Marlborough Town and Country Nov 18

TOWN & COUNTRY

People

Local News Features

• David Du Croz • WWI 100 St Peter's Church • Ramsbury Remembers • Town Council News

• School Reunion • Nutrition for health • Volvo V90

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

FREE Issue 127 . November 2018

We will remember them..

One hundred years have now passed since the end of World War I, also known as the Great War. Even though the War is now beyond living memory, it was such a momentous time in history, leading to the devastation of a generation of young men, that it is important to remember the sacrifice and courage of those who marched off to the conflict.

Marlborough and surrounding areas were as affected as anywhere else, and there will be a full programme of events to commemorate the end of the War. Marlborough College, which lost 749 alumni (compared to 105 from the town itself), is hosting a number of events in its newly refurbished Memorial Hall.

The Town Council is co-ordinating other events including a roll of honour event at the Town Hall, and a Beacon Lighting on the Common. Of course, there will be the usual services and remembrance parade. Details of what’s happening can be found on pages 22-23.

Our interviewee this month is David Du Croz, who as a historian has also been involved in the commemorations, in addition to his role as Chair of Trustees. We also have a story about a remembrance wood planned in Ramsbury.

You’ll find all our regular features too (and don’t forget, Christmas is coming…)

Enjoy,

Editor Contact us: Andrea Jerome Address: Ivydene, High St, Wanborough, SN4 0AD Tel: 01793 791104 Mob: 07836 580699 Email: andrea.jerome@marlboroughtownandcountry.co.uk All copy for December 18 issue is due by 6th November 2018.

Contents 3 Intro 6 David Du Croz 10 Local News 13 Council News 14 Remembrance Wood 16 School Reunion

18 Nutrition for Health 22 What’s On 24 Community Info 32 Money 34 Motoring 36 Vet

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People

David Du Croz David Du Croz is Chair of Trustees for St Peter’s Church in Marlborough. He lives in the town with his wife Mary. The couple have two grown-up children, Oliver and Laura, and two grandchildren aged 11 and 9.

First things first, is your surname French?

Yes, the Croz part is pronounced “Crow”.

Although I like it, I do have to spell it out every single time! Its origin goes back to the Huguenots who fled France in the late 1600s.

My ancestors left France for the Netherlands, and came to England fifty years after that.

How long have you lived in Marlborough?

We came here in 1996, when I took up the position of Head of History at Marlborough College. Previously I was Head of Ellesmere College in Shropshire, but I missed my subject and teaching (when you are Head you don’t get time for either). So, although I enjoyed my time as a Head, I was glad to get back to the coalface so to speak. I spent 11 years at the College, retiring in 2007, and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I still have strong connections with the school.

What attracted you to teaching originally?

I absolutely loved my subject, and teaching gave me the opportunity to stay immersed in it, while hopefully instilling enthusiasm in my students. I’ve loved History since I was a young child, I was enthralled by stories of the past. I tried to get children to engage through storytelling, discussion and debate, even though the exam syllabus didn’t always make that easy!

Do you have a particular period that interests you?

I would describe myself as a Medievalist by inclination. That covers the thousand years between 500 and 1500 AD, although I have a particular interest in the 12th Century – King Stephen, Henry II and King John. I’ve been a bit out of my time period for the last few years though, as I have been immersed in WWI studies. I have made several trips to the Western Front, and have been working with Marlborough College helping co-ordinate their activities around the Great War. What has that involved?

There has been a focus on the 749 alumni of the College that lost their lives during WWI. Over the past four years each incoming class of the school has been linked with those who died in that year 100 years ago. Each student has remembered a particular boy from WWI,

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St Peter’s is an incredibly historic building, and it is lovely that it is kept alive for the community to enjoy. hopefully helping them to identify with the experience.

I was also involved in the making of a film and writing a book. The film looked at the experiences of eight people connected with the College, and tells their stories through their own words from letters they sent home from the Front. The book, a limited edition of 749 copies, focuses on 100 stories, again told in the words of the soldiers that lost their lives or those of people that were close to them, and of those who survived. Marlborough College has an amazing Archive that was instrumental in producing both the book and film.

This year sees the culmination of all the activities with the 100 year anniversary of the end of the war. There will be a programme of events, many in the Memorial Hall which has been completely refurbished this year.

Your interest in History is reflected in your involvement in St Peter’s Church, how did that come about?

I was approached to get involved by Terry Rogers, who was Chair before me. At that time I lived just across the road from the Church, so it was easy to help out. Co-incidentally, my Great Grandfather was rector of the Church in late 1800s – although that wasn’t a major factor in deciding to get involved.

For those who aren’t aware, tell us about St Peter’s.

