Salisbury Life - Issue 271

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 271 Festival Special

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN SALISBURY & WILTSHIRE

WEDDED TO THE IDEA YOUR BIG DAY ALL SORTED ISSUE 271 Festival Special

DORSET DELIGHT A STAY AT LIMESTONE HOTEL

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

A SPOTLIGHT ON AL FRESCO DINING SPOTS

ACTING UP

INTERVIEW WITH THE STARS OF EDUCATING RITA

FESTIVAL FEVER SALISBURY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL UNCOVERED

© ASH PHOTOGR APHY

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE: Ballet Central are performing

as part of Salisbury International Arts Festival (page 26); BELOW: Gifts for Father’s Day (page 50)

A

s the new editor for Salisbury Life, I am thrilled to bring you an issue absolutely teeming with fantastic events going on in the city. I seemed to have jumped on board at a very exciting time for Salisbury, what with the Salisbury International Arts Festival just around the corner; turn to page 26 to discover the incredible line-up, including artist Rachael Young featured here on our front cover.

Elsewhere, with spring edging towards summer, we take a look at some of the best local al fresco eating spots on page 38. And if you’re getting hitched, turn to page 10 where we’ve trawled through the region’s offerings to give you all the best venues; whether you’re dreaming of hippy or high-end vibes we’ve got it sorted.

Since becoming editor, I have been getting to know some of you over a cuppa or two and been struck by how chatty, down-to-earth, and just super-duper lovely everyone has been so I wanted to say a big thank you for the very warm welcome.

I hope to ensure that your community spirit stays central to the magazine, as we aim to bring you the most intriguing content about your city.

COVER Artist Rachael Young, who will be performing in Nightclubbing, as part of Salisbury International Arts Festival. See page 26 for more.

HARRIET NOBLE Follow us on Twitter @Salisbury Life Instagram @salisburylifemag

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Issue 271 / Festival Special 2019

the arts

21 INTRO The inspiring woman who’s been

campaigning for peace is coming to town

22 WHAT’S ON Festival fun and more 26 festival All the best bits of the Salisbury

International Arts Festival revealed

30 interview We chat to Educating Rita stars

Stephen Tompkinson and Jessica Johnson

food & drink

38 AL fresco Grab your panama – it’s time to

eat outside

42 food & travel review Drool over the

gorgeous Jurassic coastline

46 food news All the movers and shakers in the local

culinary word

47 recipe Light lunch ideas

30

10

shopping

49 shopping intro Ever so handsome shoes 50 ed’s choice Get your Father’s Day gifts sorted

lIFestyle

10 WEDDINGS Getting hitched? Check out the cool,

quirky venues close by

34 WOMAN ABOUT TOWN One mother-of-the-

groom ponders over what to wear

53 health & beauty Thinking about Botox? Read

our review

66 salisbury lives Meet Salisbury’s rock star

Business

56 business insights All the news from the

corporate world

59 MY DESK Here’s what a creative person’s desk

looks like

Property

62 showcase A showstopper in Upton Lovell (and it’s

got a pool)

Regulars

6 Spotlight Fashion, football and more 54 scene A festival launch and a charity event

Editor Harriet Noble harriet.noble@mediaclash.co.uk Managing Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior Art Editor Andrew Richmond Graphic Design Megan Allison Cover Design Trevor Gilham Editor’s photo John Rose Contributors John Rose, Clara Matthews, Simon Ward, Sarah Moolla, Noorie Parvez, Josephine Wilde, Advertising Manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution Manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Production Manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production Designer Gemma Scrine gemma.scrine@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Salisbury Life MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag). Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

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© Martin Z ahringer

spotlight

Museum

The concept of fashion as art was celebrated recently as Messums Wiltshire held a catwalk fashion show entitled Textile in Motion which saw the culmination of their exhibition Material:Textile.

Collections by British womenswear designer Joshua Millard, Danish men’s and womenswear designer Henrik Vibskov and Bright Young Thing’s Sadie Williams were all on display on the runway in the 13th century barn. Afterwards, guests enjoyed an asado, a traditional South American fire barbecue in the sculpture gardens followed by an after party where guests could mingle with the designers and cast of the show.

For more: www.messumswiltshirecom

Joseph wants his technicolour dreamcoats back

© Paul Nicholl s

Fashion forwards

A riot of colour with blue steel expressions to match

The goal’s over here kids!

Football

Perfect match Real Madrid, one of the world’s most famous football clubs, is giving young Wiltshire football players the opportunity to experience top-class coaching this summer. The Real Madrid Foundation Clinic will be at Nadder Centre, Tisbury from 26-30 August offering coaching sessions to boys and girls aged 6-16 and of any footballing ability.

Cabinet member for leisure John Thomson says, “It’s a real coup for Wiltshire that we will be welcoming top-class coaches, from arguably, the biggest club in world football.

I encourage children of all abilities to get involved in this excellent footballing clinic.”

Real Madrid Foundation Clinics, UK country manager, Tamino Kroeger says, “The best thing about our clinics is the sportive advancement though. Something no other club offers. The best children from each clinic get the chance to play in a national final in which they compete against all the other winners from our clinics within the UK. From this final event, the best players will be selected to play a fullsize game in the famous football temple and the home the Galacticos – The Santiago Bernabéu. Not many 12-year olds can say that they have played a game here.”

For more: www.wiltshire.gov.uk

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Community

GAME ON Salisbury and Amesbury are set to be transformed through May to July, as thousands of residents will compete to see if their school, community or business can walk, run or cycle the furthest.

Running from 20 May to 1 July, Beat the Street is a free challenge where people are rewarded with points and prizes for exploring their town on foot or bicycle. Nearly one hundred special sensors called ‘beat boxes’ will appear on lamp posts across Salisbury. Players tap the beat boxes with cards and fobs to track their journey and earn points for themselves and their team – the more beat boxes people swipe during a journey, the more points they earn.

Schools and community groups across both areas will be competing against each other to see if they can travel the furthest, climb the leaderboards and win hundreds of pounds worth of sport and fitness equipment while families are encouraged to play for their local school.

Residents can pick up free Beat the Street cards and maps at libraries and leisure centres. Cards and fobs will also be distributed via participating primary schools in the area.

“We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to Salisbury and Amesbury and can’t wait to see how far everyone is able to walk, run, cycle and scoot during the challenge,” says Jerry Wickham, Wiltshire council cabinet member for public health and public protection.

“Anyone living, working or studying in the area is able to get involved in Beat the Street – it’s completely free to play and

Just don’t get it confused with a letterbox

is a great opportunity to go outdoors, spend time with your friends and family and get moving. Watch out for Beat Boxes popping up in Salisbury and Amesbury soon, pick up a card and get involved.”

For more: beatthestreet.me

Salisbury’s far from rubbish

Environment

PICK OF THE LITTER

Salisbury officially has the lowest littering rate in England. This is the news that comes from a recent report carried out by The Solar Centre.

Overall, Salisbury was ranked the third best city in the UK for littering and achieved a score of 9.75 out of ten. The top two cities were Derry (10) and Belfast (9.91) in Ireland.

The report also ranked Salisbury sixth out of 52 for its fly-tipping rate, with a score of 9.89.

The leader of the council Councillor Jeremy

Nettle says, “The report reflects the hard work put in by the council’s grounds and street cleaning teams who do a great job throughout the year in keeping the city clean. I would encourage everyone to use the litter bins provided and ‘if you don’t drop it we don’t have to pick it up’ and we can focus on making the city more attractive. We hope this accolade will encourage more visitors to our beautiful city, its markets and events held throughout the year.”

For more: www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk

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A sense of place Whether you’re after a chic spot in the city or a dreamy rural hideaway, here’s our pick of some of the most beautiful places to get married nearby

“Expect your wedding speeches to be interrupted by the calling of peacocks” 10 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

weddings

The bride and groom, with apt coathanger smiles

G

one are the days when weddings all looked and sounded the same. The boom in the industry has meant that whether you’re going for boho, traditional, or festival vibes, this can all be reflected in the wedding set-up. This does, of course, mean there’s an abundance of choice. So, we’ve handpicked some of the best venues and chatted to the local experts to help you on your way.

Kingsettle Stud

Kingsettle Stud suits couples that want a relaxed and informal reception with the focus on an awesome party.

The venue itself is a listed Victorian stable block, with the centre point being an outdoor courtyard surrounded by indoor/covered ‘zones’ such as the carriage room, an al fresco dance floor, the cosy harness room, chill-out area and a bar built into the stables.

The venue is located within the organic, and family owned, Cholderton Estate, which covers 2,500 acres of Wiltshire countryside. This allows for an immersive and private experience for couples and their guests, and extensive grounds and gardens in which to hold blessings, drinks and photo shoots.

Look and feel of the place: Being located on an organic and fully functioning working estate, nature and farm life very much spill over into the venue. “Expect your wedding speeches to be interrupted by the calling of peacocks that roost in the trees around the courtyard, and for your guests to be entertained exploring the arboretum and walled garden, not to mention getting lost in the maze,” says co-owner of Kingsettle Stud Susie Edmunds, Guest numbers, food and accommodation:

The carriage room comfortably seats up to 100 guests, however the wider venue can accommodate up to 180.

A small amount of over-night accommodation is provided onsite as well as a designated glamping field.

Couples are invited to choose their own caterer, although they have a list of recommended suppliers if inspiration is needed. They will also provide a bar service for couples by arrangement.

© Lydia Stamps Photography

What’s popular at the moment?: “We are always

amazed by the variety and ideas that couples come up with for their décor, food and guest entertainment,” says Susie.

“Last year most of the weddings went for a vintage or festival theme, with street-food vans in the courtyard or big sharing platters on trestle tables in the carriage room.

Couples also made use of the stables for fancy-dress photo booths or for kegs of real ale.

“In 2019 we expect more of the same, although a couple of the weddings will be making the most of our substantial and imposing building and going for a slightly more formal vibe. One couple are holding their welcome drinks in the centre of the maze which will be awesome, and another couple are holding their blessing ceremony in the wild and slightly derelict walled garden; we can’t wait to see it.”

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Anything else?: Couples are welcome to revisit the

venue as much as needed, and have sole-access with loads of time to set-up in the week before for a totally relaxed and personal experience.

Kingsettle Stud, Cholderton Park, Salisbury; www.kingsettlestud.co.uk

Gray Manor hotel

The boutique hotel and wedding venue is set on the Hampshire/ Wiltshire border and five acres of land so there is plenty of outdoor space to enjoy.

Look and feel of the place: “The venue is unique and quirky,” says managing director Eli Gray.

“We have lots of cool little touches which are great for pictures, such as our throne chairs and our secret garden, which is accessed through some wooden doors and has umbrellas, a huge mirror and furniture and all lights up. We are a shabby chic style venue with character, however we have kept the colour palette quite neutral, so our couples can have any colours their heart desires without it clashing. It is one of the things we love, that we can have a formal atmosphere on one day to having a complete relaxed, barefoot informal party the next.”

Wining and dining at Kingsettle Stud

The bar at Gray Manor: check out the rope-light installations

A proper wear your wellies wedding at Kingsettle Stud

Guest numbers, food and accommodation: They are licensed for

ceremonies for up to 110 guests and can cater for up to 150, and 200 for a party.

The venue has 25 bedrooms including a luxury bridal suite with double jacuzzi, TV, twin showers and a round bed.

“We have a standard wedding menu that we provide to all of our brides and grooms to give them a starting point, but food is such an important part of the day we often create bespoke menus with our couples,” says Eli. “We have done everything from a Thai buffet and an afternoon tea, to fish and chips and a slow roasted meats menu! We also cater for all dietary requirements and want to make sure every single guest is well looked after.”

What’s popular at the moment?: “Sweet carts are extremely popular as are love lights,” adds Eli. “We work with a local company who offer our brides great discounts and they have quirky items such as a doughnut wall, slush puppie machines, prosecco wall and candyfloss and popcorn carts so we are starting to see more of the quirky touches coming in too.”

Anything else?: “We are a family run business so pride ourselves on the personal touch and being able to offer the perfect day with no rigid rules. Anything we are able to say yes to we do and anything we can offer to make the day easier we do. Whether that is designing a completely bespoke menu, your dogs walking down the aisle with you, or a Netflix room set up for kids – anything goes.”

