The Visitor Issue 375 February 2015

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Issue 375 February 2015

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In Passing ...

S

EVENTY YEARS ago, on the evening of 13th February 1945, we devastated Dresden. In the sixth year of the increasingly bitter World War II Britain’s Bomber Command firebombed the city, and when daylight came on the 14th the US 8th Air Force carried out three more raids. Most of the city centre was flattened and around 93,000 homes in the suburbs were reduced to rubble or made uninhabitable. Estimates of the number who died in the bombing and ensuing firestorm range from 40,000 to 140,000.

Since then, military strategists and historians have hotly debated whether the raids were necessary or proportionate, for their effect was to destroy almost the entire historic heart of what had been one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, the ‘Florence of the Elbe’. Fortunately many of the city’s art treasures had already been removed and stored safely in the countryside.

Being close to the Polish and Czech borders, Dresden became part the German Democratic Republic in post-war years and tensions grew between those who wanted to preserve the city’s historic image and those who wanted to eliminate all traces of the past and give it a totally new image. So while some buildings were painstakingly rebuilt stone by stone, the ruins of others were swept away and replaced by modern structures built of modern materials. Thus Prager Strasse, once the city’s most elegant shopping street and boulevard with many stylish shops, art galleries, hotels, cafés and restaurants but completely destroyed in the air raids, was rebuilt with modern architecture, artworks and fountains – and lots of trees and seats and no cars!

In contrast, Theatreplatz and its surrounding buildings have all been restored to their former glory, including Gottfried Semper’s 19th century Operahouse, the adjacent 18th century Zwinger with its pavilions, galleries, museums and esplanade, the Catholic Cathedral and the Castle. So, too, have the Protestant Church of Our Lady, Brühl Terrace overlooking the river, the Town Hall and many more. Since the reunification of Germany nearly 25 years

ago restoration work has continued apace although more still remains to be done.

What, you might be wondering, is the relevance of this to Visitorland. Well, our nearby Jurassic Coast in Dorset is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is attracting visitors from far and wide.

So, too, was Dresden in 2004 when UNESCO praised ‘the harmony of its historic city centre, green suburbs and unique natural landscape’ in the valley of the River Elbe.

Its many magnificent Baroque buildings, the countless wonderful works of art in its museums and galleries and its attractive setting on the Elbe combine to make the capital city of Saxony worthy of the coveted designation.

If ever you seek a change of scenery from our lovely Visitorland, head for Dresden. What we destroyed in 24 hours has taken 70 years to restore, but the result is breathtakingly beautiful and well worth a long look.

NN.

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CONTENTS

Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to thoughts of spring

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 48

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 10 BOOK REVIEW - 9 BUSINESS - 26

CROSSWORD - 50 GARDENING - 44

GOLDEN YEARS Care for the Elderly - 35 HOUSE & HOME - 28

LEISURE & TRAVEL - 12 LETTERS - 5

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.

ARTWORK Artwork & design by our production department and photographs taken by our photographers are the copyright of The Visitor Ltd.

Clients or agencies supplying artwork or images should send uncompressed TIFs, JPEGs or PDFs, 300 dpi minimum if actual size, or at a higher resolution if smaller than size required, along with a hard copy print-out.

For advertisement sizes see our Rate Card.

The views expressed in articles & letters contributed to this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE - 23

MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 6

MOTORING - 24

MUSIC for the MONTH - 12 NOTICE BOARD - 8 PAPERCHASE - 47

PHONE-A-FIRM - 48 PUBS - 40

THEY SAY - 42

VALENTINE GIFTS - 13 WEDDINGS - 15

WINE & DINE - 46

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR February 2015 3

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45 High Street, WINCANTON, Somerset BA9 9JU Tel: 01963 34880 * Fax: 01963 440525 4 THE VISITOR February 2015

Letters To the Editor Action for Children

Sir, This New Year we are asking your readers to make a resolution to be more fun!

Action for Children has launched National Children’s Hour, a new campaign to build memorable childhoods for all, and we are encouraging parents in the South West to ask their children what they want to do with their time and embrace their lovely, and probably quite amusing, ideas.

Action for Children is offering a free-to-download activity pack with fun ideas from some of the 300,000 children and young people it supports and some from Julia Donaldson’s book, The Further Adventures of The Owl and the Pussy-Cat. The activities in the pack are not only entertaining; they’re proven to help children develop too.

So while it’s cold outside this winter why not bring a story to life, make magic milk that looks like a potion or build a spaceship out of junk?

Download the pack from actionforchildren.org.uk/nch to join in the fun! And don't forget to take loads of pictures and share them with Action for Children on Twitter and Facebook using #nch.

Tom McCulloch Operational Director of Children’s Services Action for Children Head Office 3 The Boulevard Ascot Road Watford WD18 8AG www.actionforchildren.org.uk

Be aware - Council Tax scam in operation

Sir, South Somerset District Council has received notification from a resident that a Council Tax scam email is being sent to some residents in South Somerset.

A concerned resident has alerted the Council to a possible

Council Tax scam. They received an e-mail saying they had an unpaid Council Tax bill as a payment hadn't been processed and asking them to click on a link to update their records.

South Somerset District Council does not send e-mails like this and would not ask you to update any records in this way.

Currently the Council issues formal arrears notices by post, and payments can be made online via the SSDC website www.southsomerset.gov.uk/onlin e-services.

Councillor Tim Carroll, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Spatial Planning commented, ‘Council Tax scams arise periodically, and in this case they appear to be asking for information due to a failed payment. It is important that you do not respond to the e-mail or give them any personal details.

The Council will always contact you direct if your account falls into arrears.’

Martin Hacker Communications Officer South Somerset District Council Yeovil

In Passing - Pheasants

Sir, I was interested to read your item on pheasant shooting - as you rightly say, the dozy birds do wander about the roads oblivious to the traffic. They are, in effect, tame and are no more fitted to live wild than lions in S. Africa bred for the ‘canned’ gameshooting industry.

My main purpose in writing however is to highlight the effect that shooting has on noise-phobic dogs! We are all aware of the terror that fireworks can create in pets but little thought is given to the fact that guns being fired causes similar havoc.

When this happens whilst walking a dog, the animal can literally bolt. A friend of mine who lives in Sherborne is unable to exercise one of her dogs when shooting is in continuous progress, and I doubt she is the only dog owner in that situation.

Dog walkers / owners in Sherborne have very little provision near the town to exercise their animals - with

Dog tired of high prices?

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shooting in season and in summer the noise from birdscarers, there is a real problem.

My own view is that shooting should be limited as to time and that some other means of birdscaring should be installed - it is not without the bounds of possibility surely?

A. Jayne Castle Rise Castle Cary

Wincanton Memories 2

Sir, The seventies in Wincanton was a very busy and a very interesting place to live and work.

Commercially, the local Unigate Group was perhaps then at its best, in that there was a huge investment in new factory technology, and its Transport Division was also investing in a new fleet of farm bulk milk collection tankers, together with the construction of the new reload centre at Aldermeads, all to replace the outdated milk churn system, as the Dairy industry modernised.

Socially, the Town comprised of two distinct groups of people being those who worked throughout the day, and therefore socialised during the evening, and those who worked throughout the night and therefore socialised during the day, together with the constant switching of shifts, therefore then mixing together both groups.

This situation created a very amicable atmosphere locally, and I recall, for example, Barry Fry and Warwick (Wally) Arnot calling into, for instance, The Millers Inn or The Bear Hotel for a ‘night cap’ on their way home from working the night shift, even though, in fact, it was midday. It was always very interesting to hear some of the events they had endured, often quite traumatic, from their previous night’s activities, as they relaxed for the first time in many hours.

Then, during the evening, those

on day shift operations would be able to visit, for instance, The Hunters Lodge, where there was a very pleasant gathering in the company of, for example, Brian Coombes or Charlie Hearne, before making the short journey back to Wincanton to The White Horse for a late drink, a delicious beef and mushroom sandwich, and a friendly chat with, amongst many others, Derek Mitchell or Mike Hatcher.

For the more special nights out, The Webbington Hotel and Country Club at Loxton was a great favourite, where we would enjoy an excellent meal in their superb restaurant, followed by top class cabaret acts, with also the opportunity to meet socialites from the Weston-Super-Mare and Minehead area, as both Ron Tucker and I would be able to attest!

Returning now to the Town’s Commercial operations, the Garages division of Unigate, where I was employed, had also been rapidly expanding, acquiring Dealerships up and down the country, including in Bristol, to where I was transferred.

However, there were now massive economic changes looming ahead, affecting the whole of the UK, and in less than one year this location was closed, but rather than be transferred again, to either Yeovil or Wincanton locations, both now also due for closure, I decided to leave the Group, and I joined another Company, which meant, sadly, I did not return to live in Wincanton again.

However, I took with me many happy memories, and, more importantly, many, what has transpired to be, life-long friendships.

Brian Padfield (Now residing in Cornwall) The Haven Lower Metherell Callington PL17 8BJ

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THE VISITOR February 2015 5

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Make Music in 2015

The Wessex Military Band is inviting current and former musicians to join them for open rehearsals on Sunday 8th and Sunday 22nd February.

This popular band formed in 1981, currently has just over 40 members, aged 15 to 85 from all over the South and South West of England and are looking for new members to join their ranks.

Playing a range of different musical styles from marches to musicals, classical and contemporary they are looking for players of woodwind, brass and percussion for the band and corps of drums.

Phil Bond, Bandmaster and former musician with the Devon and Dorset Regiment said ‘many people played an instrument in school, youth orchestras or local brass bands but stopped performing to focus on work and family, but may now be looking for an opportunity to play again.

We are a friendly group of

6 THE VISITOR February 2015

Wessex Military Band are a friendly group where all musical abilities are welcome.

people who enjoy producing music and performing at local, national and international events.’

Although members ideally would be of grade 5 standard, or above all abilities are welcome, including novices, as tuition and the loan of instruments can be arranged.

The rehearsals will take place on Sunday 3rd and 22nd

February from 10am to 2.30pm at the Boys Brigade Hall, Sawmill’s Lane, Dorchester DT1 2RZ, Further details can be found at www.wessexmilitary band.co.uk Those interested in attending are asked to contact the band by email: enquiry@wessexmilitary band.co.uk or telephone the band office on 01308 425010.

Hurry! If you want to enter the Blackmore Vale Half Marathon on Sunday 1st February

The Blackmore Vale Lions annual Half Marathon starts and ends at Bishops Caundle on Sunday 1st February.

The race is a fully sanctioned Dorset League Race and is the first organised Half Marathon of

THE VISITOR February 2015 7

Mentioned in

Dispatches the year.

One of the regular runners is Steve Way who many of you will remember ran the Marathon for England in the Commonwealth Games back in August last year.

Steve has become a real star in the athletics arena.

The course record is 1:9:11 for men and 1:20:56 for women and the Blackmore Vale Lions offer a prize of £100 to any man or woman who beats their own gender record.

Full details of the event and a map of the course can be found on the Blackmore Vale Lions web site www.bvlhm.yolasite.com where you can also download the entry form. The cost is £12 per person if you are affiliated to UK Athletics - £14 if you are not affiliated. No entry on the day.

A 5-mile Fun Run will also take place which you can enter on the day and costs just £6 per person.

The profits from this years event will be donated to the Dorset Blind Society, the Youth Cancer Trust and the Blackmore Vale LIons Club Charity Trust Fund from which a number of other local charities and good causes in and around the Blackmore Vale will benefit.

February Notice Board

Race for Life 2015 launches in Sherborne

Women of all ages, shapes and sizes in Sherborne and the surrounding area are being urged to sign up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2015. Cancer Research UK is calling on women to fight back against this devastating disease by entering the Race for Life 5k event at Sherborne Castle on Sunday, 21st June.

As well as raising funds for lifesaving research, taking part in Race for Life is an easy way to be more active – perfect for those setting themselves a fitness goal as their New Year’s resolution.

Race for Life is noncompetitive. It’s not about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while chatting and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding lifesaving research.

Last year, 1930 women took part in Race for Life in Sherborne and raised a fantastic £84,380.

This year, organisers need 1950 women and girls to stride out to help raise £97,770.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Dorset.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

So come on ladies - show your fighting spirit and Race for Life to celebrate those who are with us, and also to remember those who are not. Help make 2015 the best year yet. To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

Well Done Mere!

Mere Cancer Research committee is delighted to announce that for the year 2014 the grand total of £13,782.00 was raised. A big thank you to everyone who supported the events, bought and donated goods, cakes, time and venues, also to everyone who very kindly donated money and bequests.

The committee are in the process of arranging some amazing events for 2015 - the popular May Fayre is back on 16th May and following the massive success of the inaugural Christmas Market (it raised £1,113.00) they are looking forward to holding one in 2015.

How brave are you? Female or male volunteers are wanted to have their long flowing locks shaved off at their Mad March Hair event in March, also men willing to have their chest hair waxed!

Please contact Penny at merecancerresearch@mail.com

Bids invited for £2,700

The Southern Co-operative store in Sturminster Newton is inviting applications from local good causes and charities in the local area to receive a donation of £2,700.

Local charities and good causes

can bid for the £2,700 by picking up an application form from The Southern Co-operative store in Station Road, Sturminster Newton. These must be returned to the store by 28 February. A panel made up of customer and colleague members of The Southern Co-operative will then consider all applications and award the funding to the organisation they feel will most benefit the local community.

New DVD from CISPP

The Carnivals In Somerset Promotion Project (CISPP) have launched an exciting new DVD celebrating the heritage and development of masquerading participants in the West Country illuminated carnival processions, and the evolution of juvenile walkers into juvenile carnival clubs. The Walking your way into Carnival DVD has been produced as part of a project supported by a grant of £8,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

From juveniles to adults, individuals to pairs and groups, masqueraders have been an integral and important part of

MARTOCK

On 26th February at 7.30pm, Martock Church, The Guardians present fifth visit by Mike Denham's Sunset Cafe Stompers. Tickets £7 on door / £6 from 01935 822706. See www. martockonline.co.uk

ADVERTISE YOUR MARCH EVENT HERE!