Until 1974 Marlborough had two Parish Churches. Unfortunately, St Peter’s was in a bad state of repair, so when it was decided

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People that two churches were unsustainable, it was the one chosen to close. It stayed empty for around 4 years, and at one point was nearly demolished to make way for a large roundabout! A group of locals led by Jake Seamer, a former Mayor, campaigned to save it. Over the following years they raised enough money to renovate it (with help from English Heritage and The Lottery Fund), and since then it has become a much used space for the whole community. We are celebrating 40 years of the Trust this year.

The church contains a coffee shop and craft shop which between them provide around half of the revenue needed to maintain the building. The rest of the money is raised through the use of the space for concerts, other performances, lectures, exhibitions and sales, plus tours of the Tower (if you haven’t been it’s a great experience, and a wonderful view!)

Although it isn’t a church any longer, the Chancel and Sanctuary are maintained much as they were when still a working church, and there are still occasional services held, including an annual service close to St Peter’s Day. The Chapel is available for private prayer.

It’s an incredibly historic building, and it is lovely that it is kept alive for the community to enjoy.

What does your role involve?

As Chair of Trustees you could describe me as general dogsbody! My key area of responsibility is the programme of events that are put on each year. There are 14 trustees in total, so the workload is spread quite well. I spend a lot of time at the Church, but Trustees can do as much or as little as they like. When I first became

a trustee I was still working full time. I find it quite social and have made many friends through my involvement.

What are the main challenges for the Trust?

We are in pretty good shape; probably our key challenge is finding the next generation of trustees to keep the Church going into the future. We need some of our volunteers to become trustees, or we would be interested in hearing from anyone that thinks they might be interested in getting involved.

It really isn’t onerous, and time commitments are flexible. Anyone interested should give us a call to have a chat.

What do you do with your spare time?

With the end of the WWI commemorations, I will be project free, so will have more spare time. We are planning to do some more travelling next year with a Safari at the top of the list.

Apart from History, my other passion is Horse Racing.

I’ve been interested since I was a child, and go as often as I can. I even own a part share in a horse – which is ridiculously and irresponsibly expensive – but makes the sport more interesting, being able to visit the training yard and share in the excitement of competition. I do bet, but sensibly. It’s a good job, as despite being fairly knowledgeable I’m less successful than Mary, who bets based on the jockey’s colours, or whether the horse’s name contains Blue or Angel!

What do you like most about Marlborough?

I like its size, it’s big enough to have plenty happening, but small enough to have a really good atmosphere. I like having things close to hand, without having to get in the car. I love the High Street, which is almost unique. We

also have may friends close by which is wonderful.

What do you enjoy reading?

Unsurprisingly, I enjoy history books. I’m reading Peacemakers by Margaret MacMillan at the moment.

It’s about the Paris Peace conference of 1919 and the attempts that were made to prevent another war.

How about music?

Not a big music fan – don’t listen in the house.

However, I enjoy attending the concerts at St Peter’s, where I have learned a lot over the years, mostly from Nick Maurice who organises the performances. As far as pop music goes if I tell you my favourite artist is Bob Dylan, it’ll give you an idea of how long it is since I’ve listened to it. (About 40 years!).

I do enjoy singing, and sing with the College Choral Society. It’s a big choir, and when we perform we often take up so much room we almost outnumber the audience!

What do you like to watch?

We are members of Marlborough Theatre Club, so regularly go to plays.

It’s good because we go to things we might not otherwise have seen. I enjoy the cinema also, but tend to go in fits and starts. I like taking the grandchildren – Peter Rabbit and Paddington were good fun!

If you are interested in finding out more about St Peter’s, you can contact David on 01672 511725 or du.croz@btinternet.com For information about the WW1 film “The 749” and the book “Marlborough College and the Great War in 100 Stories” visit the college website www.marlboroughcollege.org

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Local News

Were you married, baptised, or in the choir.. …at St Peter’s Church in Marlborough before it became redundant?

St Peter’s Church Trust Marlborough is celebrating its 40th Birthday, and would like YOU to be their special guests at a special Birthday Tea Party on Thursday 13th December at 4.30pm. If you’d like to take part contact David Du Croz for an invitation on 01672511725 or du.croz@btinternet.com

that it is inclusive to all – whether you’re a gentle jogger who part runs part walks, or a dedicated athlete for whom 5k is a breeze, all are equally welcome. Until now, the nearest parkrun to Marlborough was the one at Lydiard Park in Swindon, which regularly attracts 500+ runners. In September that changed, with the first parkrun on Marlborough Common which attracted 172 runners. Run entirely by volunteers, parkrun prides itself on welcoming all – all you need is to register for a barcode before you run for the first time. First time and nervous runners often report how friendly and supportive everyone is, with lots of encouragement around the course. Runners are encouraged to socialise afterwards, meeting up for a coffee in the Golf Club bar.