12 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

© Lydia Stamps Photography

weddings

“We have done everything from a Thai buffet and an afternoon tea, to fish and chips”

Everybody go ahhhh

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weddings

Impress the guests with Syrencot as your venue; inset: The bar at Syrencot, where the party really gets going

“We have a wedding store room full of wedding decorations, centre pieces etc. that we have bought over the years or been given by past brides which we allow our couples to look through and choose what they like at no extra charge. It is not unusual for us to see the wedding party wandering around barefoot or in pyjamas in the morning because they feel so comfortable.”

Gray Manor Hotel. Parkhouse Cross, Cholderton, Salisbury; www.graymanorhotel.co.uk

Rose & Crown Hotel

The Rose & Crown Hotel is a 13th century venue set in a riverside location, about a 15 minute walk from the city centre, with views across the River Avon and Salisbury Cathedral.

As well as the onsite restaurant and bar, they have a newly licensed area in their gardens, meaning couples can now marry outside on the banks of the river with guests seated on the lawns.

Look and feel of the place: “The tranquility of the River Avon flowing past the gardens and terrace set the scene for a relaxing picturesque scene,” says wedding co-ordinator Rachael Bruce.

“The Rivers Edge Restaurant, Belvedere, terrace and Orangery offer 180 degree views of the river, Salisbury Cathedral and surrounding countryside, making it the perfect place for both your ceremony and reception.

Guest numbers, food and accommodation: The Rose & Crown

is licensed for civil ceremonies for up to 120 guests and has 34 guest rooms. They have onsite chefs who offer three-course wedding breakfasts, gala buffets, barbecue themed buffets and finger buffets.

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Anything else cool?: Salisbury Punting offer a service of the bride arriving by punt or the happy couple being taken on a trip up the River Avon for a romantic ride. The punt is available to hire for the whole day so that your guests can also enjoy the experience.

Rose & Crown Hotel, Harnham Road, Salisbury: www.legacy-hotels.co.uk

Syrencot

Surrounded by rolling fields and woodland, if a country escape is what you’re after, Syrencot might just be the ticket. The venue is made up of a walled garden that’s home to a glasshouse and contemporary barn for the wedding ceremony and reception. The Georgian house sits alongside and offers accommodation for the couple and their guests.

The look and feel of the place: “Syrencot offers an exquisite blend

of rustic charm and understated luxury, combining atmospheric

Guest numbers, food and accommodation: Syrencot

can cater for both indoor and outdoor weddings and can comfortable seat up to 150 for both. The Farmshed can accommodate up to 160 for wedding breakfasts with room for additional guests in the evening reception.

Syrencot works with caterers Galloping Gourmet and their in-house team to provide a wide range of dishes with influences from all over the world. Couples can choose from a number of different menus, drinks packages and evening food options to create the wedding day they really want.

© Lydia Stamps Photography

traditional features with modern additions to make the perfect place to celebrate,” says venue manager Katie Ingall.

“Peaceful, private and exclusive, couples will be able to enjoy a country wedding of the highest standard.”

The newly weds do their thing to the Grease megamix

A word with the wedding photographers…

© Simon Ward Photography

How do you make people feel relaxed in front of the camera?

I have a pretty relaxed and informal way of working and from the very first email I try and make a personal connection with each couple. One bride said that having me around on the wedding morning was just like having an old friend around; I knew I’d done my job well when she said that and it showed in the images too. www.lydiastampsphotography.com

I knew the bus was an RT and therefore older than a Routemaster. It caused something of a spectacle in Salisbury that sunny Saturday afternoon as it trundled through the city centre heading for the reception in Winterslow. www.simonwardphotography.com Lydia Stamps, Lydia Stamps Photography Describe your style…

My photography style is light, natural and heartfelt, and above all relaxed.

What advice would you give couples who hate having their picture taken?

If you’re nervous about having your photo taken having an engagement shoot in the run up to the wedding is a really good idea; you can experience what it’s like being photographed in advance as well as getting to know your photographer better. All of this will help you feel more relaxed on the day, and the more relaxed you are the better the photos will be.

© Lydia Stamps Photography

Simon Ward, Simon Ward photography What are the dos and don’ts of wedding photos?

Try to think of wedding photography as an investment. Your wedding photos will be your only official pictorial record of your big day. Yes, there will be many guests with their mobiles capturing moments too, which is great, but you’ve invited these guests for a reason and they should be involved in enjoying your day with you rather than constantly being behind a screen themselves.

Do make a list of your most important photos and discuss this with your photographer. It doesn’t have to include every single thing but more so the family or friends who’ve travelled from far to be with you, or the little details of your day, inscriptions in the rings, personalised cufflinks and anything else that makes your day unique.

Any cool/quirky things do you do on photo shoots?

We provide the couple with an official print from their wedding day at the end of our time with them (usually after the first dance). It’s something we’ve done for every wedding and is a little gift from us as official photographer to the happy couple. If the couple have chosen one of our signing frames as part of their bespoke service then we frame the image for them before we leave them to dance the night away.

Tell us about an amazing wedding you shot recently...

We photographed a wedding at Salisbury’s Guildhall last June. It was the first wedding which we’d photographed that had a bus as the wedding transport. To the untrained eye the bus looked like a Routemaster, however being someone who had an 18 month spell driving buses in London 20 years ago

What is the current trend for wedding photographs at the moment?

I’ve been shooting weddings for over eight years now and when I started wedding photography was still very formal and posed, there’s definitely been a shift towards candid, documentary photography which suits my un-posed, relaxed approach down to the ground. I don’t think it’s a trend though, that’s here to stay I hope!

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What’s popular at the moment?

“Weddings at the moment are all about standing out, so couples are looking for ways to do things differently,” says Katie.

“The traditional drinks reception of fizz and canapés is often being replaced by drinks stations and grazing tables, small plates or tapas selection are being chosen over threecourse meals and lavish photo booths and flower walls are making plenty of appearances to provide those photoworthy moments.”

Syrencot, Figheldean, Salisbury; www.syrencot.co.uk

Howard’s House hotel Howard’s House Hotel opens its doors to newly weds

The country hotel and restaurant in Teffont Evias offers plentiful private country gardens – ideal for a marquee. They also have a private function room (seating up to 24), which is perfect for family occasions such rehearsal dinners.

The look and feel of the place: A visible church spire,

Glamp it up at Kingsettle Stud

the river Teff running past the hotel, green fields all around make this a very picturesque wedding venue.

Guest numbers, food and accommodation: Up to 200 with a

marquee, with ten bedrooms, including a superior room ideal for the bride and groom.“Our manager Simon and head chef Andy will meet with the bride and groom to discuss what they are looking for, and will put together a bespoke menu accordingly,” says partner at Howard’s House Hotel Charlotte Greenwood.

“Our food is modern British cooking, in tune with the seasons, and all our ingredients are either locally sourced or homegrown – we grow most of our own vegetables, and keep chickens, who lay fresh eggs every day. We can provide menus to suit any taste, from hog roasts and platters of local fish and meat, to picnics on the lawn or buffets, to a traditional three course wedding breakfast or even a sumptuous tasting menu” Howard’s House Hotel, Teffont Evias, Salisbury; www.howardshousehotel.co.uk n

A word with the fashion experts…

MONEY & MILLIE are located in Salisbury’s Market Square. Amy Money is a bespoke milliner and Leesa Miller is a couture dress maker. Together they create a unique bespoke outfit for the bride and mother of the bride.

So what’s on trend?

“Current bridal trends are simple designs in soft flowing georgette fabric and more structured Mikado which has a beautiful glow so I am seeing a trend that fit and construction is becoming key, rather than too much detail,” says Leesa.

“Brides are loving beautiful details on the backs of dresses beaded lace, or low plunging neckline.”

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What do you recommend?

“Fit and flare gowns with lace overlays and dropped shoulders are very on trend, as are off the shoulder lace sleeves and gowns with high front necks and low backs.”

What about the headgear?

“This summer’s current trends are either large brim or very tall fascinators – something very dramatic,” says Amy. “The most popular colours this summer are bright pinks and nudes and also a lot of different shades of grey. For the bride vintage and boho are the in thing for 2019/20.” www.milliecouturebridal.com

Peekaboo: Bridal fascinator, veil and wedding dress available at Money & Mille

weddings

“Salisbury Punting offer a service of the bride arriving by punt”

Fancy a riverside wedding? Rose & Crown Hotel has got it sorted

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Lime Twist Cosmopolitan

H

advertising feature

Pranee Laurillard, founder of GIGGLING SQUID shares her recipe for their new Lime Twist Cosmopolitan ave you ever fancied yourself as a cocktail connoisseur? If the answer is yes, then this zesty lime twist on the classic Cosmpolitan cocktail will get those taste buds zinging...

Lime Twist Cosmopolitan

(serves 4)

Ingredients 160ml Absolut Vodka 10g freshly chopped lemongrass 10g fresh ginger – grated 35ml Triple sec 1 pink grapefruit 2 limes 50ml cranberry juice 50g caster sugar 100ml water Peel of a citrus fruit to garnish

METHOD The day before; 1 Add 10g chopped fresh lemongrass and 10g fine grated fresh ginger to 160ml Absolut vodka 2 Leave to infuse in the fridge for 24 hours and then strain off solids with a tea strainer 3 Make light sugar syrup: use 50ml of hot water and 50g white sugar – stir to dissolve and cool in the fridge To prepare: 1 Press 1/2 pink grapefruit – you will need 50ml fresh strained juice 2 Press 2 limes – you will need 50ml fresh strained juice 3 Measure out 150ml infused vodka 4 Measure out 75ml sugar syrup 5 Measure out 50ml cranberry juice 6 Measure out 50ml cold water 7 Blend all liquids together, stir to mix

To serve: Shake well with cubed ice and then fine strain into cocktail glasses. Garnish with peel of a citrus fruit such as lime, orange or lemon. n

32 Market Place, Salisbury, SP1 1TL; 01722 341871; www.gigglingsquid.com

Reader offer Exclusively for Salisbury Life readers, enjoy a

Complimentary bottle of wine at Giggling Squid Salisbury when dining in. Choose a house wine to enjoy alongside their new menu, launching 20th May 2019.

T’s and c’s: Only valid at Giggling Squid in Salisbury. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and cannot be exchanged for the cash value. One bottle of wine will be served per table.

Quote ‘Salisbury Life’, valid until 6th June 2019.

THE ARTS S N A P S H O T S O F S A L I S B U R Y ’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

ONE MOMENT PEACE Dr Rebecca Johnson has been campaigning non-violently for security, peace and justice for most of her life.

She spent five years living at the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp, campaigning against cruise missile deployments; drove aid trucks for women’s groups during the dissolution of Yugoslavia; has worked tirelessly with diplomats to ban nuclear testing and reduce nuclear threats around the world; and is the founding co-chair of ICAN, The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017.

With photos, songs and extracts from films, Rebecca will be in Salisbury to talk about her extraordinary career as part of the Festival of Ideas programme, within the Salisbury International Arts Festival. For more details, see page 26.

The ‘From Greenham to the Nobel Peace Prize’ event is on at 1pm on 1 June in the Salberg at Salisbury Playhouse; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

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What’s on 18 May – 16 June

Ballet Central will be performing at Salisbury Playhouse

exhibitions Until 19 May

Loud & Clear Three talents – Vincent Poole, Perish the Thought and Nicola Wallis – deliver a fabulous exhibition of mixed media artworks with collages, simple plays of geometry and the merging of graphics, fine art, and pop art.

Beaumont Gallery; www.beaumontgallery.co.uk

Until 21 May

PICTURE SALISBURY Arundells is the perfect setting for the Salisbury Group of Artists’ latest exhibition, which depicts the city and the surrounding countryside so loved by the former Arundells resident, and former PM, Sir Edward Heath.

11am-5pm; Arundells; www.salisburygroupofartists.co.uk

Until 8 June

REVIVAL An exhibition of Fiona Forbes with nearly 90 of her vibrant and impressionistic-style paintings in what is her first solo show in Wiltshire.

Fisherton Mill; Part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; www.fishertonmill.co.uk

Until 9 June

BETWEEN ORDER & CHAOS Jordi Raga Frances has spent more than a decade working on heritage restoration in different European countries At the moment his interests are widening towards the landscaping possibilities of sculpture, focussing on the ideas of integration between art, nature and architecture.

Messums Wiltshire; www.messumswiltshire.com

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Until 9 June

JOHN WALKER John Walker, who has been referred to as one of the standout abstract painters of the last 50 years, was one of the most influential and imitated painters working in the UK; he exhibited alongside Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, represented his country at the 1972 Biennale, had extensive survey shows at both the Tate and Hayward galleries and was short-listed for the first Turner Prize in 1984.

