Calne so you

• Investments

can easily come in to chat things through. Not only this,

• Pensions

on a variety of topics and products, from mortgages

• Equity Release

today – we’re here to give you just what you need.

• Care Fees Funding

Call:

• Inheritance Tax Planning

Email: Visit:

our team of advisers can provide a wide range of advice and investments to pensions and tax planning. Get in touch

Marlborough office 01672 500 600 Calne office 01249 810 050 advice@chilvester.co.uk chilvester.co.uk

Chilvester Financial is a trading name of Chilvester Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some forms of Mortgage or Tax planning.

MORTGAGES ON AND EQUITY RELEASED FROM YOUR HOME WILL BE SECURED AGAINST IT

Vet’s Column

Dental disease Tooth and gum disease is one of the most common conditions seen by vets.

It is not the case that older dogs and cats lose their teeth , this can be prevented with awareness and simple home care.

Your local vet will be happy to arrange an appointment to check and discuss your pets’ dental health or treatment with you.

Tell tale signs of dental disease are; : Bad breath : Yellow/brown teeth : Red or bleeding gums : Pain or swelling of the jaw or face : Reluctance to eat /pick up food or toys : Weight loss : Rubbing face/pawing at mouth : Excessive salivation Pet dental disease is not the same as humans.

In dogs, periodontal disease is more common, where the tissues around the tooth become infected with accumulation of tartar (calculus) causing gingival (gum) recession with infection. If untreated, the tooth loosens in the socket causing inevitable discomfort and eventual loss of the tooth.

The canine and feline mouth is not a clean place - it’s full of bacteria! The bacteria grows on the tooth surface forming plaque. Most of this is removed by the tongue or with hard food or chews, but any plaque left becomes thickened. This is calculus/tartar (the browny deposits seen on the tooth surface). As this layer thickens, it presses on the gum, causing irritation, inflammation and allowing the bacteria to infect (gingivitis). The gum recedes with the socket infected and the tooth loosens.

Oral infection can spread to tonsillitis and pharyngitis. Worryingly, the bacteria absorbed into the blood supply will be carried to other organs. For example, in older dogs and cats, heart conditions (endocardiosis) can be due to bad teeth. Kidney and liver problems also!

24

What can be done?

Prevention: The amount of plaque on individual dogs’/cats’ teeth varies and can be reduced easily with special foods or chews/toys and regular homecare, i.e. brushing.

This may sound daunting but pets can be taught to accept a toothbrush. Daily brushing is the most effective way of reducing plaque. Use a specially formulated brush or an old human one (ideally a soft one). There are special gels and toothpastes at vet clinics. Do not use human toothpaste as it is not well tolerated and contains foaming agents, which are not meant to be swallowed.

If your pets’ mouth looks/smells unsightly, he/ she may need a dental procedure. Make an appointment for a check - up. If the vet/nurse deems this necessary, your pet may need antibiotics before the procedure. Pets require anaesthetic to clean their teeth, so older pets may need a blood test first to check that their liver and kidneys are healthy enough.

A descale of tartar will remove the bulk of the dirt and you can continue at home with the preventative measures of brushing/specific foods/chews/toys.

Speak to your local practice, who will be happy to advise and help.

Drove Vets

To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk

Drove, Your Very Local Vet

Trusted care for your pet here in Marlborough

Meet the !

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Marlborough Veterinary Surgery 51 London Road | Marlborough | Wiltshire | SN8 2AJ Tel: 01672 512043 Fax: 01672 514746 Email: marlborough@drovevets.co.uk

www.drovevets.co.uk

Community Information

Community Information These pages detail useful local numbers and community groups. If you have a group or society you would like featured here please telephone 01793 791104 or email aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk

Local Societies and Groups Air Cadets (2293 Marlborough Squadron) Marlborough Air cadets welcome all young people aged 13-18 who are interested in Aviation and Adventure: Parade nights Tues and Fri 1900-2130 Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ 2293MarlboroughAirCadets Email 2293@aircadets.org 01672 516811 Dance Classes in Marlborough Ballroom and Latin American dance classes, and for those with no partner Dancersize sessions.