To find out more visit wwwparkrun.org.uk/ marlboroughcommon

Town and Country Website Calling all artists!

Marlborough Town and Country is finally embracing the 21st Century fully with the launch of our brand new website. If you are a local business and want to find out about advertising, all the information is there. You’ll also find an online version of the magazine as well as access to our latest articles. Why not check it out? www.marlboroughtownandcountry.co.uk

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Swindon Museum and Art Gallery are excited to announce they will be holding their first Open Art Exhibition, Collective, in December. From 11 December till 5 January the gallery will come alive with works from artists and the application process is now open.

Submissions of work must be made by 17 November and each artist can submit up to three pieces of original work. Works entered will be judged by a panel and the successful works will go on display through December.

All artwork will be available to buy and anyone wanting their purchase as a Christmas Present can pick it up before the exhibition closes.

To enter works please visit the website to download an application form.

Swindonmuseumandartgallery.org.uk

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SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2018 7pm to 9.30pm MARLBOROUGH TOWN HALL “ROLL OF HONOUR” A tribute to the people of Marlborough and their part in the Great War

Including exhibition, wine & light refreshments Tickets £5 from White Horse Book Shop & Town Council Office

MARLBOROUGH REMEMBERS Battle’s Over Beacon Ceremony Sunday, 11th November 2018 Marlborough Common at 7pm Along with more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages, Marlborough will light a beacon to commemorate the day 100 years ago when the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War All welcome from 6pm onwards Parking available - Refreshments

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The Greyhound

Marlborough Remembers

Play Area Opening Soon

The Town Council is involved with a number of events to commemorate the centenary of the end of WW1 – an evening of Wilfred Owen poetry and letters on Sunday, 4 November at 7.30pm in the Town Hall, a wreath laying ceremony at the 7th Wilts War Memorial on Friday, 9 November at noon, a commemorative event on the evening of Saturday, 10 November to include a roll call of those from the town who served, together with a display of photographs and memorabilia. On Sunday, 11 November, a Parade will form up in the High Street at 10am ready to march to the War Memorial at 10.45am.

Wreath laying will be followed by a service at St Mary’s. In the evening and as part of a national campaign, we are working with the Marlborough & District Rotary Club to organise the lighting of a WW1 Beacon of Light at 7pm on The Common. We hope that as many people as possible will attend these events as a mark of respect for those who served during the Great War. Tickets for the Wilfred Owen event on 4 November and for the Commemorative Evening on 10 November are available from the White Horse Bookshop.

(Tickets for the 10 November event are also available from the Town Council offices)

The newly refurbished play area for children up to the age of 12 years will be opened during half-term on Friday, 2 November at 11am. Our Mayor, Cllr Lisa Farrell, will be cutting the ribbon.

Put the date in your diaries and come along to help us celebrate.

Our Golden Town

At the South West in Bloom Awards Ceremony in Yeovil on 4 October, Marlborough was again awarded Gold and the South West Travel Association Trophy as well as the Sponsors Cup for the most meritorious entry. A special discretionary award, the Sutton Seeds Cup for an Outstanding Area of Nature Conservation was presented to Action for the River Kennet for its work at Stonebridge Meadow. Entries in the It’s Your Neighbourhood Scheme also won top accolades - Alma Place, The Merchant’s House, Old Victorian Cemetery, the Water Front Garden, Marlborough Community Orchard, Marlborough College, Preshute School, St Peters Churchyard, Plume of Feathers Garden, The

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

Mead and Coopers Meadow.

Our congratulations and thanks go to Steve Pascall, Chair of Marlborough in Bloom, his committee and volunteers and to members of our Grounds Team who contribute enormously to the success of this competition and work all year round to keep the town looking good.

Christmas Lights Switch-on This year’s event will be on Friday, 30 November.

There’ll be a Christmas Market, children’s fairground rides, stage performances from the Community Choir, Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama, a soloist and more.

At the invitation of the Rotary Club, Santa will again be in his splendid grotto at the Town Hall from 3pm – 8pm and on his sleigh with the Lions Club for the Lights Switch-on at 6.30pm.

There will be a road closure to make sure everyone is safe which will affect the High Street and parts of Kingsbury Street and New Road between 3pm-9pm

FRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER LIGHTS ON AT 6.30

Official news from Marlborough Town Council

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS EVENT 1313

Local News

Ramsbury’s Remembrance Woodland Claire Costello, of Froxfield, Wiltshire, was a village Parish Councillor when she heard about the Woodland Trust’s campaign offering free trees to plant in Remembrance, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of The Armistice.

