The Visitor Magazine Issue 444 November 2020

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Your local independent monthly journal  01963 351256 www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Issue 444 November 2020

Your

FREE copy

Find out more about this wonderful new book on page 17

In Passing...

P

arking had long been a problem at Castle Cary station. On weekdays intending rail travellers needed to arrive bright and early to find a space in the car park which by 9.30am was usually full and overflowing. I’m told that much the same applied at Gillingham, Templecombe and Crewkerne stations on the line to Waterloo. Then in March the coronavirus pandemic brought about a change of seismic proportions – lockdown began, working from home became the rule for many, and the train-operating companies drastically reduced the services.

At the height of lockdown in April, national rail usage was just 4% of the equivalent weekly figure in 2019, and although passenger numbers increased during July and August they are still only around 35% of pre-pandemic levels.

Likewise road traffic in April fell to less than a quarter of that recorded in February but on ten days in August it had bounced back and exceeded pre-pandemic levels – not good for decarbonising our environment.

It’s clear from a glance at the car park and the trains passing through Castle Cary that business travel and commuting have not recovered to any great extent, which is hardly surprising. Although in July the Prime Minister was urging office employees to go back to work, in September he was urging them to return to working from home. Even so, by then the train-operating companies were running around 80% of the planned timetable so I made extensive use of trains in the autumn, visiting places as far afield as Cornwall, Herefordshire and the Welsh coast of Cardigan Bay. It seemed that most of the passengers were shoppers or school pupils or leisure travellers like me, and that for some remote places the railway remains a lifeline for many of the local residents. And national evidence suggests that returning passengers are taking longer regional, inter-urban and inter-city trains for leisure, not for business, and that many of them are ‘staycation’ holidaymakers taking short breaks or days out.

This apparent trend could benefit Visitorland but potential passengers need reassuring that rail travel doesn’t expose them to the virus. My trips on services run

by Great Western Railway, West Midlands Trains and Transport for Wales all went with no problems. No train was more than half-full so social distancing was easy, and staff sanitised door handles, buttons, tables and suchlike at regular intervals, so the risk of infection was minimal. And almost everyone was wearing some form of facecovering. The only down-sides were the lack of printed timetables (so internet access was essential for planning journeys), hardly any catering on stations and trains (I took my own sandwiches and drinks), and the price of the tickets and the car park at Cary station. In total I used almost 30 different trains, and all of them except one were on time, give or take a couple of minutes. I was impressed.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines December Issue published: Thursday 26th November Deadline: Monday 16th November

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk facebook.com/thevisitormagazine twitter.com/thevisitormag Editor Max Dunion Advertising/Features Editor Sara Danesh-Pour Managing Director Helen Dunion © The Visitor Ltd. 2020 (Items marked ©GT are the copyright of Geoff Thompson)

CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED ‑ 38 ANTIQUES ‑ 24 BOOK REVIEW ‑ 12 CASTLE CARY ‑ 14 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE ‑ 20 CROSSWORD ‑ 38 FESTIVE MENUS & VENUES ‑ 28 GARDENING ‑ 32 HOUSE & HOME ‑ 26 LEISURE ‑ 12 LOOKING GOOD ‑ 11 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES ‑ 4 MOTORING ‑ 13 PHONE‑A‑FIRM ‑ 36

NOTE TO ADVERTISERS

Advertisements are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions as printed on our rate card, available upon request.

We cannot guarantee any specific page or position, but will always do our best to comply with clients’ wishes. The views expressed in articles & letters contributed to this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

PUBS ‑ 30 REMEMBER WHEN ‑ 36 STREET ‑ 22 SUDOKU ‑ 12 THEY SAY ‑ 31 WINE & DINE ‑ 25

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR November 2020 3

Mentioned in

Watercolour and Acrylic.

A new online booking system (Ticket Source) is in place and they invite you to browse what is available on their website www.sherborneartslink.org.uk.

Dispatches ArtsLink classes are back!

ARTSLINK SHERBORNE are delighted to announce that their classes are back and available to book online. Hang out the flags and sing happy tunes! After the enforced period of quiet they are thrilled to let you know that their art courses are restarting.

Great care has been taken to ensure that all face-to-face activities follow the latest Government guidelines to ensure that they are all Covid-19 Secure.

Details of what this means and how classes will look are available on the website and included in each course information sheet.

Artslink want to reassure you that they are committed to doing their part to reduce risk for everyone whilst delivering an activity for you to enjoy.

Artslink have worked closely with returning tutors, Alex Cree, James Budden, Laura Jolliffe and Charlie Baird in planning this term and offer a range of courses including Life Drawing, Oils,

Two Brushes by Artslink tutor Alex Cree.

Art for Memory and Art for Parent groups have started meeting again. These groups have been particularly affected by the lack of opportunities to meet with others, to socialise and to undertake stimulating activities which supports their lives.

Artslink are delighted that four weekly groups are now back up and running.

Parkinson's Dance classes restarted on Thursday 15th October and are delivered every week via live Zoom classes to support

balance, movement and wellbeing. A physical class will be restarted as soon as it is possible to do so.

The National Lottery, who fund these projects, has been really supportive throughout this challenging time and enabled Artslink to continue supporting the people from these groups through the period of no face to face meetings via other means.

While adapting to necessary new procedures the office will remain closed to the Public and booking is via the website/Ticket Source only.

Helen, Jennie and Kate continue to work mainly from home. If you need them please contact them by email: Helen: office@sherborneartslink.org.uk, Jennie: takepart@sherbornearts link.org.uk or Kate: artslinkfizz @gmail.com. If you wish to speak to them please provide a phone number and they will ring you.

If you wish to support ArtsLink with a donation there is an opportunity to do so when making a booking or via the Just Donate button on the website.

South Somerset District Council celebrates as three parks and green spaces win Green Flag Award

South Somerset District Council are thrilled to announce that Chard Reservoir, Ham Hill Country Park and Yeovil Country Park have all retained their Green Flag Award in what has been a record-breaking year as more than 2,000 green spaces across the country get international quality mark.

If this year has taught us anything, it’s how much we love and value our parks and green spaces. Today, parks and green spaces across the country will be raising their Green Flag Award with pride in a year when millions of us have seen the value of having great quality green spaces on our doorstep.

Proudly among them will be our own Chard Reservoir, Ham Hill Country Park and Yeovil Country Park, who have all successfully retained the Green Flag Award accreditation which is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under

St. JOHNS’ HOUSE Half Moon Street, Sherborne

St Johns’ House stands at the entrance to Sherborne Abbey Close, set within the courtyard and gardens of the original Almshouse.

St. Johns’ offers one of the most historically interesting and comfortable Independent Living homes in the area, with a chance to live close to shops, facilities and places of interest.

We offer an opportunity to enjoy new friendships in a safe, warm and manageable home.

All of our rooms are ensuite and unfurnished for residents to make it their own home. Within the Monthly Maintenance Contribution are all meals, housekeeping, laundry and other essentials.

With some current room availability, we are able to invite prospective residents to view the facilities and chat to a member of our management team.

Just give us a call or email for more information.

Tel: 01935 813245 Email: stjohnsalmshouse@hotmail.co.uk www.stjohnshouse.org • Registered charity No. 202499 4 THE VISITOR November 2020

Ham Hill, Somerset retains its Green Flag Award.

Care Home, Yeovil • 24hr personal care • Own ensuite basin & toilet • Large accessible gardens • Medication managed if required • Full social activities programme

Call SANDRA BARCLAY, Manager on 01935 472793 for an informal chat 60 West Coker Road, Yeovil BA20 2JA email: info@beechwoodcarehome.co.uk • www.beechwoodcarehome.co.uk

Mentioned in

Dispatches licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Commenting on South Somerset District Council’s three winning parks, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison OgdenNewton OBE said: ‘This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

‘It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, South Somerset District Council has achieved the highest international standards at Chard Reservoir, Ham Hill Country Park and Yeovil Country Park’

Sherborne House, ripe for restoration.

New Chapter for Sherborne House

Sherborne House Trust 2018 has submitted a planning application to restore the magnificent Grade One Georgian building to its former glory after many months of hard work behind the scenes.

The house has been largely empty since the closure of the Lord Digby’s School for Girls in 1992, with a huge amount of restoration work to be done before it can open its doors to the public.

There has been no realistic prospect of refurbishment until now.

The Trust is seeking to

transform the building into an events and art exhibition venue.

Featuring a café and restaurant, the building is also set to include flexible office space, artists’ studios and artisan workshops, whilst a contemporary multifunction rear extension has also been proposed.

Not only will the Trust’s restoration provide the town with a fantastic facility, but it will also secure the long-term financial viability of the house.

Since November 2018, the Trust has been liaising with Historic England and Dorset Council to secure their support

for the proposals.

It has also been engaging with prospective business partners on the hospitality and events side and it is hoped Dorset Visual Arts, the organiser of Dorset Arts Weeks, will have its home there.

The Trust has put together an experienced professional team, including Dorset based SPASE Design (architects) and Forum Heritage Services (heritage impact assessment), Keystone Historic Buildings Consultants (historic building survey) and accredited conservation engineers, Mann Williams and QODA, to ensure the restoration work is carried out sympathetically.

THE BUTTERCROSS TEAROOMS

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THE VISITOR November 2020 5

ANDREW BARCLAY TRADITIONAL FAMILY BUTCHERS 45 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU Tel: 01963 34880 • Email: andrewbarclaybutchers@gmail.com www.andrewbarclaybutcher.com

SELLING QUALITY LOCALLY SOURCED MEAT, POULTRY & GAME AT COMPETITIVE PRICES WE WILL BE ACCEPTING CHRISTMAS ORDERS FROM THE 1ST NOVEMBER 2020 SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS HALF LAMBS ONLY £79 CUT TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS PORK SHOULDER STEAKS £4.99/KG  Buy 3 Get 1 Free  SPECIAL OFFERS ALWAYS AVAILABLE TRAY OF 30 FREE RANGE EGGS ONLY £5.60 WE ALSO STOCK A VARIETY OF FINE LOCAL CHEESES, HOMEMADE CAKES, DESSERTS, PIES, PASTIES, SCOTCH EGGS, MILK, CREAM, EGGS, MERE FISH FARM PRODUCTS, COOKED MEATS, A SELECTION OF DRY & SWEET BISCUITS & CONDIMENTS ORDERS TAKEN FOR OUR MEAT AT NORTH CADBURY VILLAGE SHOP  DAILY DELIVERIES TO THE SURROUNDING AREA   HOG ROAST SERVICE AVAILABLE  We accept all major Credit/Debit Cards

Mentioned in

Dispatches More than 50 artists and makers to feature at new Artisans’ Bazaar

Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorchester, is to be transformed into The Artisans’ Bazaar in the six weeks running up to Christmas, featuring over 50 curated displays of eye-catching artwork, jewellery, sculpture, pottery and more.

More than 50 artists and makers, many of them from the Dorset area, will have their work displayed at the Sculpture Park SPACE from 7th November to 23rd December 2020 at the free event.

Suzette Knight Ceramics.