Please contact Amanda on 07882-882030 or email learntodance@mac.com for more info Depression Alliance The Marlborough and District SELF-HELP GROUP meets the first Tuesday of every month. If you’ve got depression, or know someone who might benefit from being part of our group, please get in touch.

Call 0845 123 23 20 for location details.

Stained Glass Lessons.

Wed.& Thurs morning 9.30-11.30.

Mon.Tues.& Wed evening 7-9. Suitable for all, learn stained glass or kiln-formed glass.

Held at; Ogbourne St. George.

Contact jeannette 07977 053363 or jet@jeannettetherrien.com Girl Guides Meet Tuesdays during term times at Manton Village Hall 1st Marlborough Rainbows, 4.45-5.45pm, Contact fryrachel@yahoo.co.uk 1st Marlborough Guides, 5.45-7.15pm Contact sianybubbles@hotmail.com Jubilee Centre Day Centre (Mon, Tues and Fri) and Drop-in Centre (Wed and Thurs - Lunch served 12.30pm £5.00) for over sixties. For more information phone Carole Walkeron 01672 513087 Kennet Accordion Orchestra Meets on Monday night from 7.30pm, in Froxfield and has a wide playing base of players from Swindon through Marlborough to Newbury and encourage accordion players of all standards to join and enjoy a varied selection of music from pop through to classics.

The current Southern Area Champions and established throughout the region for its diverse repertoire.

Contact Nigel Pasby A.B.C.A.(t.d.) L.B.C.A. on 07894032757 or email nigelpasby@gmail.com For more information go to www.kennetaccordionorchestra.com

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Kennet Badminton Club We are a friendly club fielding six teams in the Swindon and District Badminton League. We have accredited coaches, a competitive player base and a friendly social aspect. Club nights are held on Mondays from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm throughout the winter at St. John’s Academy, Marlborough. New members are welcome.

For more information please visit www.kennetbc.co.uk or contact Kennet Badminton Club Secretary on 01672 515526 Kennet Community Transport KTC runs a minibus with tail lift for people for whom normal transport is impractical. Contact the driver on 07850 356572 or Alexander Kirk Wilson on 01672 513861 Kennet Valley Driving Group RDA carriage driving for adults (16+) with physical disabilities. New volunteers and participants welcome. Sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Rockley. For more info call the Secretary, Maggie Lewis, on 0846 241 5396 or email kennetvalleydrivinggroup@gmail.com Kennet Valley National Trust Association Monthly meetings with speakers on a variety of subjects, summer outings to interesting places and social events. For more information please call Ann King (Chair) on 01380 727130 or Rhona Wilkinson (Membership Secretary) 01380 726433 Learn To Play Bridge Lessons for Absolute Beginners & Improvers Friendly club sessions also available Marlborough Area, No Partner needed Friendly relaxed atmosphere Please contact Andy Hill for further details and availability 01380 724725 Line dancing Meet every Tuesday (except August) at St John’s School, Marlborough Class runs 7-10 pm and covers beginners through to advanced Contact Natasha on 07917 806019 or natasha67@hotmail.couk Marlborough Accordion Orchestra Rehearsals on Monday in Wesley Hall Marlborough.

Training Orchestra 6.30p.m. / Main Orchestra 7.30 p.m.

New and experienced players of all ages welcome.

M.D. David Watson. Contact 01672 512634 Marlborough and District Link Scheme Marlborough Link is a charity dedicated to assisting the disadvantaged members of our community, whether because of age, physical or mental disability, poverty or absence of public transport.If you need us, or if you would like to help please telephone 01672 288007.

Marlborough Brandt Group MBG is best known for its 30 year link with and support for the Muslim community of Gunjur in The Gambia, West Africa. If you are interested in becoming a friend, volunteering or visiting Gunjur for an extraordinary experience please contact us 01672861116, or info@mbg.org or visit www.mbg.org

To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk

Don’t let a phobia spoil your life.

Give yourself time for a change.

Pat Harper Hypnotherapy Free consultation.

Day, evening & weekend appointments.

Time for positive change 07533 982887 pat@patharperhypnotherapy.co.uk Wellbeing Clinic, 4 London Rd, SN8 1PH Bramham Therapy, 47C Kingsbury St, SN8 1JE Fully qualified and insured.