Messums Wiltshire; www.messumswiltshire.com

Until 15 September

PETER THURSBY: THE POWER OF LINE AND FORM Thursby is best known for abstract sculptures that challenged semiabstract and figurative work.

During his career, his work

evolved from brutal totemic forms to elegant and poised aluminium sculptures. Along with his preparatory sketches, the exhibition also includes a small number of sculptures.

The Salisbury Museum; www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

Until 29 September

Creative Wiltshire: A Celebration of Art in Wiltshire The aim of this exhibition is to continue to tell the story of Wiltshire’s creative community and showcase the best art this county has to offer, including the 1971 screenprint and collage by Joe Tilson, Let a Thousand Parks Bloom and work by the sculptor Patricia Volk.

The Salisbury Museum; www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

Until 29 November

THE BRUTAL BURMA CAMPAIGN

what’s on This exhibition commemorates the gallant part played by the two regiments in an often forgotten campaign three-quarters of a century ago. Three battalions of the Royal Berkshire Regiment and the Wiltshire Regiment fought in crucial battles which turned the tide of war against a seemingly invincible Japanese enemy in the brutal Burma campaign and saved India from invasion.

The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum; www.thewardrobe.org.uk

composition by BAFTA awardwinning Composer Dan Jones.

Salisbury Cathedral; part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

1 – 9 June

Until 30 November

STANDING BY MY DARLING’S SIDE Subtitled a Victorian experience of life, love and loss, this tells the story of Jinny Townsend, a resident of Mompesson House, who kept an almost daily diary from the age of 15 in 1859 until 1882, writing up to just a couple of months before her death, aged 38, providing a fascinating insight into Salisbury life in this era.

Mompesson House; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

18 – 27 May above: Mark Watson will be performing at the Salisbury Festival left and below: Olivia Clifton-Bligh’s Bee Speaker will be on display at the Wylye Valley Art Trail, as will David O’Connor,’s Pewsey Vale

WYLYE VALLEY ART TRAIL This, the 10th Wylye Valley Art Trail, is the largest and most exciting yet. There are 87 venues scattered across South Wiltshire, including Warminster, Westbury and Tisbury, presenting an eclectic patchwork of art and craft by over 390 exhibitors, ranging from awardwinning artists with international reputations, to those just starting out on their creative journeys. www.wvat.co.uk

18 May – 29 September

Augustus John: Drawn from Life This collection of art by Augustus John looks in detail at his work, particularly in the decades between the two World Wars.

At his peak, John’s reputation as one of the towering figures in British art was based upon his extraordinary talent, both as a draughtsman and portraitist, as well as his bohemian lifestyle.

Salisbury Museum; www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

25 May

GEOMETRY OF THE SMILE Anna Shuttlewood and Diliana Nikolova explore the ‘geometry laws’ of the smile in a paradoxical, amusing and cheerful way.

10.30am - 4.30pm; part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; Salisbury United Reformed Church; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Theatre/ Dance /Film

20 –25 May

NORTHANGER ABBEY The bookish and naïve Catherine Morland is taken to Bath by her aunt, where she encounters a social whirl in which the lower classes can mingle with the rich and fashionable.

Her imagination soon starts to get the better of her as she becomes embroiled in the manipulations of her new friends. £12; Studio Theatre; www.studiotheatre.org.uk

25 May

The Nature of Forgetting Tom is 55 today. As he dresses for his party, tangled threads of disappearing memories spark him into life, unravelling as a tale of friendship, love and guilt. Following a sell-out run at the 2017 London International Mime Festival, Latitude and the Edinburgh Fringe, this is a powerful, explosive and joyous piece about what is left when memory is gone.

2pm and 7.30pm; Salisbury Playhouse; Part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

26 May

Gaia The exhibition involves an installation, measuring seven metres in diameter, which features detailed NASA imagery of the earth’s surface.

This sculpture is presented with a specially made surround sound

Raices flamencas (flamenco roots) Raices Flamencas is a flamenco show in which you will discover the flamenco world across its different facets. A journey full of magic, along the different palos which composed the flamenco; from the traditional to the most contemporary.

7pm; The Chapel Night Club; part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

30 May

BALLET CENTRAL: MIXED BILL Young dance graduates on the

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What’s on cusp of their professional careers perform a varied programme of classical ballet and contemporary dance theatre including Christopher Marney’s Carousel Dances, inspired by the 1945 musical Carousel by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

7.30pm; Salisbury Playhouse; part of Salisbury International Arts Festival www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

1 – 2 June

zvizdal On the night of 26 April 1986, the failure of an atomic experiment and the subsequent explosion of one of the reactors at Chernobyl caused a drastic change in the lives of the people living in and around the city of Pripyat. About 90 towns and villages in a radius of 30km around the reactor were evacuated.

This multimedia experience is about a couple who refused to leave the fall-out zone from one of the world’s worst nuclear accidents, Chernobyl.

Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre; part of Salisbury International Arts Fesitval; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Music / Comedy Until 1 June

SALISBURY LIVE Weekends of free live music all over the city with performances from local bands and national talent including Subgiant, Sisteray, Break Cover, and Davey Jones’ Locker. www.facebook.com/SalisburyLiveEvents

24 May

Earthrise Alec Roth’s beautiful choral work is inspired by the iconic picture of the Earth from lunar orbit. The performance will feature the massed voices of the Festival Chorus under the musical direction of Howard Moody.

7pm and 9pm; Salisbury Cathedral; part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

30 May

Mark Watson Inspired by the mostly alarming state of the world his children are growing up in, and a genuine, urgent desire to do something about it, this show is about empathy; expect notoriously high joke-and-rant-per-minute rate.

8.30pm; Salisbury Playhouse; part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

FAMILY FUN 24 May

Moon Songs School children from across the city will raise their voices to herald the start of the festival in a programme including the world premiere of Moon Songs, especially written for the festival by guest director Jonathan Dove and writer Alasdair Middleton.

1.30pm-2.30pm; Salisbury Cathedral; part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

26 May

LIVE@THE FARM Music from One Step Behind, the Madness tribute band, and Swedish pretenders, Abba’s Angels, are just part of the Salisbury Live farm fun with food stalls and children’s entertainment.

3pm-10pm;River Bourne Community Farm; www.riverbournecommunityfarm.org.uk

27 – 31 May

Craft activities Fabric printing, making 3D robots, clay modelling and more. These sessions are aimed at a variety of ages and hope to encourage everyone to get creative.

Salisbury museum; www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

25 May

TIM KLIPHUIS TRIO Internationally renowned legends, the Tim Kliphuis Trio (Tim Kliphuis, violin, Nigel Clark, guitar, Roy Percy, bass) perform their stunning musical blend of gypsy jazz, classical and folk music – delivered with astonishing finesse.

8pm; in the Main Space at Salisbury Arts Centre; part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

24 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

top:

Ballet Central ‘House of Birds’ are performing in the Salisbury Festival; middle: John Walker’s art can be seen at Messums Wiltshire; bottom: Geometry of the Smile is on at Salisbury United Reformed Church

28 May

The noise next door: all at sea Touted as the next big thing in British comedy, the UK’s premier improv comedy troupe present their shiny new family show. Sell-out veterans of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and one of the country’s most sought after comedy club headliners, The Noise Next Door leave audiences everywhere in awe of their lightning-quick wit and totally original comedic talents.

11am and 2pm; In The Salberg at Salisbury Playhouse; part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

31 May

Baby disco dance hall Designed as a disco for children under five and their parents/ carers, Australian DJ Monski Mouse spins the discs to bring high energy fun and smiles as head and shoulders, knees and toes bop along a combination of fun retro dance tracks and funky nursery rhymes.

11am and 2pm; In The Salberg at Salisbury Playhouse; part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

other 31 May

mary portas in conversation: the work like a woman tour Retail expert, business woman and ‘Queen of Shops’ will be discussing her life, her career, and her new book Work Like a Woman. Drawing on decades of business experience, it’s packed with top tips, honest advice and lively tales from a woman on a mission to make the world of work a better place, for everyone.

Salisbury Playhouse; part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

31 May – 2 June

VINTAGE NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL Vintage cars, fun fashion, dance tents, cocktail bars and traditional children’s entertainment, this is a festival for all ages. www.vintagenostalgiafestival.co.uk

14 – 15 June

Beerex The annual festival is back; Expect live music on the outdoor stage, foot stalls and lots of delicious beer and cider.

Times vary; Salisbury Arts Centre; Part of Salisbury International Arts Festival; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

SEVEN DEADLY SINS

MARK AUSTIN: ON THE FRONT LINE For over 30 years Mark Austin has been a familiar sight on our TV screens, covering the biggest stories at home and abroad for ITV News and Sky News.

As a foreign correspondent and anchorman he has witnessed, first-hand, some of the most significant events of our times. In conversation with LBC presenter Matthew Stadlen, Mark will share the often extraordinary experiences of a life on the frontline at Salisbury Playhouse on 7 June LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after today?

I’ve just met her. Her name is Aldabra and I am in love if not lust. She, or rather it, is one of the largest and most pristine coral atolls in the world and it is truly breathtaking. With giant tortoises, turtles and sharks it is a haven of wildlife in the Indian Ocean. She is hard to reach. We had to fly two hours and sail 28 hours to get there. But she’s worth it!

GREED: What should you really be cutting down on?

Cheese. I eat far too much of it but I love it.

The softer and the stronger the better. There is a British chesse called Stinking Bishop and I highly recommend it. I am pretty sure my cholesterol levels are off the charts.

GLUTTONY: What one thing would you happily eat or drink until you burst?

Red burgundy. I drink way too much of it but I adore it. There are many very good New World Pinot Noirs but I still think the top French Burgundies are the best. I cellared a lot while travelling abroad as a foreign correspondent and much of it is drinking perfectly now.

SLOTH: What should you be putting your back into right now?

Two things. I should be promoting my book (And Thank You For Watching, Atlantic Books) but I have been a bit lazy. My dad pushed me to write and I finished it just before he passed

away a few months ago. He couldn’t read it by then which broke my heart. The other thing is I should be working on my golf swing.

WRATH: What or who makes you angry?

What most makes me angry is governments who make promises and make a noise about doing something and then fail to deliver or manipulate budgets and resources. I am thinking particularly of children’s mental health. Successive governments have promised much but seldom delivered. It is a disgrace that we treat mental health with such contempt in this country.

ENVY: Who are you jealous of ?

Right now, Tiger Woods. He has made a lot of mistakes in his life but to do what he has just done... win the Masters 14 years after his last one is a monumental achievement. He has such natural talent that even if I had one iota of it I would be thrilled.

PRIDE: What to date has been your proudest achievement or moment?

I think it would have to be my daughters and son. They all had their trials, tribulations and tattoos! But they are turning into successful, caring, funny young people and it is a joy to watch.

For more: Mark Austin will be at the Main House, Salisbury Playhouse on 7 June at 7.30pm; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

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Festival fiesta

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Wiltshire Creative’s artistic director Gareth Machin tells us why this year’s Salisbury International Arts Festival is cause for joy

s you read this, the 2019 Salisbury International Arts Festival is either just about to start or has just started. Last year there was no festival due to the merger of Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury International Arts Festival and Salisbury Arts Centre – now all part of Wiltshire Creative. As you, the residents of Salisbury will know, last year was also the year of the novichok incident, events which had a devastating impact on the city and its people; perhaps more reason than ever for the city to come together to celebrate all that is good about Salisbury and its arts scene.

“The 2019 festival comes at a time when the city of Salisbury is continuing to recover from the effects of the poisoning incidents here last year,” says Gareth Machin.

“Culture and the arts in general are helping lead that recovery and are playing a vital role in offering shared experiences for our communities.”

The festival first blazed into life in 1973 Rachael Young bringing a plethora of artistic options to the is performing in city ensuring that, for two weeks every year, Nightclubbing the buildings, streets and open spaces of the city would be alive with creativity and artistic excellence.

school children beneath Gaia in Salisbury Cathedral, and Vertue, a setting of words by George Herbert performed by acapella favourites Voces8.

“There’s even an opportunity for Jonathan to let his hair down when he teams up with opera singer Simon Butteriss for their Comedy Songbook.”

Music

With Gaia as a stunning backdrop, events in the Cathedral will include the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra playing Holst’s The Planets; Harriet Mackenzie leading a glorious, nature-inspired concert with the London Chamber Orchestra including Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending; and the Festival Chorus with La Folia musicians and conductor Howard Moody performing Alec Roth’s beautiful choral work Earthrise.