Visitors will be able to explore unique and beautiful creations across a range of artistic mediums and techniques, from glasswork to pottery, painting to textiles, wood carving to weaving, leatherwork to jewellery making.

Exhibitors include Suzette Knight and her ‘hand built’ ceramics, Sharon Boon, who turns ‘shoreline treasures’ collected on local beaches into artworks, printmaker Paul Cleden, silverwear designer Karina Gill and Claire Richards with her raffia craft creations, to name just a few.

And to complete the experience, on-site gallery space, The Gallery by the Lakes, is set to be turned into a sumptuous palace filled with colour and enticing aromas.

The park’s café will also be open during the event, so visitors can combine the experience with a coffee or a lunch.

Simon Gudgeon, sculptor and owner of Sculpture by the Lakes, said: ‘The Artisans’ Bazaar will be a pleasure to explore and a truly unique Christmas shopping experience with a wealth of artefacts and artworks on sale.

Rather than the same old massproduced stuff, shoppers at this event will take home some very special gifts to be treasured.’

Designer Karina Gill at work.

The event is being organised

by Simon and Monique Gudgeon, owners of Sculpture by the Lakes.

The park, near Dorchester, features over 30 of Simon’s very own internationally-recognised sculptures, set in spectacular gardens maintained by his wife Monique and a team of gardeners.

The Artisans’ Bazaar at Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorchester, runs from 7th November to 23rd December, except Sundays and Mondays.

In accordance with Covid-19 rules face masks must be worn by all visitors to the Artisans’ Bazaar and numbers at any one

time will be limited in order to support social distancing.

To find out more about the Artisans’ Bazaar, visit: www. sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/ artisans-bazaar or to book tickets visit: www.sculpturebythelakes .co.uk.

Cu Designs.

THE VISITOR November 2020 7

Mentioned in Photo: BNPS.

Dispatches Short Back and Sides for Hedge Maze A team of gardeners are close to completing one of the biggest jobs in horticulture; cutting the giant hedge maze at Longleat.

Made up of more than 16,000 English yew trees, with 2.8kms of pathways and covering an area of 0.6 hectares, the Wiltshire maze is one of the largest in the world. It takes a team of six gardeners around eight weeks to complete the clipping process. As the hedges are more than two metres tall, they use a mix of ladders and platforms to reach the top sections.

Mendip upgrade makes Recycle More possible Aerial view of Longleat Hedge Maze.

Head Gardener Jules Curtis said: ‘It's got to be one of the biggest jobs in horticulture. We do two main cuts a year - one in the spring and one in the autumn.

‘There’s a team of six of us and part of the reason it takes so long is we can only have access when the maze is closed to the visitors.

‘At this time of year we tend to just neaten up the sides, which

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8 THE VISITOR November 2020

may have been damaged by the passage of visitors, as well as cut the top to make sure it’s a uniform height throughout,’ he added.

The Maze was commissioned by the 7th Marquess of Bath and designed by Greg Bright. It was laid out in 1975 and is planted entirely of English yew (Taxus baccata). Although the performance of visitors accepting the challenge varies greatly, the normal time taken to complete the journey is anything from 15 minutes to an hour.

An upgraded depot that will help transform recycling in Somerset was formally opened in October.

New baling machines, more storage space and expanded collection bays are all part of the £3m expansion and improvement of Somerset Waste Partnership’s Evercreech depot in Mendip.

The investment will allow it to cater for the extra recycling expected once Recycle More launches in the district at the end of the month.

Members of the Somerset Waste Board were given a tour to see the development first-hand.

They were joined by the High Sheriff of Somerset, Mary-Clare Rodwell, who lives locally and has a keen interest in SWP’s work to reduce waste and encourage recycling.

Recycle More was introduced to 51,000-plus homes across Mendip on 26 October. As well as protecting the environment and helping tackle climate change, it will cost around £2m less a year.

Mendip is the only area getting the service this year, with the rest of the county due to follow in three phases over the next 18 months.

Recycle More is being introduced to new areas as depots are upgraded to handle the extra recycling, something that would be difficult to do all at once without disrupting services.

Serving all of Mendip and parts of South Somerset, Evercreech is the biggest of SWP’s five depots which are together seeing £7m investment to make the new service possible.

The depots are where Somerset’s fleet of recycling collection trucks - operated by SWP’s collections contractor SUEZ - unload. Materials are then baled and sent off to be reprocessed into new products and packaging.

Almost 28,000 tonnes of recycling were handled at Evercreech last year. This

Mentioned in

Dispatches includes 1,528 tonnes of plastic – a figure expected to rise dramatically once Recycle More starts.

Recycle More is adding the following to weekly kerbside recycling collections: Plastic pots, tubs and trays, food and drink cartons such as Tetra Pak, small batteries and small electrical items.

New containers - a Bright Blue Bag - are being delivered to homes across Mendip to help hold the extra recycling. With more recycling collected kerbside every week, rubbish will be collected every three weeks instead of every two.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, Chair of Somerset Waste Board, said: ‘Recycle More is here and it will be an important change for everyone in Mendip.

‘People will have to do things a little differently and I’m sure the new recyclables and Bright Blue Bag will soon be part of everyone’s weekly routine.’

Mary-Clare Rodwell, the High Sheriff of Somerset, said: ‘I think most people want to recycle because they think it’s the right thing to do. The new service will make it easier for people to do the right thing and I sense a big appetite for that in Mendip.

‘The improvements to the depot are impressive and make Recycle More possible, so the opening is an important milestone reached.’

Henhayes Centre Crewkerne Fundraising Events

Halloween Breakfast - for all the family: Just because we can’t ‘Trick or Treat’ this year it doesn’t mean Halloween is cancelled.

Come celebrate at the Henhayes Centre with a Halloween Breakfast. Saturday 31st October, Sittings 9am & 10am.

Prize for best dressed child.

Halloween themed children’s breakfasts, Children’s activity packs, Magician - Chris Howat.

Adults breakfast from £5.00.

Children’s Breakfasts from £4.00.

Booking essential by emailing henhayescentre@btconnect.com.

Chef’s Special Lunch on Friday 20th November: 12noon for meal to start at 12:30. Fruit juice on arrival, Roast Pork with roast potatoes and seasonal veg, followed by Eton Mess, tea/coffee & a chocolate. Members £9.00, Non-members £10.50. Booking essential.

Big Breakfast: Baps, teas/coffee & cake, Saturday 21st November. (to coincide with the Farmers Market), Baps from £2.50. Preorders welcome by email or phone up until the day before.

Christmas Market Brunch, Saturday 28th November (to coincide with the town’s Christmas market): Pigs in Blankets Baps from £3.00. With stuffing and cranberry sauce optional. Pre-orders welcome by email or phone up until the day before.

Taylor & Co Lettings

Bales of crushed cans at the improved SWP Evercreech Depot.

valuation to see what it is likely to achieve in the current rental market and to ask any questions you may have to a local property expert.

During the valuation if you have any concerns about renting a property out then there will be ample opportunity to discuss this with a member of the friendly, professional Taylor & Co team who will be more than happy to help.

Furthermore, there will be no obligation for you to rent your property or engage with Taylor & Co’s services in order to receive

your John Lewis voucher upon completion of the valuation. The team explain they decided to run the promotion as a way of saying thank you to potential clients who would consider using their services and to offer something back to local people in the form of a voucher so they were able to treat themselves during these difficult times!

If this sounds like something which you might be interested in, please either call 01747 416 516 or email for further information or to book your valuation at a day and time to suit you.

Taylor & Co Lettings are delighted to be able to announce their Autumn Promotion to all landlords in the local area.

As a thank you for considering using their services they are offering a £15 John Lewis Voucher to potential clients who has their property valued with the team between 15th October 2020 and the 30th November 2020.

If you are curious as to what your property may be worth on the lettings market or if you have a rental property which may become available in the next few months, then this is the perfect opportunity to have a free

THE VISITOR November 2020 9

Mentioned in

Dispatches Grants of £250 to reduce loneliness at Christmas by spreading festive cheer Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) would like to support community groups that can help to reduce loneliness and spread Christmas cheer through food and festive activities.

Christmas can be a difficult time for some of our neighbours, and this year will be a tough Christmas for many more in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Many people who would normally come together for a community Christmas meal will be unable to this year, due to the coronavirus restrictions, so SCF wants to fund groups who can help to bring festive food – and the spirit of Christmas - to people at home.

The Festive Fund for Somerset offers a £250 grant to groups if they can tell SCF how their work can combat the isolation and loneliness that many people can

feel in the winter months.

Groups will need to think about how they can safely prepare and deliver food and gifts, or think creatively about how they can bring people together virtually to create happy Christmas memories. Grants will be awarded for work that supports people of all ages who may experience loneliness or disadvantage at Christmas.

10 THE VISITOR November 2020

To apply, you will need to complete a short application form

by Friday 13 November. SCF will let applicants know if they have been successful by the end of November at the latest, so they will have plenty of time to plan their activities.

For information on how to apply for a Festive Fund grant, visit: www.somersetcf.org.uk /festivefund.

Family Health with Jenna Evans MOST OF THIS year we’ve been following an A-Z of herbal helpers and how to use them as teas. This month we’ll take a little look at some of the other methods for making the most of these powerful plants.

Tinctures

One of the most popular ways of utilising herbs. Generally made with alcohol (vinegar and glycerol can also be used), this is the method most commonly used by practitioners.

Tinctures are concentrated extracts so dosages tend to be anywhere between 5 drops and a teaspoon, 3-6 times a day, depending on the herb/s, conditions being treated and constitution of the patient. For alcohol based tinctures, the herbs will be steeped in a blend of alcohol and water which acts to extract the constituents of the plant but also makes them well preserved.

Herbal pharmacopoeias will recommend different ratios of alcohol to water, depending on the herb. Here we’ll be using a good quality neat vodka or brandy (around 45% alcohol) which I have employed to good effect over the years. If you really want to get experimenting I suggest investing in a few good tomes on

Herbs such as chamomile are commonly made into ointments.

Photo: Viacheslav Rubel/shutterstock.com.

the subject! To make a basic tincture add roughly 200g of your chosen herb in an airtight jar.

Cover with vodka/brandy (1 litre approx.) Make sure the herb is completely covered by the alcohol.

Leave the jar to macerate out of direct sunlight for 2 weeks, giving it a good shake daily.

Once macerated, strain the contents through muslin or a wine press if you have one. Your tincture is now ready to be bottled, dated and kept in a cool, dark place. Tinctures will last around 2 years. As well as being taken internally, tinctures can be added to baths, poured into base creams to make herbal balms, used in compresses and also as mouth washes.

Ointments

beeswax and 450ml olive oil.

Add as much herb to this mixture as you can. This needs to be left to macerate on a low heat for a few hours. Remove from the heat and spoon through muslin into a jug. Give it a good squeeze and jar up while still warm. Label and store in a cool dark place.

Creams

Herbal creams can be made in two ways. Either by adding tinctures into base creams or by using an infused oil as the fat portion in a cream recipe. Here is a basic cream recipe that uses emulsifying wax instead of beeswax making it vegan friendly.