A listing under our Notice Board costs just £5 for 20 words - send details of What? When?

Where? to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. All entries to be pre-paid.

Extra words 30p each. Deadline for our March issue, Friday 13th February.

8 THE VISITOR February 2015

Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9am – 12.30pm, or by appointment

Morley House, Market Place, SOMERTON, Somerset, TA11 7LX • www.awruleandson.co.uk

Mentioned in

Dispatches illuminated carnival processions over more than 400 years. The film features archive carnival footage and new interviews with masquerading participants.

The DVD lasts for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes and combines newlyconducted interviews with 29 walking masqueraders from across the West Country, edited together with archive footage from past official carnival videos and DVDs since the 1980s. The content includes the history of masqueraders in carnival, between competition masqueraders, why people get involved in masquerading, the importance of walking masqueraders in carnival, the development of costumes and make-up, progression to juvenile carts, stories and memories from past and present masquerading entrants, and the future for walking masqueraders in the West Country carnivals.

Chairman of CISPP, Dr Andrew Tallon said ‘This is the culmination of the latest exciting and interesting project that CISPP has undertaken. This gives us the opportunity to highlight

how carnival originated with walking masqueraders and how West Country carnivals continue to be important to today, to both the local community and economy.

It also shows the enjoyment that can be gained from masquerading in carnivals, and how the carnivalites of the future can get involved in masquerading’.

The DVD costs £10 plus £2 postage and is available from www.cispp.org.uk

Chilton Cantelo School

As part of their commitment to raise funds for the Piers Simon Appeal, pupils and friends and family members joined other volunteers to help generate a total pot of over £3,800 in donations by helping pack bags at Tesco Extra in Yeovil.

The Piers Simon Appeal raises funds for ‘School in a Bag’ which helps poor, orphaned, vulnerable and disaster-affected children around the world. The funds pay for school bags which are filled with stationery and equipment giving children the ability to attend school.

Year 6 tutor and co-ordinator of ‘School in a Bag’ volunteer activities, David Newberry, said: ‘I am very proud of our pupils who could have been at home relaxing before Christmas instead of volunteering. They know that education is important and their willingness to help like this is a testament to their kindness and generosity.’

Pupils from Chilton Cantelo School helped to raise funds for the Piers Simon Appeal by packing bags at Tesco in Yeovil, prior to Christmas.

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BOOK REVIEW

The English Railway Station

by Steven Parissien, English Heritage, 2014.

164pp hardback.

ISBN 978-1-84802-236-2. £25.00

IF YOU’RE IN YOUR 50s or older you might recall the furore generated by the demolition of Yeovil Town station soon after train services were withdrawn in the mid-1960s. Described by the author of this book as an ‘eccentric Tudor fantasy’ built in 1861, the site’s use as a car park for over 30 years was a blot on Yeovil’s townscape.

This book provides an introduction to the architectural development, the social significance and, in the 20th century, the dramatic rise and fall in the role of the English railway station. Commissioned and published by English Heritage and written by Dr Steven Parissien, director of Compton Verney Museum and Gallery in Warwickshire and author of works on architectural and cultural history, this book clearly doesn’t set out to be a tome for train buffs. Rather, it’s an exploration of the evolving role and changing architecture of England’s railway stations, tracing their development from the domestic-style Mitcham station thought to have been built in 1803 for the Surrey Iron Railway, to the recent stunning rejuvenation of both St Pancras and Kings Cross stations.

Chapters examine the development of country and urban stations as well as the imposing city termini built to reflect Victorian and Edwardian grandeur and prosperity. Another provides a brief introduction to the principal architects responsible for the stations,

including Sir William Tite who is credited with the designs of Gilling ha m a nd C rewkerne stations and at least part of what Parissien calls the ‘wonderfully exuberant and elongated Tudor frontage’ of the much-lamented Yeovil Town.

Lavishly illustrated with photos, most from the English Heritage archives but some recent ones in colour, the book provides plenty of examples of the evocative architecture that has been demolished, the dismally uninspired buildings that replaced some of it in the latter half of the last century, and the visionary buildings that have been erected since the late 1990s when the fortunes of the railways saw a dramatic turnaround. As the author notes, ‘a crucial element of this revival derived from the belated realisation that inspiring new stations, rather than minimalist functional boxes, would attract new and repeat custom and would help to restore the railway station to its rightful place as a social focus for the community, a reassuring meeting place for visitors, and a glamorous catalyst for urban regeneration’.

Some of the photos are of poor quality and I wonder why they have been included, given the vast number in the English Heritage collection that the author had at his disposal. And some of his assertions about railway history are questionable, such as his claim that Kemble station was reconfigured in 1882 to accommodate the new Cirencester branch – hardly new in that the line was opened more than 40 years earlier, in 1841, at which time the landowner objected to the building of a station at the junction.

But these are minor quibbles.

This is an absorbing book, scholarly, well written and illustrated. It amounts to a celebration of how the railway station developed, declined and in recent years regained its place at the heart of many English communities over the last 25 years. It is well worth the asking price of £25.

Roger Richards.

Part of the ‘wonderfully exuberant Tudor frontage’ of the former Yeovil Town station, pictured in the 1940s.

THE VISITOR February 2015 9

Antiques, Vintage & Collecting

Attention Vintage Traders!

IF YOU DEAL in vintage materials, clothing, furniture, accessories from the 1950/1960's era and fancy selling at a well established antiques and collectables fair you should get in touch with Meadow Fairs for more details on 01297 24446 or 07977 591736.

Held every month at the Town Hall, Fleet Street, Beaminster, DT8 3EF, Beaminster Fairs are always well attended - the next fair is on Saturday 7th February.

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Card Collectors News Magazine Editor retires after 36 years

After 36 years as editor of Card Collectors News magazine (first published in 1933), Frank Doggett has announced he is standing down as editor as from February 2015 and will be taking a much deserved retirement.

The monthly magazine is published from the offices of the London Cigarette Card Co. based in Somerton Somerset, and is sent out to card collectors around the world.

It was first published in October 1933 and in all that time has had just three editors, namely Colonel C.L. Bagnall, Dorothy Bagnall and Frank Doggett. Card collecting is still a thriving hobby and the magazine keeps card collectors informed about new series being issued, monthly auction previews, articles about Pictured right. From a chess set to furniture and silverware, you’ll find a wonderful choice of unusual antiques and collectables at Pylle Emporium on the Stockwood Business Park at Pylle.

ANtIQUES & ARt PYLLE EMPORIUM

20%

10 THE VISITOR February 2015

SALE

Antiques, Vintage & Collecting

cards, research information etc.

Frank joined the company in 1976, after a career with London Transport, whilst it was still based in Chiswick, London. He fitted right in and did numerous jobs such as sorting cards, helping at auctions, serving customers etc. In 1978 when the company was about to relocate to Somerset he agreed to take over as editor from Dorothy Bagnall. He therefore had to cope not only with relocating to the West Country but also taking on the challenging role of editor.

Thankfully Frank adapted well to his new role as well as continuing with this general work for the company. During his time in the hot-seat there have been many changes to the magazine including going from black and white into colour and recently into the digital age as well as the printed version. He initially retired as a Director of the company seven years ago, but stayed on as editor of the magazine.

with nearly 800 lots of silver and vertu. The sale was eagerly viewed by dealers and private buyers alike and keen international interest from the internet and telephone bidders ensured that most lots found buyers.

The day’s top prices were paid for items that had interest beyond our shores: A Turkish hanging lamp made £1,520; a Maltese sugar bowl and cover, c.1780, made £1,700 and another similar (c.1805) made £2,190; a Japanese tray, cocktail shaker and six beakers by Samukai Shokai of Yokohama made £1,460; and an 18th Century Chinese fan took £2,190. Irish pieces proved popular with a 3” (7.5cm) freedom box, made in Dublin in 1753 but presented in 1786, making £5,120.

A large two-handled cup, made

by Joseph Johns in Limerick in about 1750 exceeded its estimate of £1,500-2,000 to make £3,780.

Two exquisite vinaigrettes made by master silversmith Nathaniel Mills of Birmingham, 1840-1844, met predictable interest: one cast in high relief with an image of St. Paul’s Cathedral took £3,290 whilst another, showing York Minster, was bid to £5,000.

Neither exceeded 2” (5cm) in length. It has been said that vanity finds only one true admirer but an Art Nouveau dressing table set disproved that when it attracted a host of determined bidders. Made by Liberty and Co, 1903 and decorated in the popular ‘Cymric’ design, the selection of eight brushes, mirrors, pots and trays appealed sufficiently to take £4,880.

The day’s total was almost exactly £250,000.

Antiques, Vintage & Collecting is a regular monthly feature

This 18th Century Chinese fan sold for £2,190 at the recent sale held at Lawrences’ Auctioneers in Crewkerne.

A FACE WORTH A FORTUNE

The new editor as from March 2015 will be Loraine Speed (pictured) from Somerton.

Loraine has worked at the company for many years and is looking forward to the challenge of ensuring the continuing success of the magazine.

What Price Vanity? £4,880 Looks Good

Lawrences in Crewkerne had a busy week of auctions recently

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See our sales and read our news at www.lawrences.co.uk We have SOLD 50,000+ LOTS in 12 months

 01460 73041

enquiries@lawrences.co.uk South Street, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 8AB

THE VISITOR February 2015 11

Leisure & Travel

The Wonderful World of Picture Postcards

Do you have a collection of Postcards? Pictures and photographs that Granny used to

look at with tears in her eyes?

Not tears of sadness but tears of joy, remembering the joy of living.

In February the Festival of Cards will be celebrating those

The great end of an era ...

ACORN MUSIC CLOSING DOWN SALE

is on from now until Easter

... masses and masses of stuff !!!

ACORN MUSIC 3 Glovers Walk, Yeovil  01935 425503

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

By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 47

1. Stewart Copeland is best known for being drummer with which band?

2. Name the 60’s band behind ‘From the Underworld’, ‘Paradise Lost’ and ‘I Don't want our Loving to Die’?

3. Which beatles album commenced recording fifty years ago this month (clue: also the title of their second film)?

4. What sort of ‘brew’ did ‘Madness’ once sing about?

5. Who had ‘bleeding Love’ in 2007?

6. Name the band from Oz who said ‘Mama told Me (Not to Come)’ in 1970.

7. James blunt declared ‘You’re beautiful’ - but in what year was this?

8. Who said ‘Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick’ in 1979?

9. ‘the Chimes’ covered which U2 song in 1990?

10. Who wrote the ‘Peter Paul and Mary’ hit ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’?

Bonus Question the answer to Q 2 was the band that launched the career of which 70's star?

Question Impossible ‘Lucky Star’ by Dean Friedman features unaccredited vocals by which female performer?

Great Quotes in Music (75) “Just because I have my standards, they think I’m a bitch” — Diana Ross — 12 THE VISITOR February 2015

memories again. 150 dealers and 1000 collectors from all parts of the globe will be looking and searching for, and in some magic moments, finding the pictures that bring the joy.

Why don’t you join them and find out what all those tears meant? They will be gathering to celebrate the ‘Festivalofcards’ at The Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallett, on Friday and Saturday February 20th & 21st 2015. Join them to re-live what is sometime judged to have been a better world.

Mendip Decorative & Fine Art Society

The Golden Age of Venetian Glass: Mrs J. Gardiner MA, will talk about stylistic development of Venetian glass from 15th to 17th Century, the material and techniques involved and the fashion for it throughout Europe.

The talk will be given to Mendip DFAS at the Bath & West Bar & Restaurant (formerly the Westex Suite), Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN, on Tuesday 3rd February, 10.30am for 11.00am. More details from www.www.mdfas.org.uk

Interested in card collecting?

Visit the Festival of Cards at the Bath & West Showground this February.

Festival of Cards 2015 Bath & West Showground SHEPTON MALLET

Friday 20 th February 10am - 6pm Admission £4 Saturday 21st February 9.30am - 4pm Admission £2

}

Children Free

Postcards  Cigarette and Trade Cards Phone Cards  Stamps  Postal History Autographs  Ephemera & Accessories 140 + Dealers Professional Catering • Large Car Parks

Details 01278 445497 www.festivalofcards.co.uk

MU IC M NTH O R S E O F TH

February 28th Alan Drew - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi

AN ADVERT IN THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE MENTION HERE!

With Valentines Day fast approaching, why not say it with a bag from Florence Leather Collection?

Carole at the Florence Leather Collection (FLC) in Castle Cary has selected some beautifully hand crafted Italian leather

Limited Edition Print - Sea King HC4845 NAS Commando Helicopter RNAS Yeovilton

by Christopher Shaw £45 mounted, £90 framed.

Available from Martock Gallery, Water Street, Martock.

handbags in various styles for that special day. A range of red bags in classic and contemporary designs as well as many other colours to compliment any outfit, all available from their boutique in Castle Cary.

In addition to the Valentines selection, FLC has just received the new mid season collection to enhance an already wide selection. Carole will be returning to Florence in the coming weeks to order the Spring season collection.

Ward & Sibley – The Jewellers of Yeovil

Ward & Sibley, the Jewellers of Yeovil, is a well established family jewellers who offer a personal and friendly service.

If you are looking for something special this Valentine’s Day then do call in. For the lady in your life jewellery is always the

‘Sea King HC4’

Limited Edition Print by

Christopher Shaw

£90 Framed

Prints ★ Paintings ★ Bronzes ★ Mirrors ★ Framing Passport Photographs ★ Prints to Canvas

Martock Gallery Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00, Saturday 9.30 - 4.30

Water Street • Martock • Tel: (01935) 823254 • www.martockgallery.com

perfect gift whether it’s a sparkling diamond, a simple pendant or a pair of earrings.

Making a revival are lockets.

Charm bracelets too are very acceptable – adding a simple gold charm for every special occasion.

Gifts can be made more personal with an engraving.





For the man in your life there is a good choice of gold chains, stylish watches and cufflinks.