However, with no village space suitable for a Remembrance wood, Claire began scouring the area and soon realised that locally there was the stronger, natural link to WW2 war-time activities at RAF Ramsbury — the old airfield of which concrete remains are still visible today.

She discovered that while it is possible to walk around the area and see remnants of once vast concrete runways, there is currently no way of keeping alive the story of the part this area played in D-Day and the liberation of Europe. A project to link trees, Remembrance, and the airfield was born.

The first thing to do was to get support. Claire along with, fellow resident of Froxfield College Raine Cully, approached the Kennet Valley at War Trust, which works to keep alive the links with the area’s WW2 history and provide educational opportunities to schools and visitors.

A meeting was arranged at Littlecote House Hotel, which has deep connections as the site of much wartime planning for the D-Day landings.

Enter Roger Day, a local historian and writer, and Mike Relph, a former army officer and a modern conflict archaeologist from the Kennet Valley at War Trust.

The next thing to do was to find a place to plant trees. “I approached Peter Wilson, a Froxfield farmer and landowner and he was immediately enthusiastic and agreed that 400-plus saplings could be planted to rejuvenate Burnt wood, immediately next to the airfield. It was perfect, and with Peter’s permission the project was now really achievable.”

A small group became a committee with the aim to install a suitable Remembrance Plaque to go with the new trees, as well as an information board to give some idea to visitors of the part the airfield played in WW2. Fund raising was instigated.

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Mike Relph, Peter Wilson and Roger Day with one of the blocks to be used for the memorial.

Claire says: “Slowly, but surely, as people heard about the project, donations were promised and individuals came forward who wanted to help.

“We had a major donation from the Capricorn Foundation, on behalf of the estate of Mr. Harry Hyams, of Ramsbury. This along with donations from other local landowners, charitable trusts, and individuals ensured the project would not only realise its initial objectives, but we would be able to erect a Memorial on the main runway, which today crosses the public rights of way. It was exciting to see how our small project seemed to grow and gain a momentum all of its own.”

Tree planting will take place on 10 November, at the airfield from 10 am – 3 pm. Ramsbury Cub Scouts, schoolchildren and their parents from Ramsbury Primary School, will join volunteers. More tree planters are needed, and can come and go to fit in with other commitments. Please get in touch with Claire, (details below), if you would like to help.

In May or June next year it will be 75 years since the last minute planning for D-Day was being undertaken at Littlecote House. Visitors, guests, and locals will be invited to gather at Ramsbury Airfield for a commemoration service, and an official unveiling of the information board, along with the Remembrance Plaque and the Memorial stone. Claire says, “This will be a fitting tribute, we hope, to add to the other memorials locally that honour all the men and women - some local, some from the Commonwealth, Europe and, of course, from the USA - who joined forces and many gave their lives in defence of our freedoms.”

For more information about the Ramsbury Airfield Remembrance Project, contact Claire Costello ramsburyremembrancewood@gmail.com or Tel. 07884137441

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Lifestyle

The Reunion With mixed emotions, I returned to my old school in Wokingham for a reunion. The “Old Girls” association had organised a lunch and my friend had casually suggested that it would be a good idea. I signed up with much excitement and then reflected on my decision. How would it feel to be back at school, how would it feel to see old classmates from “Weavers 1980-1987”?

What has everyone been doing and how did we all drift apart?

School has always held very happy memories for me. I enjoyed learning most subjects (maths perhaps being the exception) and homework was never really a chore. Perhaps it was easier back then to settle into homework with less outside distractions? My school was near the town, a good mile and a half walk there and back with a quick stop on the way home for a quarter of aniseed balls at the shop.

The Holt School is an old grammar school and is an all girls school. Again, this probably helped my studies as it wasn’t until the Sixth Form when I met boys through school productions and my Saturday job and my grades crumbled a little. There was always a clamour to be in the school drama and music productions so as to meet the boys from the local all boys’ school.

Luckily, I passed the auditions, my defining moment being a punk “First fairy” in a modern day version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Such fun.

My class was a fairly tight knit group of fairly bookish or academic girls and very little trouble.

I don’t recall ever having a detention – what a swot I was. Our antics were more Enid Blyton style than Waterloo Road. I remember much laughter, friendship and solidarity. Packed lunches of hazelnut yoghurts, Dairylea cheese spread sandwiches and Skips crisps with a bottle of orange squash. Cold days on the sports field (not my forte) in our big PE pants and aertex T-shirts and lessons in the dreaded Home Economics rooms, with two terrifying teachers who made us write down recipes in silence.

The reunion day came, and I have to admit to having felt a little nervous. There were nine from my class, some of whom I hadn’t seen for 33 years. Yet, within seconds we were all hugging

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and, albeit a little rounder and maybe smarter, right back to where we had left off all that time ago. Much chatter and laughter.