You’ll need two saucepans - one for the fat+emulsifing wax

portion and one for the water.

Add 20 ml emulsifying wax (try pellets in a measuring spoon as a guide) and 55ml infused oil (or plain oil such as olive/ avocado/sweet almond if you’re planning on adding tinctures later) to one saucepan and start to heat very gently.

Keep the temperature down and let the wax melt slowly, we don’t want to burn the cream. In the other saucepan warm 75ml distilled water or floral water.

When the emulsifying wax has melted, pour one saucepan into the other and mix well. I like to use a hand held stick blender.

When this has cooled you can add tinctures, essential oils and preservatives if you wish.

I always use floral waters and find these creams to be quite stable for several months without extra preservatives. You can experiment with different ratios of oil to water to make thinner or thicker creams.

There’s a lot of fun to be had making herbal lotions and potions. Ceres has a good selection of loose herbs as well as oils, waters, emulsifying wax and lots of bottles and jars. Come and give it a try!

•Jenna is a Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’. Jenna is also a multi-award winning Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil. To make an appointment, call 01935 428791 for details. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially wth any existing health conditions.

Herbs such as chamomile & chickweed (eczema) and comfrey (bruises) are commonly made into ointments. Here’s a simple recipe - in a bain marie or pyrex bowl over a saucepan, melt 50g

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Call 07596 477222 to make an appointment help@physiocentre.co.uk THE VISITOR November 2020 11

BOOK REVIEW

With

Sudoku by T.M. Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9. Solution to October Sudoku on page 29.

So, you think you know your Pop music, do you?

By John Osborne  Answers can be found on page 31  Thanks to those who noted the mistake last month in Q4 – the answer should of course have been ‘Seven’. Guilty as charged!

1. Who had ‘Breakfast in Bed’ with UB40, in 1988?

2. ‘Baby, I Need Your Loving’ sang which Motown group on their 1964 hit?

3. Who were ‘Calling Elvis’ in 1991?

4. According to The Pretenders, ‘Maybe love is in …’ Where?

5. Which late ‘80s band did Eddi Reader front?

6. Who said you're ‘Three Times A Lady’?

7. ‘10 Songs’ is the present album by which Scottish rock band?

8. Who wrote the ‘Birds’ No. 1 hit ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’?

9. Whose 1976 album declared that ‘I’m Nearly Famous’?

10. Name the only instrumental song by the Beatles.

Bonus Question: Who wrote the song in Q10 ?

Great Quotes in Music (123): ‘A concert is not a live rendition of our album.

It’s a theatrical event.’ - Freddie Mercury

12 THE VISITOR November 2020

Phillip George A Thin Line

by Anna Charles Castle Lane Books Paperback: 344 pages ASIN: B08CDY62W7 RRP: £8.99

THE FIRST of two books I have read this month is A Thin Line

by Anna Charles a novel based on fact set mainly in Amsterdam now, and during the Second World War. The principal character Harriet Parker is given a letter from her dead mother, which leads to a most intriguing family history, most of which even Harriet’s mother was probably unaware of.

At the beginning of the book I imagined I was entering again the world of Ann Frank. But the Frank in this book is a coin of an entirely different currency.

I have some direct experience of the twists and turns of hitherto unknown family history, which, like the book, throws up most unexpected results.

My wife’s family, we discovered only recently, included three transportees, who took the trip to Botany Bay and Van Diemans Land, in the early part of the 19th Century. This story was kept as a dark secret by my wife’s, family.

It came to light only after the chance discovery of a note in the family Bible that my wife’s great grandmother had been born in Tasmania. Their story is almost as intriguing as Harriet’s.

The Thin Line is a good read which contrasts the Amsterdam of today with the city as it was under German occupation.

I recall a few years ago having a meeting with a Dutch colleague,

who asked to be excused for half an hour while he watched a programme on one of the NPO channels wherein his father was being accused of collaboration.

I recommend this book especially to anyone researching their own family history.

The other book I have just read is The Doll by Ismail Kadare and translated from Albanian by John Hodgson. At just 166 pages, this is my kind of book. It is biographical, the Doll being Kadare’s mother, and set in Gjirokastra and Tirana.

Gjirokastra was not only Kadare’s birthplace but that of Enver Hoxah, and indeed some would argue he owes his survival to that accident of geography, although Enver was not known for such sympathetic behaviour.

The sombre mood of the City of Stone, Gjirokastra, is captured here as the backdrop and, like much of Albania, set in the aspic of the early part of the last century.

When reading Kadare I often speculate, whether the Albania we know today would have been different, had the MP for Yeovil (1918-23) Aubrey Herbert accepted the throne there, instead of taking Hilaire Belloc’s advice to ‘stay at home and lay down a good cellar’.

This book will find a place in my library beside Richard Ford’s parental biography Between Them, another charmingly short book.

Perhaps Kadare’s survival has given rise to the genre ‘measured realism’, compared to Ford’s ‘dirty realism’.

MOTORING

VINTAGE Motorcycling with Rod Hann I AM STARTING this month with my photograph. It shows a group of members gathered at the start of a run in glorious sunny weather in South Dorset. A bit of banter and nonsense going on with everyone socialising and enjoying the company of friends with the same interest. Such carefree times when this was all possible and no-one had even heard the word Coronavirus.

These good times will return so we just have to be patient and keep ourselves safe in the meantime.

As I write the restrictions seem to be ever tightening again and socialising becoming more difficult. I have really missed visiting the motorcycle shows which take place around the country. I have also missed the autojumbles where, apart from the social side, I usually restock with the consumables we all need when working in the garage.

There are also various bits I am needing for my bikes which I can only look for at such an event.

I must be coming a little more up to date with my computer skills as the new spares I need have mostly been found on the internet and can be ordered in seconds, and paid for, and around a couple of days later they arrive in the post. These actions have been rather alien to me in the

past but now it is quickly becoming the norm. I think I am entering the twenty first century.

The Covid situation has brought some good news. I see that scooter and bike sales have increased sharply as people look for an alternative to public transport. In June 13,000 more motorcycles were sold this year over last year's figures. This is an increase of 15%. Scooters sales were even better with a 43% increase over the same period.

Bicycle sales of course topped the figures with a whopping 60% increase.

I wonder how many of these machines will continue in use after the Coronavirus has been forgotten. At this time I have no wish to travel anywhere by train, plane or by coach so if I cannot get there by means of my own transport then I would stay at home. I always enjoy the journey and am forever grateful that I have the vehicles to do so.

November is here and the riding season is mainly over.

However next year beckons and plans need to be made right now for a calendar of riding events and club nights. I appreciate that Covid might change any plans made but we have to start somewhere. My own club is planning a normal year of events and then modify them as necessary as circumstances dictate. Having said that I bet all clubs will be trying to find new people to help organise these events so now would be a good

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time to volunteer to help and do what you can to assist and promote your club. Riding events are now very fluid and subject to change at short notice. My only advice would be to keep checking the websites or give me a ring on 01935 872528 and I will give you any information I have.

Many years ago I was lucky enough to have been given good tuition and was able to gain passes in The Institute of Advanced Motorists advanced levels on both cars and mototcycles. I would be the first to admit that my skills are somewhat rusty but the basics have remained with me and I do practice those skills as much as possible. This subject has come to my attention recently when two friends have also put themselves forward to receive this training.

Another friend took this test some time ago and is now qualified as an instructor and examiner.

I believe the procedure now is that you pay a fee for this instruction and then get a qualified rider to take you out for an assessment ride. Following that you will be assigned to an

instructor who will take you out for rides. He will explain what is required of you and give demonstrations and advice to improve your riding skills.

Several sessions spread over a few weeks will follow until the instructor thinks you have attained the required standard.

Next another instructor will give you another assessment ride and if both instructors are in agreement then the proper test will come next. When passed you join a friendly club of like minded enthusiasts who have similar skills. You gain great satisfaction from the skills you have learnt and will probably make decent savings on your next Insurance renewal.

The whole point of this of course is to make you a better and safer driver or rider. You never know but the lessons learnt may one day save your life, what more could you ask and worth every penny of the fees incurred.

Could you be interested in taking such a course, or with Christmas just around the corner, what a fantastic present you could give someone.

GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS All garage doors are different, so as a roller door specialist, (I don’t replace windows, etc.) I can survey, quote and install to your requirements and make the most of your garage opening, as generally no frame is necessary. With the option of automated operation with remote control, a top quality garage door need only be a phone call away.

G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414

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South Street • YEOVIL • BA20 1QQ Tel: 01935 411095 Email: norrisbodyrepairs@gmail.com • Fax: 01935 473119 THE VISITOR November 2020 13

THE FACE OF almost every shopping centre has changed down the years, partly in response to people’s changing shopping habits, partly to counter the competition from out-of-town retail parks, mail order and internet shopping, and partly to tap into an affluence undreamt of in the first sixty years of the last century. Castle Cary has fortunately been spared the nearby presence of a large supermarket and still boasts a multiplicity of independent retailers selling high-quality goods and offering friendly personal service. There are few signs here of the dull uniformity of most of the national chains.

Among Castle Cary’s numerous independent businesses are gift shops including the renowned Needful Things, ladieswear boutiques, a long-established Wine Wizzard, the recentlyopened Wonderful Garden Company, a store hiring and selling all manner of vintage items, and even art galleries!

Self-sufficiency and prosperity are

14 THE VISITOR November 2020

Market House, Castle Cary.

evident in the range and quality of the town’s many shops and the weekday hustle and bustle on High Street, Fore Street and Woodcock Street. Butcher, baker, greengrocer, ironmonger, bookseller, grocers, delicatessen and more can all be found in the centre, and on Tuesday mornings a street market is held at the Market House.

So Cary is an ideal town to

scour for gifts for any occasion – even Christmas! When buying gifts I look for those old-fashioned virtues – quality, originality and value for money – and those are what I found in abundance. I saw so many gift ideas that this article could end up as little more than a long list, and even then I would probably have failed to mention something special. Whatever you’re seeking, the chances are

that you can buy it in Castle Cary. And when you’re windowshopping in the town it’s worth remembering that until the late 18th century most of the properties in Cary were twostorey, built of rough local stone and thatched – the front part of the George Hotel remains as an example. And behind the 19th and 20th century facades of some of the town centre shops are buildings dating from earlier centuries, especially on busy Fore Street that stretches from the Market Place to the horsepond and is lined with a broad range of small shops.

Development and the changes it brings are nothing new in Cary.

The mid and late 19th century gave the town not only a lot of new housing, shops, factories, the gas works and the railway station but also many prominent and much-loved buildings including the Market House. And by that time the town had already spread tentacles of development towards Ansford. Now, in the current century, the town is expanding

westwards with extensive new housing development on both sides of Station Road, and some of the properties are already occupied. Population growth could spell good news for the town’s shop-owners and many local organisations but the increasing volume of traffic it generates could be bad news for the alreadycongested town centre.