Member of the National Hypnotherapy Society. www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk

PODIATRY CLINIC Podiatry/Chiropody & Foot Health HCPC reg.

Professional Advice Routine & Specialist Care Nail Surgery - Orthotics

01672 514581 07910 525376

Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements

27

Community Information Marlborough Choral Society Rehearses on Monday 7.45 to 9.30pm in Christchurch, New Rd, Marlborough. New members welcome, for more information Tel 01793 812175.

Marlborough Concert Orchestra Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evening at Christ Church, New Road, Marlborough, 7.30 pm Anyone wishing to join is invited to make contact with the orchestra through the website www.mco.org.uk Marlborough Gardening Association Welcomes anyone with an interest in gardening.

Meetings or visits most months throughout the year.

For more information call Tricia Hayllar on 01672 512435, www.marlbga.org.uk.

Marlborough & District Farming Club Meets every third Thursday of the month, September through to June, with a Ploughman’s Supper and a varied programme of interest to members. Meetings in Oare Village Hall 7.30 pm and four times in the winter at All Cannings. Open to anyone interested in country life Secretary Diane Strong 01672 563371 email dianemstrong@aol.com.

Marlborough and District Concert Club Marlborough and District Concert Club was founded in 1980 in order to take advantage of some of the many first-class professional musical events available within coach distance of Marlborough. We arrange visits to concerts in Basingstoke, Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Southampton and Reading and occasionally London and Birmingham. We normally go to 11 concerts each year: orchestral, chamber music, recitals and opera.

For more information call Tom Massey, 01672 516610.

Marlborough and District Dyslexia Association The MDDA is a small, independent charity which has for the last 22 years supported local schools, hundreds of dyslexics and their families. Helpline 07729452143, website www.marlboroughdistrictdyslexia.org Marlborough and District Rotary Club Rotary is an International Organisation of professional and business people who meet every week for fellowship and service. Meetings every Monday evening at Marlborough Golf Club. For more information visit www.marlboroughrotary.org.uk Marlborough Big Band Rehearsals on Fridays 7pm to 9pm at Mildenhall Village Hall. We play a wide range of popular, swing and jazz music and have members aged 16 to 80+. New members of all ages welcome. For more information contact David on 07500 635870 or email: david@baker30.co.uk Marlborough Bowls Club Tel: 07747 833436 Secretary Mrs A. Watts 01672 511335 Outdoor season April - October.

New members always welcome, coaching and advice available Monthly networking breakfasts, see www.chambernews.biz for more info.

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Marlborough & District Lions Lions serve the local community by organising events to raise funds for local and national deserving causes.

If you would like to join or need support please ring John Edmunds 01672 512650 or Karen Hilditch 01672 513282 Marlborough Floral Club.

Please come and join us....we meet at 2pm the first Thursday of each month at Mildenhall Village Hall.

Guest demonstrators, and the arrangements are raffled at the end of the meeting. For more info please call Mary Throup - 01672 861279.

Marlborough Freemasons Meet once a month in the Masonic Hall in Oxford Street. Far from the myth of being a “secret” organisation, members are openly proud of their membership, and of the work that the Lodge does to support local organisations and charities. More details from Secretary Steve Aubertin on 01672 513316 or e-mail him 1533@pglwilts.org.uk Marlborough History Society Founded in 2001 the Society celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2011. Meetings are held at St. Peter’s at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of most months.

New members are always welcome. For more information call 01672 519338. Web site: www.marlboroughhistorysociety.co.uk Marlborough Penguins Amateur Swimming Club.

Swimming teaching/training for ages 5years to Masters. Tues/Thurs/Sun at Marlborough Leisure Centre. Please contact Alan Crook 01672 512757 for details.

Marlborough Police Station Enquiry Office is now only open Tues 0900 - 1700 (closed 1245 - 1315), Weds 0900 - 1230 and Thurs 0900 - 1700 (closed 1245 - 1315). Please call in to check if your lost property has been handed in, as well as report crime, traffic collisions, produce driving documents, and much more.

Marlborough Tennis Club Based at Preshute Tennis Courts.New members welcome for social and league play. Coaching for children and adults. Contact Barbara Jones 516635 Marlborough WI Meetings take place on the 1st Wednesday of every month at Wesley Hall, Oxford St from 7.30-9.30.