We had a lovely lunch, (although I chose not to sit by our old headmistress who had always terrified me), but the best part came later with the tour of the school. Very little had changed.

We laughed in the gym at our pathetic efforts to climb the ropes, (I never quite made more than one foot’s distance up the rope), the dreaded showers, and the gorgeous art rooms – one of my personal favourite places. Best of all, we managed to find our old classroom. Time was stripped away. We all sat at our old desks and posed for photos and the memories came flooding in...”do you remember the time when...” Everything was the same, the desks, the room, the smells and the sounds. A time warp of very fond memories and over far too quickly.

Although we have all changed, and over the years there has been hardship, illness, bereavements, divorces, it was lovely to hear how well and happy my old friends were and to admire their pictures of children (no grandchildren quite yet!)

We are all going to keep in touch and very much hope that the next reunion will be well before 33 years apart. Mind you, the sight of nine old eighty-somethings wandering round the school with sticks and Zimmer frames is a fun image!

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

Striving for Success I am a registered associate nutritionist (ANutr) with a bachelor’s degree and postgraduate qualifications in nutrition and nutrition and behaviour.

I found nutrition and preventative medicine after seeing family members around me heal themselves by changing their diet and I was inspired; I wanted to help other people achieve their goals this way without drugs and by changing their mind-set and overall wellbeing in order to be the best versions of themselves.

When we aren’t feeling ourselves, when we are tired or run down, we don’t always stop to think that what we are putting in our bodies could be making us feel that way. It’s easy to forget that dietary choices we make on a daily basis are impacting our health, helping to fight disease and promote a long and healthy life; or causing our health to decline.

Nutrition is at the very heart of preventative medicine, but we are bombarded constantly with conflicting information. Health culture has blown up and although this is good, and we have come a long way since the low-fat fads of the 1990s this can make implementing lifestyle changes difficult; because how do you know what is right?

You want to sleep better, have more energy, you want the body that these ads promise to give you but you feel like you’re going around in circles and when everyone is singing from a different hymn sheet how do you know if all the hard work you are putting in is really worth it, is it right?

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The bottom line is everybody has different needs, and a one size fits all approach isn’t going to work. Whether you need help with weight management or gut health, autoimmune disorders and depression, or if you’re starting a family and really want the best possible start for your baby I can help you get to where you want to be.

I try to emphasise to my clients that it’s lifestyle changes that will ultimately bring them the goals that they want as opposed to a quick fix solution. It’s these changes that, once implemented, become habitual and help to maintain results long after your goals have been achieved.

Using the best software to analyse your diet and provide a comprehensive analysis of your symptoms, together we can discuss ways for you to move forward towards your goals. I am continually researching and only offer advice based on sound scientific evidence; making it easy for you to follow and tailored to you. Whilst offering continued support should you lose motivation at any point; making sure you get to where you want to be.

Phoebe Bielecki BSc(Hons), T.Cert, ANutr.

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What’s On

What’s On November 2018 Charity Christmas Card Sale

Date: Until mid-December daily 10-4 Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough The annual sale of charity Christmas cards by Cards for Good Causes begins and runs through until mid-December - wonderful opportunities to help deserving causes by buying cards and other Christmas bits and pieces.

Lecture

Date: Thursday 1 November, 7.30pm Venue: Marlborough College Memorial Hall Dr Jeremy Black: ‘Why commemorating the First World War is more important than ever” For tickets see * below

Firework Display

Date Friday 2 November, 7pm Venue: Marlborough Football Club

An evening with Stuart Pearce

Date: Friday 2 November Venue: Marlborough College Memorial Hall An interview with the famous footballer. For tickets see * below

Alex Waldman and Dame Janet Suzman Date: Sunday 4 November, 7.30pm Venue: Marlborough Town Hall

‘War and the Pity of War - the poetry and letters of Wilfred Owen’. -Tickets £20 from White Horse Bookshop

Marlborough College Concert Series BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Date: Sunday 4 November, 7.30pm Venue: Marlborough College Memorial Hall Tickets are available on-line at tickets@ marlboroughconcertseries.org or through the Box Office at 01672 892566

Lecture

Adults £3.50, Children £2, Under 4s Free

Date: Tuesday 6 November, 7.30pm Venue: Marlborough College Memorial Hall

The Post

The Revd Canon Andrew Studdert-Kennedy: ‘Whatever happened to God? Faith and

the First World War”. For tickets see * below

La Grande Illusion (U)

Date: Tuesday 6 November, 7.30pm Venue: Marlborough College Memorial Hall Jean Renoir’s deeply moving film, in French with English subtitles. For tickets see * below