The size, architectural style, materials and appearance of many of Cary’s buildings help to explain how the town changed and expanded in the last 300 years. According to the district council planners, its charm lies in ‘the intimate groupings of buildings, changes in ground level and the alignment of buildings on the medieval streets, and its rich historic environment has been recognised by the town’s four designated conservation areas and many listed buildings’.

Charm can mean different things to different people, so the best way to judge is to pay a visit.

Its location certainly sets the scene, nestling beneath Lodge Hill and overlooking the expansive flatlands of Cary Moor.

So does the golden local stone of so many of its buildings. And with its abundance of independent

venue for shoppers, and opposite is Home café with plenty of vegetarian options. The Place coffee shop and the George Hotel have a prominent presence on the Market Place, while at the bottom of Fore Street Denela’s bakery provides hot drinks and tempting cakes for shoppers.

The White Hart provides good pub grub. And there might well be others that I failed to spot on my stroll through the town. All contribute to the charm of Castle Cary.

Roger Richards.

The White Hart, Castle Cary.

retailers – high-quality specialist traders too numerous to mention by name – Castle Cary retains the charm of a traditional market town.

It’s easy to see why it has acquired such a high reputation as a shopping centre. And there’s much of historic and architectural interest in the centre to see too, including the Flemish-style Market House dating from 1855, the thatched George Hotel opposite which was certainly there in 1673 and probably a lot earlier, the 1779 pepper-pot lockup on Bailey Hill behind the

Market House, and the nearby handsome house built in 1767 that is now the Post Office.

The 21st century café culture has embraced the town, which is well-provided with cafés, restaurants and pubs, all of them a far cry from the bland 21st century Costa and Starbucks.

Near the top of High Street the long-established Bakehouse coffee shop and restaurant is a popular

Phillips Tyres.

SEWING MACHINE SERVICE CENTRE Repairs & Servicing To All Makes - Domestic & Industrial Collection and Delivery Available

Embroidery Engineering Services Suppliers of Computerised Embroidery Machines Telephone: 01963 350068 • Mobile: 07947 725315 Email: robert_churches@hotmail.com UNIT 8, TORBAY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE CASTLE CARY BA7 7DW

THE VISITOR November 2020 15

Pinsents - The Deli in Castle Cary

Nestled in the centre of the popular market square of Castle Cary, you’ll find Pinsents, a charming and bustling local Deli, one you might expect to find on a fashionable London high street.

However, on-trend and cool aesthetics aside, The Deli is a thoroughly inviting and welcoming space to shop for

delicious produce and those hardto-find ingredients.

Opened four years ago and recently expanded, owner Charlie Pinsent is passionate about bringing an extensive variety of tempting culinary delights to his sociable hub in Castle Cary. In stock, in addition to local produce, there are distinct Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences.

Therefore, it’s easy to be inspired

not only by freshly baked bread, the range of local and continental cheeses and made-that-morning seasonal salads, but also exotic spices such as Persian Sumac and Aleppo Pepper.

Recently featured in the Deli: An Umbrian Lentil, Kale, Sweet potato & Local Apples Salad dressed with Dijon & Honey, the long-awaited Vacherin Mont D’or fromage and a Farro, Butternut Squash, Roasted Fennel & Raddicchio Salad. The current best-seller is a rather enticing and spoonable Gorgonzola; perfect for a late-autumn picnic, The Deli is certainly the quintessential place to go for an original Christmas Gift, luxury hamper or simply for a yummy treat.

George’s Greengrocer and Fruiterer

In the backdrop of the hustle and bustle of busy London and Bristol Markets, George was learning the art of fruit and vegetables from the young age of 12. Several years on, George and Lauren decided to open George’s Greengrocer and Fruiterer in the heart of thriving Castle Cary.

With George bringing with him a wealth of experience, together with Lauren, a talented and highly skilled local florist, they opened their doors for the first time in 2017. The local produce on offer at George’s is sourced from some of the best growers in and around Somerset, ensuring the fruit and vegetables are consistently of the highest quality

Making you hungry? Inside Pinsents Deli, Castle Cary.

A great selection of fresh fruit, vegetables and more are available at George’s.

1 Park Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7EQ George Cronk • 07483 890119 • georgiec@live.com

RICH’S AUTO SERVICES N Servicing and repairs on all makes of car N MOTs by appointment TYRES — EXHAUSTS — BATTERIES OPEN: MONday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday mornings by appointment

Unit 4, Torbay Road Trading Estate Torbay Road, CASTLE CARY, BA7 7DT

01963 350568 16 THE VISITOR November 2020

George and Lauren of George’s Greengrocer and Fruiterer.

and beautifully fresh.

Whilst wholeheartedly supporting our local growers, George takes pride in also offering more diverse and exotic fruitage and vegetables. George travels to Covent Garden at least twice a week so customers are able to choose from an exciting and inspiring selection of items; perfect for special and signature dishes. To compliment the range further, fresh Italian produce is also frequently sourced from Milan.

During lock-down, the friendly and helpful team at George’s worked diligently to deliver an immense number of crucial fruit & veg boxes to the local areas.

George and Lauren continue to offer their popular box scheme with delivery to many surrounding areas. The scheme involves simply completing a form on which you can select exactly what you want in your box, whilst setting your budget to suit you ideal for busy lives.

Find George’s Greengrocer and Fruiterer at 1 Park Street, Castle Cary and also on Facebook.

Battens Charitable Trust supports the arts

Dorchester Arts has engaged tens of thousands of people in a wide variety of arts events – from huge outdoor events to small-scale children’s theatre. Dorchester Arts not only brings a variety of stage performances to the area, but engages community groups of all ages in Arts activities.

It is not a surprise that the arts industry has been hit hard over the covid-19 crisis with performances halted and plans for the foreseeable future cancelled.

Dorchester Arts said: ‘The continuation of Battens Charitable Trust's funding is a generous and far-sighted gesture in these difficult times for the arts. The support will enable us to move towards reopening next year in the strongest way possible, and we are very grateful!’

The Battens Charitable Trust was set up in 1985 to enable grants to be made to registered charities and for charitable purposes in Somerset, Dorset and adjoining counties. Ray Edwards,

Director at Battens Solicitors and Trustee of the Battens Charitable Trust said: ‘Supporting local charities and the community has never been more important. We are delighted to be able to make a donation to Dorchester Arts through this difficult period.’

For more information on the Battens Charitable Trust, apply for a grant, donate or leave a legacy in your will visit www.battens.co.uk/battenscharitable-trust.

Lockdown inspires town cookbook

A new cook book, launched on 20th October in the Bailey Hill Bookshop in Castle Cary, captures the culinary tastes and skills of a Somerset town during lockdown, while raising funds for the parish charity.

The Cooking Pot was the brainchild of Cary resident Karin Hurd, who was inspired to turn first-time publisher when she saw the remarkable way in which the town pulled together in the face of the Coronavirus lockdown,

The Battens Charitable Trust is continuing to support performing arts charity, Dorchester Arts, with a £4,500.00 donation.

For the past 30 years,

ZERO WASTE STORE We stock packaging free food, cleaning and beauty products.

Buy as little or as much as you like, no set quantities!

Rice Cereals Pasta Oils Beans/pulses Nuts Baking ingredients Seeds Herbs and spices Dried fruit Unwrapped Essentials Open Tuesday - Saturday

Zero waste Christmas cake ingredients and Gifts also available!

The Triangle, Castle Cary, BA7 7NW 01963 359159 unwrappedessentials@gmail.com

DAVE MARSH HARDWARE LTD The really useful shop!

Garden – D.I.Y. – Plumbing & More

★ Key Cutting ★ Dulux Paint Mixing Services ★ Christmas Lights ★ Tree Stands Suppliers and Fireside Accessories LOTS OF CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

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 01963 359494 THE VISITOR November 2020 17

mobilising scores of volunteers to shop and collect medicines for vulnerable residents. ‘I wanted to raise money to help the volunteer groups to continue their valuable work’ explains Karin ‘and I thought that a charity cookbook was the perfect way of doing that. After all, many of us had more time to get creative in the kitchen and food became an important focus for households quarantining together’.

As well as recipes from local residents, the book also includes stories about the people who run the food and drink retailers in Castle Cary, such as Pinsents Deli, Burns the Bread and the Somerset Wine Co. amongst many - ‘Cary’s food shops rose

HIGHFIELD HOUSE

Outstanding & Award Winning Residential Care Home We are passionate about providing EXCELLENT care and support in a homely environment.

Situated in the centre of Castle Cary we benefit from all the delights that Castle Cary has to offer within a short walk. Our calibre of staff is second to none and we are here to cater for each and every individual person.

Please feel free to contact us for any further information.

Telephone: 01963 350697 Email: manager@highfieldhouse.net www.highfieldhousecastlecary.com

18 THE VISITOR November 2020

magnificently to the logistical challenges of lockdown so it was important they were featured in the book’, notes Karin. ‘Also included are some of the artisan producers from the local area who also supply our town.

I loved learning about the real people behind the businesses and hope that readers will enjoy that too.’

Over 130 recipes and stories have been arranged into wittily titled chapters such as Bread & Breakfast, Fancy a Dip?, Birds of a Feather and there’s even a section for the four-legged members of the family (after all, they were in lockdown too!).

With an eye catching cover, designed by Molly Martin, and colour photographs by, among others, Castle Cary photographer Dave Watts and 14 year old budding photographer Sophie Goggs, The Cooking Pot looks as good as the recipes it contains and is sure to become a must have on kitchen shelves in Cary and beyond.

‘Produced from scratch in just six months, the cookbook was a rewarding learning curve and it has turned into something much bigger than I imagined (168 pages!) but I believe it has captured an important moment in Cary’s history. The best thing is being able to give something back to our wonderful community and to support the work of Castle Cary’s Town Charity, which does so much to help people in need in the town. I hope that people enjoy reading it as much as I have gained pleasure from producing it’.

The Cooking Pot costs £10 and is on sale at Bailey Hill Bookshop in Castle Cary.

The Cooking Pot costs £10 and is on sale at Bailey Hill Bookshop in Castle Cary.

Highfield House, Castle Cary

Highfield House is completely dedicated to involving the people who live there in excellent care and support received by listening to, and acting upon people’s feed back. At the heart of Highfield House are their concerns for each person’s happiness, health, safety, well-being and dignity.

This is reflected by the Beacon Status achieved with the nationally recognised Gold Standards Framework and Awards for Care Home of the Year, and the award for Dementia and Palliative Care.

Their vision is to be a leader in providing a responsive care service where the standard of care and calibre of staff are second to none. The mission is to provide a safe, warm and friendly environment where excellent person-centred care is offered and

where staff appreciate the unique qualities of each individual living at Highfield House.

Needful Things

Needful Things are ready for Christmas and this year, more than ever, they are working hard to raise a smile to lift our spirits at this difficult time.

As you walk their one-way route around 4 rooms you will encounter an enchanted forest; a tree of glass; a pink pig tree! and a traditional Highland tree … step a little futher to discover a snowy/frosty tree, a tree full of fairies; another full of mexican colours and llamas! … and that's just half way around! By the time you've completed their woodland walk you will have seen the owl tree; the nutcracker tree; a traditional Red/Green/Gold tree and a Scandi themed area

of years. Reiki is a complementary therapy that is believed to improve just about any aspect of life, from physical health to emotional well-being as well as bringing about stress reduction and mental clarity.