Other music includes the internationally renowned Tim Kliphius Trio with their infectious blend of gypsy, jazz and classical; folk singer Grace Petrie’s unique take on life, love and politics and Radio 2’s Clare Teal making a welcome return. Salisbury Live also returns with great live music for free in Salisbury’s pubs and clubs.

For 2019 the festival marks two global anniversaries which changed our perceptions and experiences of the world – the 1969 moon landings and the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall.

“Central to the festival is a dramatic installation inside Salisbury Cathedral,” says Gareth.

“Luke Jerram’s Gaia is a huge, seven-metre wide sculpture featuring detailed NASA imagery of the earth’s surface which will be displayed under the spire crossing in the Cathedral for the duration of the festival.”

“Several of guest director Jonathan Dove’s work swill be performed during the festival, including two new commissions: Moon Songs, with words by Alasdair Middleton, which will be performed by hundreds of Wiltshire

26 I salisbury LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Festival of Ideas

© Marcus Hessenberg

this year’s festival

The central weekend of the festival will see a new Festival of Ideas, a programme of discussion and debate about the fragility of our planet. Our Fragile Home: A Festival of Ideas is curated by Dr Rebecca Johnson, long-time peace campaigner (see page 21 for more).

Speakers will include leading climatologist Chris Rapley; best-selling author Tim Marshall; and deputy leader of the Green Party Amelia Womack asking what would happen to the shape of parliament if the voting age was lowered to 16.

Unusual venues

Unusual locations for festival events include Zizzi’s Italian restaurant in Salisbury for a Binaural Dinner Date; a pop-up city centre secret location for Collisions, a virtual reality journey

arts

The festival marks two global anniversaries - the moon landings and the fall of the Berlin Wall�

Newtons Ladder, part of City Encounters

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arts

Gaia at Natural History Museum in 2018

into the homeland of a remote tribe in Western Australia whose first experience of the developed world was witnessing an atomic test in the 1960s; Five Rivers Leisure Centre for Zvizdal, a multimedia performance about a real life couple who refused to leave Chernobyl; and The Chapel nightclub for an evening of flamenco music and dance.

Spoken word

Book and spoken word events will see visits from David Lammy MP, international cricketer Vic Marks, former Guardian editor-in-chief Alan Rusbridger and news anchor Mark Austin. Other names speaking at the festival include authors Victoria Hislop, Minette Walters and Alison Weir as well as naturalist Stephen Moss and retail champion Mary Portas.

Theatre

Theatre includes the return of The Lord Chamberlain’s Men with A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed outdoors in the Cathedral Close, following their performances of A Comedy of Errors in 2017, and Theatre Re bring The Nature of Forgetting, a powerful and joyous performance about what is left when memory is gone. Meanwhile, award-winning artist Rachael Young (as seen on our cover) is inspired by Grace Jones to imagine a different future for women of colour in Nightclubbing.

There is a full film programme throughout the 16 days reflecting the moon landing and Berlin Wall anniversaries, including The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, documentary Being Neil Armstrong, When the Wind Blows by Raymond Briggs, Dr Strangelove, Ryan Gosling in First Man, Ralph Fiennes in The White Crow and Judi Dench in Red Joan.

Comedy

One of the UK’s most beloved acts, and the undisputed masters of offthe-cuff comedy, Mark Watson delivers a stand-up show about all about empathy. Noise Next Door will transform audience suggestions into ferociously funny scenes in Remix, while also performing their shiny new family show All At Sea.

28 I salisbury LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Ballet Central: It’s a balancing act

© ASH Photogr aphy

Film

arts Retail queen Mary Portas

© Andrew Palmer

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men

Guest festival director Jonathan Dove on the classical highlights at Salisbury Festival 2019 A huge presence throughout the festival will be Luke Jerram’s Gaia in the Cathedral, inviting the question “What is it like to stand on the moon, and see the earth?” This question inspired Jonathan Dove Moon Songs, for massed children’s voices – the first music we will hear in the festival – and also resonates in Earthrise, a major choral work on the first day of the festival.

The moon shines through many concerts: Melvyn Tan plays Beethoven’s Moonlight sonata and Debussy’s Clair de Lune; we have a visit from Opera Della Luna; our fragile planet is reflected in Earth Moon and Sky; and our place in the cosmos is conjured up in Holst’s The Planets, our largest-scale classical concert this year.

I’ll be talking to the writer who met nine of the 12 astronauts who have ever stood on the moon; and improvising a piano accompaniment to the early Meliès classic Voyage a la Lune. I’ll be talking to conductor Mark Wigglesworth about the mysterious art of conducting; to Patrick Gale about his latest novel, which has music-making at its centre; and to Andreas Boyde about life as a child prodigy behind the Iron Curtain and what it meant to him when the Berlin Wall came down 30 years ago. I’ll also be accompanying my old friend Simon Butteriss in an evening of cabaret.

Salisbury is welcoming a wonderful array of stellar performers.

Kitty Whately and her family present an evening of songs and poems From the Pens of Women; celebrated tenor James Gilchrist joins the Sacconi Quartet in a concert reflecting political struggles past and present; Voces8 sing music through the ages, including a new festival commission; and on the last night of the festival, the Pavel Haas Quartet are joined by Boris Giltburg for Schubert’s evergreen Trout quintet.

Family

Celebrating Wiltshire Creative’s ongoing relationship with Bemerton Heath, Salisbury Festival will present a Family Fiesta at Bemerton Heath including performances, music and participatory arts activities. Other family events include literature and theatre, a disco for very young children and a beatboxing show.

Dance

Following sell-out performances in The Salberg last year, Old Kent Road take to the main stage of Salisbury Playhouse with their ground-breaking tap dance show Oscillate; Ballet Central presents a programme of classical ballet and contemporary dance; and Swing Circus will dazzle with worldclass circus skills that include the cyr wheel and acrobatic dance.

Visual art

The key festival exhibition is Insatiable Mind at Salisbury Arts Centre which explores the theme of curiosity with seven international artists shortlisted from 400 submissions. Salisbury International Arts Festival is also hosting a community graffiti project on panels to be displayed around the city.

City Encounters

As in previous years, the festival begins with two days of free theatre, music, dance and circus as City Encounters animates the streets of Salisbury. Performers include an explosive piece of colour and diversity from Stopgap Dance Company and an exhilarating aerial display from Newtons Ladder.

International arts

International work has always been central to the identity of the festival and we are delighted this year to be welcoming more than 350 artists to Salisbury and presenting work from countries including Spain, Belgium, Syria, Australia and the United States. n

Gareth Machin Wiltshire Creative’s creative artistic director; Salisbury International Arts Festival runs from 24 May to 9 June; For more, visit www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

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one to one

Jessica Johnson is no stranger to the play, having performed it before in Durham

30 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Play it again

Willy Russell’s acclaimed Educating Rita is coming to Salisbury Playhouse this June. We caught up with Stephen Tompkinson and Jessica Johnson to chat Liverpudlian accents, how to act ‘drunk’ and playing older roles

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chance meeting and a mutual love of Educating Rita was the spark for the major new production of the Willy Russell play which heads out on a national tour, coming to Salisbury Playhouse from 17-22 June.

Jessica Johnson will play Susan ‘Rita’ White, the Liverpudlian hairdresser aiming for a better life at the Open University, opposite Stephen Tompkinson as her frustrated professor Frank Bryant.

And it all came about after a serendipitous meeting between the two leads when both were performing at Live Theatre in Newcastle.

“We crossed paths and got chatting, and I just said to Stephen I thought he would make an amazing Frank” says Jessica.

“I had just done a short run of Educating Rita in Durham at the Gala Theatre, and was telling Stephen how I’d love to get a longer run at this incredible role.”

Stephen, 53, adds, “It transpired it’s a play we’ve both loved for many, many years. So I went away and re-read the play, which I had been reading since I was 15. In fact a school friend and I used to rehearse it in my dad’s garage together, but of course I was way too young for the role back then.

“But re-reading the play I realised I’m now the right age to play Frank which was a little bit scary to begin with!”

It led Stephen, who has been performing in the acclaimed production of Yasmina Reza’s Art on a national tour for the past year, to broach the idea of doing something with Educating Rita in future with Art’s producers,

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one to one

The playwright Willy Russell has been a central part of the rehearsal process

David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers.

David loved the idea – and brought together Jessica and Stephen for a performance of the play in a hotel room in Bath in front of playwright Willy Russell’s daughter Rachel.

“We had a rather nervous performance of the play in a hotel room, to see if there were any legs in it and fortunately we passed with flying colours.”

Now the duo will work with Pugh, Rogers and director Max Roberts on the new production, as well as with Willy Russell himself who has been heavily involved through the rehearsal process.

Stephen says, “We can’t believe how fortunate we’ve been that Willy still has such interest in a play that he wrote 40 years ago, and in this production. To have Willy there at every stage of rehearsal, that’s truly inspirational and what will hopefully make this production stand apart. It’s his play, so we couldn’t look for more inspiration than that.”

Jessica adds, “To get his insight in the room with us, it’s a real privilege. I’ve devoured all of his plays, so to get his insight in the character he wrote is incredible. He’s been a massive influence for so many generations.”

For Jessica, the character of Rita has particular resonance – as, like Rita, she also returned to university education as a mature student.

Jessica, 38, says, “I was 23, 24 when I went to university. For me, life kept getting in the way of university! Some people are ready for studying at different times. Education was not for me at 14, 15, but when I got to 23

32 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

I was ready for it.” Jessica also hailed the play a personal inspiration for her. She says, “From a very young age when I read Educating Rita, it gave me permission to aspire, to have the option of a different way of life.”

The new production will be set in the play’s original time of 1980, all within the confines of Frank’s study.

And while Jessica is from Sunderland, she will be taking on the Liverpudlian accent of Rita for the show.

“I realised I’m now the right age to play Frank which is a bit scary” She says, “I’m fine with the Liverpool accent, I don’t have a massive backlog of accents, but Liverpool I can do! It’s not dissimilar from my own accent, being from Sunderland, so it’s a similar heritage with Irish immigration and the docks. The rhythm and the delivery is the same.”

Meanwhile Stephen, who is known and loved across the nation for his time in longrunning TV dramas including Ballykissangel, Wild at Heart and DCI Banks, is relishing getting inside the head of Frank.

Stephen says, “Frank is terribly disappointed in life, he’s not been a great success at being a poet, he’s disappointed in the way the curriculum dictates how he teaches. There’s nothing of him in there, there’s no passion. So to meet this woman

with so much passion, he almost wants to run away. She offers him a little bit of a lifeline, and he’s doing the same for her. There is definitely an attraction for him.

“It’s a brilliantly written play, and a universal story of two lost souls, mismatched people in terms of character and background who meet at the right time to help each other in life.”

Jessica says, “It’s definitely a love story, they definitely care for each other, she loves him for giving her the opportunities.”

And how is Stephen preparing for some of the famous scenes in the play, including Frank’s drunken descent?

Stephen smiles, “I’m doing it by not drinking in real life! So it will definitely all be acting. He does drink a lot, and he’s been told to hide the obvious signs – he hides the bottles everywhere. He’s in a bit of decline.

It’s mapping the descent. It’s something I’m looking forward to, it will be a challenge.”

Stephen also believes audiences are in for a treat with the casting of Jessica as Rita – much as Julie Walters was when she made her movie debut in Educating Rita in 1983.

Stephen says, “Julie Walters wasn’t known to the majority of the audience then, and it was that surprise value that made it work, and I think Jess does that as well. As soon as I saw Jess on stage I knew there was a uniqueness she had, and I think it will be a beautiful surprise for the audience when Rita breezes into everybody’s life.”

Educating Rita is on from 17-22 June at Salisbury Playhouse; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

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Woman about town Noorie Parvez

© RUBY DEL ANEY’S PICTURE FACTORY

The big day When it comes to deciding what to wear for her son’s wedding, Noorie has decided to go bold

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pon receipt of my son’s wedding invitation, my thoughts immediately turned to panic. Even before I’d rung to congratulate the happy couple I’d become a ‘Monster-MoG’ (mother-of-the-groom).

Self-centred panic set in; of how to lose weight before said date, stressing with what ex-husband (or worse – his ten year’s younger partner) would think of my post-menopausal bloat. I flit between fear, exuberance and wondering why I’d still give a damn about what others might think; because after all it’s not my day. My sudden vanity astounds me. Weddings bring about all sorts of mixed emotions. In the twenty years post-divorce; ex and I have bumped into each other at four funerals.