St Francis Christmas Fair

Date: Thursday 8, 11am-6pm Venue: St Francis School, Pewsey 50 stalls, all day café, charity raffle. £3 entry, children free

Lecture

Date: Weds 7 November, 7.30pm Venue: Marlborough College Memorial Hall Ernest Shackleton and the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1914-17. For tickets see * below

Lecture

Date: Thursday 8 November Date: Marlborough College Memorial Hall Jean Moorcroft Wilson: ‘The Old Marlburian War Poets: Siegfried Sassoon and Charles Hamilton Sorley’ For tickets see * below

Wreath Laying

Date: Friday 9 November, 12 Noon Venue: Marlborough War Memorial

Ramsbury Roxy The Post (12A)

Date: Friday 9 November Venue: Ramsbury Memorial Hall Oscar winning film about the Watergate affair. Tickets £4 from Ramsbury Post Office

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To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: ads@marlboroughtownandcountry.co.uk

What’s On from Ramsbury Post Office until 1pm on film day or £4.50 on the door

Prospect Hospice Christmas Fair

Date: Saturday 24 November Venue: Marlborough Town Hall Over 35 festive stalls with something for everyone

Merchant’s House Lecture Remembrance Day

until 1pm on film day or £4.50 on the door

Aldbourne Band

Date: Fri 9 November, 7.30 Venue: Aldbourne 100 years since end of WWI Anniversary concert. www.aldbourneband.org.uk

Roll of Honour

Date: Saturday 10 November, 7-9.30pm Venue: Marlborough Town Hall A tribute to the people of Marlborough and their part in the Great War. Wine and light refreshments. Tickets £5 from White Horse Bookshop and Town Council Offices

Marlborough Folk-Roots concert: Ray Cooper

Date: Thursday 29 November, 7 for 7.30pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough

Saturday 17th November, 8pm Venue: St Mary’s Church Hall, Silverless Street, Marlborough SN8 1JQ

David Evans talks about artistic depictions of the Adoration of the Magi - a perfect subject to get you in the mood for Christmas

Tickets £15 from 01672 512465, Sound Knowledge at Hughenden Yard, Marlborough, or online at

Wagon Yard Artists Christmas Exhibition

www.marlboroughfolk-roots.co.uk

Brilliant Young Musicians Concert Date: Sunday 18 November at 7.30pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough

Date: Mulled wine and nibbles Fri 30 Nov, 6-9pm, Sat 1-Sun 2 December 10am-4pm, Venue: Wagon Yard Studio, Wagon Yard, SN8 1HL Buy unique gifts for Christmas, also open 9-10 December. www.wagonyardartists.co.uk

Winter Fair

Beacon Lighting

Date: Sunday 11 November, from 6pm

Peter Harris (tenor) and Hamish Brown (piano) Tickets £10 from White Horse Bookshop or Sound Knowledge Marlborough

Venue: Marlborough Common Parking and refreshments from 6pm, Beacon lit at 7pm

Ramsbury Roxy All The Money In The World (15)

We’ll have mulled wine, mince pies, Santa’s grotto amongst others

Marlborough History Society Lecture

Date: Friday 23 November Venue: Ramsbury Memorial Hall

David Du Croz: “1918: WWI Conclusions and Reflections” £4 for non-members

The story of the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother to convince his billionaire grandfather Jean Paul Getty to pay the ransom. Tickets £4

Date: Thursday 15 November, 7.30pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough

Date: Sat 1 December, 2-4pm Venue: Ogbourne Primary School, Ogbourne St George

* Free admission for these events, but a ticket is required by contacting memfesttickets@ marlboroughcollege.org

Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements

23

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, 6-7.30pm Contact firstmarlboroughguides@gmail.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

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 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 Macular and Low Vision Support Group This group meets on the last Thursday of each month in the White Hart – formerly Conservative Club- 116 High Street, Marlborough, from 3pm till 5pm. All aspects of financial and personal support are discussed, and also social activities take place. Open to anyone with sight problems and their family/carers. Details from Gordon 01672 514925 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 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 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 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 Tennis Club Marlborough Tennis has 6 new courts and floodlights.

We are based at Port Hill, Marlborough SN8 1DU. (Entrance via Marlborough Golf Club) Everyone is very welcome to join us for social & league play, cardio-tennis, coaching etc. Contact Barbara Jones 516635

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.