Ten reasons to try Reiki in person or a Distant Reiki treatment...

1. Reduces stress, anxiety and depression 2. Calms the mind and relaxes the body 3. Aids sleep 4. Eases pain 5. Strengthens the immune system 6. Helps bring about inner peace and harmony 7. Aids people through the grieving process 8. Increases mobility in cases of pain/injury 9. Speeds up recovery from surgery, long term illness and cancer treatment 10. Increases intuition and creativity

The Shed, which is full of individual reclaimed antiques, furnishings and linens has been a huge passion of Carly’s for years. With the help of some fantastic dealers, beautifully crafted pieces are sourced from all over the UK, Europe and beyond.

With a selection of inspiring pieces displayed fortnightly in The Shed, there is a warm and inviting browsing space to enjoy.

Dave Hoddinott FULLY QUALIFIED BUILDER ESTABLISHED 1973 Competitive Prices No Job Too Big or Too Small

Tel: (01963) 440256

For more information or to book a treatment, please call Heal and Sole Holistics on 01963 350639 or visit their website www. healandsole.co.uk.

The Shed_Somerset in Pithers Yard, Castle Cary

The Shed is full of individual reclaimed antiques, furnishings and linens from across the UK and worldwide.

complete with ski's and trolls, elves and robins! With all the Christmas essentials from scented candles, garlands & wreaths, advent candles and advent calendars, crackers & napkins … 3D Christmas cards, musical scenes and snow globes, merry-go-rounds, wall scenes and even a singing nutcracker! Come on in and have some fun, they're open as usual Mon to Sat 9.00 to 5.00 and from 12th November you can book a half hour private shopping experience for upto 6

people on Thursday evenings, so even if you're a nervous shopper right now, they can make it fun for you … ring 01963 351352 for details. Let's have a little light hearted fun! … it is 'the season to be Jolly', after all.

Reiki Healing at Heal and Sole Holistics

Heal and Sole Holistics offer Distant Reiki and Reiki in person, a system of natural healing that is thought to have been practiced around the world for thousands

Like many other businesses, Covid has certainly ‘tried and tested us at our best’ says Carly, owner of both The Shed_Somerset and hair stylist and owner of neighbouring Franklin Hair SPA. The guidelines of Covid and safety of clients have been a huge concern when reopening in July, which was coupled with the sad news of Nicholas Johnson retiring.

This, however, gave Carly the opportunity to let her creativity shine, whilst keeping the wellbeing of her clients in mind and maintaining the personal touch she is dedicated to achieving even in these challenging circumstances.

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors 2 Bailey Hill Castle Cary BA7 7AD Tel: 01963 351052 Business and limited company accounts, self assessment tax returns, VAT, Payroll, Book-keeping and Training Personal and professional service

Castle Cary Post Office Cards, Stationery, Diaries, Calendars, Soft Toys Medici, Ling, Caspari, Woodmansterne, Noel Tatt and many more Christmas Cards & Boxes  Lamy Pens  Euros & Dollars on Site: all other currency next day  Travel Insurance  Passport Checking  Top-Ups  Banking  Bill Payment - Car Tax - Post Office Homephone - etc.

Bailey Hill, Castle Cary. Tel: (01963) 350237 THE VISITOR November 2020 19

Bring the magic home this Christmas - Lindt launch 2020 seasonal range

CHRISTMAS is the most magical time of the year and the LINDT Master Chocolatiers never fail to disappoint with their iconic seasonal range of the finest tasting chocolate; from the cute and iconic LINDT Teddy as the perfect stocking filler, to scrumptious LINDOR advent calendars for the ultimate

countdown, or even decadent truffles for the ones you love.

Many items in the collection are exclusive to LINDT’s 20 Chocolate Shops throughout the country or available at the new online shop. Tis’ the season for incredible tasting chocolate!

Self-restraint will be required with LINDT’s mouthwatering LINDOR Pick & Mix Advent Calendar.

Lindt Pick & Mix Advent Calendar (RRP £12) 325g

Self-restraint will be required with LINDT’s mouth-watering LINDOR Pick & Mix Advent Calendar! Be treated to a silkysmooth LINDOR chocolate every day from LINDT’s renowned Pick & Mix range of 32 flavours, whilst counting down to the most exciting day of the year. Includes an extra special 38g LINDOR treat bar for Christmas Eve, which may be big enough to share. Available exclusively in regional LINDT Chocolate shops.

New Lindt Teddy Pyjamas Edition (RRP £1.50) 40g

Not just for children, the adorable LINDT Teddy is a classic family favourite from the iconic Lindt

Christmas range but now with three new cute pyjama designs.

Lovingly crafted with the highest quality LINDT chocolate they are the perfect stocking filler and put a smile on everyone’s faces.

Lindt Teddy Jumper Edition (RRP £4.99) 200g

Lillies Rose ● Fully Qualified Florist ● Now taking orders for : Christmas Wreaths & Arrangements ● Bouquets, Baskets, Floral Arrangements, Plants and Gifts ● Fresh Flowers for all occasions ● Delivery available - including same day (Free delivery within 5 miles of the shop) ● Eflorist Service available ● Gift Vouchers and Gift Subscriptions

1 High Street, Wincanton, BA9 9JN lilliesRose1@outlook.com www.lilliesrose.co.uk Tel: 01963 34992 Find us on Facebook & Instagram 20 THE VISITOR November 2020

Salted Caramel, Milk Chocolate and Orange bars or available as a selection of LINDOR Milk. Spoil yourself or a loved one with this indulgent gift for LINDOR lovers.

Available in regional LINDT Chocolate shops.

These delightful jumper editions of the iconic Lindt Teddy are available with a free knitted scarf exclusively from LINDT Chocolate Shops or online for a limited time only. Choose from a blue, green or red festively fashionable winter jumper teddy, alternatively, pair two together for the cutest of couples’ gifts or why not buy the whole set!

Supporting the NSPCC - For Christmas, LINDT will donate £1 for every green jumper teddy purchased from the range to the NSPCC.

Lindt Lindor Selection Box (RRP £6) 227g or (RRP £12) 500g

This is not your usual selection box – but an irresistible assortment of LINDOR favourites including tempting truffles and ARS

END

CAL

Wild Cardz of Wincanton stock a wide range of Christmas gifts including calendars and diaries.

Wild Cardz

DIAR

IES

35 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU • Tel: 01963 31234 CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS Christmas Cards for all your Relations and Friends • Boxed Cards • Charity Cards Hologram 3D Christmas Cards • Wrapping Paper • Gifts • Party Items • Confetti Latex Balloons and Helium Foil Balloons • Crepe / Tissue Paper • Table Decorations Napkins • Stocking Fillers • Wool & Accessories • New Gift Items Arriving Regularly Christmas Party Bits: Poppers – Hats – Earrings – Spray – and much more!

Find us on Facebook

New Truffles De Luxe (135g) £7.50 OR (425g) £22

Salted Caramel like you’ve never experienced before, LINDT Master Chocolatiers latest addition to the blissful Lindor range.

For a more extravagant gift, opt for luxurious LINDT Truffles De Luxe.

Tantalise your taste buds with an impressive collection of delicious truffles available with or without alcohol. Indulgent and decadent, these truffles are the perfect treat, just because its Christmas.

Alcohol box flavours includes: Marc de Champagne, Bourbon Vanilla, Almond, Dark 70% and Dark Caramel (only in 425g box).

No-alcohol flavoured box - Dark 70%, Vanilla, Almond Nougat, Salted Caramel and Raspberry (only in 425g box).

Available exclusively in regional LINDT Chocolate shops and online.

Lindor Salted Caramel (200g) RRP £4.99

Experience LINDT’s signature smooth, velvety milk chocolate with a hint of salt and a sumptuously smooth melting caramel filling. Salted Caramel like you’ve never experienced before, LINDT Master Chocolatiers latest addition to the blissful Lindor range is sure to make you melt. Available in all

major retailers.

Celebrating their 175th anniversary this year, Lindt is a global brand and household name distributing the finest chocolate throughout 120 countries worldwide. For more information or for the online store visit www.lindt.co.uk and also follow on Facebook at www.facebook. com/lindtuk/ or Instagram www.instagram.com/LindtUK.

A friendly and professional service is offered at Ward & Sibley, the family jewellers of Yeovil.

WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil

For a prompt, reliable & friendly service

Scenes of Gillingham stock a wide range of artist materials and accessories, as well as tuition books and an extensive range of prints.

An on-the-premises framing service is also available.

AN IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFT ...

Artist Materials • Tuition Books • Accessories Extensive Range of Prints, framed & unframed, wide choice of topics  On-the-premises Framing Service 

High Street, Gillingham Tel / Fax 01747 824050 email: scenesol@aol.com • www.scenes-online.co.uk

GLASTONBURY POST OFFICE AND CLASS CARDS 35 High Street Glastonbury BA6 9HG

Telephone 01458 831536

MONEYGRAMS • BUDGET CARDS

STATIONERY • ACCOUNTS • STAMPS

T E L E P H O N E • G A S • E L E C T R I C I T Y • WAT E R • G I R O T R A N S A C T I O N S

GREETINGS CARDS • HOLIDAY INSURANCE • FOREIGN CURRENCY • PENSION PAYMENTS

CLOSED Wednesdays and Thursdays THE CASKET 103 MIDDLE STREET YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065

Car park at rear for customers while visiting the shop

THE VISITOR November 2020 21

STREET A Business Focus

Street Market every Thursday.

Crispin Crafts

Crispin Crafts is a friendly family run business established in Street, Somerset over 20 years ago. They stock a wide range of haberdashery, yarn, fabric, crafting items, and, of course, the all important elastic!

The recent lockdown has seen a massive increase in knitting, sewing, crafting, and the huge resurgence of Macrame. Stocks of fabric, yarn, Macrame string and craft projects are good and

they are ready for the Christmas rush.

As part of their services to customers in these difficult and troubling times they can offer a home delivery service within a 10 mile radius of Street for a small delivery charge.

For more information give the shop a call on 01458 447655 or follow them on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Crispin CraftsAndHaberdashery) for regular updates.

Crispin Crafts & Haberdashery A family run business for 30 years

 Fabric  Crafts  Haberdashery  Knitting Yarns  Ribbons  Christmas Fabric

Haberdashery heaven! Crispin Crafts & Haberdashery stock a wide range of fabric, yarn, ribbons as well as Macrame string and craft projects. They also offer a home delivery service within a 10 mile radius of Street for only a small charge.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS inc.

Sewing Boxes, Knitting Bags, Craft Kits, Gift Vouchers and more ...

Call in and see our extensive range

8 Farm Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0BJ Opposite The Crispin Hall - towards Clarks Village

Tel: 01458 447655 Email: crispincrafts@outlook.com www.crispincrafts.co.uk @CrispinCraftsAndHaberdashery 22 THE VISITOR November 2020

crispincrafts2018

STREET A Business Focus Street Cellular

Street Cellular have been in the phone business for 30 years. They sell and repair mobiles from the majority of leading manufacturers and stock a range of tablets, iPads and phone accessories.