Ward & Sibley have a wonderful choice of engagement and wedding rings if you are thinking of proposing! A bespoke service is also offered to create a ring of your choice.

The Jewellers of Yeovil Where Quality & Service Count

 WARD & SIBLEY

Valentine gifts to treasure ...

THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065 Car Park at Rear for customers while visiting the shop

THE VISITOR February 2015 13

Beautiful Cards from Wild Cardz

Romantic or funny, Wild Cardz of

This stunning arrangement is just one of many by Interflora, and is available to order through Andrea’s of Yeovil.

Wincanton will have a Valentine card to suit from their extensive range! There are plenty of gift

Something Special for Your Valentines

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ Beautiful Selection of VALENTINE CARDS ❤ ❤ ❤ ★ Blue Nose Bears range now in ★ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ Valentine Gifts including ... Silk Roses, Soft Toys ... and more! ❤ ❤ Balloons for Every Occasion including Wedding Day ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ 35 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU • Tel: 01963 31234 ❤ ❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Wild Cardz

Andrea’s of Yeovil

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Beautiful Bouquets ♥ Single Roses ♥ Arrangements ♥ Why not add a Box of Chocolates, Balloon or Teddy? ♥ ORDER EARLY FOR GUARANTEED DELIVERY DAY ♥ ♥

... be my

Valentine

x

FREEPHONE: 08000 92 93 50 78 Middle Street, Yeovil, BA20 1LT

ideas too including a lovely selection of cuddly toys, including the Blue Nose Friends range of collectables. Silk roses, foil balloons, mugs and many more gift ideas in store!

Wild Cardz are now pleased to offer a quality card range from just 99p. They are now also a UPS collection/delivery point for parcels.

Wild Cardz have balloons for all occasions – including wedding day arrangements.

Living Pretty for a memorable Valentines ...

The Valentine’s Supper is sure to tempt you at Living Pretty in Curry Rivel ... Thai spiced crab cakes ... Supreme of chicken with a smokey chorizo sauce ... White chocolate parfait heart with raspberries three ways is just a sample of the wonderful dishes on offer, followed by coffee and

Sturminster House

homemade triple chocolate truffle hearts, £35 per head. Preordering and booking required.

Visit the website or email kate@livingpretty.co.uk for full menu.

For those who prefer to do their romancing during the day the Champagne Breakfast or Afternoon Tea is just the thing.

Looking for a Valentine gift? A gift voucher is ideal.

Sturminster House Tea Rooms

Valentine’s Day can be celebrated on Friday 13th or Saturday 14th at Sturminster House Tea Rooms - with a special menu available lunchtime and evening. Three courses, coffee with chocolates and a free glass of wine, all for just £15pp. There are four choices for each course including strawberries, champagne and

Tea Rooms & Restaurant 



Fri 13th / Sat 14th February

Valentine Special 3 Courses + Glass of Wine

£15 bookings essential



(Lunchtimes and Evenings)

Market Place  STURMINSTER NEWTON Tel: 01258 471808

Mayflowers of Gillingham are agents for Interflora and can send flowers to your Valentine whether they live locally or further afield.

Call Mayflowers today.

Mayflowers Your local Interflora Florist

Valentines Supper Club £35 each

from 7pm, 3 courses plus coffee & homemade truffles, deposit & pre-order required

14 THE VISITOR February 2015

For a superb choice of fresh cut flowers & roses for your Valentine visit us at ...

2a High Street, GILLINGHAM

... or why not order by phone or website?

Tel: 01747 824424

www.mayflowersofgillingham.co.uk

LOCAL AND NATIONAL DELIVERIES AVAILABLE

Weddings shortbread as dessert. Gluten free and vegetarians can be catered for.

Pictured Left: Vibrant and pastel colours make up this attractive bridal bouquet from Just Maria in Ilchester.

Godminster Cheese Maker

Godminster, the Bruton-based cheese maker, produces a little something perfect for Valentine’s Day. The heart to heart gift pack pairs Godminster’s rich and creamy Vintage Organic Cheddar with its organic handmade Brie both in delicate heart-shapes.

What better way to say I love you than with cheese? Priced at £17.45 including P&P from: www.godminster.com

Lingerie is always a well received gift - for a superb range call at Shirley Allum Fashions of Shaftesbury or visit their website.

WHEN IT COMES to planning a wedding there are some traditions that the bride, groom and guests nearly always adhere to.

Bridal Bouquet

The flowers in the bridal bouquet symbolize sex and fertility. If used, ribbons around the flowers are believed to bring good fortune, especially if there are ‘lover’s knots,’ at the end of each ribbon. These knots symbolize unity, commitment and wholeness. The action of the bride throwing the bouquet over her shoulder is a comparatively recent innovation, and whoever catches it will, allegedly, be the next bride.

Buttonholes

A buttonhole, is a flower or small bouquet worn by the guests.They and were originally given to wedding guests to wish them luck.

Bespoke • Corporate • Events Parties • Weddings • Sympathy Local & Nationwide Deliveries

01963 32367

11 Church Street, Wincanton, BA9 9AA

ABC Wedding Dresses 100s of Bridal Gowns ... to suit all tastes and budgets Prom / Evening Gowns  Appointments Only  Over 25 Years Experience

ABC Wedding Dresses The Loft, Old Kelways Somerton Road Langport, TA10 9SJ Tel: 01935 425331 Free parking outside the door

Stunning flowers for every occasion

Bridal Accessories - Imaginative Gifts - Unusual Cards - Vintage Clothing

 ORDERS TAKEN FOR VALENTINE’S 

Painted Furniture - Decorative Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan

The Old Chapel, Church Street, ILCHESTER Tel: 01935 706121 • Mobile: 07837 385734

THE VISITOR February 2015 15

Eleanor Florence

With over 100 wedding dresses to choose from you will be spoilt for choice at Eleanor Florence of Yeovil. Leading makes include Eddy K , Phoenix Gowns and Trubride – there is something to suit everyone in sizes from 6 up to 30 plus. Deceptive from the outside this shop is much larger than it first looks. You will also find a selection of tiaras, combs, and veils to complement your chosen gown.

There is a wonderful choice of bridesmaid/prom dresses in every shade you could imagine and shoes can be dyed to complete the look.

Prom dresses are one-offs and a note is kept to ensure no two dresses appear at the same prom.

This season sees the return of softer colours for bridemaids such as dusky pink and apricot but once again the choice is entirely personal.

Eleanor Florence offer a friendly and relaxed service and recommend future brides make an appointment so that they have undivided attention. A professional alteration service is

16 THE VISITOR February 2015

Weddings

A wonderful selection of prom/bridesmaids dresses available at Eleanor Florence of Princes Street, Yeovil.

available.

A range of hats is also on sale.

(See advert outside back cover).

The Ring

Wedding rings today are big business with millions of pounds being spent each year. It is not exactly clear when wedding ring were first exchanged but some

believe that the oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings comes from ancient Egypt, around 5000 years ago. Rushes, reeds and sedges growing alongside papyrus were twisted and braided into rings worn by women.

The circle was the symbol of eternity, with no beginning or end, not only to the Egyptians, but many other ancient cultures. The hole in the center of the ring also had significance. It wasn’t just considered a space, but rather a

gateway, or door, leading to things and events both known and unknown. To give a woman a ring signifies never-ending and immortal love.

The Roman’s eventually adopted the tradition of ‘ringgiving’ but far from being a symbol of love, they awarded them as a symbol of ownership, Roman men would ‘claim’ their woman with the giving of a ring. Later betrothal rings, called Anulus Pronubus, were made of iron and symbolized strength and permanence.

Wedding rings through different stages in history have been worn on different fingers, including the thumb, and on both the left and right hands. According to a tradition believed to have been derived from the Romans, the wedding ring is worn on the left hand ring finger because there was thought to be a vein in the finger, referred to as the Vena Amoris or the ‘Vein of Love’ said to be directly connected to the heart. However, scientists have shown this is actually false. Despite this, this myth still remains regarded by many as the number one reason rings are worn on the fourth finger.

Another theory thought to be

Find your dream wedding gown at Eleanor Florence of Princes Street, Yeovil.

behind the ring being placed on the left hand by Christians seems a little more plausible. Early Christian marriages had a ritual to wear the wedding ring on the third finger. As the priest recited ‘In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’ he would take the ring and touch the thumb, the index finger, and the middle finger, then, while uttering ‘Amen’ he would place the ring on the ring finger, which sealed the marriage.

These days it is quite common for both the bride and groom to exchange rings during the marriage ceremony, reciting the words ‘Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.’

So the ring that is given is a sign of the love and fidelity of the one who gives it. The ring that you wear, that was placed on your finger by your spouse on your wedding day, does not represent your commitment to your marriage, your love for your spouse, your faithfulness to the relationship and to the vocation God has called you into, etc. It represents the commitment, love and faithfulness of your spouse to you.

The Small Cake Shop

The Small Cake Shop is a beautiful shop in the heart of Wincanton High Street.

They hold a vast range of sugarcraft items from coloured icing and sprinkles to more specialist equipment, catering for people who are just starting out and the more experienced bakers who want to try something new.

They are always happy to offer advice and tips or just some inspiration. They have a collection of equipment to hire including cake tins, cake stands, cake lace mats and vintage crockery.

The shop has a busy timetable

Weddings

of workshops from beginners to the more advanced for adults and children. Cupcakes parties are available too, alongside the sugarcraft.

Vintage China Hire

Living Pretty of Curry Rivel near Langport can supply the most beautiful and carefully selected pieces of vintage china to ensure your event is truly inspiring.

Despite being mismatched there is a sense of continuity and elegance throughout the collection.

So if you have an affection for all that is vintage and beautiful and would like to create an event which is both memorable and marvellous - call to discuss your requirements.

Rice Throwing

Rice throwing is an ancient custom. It possibly began in the Orient, where rice is a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and health.

Consequently, throwing rice over the happy couple was an effective way to wish these qualities on the marriage.

The ancient Romans threw nuts and sweets of various kinds at the bride. The Anglo-Saxons tossed wheat and barley on the floor of the church for the bride to walk on.

Another possible source of this ancient custom is the belief that evil spirits were attracted to weddings. They were envious and jealous of the bride. However, they were also hungry and ate the rice, which kept them away from the bride.

Ward & Sibley, the family jewellers of Yeovil have an excellent selection of wedding bands and engagement rings - why not call in today?

The Jewellers of Yeovil Where Quality & Service Count

WARD & SIBLEY

Extensive range of Wedding Rings Special Orders undertaken Wide range of Bridesmaid, Page Boy & Best Man Gifts

THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065 Car Park at Rear for customers while visiting the shop

V I N T A G E C H I N A H I R E

THE OLD BAKERY, HIGH STREET, CURRY RIVEL, TA10 0ES Tel: 01458 253357 • china@livingpretty.co.uk

THE VISITOR February 2015 17

Weddings

ladies to bring their special outfit to the shop so they can see just what a difference the correct underwear can make.’

A spring fashion show will be held in aid of Breast Cancer in February, date to be confirmed.

Please call for details.

Your dream wedding – at an affordable price!

Your Dream Wedding Hire It and Save Money!

 Chair Covers and Sashes  Fish Bowls and Mirrors  Tea Lights, Table Linen / Napkins  Chocolate Fountains & More

Tel: 01963 31316 Mobile: 07932 165159

A chocolate fountain certainly has the WOW factor!

Available for hire from 5-Star Celebrations, Wincanton.

www.5starcelebrations.co.uk

and

Lingerie

PROFESSIONAL FITTING SERVICE HOSIERY * SWIMWEAR

 Don’t forget Valentine’s Day 

Beautiful Lingerie ...

STOCKIST OF

Panache: 28 – 46, D – K ‘Sculptresse’ Range: 36 – 46, D – K ... also Sports Bras Charnos: 30 – 38, A – H Lepel: 30 – 38, A – G Tutti R uge Now In

Royce Non-wired Bras * Girls First Bras Mastectomy Bras * Nursing Bras Miraclesuits: 10lbs lighter in 10 seconds

Vestry Court, Vestry Road, STREET

 01458 898952 • Turn by William Hill - opposite Living Homes

Oomph and Lift for a perfect figure ...

Correct fitting underwear can enhance your figure dramatically, so make sure you are professionally measured for the correct sized bra!

Many of us, big or small, have a problem area whether it is a spare tyre or a not so perfect bottom! With the invention of Miracle Suits and Magic Knickers any unsightly lumps or bumps can be smoothed away.

The Miracle Suit can make you look 10lbs lighter in 10 minutes, made from lightweight materials it is extremely comfortable to wear. Elaine at Oomph and Lift of Street says, ‘We offer a free fitting service and encourage

If you are arranging your own wedding it is definitely worth getting in touch with 5 Star Celebrations based in Wincanton.

Established for 9 years, they have everything you need to put the finishing touches to your special day. Seat covers and sashes are just £1.20 to hire in a wide choice of colours, table linen, napkins and runners can all be colour co-ordinated. Sparkle Curtain Back Drop, mirrors and fish bowls, tea lights and post box can all be hired at a very reasonable price. Always a show stopper is the chocolate fountain – which comes complete with dipping fruits and sweets, Plates, serviettes and staff to serve your guests priced at just £295 for 2 hours, it is the perfect pudding.

To Keep the cost down, all items can be collected or there is a small charge of approximately £10 made for delivery. To find out more give 5 Star Celebrations a call today, or visit their website.

The Wedding Cake

The tradition of a wedding cake goes back to Roman times when a cake of meal was crumbled over the bride’s head to provide good luck. The wedding cake symbolizes good fortune and fertility. It also brings good luck to everyone who eats it. The wedding cake should

www.studiohphotography.co.uk • 01963 34424 / 07584 195312 The Studio, Hambledon View, West Hill, Wincanton, BA9 9BY

Stylish ...

Creative ...

Informal ...