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

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

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John Edmunds 01672 512650 or Karen Hilditch 01672 513282

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

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 https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/pewseytc 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

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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

RUTH KOLISH, Travel Counsellor

Your personal Travel Expert Travel, tailor made for you, with care. ruth.kolish@travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/ruth.kolish 01672 83 82 80

Award Winning Pet Food & Accessories Shop Beautifully Hand Sewn Made to Measure Upholstery Service Telephone / Fax: 01672 541 263 Upham Farm, Upper Upham Aldbourne, Marlborough Wiltshire SN8 2LG Email: sewmuchmore@live.co.uk

Open: Mon to Sat 9am - 5pm 5 London Rd, Marlborough

01672 513 830 www.marlboroughpetshop.co.uk

Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements

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

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

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.

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

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

Local Government

Junipers Creative and sensory play for babies to preschoolers.

01672 890829, wwwjuniperscreativeplay.com

Schools

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

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more information email linda@littledragons.org or call 07855 026083. Alternatively do look at our website at www.littledragons.org.

Herongate Leisure 01488 682000 Marlborough Leisure Centre 01672 513161 Marlborough Town Council 01672 512487. See www.marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk for full details of council meetings Wiltshire Council 0300 456 0100 Marlborough St Mary’s Tel: 01672 513101 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 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 To advertise please please call 01793 call 791104 01793 791104 or email: or ads@marlboroughtownandcountry.co.uk email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk

Brio Technology Services Ltd

Electrical & Mechanical Contractors Domestic, Retail, Commercial and Industrial All home electrical works

Retail, commercial and industrial

Security lighting, CCTV, alarms

Testing and certification

Installation condition reports

Electric vehicle charging points

Estimates provided free of charge and all works guaranteed 01672 870834

07710 008637

e.edwards@briotecser.co.uk

Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements

31

Finance

Investing for growth Investing starts with you, rather than with your money. The key driver for investing your money must be to help you toward the future goal, or purpose, for those funds. That might be for a future retirement, helping out your family or maybe just for a rainy day.

The simple idea behind investing is to grow or increase your money. By putting it away now, you hope to receive more money in the future.

Investing harnesses the power of compound interest. The interest, or growth, you earn each year is added to your original investment. The next year, you earn interest on your original investment and the interest you earned the year before. This continues over time.

The aim of any investment should be to give you the best possible opportunity to reach your goal. It’s never a good idea to invest your money just to achieve the highest possible growth. No-one can control investment markets and nobody really knows where investment markets will be next month, next year or beyond.

Basic investing should be simple and easy to understand, using a strategy that is designed have the best chance of achieving just the right growth that you need to meet your goal.

The foundation of any investment plan is to make sure you have the right money, in the right place, at the right time. This means you need to keep money available to cover things that might happen in the short term, both known and unknown.

Investing does carry risks. In principle, the more investment risk you take the higher the potential returns should be, but the potential for losses is also greater! How much risk you might be prepared to take will depend on your personal feelings about investing and your experience. It can also be influenced by when you’ll need the money. Someone in their 20s or 30s saving for retirement will be more able to accept fluctuations than someone in their 60s, mostly because they’ll have less time to recoup major losses in the value of their investments.

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Investing is very much a long-term game.

There are many factors that will affect the investment growth and return you might get, including: Time is important. The longer you invest for, the more you benefit from the effects of compound interest – earning growth upon growth.

Costs will eat into your investment returns.

Costs compound too, that means you don’t just lose the amount you pay in fees, you also lose out on the growth that money might’ve earned.

Tax can also erode investment growth.

There’s a lot of information to take into account when thinking about investing, including how much you can afford to invest, how much you can afford to lose, what the end goal or purpose for the investment is and finding the right building blocks.

At Chilvester, we’ve got just the advice you need when it comes to investing. Our team of experts can help to guide you through all of the options and recommend a strategy that’s right for you. Contact us to arrange a free no-obligation initial meeting.

Sam Binstead is a Chartered Financial Planner and the Investment Director at Independent financial advisers, Chilvester Financial.

To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: ads@marlboroughtownandcountry.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

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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.

33IT mention Marlborough TownFROM & Country when responding advertisements MORTGAGESPlease ON AND EQUITY RELEASED YOUR HOME WILLtoBE SECURED AGAINST

Road Test console is dominated by a 9” touchscreen that resembles an upright iPad which allows minimalism to be taken to a new level, like you’re sitting in a cross between the Starship Enterprise and a Bang and Olufsen stereo.

Volvo V90 Estate I was so impressed by the Volvo V60 that I tested last time out that I decided to try its larger sibling, the V90, which was launched to limited fanfare last year.

The V90 is the descendant of the 240, the big boxy thing that people who grew up in the 70s visualise when you mention the word Volvo.

The 240 estate was a quirky car, comfortable but not luxurious, solid and safe, capacious and practical. It wasn’t remotely sporty and didn’t have much in the way of prestige. It was beloved of middleclass housewives and antique dealers and enjoyed immense customer loyalty.