Contact them today if you are having problems with your device or looking for an upgrade. They accept BACS, cash, credit or debit card and PayPal. Contact them on 01458 841741, sales@ streetcellular.com or on the Facebook page.

Opening Hours: Monday Friday: 10:30 - 16:30, Saturday: 10:30 - 15:30.

Street Cellular, 5 Bayliss Centre, 147, High St, Street, BA16 0EX.

bath lifts, scooters, everyday living aids and quality branded mobility products enable customers to see the equipment first hand and receive professional help from knowledgeable staff.

Mendip Mobility Ltd are keen to spend time with everyone who comes through their doors. They will discuss your options and needs and provide demonstrations both in store and at home to make sure the products you purchase suit your individual requirements. Contact their Street store on 01458 448355 or their retail outlet in Trowbridge on 01225 764800, please see their advert for the full address and further details.

Mendip Mobility Street and Trowbridge

Farm Rd, Street.

Street Cellular are located at 5 Bayliss Centre, pop in if you are thinking of an upgrade or just need some free advice.

Established in 2007, Mendip Mobility Ltd aim to provide excellent service and quality value for money products to their customer base which now reaches further into Wiltshire. The two local retail outlets containing their extensive range of rise and recline chairs, adjustable beds,

Mendip Mobilty, Street.

Mendip Mobility stock a wide range of mobility scooters and other mobility aids.

THE VISITOR November 2020 23

An ‘Eyeful’ lot of bids as novelty ring makes 17 times estimate in £390,000 Silver Auction

LAWRENCES in Crewkerne kicked off their three days of Autumn Fine Art sales on October 20th with over 700 lots of silver and vertu. As usual, the variety on offer was considerable and prices reflected keen bidding from Britain and abroad.

An early Victorian salver by William Kerr Reid (1842) combined elegance with superb decoration to make £2,875; a four piece tea and coffee service by Messrs Barnard (1828-1837) made £3,250; and a fine early 20th Century silvergilt Monteith bowl in Chinoiserie taste from 1913 exceeded hopes of £2,000 to make £3,500.

Six dinner plates by Robert

Garrard, with engraved arms for Viscount Dudley, weighed 126.5oz and made £3,750; and a slightly earlier suite of six similar plates, with arms for the Earl of Aylesbury, made the same amount.

A pair of George III circular sauce tureens and covers dated from 1810 and bore Scottish arms for a Banff family. These made £3,750 and a soup tureen of grand proportions by Richard Sibley (1829) went above hopes of £4,500 to make £5,250.

Some of the more unusual pieces appealed to collectors’ tastes for distinctive rarities. A Japanese box of generous proportions, decorated with dragons and fitted with an assortment of dressing table items within, took £6,500; two Elizabeth 1 spoons from 1564 and 1583 scooped up bids to make a

Early 20th Century silvergilt Monteith bowl in Chinoiserie taste from 1913 exceeded hopes of £2,000 to make £3,500.

SOMERSET COINS

total of £9,750; an 18th Century coffee pot saw its price shoot above hopes of £2,000 to make £9,375 on account of its Maltese origins; and three pieces of ecclesiastical silverware – comprising a Queen Anne communion cup, a communion tazza (‘paten’ or wafer dish) and a communion flagon, all from Newcastle and made in 17021707, made £15,500.

The day’s top price was paid for a rare Dutch or German pomander from c.1600-1630, the exquisite craftmanship allowing it to open like a segmented orange. These were placed in rooms or carried by hand to ward off infection by emitting aromatic fragrances.

The 6cm high lot made £11,875 against hopes of £8,000-£12,000.

However, the lot that received the most enquiries was an unusually light-hearted novelty ring that allowed a syringe-like plunger to squirt water into an admirer’s eye.

Believed to date from about 1830, this forerunner of a million Christmas cracker novelties exceeded hopes of £250 to shoot – like a jet of water – to £4,250.

The sale realised £390,000 with few lots unsold.

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Two Elizabeth 1 spoons from 1564 and 1583 scooped up bids to make a total of £9,750.

Dutch or German pomander from c.1600-1630 made £11,875 during the recent Silver Auction at Lawrences Auctioneers of Crewkerne.

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Literary Drinkers

MY INTEREST in all things alcoholic is well known, as is my passion for the written word.

Notwithstanding the current crisis caused by the Coronavirus, I love nothing more than a cosy night at home on my own, curled up with a good book and a glass of wine.

With plans for the 5th Ilminster Literary Festival well and truly scuppered this year, we are actively working on a great line up of authors for whenever we can hold our next one.

We always aim to have authors, both local and from further afield, that will stimulate our minds and entertain us. It was a delight this year to hear from the winner of our writing competition, Alison Templeton from Norton-subHamdon, that she ‘started creative writing through the festival: during the 2016 festival I went to the creative writing workshop led by Rachel Godfrey, and have been writing ever since.’

Just what we hoped to achieve.

It is universally accepted that many of us myself included, have become rather fond of the bottle since lockdown. This got me thinking about certain famous writers who have been known to be partial to a tipple, or two.

There is plenty of evidence that some of our most prodigious and famous authors had, shall we say, a little drink problem.

Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tennessee Williams, Dylan Thomas, Edgar Allan Poe, James Joyce, the list is endless. It has not escaped my attention that the key protagonists tend to be men!

There is of course the argument that alcohol, in moderation, helps to oil the wheels when it comes to mental activity and unleashing that creative genius we all so admire. According to one study, alcohol can actually increase creative cognition and improves problem-solving skills too.

Many writers say that alcohol helps to rid them of inhibitions, enabling them to write more freely, and to survive the solitary life of a writer.

I have an enquiring mind and sometimes all it takes is one simple question to gather the most interesting information, so this summer I asked a number of the authors we had earmarked to appear at the Lit. Fest. what their favourite tipple is. Here is a taste of what is still to come.

Poet Melanie Branton, had this to say: ‘In my last collection, I included a paean to my favourite drink. As I am Somerset-bred, the choice was a no-brainer.’ I'm optimally placed when embroiled and encased in the ambit of cider's pure amber embrace. I'd rather drink cider than soda or juices, its sedulous sedative soothes and seduces, so don't be sadistic and suddenly say I have to drink soda, not cider, today.’

Crossword setter for The Times, Tim Moorey, who was all geared up to provide tips on solving cryptic crosswords, tells me that he believes in everything in moderation and survives on a morning cup of Twinings Decaf

Breakfast Tea, with a Cointreau in the evening; just the one mind, and not every night.

In addition to sharing his knowledge of the history and techniques of opera Professional Opera singer Tim Mirfin, was keen to expand on his favourite tipple: ‘After brief reflection I am going to plum for a big, fat, round red wine, a Barolo. This is not a particularly well-reasoned choice but one based on happy memories. It conjures up long, blissfully unrushed, multi-coursed meals in large groups basking in Italian sunshine and wallowing in the feeling that this is how we should all be living. Drinking it in cold, dark, rain-sodden British winters still can't dim the association. It also feels, to me at least, a treat drink, the prospect of an indulgence of tragic rarity.

Heavy Italian reds are the sort

of thing professional singers need to allow themselves only once they've checked in their diary that the succeeding day is reasonably clear - especially if you have finally acquired enough selfknowledge to be sure that it won't just be the one glass...’

The Noir Collective, a group of three award-winning writers of psychological fiction, also shared their secret tipples with me.

Katharine Johnson prefers an Aperol spritz, ‘Because it reminds me of happy times in Italy where two of my books are set.’

G D Harper, a man after my own heart, plumped for an Underberg, a quirky German herbal digestif which is sold in little 20ml. bottles. Devotees of the drink collect bottle tops which they send to the company, receiving exclusive merchandise in return. He is the proud owner of a leather Underberg bullet belt which holds 12 bottles. Ideal party wear!

Finally, Helen Matthews gets us thinking beyond some of the miserable weather we have been experiencing. ‘On a summer evening it has to be gin and tonic, preferably with Bombay Sapphire gin, unflavoured tonic and a slice of lime. The distillery, at Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire, close to where I live, is mentioned in the Domesday Book and was a paper mill from 1719 before it was converted into a distillery.’

And as for me, I am rather partial to a Negroni, made with equal measures of gin, red vermouth and Campari, garnished with orange peel.

With such a diverse group of writers at our disposal, this winter, I am very much looking forward to snuggling up by the fire with a good book, and a glass of something that will warm the cockles of my heart. Happy reading.

L.P-V.

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To provide a better understanding of the complexity of some tasks, the DIY expert from MyJobQuote.co.uk, Kane Hughes, commented on some highlights.

High-level intensity

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26 THE VISITOR November 2020

FITBIT Test: THESE DIY Jobs Burn the Most Calories

Long-avoided home projects or new improvements, such as tiling or painting, can demand a lot of physical effort and are therefore a good way to burn some calories indoors. Interested in that, MyJob Quote.co.uk sought to find which DIY jobs burn the most calories and what their level of intensity is. To find the results, they asked three men of average weight (84.9kg) and three women of average weight (72.8kg) to do a variety of DIY tasks over the course of 15 days whilst wearing a Fitbit.

The DIY job that burns the most calories is sanding, with men losing 456 calories per hour and women burning 392 calories. The task is also the hardest in terms of intensity level. According to Kane, ‘Sanding is something most people can DIY. If you’re sanding furniture, such as tables and chairs, this can usually be done with sand paper and can take half a day for a whole dining room set’ Carpentry comes in second place, showing a high level of intensity: male respondents burned 438 calories in one hour and female respondents, 383 calories. Hughes advised: ‘To hang a door takes about twenty minutes to an hour and installing a door frame will take around the same amount of time. Skirting boards are a bit more complicated and to fit correctly in a room may take half a day’.

Moderate level of intensity

Gardening is the first of the DIY tasks with moderate intensity, burning 337 calories per hour for men and 306 calories for women.

Digging holes with an angled shovel, planting seedlings and cleaning up grass can be a good way to lose some calories!

Low-level intensity Putting up shelves can be considered a hard task for some people. MyJobQuote.co.uk found out that men lost 291 calories per hour, whilst women burned 249

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Homemaker, Shaftesbury and Warminster

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At Homemaker, the highly skilled and friendly team of designers work with you to create your dream space.

From selecting the right worktop to devising clever storage solutions, the service is personal and bespoke.

A wide range of appliances are in stock to browse in both the Shaftesbury and Warminster Showrooms. From washing machines to range cookers to many smaller appliances, you’ll find several leading brands including Smeg, Bosch, LG, Belling and Siemens.

Homemaker also offers a fast and efficient delivery service, with

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calories, making it the DIY task with a low intensity that burns the most calories.

The DIY job that burns the least calories is wallpapering.

Men burned 217 calories per hour and women burned 180 calories.

Putting up wallpaper is not easy, but it requires more mental effort than physical, as it needs to be cut to the correct lengths and patterns need to be perfectly aligned.