This is our first wedding to navigate; our only child’s. It’s a comic film-script waiting to be written.

In haste I returned the wedding acceptance and menu card having enthusiastically ticked all of the dessert options. The thought of a big dollop of Eton mess or salted-caramel chocolate gateau after months of dieting became my raison d’etre. If I’m going to diet; there needs to be hope.

So what does one wear? I’m not some shrinking violet or a prim lady-in-lavender.

Blush pastels remind me of a 1970’s Walls

Neapolitan ice cream brick. (My sugar-denied brain can only dream of desserts).

I Skype call the bride and groom and in unison they instruct, “wear orange!” How does one wear a hat without making a faux pas on par with Princess Beatrice? Or perhaps a jaunty fascinator; (that doesn’t scream Vegas show girl or circus pony?) Another Skype call to the bride informs me that the bridal party will be sporting diamanté hair vines. (I had to Google those) And does one require an Ab-Fab ‘Patsy’ up-do to attach said vine to?

At 6ft 1” in heels; dark and Amazonian; I am the complete antithesis of the 5ft blonde bride. Upstaging isn’t the concern; it’s standing out like a sore thumb, dwarfing everyone and avoiding the assumption that I’ve been Tango-ed. Having spent a life of stooping at the back of photos; MoG status commands a front row position requiring good posture. I consider pistachio green. Another panic-driven Skype call to the couple ensues; they confirm “wear Oraaaange! It’s your colour!” (followed by my request to add an extra tier to their chocolate and raspberry wedding cake; just for me!) Some months later; after adopting a low carb Keto diet; I’m thankfully 18lb lighter.

“I flit between fear, exuberance and wondering why I’d still give a damn about what others might think” 34 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

A quick glance at Pinterest MoG boards; reassures me that many mums these days are opting for vibrant va-va-voom. And so with muddled MoG anxiety (it’s a thing) I arranged a consultation with local designer Leesa Miller at Millies Couture Bridal in Salisbury who immediately put me at ease. Leesa sketched while I pondered her vast selection of colour charts.

Raising concerns that I might end up looking like the dog’s dinner, she reassured me that she wouldn’t send me out there like that.

I opted for a longer length ensemble to hide swollen, arthritic knees. For thighs, bums and tums there’s now tummy sculpting Spanx (for a sleek, slim and streamline silhouette) replacing those panty girdles of yesteryear that gave you a roll of sausage fat resembling an extra pair of boobs spilling over the waistline.

Meticulous measuring ensued; resulting in a unique orange silk dress in ‘Firefly’, with a translucent orange organza dress coat shot through with iridescent fuchsia that fits beautifully, complimented with fuchsia shoes.

At my second fitting; Milliner Amy Money completed my ensemble with a striking hat; adorned with twigs of blossom. I sent the photos to my son; (who has no recollection of ever seeing me in a dress) and met with his immediate approval.

Modern parents are a far cry from comedian Les Dawson’s caricature of the controlling matriarchal mother-in-law. Visualising the comic pout of the old trout; I instantly dismiss initial thoughts of lip plumping for the occasion.

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Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 07.30 - 17.00 | Saturday: 09.00 - 17.00

01722 325306 | info@salisburytilestore.net | www.salisburytilestore.net Salisbury Tile Store, Unit 2 Faraday Centre, Faraday Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7NR Also at: Unit 5, The Enterprise Centre, William Road, Nursteed, Devizes, SN10 3EW

Tucked away just off the A303 in the beautiful village of Fonthill Bishop, The River Barn is the perfect place to come and enjoy a quick bite to eat to break up a long journey or relax in the gardens enjoying a long lazy lunch or dinner.

The River Barn, Fonthill Bishop, Salisbury SP3 5SF hello@riverbarn.co.uk  01747 356026

Good food, good people, good times The Cartwheel Inn is renowned by locals and visitors alike, for serving high-quality food with a modern twist, real ales, and a warm hospitality. We are family and dog-friendly and offer many outstanding facilities, such as a beautiful beer garden.

For bookings please contact

01725 518362

Opening hours

Thursday to Friday: 11am-3pm & 5pm-11pm

Saturday: 11am – 11pm

Sunday: 11am – 5pm

www.cartwheelinnwhitsbury.com | The Cartwheel Inn, Whitsbury, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 3PZ

f

The Great Outdoors With the arrival of gloriously long and warmer days, it’s time to dine al fresco. Here is our pick of some of the best outdoor foodies spots in and around Salisbury

Howard House Hotel offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and church spire

38 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

AL FRESCO DINING

“We have been creating our own foraged infusions in time for the summer”

L

eaving home without a coat, drinking Pimm’s, wearing open-toed shoes, the emergence of a freckle or two – these are all things we can start to enjoy at this time of year; the other, of course, is eating outside. Dining in the open air just makes everything a bit better, whether you’re trying to hit a romantic note on a date, have a joyous family get-together, or a boozy day with friends. And there’s no shortage of places to go locally; be it bang-in-town spots or idyllic rural countryside pubs. Here are some of the local eateries with outdoor spaces for you to enjoy.

When you want to go somewhere romantic…

Howard’s House Hotel & restaurant What’s it like?

Located in Teffont Evias, about 11 miles from Salisbury, Howard House Hotel is the epitome of a quintessentially English, picturepostcard location. The whole vibe is about rural relaxation; you’ll find a garden terrace that overlooks two acres of country gardens, including recently developed kitchen gardens.

What’s on the menu?

“Our kitchen gardens really come into their own in the summer, and the majority of our vegetables, fruit and herbs will be hand-picked by our chefs, who select the best ingredients just before they’re cooked,” says partner at Howard’s House Hotel Charlotte Greenwood.

“All our meats and fish are locally sourced, and one of the summer highlights is locallycaught Nadder Trout, which we cure and smoke ourselves. There’ll also be lots of lovely seafood on the menu and our South coast lobster and crab are particularly delicious with freshly picked veg and a lovely bottle of wine.”

Anything in the pipeline?

Yes, a Dad’s afternoon tea event for Father’s Day on 16 June and a rosé tasting event on 13 July. www.howardshousehotel.co.uk

When you want somewhere in town that is quiet…

Fisherton Mill What’s it like?

Set within a converted Victorian grain mill, The Gallery Café at Fisherton Mill is an independent café, soon to celebrate it’s 25th birthday. It’s all part of the Fisherton Mill Gallery and shop, meaning you can browse the art while you’re there.

What’s the outdoor bit like?

The south-facing courtyard garden is a good sun trap and is filled with plants, sculpture and garden ornaments from the gallery shop.

Just a stone’s throw from the city centre, the courtyard offers a lovely secluded spot to relax and enjoy a sunny al fresco lunch away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 39

AL FRESCO DINING

It’s that time of year when a glass of vino beckons

What’s on the menu?

“Our salads and open sandwiches are always popular on sunny days, with a side of marinated olives and a slice of our focaccia bread, baked daily here in the kitchen,” says managing director Deborah Fox. “There’s always our homemade cakes to tempt you and we’ve been told our ice creams are the best around!”

Anything to quench our thirst?

“Our limeade (made here from scratch, to chef-proprietor Michael Fox’s recipe) is a favourite in the summer with heaps of ice and a sprig of fresh mint, or try our fiery homemade ginger beer as the perfect accompaniment to a warm summer’s day,” says Deborah.

Browse the art, then stop for a cuppa and a bite to eat

Anything special?

It’s the only eatery in the city to be listed in the The Good Food Guide,” adds Deborah. “It is set within a quirky old building, full of character and original features, such as the cast iron pillars and wooden floors and it is full to the brim with unusual and unique pieces of art.” www.fishertonmill.co.uk

When you want somewhere that has something for everyone…

THE RIVER BARN

What’s the place like?

Based on the Fonthill Estate, in the village of Fonthill Bishop, The River Barn benefits from all the estate has to offer foodwise, whether that be fresh herbs from the kitchen garden or foraging onsite that brings in a diverse array of plant-based ingredients.

And the al fresco area?

Dappled shade or full-on sun: The River Barn has seating for all

There are a few areas where people can eat outside: the upper garden by the restaurant is a more comfortable dining area with cushioned seats, umbrellas and table service. In the evening they have rugs if it gets a little chilly.

The lower garden by the Fonthill Brook is more for families where children can paddle in the brook, play in the sandpit or just run round and explore.

During the day there is also some secluded seating in the kitchen garden where a coffee and cake can be enjoyed in peace and quiet apart from the occasional chicken clucking.

What’s on the menu?

There’s a daily brunch menu, fish of the day and summer salads, bar snacks and a sharing platter menu.

Dinner is a more refined fine dining menu, with a choice of starters, mains and puddings.

Any lovely summery drinks?

“Over the last nine months we have been creating our own foraged infusions in time for the summer, woodland martinis, elder sours and wild cherry Manhattan,” says Caroline

40 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Chic Parisian style, right in the heart of Salisbury

“Our homemade ginger beer is the perfect accompaniment to a warm summer’s day”

They do have normal seating at the River Barn too

Wilson, general manager.

“Our bar snacks and sharing platters will reflect and complement the weekly cocktails,” Any fun events?

Every Friday they have cocktail night from 6pm and they are launching a book club starting at the beginning of June which, weather permitting, will be held outside by the river with wine and nibbles. To celebrate turning one, they are also having a birthday party on 16 June with live music and food. www.riverbarn.co.uk

When you want a great beer garden…

The Cartwheel Inn What’s it all about?

Located in Whitsbury, just under 12 miles from Salisbury, this establishment is a proper family-and dog-friendly village pub, boasting a quirky history. The18th century building was once farm cottages, housed a wheelwright and a village bakery; in fact, you can still see the oven next to the bar. Behind the Cartwheel is Whitsbury Manor Stables, the former home of Desert Orchid, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Irish Grand National winner.

What’s on the menu?

Expect good pub food with a twist, plus plenty of veggie and vegan options.

“We have recently reopened after an extensive renovation,” says Paul Somerville, manager executive head chef.

“We have kept the feel of the pub but have managed to keep the character of the building,” wwwcartwheelinnwhitsbury.com

When you want to go French…

Côte

What does the restaurant offer?

All-day dining in surroundings inspired by the brasseries of Paris. Options ranging from monthly specials or a variety of starters and mains on the a la carte menu.

What’s the outdoor bit like?

Côte is right in the heart of Salisbury, making it a great spot for people watching, or soaking up the views of the Cathedral and surrounding Salisbury architecture.

What’s on the menu?

You’ll find French classics including Steak Frites, moules marinières, corn-fed chicken from rural Brittany and tuna niçoise;

Is it Italy? No, it’s the courtyard at The Grosvenor Arms in Shaftesbury

sweet treats include crème caramel or crème brûlee.

Any summery drinks?

“For the month of May a rhubarb martini is taking centre stage, created by blending rhubarb purée with gin, lemon juice and egg white and finished with delicate rose petals; perfect for those with a sweet tooth” says assistant general manager Camilla Maunsell. www.cote.co.uk

When you want to make a day of it…

The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury What’s the outdoor bit like?

The pub and hotel offer an outdoor seating area that sets up to 40 people. Expect a honeyed stone courtyard, which the hotel centres around, a stone fountain in the middle and the whole area edged with cool, greenery giving the feel of a Mediterranean hide-away.

What is there to eat?

“Head chef Jack Stoodley and his team showcase fantastic seasonal produce and have a strong network of local growers and producers,” says general manager Kirsty Schmidt.

“Highlights of the menu include: starters of Fowey mussels with cider, leeks, smoked bacon and wild garlic; mains of Cornish mackerel stuffed with crab, capers and lemon; salads with grilled chicken, quinoa, celeriac, curried oil and pine nuts. Freshly made pizzas from our wood-fired oven and local charcuterie are also available all day.”

Anything special about the venue?

As well as the restaurant, The Grosvenor Arms has 16 bedrooms should you want to stay the night. It also hosts regular live music events. n www.grosvenorarms.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 41

rock of ages SARAH MOOLLA discovers a world of Lulworth love on the Jurassic coastline

42 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

great escapes

I

t’s been a fractious few weeks, our teenagers are being very teenagery, work loads seem to have trebled (to the power of gazillion), the house has turned into a list of odd jobs that need doing, and we still haven’t managed to see that last episode of Fleabag. Like seriously, what kind of world are we living in where we can’t find the time to watch a half hour comedy? Even planning a night away sounds like a chore, such is our crabby and drained frame of mind.