Wedding and Portrait Photography

W BI ed PP Of ding Sou Th Ph th e Ye oto Wes ar gra t 20 ph 12 er

Graham Hiscock LBIPP LMPA

Wedding Photography Naturally

Weddings are featured three times each year in

The Visitor ... please call 01963 351256 to advertise.

18 THE VISITOR February 2015

Let Graham Hiscock of Studio H Photography in Wincanton capture your special day. Book an appointment to discuss your personal photographic requirements.

Weddings

be made with an abundance of good quality ingredients to symbolize a long-lasting, rich, and happy marriage.

The bride cuts the first slice of cake to provide good fortune in the marriage. Nowadays, her groom helps in this task, to ensure that he shares the good fortune. This also shows they will share all their worldly goods in the future.

There are a number of pleasant traditions surrounding the wedding cake. One is that the bride puts aside a slice of cake to ensure that her husband remains faithful. A tier of the cake can be put aside for later use as a Christening cake. Any unmarried women at the wedding should take a piece of cake home with them and place it under their pillow.

This may produce dreams in which they see their own future partners.

Orange Blossom Bridal Boutique

This year sees Orange Blossom Bridal Boutique celebrate 20 years helping brides to find the wedding dress of their dreams.

Whether you are looking for pure fairytale, understated chic and elegance, or something in

between, Orange Blossom will have the style for you. With prices ranging from £775 to £1,500 there are dresses to suit all budgets.

New for 2015, Orange Blossom are very excited to announce the arrival of Mark Lesley bridalwear, (winners of several bridal awards) and White Rose Plus for the curvier bride. These gowns will be in the boutique very soon, a fantastic addition to an already stunning and very popular collection.

Grooms and the other men in your party are not forgotten as Orange Blossom also offer mens formal hire.

Being a husband and wife team, Christina and Michael pride themselves on their personal service and will go that extra mile to ensure everything is just perfect. And being one of the longest standing ‘must visit’ bridal boutiques in the area, there is no need to worry about your busy schedule, as flexible appointment times (including evenings) are available.

Book your appointment on 01458 840006, visit their website www.orangeblossombridal.co.uk or contact them via Facebook.

At Orange Blossom in Street you will find wedding gowns for all shapes, sizes and budgets, and with 20 years in the bridal business you are sure of knowledgeable advice from proprietors Christina and Michael.

Decorative trees and plants add a finishing touch to any wedding marquee.

Available to hire from Thorngrove Garden Centre in Gillingham.

Common Mead Lane, Gillingham Dorset, SP8 4RE

 01747 822242

Email: thorngrove.staff@scope.org.uk

Turn into Broad Robin off the B3081, continue past Mellowes Residential Home: Thorngrove is next on right

TREES & PLANTERS available to hire for weddings and other special events ... perfect to dress a marquee!

Visit or call Thorngrove Garden Centre to discuss your needs

February opening times are 10am – 4pm, from March 9am – 5pm

THE VISITOR February 2015 19

Weddings Don’t forget the veil and head-dress, you’ll find a wonderful selection at Cupid’s Corner, Gillingham.

Wedding Favours

Cupid’s Corner of Gillingham has a stunning selection of bridal gowns and prom dresses.

Cupids Corner Bridal Design

Wedding Gowns

Bridesmaids Dresses

Flower Girls Dresses Prom Dresses & Ball Gowns

Wedding favours are given to guests to symbolise the brides acknowledgement of each friend and relative who shares their special day.

Wedding favours are traditionally made using 5 sugared almonds beautifully presented either in a delicate tulle net or an elegantly designed favours box.

The five favours symbolise Health, Wealth, Happiness, Long Life and Fertility.

shots at the wedding reception venue.

He can even do your passport photos ready for the honeymoon!

If you have a special occasion coming up and would like that moment captured - Wedding, Anniversary, Birthday etc., give Graham a call.

Graham Cox - Photographer

Graham Cox has been a professional photographer for many years. He has a studio in Keinton Mandeville where you can have professional photographs taken with a variety of backgrounds.

Graham will be happy to put together a wedding package to suit you – from candid shots of the bride getting ready, through to the ceremony and imaginative

Joseph Ribkoff for a stylish wedding outfit, available from Shirley Allum Fashions of Shaftesbury.

Accessories Jewellery Shoes

01747 825525

8 Newbury Court Gillingham Dorset SP8 4QX

www.cupidscorner-bridalwear.com

20 THE VISITOR February 2015

Capture those special moments ...

PHOTOGRAPHY

by Graham Cox LMPA Weddings – Studio – Locations Imaginative – Individual – Professional ALBUMS ✽ CANVAS WRAPS

The Studio, High Street, Keinton Mandeville, TA11 6ED

Tel: 01458 223769 (Opposite The Quarry Inn)

Weddings

Preview of Wincanton

Right and below, just two of the stunning outfits from the Ronald Joyce collection available from Preview of Wincanton and Langport.

If you are attending a wedding and are struggling to find the right outfit - help is at hand at Preview of Wincanton and Langport.

This season’s outfits are now arriving and new to Preview is the Ronald Joyce collection, elegant dresses and jackets that take you from day to evening.

This season we see the ever popular navy teamed with ecru also the emergence of attractive florals. A little less formal is the Tina Taylor collection - always a favourite.

Whatever outfit you choose Preview has a range of hats and accessories to complete the outfit.

One World

If you are looking for an unusual wedding gift, a visit to One World in South Petherton is a must. Here you will find six individual showrooms over two floors displaying a beautiful range of gift items from around the world, and many of them Fair Trade. Ceramic pots, wooden figures, rugs and hand made glass vases make unique gifts - you will also find within One World unusual greetings cards and stationery items to wrap your gift.

There is a stunning range of silver jewellery - ideal as a gift for older bridesmaids. For the younger bridesmaids and page boys visit the toy department with its wonderful selection of traditional toys.

17 St James Street South Petherton Somerset TA13 5BS 01460 241166

Simply Stunning ... our

Spring Wedding Collection ... for the complete outfit

fashion boutique & designer room

Market Place • Wincanton  01963 31676

Shopping Parade • Langport  01458 252010

“Bringing the West End to the West Country”

THE VISITOR February 2015 21

Forever Fashion Vintage Bridal Boutique

Recently opened in Wincanton is Forever Fashion Vintage Bridal Boutique - a real destination spot.

There are around 300 gowns for sale available from a private collection built up by the owner, dating from pre-war to the 80s.

There is a wonderful choice of

Weddings

accessories too, including hats, jewellery and shoes.

The entire bridal party can be catered for including mens suits to hire, vintage occasionwear and bridesmaids dresses.

Carrying the theme through to the venue - hand crafted bunting, antique glass and table linens can all be hired. Open Fridays and Saturdays and other times by appointment.

Happy Ever After ...

The wedding is, of course, just the beginning of a long and happy (hopefully) married life for the bride and groom, and as the years roll by you may wish to remember their anniversary with a little gift.

Some of the vintage shoes available at Forever Fashion Vintage Bridal Shop, Wincanton.

1st Anniversary - Paper Clocks, Plastic, Gold Jewellery 2nd Anniversary - Cotton China, Calico, Garnet 3rd Anniversary - Leather Crystal, Glass, Pearl 4th Anniversary - Fruit Flowers, Appliances, Linen, Silk, Nylon, Blue Topaz 5th Anniversary - Wood

Pale blue bridesmaids dress available from Forever Fashion Vintage Bridal Shop of Wincanton.

Hooper’s Hat Hire

100s of exquisite hats and fascinators to hire, buy, or made to complement your outfit

01935 706555

www.hoopershats.co.uk

Silverware, Sapphire 6th Anniversary - Sugar Iron, Wood, Candy, Amethyst 7th Anniversary - Wool Copper, Brass, Desk Sets, Onyx 8th Anniversary - Bronze Pottery, Appliances, Linens, Lace, Tourmaline Jewellery

Forever Fashion Vintage Bridal Boutique

A bridal boutique dedicated to everything you need for an authentic vintage wedding For the Bride: Wedding Dresses (pre-war to 1980s) Veils  Headpieces  Jewellery  Lingerie Shoes  Vintage Furs  Capes (made to order)

For the Bridal Party: Hats  Vintage Occasionwear Coats and Capes  Men’s Suit Hire

For the Venue: Linen Hire (Edwardian, Deco and 50s) Antique Glassware  China and Tea Sets Hand-Crafted Bunting & Decorations Open Friday - Saturday 10am - 5pm or call for an appointment

Forever Fashion

Church Street, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9AF (opposite church and car park)

Tel: 01963 34308 foreverfashion1987@gmail.com

22 THE VISITOR February 2015

9th Anniversary - Pottery Willow, Leather, Lapis Jeweller 10th Anniversary - Tin Aluminum, Diamond Jewellery 11th Anniversary - Steel Fashion, Turquoise Jewellery 12th Anniversary - Silk Linen, Pearls, Jade 13th Anniversary - Lace Textiles, Furs, Citrine 14th Anniversary - Ivory Gold Jewellery, Opal 15th Anniversary - Crystal Glass, Watches, Ruby Jewellery 16th Anniversary - Wax Silver Hollowware, Peridot 17th Anniversary - Shells Furniture, Watches 18th Anniversary - Feathers Porcelain, Cat's Eye Jewellery 19th Anniversary - Chili Pepper, Bronze, Aquamarine 20th Anniversary - China Platinum, Emerald 21st Anniversary - Brass Nickel 22nd Anniversary - Copper 23rd Anniversary - Silver Plate 24th Anniversary - Musical instruments 25th Anniversary - Silver Sterling Silver

Family Health with

Jenna Evans

Making The Most of Your Medicines - Part Three

THIS MONTH we’ll begin to take a look at common side effects of drugs and how they may be minimised with a few nutritional supplements. We’re starting off with a group of drugs quite pertinent to the recent festive season - the acid blockers. This group which includes the proteinpump-inhibitors (such as Omeprazole & Pantoprazole) and the H2 blockers (such as ranitidine, cimetidine) are used to treat indigestion, heartburn and conditions that can arise from excess stomach acid such as corrosion and ulceration. I speak to so many people on these drugs, often taking them to treat the side effects from another drug they are taking. By their very nature they can interfere with the uptake of pretty much any nutrient - there’s a good reason we need stomach acid to properly break down our foods. These drugs disrupt the PH of the gut, reducing nutrient absorption. This can create a myriad of other symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, anaemia, brittle nails and falling hair. It is a wise move to at the very least include a good strength, broad spectrum multi-vitamin and mineral when taking these drugs. Nutrients such as Folic Acid, Iron, Vitamins C and B12 and Calcium may be particularly at risk. A good supplement plan can go a long way to help minimise the side effects of these drugs especially if your needs may be higher due to other health conditions or a poor diet and lifestyle.

It would be remiss when talking about high acid states to not

Looking Good and feeling fine

mention the importance of prevention and therefore potentially avoiding the use of these drugs. Naturally, if you’re taking them to counter-act the effects of another medicine and you are feeling negative effects, a chat with your GP would be wise.

You may be able to change to a different drug you can tolerate better or even come up with some alternatives to your existing medication that was calling for the use of an acid blocker in the first place. If your medical conditions can be heped by dietary and lifestyle changes (and many can), pop into your local health food store or consider seeing a good local holistic therapist or GP with expertise in integrative medicine.

Alternatively, if you are taking acid blockers as a first line medicine for heartburn, indigestion, ulcers etc., then it is a good move to ask yourself why?

How long have I suffered digestive discomfort? Are there some foods I know to upset me more and am I avoiding them? Have I tried excluding common triggers such as wheat, gluten, dairy, citrus, eggs, tree nuts and soya? Have I tried any herbal remedies/digestive enzymes /probiotics? - this powerful trio has sorted out many distressed digestive systems. Pop into your local health food store to see if they can help you!

Hope you've all got 2015 off to a happy and healthy start!

Jenna Evans ©2015.

Jenna is a Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’. Jenna is available instore as

GENTS & BOYS HAIRDRESSING

a Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil. To make an appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. Find Ceres on Facebook as ‘Ceres Natural Foods Ltd’. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.

Former Yeovil College Fashion Students help out with Wolf Hall

A group of former Yeovil College students have worked on costumes for the forthcoming BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s prize winning novel Wolf Hall.

The highly anticipated series presents an intimate portrait of

Thomas Cromwell and his rise to power. From humble beginnings in Putney to principal advisor to Henry VIII, Cromwell develops into a pragmatic and accomplished power broker capable of navigating the corridors of power and deadly political intrigue. Two-time Olivier and three-time Tony award winner Mark Rylance stars as Cromwell, alongside Damian Lewis (Henry VIII), Claire Foy (Anne Boleyn) and Jonathan Pryce (Cardinal Wolsey) and an extensive supporting cast.

In an interview on the BBC website, Costume designer Joanna Eatwell emphasised the scale of the production, saying ‘It is about telling the story through the clothes. With Cromwell more than anything, it is visually indicating his rise which has been one of the more interesting points.

Because of Mark [Rylance]’s background at the Globe Theatre, he works in a certain way which isn’t a way we often work in television, which is ‘getting back to original practice’ and making it

Hansons Fabrics & Crafts of Sturminster Newton stock thousands of fabrics, many of which are designed in the UK and all are sourced from British Companies. These British designs are 100% Cotton and are just a sample of the many designs available at Hansons.

Pictured top, British Garden Birds from Makower, middle and bottom, Arboretum from Lewis & Irene. A superb range of ribbons - including organza - are also stocked.

~ at ~

Élégance Established 1983

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The Barber’s Shop WINCANTON Memorial Hall Mondays 1.00pm – 5.30pm Thursdays 9.00am – 5.30pm Saturdays 8.00am – 12noon MILBORNE PORT Town Hall *Wednesdays 10.00am – 6.00pm *Please note new time

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★ PHONE for a HOME VISIT ★ 01935 814074 or ...

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THE VISITOR February 2015 23

Looking Good and feeling fine

how it was made at this time.

Everything has been handmade for him, hand dyed, all the fastenings are correct.’