The new V90 needs to have much broader appeal to the kind of discerning buyer who is prepared to shell out £40k of their hard-earned cash for an executive estate car. It is up against the likes of the new Mercedes E Class estate and BMW’s brilliant 5 Series Touring – in short, it is competing against some of the best cars in the world. Is it up to the job?

The V90 is undeniably a handsome car, very handsome. Long and low, sleek and stylish, it is as sharp as a Paul Smith suit. The concave grill is a work of art in its own right, as are the headlights and taillights. I must admit that they are almost trying too hard at the rear, but more about that later. Climb inside and it is as if you have gone to Scandi-style heaven – a pale colour palate that makes it feel as airy and spacious as New York loft apartment, silky smooth wood trim that you can’t resist stroking. The centre

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There is plenty of space in the V90, particularly in the back seats which are practically as roomy as a limo. Surprisingly, the boot isn’t as capacious as any of its competitors, courtesy of that uber-stylish rear, though it’s plenty big enough for most people’s needs. The amount of equipment that comes as standard, even with the basic Momentum trim level, is staggering; everything you could possibly need is included. The options list is all but superfluous.

It is when you fire up the engine that things start to go slightly downhill. The engine line-up is pretty much the same as the V60, a 2.0 litre diesel with 187bhp badged as the D4 and a 235bhp version, the D5. There’s also a 187bhp turbo petrol engine (T4), a 250bhp version (T5) and a plug-in hybrid based on the T4. I drove the D4 and found it a little unrefined and sluggish, not helped by the standard 8 speed automatic which takes forever to kick down when you nail the throttle. More than that, it feels like its working too hard for its living in a car this size, even cruising on the motorway.

The 60mpg+ fuel economy does provide some compensation at least.

The handling is best described reassuring. It sits well on the road at motorway speeds but there’s a fair degree of wallow and the steering is not especially precise; it doesn’t encourage you to push on hard through a corner. By way of compensation, the ride is very comfortable, soaking up everything the British roads can throw at it with aplomb.

Whether you’ll decide that the V90 is the car for you depends on what you’re looking for in an executive estate. If you want a super stylish, supremely comfortable family car with masses of kit, the V90 is just the ticket. The big Volvo also stands out from the crowd and offers good value for money. If you want something a bit more driver focussed, go for the BMW 5 Series.

Take your pick.

Kit Johnson Car as tested Volvo V90 D4 Momentum £36,450 RRP

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Vet’s Column

Are your pets bored?

As the darker nights draw in, we find ourselves with less time to fit in the day to day jobs that need doing. The weather changes and we spend more and more time indoors.

Unfortunately it is our pets that probably notice this change more than us.

Rabbits Rabbits find themselves cooped up in a hutch for longer periods of time. They may sit looking at the empty run on the lawn dreaming of the warm, summer days spent nibbling the grass, and wearing their teeth down keeping the need for medical intervention in check.

When the wet, autumn days arrive and you can’t put your rabbit in a run, it is important to provide him good quality hay to eat. Rabbits are herbivores and their teeth grow continuously throughout their life.

Hay racks can be attached onto the cage to prevent him sitting in the most important part of his diet. A small amount of complete rabbit pellets should be provided but this should only consist of 20% of his daily diet.

Green vegetables and carrot should be fed in small portions. These can be put into vegetable holders that hang from the hutch roof providing some stimulation

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to your rabbit. Incorrect diet can lead to overgrown teeth. Boredom can be prevented by providing toys, chew sticks and bringing the rabbit into the house for some supervised exercise.

encourage them to use their brain. Hydrotherapy is great exercise. Doggy swimming pools provide indoor fun, exercise and are excellent for older dogs with stiff joints.

Dogs Does your dog look longingly at his lead hanging in the hall hoping to get a long walk over the hills? A walk they have got used to in the summer evenings.

Exercise not only promotes fitness in your dog but allows them to de-stress, clear their head and have fun! A bored dog is a naughty dog. If no stimulus is provided they will entertain themselves. Table legs are great to chew on, shoes can provide a good 20 minutes entertainment, and emptying the kitchen bin brings all sorts of rewards!

Hamsters and rodents Even small rodents will have had more attention during the school holidays and will now be left in their cages with very little other stimulation.

Most dogs will happily walk in all weathers so time must be allocated to give them some exercise. There are agility clubs you could enrol your dog onto which are held indoors. Training classes are fun and will

Exercise balls provide some exercise so long as they are used for short periods of time. Cages that have a tunnel system can be added to. This allows longer and more exciting tunnels.

Toys and wood blocks can provide some stimulation.

Above all, a little time each day to handle a small furry will ensure he still feels loved at when winter comes calling.

Cats The cat? He will find his place by the fire and do what he does best... sleep!

Drove Vets

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

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