Kane continues: ‘Sanding a hallway with a staircase, doorframes and skirting boards to re-gloss is best left to the professionals and can take up to a week to complete with a belt sander.

With carpentry, hanging doors and installing door frames is best left to a professional carpenter as it has to be done correctly and measured perfectly, to ensure

your doors open properly. To hang a door takes about twenty minutes to an hour and installing door frame will take around the same amount of time.

In regards to Gardening, weeding is easy to complete yourself and can take a couple of hours a month. Something more technical, like tree trimming or removing a tree stump, it’s better to hire a contractor as it’s safer for them to complete as they know what they’re doing (and may need the use of power tools) and shouldn’t take more than a day to complete.’

• Chimney Sweeping • Stove Installations • Fitting/Replacement of Cowls • Chimney Rebuilds/Maintenance • CCTV Inspections HETAS Registered and fully insured

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Further details can be found in-store or at www.my homemaker.co.uk.

You can also call the Shaftesbury branch on 01747 851476 or the Warminster branch on 01985 219200.

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28 THE VISITOR November 2020

THE VISITOR November 2020 29

The

Pub Pages

BEER & SK ITTLE S P. A. BAXTER Northants table: Heavier use of leather padding and diamond-edged pin-pit. Netting. Larger pins and cheeses.

I HAVE YET TO visit The Turk's Head, Twickenham. Well, it's a bit of a trip to take in a game of shove ha'penny, table skittles (‘Devils’) and darts, but on 10th March 1964, one Ringo Starr, took in all three for comedic effect in a scene for the first Beatles film ‘A Hard Day's Night’.

Having seen the film innumerable times I felt it was time to find out more about that particular section, not least of which is to see if the pub is still

there. Well I'm delighted to report that it is, although I don't know if there is any nicely polished brass plaque marking the occasion.

In the film, Ringo had wandered off, causing panic amongst the production team for the evenings' approaching concert, and Ringo (still genuinely hung-over from the previous night, so we're told) heads off on some mildly comic adventures. At the pub he was given a dodgy looking sandwhich

Leicestershire table: Padded leather sides, cloth backing and square-edged pin-pit. Smaller pins and cheeses.

30 THE VISITOR November 2020

(‘That was fresh this morning!’) and his efforts to retrieve money to pay (‘That'll be two and nine!’) results in the contents of his pockets spilling onto the shove ha'penny board – much to the annoyance of those participating in a game.

His half-pint of beer is placed on the devils board where the ball on chain neatly smashes the glass (don't you just hate it when that happens to you?) then a badly aimed dart skewers the sandwhich of a fellow patron, and the next dart very nearly does the same to the pub parrot.

Needless to say Ringo is sent on his way!

The pub may still be there – a Fuller's house – although it is now a gastro-pub, so I suspect that pub games are no longer amongst the list of activities one can enjoy there. Like so many of us West Country people I am continually frustrated and bewildered by the confusing and sometimes contradictory advice given by Government over the present crisis.

To have our whole way of life destroyed is having a very

negative effect on many people, and whilst I am one of the lucky ones who no longer have to do my bit for Queen and Country, one of the many pastimes I am now free to indulge in is more than a few pub visits to play the beautiful game!

It's not just about the game though, but the whole experience of going out for the evening, meeting up with ones pub friends and with those whom one would not normally meet, enjoying the beer and banter etc. I guess I am fortunate that I can enjoy some skittles at home. Not just the occasional game of ‘devils’, but the version they play in Leicestershire where one hurls wooden 'cheeses' at the pins on a specially made table.

I can probably claim to own the only Leicester table for many miles around! This table was actually purchased from a chap in Ottery St Mary (best not ask) and resides in our garage where it provides hours of fun. We publish a photo herewith for your delectation; it's the one with the cloth backing.

The other table is the

The

Pub Pages

BE E R & SK ITTLE S P. A. BAXTER Northamptonshire version where its heavier use of leather from the heart of the shoe industry has influenced its construction – plus the extensive netting.

Clearly the version played here is more violent! The pins are also different (yes! I have a set of

these as well) but the main difference is in play.

The Leics. version is a lot harder to score well, and also the dead pins and cheeses stay on the playing area whilst each turn is completed, whereas with the Northants version the dead pins remain but the cheeses are removed. Furthermore, the side cushions can be used to rebound cheeses, but I believe this can vary from league to league. If we then head a few miles East where Cambridge has their own league, the tables are a little smaller but pins and cheeses are remarkably similar to their Northants cousins. Oh, it's all so confusing! There are a few videos on YouTube of both versions so do take a look, and if you ask nicely I may let you have a go ... pop me an email.

Oh; and if you're wondering how much ‘Two and nine’ is in the money of today for the sandwich, it's about 14p. I'm guessing that The Turks Head still sells sandwiches, but I'm also guessing they're a little more pricey today ... Cheers! © P.A. Baxter 2020. skittlealley@hotmail.com

November 5th looms ...

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 12 1. Chrissie Hynde 2. ‘Four Tops’ 3. ‘Dire Straits’ 4. ‘New York City’ 5. ‘Fairground Attraction’ 6. Lional Richie 7. ‘Travis’ 8. Bob Dylan 9. Cliff Richard 10. ‘Flying’ from the ‘Magical Mystery Tour’

They Say That Wincanton’s Tony Pugsley has a keen eye for a Bargain.

That in Chiselborough, Christmas won’t be the same this year without family and friends to celebrate with, but for one lucky gentleman a glut of homemade pickled walnuts may go some way as consolation.

That Roger Foster of Wincanton will go a long way (back) for a fruit cake.

That when it comes to cucumbers, Mr Peter Bush of Somerton is a secret fan.

That the exact date of her wedding anniversary was a little problematic for Mrs Mandy Budden of Hoveton this year, however, it did mean she got to celebrate it twice.

That the demolition of a South Cadbury garden shed may possibly lead to the erection of a five-star rescue hotel for abandoned pre-loved guinea pigs.

That the Quick Silver Mail roundabout in Yeovil had its two minutes of fame in October, when it was mentioned on the BBC Radio 2 traffic news.

That Wincanton’s Des Chant thinks it is ‘just’ an unimportant ticket.

That when Chris Parsons of West Chinnock played golf recently, he surprised his fellow golfers with his latest fashion trend of sporting footwear. Although they thought them a little odd, both shoes were black (fortunately) and he later admitted that he had an identical pair at home.

That in Wincanton there is a red Solar powered KA. That entries to this column are always welcome by email to info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk, by letter to The Visitor, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG or telephone on 01963 351256. However, offensive or anonymous contributions will not be accepted.

That the deadline for the December issue of The Visitor is 16th November.

The Visitor CAN BE READ ONLINE:

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Solution to October

Sudoku

Bonus question: George Harrison THE VISITOR November 2020 31

Nerine bowdenii.

Luca's New Garden with Bridget Sudworth SHOULD DESPAIR overwhelm you when watching David Attenborough’s programmes contemplating the appalling state of our planet, then take heart from nature. Robust and allforgiving, Mother Nature never goes away even when abused. A simple example is the state of our gardens where growth may have crept out of hand but hacked down, chosen plants leap forward with great energy to fill the gaps.

We removed a huge clump of over planting that contained a bush rose, a spiraea (Anthony Waterer), a Jasminum (J.Nudiflorum) with many self layered off-shoots, a volunteer ash tree, ground ivy and of course, the inevitable brambles. With roots still in place, the rose has sent up lovely fresh shoots, many small jasmine plants, apart from

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Utilise the generous grants now available to restock neglected woodland or areas of wasteground

the original retained one, are now potted up for the next plant sale (whenever that may be, Covid pending), the spiraea is sending out fat little leaves and there is space for new planting.

Let us hope that given a proper chance, we can repair some of the damage that is being done elsewhere in our nation to restore at least some things that mend the balance for flora and fauna.

I have read that a tidy garden is perhaps not as healthy as one that has gone wild - and with winter clearing, creatures’ winter hiding places can be disturbed but once in a while it is for the benefit of all that tidying up has to take place. There has to be a limit to verdant chaos so November is the time to set things right.

It’s a time of great satisfaction to find out what has been struggling below the over-growth and give things a chance to flourish; a period of discovery and recovery, if you like.

Check your apple storage for the one bad one that will affect all, get any bare root transplants heeled into the veg patch or wherever there is space till you have room to plant - including those roses from suppliers, move plants that are in the wrong place after cutting off surplus growth and replant as soon as possible, continue clearing up some of your leaves to bag up (though I like to leave some drifts for the birds to check through first as they are

full of insects) and don’t forget to feed the birds. At great expense, we feed them all through the year - I know this is a contentious subject but they do come to rely on it (get lazy about finding their own food?) but give us enormous pleasure and maintain a constant supply of interest by being in the garden as well as an aid to eating some things we don’t want though they don’t seem to like slugs. Who does?

Above all, do check your bonfire should you be among those enthusiasts who like to celebrate Nov 5th - little hedgehogs often burrow into pre-prepared bonfires for winter hibernation. We always move proposed bonfire material from one place to another nearby just before lighting to check that nobody is disturbed. So important to look after those prickly people - I have not seen one hedgehog this summer - first time in years

Surplus apples can be made into chutney.

- but got a bit excited when clearing a patch beneath the bird table to find droppings which are quite distinctive proving that somebody had obviously been there.

Many of you will remember (and may have suffered) the appalling floods in and around Muchelney in 2014 - at the time, we lived in N Herefordhsire but took a particular interest in the plight of those people who were flooded and the state of the land which they farmed.

It was of some interest to discover that grass apparently did not suffer as a result of being under water for nearly 3 months (though don’t rely on the national news to ever give you anything positive as an aftermath) because the water protects the grass from the effects of frost damage which may be more harming.

In fact, it was apparently a medieval practice to deliberately cover grassland with water to protect it during winter. But advice on lawn maintenance is to wander round your garden with a fork, insert it up to full height of the tynes on a grid plan to give it a chance to drain and get some fresh air into those roots.

As for Luca - he now has more space outside but has actually hung up his spade and forgotten the den-quest. His main winter task is to spend careful time experimenting with different

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Luca has hung up his spade for the year.

positions on the sofa to achieve total comfort - see photo above!

With the clocks going back and afternoons getting dark earlier, he moves from his quiet safe daytime corner (in between compulsory walks!) to the sofa

which is draft free and doubly comfortable. Quite neat for an old street dog!

Winter soups are important warmers; then sit back and relax a little - a lot of work has been achieved!

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THE VISITOR November 2020 33

Moggs of Wells (Engineering) Ltd came to be based at Cannards Grave, Shepton Mallet in 2008, selling, servicing and repairing all types of garden machinery.

Over the years the choice of machines available has increased considerably, so rather than presenting what may often seem a bewildering choice their aim is to offer what they consider to be the best products, and particular emphasis is given to those manufactured in Great Britain.