The production’s size and attention to detail led to opportunities for former Yeovil College students Beth Dyer, Emily Plumb, Debra Ousley, Amy Whitehouse and Jessica HamiltonGriffin. They leapt at the chance to gain experience of a high quality production, taking time off from work and university to get involved and working long hours to help ensure that various characters looked the part.

Gayle Playford, Head Costume Cutter on Wolf Hall said ‘The Costume Team were very pleased to invite students, both past and present, from Yeovil College to work alongside us and gain practical experience of a very busy workroom and crowded costume department. Each one of the students gave something very special to the project – showing competence, drive, enthusiasm and excellent practical skill. Each day is completely different when on location and the students were well

prepared to take on any costume based task to include dressing Tudor courtiers in many layers of period costume, meticulously stitching on pearls and beads by hand in order to decorate a sleeve or a neckline, transporting heavy costumes from the trucks to the Unit Base for dressing and breaking costumes down to make them look dirty or used, depending on the requirements for the scene.’

For more information about Fashion & Textiles and other creative courses at Yeovil College, please visit www.yeovil.ac.uk

The Dress Circle

Tunics are a wardrobe ‘must-have’ this season. For a good choice visit April’s in Castle Cary

Dress Agency

QUALITY FASHION ITEMS WANTED TO SELL ON A COMMISSION BASIS Wedding hats, wedding outfits, cruise wear and good quality casual wear and accessories, accepted every day ...

10am - 4pm Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm Saturday

For large quantities collections can be arranged

4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY  01458 273485

24 THE VISITOR February 2015

Former Yeovil College Student Beth Dyer puts the finishing touches to a blue velvet jacket for the BBC production of Wolf Hall.

Funky Tunics, Ladies PJs & Nighties Onesies  Novelty Fleeces  Slippers Underwear  Stylish Knitwear Leggings  Skirts  Handbags Scarves  Jewellery ‘Herbs on the Hill’ Organic Soaps etc.

Vintage Cards & Tags, Gifts + Much More Also 50:50 DrESS AGENCy

April’s, e Black & White Shop 13 Fore Street, Castle Cary Somerset, BA7 7BG  01963 351626 Email: aedmills@btinternet.com

MOTORING

VINTAGE Motor Cycling

2015 IS BUT a few days old as I write these words, but when you read this around the end of January the largest part of the winter will have passed, the day light will have begun to lengthen and the prospect of spring is just around the corner.

Time to dust off and service those velocipedes ready for the season ahead. I wonder how many New Year Resolutions are intact, my own resolution being to make even more use of my old bikes than in preceding years.

To make more use of your machines firstly you will need to know what events are coming up during February. The Somerset Section of the VMCC have their AGM on its club night at Cossington on the 5th. They have their Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation night on the 20th, followed on the 22nd by Ralph’s Run from Fivehead. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section makes do with its club night on the 9th at East Stour. The Dorset Section has its Lunch Meet on the 4th at West Stour, then has a guest speaker at the club night on the 11th. On the 15th will be a Winter Run starting from

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MOTORING

Gillingham Railway Station and finally they have the Breakfast Meet at West Stour on the 28th.

There are still plenty of things going on even in the depths of February. For more details ring 01935-872528.

The big event during February will be the Classic Motor Cycle Show held at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, over the weekend of the 7th and 8th. This is a ‘must do’ event for anyone interested in any form of motorcycling or of motorcycle sport. Around one thousand machines covering every aspect of motorcycling will be on display.

Machines from the earliest devices to modern rocketships will ensure something of interest to everyone. Charterhouse the Auctioneers will even be holding a sale of machines on the Sunday, should anything take your fancy.

Always a magnificent show and a very social weekend which well justifies the effort to go and the entrance fee. This is the only static show I enter throughout the year and would not miss, I thoroughly recommend it to you.

If your appetite is whetted at the February Show then the next big event will be the Somerset Sections Autojumble at the same venue on the 7th March. Again another social day out meeting friends and perhaps buying that elusive part needed to get your machine back on the road before the riding season really takes off. Or perhaps buying a machine to get you started on this crazy hobby of ours, should you have failed to do so at the previous months auction.

By the time you read this I will have planned my years riding events (although alterations can be made throughout the year), started on the servicing, maintenance and cleaning of my machines and generally getting prepared for the summer ahead. As a reminder of better days to come my picture this month shows a very sunny day at Weymouth sea front, the machine is a 1912 Bradbury which belongs to the gentleman standing on the right, one Duncan Fish from Somerset. Note the lovely patina of the machine with its lack of shiny nickel and paint, just a very original and well-used machine. Bradbury were an interesting company from Oldham in Lancashire who were better known as a foundry making fine quality metal castings. They made thousands of cast iron drain covers for our roads and many are still in use. They also made fine sewing machines as well. The motorcycles they made were of high quality and production lasted from 1901 to 1925. For a small volume manufacturer there are still many Bradbury’s in existence.

This time of year is always a good time to ponder and reflect upon the old machines we have in the garage, and to what use we will put them in the year ahead. We may even become complacent about the gems we all own. My own collection starts with a 1914 Ariel and I suddenly realised that this bike is now 101 years old, and still able to provide good service and a lot of fun. I have several machines around the 1920 to 1925 era and they too are approaching the 100 year old

milestone. Reassess what you have parked in the garage and you may be surprised at the history that lurks there. Many of us have vehicles dating from the 1960’s and 70’s which we regard as relatively modern but these too are around 50 years old.

Having sat and contemplated for a few moments I realised what a lucky fellow I am to possess the toys I currently have, and now all the toys are safely stored in our new toy cupboard. Have a think about what old vehicles you have and be thankful you have them and for the joy they give you. This hobby really is marvellous.

I wrote recently of the changes to the systems at the DVLA, and feared the virtually paperless world in which we now live. I recently bought another vehicle and notification of the new owner was done by the previous owner the same as before. I insured the vehicle and waited a couple of days for the Insurance data base to be updated and then re-taxed the vehicle using the numbers on the retained part of the Registration Document (V5C). To my amazement everything was done easily and without a hitch.

Well done the DVLA. Why was I so sceptical?

Rodney Hann.

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

THE VISITOR February 2015 25

BUSINESS

Robert Stone & Co., Chartered Accountants and tax advisers in Ilminster answers questions from small businesses in Somerset

Q1. My company has some surplus cash which I would like to use to support a local charity. Can the company make the donation directly or do I have to make a personal donation so it qualifies for Gift Aid, and the charity can claim the tax back?

Robert Stone replies:

Companies can make charitable donations under Gift Aid, but

Stationery, Cards and Gift Wrap

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21 Cheap Street, Sherborne Tel: 01935 814225 or visit our website ...

www.midwest-office.co.uk

those gifts are made without deduction of tax, so the charity does not reclaim tax on the gift.

The company's gift is treated as an expense and deductible from its profits as long as the company has profits for the accounting year in which the gift was made. The value of the gift cannot change a profit into a loss, increase a loss, or be carried forward as an expense for a future period. The gift must also not be subject to conditions which would make it repayable by the charity, and you or the company must not receive significant benefits from the charity.

Q2. I recently turned 60 and I have an idea for a new business venture. I want to take £20,000 from my personal pension scheme to invest in my new business.

Can I do that without paying tax and may I continue to make pension contributions after I extract that lump sum?

Robert Stone replies:

You will be able to make any withdrawals you wish from your pension fund after 5 April 2015.

Before that date there are restrictions over how much you can withdraw, but you can still take 25% of your fund as a taxfree lump sum. Any amount taken in excess of the 25% taxfree lump sum (before or after 5 April 2015) will be taxed at your marginal tax rate, and that will depend on the level of your other income for the tax year.

The Shepton Mallet branch of Red Berry Recruitment decided that Shepton Mallet Food Bank would be the charity they supported at Christmas. This charity supports those in poverty, hardship and despair over the festive period. Staff from the Shepton Mallet Office delivered Food Bank donations to the Salvation Army. Pictured here is John and Louise Melia from the Salvation Army, Emily Cradock – Commercial Consultant and Emma Haskins – Social Media and Marketing Manager. The team at Red Berry Recruitment would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the general public and to Underwood & Sons, Framptons Transport and their employees who generously donated. Thank you so very much!

However, you don't pay national insurance on your pension scheme withdrawals.

You can continue to make pension contributions after you withdraw the lump sum of £20,000, but your contributions may be capped at £10,000 per year. The conditions surrounding this cap are complex and will depend on the specific attributes of your pension scheme.

Q3. I love knitting, and I sell the occasional knitting pattern I have designed through my website. Do I have to charge VAT when I sell to overseas customers?

This is a tiny part of my income and I am not registered for VAT in the UK. Robert Stone replies:

The requirement to charge VAT to the overseas non-business customers depends on exactly how you supply those knitting patterns, and where those customers are based.

If you receive an order through your website, and send out a paper version of the pattern, that is not an electronic service, so no VAT applies.

If you send out the patterns as PDF files or similar electronic images attached to an email, which is an electronic service, so you may have to charge VAT at the rate that applies in the EU

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd

Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors 26 Lower Woodcock Street Castle Cary BA7 7BH Tel: 01963 351052

Business and limited company accounts, self assessment tax returns, VAT, Payroll, Book-keeping and Training Personal and professional service

26 THE VISITOR February 2015

BUSINESS

Country where your customer is located. However, that VAT is only chargeable if the knitting pattern is automatically delivered over the internet. This means there is little or no human intervention in the delivery process. As you sell only a few patterns to overseas customers you will probably personalise your email to each customer containing the requested pattern.

That human intervention removes requirement to charge VAT to the overseas customer.

If you have an urgent query contact Robert Stone on 01460 55661.

Printing from Papertrees

Papertrees of Wincanton offer a complete printing service from posters and leaflets through to training manuals and brochures.

Binding and laminating is also available.

On the premises photocopying up to A3 size is a very popular service.

Business accounts for office stationery are welcome – with free local delivery and a discounted price structure.

A boards and banners are now also available. Visit their website www.papertrees.co.uk for further details or call in to the shop in the high street.

Business Accounts Welcome FREE DELIVERY & DISCOUNTS ON STATIONERY

★ Printing: posters, manuals, brochures, etc.

NOW AVAILABLE ... BANNERS and A-BOARDS

Open: Monday – Friday 7am – 5pm, Saturday 7am – 2pm, Sunday 7am – 12noon

33 High Street • Wincanton

Chalmers

&CO

Tel: 01963 32356 • www.papertrees.co.uk

chartered accountants

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Personal & Business Tax Advisors Business Start Ups Payroll Bureau Accounting & Audit Specialists Full Business Support Services VAT Returns & Advice

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A personal and friendly approach to business that will work for you Visit our website at

By Naomi Dyer Senior Associate Solicitor in the Private Client Department of Battens Solicitors

A FRIEND ASKED ME recently how much the tax man would take out of the value of her home and savings when she dies and whether anything at all would be left for her loved ones.

Her main worry is Inheritance Tax (IHT) which kicks in from a threshold of £325,000 and affects all your property, cash and investments.

Luckily, as long as you plan ahead and make use of them during the lifetime, there are some valuable IHT reliefs that can be used to reduce tax liability.

Firstly, you have an annual IHT-free allowance of £3,000 a year.

Gifts above this amount are subject to the ‘seven year rule’ and should you die within that time, will be included in your estate for IHT purposes. Your annual allowance can be carried forward for one year, but no longer than that. So if you have made no gifts this tax year or last tax year and you wish to, you can therefore give away up to £6,000 without any IHT consequences.

In addition, you can give away up to £250 to as many people as you like with no IHT consequences.

You should also be aware that if a child or grandchild is getting married this year, parents can give them £5,000 and grandparents £2,500, with no IHT consequences.

For all outright gifts like these, there are no legal formalities but you should keep good records as it is your Executors who will need to come up with the evidence.

Another useful and under used IHT exemption is ‘regular gifts out of income’. The rules for this are quite complicated and you should take professional advice on the paperwork requirements so that your Executors can make a successful claim in due course.

However in brief, you can make payments as part of a settled pattern of expenditure from your excess income. The payments must not come from your capital and must not affect your standard of living.

If, for example, you have generous pensions which you are not spending by the end of the year, you could consider making regular gifts out of these funds.

Another break, introduced in the Autumn Statement, allows a spouse or civil partner to add their partner’s ISA savings allowance onto theirs, on top of their usual allowance for that year.

If you are a widow or widower, make sure you keep the paperwork concerning your late partner’s estate in a safe place. Your estate may be entitled to their ‘transferable £325,000 nil rate band’ in addition to your own nil rate band, which could remove or certainly reduce any IHT liability on your death.

The key with IHT is to obtain advice from your solicitor as to what would apply for you and your circumstances.

To discuss the best way forward send an email to naomi.dyer@battens.co.uk call me on 01935 811307 or visit www.battens.co.uk

www.chalmersaccountants.co.uk or email us on

info@chalmersaccountants.co.uk Offices at Yeovil, Crewkerne & Langport 01460 279000

NEW LEGAL CLINICS IN:

Offices in Sherborne, Yeovil, Dorchester & Weymouth

 01963 834477

www.battens.co.uk

Wincanton The Balsam Centre 9:00am – 12:30pm Tuesday 3rd & 17th February

Castle Cary The Shambles 9:00am – 12:30pm Tuesday 10th & 24th February THE VISITOR February 2015 27

House & Home

WARM HOMES

The waiting is over for a free insulation offer

South Somerset residents are being given the opportunity to improve their home for free,

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

Plastic / Metal Tanks • Temporary Tanks Leaking Tanks • Tank Cleaning / Moving / Disposal Above or Below Ground Tanks

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

Are you getting the best from your woodburner?

thanks to grant funding which is immediately available.

Supported by South Somerset Di s t ri ct C o unci l , t he H o m e Energy Team offer free and impartial energy saving advice and are on hand to give the latest information about the grants available. Both South Somerset District Council and the Home Energy Team support the aim of the initiative to offer free insulation to everyone.

There has been a huge demand for assistance with the cost of insulating properties, so residents

are being encouraged to act swiftly in order to benefit from the offer.