New members very welcome. For further details call 01672 514177 Mildenhall Gardening Club - New, very informal and friendly group, currently meeting at the Horsehoe in Mildenhall on the 3rd Wednesday every month at 7.30pm. For more information contact Milly on 07876 230 540 or millycarmichael@hotmail.com

To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk

Ian Barnes Electrical Services & Testing

Electrician Mob: 07747 414493 Tel: 01672 520147 Sockets and Lighting Extensions and Rewires Fuseboard replacement Inspection, Testing and Certification Lighting design

Marlborough Hungerford Ramsbury Aldbourne Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements

29

Community Information Pewsey Tennis Club A friendly club with first class facilities and coaching groups for all ages and abilities. Private coaching available. For more info please see our website pewseytennisclub.net or contact Martin Wright Head Coach 07855 887 568 Phoenix Brass Band Rehearsals twice weekly in Froxfield. Training Band on Saturday mornings. New and experienced players of all ages welcome. Contact Musical Director David Watson 01672 515176 Pilates classes Pilates classes for all levels around the Marlborough area. Please contact Caroline McCord on 01672 511360 or 07817503546 or caroline@backinbalancepilates.com Angie Sanders - Classes are held in Aldbourne.

1:1 tuition available, angiesanders2@icloud.com or 01672 540176 Pottery Lessons Adults:Mon.7-9pm, or Thurs.7-9pm Children’s: Wed. 3.45-5.15. Beginners and more experienced welcome. At Wagon Yard Artists, off London Rd, Marlb. Contact Jacqui 07773 271572 or jacqui.melhuish@btinternet.com Sarsen Songmen A small male voice choir rehearsing in Aldbourne (1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays 7.30 pm), wide repertoire including Barbershop, occasional performances in the local area. New members welcome: contact MichaelReynolds on 01672-511199.

Savernake Badminton Club Savernake Badminton Club is a small friendly club that is long established and affiliated to Badminton England. We meet on Tuesday evenings between 7.00 and 9.00pm at the Sports Hall at St John’s School, Granham Hill, Marlborough. For further details telephone Roy Turner on 01672 810208 or Barbara Jones on 01672 516635 School of Tae Kwon Do (P.U.M.A.) Classes are held at Marlborough Leisure Centre on Tuesday evening (7 - 8 pm), and Friday evening (6 -7 pm), and are suitable for all ages from 7 years upward.

Please phone John or Carol on 01793 850410 / 07799 566805 for further information.

Scottish Country Dancing Manton Village Hall - Wednesday evenings Beginner session followed by more experienced dancers.Contact Jennifer Parker 01672 515151 St Peter’s Church Marlborough A redundant church now managed by a Trust, featuring a Coffee Shop and a Craft Shop.

The church is open daily 10 am - 5 pm, except Saturdays when it opens at 9 am, and on Sundays from March to December 11 am - 4pm The church is available for hire for exhibitions, meetings, lectures and concerts. For bookings please contact David Du Croz on 01672511725 or email at du.croz@btinternet.com T’ai Chi at Burbage Tai Chi is an excellent exercise designed to strengthen the back and improve general well-being. Open to

30

men and women. New members and beginners are most welcome. Sessions every Thursday, 10-11am and 11.30-12.30 in Burbage Village Hall More details contact Louise on 01672 810421 or email taicburbage@gmail.com.

The Friends of Savernake Hospital and the Community – A local charity helping people with health-related issues both at Savernake Hospital and in the Marlborough Community Area by providing grants of up to GBP10,000. For information on applying for a grant or on becoming a volunteer at the Friends’ Shop at Savernake Hospital, visit the Friends’ website at www.friendsofsavernake.org or contact the Friends’ Chairman, Janet Louth, on 01672 513868.