However once we checked out the website of Limestone Hotel, a country house based in West Lulworth, we are in that car quicker than you can say Jurassic coastline. The journey is remarkably smooth, with clear, wide, lorry-free roads which goes some way to reducing our frown lines.

The hotel is easy to find, carved up high on an incline and looking out over the impressively pretty and traditional village below. But first we only have eyes for this Purbeckstone hotel that’s going to be home for a night. It’s a 10-bedroomed house that combines elegance and comfort, with a whisper of quirk. It’s chic little touches such as the emerald green velvet sofas, floral wellies by the barn-style front door, and pale pink open mouth eel water jugs, (which I have been obsessed with ever since – check them out on Etsy by searching for GlugGlugShop), that demonstrate a stylish cut above your average village stay.

This thoughtful and contemporary design is also evident in the bedroom; each one has a theme such as the Writer’s Room with desk, quill and ink; the Library Room with yes, books; there’s also the Boathouse Room, the Chocolate Room and the Lookout Room. What these superior rooms all have in common is a welcoming and plush vibe.

For example, instead of those dry, flavourless biscuits in cellophane, we find a slate piled high with plump, sweet strawberries dipped in dark chocolate, slabs of buttery homemade shortbread, and little jewels of juicy raspberries dusted with icing sugar. We demolish these in record time before we set off to explore – we need to stoke up our energy levels right?

Well, actually we didn’t really need to – our first venture is hardly intrepid with the hotel being just a ten minute

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 43

great escapes

stroll through the fishing village. Taking in the thatched roofs, rambling rose cottages, tea and scones cafés, proper pubs, and ice-cream-parlours along the way, we reach the white pebble beach shore of Lulworth Cove, and gasp.

The horseshoe loop of the blue bay, flanked by white cliffs and green hills, shimmers, shines and sparkles. It’s utterly stunning. We go back for an ice-cream to accompany us on our lingering loop around the bay.

Back at the hotel, it’s a delicious, fuss-free cocktail in the drawing room, and then dinner. The dining room feels small and opulent, deep teals marry with cerise pink and those pink eel jugs on every table, fuelling my love of them even further.

The service is efficient and friendly, the menu options straightforward.

First up is plump, soft medallions of pan seared Lyme Bay scallops.

The accompanying strands of bright green samphire add a succulent and satisfying burst of salty crunch, but I’m not sure this wonderful sea fresh combo needed the slightly overpowering spring ratatouille and basil pesto it also came with. The grilled silvery sardines however have found their perfect match with pickled shallot rings, parsley, caper salsa, and fresh lemon, all lending a Scandi roll-top herring nod to this fishy treat.

My main of grilled cod fillets on curried cauliflower purée, served with romanesco broccoli and sautéed potatoes, is a sophisticated and sexy version of fish’n’chips, curry sauce and mushy peas. My husband’s pan roasted

lamb fillet with grain mustard champ, sautéed spring greens and pine nuts with rosemary jus is a hefty and hearty affair. The braised lamb is maximum flavour, super soft and works beautifully with the creamy mash spiked with beads of mustard seed.

My iced-tea panna cotta with orange crisp top and a mound of tart raspberries is a delicate and almost refreshing end to dinner. But then I’m unable to resist trying my husband’s tasty option of the West Country cheeseboard which includes Dorset Blue Vinny and Salisbury’s Rosary goats cheese.

The next morning, following by a wonderful night’s sleep and stoked by a delicious English breakfast (packed with extra walking carbs), we head off to see the main attraction of Durdle Door. The walk is a muscle burning 2.5 miles with steady inclines, towers of steps, and loose gravel in parts, so do wear good shoes, and don’t rush. Stop, take a breather, and admire the spectacular, life-affirming views over the cove. As we climb over the brow, we are rewarded with the sight of that incredible limestone arch. There’s a whole fascinating geology to Durdle Door involving tectonic plates shifting, continents colliding, and that beautiful rock being destined to collapse one day, but as we sit on the beach and take in the majesty of the vista, our main thoughts are not about household trivia or tetchy teens, but instead, wow, what a world we live in. Like seriously. n

“The bright green samphire add a succulent and satisfying burst of salty crunch”

44 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

DINING AND STAY DETAILS Limestone Hotel & Restaurant, Main Road, West Lulworth, BH20 5RL; 01929 400252; w ww.limestonehotel.co.uk Opening hours 12pm-5pm for snack boards and drinks, 6pm-9pm for dinner Owned by Edward Wilkes and Daria Gordeeva-Wilkes and established in 2012 Chefs Alain Jean Berger and Kieren Button Type of food served contemporary British with many seafood specialities.

Almost everything on the menu is gluten free Covers 20 Starters £7.50 - £9.50 Mains £18.60 - £20.90 Desserts £5 - £8 Drinks choice: Local spirits, organic and local beers and handpicked wine list, including some local wines Disability access Limited due to the hotel being located on top of the hill Rooms prices start from £138

For a French dining experience in the heart of Salisbury, look no further than Côte Brasserie. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely breakfast, a casual dining experience or to celebrate a special occasion, our team look forward to welcoming you.

At Côte Brasserie we’ve been passionate about the food, drink and dining experiences we offer since the very first day we opened on the 16th August 2007. Côte Brasseries has been inspired by the brasseries of Paris and offer all-day dining, serving a wide range of authentic French classics made only from the highest-quality, fresh ingredients.

The brasserie is an establishment that is glamourous yet affordable; a perfect place for a date, a special occasion, a business lunch or just a quick steak and a glass of wine after a long day.

We have recently updated our vegetarian menu to include vegan options and now have a large gluten free menu. For the

little ones, we have a dedicated children’s menu available, with smaller sizes of Côte favourites. Perhaps they’d like a Ham and Gruyère Croque Monsieur, served with frites, or our Roast Chicken Breast with gratin potato and green beans? With lots of choices, it’s a menu guaranteed to put a smile on their faces.

Complimentary bottle of La Lande Blanc for Salisbury Life readers when ordering from the a la carte menu, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or set menu.

8 ST THOMAS SQUARE, SALISBURY, SP1 1BA Book at www.cote.co.uk/salisbury or call 01722 335 164

FA N TA ST I C E A R LY E V E N I N G M E N U !

5:30pm - 7pm

2 courses with wine

£15

WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON THE BASIC PHILOSOPHY OF PROVENANCE To us this means authenticity, assurance and rigorous attention to obtain the finest quality ingredients at source. This dedication ensures that every time you visit us, you experience the true essence of Italian life.

It’s food, it’s wine, it’s culture and most importantly the passion of our team.

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE OUTSIDE CATERING

To make a reservation call us on

01722 324 350

food & drink news The milk machine is moosic to our ears

throw THE NET With approximately 90 per cent of the world’s fish stocks being over-exploited, depleted or in recovery, new initiatives that aim for sustainability are a welcome idea.

One such scheme is the donation scheme with the National Lobster Hatchery, which New Forest restaurant The Bell Inn has just signed up to.

The campaign is part of a research and education charity, which aims to conserve the vulnerable lobster population, which supports fisheries and the wider marine environment. How do they do this? They raise baby lobsters through their early vulnerable life stages then release them back into the wild when their natural survival rates are greatly improved, giving mother nature a helping hand to deal with modern day pressures.

The donation scheme enables seafood suppliers, restaurateurs and customers to help the charity continue this vital conservation work. By simply adding an opt out donation of £1 to the ‘catch of the day,’ which The Bell Inn will match, customers will be enabling the release of baby lobsters back into the sea increasing the supply into our oceans for generations to come.

For more: www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk

There’s no need for this lobster to feel blue

BOTTLE IT

With headlines encouraging us to reduce our environmental impact it seems Salisbury and its surrounding areas are making strides – with the introduction of dispensing machines.

First up is Salisbury’s new water bottle re-fill station, which has now been installed in the Market Place. Members of the public on the go can now take their water bottles to the station and hydrate themselves with tap water.

Salisbury City Council has been working alongside Wessex Water to install the station with the hope that this will encourage the public to recycle their plastic bottles and reduce plastic waste in the city.

Elsewhere, Meggy Moo’s, a family-owned dairy farm based in North Dorset has installed a milk station in their farm shop. It dispenses two types of farm-fresh milk, giving the customer the choice of either whole or semi skimmed, fresh from the dairy, which they are able to transfer direct to their own reusable bottles.

“The vending machine enables our customers to purchase the freshest milk available, with real provenance and no food miles,” says Rachael Perrett of Meggy Moo’s.

“It provides more convenience and also helps to protect the environment by using a refillable bottle or container. We look forward to seeing how our customers embrace the new approach.”

For more: www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk; www.meggymoosdairy.co.uk

© Ale x Hyde

Coming up – one for the diary

46 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Join staff, volunteers, patients and supporters at Horatio’s Garden Salisbury on 9 June as the garden joins in with the brand new national event, the Fabulous Summer Tea Party.

The charity, which creates and cares for gardens in NHS spinal injury centres around the UK, is inviting people to the Salisbury garden for tea, sandwiches and an abundance of cake, plus live music.

There will also be a chance to buy plants, merchandise and crafts.

For more: www.horatiosgarden.org.uk

There are high hopes that the volunteers at Horatio’s Garden will win the biggest teapot in the land competition

recipe

Scorched goat cheese, soused beetroot, toasted hazelnuts, beetroot syrup This delicious concoction from Howard’s House Hotel is perfect for a light lunch or starter Serves 4 Ingredients 4 Crottin de Chavignol goat cheeses (approx 60g each) 50g hazelnuts 1-2 large beetroot For the beetroot syrup 150ml water 150ml white wine vinegar 150ml white wine 150g sugar 1 star anise 1 clove 1 sprig of thyme 1 clove garlic 6 white peppercorns

Method 1. Thinly slice the beetroot, ideally with a mandoline. Press a pastry cutter through the middle of the slices to create discs of equal size.

2. Gently heat all ingredients for the beetroot syrup in a saucepan until sugar dissolves.

Remove from heat. Drop in the beetroot slices,

and leave to cool.

3. Once cooled, strain the beetroot slices from the liquor. Heat the liquor and reduce by half – until thick and syrupy.

4. Toast the hazelnuts under a grill until golden brown.

5. Season the goat cheese with salt and pepper, then scorch with a blowtorch, or under a grill.

6. To assemble: arrange five beetroot discs on each plate. Place goat cheese on top.

Sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts and drizzle with beetroot syrup and rapeseed oil.

For more: www.howardshousehotel.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 47

DARREN

MACDONALD

FUNERAL DIRECTORS LIMITED

YOUR LOCAL FUNERAL DIRECTORS OFFICE AND CHAPEL OF REST Personal & friendly 24 hour service

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19:00 - Doors Open 19:30 - Performance Begins Formed in 2004, this East-Dorset-based singing ensemble enjoys nothing more than travelling around the beautiful Dorset countryside, singing in the delightful churches of Dorset and enjoying tea and cake afterwards!

With a varied range of singing styles from baroque and sacred pieces to complex folk arrangements, spirituals to fabulous arrangements of twentieth century songs; close harmony, A Cappella or with a piano accompaniment, Canzonetta will be performing in aid of the Salisbury Hospice Charity, on Saturday 6th July, in the South Transept of Salisbury Cathedral.

Tickets available online and from The Salisbury Hospice Charity and Martins the Newsagents in Blue Boar Row, Salisbury.

Delicious Indian street food in relaxed surroundings Enjoy Rasheed and Dipender’s exciting menus along with Chef Kumar’s 25 years of experience. Ever-changing menus made with locally sourced ingredients and fine craft ales.

90 Crane Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2QD 01722 329700 cafediwali.com

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

FOOTLOOSE This magnificent hybrid brogue-boot is the perfect choice for the gent who likes to combine a classic style, with a modest nod to contemporary fashion.

The Sanders Aintree boot comes with a calf leather upper, full leather lining, storm welt and a leather sole.

Sanders Aintree boot; £355; City Cobbler Salisbury, 9 Fish Row, Salisbury; www.britishshoecompany.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 49

NAVY BLUE BOW TIE, £12.50 If your dad is a blossoming hipster, this triumphant bow tie will surely go down a treat. Perfect for weddings and summer parties.

From The Hidden Flamingo; available to purchase online at www.etsy.com

DADDY COOL

PINSTRIPE HANDMADE LUXURY UMBRELLA, £110 Sick of broken brollies? Walk through town on rainy days full of pride as you hold this sophisticated rain shielder.