The offer means that any homeowner or privately-renting tenant in South Somerset will be able to have both loft and cavity wall insulation installed in their home, free of charge – making their home much warmer and cosier, and cutting their fuel bills.

Jamie Walters manages the Home Energy Team and he said, ‘This is a fantastic offer which will not only improve your home, making it more comfortable, but

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Ask about our amazing Sky package deals!

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 Book your ‘health check’ for your woodburner to ensure maximum efficiency

CATCH UP TV SERVICES REQUIRE A BROADBAND CONNECTION

 Flues also swept

 Full range of accessories: rope - glass - cleaner - paint etc.

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17d Wincombe Business Park, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ

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SALES - REFURBISHMENTS - INSTALLATION

28 THE VISITOR February 2015

★ FREE Box ★ FREE Dish ★ FREE Installation (free installation is subject to survey) TV Packages from £21.50 per month • £ 10 Sky booking fee applies at time of order

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House & Home

will also reduce your fuel bills.

Having your home insulated can save you hundreds of pounds, and we know people have been waiting for this offer.’

Councillor Henry Hobhouse, Portfolio Holder for Property and Climate Change added, ‘I’m very pleased to be able to offer South Somerset residents who need roof or cavity wall insulation the opportunity to apply for the original offer before the green deal. This is now available for a short time – please apply for it as it will save you money.’

The available funding is for cavity wall and loft insulation which tackle the problem of cold homes and excessive expenditure on fuel bills for residents in South Somerset. As an example, residents in an average semidetached house could save £295 a year on their fuel bills.

The Home Energy Team can also help residents find out about various other ways to lower their heating and electricity bills with

free and impartial energy saving advice.

For further information and to arrange a survey, simply call the Home Energy Team on: 0800 082 2234 or email home.energy @cse.org.uk

The Visitor

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

SALE ENDS Saturday 28th February

www.ebmarsh.com

THE VISITOR February 2015 29

Don’t despair - we repair ...

TVs - Radios - Recorders - Hi-fi - CD Players etc.

We can REPAIR most makes and models in our ON-THE-PREMISES WORKSHOP ✴ Specialist audio repairs undertaken ✴

And if it can’t be repaired ...

Don’t be blue - we also sell new!

Our fully stocked showroom offers the Very Latest TVs & Audio from Panasonic Free local delivery, installation, and disposal of old appliance

Greenhill, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4EW  01935 813451

“Where the customer comes first”

Need a new conservatory?

Replacement windows or doors? contact

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FENSA Registered Company sales@turnerwindows.co.uk www.turnerwindows.co.uk

“This installation is the best we have ever had. You did what it said on the tin.

Your men started on time, your team of two (Jason and Alec) were courteous ... nothing was too much trouble ... took great care and left the house clean and tidy.

We employ an assortment of tradesmen and there are only two or three that we would endorse. Welcome to the club.” – David & Pam Watts (February 2013) Just one of many testimonials from satisfied customers ★ See online for further personal recommendations

Turner Windows of Somerton Ltd

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Say you saw it in The Visitor

30 THE VISITOR February 2015

Bringing a touch of flair and fair trade to the home

The Myakka Warehouse Outlet in Wincanton is a treasure trove of fair trade solid wood furniture, soft furnishings, lighting and home accessories.

With spring around the corner it’s the perfect time to freshen up the home. And Myakka can provide you with all the inspiration you need for the living room, bedroom, hallway, dining room and office, with something to suit every budget, and every taste.

Most of the furniture is designed exclusively for Myakka and is hand-crafted from sustainable, richly grained hardwood. There is the choice of warm, handwaxed pieces, or the shabby chic look provided by the colour-washed mango wood ranges of furniture.

Meanwhile, the dedicated team has done all the hard work for you, sourcing unique and innovative accessories from around the world to provide the perfect finishing touch, whatever your style.

Open seven days a week, visit Myakka, Tythings Commercial Centre, Wincanton, BA9 9EQ. For more information visit www.myakka.co.uk or call 01963 31222.

REPAIR SERVICE

★ All makes of TV repaired ★ On the premises workshop

★ Loan TV whilst being repaired

★ Estimates ★ Bench or field service

FULL RANGE OF PANASONIC TVS IN STOCK FOR SALE ... DO CALL IN

H.R. Hodge

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm • Saturday 9am - 1pm

38 St. James Street South Petherton TA13 5BW  01460 240645

ACF WINDOWS

ANDY FELTHAM

UPVC REPLACEMENT WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES, WOODEN FRAMED WINDOWS, FASCIA BOARDS, CLADDING, GUTTERING, ALUMINIUM WINDOWS & DOORS ETC.

The Old Well House Shepherds Hill, Buckhorn Weston GILLINGHAM, Dorset SP8 5HX Tel / Fax: 01963 371715 Mobile: 07802 393344

House & Home

KITCHENS AND HOUSE RENOVATIONS We project manage from start to finish!

OUROMS T I VIS OWRO SH

Stylish kitchens to suit you

■ Contemporary or traditional ■ Wide choice of finishes including – high gloss, wood and painted ■ Free planning ■ Free design service

Thinking of a new kitchen?

Place your order early to ensure fitting after Easter!

This contemporary nest of tables is available from Myakka on the Tythings Commercial Centre, Wincanton.

Beautiful Kitchens Made in Somerset

 Malcolm Helyar: Proprietor.

“See our door library with 100s of colours and finishes”

New Kitchen? House Renovation?

We project manage from start to finish!

■ Plan and design ■ Undertake the construction work ■ Install and fit units / appliances ■ Electrics ■ Plumbing ■ Plastering ■ Complete on time – to a high standard

SHERBORNE KITCHENS & HOUSE RENOVATIONS

Come and visit our new workshop and showroom The Old Yard Logge Farm, West Street South Petherton TA13 5DJ

KITCHENS & FURNITURE HANDCRAFTED IN SOMERSET

 01460 241261

email: info@eternalkitchens.co.uk www.eternalkitchens.co.uk

The Old Bakery, Half Moon Street SHERBORNE, DT9 3LN Call into our showrooms today

Through the archway next to the Half Moon Hotel

Tel: 01935 817111

Email: sales@sherbornekitchens.com www.sherbornekitchens.com THE VISITOR February 2015 31

House & Home

KITCHEN TALK

with coloured paints, funky small appliances or coloured glass. All of these being very easy to change and therefore making your kitchen take on a very different look at a low cost.

The classic kitchen is a kitchen that has a neutral palette, is simple with unfussy details and is timeless. These kitchens can be made to suit your personality

Traditional kitchens are usually wood or painted wood. They can be very detailed with arches, moulding, raised panels, frames, cornice and pilasters. The woods

Kitchen Styles Classic Kitchens

Traditional Kitchens

READER OFFER

The Bed Specialist Celebrates 50 Years!

Since moving to larger premises in Yeovil, Fit & Furnish are now able to offer their customers a range of attractive china to complement their extensive range of dining furniture.

Your chance to win this Mammoth Performance Supersoft Mattress worth over £2000

Just fill in the entry form below and place in the prize draw box in store at

The Bed Specialist, 106 Huish, Yeovil, BA20 1AQ NO POSTAL ENTRIES – BY HAND ONLY

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For a wonderful choice of tiles for both walls and floors, visit SJH Carpets & Flooring of Wincanton.

Telephone ..................................................................................

WALL & FLOOR TILES

can range from very dark to very light. The painted ones are usually pastel colours.

Choose from our extensive range ...

Porcelain, Ceramic, Wood Effect, and More!

■ ■ ■ ■

Call in and see our full range • FREE ESTIMATES

Carpets ■ Vinyls Wincanton Naturals ■ Woods Laminates ■ Blinds Roll Stock ... vinyls & carpets now available

★ Free Estimate ★ Free Measuring ★ Professional Fitting by our own Expert Fitters ★ Friendly and Personal Service ★ Competitive Prices

SJH CARPETS, Southgate Road, Wincanton  01963 824418

32 THE VISITOR February 2015

Lidl

Southgate Road Wi nc .T ow n

Also at: High Street, Tisbury  01747 871178

Fire Station

Tythings Centre

NEW SJH

OLD SJH

Morrisons

Contempary / Modern Kitchens

A contemporary / modern kitchen - it is difficult to define between the two. Contemporary is usually kitchens that are of the moment, which are usually designed using the latest trends, technology, materials and colours. Modern is more likely to be about the design style rather than the actual kitchen units. Big banks of units, very straight linear lines etc.

Transitional Kitchens

The Transitional kitchen is a cross between the Traditional and Contemporary. So take the design of a traditional but make it

simpler, leaving out the pilaster, cornice etc. (all the fancy bits) with the simple lines of the Contemporary style. So probably best known for this style is the shaker kitchen. Then choose either a Granite or wood top to make it suit your style, or if you’re going for a more modern look then a funky glitzy top. The idea of these styles of kitchens can be a very eclectic mix.

Intoto Kitchens has a range of styles in the showroom if you’re thinking of a new kitchen. Why not pop in and take a look?

Sandra Fox Intoto Kitchens, Yeovil

ASK AN EXPERT

MAKE A STATEMENT!

City Decorating Supplies

QUALITY PAINT & WALLPAPER

The Old Chapel, Union Street Car Park WELLS, BA5 2PU Tel: 01749 677299

Email Orders: citydecoratingsupplies@gmail.com Deliveries available throughout UK & Europe Open: Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm Saturday 9am – 4pm NEXT TO CAR PARK

Floral Feature Wallpaper

Stunning “Feature Wall” Wallpapers Florals – City Scenes – Bricks – Metallics etc.

View our extensive wallpaper library for traditional and modern designs Little Greene, Farrow & Ball, Harlequin ... and more!  Co-ordinating Paint Range

MIKE TUCKER, with over 30 years experience in the decorating trade, answers your questions.

Mike is knowledgeable in all aspects of decorating both practical and product knowledge.

Mike is the proprietor of City Decorating Supplies in Wells, the specialist paint and wallpaper shop.

Q 1. I have recently purchased a period property and would like to decorate the rooms in keeping with the house – what would you recommend?

A. Older properties generally have good sized rooms and lend themselves to wallpaper.

Both Farrow & Ball and Little Greene have an excellent range many inspired or recreated from 18th and 19th century original designs. Florals, damasks, stripes and geometrics will cater for your every wallpaper need. If you are unsure of the amount of paper you require, take your measurements along to your supplier who will be able to give you a guide. Most importantly ensure that you buy the correct paste for the wallpaper you are purchasing.

Both Farrow & Ball and Little

The Visitor can be read online: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

THE VISITOR February 2015 33

Greene have paints that coordinate exactly with their wall coverings and are available in a wide range of finishes and sizes.

Tester pots are also available.

House & Home

If you have a decorating question you would like answered email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk – marked ‘Ask An Expert’.

Continuing the progress of the New Build at Ditcheat

by Country Build SW Ltd

Q 2. My living room is neutral and plain with no real focal point – can you suggest a way that I can inject some interest?

A. Feature wallpaper is proving very popular – in a stunning range of designs. Amongst the ranges available are scenes such as beaches and cityscapes, beautiful floral designs, plus brick walling and stonewalling. As the name would suggest these panels should feature just on one wall – to create a special effect or feature of your choice! Panels are also available for doors.

An authentic brick design - just one of the ‘Feature-Wall’ range at City Decorating Supplies in Wells.

Month 6 - Saw the completion of the Zinc roofing of the Sunroom.

for all your Tool Hire Requirements including Mini Digger Hire and Garden Machinery Higher Farm, Sutton, Ditcheat Tel: 01749 860199 • Mob: 0777 163 2221

Chameleon

Over 20 displays on view in our showrooms ...

Bedrooms Kitchens Home Office ■ FREE design service ensuring best use of space ■ Extensive choice

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34 THE VISITOR February 2015

(01935) 823346

Golden Years: Care of the Elderly

Keeping Safe and Steady Improving your fitness

As you get older, it’s important to be as active as you can.

Regular physical activity will help you maintain strength, flexibility and energy levels, so that you can carry on doing the things you enjoy and stay independent. Try taking a brisk walk, for example, or doing some gardening or dancing. If you need help moving about or don’t usually do any exercise, doing any amount of activity is better than nothing.

It’s never too late to start and you can build up gradually.

The Government advises older people to aim to be active every day and to: • Build up to two-and-a-half hours per week of moderate intensity activity (activities that get you breathing harder and your heart pumping faster) in bouts of ten minutes or more.

• Do activities that improve muscle strength at least twice a week – these are repetitive activities that strengthen muscles.

• Do some activities that

improve balance and coordination twice a week – this is particularly important if you have had a fall or are afraid of falling.

• Limit or break up the time you spend sitting still.

Keeping your bones healthy

The strength of your bones makes a big difference to the effect of a fall. Regular weight-bearing exercise helps keep bones strong by forcing the bones in the lower half of your body to bear your full weight each time you move.

Activities such as brisk walking, bowls and tennis are weightbearing, but swimming is not.

Vitamin D and Calcium

You can help keep your bones strong by eating a diet rich in calcium and making sure that you get enough vitamin D. Your body makes vitamin D mainly through the action of the sun’s rays directly on your skin.

For this reason, some direct exposure to the sun is necessary, although it’s important not to let your skin redden or burn. In May to September, try to go out every

day without sunscreen for around ten minutes, either once or twice a day depending on your skin type. Remember to make sure that you are actually outside – your body can’t make vitamin D from sunshine coming through closed windows.

There are some food sources of vitamin D – salmon, sardines, other oily fish, eggs and fortified spreads – but sunshine is the major source for most people.

The Government recommends that certain groups of the population, including people aged 65 and over, take ten micrograms (10µg) of vitamin D daily as a supplement. If you think you could be at risk of not getting enough vitamin D, particularly if you are housebound or cover your skin for cultural reasons, raise this with your GP. Always speak to your GP before starting to take a vitamin D supplement or over-thecounter medicine on a daily basis.