You will therefore see a selection of Westwood garden tractors, in 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive, capable of cutting not only long field grass using a very sturdy high grass cutting deck, but also finely kept lawns, combined with their unique grass sweeper system capable of collecting damp cuttings without clogging. These machines have a wealth of features to make

mowing larger areas a pleasure instead of a chore, and come with a choice of engines (mainly Kawasaki), and different size cutter decks ranging from 36” to 50” cutting widths for either mulching or grass collection. They even come with a full 3 years’ warranty.

Moving on, one can see the classic Hayter Harrier roller drive rotary mower, a concept first introduced by Hayter would you believe back in the 1960’s, updated over the years, and most recently just last year, the range now comprising some 12 different versions, starting with a 16”cutting width, through 19” right up to 22”, with 3 versions particularly aimed at the professional user. Engines used vary from Briggs & Stratton, Loncin and Honda, and for domestic use the Harriers have a 5 year warranty.

As an alternative there are the Masport machines from New Zealand, which, having a similar climate to our own, have therefore been designed to cope with similar conditions (e.g. wet grass!).

If you need a chainsaw, hedge trimmer or brushcutter, there is the magnificent range from Echo in Japan, beautifully engineered to give long-lasting performance, as evidenced by their 5 year domestic warranty (2 years for professional use).

Finally, there are zero-turn ride-on machines from Ariens now being built in Britain, which have amazing agility and can really reduce the time taken to cut any area of grass, but most especially when manoeuvring around objects.

All of these machines can be serviced and repaired in a comprehensively equipped workshop staffed by two knowledgeable engineers, both

having attained Briggs & Stratton Master Service Technician status (probably the best qualification in the industry).

Other makes supplied include MTD, Cub Cadet, Lawnflite and Toro, and these too can be fully serviced and repaired as required, including warranty work.

Beyond that, since there are so many different brands in the market, it becomes more a matter of providing advice regarding other suppliers or repairers in the local area who might be able to assist.

Moggs of Wells (Engineering) Ltd have a showroom where a variety of garden machines can be viewed, demonstrations can be facilitated by prior arrangement, and there is free parking on site.

Remember when ...

30 years ago from The Visitor archives At the cutting edge

WHEN PATRICK DUNION was editor of this magazine he was never averse to reminding politicians of all parties of their election promises. In the November 1990 Visitor his target was Somerset County Council.

‘Tory councillors in Somerset are keeping their heads down at the moment, hoping we will forget their election clarion call of “no cuts” in services. Their hands are visible, however, busily honing the cutting edge of a long-handled scythe,’ he wrote. ‘It is embarrassing for us in Somerset to be told that we cannot afford to pay for school lunches of any kind (other than for children of families receiving income support), for a small group of teachers to help children with “special needs”, or for any schooling at all for “rising-fives”.

My son Max would have missed a year’s education if he had been denied schooling until the term of his fifth birthday. Parents in neighbouring counties must regard us as penny-pinchers governed by paupers.’ A precursor of the recent decade of austerity, perhaps. As a footnote, his son Max is now the editor of this magazine.

Starry starry night?

With Christmas fast approaching, Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre was busy promoting its 1990 pantomime. It was to be ‘Dick Whittington and his Cat’ with a ‘star line-up’ cast – ‘stars’ such as TV personality Wincey Willis, Dave Benson-Phillips from BBC’s Play Days, Anna Dawson from the Benny Hill Show and John Boulter, star of TV’s Black and White Minstrel Show.

Perhaps they were household names in 1990 but I don’t recognise any of these alleged ‘stars’. Do you?

Dubious diesel claims

In November 1990 car-maker Citroën was extolling the advantages of switching from petrol to diesel. ‘The argument is now stronger than ever,’ it claimed, citing these reasons: Low running costs – ‘diesel fuel is cheaper than even unleaded petrol’; Better reliability – ‘a diesel engine will start up first time, every time, no matter what the weather conditions’; Higher resale value – ‘as a result of 36 THE VISITOR November 2020

better reliability and lower running costs’; Less damaging to the environment – ‘diesel fuel is entirely lead-free and diesel engines produce a lower emission of harmful gases’. These days diesel owners might dispute these claims, and environmentalists certainly will.

PHONE - a - FIRM

Camera roll in Cary

In the June issue I reported that the Leland Trail – South Somerset District Council’s new long-distance footpath route from Alfred’s Tower to Ham Hill – had opened to much acclaim on 1st May 1990. The November 1990 Visitor reported that it had brought ‘hordes of yompers into Castle Cary gasping for a cup of tea or a pint’, also an HTV camera crew making a series of progammes featuring Clive Gunnell walking the trail. ‘They filmed the 18th century pepperpot lock-up on Bailey Hill, the Market House (and the bits falling from the back of it) and the old police cells, and cameras rolled down Fore Street to end up at the Horse Pond’. Clearly the Leland Trail put Castle Cary firmly on the map and its subsequent TV coverage must have been good for the town’s businesses.

Seasonal choices

In last month’s column I noted the spate of early adverts for Christmas dining in Visitorland’s pubs and restaurants at a cost of between £7.50 and £9.50. In the November 1990 issue the spate had become a torrent and the price range had expanded – mainly upwards. These are a selection of them. The Unicorn at Somerton was offering a fourcourse fixed menu at £10.50 while the Swan Inn at Sturminster Newton had a fourcourse menu with a choice of three starters and four main courses for £10.95. Dilly’s Restaurant in Wincanton was catering for parties of between 12 and 25 diners at £11.00 per head, the Mermaid Inn in Sherborne was welcoming parties of up to 35 for a four-course meal plus coffee and mints for £11.95, and a similar offering at the Catash at North Cadbury cost £14.95. With Covid-19 restrictions in place it seems unlikely that Christmas dining in 2020 will match the expansiveness of 30 years ago.

Roger Richards.

The Visitor

CAN BE READ ONLINE: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Taylors Domestic Appliances Ltd. Sales & Repairs for Dishwashers, Washing Machines, Cookers, Tumble Driers etc.

Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford Orcas DT9 4SE Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

01963 220366 Email: taylorsdomesticappliances@gmail.com Covering the areas between Wincanton Castle Cary, Sparkford, Sherborne and Yeovil

DEADLINE for December Issue is Monday 16th November

PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM TV & AUDIO SPECIALISTS SINCE 1968

● SALES ● SERVICING ● REPAIRS ● INSTALLATIONS Greenhill, Sherborne, DT9 4EW Tel: 01935 813451 www.goddenandcurtis.co.uk

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd

Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements Plastic / Metal Tanks • Temporary Tanks Leaking Tanks • Tank Cleaning / Moving / Disposal Above or Below Ground Tanks • 24 Hour Call-Out

Tel: 01963 363870 • Mob: 07836 502683 office@bgp-oiltanks.co.uk • www.bgp-oiltanks.co.uk

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery A family firm in the centre of Sherborne

Flexible sizes and prices from £50 per month www.sherbornestorage.co.uk 07398624975

 Picture Framing  Restoration  Large Selection of Prints and Paintings  Greeting Card Blanks High St. Gillingham Tel: 01747 824050 www.scenes-online.co.uk

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

Bourton Roofing Co.

Small and Large Loads Tel: 07973 871708 Evenings: 01935 825506

 01747 840064

Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing.

UPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE ES T I M AT E S

... or 07866 296453 Email: info@bourtonroofing.co.uk

BARN DRY SEASONED LOGS LARGE OR SMALL LOADS FREE DELIVERY WITHIN 20 MILE RADIUS OF SHERBORNE

Tel: 01935 815534

THIS SPACE COSTS ONLY £33.72+VAT PER MONTH THE VISITOR November 2020 37

Classified Ads Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk. 30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential.

Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit/Debit Card.

For Sale

Services

4-SEATER burgandy-coloured sofa with loose covers (W:240cm x H:80cm x D:100cm). Very soft feather-filled cushions. Easily dismantles into two for removal. A second identical sofa also available. £100 Each. Tel 01935 881385

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN RUBBISH CLEARED, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844

VINTAGE BILLIARD TABLE including slates, overhead green canopy light, wallmounted scoreboard, cues and balls.

Good condition. Dismantled and ready for collection. Owners downsizing. £300.

Tel 01935 881385

Personal www.country-link.org.uk COUNTRY LINK SOCIAL GROUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. Tel: Andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918 JUST SOMERSET INTRODUCTIONS. Bringing people together. Call Alison Tel: 07584 250285, www.justintro ductionsgroup.co.uk

Dave Hoddinott FULLY QUALIFIED BUILDER ESTABLISHED 1973

No Job Too Big or Too Small FRIENDLY & RELIABLE SERVICE

Tel: (01963) 440256

Prize Crossword No. 408 Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, fP.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BP – to arrive by Monday 16th November.

19

Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize is a £10 voucher to spend with any one advertiser in this issue of The Visitor.

Please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.

YOUR ADVERT HERE, from £5 for 20 words. Email: info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk or tel: 01963 351256

Storage STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles.

Lock-up garages to let. Tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692

Wanted DAVE BUYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS, salvage, bygones and collectables.

Daves Tools, Est. 1989. Tel: 01935 428975 R E D U N D A N T M O T O R M O W E R S , rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844 CLASSICAL AND JAZZ LP RECORDS: CDs also considered. Tel: 01458 834102 / 07704229979 / email: tonyartony @aol.com PETROL OR DIESEL GENERATORS. Any make/model, we collect in any area.

Top prices paid in cash. Tel: 07970 742471

Across: 1. Article in tiny picture causes alarm [5] 4. Jolly takes loan to get U-boat [9] 9. Old boy and varlet watching [9] 10. Ridiculous T-shape partly displaces another [5] 11. Shelters within another [5] 12. Capsizes above performances [9] 13. Holy man takes posh car and walks! [7] 15. Any wing tired? [7] 18. Put sand to rise [5,2] 20. Angered about disorder [7] 21. Ripped before ace acts to produce Atlantic storms [9] 23. Salisbury, for instance, is clear [5] 25. Note returned unaltered [5] 26. Tail I soon found in separate place [9] 27. Meet with waste in confectionery [9] 28. Big jugs right in among sheep [5] Down: 1. Prediction: prigs soon to change [9] 2. Nuzzles with bouquets [5] 3. Sadly rich changing-place [9] 4. Children of the oceans come around each year [7] 5. Artillery unit can be charged [7] 6. Roughly a contest [5] 7. Putting-in makes iron tines twisted [9] 8. When fleas escape a little, that makes it less arduous [5]

14. Re-order stove at back [9] 16. OK with crew members about alp rising in the office? [9] 17. Note inclinations to make up scraps of information [9] 19. Demonstrate about indentification card, then make ready [7] 20. First dolphin is left at sea to frolic [7] 21. Took to physician, second to reach burial chambers [5] 22. Let in short man, coming up after poster [5] 24. Active four surrounded by drink [5]

Solution to Crossword 407

Winner of the October Crossword Was Elizabeth Gibbs of Wells who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Behind Clouds, Somerton.

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH SOS TO ALL AIR RIFLES AND PISTOLS, ANY MAKE OR MODEL WE COLLECT IN ANY AREA, TOP PRICES PAID IN CASH

07970 742471 38 THE VISITOR November 2020