From The Artisan Studio at Fisherton Mill, 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury; www.theartisanstudio.uk

Father’s Day is on 16 June – treat your dad to one of these superb gifts

MCALSON BOXER SHORTS: NAVY/WHITE STRIPE WITH SAILING BOATS, £30 This charming pair of boxers are decorated with charming boats with fine details and the wind in their sails; stylish yet comfortable.

From Regent Tailoring, 73 New Street, Salisbury; www.regenttailoring.co.uk

INIS SEA MINERAL HAND WASH 300ML, £14.99 AND HAND LOTION 300ML, £16.99 Wake yourself up with a splash using these refreshing ocean-inspired smellies.

From Casa Fina, 62 High Street, Salisbury; www.casafinasalisbury.co.uk

50 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

NUTS AND BOLTS GIFT TIN, £5.50 Fed up of your dad’s bits and bobs spreading into the kitchen cutlery drawers? This jolly tin is the answer.

From The Sharp Practice, 2-8 Catherine Street, Salisbury; www.sharppracticetattoo.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE MUGS IN MATT BLACK, £18 These are a thing of beauty, no? Time for dad to boil the kettle, hunker down, and enjoy a hot beverage out of one of these gorgeous glaze mugs. Salisbury-based Marguerite’s work is wheelthrown and glazed with colours she mixes from scratch. She uses a mixture of unique rough clays to create textured, deeply pitted surfaces, reflecting our beautifully uneven, natural world.

From Marguerite Ceramics; available to purchase online at www.margueriteceramics.com

TOTE BAG, £6.99 + P&P Popping to the shops? Enter the fun 100 per cent cotton tote bag, with retro hi-fi decoration. Can be carried in the hand or on the shoulder and is machine washable.

From ButtercupBobbins; available to purchase online at www.etsy.com

CARDAMOM AND COCONUT CREAM SOAP, £10 Run your dad a bath now – for this is a warm, spicy and fresh exfoliating chunky soap made with lots of nourishing organic coconut cream and fine ground cardamom seeds that make a brilliant body polisher.

From Enchanted Plants Ltd, 6, The Commons Shaftesbury, Dorset; www.enchantedplants.co.uk

STANLEY CLASSIC BOTTLE, £42.95 Hiking with the family this summer? This leak-proof stainless steel one litre flask keeps drinks hot or cold for 24 hours, or iced for up to five days, and is dishwasher safe.

From Dinghams Cookshop, 28 Market Place, Salisbury; www.dinghams.co.uk

SET OF WORLD MAP COASTERS, £10.95 Father’s Day means a few drinks may be had. Add a touch of the international to the occasion with these world map coasters.

From Casa Fina, 62 High Street, Salisbury; www.casafinasalisbury.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 51

py You concentrate on your hap place...we’� concentrate on �e dentistry.

31st May, 1st & 2nd June 2019 Vintage Nostalgia at its best... ...Have you got your ticket?

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at THE dentist Salisbury.

Call us on 01722 413513 Beckett House, 4 Bridge Street, Salisbury SP1 2LX info@thedentistsalisbury.co.uk | www.thedentistsalisbury.co.uk

www.vintagenostalgiafestival.co.uk

Stockton Park, Stockton, Wiltshire BA12 0SP

health & Beauty

“Ten days on, my skin feels great and my crow’s feet have become less distinguished”

THE dentist also offers dermal fillers

A LITTLE LIFT Clare Macnaughton tries and tests Botox injections at THE dentist Salisbury

I

t was two years ago that I undertook my first Botox treatment and, to be honest, the wrinkle line in my forehead still hasn’t returned which is an indicator to me that the notion that Botox is preventative is an accurate assumption.

At 47 years old I do have a fairly robust daily skin treatment plan as I tone my face with witch hazel gel and then add a rich moisturiser on top.

Despite my disciplined facial routine, crow’s feet are creeping around my eyes and the wrinkles are beginning to set in.

I head over to the THE dentist on Salisbury’s Bridge Street. I hadn’t realised the city central practice was located in the heart of the recently proclaimed best place in Britain to live. The practice has a luxury feel and is very welcoming.

I am greeted by Pat who was giving me my treatment. Pat is a qualified dental practitioner.

Her initial training was in 2015 at ORIS

medical at the Royal College of Surgeons in London, and then later she completed Dr Bob Khanna’s course to improve her aesthetics skills. Part of the art of dentistry is giving injections and steady-handed Pat is a master of the art when it comes to Botox injections.

Botulinum Toxins injections are used as a preventative measure in younger patients who don’t have lines yet as it delays the onset of wrinkles, as well as a treatment for people with lines already formed. It preserves the skin and stops lines developing. It softens and temporarily freezes the muscles, which means the treated area will stay flat. If you can’t physically frown then, over time, the line will smooth out.

Each treatment lasts around four months, but the more frequently it is done the longer it can last. In addition to facial injections, THE dentist offers dermal filler treatments including lip fillers, which can last up to 12 months. To ensure a pain free experience Pat can give dental injections to help numb the

lips. This reduces the pain from the dermal filler injections. The brand of filler used is Juvederm, which includes Lignocaine, a local anaesthetic. This means after the first few injections of filler the procedure is pain free.

Botox can be also used to treat hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating) and is most commonly used in the underarm region and also palms, back, and hairline. The effects of this can last up to six months, sometimes longer. This treatment is also offered at THE dentist.

I am given 10 units across my forehead, and 15 in the centre of my frown, 3 x 10 units on either side of my eyes – the average dose is between 10-25 units. I’m asked to frown and raise my brows. As I do so Pat inserts the needle, and a tiny dose of Botox by Azzalure is inserted across six points of my forehead and in between my eyebrows and three points either side of my eyes. It is slightly stingy, but fast and sharp. Pat is light of hand and the pain is minimal and I don’t bruise at all.

Any bumps or marks caused by the injections disappear very quickly, less than a few hours of treatment.

I am advised to try to exercise my treated muscles a little for the first few hours after treatment (e.g. practice frowning, raising eyebrows and squinting). This helps the Azzalure work into my muscles. I refrain from severe facial expressions.

Following treatment I am advised to: not rub or massage treated areas for 48 hours afterwards; after washing treated areas, pat dry very gently with a soft towel; not to exercise, bend excessively or lie down for at least four hours; avoid wearing make-up for 12 hours and for a further two weeks, avoid beauty treatment on the face (i.e. facials, facial massage).

Azzalure normally takes an average of 2–3 days to start working, although the full effects may take a little longer. The speed of action depends on the strength of the muscles injected and your individual response.

Ten days on, my skin feels great and my crow’s feet have become less distinguished.

My eyebrows have slightly lifted and my face is glowing. If you are looking for a little lift then a visit to THE dentist Salisbury is highly recommended. n Anti-wrinkle injections start from £200; www.thedentistsalisbury.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 53

SCENE AC ROSS SA L ISBU RY, O N E SH I N D I G AT A T I M E John Glen MP with Alabaré mascot Roofus Wyvern School

Sue Ford and Kevin Lawrence with Boots and Buster

All smiles from the gang at Action on Addiction

BIG SLEEPERS Over 220 participants slept out at Salisbury Cathedral recently all in the name of local charity Alabaré.

The homeless charity hosted the event for the 13th time, which raises vital funds for their work with the homeless and vulnerable within the local community.

The event drew support from a number of local schools including Godolphin, Stonehenge and St. Joseph’s and once again there were plenty of dogs to accompany their owners as they again sought to

St. Joseph’s Catholic School

54 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Anna Peacock and Matt Gray

acknowledge the link between those who are forced to live on the streets and their canine companions.

“Alabaré is a fantastic local charity that does a massive amount of good work in supporting the homeless in Salisbury”, says John Glenn, MP for Salisbury.

“I think it’s really important that one day a year we focus on the challenge to look after those that find themselves in the difficult circumstances on the street in Salisbury so I’m glad to be here supporting the BIG Sleep.”

Pupils from Sherborne girls school

Nicki Vigor and Sue Gumbleton from Alabaré

Pamela Eggleton and Michael Eggleton Clare Newsome, Gareth Machin, Louise Dancy, Dr Rebecca Johnson and Jonathan Dove

Howard Meaden and Paula Hammond

Ben Thornton, Pauline Scott-Garrat, Eve Tytherleigh and Tom Clay Joe Nicholson, Allie Brown and Christopher Tidman

WE HAVE LIFT OFF

Sally Reed, Rachel Davies and Colin Reed

The 2019 Salisbury International Arts Festival recently held their launch party, with Gareth Machin, artistic director of Wiltshire Creative, and guest festival director Jonathan Dove announcing the programme. Running from 24 May to 9 June, the 16-day festival will mark two global anniversaries – the 1969 moon landings and the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall – with an ambitious mix of music, spoken word, film, dance, circus, theatre, comedy and family events.

Photos by Adrian Harris; www.adrianharrisphotography.co.uk

Rodney Parkinson and Sheila Trow

Karen Bosely and Lucy Rouse

Rosemary Watt, Gordon Watt and Tim Crarer

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 55

businessinsights s a l i s b u r y g et s s er i o u s Salisbury is definitely being put on the map

MARKET time The largest ever Salisbury tourism marketing campaign has been launched to demonstrate the Wiltshire city as the perfect place to visit.

This news comes after the much celebrated article in The Sunday Times which names Salisbury as the best place to live in the UK. VisitWiltshire’s £250k+ campaign hopes to drive additional visits throughout the early part of the 2019 season generating additional tourism visits and spend throughout the year.

The main focus of activity is the 45 year old domestic leisure visitor, but elements of the campaign will also be targeted at younger audiences and international visitors.

In addition, 100,000 copies of a new

inspirational fold-out map of the city, supported by 20 Salisbury tourism businesses and partners, will be distributed to target visitors within a twohour travel time.

Campaign messaging will encompass history and heritage, independent shopping, food and drink, events, arts, culture and festivals, activities and evening entertainment, and will highlight the range of accommodation options for visitors within and around the city.

“We know Salisbury is a fantastic place to visit and to enjoy a short break,” says VisitWiltshire’s marketing manager Fiona Errington.

“This campaign will provide the city with a high-profile national platform to showcase

all the positive things it has to offer visitors throughout the year.”

It will be promoted on VisitEngland’s and VisitBritain’s digital channels to reach national and international audiences as well as via VisitWiltshire e-newsletters to nearly 100,000 potential visitors.

The campaign is being funded by Salisbury tourism businesses and partners, VisitWiltshire, VisitEngland’s Discover England Fund, and supported by GREAT campaign activity being delivered by VisitBritain.

For more: www.visitsalisbury.co.uk

Laura is making a splash in Salisbury

LEGAL Q&A Batt Broadbent’s solicitor, Rachel Wilson talks us through lasting powers of attorney What are lasting powers of attorney?

Lasting power of attorney is a legal document made by you as the ‘donor’ which appoints one or more people you trust as ‘attorneys’ to help you manage your affairs or alternatively manage them for you, always acting in your best interests.

Do I need to put both documents in place?

You do not need to put both documents in place but doing so could give you peace of mind knowing that all eventualities are provided for.

The Health & Welfare document may have more significance for people who are suffering from a serious illness or approaching major surgery and who would like someone to speak on their behalf with legal authority to do so. Detailed instructions can be left as to the types of treatment you would or would not like to receive.

What is mental capacity?

Mental capacity is the ability to make a decision at the time it needs to be made. Mental capacity can fluctuate and it may be necessary for an assessment to be made by a medical professional before a lasting power of attorney is entered in to.

Can I appoint more than one attorney?

It is advisable to appoint more than one attorney so that if one attorney is unable to act, the other attorney can step in. You can appoint your attorneys to act jointly or severally so that they can act together or independently from one another.

You can also express the wish that your attorneys consult with one another before taking action on your behalf. Your attorneys should ideally be friends or family members who you trust to act in your best interests. Alternatively they could be professionals such as a solicitor or your bank.

When I have made the lasting power of attorney do my attorneys act immediately?

Lasting powers of attorney must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before they can be used. A lasting power of attorney for property and affairs can be used as soon as it has been registered, but only with your consent or if you have lost mental capacity. A lasting power of attorney for Health & Welfare can only be used if you have lost mental capacity. The documents can be revoked at any time by the donor (while they still have mental capacity) by applying to the OPG. For more: www.battbroadbent.co.uk

Taking the plunge Laura Skilton, who runs swim sessions in Salisbury, has rebranded her successful Baby Paddlers swim school this month launching as a national franchise programme.