Osteoporosis

If a minor bump or fall results in a broken bone, it could be because of a condition called Osteoporosis.

This causes bones to become

fragile and break more easily.

Your risk of osteoporosis is increased by: • A history of osteoporosis in your close family.

• Your age – the older you are, the more likely you are to develop this condition.

• Heavy drinking, smoking and lack of exercise.

• Long-term use of corticosteroid medication.

• In women, an early menopause or hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries.

• In men, low levels of testosterone following surgery for some types of cancer.

For more information about osteoporosis, visit www.nos.org.uk

Checking your home environment

Keeping an eye out for things that could cause you to slip, trip or fall can make your home a safer place to live in. Some of these points may seem obvious, but it’s amazing how often they can be overlooked – so it’s worth checking them.

Tel: 01963 33370 | Higher Holton, nr Wincanton BA9 8EA info@elliscombehouse.co.uk | www.elliscombehouse.co.uk

THE VISITOR February 2015 35

NEW IN ...

Mobility Scooters

Personally tailored to suit your needs ... on /off road use Options include type of seat, tyres, colour, etc. plus speed of 4, 6, 8, or 12 mph 65 stone weight capacity

• Do you have good lighting, particularly on the stairs?

• Do you have a nightlight in the bedroom or a torch by the bed in case you need to get up in the night?

• Are your floors clear of trailing flexes, wrinkled or fraying carpets or anything else that you might trip or slip on?

• Does your pet wear a collar with a bell on? Pets are wonderful companions, but they can get under your feet.

Be aware of where they are when you’re moving about.

• Are your stairs and steps free of clutter?

• Do you have handrails on both sides of your stairs?

• Do you have a non-slip mat in the bath and a fitted handrail?

• Do you have non-slip mats under rugs, in the kitchen, on stair landings and next to the bath?

• Do you always use a stepladder to reach high

Call in for more information

 Scooters Serviced only £39  If you can’t come to us we will come to you

Rise and Recline Chairs & Beds

 FREE delivery and removal of your old furniture

 FREE home demonstrations

10 Falkland Square CREWKERNE TA18 7JS Call in and see us at ...

Tel: 01460 271172 (near the Co-op)

Do you have difficulty getting around? Visit Regency Care & Mobility for a wide choice of mobility scooters. Also on display are everyday living aids and comfortable reclining armchairs.

Private Nursing Care from £700.00 per week The Aurora Care Group offers private nursing care in our Somerset nursing homes at prices from £700.00 per week

Our homes are spread across south Somerset and variously offer: ● 24 hour nursing care in purpose built accommodation

● Large single en suite rooms with ensuite wet rooms

● Comprehensive social programmes with several activities a day, designed to stimulate physically, intellectually and socially ● Restaurant standard dining in own rooms or dining rooms

www.hendfordcarehome.co.uk 166 Hendford Hill, YEOVIL, BA20 2RG 01935 470400 info@auroracare.co.uk 36 THE VISITOR February 2015

www.hurstmanor.co.uk Hurst, MARTOCK, TA12 6JU 01935 823467 info@hurstmanor.co.uk

● Frequent trips out in our own minibus ● Beautiful landscaped gardens with breathtaking views over the Somerset countryside

Golden Years: Care of the Elderly

places? Always have someone to help if you’re using a ladder and never stand on a chair.

• Do you keep your garden paths clear and free from moss? Watch out for uneven paths and slippery surfaces as well. Carefully placed handrails and posts can be helpful if you need them.

Staying Steady Remember

• Avoid tasks such as cleaning windows or changing a light bulb if they make you feel dizzy or light-headed.

• Move your head slowly to avoid dizziness if you have arthritis in your spine or neck.

• Keep warm - cold muscles don’t work as well and may lead to accidents and injuries.

• Take your time getting up, and then stand still for a moment to steady yourself before walking. Sitting or standing up too quickly can make you feel lightheaded.

Tensing your arms and legs a few times before getting up from a chair, or sitting on the side of the bed for a few

minutes before standing up, can be helpful.

•Making small adjustments in your daily life doesn’t mean that you have to limit your activities. In fact, it can give you greater freedom and confidence.

These helpful tips and many more are provided by Age UK. They have a host of free information fact sheets which can be downloaded on a host of everyday topics such as dealing with debt, knowing your rights in the work place, choosing a residential home, acting as a carer, coping with a loved one who has dementia etc. They also have advice on pensions, insurance, equity release and more. Visit their website www.ageuk.org.uk.or call free phone 0800 169 6565.

Beechwood House

Set in landscaped gardens, Beechwood House Care Home in Yeovil, provides a very high standard of residential care for 28 elderly people, all having ground level, en-suite rooms.

Established for more than 16 years, their aim is to provide a caring and comfortable home for people who feel unable or do not wish to live on their own any longer.

Two sitting rooms and two conservatories allow residents to enjoy either a quiet period of reflection, to meet visitors or to participate in the activities on offer. The cooks prepare excellent home-cooked cuisine and special dietary requirements are catered for. Should you require them to order, collect and administer medication, they will gladly do so.

They want residents to maintain their way of life, whilst

knowing that help is available whenever they need it. Above all, treat Beechwood House as your home. Please call Sandra Barclay, Manager, on 01935 472793 for more details.

Somerset Care

Somerset Care is an awardwinning not-for-profit company with over 20 years’ of experience of supporting people to live independently. Our Community Services teams support people living in their own homes across the South West, providing a range of services to help build confidence and increase our customers’ independence.

Care Home for the Elderly

60 West Coker Road, Yeovil BA20 2JA Call Sandra Barclay, Manager on 01935 472793 for an informal chat

email: info@beechwoodcarehome.co.uk • www.beechwoodcarehome.co.uk

THE VISITOR February 2015 37

Keep your independence at home with Careline gives that little extra support to people who want to remain living at home independently for as long as possible while bringing peace of mind to their family and friends.

Do you ...    

Live alone or sometimes feel at risk?

Have elderly, frail or infirm dependents?

Worry about their safety in an emergency?

Want to help them maintain their independence?

Careline provides help at the touch of a button, which can be worn as a pendant or on a wrist strap, and dials through to our team 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

Through Careline, you can enjoy the independence of living in your own home, secure in the knowledge that emergency help or advice is available at your fingertips.

Experience total comfort when reading, chatting or watching television with a rise and recline armchair. Visit Mendip Mobility in Street or Frome.

Within our 31 residential and nursing homes, we provide a welcoming ‘home from home’ environment, whether you’re looking for day care, short-term respite care or a longer term move to a care home. We have various care homes across the

We offer a free demonstration and if you are happy with it, our staff can fit the unit for you immediately.

Contact us on 01935 479815 careline@southsomerset.gov.uk www.southsomerset.gov.uk/careline Initial connection / set-up fee £32.70* Hire and monitoring £3.81 per week *waived if on certain benefits

South West including: Cary Brook in Castle Cary, Carrington House in Wincanton, Burnworthy House in South Petherton, Wessex House in Somerton, Portcullis House in Langport, Sunnymeade in Chard, Field House in Shepton Mallet, Southlawns in Street, Fletcher House in Wells and three homes in Yeovil, Grovelands, Sunningdale Lodge and Preston Park House.

Sutton’s Stairlifts

In store at HASKINS - SHEPTON MALLET

Making Life Easier

Mark Sutton, who decided to set up a stairlift business after his father was stung by a pushy and aggressive stairlift installation company, is delighted to have been successfully trading for over 12 months now.

We have a comprehensive range of ...

 rise and recline chairs & Beds

 Scooters & Wheelchairs for Sale & Hire  Everyday living aids  Bath lifts

PACKAGES AVAILABLE

Call in to our showrooms where our knowledgeable & helpful staff will be pleased to advise!

38 THE VISITOR February 2015

146 High Street, STREET, BA16 0ER  01458 448355 20 Westway, FROME, BA11 1BS  01373 464373 www.mendipmobility.co.uk

Golden Years

Sutton’s Stairlifts is a family run business which Mr Sutton set up in September 2013 with the help of his sons.

Dedicated to providing a fair and ethical service, the business offers a range of new or refurbished stairlifts for purchase or rental in the Somerset and Mendip area.

A display unit in the Haskins Retail Centre in Shepton Mallet is available for demonstrations by appointment.

The Mammoth performance range is scientifically proven to enhance your sleep

A study by Dr Jason Ellis, a world leading sleep expert, proved that Mammoth mattresses enable you to fall asleep quicker, sleep for longer and enjoy your sleep more.

What more could you want from your bed?

Tested under controlled conditions, 3 key sleep elements were tested on a particular group both at home in their own bed, and in a laboratory on a Mammoth Performance mattress.

The results were outstanding.

1. Sleep efficiency

Participants were monitored to measure the ratio between how long a person spends in a bed compared to how long

they spend in a deep sleep. On a Mammoth mattress participants improved their sleep efficiency by an average of 7% and moved up a clinical relevant zone, from poor sleep efficiency to a good sleep efficiency.

2. Sleep onset latency - how quickly you fall asleep

The test proved that participants fell asleep more quickly on a Mammoth mattress.

3. Sleep enjoyment

Participants were asked to grade their nights sleep – on average they enjoyed their sleep 21% more on a Mammoth mattress.

The Bed Specialist of Yeovil stocks a range of Mammoth mattresses. This year they are celebrating 50 years in business and to mark this golden anniversary they are holding a Free Prize Draw. Just fill in the coupon on page 32 in the House & Home feature in this month’s Visitor for a chance to win a Mammoth Performance Supersoft Mattress worth over £2,000.

The Mammoth range is endorsed by the Chiropractic Patients Association.

WET ROOM SPECIALISTS

FULL PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICE

If you are having difficulty getting in and out of the bath ... a wet room is the perfect solution.

Wet rooms can be tailored to suit your personal requirements VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS

Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms

Whatever your age, this walk-in shower is ideal for anyone with mobility problems. Available from Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms in Half Moon Street, Sherborne.

The Old Bakery, Half Moon Street Sherborne, DT9 3LN (Through Archway by Half Moon Inn)

Tel: 01935 817111 www.SimplyBathAndBed.co.uk info@SimplyBathAndBed.co.uk

THE VISITOR February 2015 39

The

Pub Pages

B EER & S KI TTL ES P. A. BAXTER

I WAS BROUGHT UP in the belief that when one worked for charity then one did not get paid.

In the risk of starting a wave of comments along the lines of 'they

deserve it' and 'they need people of quality' and 'it's for the responsibility' etc., I am nothing less than appalled at the pay packets of some of the CEO's for some big 'charities'. The latest gimmick to raise money for their bonuses by getting the good citizens of Great Britain to give up their small pleasures - a 'dry' January - and give the money to them. Sorry, I meant, to the charity in question ... so the ongoing effect for your local would be the worst month of the year for sales would become even worse. I for one, did not subscribe!

I believe that 'charity begins at home', as the old adage goes, and will be very careful to whom and how much I shall be giving in future. Meanwhile, I've got through another month with my drinking still in moderation, despite a Government declaration even more than just a handful of units once a week (at skittles)

makes me a 'binge drinker'.

Assumptions made by me last month regarding the bill to do away with the 'tie' would appear to be pretty accurate. Having spoken to someone in the know

OUR NEWLY EXTENDED 70 SEATER RESTAURANT IS NOW OPEN

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40 THE VISITOR February 2015

Large Large groups groups // functions functions available available 20% 20% discount discount off off your your food food bill bill for for the the first first 10 bookings of over 40 people 10 bookings of over 40 people

for these matters, there are some things worth adding. The 'tie' has been accused of ensuring that the brewers get a guaranteed amount for their products as landlords are indeed 'tied' to the brewery/pubco and the landlord cannot buy beer on the open market. The result is that any higher price has to be passed on to the customer - you and me. As I write, the new law that has yet to receive the Royal Assent but it is assumed it will. The law will only apply to those with more than 500 tied pubs so that would be relevant to Enterprise, Punch, Mitchell and Butlers, Spirit, Greene King and Marston's. The law would not apply to houses with a manager, only those tenanted and leased. Before you charge off to the local and ask who owns it, take this on board as well; at the next rent review (always a worrying time for those in the trade) those who can will have the option to opt for 'free of tie'. Probably this will mean a hike in the rent but then leave the landlord the option to buy beer from wherever he wants. Not a bad thing you may think - but would the price of beer drop?

Some commentators believe that the price could go down by 50p or more. Well who knows; this will definitely be a 'wait and see' scenario. Incidentally, the share price of several brewers did indeed drop on the passing of the bill, but the CAMRA Members Investment Club admin team snapped up shares of Greene King, Spirit and Marston's at the lower price and it soon recovered.

Nice one, chaps!

So how did all this 'tied house' business start? Going back into history to the early 1600's, a tied pub was indeed one that only sold beer from one particular brewer, thus giving a guarantee to that brewer of a steady income from that pub, but 200 years later in

The

Pub Pages

London, the system really did come into its own. It was a tough place to survive, with one pub for every 25 people, so many ended in debt for their very stock, and the brewers would take on their debts and mortgages in return of the exclusion of others' products.

This system has been in place now for a very long time and about a third of the 50,000 or so pubs in this country are in this position. However, this has been declared 'grotesquely uncompetitive' by LibDem MP Greg Mulholland, who tabled the motion, which was backed by some Tory M.P's and CAMRA. Whilst the new law may be trumpeted as a great success, the Government's own figures state that we could lose another 1,400 pubs, but like I say, we have to

wait and see.