The Merchant’s House This historic 17th century silk-merchant’s house at 132 High Street is being refurbished by a charitable trust. Regular lectures and concerts are held and there are opportunities for local people to work as volunteers or house guides. The House and garden are open to visitors from 1st of April to the end of October on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10.30am-3pm and by appointment at other times. Become a ‘Friend’ and enjoy enhanced membership benefits. For more information contact Sophie Costard 01672 511491 Web site: www.themerchantshouse.co.uk Transition Marlborough aims to inspire and motivate people to work together, and support each other, in reducing their reliance on fossil fuels, building a stronger sense of community and so increasing our communities’ resilience. This will strengthen the local economy to create livelihoods for local people and provide a greater level of wellbeing for all. Our Hub group meets on the second Thursday of the month, usually at the Green Dragon, at 7:30pm. Do join us. For more information, contact Alexandra on 07771 347 379 email secretary@transitionmarlborough.org, www.transitionmarlborough.org University of the Third Age U3A provides learning and leisure opportunities in the Marlborough Area for those who are retired or semi-retired. For information on interest groups and membership please visit www.u3ainkennet.org.uk or email membershipsec@u3ainkennet.org.uk or call the Membership Secretary, Nick Swan, on 01672 519331.

Watercolour Painting Classes Classes on Wednesdays 10.30am – 12.30pm and Tuesdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm With professional artist Colin Palmer at his studio in central Marlborough. Suitable for beginners and the more experienced. Call Colin on 07835 039 812 or colin@colinpalmer-illustration.co.uk for more details.

Yoga classes for all abilities.

Enjoyable Yoga classes in and around the Marlborough area. Please contact Lizzy Hawnt on 01672 841553, 07821 396 430 or e-mail hawnted.house@btinternet.com Yoga for Men Tuesday evenings 7.30pm -9.15pm for all abilities including beginners at Minal Village Hall,

To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk

Community Information Mildenhall Please contact Jonathan Heath on 01672 513738 e.mail: jonathan@samtosha.co.uk

call 07855 026083. Alternatively do look at our website at www.littledragons.org.

Aldbourne Village Green A voluntary organisation managing a community orchard and running a twice yearly market for local bakers, makers and growers on the Green. New volunteers and traders welcome. For details contact Lesley on 01672 540180

Manton Preschool.

Based in the heart of the beautiful village of Manton our well-established friendly Preschool provides exemplary education for 2-5 year olds. We are a “Good” Ofsted setting providing Rising Fives sessions as well as healthy snacks, crafts, singing, story time, French, outdoor play and much more. For more details, please ring 01672 516675.

Parents & Toddlers

Chilton Chicks Toddler Group Join us for a variety of crafts, toys, snacks, a cuppa and a chat. New faces are always welcome.

Mondays 9.30-11.30am in the Chilton Foliat Village Hall (Next to the Wheatsheaf pub). Adults £1, Toddlers £1 & under 6 months are free. Call Liz on 01488 684526 for further details.

Creepy Crawlers meet Fridays 10 – 11.30am at the Scout Hut, Marlborough Tel: 01672 811495 The Corner House Children’s Centre offering information, support, advice and activity sessions to families with children 0-5 in Marlborough and the community area. George Lane Car Park Tel 01672 513010 Great Bedwyn Playgroup Ofsted Outstanding Playgroup for 2 to five year olds, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during term-time. Toddler group for 0 - 5 years olds, every Wednesday during term-time. Sessions include crafts, snack, story and music time, and outside play area.

Great Bedwyn Village Hall, Frog Lane, Great Bedwyn, near Marlborough SN8 3PB Tel. 01672 870 179 or visit www.greatbedwynplaygroup.org.uk Home-Start Calling all volunteer parents....Could you help make a difference for young families? Many parents need help, friendship, advice or support during those early years when children are young. Your experience as a parent can help others. For more details contact Home-Start Kennet 01672 569457 Junipers Creative and sensory play for babies to preschoolers.

01672 890829, wwwjuniperscreativeplay.com Little Dabchicks Parent and Under 4’s group, meets Thursday mornings 9.30 - 11.30 Term time.In the Aldbourne Methodist Hall, Lottage Road Zoe - 01672 540439 Little Dragons Pre School Ogbourne St George Village Hall All children aged 2 - 5 years welcome at our well established pre-school held in a quiet village setting in Ogbourne St George. It is a warm, friendly environment where we are open Monday to Friday for mornings 9.05am to 12.05pm or 1.05pm (if staying for lunch) and all day Wednesdays until 3.05pm. For more information email linda@littledragons.org or

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Marlborough and District NCT We have an active group in Marlborough, with courses, events and ‘Bumps and Babes’ cafes. The cafes are an opportunity to meet other parents, grandparents and parents-to-be for a coffee and a chat. For more information contact nctmarlborough@yahoo.co.uk or go to www.nct.org.uk/branches/marlborough.