Baby Paddlers – now known as Baby Squids – is a school for 0-4 year olds focussing on building children’s confidence and their love of the water.

“When I had my son Harry, I was frustrated at not being able to find swim classes that created a fun, and relaxed atmosphere and encouraged water confidence,” says Laura.

“So, following redundancy from my job I decided to set one up.”

“I’m so passionate about our business and the unique way we teach swimming. I’m so proud of what Baby Squids can offer parents, children and local communities.”

Currently Laura has 24 staff overseeing 188 classes per week across 19 swimming pools in Wiltshire, Hampshire and four other southern counties.

For more: www.babysquids.co.uk

Stepping Down Reverend John Proctor is to step down as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the local charity Alabaré. John founded Alabaré Christian Care & Support in 1991 alongside his wife Alicia after they befriended and offered a home to a series of people in crisis. The charity’s growth since opening now sees it support over 1,700 people each year and John received an OBE in 2016 for his ongoing committment to helping others.

“It has been an immense privilege to oversee the growth and development of Alabaré from its first home in 1996 to more than 80 homes in 2019 across the South West of England and throughout Wales,” says Reverend Proctor.

For more: www.alabare.co.uk

John Proctor with his wife Alicia at the Palace, all suited and booted

Park Life Salisbury residents and visitors have been asked to have their say on the future of The Maltings and Central Car Park, as Wiltshire Council opened a consultation on a draft masterplan for the redevelopment of the area.

All comments made during the consultation, which runs until 24 May, will be considered before a final version of the masterplan for The Maltings and Central Car Park is created and

Parking, everyone’s favourite hot topic

taken to Wiltshire Council’s Spatial Planning Committee for consideration.

If endorsed, the masterplan will provide a clear framework for how the site will be redeveloped over the coming years.

Pauline Church, cabinet member for economic development and south Wiltshire recovery says, “The Maltings and Central Car Park is an important space in the centre of Salisbury, and it’s vital that we involve the community in any future plans for development for the area.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in Salisbury’s future as a shopping, leisure and tourism destination to attend the public exhibition at Salisbury’s Guildhall to find out more, and respond to the consultation on the draft masterplan.”

For more: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-policy

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 57

Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away

Call Dan 01225 475800

PEOPLE My crazy family, husband and two sons are very supportive and my work fits in around my children which is very important

I, like so many others, am passionate about less waste. I love upcycling or repainting used furniture to give them a new lease of life but I have trouble letting go of my creations.

Sewing is a real passion of mine and I’m currently working with oil cloth so will hopefully be producing some beautiful bags.

MY DESK

Chocolate is my weakness but time with my family is very important to me as I love creating memories and I also enjoy a glass of fizz whenever we all get together.

WENDY ALLEN Photos by JOHN ROSE

W I love succulents and have started to grow them at home.

My favourite is aloe vera, I love their interesting structure and am fascinated with their healing properties. My house is full of them.

endy is part of a small family business called The Courtyard Marketplace at Wilton Shopping Village.

Wendy co-founded the business with her father Andrew Payne; they specialise in selling artisan foods and selling homemade gifts.

Wendy makes a lot of the arts and crafts herself, while also sourcing new and quirky products for the company. ■

My A5 pink book, it goes everywhere with me. It’s where I put down all my inspiration, thoughts and ideas. I also record orders and contacts so I’d be lost without it.

For more: www.wiltonshoppingvillage.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 59

REACH THE BEST IN THE WEST Local, active and influential and just a call away

Get in touch to be a part of Salisbury’s most stylish magazine. dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk | 01225 475804

The wise approach to lettings and property management

The Old School House, West Street, Wilton, SP2 0DG

01722 580059 www.piccoloproperty.co.uk piccoloproperty

property a pl ace to c all home

Manor House Join us on a virtual tour of this handsome country abode in Upton Lovell

By Josephine Wilde 62 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PROPERTY

T

here is always a wish list when purchasing a house. But, as anyone who has watched Location Location Location can attest to, you have to get smart, be ruthless, and remember the voice of Kirsty Allsopp who advises, nay demands, that house hunters whittle down that unrealistic wish list to the things you really really want because you simply can’t find everything in one property.

Well, Manor House may be the exception. That is, if you don’t mind the £2 million price tag.

The 18th century period house is located in the village of Upton Lovell, happily situated between Salisbury,16 miles away, and Warminster, six miles away, in the pretty and undulating down-land of the Wylye Valley. Its size, land and additional buildings (more of that later) make for a truly gorgeous family home.

Parking the sensible enquiries for a moment, we must focus on the do-a-cartwheel fun stuff first. Firstly, it has an indoor pool. Yes, the large pool comes with five sets of French windows that open onto a private, terraced area of the garden, his and hers changing rooms and showers and a boiler/plant room. Mural paintings dance on the walls of the pool area and there’s a ball hoop for games of water-basketball. Just imagine the pool parties.

For the green-fingered among you, the place is a gardener’s paradise; the Manor House has formal gardens (get the croquet set out pronto and invite the locals round for a drinks party on the lawn) which have been extensively

planted over the years. Think terraced lawns, gravel paths, and herbaceous borders surrounding and interspersed throughout, with a large variety of ornamental trees, shrubs, yew and box topiary including catalpa, holme oak, mulberry, hornbeam, copper beech, oak and chestnut.

There’s more: wild gardens where bluebells, cowslips, fritillaries and narcissi protrude freely; and a kitchen garden with raised vegetable beds and greenhouse.

Within the gardens there is a well-placed tennis court; this does require a bit of restoration in order to be playable so perfect for those who are in need of a summer project.

In all the gardens extend to a little over two acres, although further land is available by separate negotiation if you really want to spread your horticultural wings.

Within the garden is a large barn, ideal for those who work for themselves – perhaps a budding potter or novelist – as it has been divided in order to suit a number of purposes; one end has been converted into a comfortable home office, while there are two large areas that are used for garden and machinery storage, furthermore there is a large storage area on the first floor.

OK, so the nuts and bolts of the houses. The main house has six double bedrooms. On the first floor there is a lovely galleried landing, four bedrooms and two bathrooms; while on the second floor there are the two further bedrooms and a bathroom. The reception rooms include a drawing room, dining room and sitting room; all well-proportioned rooms. You’ll find carved open fireplaces in the sitting room, cornicing, wooden floors and

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 63

PROPERTY

a cantilevered staircase, while the spacious kitchen offers a dreamy four-oven Aga. Adjoining is a superb conservatory with doors out into the garden and extensive views and, like every good country abode, there is a large boot room and extensive wine cellar.

In fact, a comprehensive cellar network occupies the total footprint of the ground floor which is divided up into various different storage spaces and a wine vault.

If you love to entertain, the stand-out feature for you could be the single storey cottage attached to the main house. The reception hall and inner hallway lead to the rooms where you’ll find a living room with open fire, kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate loo. The cottage also has its own access, driveway parking, and private garden so perfect for having relatives over Christmas when you want to see them but need a bit of space from each other to maintain the notion of peace and harmony.

What about the area? The village of Upton Lovell has a pub, restaurant, and a church while the nearby village of Codford has a shop, petrol station, pub, church, primary school and even a theatre/cinema. Nearby Warminster has a Waitrose and there’s an abundance of good schools nearby. If outdoor pursuits are your thing, there is trout fishing on the River Wylye, local shooting spots, and racing and riding opportunities on your doorstep. And if you sporadically crave the hustle and bustle of town, you can hop on the train at Westbury, from where you’ll be in Paddington in a mere 79 minutes.

So, all things considered, I think you’ll find there’s not much here that is not on that unrealistic wish list. n

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House numbers Square footage of main house Bedrooms Bathrooms Guide price Gardens

8722 6 3 £2 million

2.09 acres (approx)

What else? An additional cottage, indoor pool, a barn with offices, a gated driveway For more: Savills, SaviIls Salisbury, Rolfes House, 60 Milford St, Salisbury SP1 2BP; www.savills.co.uk

office SPACE in Salisbury: Cross KeyS House Take an office for one person or a whole team, for a day, week, month or as many years as needed.

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Prominent, accessible location Range of office space Easy-to-book meeting rooms Business quality Wi-Fi – reliable Welcoming reception and admin support Good train links to London and south coast

Cross Keys House, 3rd Floor, 22 Queen Street, Salisbury, SP1 1EY | 01722 441440 www.regus.co.uk/office-space/united-kingdom/salisbury/salisbury-cross-key-house

Lives

“We did a tour of Germany featuring one gig in someone’s kitchen”

JOHN PROCTER As a founding member of the alternative band I, Ludicrous, John has enjoyed a colourful, if unconventional, life. Here he talks touring with The Fall, abandoned bicycles, and his love for Salisbury FC We moved to Salisbury in 2006. I wish I could say that, like

any successful rock musician,1 it was time to retire to a country pile in the shires. But being just a few miles from Sting’s house is the closest it’s going to get.

I was born in in 1957, the youngest of three and was

brought up on an unlikely council estate, built in the landscaped grounds of an old stately home near Epsom Downs. I cannot imagine a happier childhood.

I always wanted to be a pop star. It did not quite work out

as planned, but from the age of four I always had a guitar and had no other thought than to play in a group. Apart from a brief moment of seriousness when I wanted to be a pilot.

Growing up in the 60s and 70s when most young people should

have been obsessed with popular music, I was always surprised and disappointed that very few of my peers shared the same musical ambition.

My first favourite group was

The Shadows, then The Beatles came along so Hank Marvin and chums were dumped and I became a Beatles obsessive.

I, Ludicrous has never exactly toured, preferring to play the

odd one-off gig. But we have had “mini” tours with The Fall and latterly the Fat White Family, plus a four night tour of Germany featuring one gig in someone’s kitchen. Playing the big venues has been the most fun and oddly the least nerve-wracking.

I have an odd obsession with abandoned bicycles you know,

bikes that having been carefully

66 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

padlocked, have been damaged in some small way, but when the owner returns they seem to give up entirely on the bike, and there it lies, gradually becoming bent and twisted until it takes on an air of pathos or humour, making a great subject for a photograph.

These formed part of an exhibition at Waterstones in Salisbury in 2016, along with some photos of severely weathered telephone junction boxes.

Emma and I have been married for 29 years and

have two sons and a daughter all in their twenties. A while ago my daughter told me that I couldn’t be a proper rock star as she didn’t have a rock star’s daughter’s name. She has since been known as Echo BinkyBelle and is credited as such on our last album as she took one of the cover photos.

Despite having no sporting ability whatsoever I played

Eight-a-side football until the age of 60. I support Crystal Palace but in recent years have become obsessed with Salisbury FC. My hobbies include planning long rural walks that take

you off the beaten track; and sometimes I attempt them. My trail-blazing expedition to find a forgotten route from Salisbury to Stockbridge – avoiding roads – ended abruptly when I collapsed with exhaustion just outside Broughton.

When I was 14, as a passenger

in a small turbo-prop aeroplane flying over the Channel, I tugged wildly at the toilet door, only to look up and find it was the emergency exit. A big red handle it was.

Some minor celebrities I have met include Jools Holland and

Paula Yates. They swore at us a lot. I first met John Peel when we were booked to play a session on his show. I was working in an office in Soho at the time and strolled round to the BBC to arrange things, wearing my office suit and tie. He looked me up and down and said “hmm, not quite what I was expecting.” We seem to have come into contact with people who have something of a wild reputation, but who turn out to be nothing of the sort. Mark E. Smith was always warm and polite; the Fat White Family, lovable and remarkably knowledgeable about music.

And scary actor Keith Allen, with whom we made a pilot TV show that was never aired, a very friendly, unassuming chap.

A local exhibition I enjoyed was last summer’s nocturnal

townscapes by local artist Jane Walker at Noble Art Supplies in Salisbury. She paints the sort of pictures that I would love to be able to paint. But they save me the trouble of trying.

My desert island disc, having

narrowed it down to about a thousand, would be Rock ‘n’ Roll Man by The Heavy Metal Kids.

I would play it at full volume to alert passing shipping.

My biggest achievement,

aside from reaching number 11 in John Peel’s Festive Fifty in 1987, has been featuring in a crossword puzzle clue in the NME, and our music once accompanying a news item on Newsnight.

Tourists coming to the city

should visit Wyndham Arms for quiz night and many pints of Crop Circle. If it is a Tuesday and Salisbury FC are playing at home, then the football. n