Ramsbury Parent and Toddlers meets Wednesdays 10 – 12 in the Memorial Hall Tel: 01672 520961 Sunflowers at Grafton is a Nursery & Pre school for children aged 0-5 situated in beautiful East Grafton. Open from 8am-6pm, 51 weeks each year, morning & afternoon sessions are available. Sunflowers is community run on a not-for-profit basis. For more information see www.sunflowers-grafton.co.uk or call 01672 810478

Doctors

Ramsbury Surgery Tel:01672 520366 The Marlborough Surgery Tel: 01672 512187 Wiltshire Out of Hours Service Tel: 0300 111 5717

Leisure

Herongate Leisure 01488 682000 Marlborough Leisure Centre 01672 513161

Local Government

Marlborough Town Council 01672 512487. See www.marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk for full details of council meetings Wiltshire Council 0300 456 0100

Schools

Ogbourne St. George & St. Andrew C of E Controlled Primary School Tel: 01672 841318 St Michael’s CE Aided School, Back Lane, Tel: 01672 540434 Ramsbury Primary School Back Lane, Tel: 01672 520244 St Mary’s Infant School Tel: 01672 513101 St Peter’s Junior School Tel: 01672 513158 Preshute Primary School Tel: 01672 512754 St John’s School and Community College Tel: 01672 516156 Stepping Stones Pre-Prep School Tel: 01488 681 067

To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk

The Avenue Day Nursery Our new Nurseries in Aldbourne and Mildenhall The Avenue Day Nursery are excited to announce the opening of our new Nurseries in Aldbourne and Mildenhall. Set in beautiful barn conversions with large outdoor spaces, offering the FULL 30hrs funded sessions.

Get In Touch....

- From 0 to 4 years of age - Open 51 weeks of the year - Large Outdoor play area - Two year old funding available

Aldbourne 01672 541730 Mildenhall 01672 515763 amber@avenue-nursery.co.uk www.avenue-nursery.co.uk

Full 30hr funded sessions available The Avenue Day Nursery www.avenue-nursery.co.uk

Useful Telephone Numbers BT Fault Line

Citizen’s Advice Bureau Electricity Emergencies Environment Agency Pollution Hotline Gas Emergencies Marlborough College Marlborough Leisure Centre Marlborough Parking Office Marlborough Town Hall Marlborough & District HA National Rail Enquiries NHS Direct Parentline

Quitline Samaritans

0800 800151 0844 375 2775 0800 072 7282

Water (Thames) Water (Wessex) Wiltshire Police

0800 80 70 60 0800 111999 01672 892200 01672 513161 01672 511818 01672 512487 01672 512163 08457 484950 0845 46 47 0808 800 2222 0800 002200 08457 90 90 90

Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material in this publication, the editor can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or advertising content. Errors and omissions excepted.

0845 920 0800 0845 600 4600 101

Copyright All text, images and design are subject to copyright. Any unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited.

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A complete care plan for your pet’s continued good health

Pay Monthly via Direct Debit

Protection for your dog, cat or rabbit

From £12 per month

From £10 per month

£7 per month

Complete Care* Health Plan includes: • Annual vaccination • Vet consultation • Worming, flea and tick or flystrike protection** • RHD2 Vaccination for rabbits*** Save at least 20% on preventative treatments in a 12 month period†

Make an appointment to protect your pet today!

Call: 01672 529 020 or visit: vets4pets.com/marlborough Vets4Pets Marlborough Marlborough Business Park, SN8 4AW * Promoted by Pets at Home Vet Group Limited, Epsom Avenue, SK9 3RN. Terms and conditions including exclusions apply. Please ask in practice for more details or visit www.vets4pets.com/completecare. Prices correct as at January 2018. **Worming, flea and seasonal tick protection included in the dog and cat plan. Flystrike protection included in the rabbit plan. ***One RHD2 vaccination per year included only. †Savings are compared to buying the same treatments individually and compared to prices within the Pets at Home Vet Group Limited.