Whilst on the subject of losing pubs, a recent article in the 'Birmingham Post' puts much of the blame for the number of pubs closing on the increasing Muslim population. They of course, do not drink alcohol, and Tory Lord Hodgson a former director of Marston's states that this is a bigger factor than 'rapacious owners'. Well I guess we are (still) allowed to have an opinion in this

Mildmay Arms ~ THE ~

Queen Camel • BA22 7NJ

Somerset’s Newest Destination Pub / Restaurant ... see for yourself what people are talking about

 Valentine’s Dinner Menu  S TA RT E R S

Pan Seared Scallops on a Bed of Wild Rocket and drizzled with a Chilli and Mango Salsa

Roasted Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup served with Garlic Croutons and Crusty Bread Duck Liver and Pigeon Breast, Green Peppercorn and Cognac Terrine, with mixed Baby Leaves, Toasted Brioche and Quince Chutney To Share – Whole Baked Camembert, Olive Bread and Balsamic Dressing and homemade Beetroot Chutney MAINS

Corn fed Chicken Breast stuffed with Cream Cheese and Chive, Wrapped in Pancetta and accompanied with a Smoked Cheese and Wild Mushroom Sauce* Paupiette of Plaice stuffed with Prawn and Concasse of Tomato served with Pink Fir Potatoes and a Lobster Bisque* Cannon of Lamb and Spinach Wellington with a Mint and Merlot Jus*

Roasted Vegetable and Basil Filo Parcel with a Cherry Tomato Essence* *All served with Chateaux Potatoes and a selection of Seasonal Vegetables D E S S E RT S

Griottine Kirsch Cherry Cheesecake served with a Mango Foam and Clotted Cream

Glazed Strawberry Tart with Saffron and Lemon Ice Cream and sprinkled with Rose Pearls Selection of Exmoor Jersey Blue, Dorset Drum and Black Eyed Susan Cheese, Grapes, Celery and a variety of Biscuits To Share – Milk Chocolate Fondue with various Fruits and Sweets for dipping Glass of Bubbly and Chocolates included

£29.50 per person (deposit & pre-selection required) • Call 01935 850456 to book your tables

Rated on TripAdvisor

“Food & Ambience Excellent” “Amazing” • “Great Place to Visit” “Wonderful Lunch” “Highly Recommended”

Coming Soon to The Mildmay Arms ...

March 15th: Mother’s Day Luncheon March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day Promotions April 5th: Easter Eggstravaganza April 23rd: St. George’s Day Promotions

Email: mildmayarms@yahoo.com •  01935 850456 www.themildmayarms.co.uk

country and this may hold in large centres of population like Birmingham where there are indeed many Muslim areas, but I think that is going a bit far to cause the sad loss of so many pubs around the rest of the country. There are so many factors, and the respected beer writer Pete Brown adds his pen'eth by including 'Xbox, broadband, plasma TV's and bookcases full of cookbooks' as

reasons for the dramatic losses of the local. I'm not too sure about the last reason as half of all meals consumed in the home now are ready-prepared, but I think hundreds of channels of 'nothing to watch' definitely is!

Tales of 'binge-drinking' still make the headlines when there is nothing else trumped-up to worry us. This is all nonsense of course; beer consumption continues to free-fall despite what

Montague Inn

Sean & Suzy welcome you to the ...

Shepton Montague nr. Bruton Tel: 01749 813213

Valentine’s

Saturday 14th February 3 Course Dinner Glass of Champagne £ 35 per person

Why not join racing and Valentine’s?

With Lunch, Racing, and a 3 Course Dinner Make a day of it for £60

4 Course Dinner

Friday 27th March Featuring Wines from Babylonstoren South Africa £45 per person THE VISITOR February 2015 41

They Say

That it would appear Father Christmas banks with ‘Nationwide’ in Yeovil, as seven Santas were seen - prior to Christmas - lining up to withdraw their cash.

That the pothole in East Street, Chiselborough will soon be turned into a lido.

That when it comes to discussing football on the radio with commentator Robbie Savage, using the soft or hard ‘G’ can be confusing for Gillingham F.C. manager Kevan Davis of Castle Cary.

That runners of the regular Yeovil Montacute Park Run have been known to share their course with royalty - none other than King Henry VIII.

That Anna Cuff of Preview in Wincanton and Langport is a golden girl.

That you can tell a males recovery from the recent bout of ‘lurgy’ by the depth of the biscuits in the barrel. When his temperature goes down, so do the biscuits!

That the pen is mightier than the sword - Je Suis Charlie.

That the question being asked is: ‘Is the free parking in Yeovil after 3pm on a Tuesday for those displaying a voucher from the Somerset Council Newpaper printed last November really going to bring the shoppers in to town?’

That going above 20 miles per hour is just ‘pants’ - Bruton has brought a new meaning to ‘speed awareness.’

That congratulations go to Yeovil Town Football Club on their very fine, recent performance against Manchester United.

That contributions to this column are always welcome by post, by email, or by telephone.

Anonymous entries however will not be published.

The

Vinny shows that he’s no latin scholar at The Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas

Pub Pages

the media tells us, but the bias against our national drink continues to be reinforced by these blatant lies. I shall justify this statement by pointing out that whenever the 'binge' topic comes up then images of beer/drunks/beer/more drunks are beamed at us. Contrast this with wine then. Two programmes I watched recently featured wine drinking and images of happy people supping freely, filled our screens. No mention of 'responsible drinking' or 'binging' here then, so clearly it is quite

Don’t forget!  Mothering Sunday 15th March  St. Patrick’s Day 17th March

 March Issue Print 26th February  Deadline 13th February

Book your advert in Tel: 01963 351256

Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

The

acceptable to drink wine with gusto. Worth noting that it’s winos one might see on the streets, never a 'beero'. Your comments, as always are welcome at skittlealley@hotmail.com It would be extremely rewarding to come up with a formula to save the pub. Whilst things like Karaoke might get some extras customers in for a while, one can have too much of a good thing, and personally, it puts me off from visiting! Live music can help, as well as speciality themed food nights. A recent article in a London paper reported on the growth of cafes and coffee-shops that featured board games, and surprisingly, to your scribe, the growth in the sale of board games has been huge with report of 40% year-onyear. My limit is the occasional game of Scrabble but a more regular game of Backgammon, a pub/bar/cafe favourite with our European cousins. Both of these have passed the ultimate

Lord Nelson

Rectory Lane Norton Sub Hamdon

Mark, Helen and staff welcome you to ‘The Nelson’

GOOD FOOD - GOOD BEER - GREAT ATMOSPHERE

 Valentine’s Special 









42 THE VISITOR February 2015

Saturday 14th February

Black Tie Evening

LIVE MUSIC with DAVE LARGIE Soul & Motown Singer

3 Course Menu • £30 per head Bookings now being taken

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challange, which is the test of time, the latter having been around for at least 4000 years.

How about starting it in your local - it's not difficult.

Anything else? Well yes, the gentle art of skittling, which is pretty much where we came in in this magazine about a quarter century ago.

Cheers!

AROUND THE

H O U S E S

IN CORTON DENHAM films showing at The Queens Arms, are Ben Affleck’s Gone Girl Wednesday 4th February and on Wednesday 18th February Liam Neeson in A Walk among the Tombstones ... always a good choice of real ales at The Camelot Inn, South Cadbury ... if you love a flutter then Valentine’s Day racing and dinner is a must at The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague ... due to popular demand Truffles in Bruton is now open all day ... the new restaurant is now open at The Hunters Lodge at Leigh Common, with seating for up to seventy diners ... The Red Lion at Wincanton has now been sold ... proper pies served at The Natterjack, Evercreech Junction ... and the Sunday Lunch at The Bocabar, in Glastonbury is very good, so a reader tells us.

Stomping off to Somerton where Duncan at the Market House, when not busy cooking, can be found shopping ... The Old

The

Pub Pages

Forge, Curry Rivel is getting a complete refit ... a big thanks to all those who support the regular quiz nights at The Lamb & Lark in Limington, where over £15,000 has been raised in the past 9 years - proceeds split between the Air Ambulance and St Margaret’s Hospice ... the Early Bird Special is excellent value at The Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil, served betwen 6 and 7

pm ... and don't forget your FREE PUDDING at The Rose & Crown Bradford Abbas when you take along the voucher printed in The Visitor last month.

Onwards to Over Stratton where bookings are now being taken for Valentine’s at The Royal Oak, where there is a quiz on Sunday 1st February - all welcome ... a taste of Italy on the 5th February at The New Farm Restaurant ... Dave Largie, singer, is back by popular demand at The Lord Nelson, Norton sub Hamdon, when he will be entertaining Valentine diners at a Black Tie event ...

Garry is recharging his batteries at The Muddled Man,West Chinnock ... enjoy live music at The Wyndham Arms, Huish Episcopi on the 28th February ... and at The Dinnington Docks, Dinnington, food is now served all day Saturday and Sunday.

Home-Made Food Served 7 Days a Week Food Now Served All Day Saturday & Sunday

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— LIVE MUSIC — Saturday 28th February Alan Drew guitar / vocalist, 9pm start

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Please visit us on our website: www.wyndhamarms.com to see full menu details

Lamb & Lark Russell & Diane welcome you to the

Limington nr. Ilchester • BA22 8EG Tel: 01935 840368 Saturday 14th February

Valentine’s Special

3 Courses & Coffee £22.95 2 Courses & Coffee £18.95 FREE Glass of Bubbly ... and Rose for the Lady Thursday 19th February: Curry Night 3 − 4 Curries ... help yourself £10.95 Sunday 22nd February Quiz in aid of St. Margaret’s Hospice

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FUNCTION ROOM • WEDDINGS & PRIVATE PARTIES WELCOME FAMILIES WELCOME • ENCLOSED BEER GARDEN

THE VISITOR February 2015 43

GARDENING

GARDENING MONTHLY

by Richard Cumming

Planning Ahead

Orchard Park

OH, YES. Planning ahead! Good early-in-the-year intentions; I’m full of them! No more last minute decisions, but carefully thought out work schedules that will allow me to be efficient in getting my plot going for the year (or not as the case may be!) Inevitably it will be a compromise between a bit of forward planning and a lot of doing whatever the weather will allow me to do. Last year was great for growing almost everything but I don’t expect that to be the case every year, and I must admit that gardening over the years has taken its toll on my poor weary back. If I am planning properly I should be able to get the essential stuff done, get the results I need and be able to relax and enjoy my garden. As you can imagine I am really looking forward to the spring with day length gradually

improving; we will get just over 9 hours of daylight by the beginning of February!

Soil temperature is a vitally important factor for plant growth and most seeds will not think about sprouting until the soil reaches 7°C (45°F). There are exceptions, but why take the risk?

Seeds sat in cold, wet soil can quite easily take up moisture and then rot rather than grow. That said, early sowing is a really good idea provided you can give a little warmth starting things off in seed trays or pots. Anybody starting grow-your-own projects should invest in a small heated propagator; this is simply a seed tray sat on an electric blanket allowing the warmth to travel through the moist compost and giving the seed the stimulus it needs to germinate. Avoid getting seed composts too wet, but at the

same time don’t let them dry out once the seeds have started to sprout. A propagator gets you ahead of the game with plants ready to harden off and go out that much sooner.

Slugs will have been happily overwintering in damp soil and could have built up their numbers since last year. In general I would certainly suggest staying off wet clay soils to avoid damaging their structure. You can’t dig clay successfully until it has dried a little, and then it is very easy to puddle and create a mess that will take time to restore. Adding coarse grit and organic matter by laying it on the surface is probably the best thing you can do; the worms will take it down.

The standard advice on planting through the winter is to avoid frozen or waterlogged soils.

We have had frosts, which are fine and expected, but no deep frozen ground to worry about – so far! However, don’t think it’s all over yet.

Plants Looking Good this month!

There is always something that catches your eye in the garden whatever time of year it is. Just now winter heathers are looking bright and cheerful. They are very hardy and adapt to a wide range of soils including local alkaline clays making it a really useful plant for the garden. It will also bring some much needed colour to the dark winter months, and there

Primroses are in bloom to let us know that Spring is on the way.

are over 4,000 varieties to choose from so there should be something you like! Heathers make great ground cover or additions to tubs and planters.

Low down in the borders there are signs of bulbs pushing their way up, snowdrops in flower and primroses budding up. At home I have even seen cowslips in flower which is really strange. I think they have kept flowering all winter rather than started early, admittedly in a sheltered sunny spot on the edge of my wild woodland garden. Wild primroses are lovely and a joy to behold; they can be hard to get going but once established will keep coming back year after year.

There are some really wonderful spring flowering shrubs to look for; Hamamelis, the witch hazel with fragrant yellow flowers or showy red or bronze thread like blooms

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44 THE VISITOR February 2015

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and fantastic autumn colour, Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’ with sweet scented flowers on bare stems. Skimmia x confuse ‘Kew Green’ is budding up and will soon scent the air, and the pale pink blossom of the winter flowering cherry, Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ still catches the eye alongside catkins from common

GARDENING

hazel and alder. Every garden needs a few spring stars to keep it interesting before the real spring ‘show-offs’ get going!

Jobs for the Month

No matter how hard I try, I always find that the tidying up I had said I would do in November and December is still waiting to

be done, so January and February are very much ‘catchup’ months before I can get to preparation for the new growing season.

In the fruit and vegetable garden, clearing away rubbish, prune the fruit trees, bushes and vines (unless the weather is very frosty), then give them a feed with sulphate of potash, pelleted Vitax Q4 or poultry manure, mulch and cover rhubarb crowns, and rough dig areas that need sorting. Brassicas need protecting from marauding wild life; pigeons are especially hungry and will strip your carefully nurtured sprouting or cabbages in no time.

Netting is the only answer but make sure it is secured at ground

level. Seed potatoes and onion sets are now in the garden centre – so for the best selection and the sought after varieties – get there early! If you are growing

TREE SURGERY SPECIALISTS Crown Thinning and Reduction Dead and Dangerous Trees Removed new Trees Supplied and planted Tree Stumps Removed Approved Contractor to Somerset County Council and Local Councils

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THE VISITOR February 2015 45

GARDENING Wines for

vegetables from seed, it pays to cover an area of ground with black plastic to allow the ground to dry out a little and warm up – makes early seed sowing more productive. Early sowing in seed trays, pots or modules are easier to manage and will be ahead of the outside sowings. A greenhouse is best, but a porch or window sill will make the difference.

What to sow? Try broad beans, summer and autumn cropping cabbages, celery, spinach and rocket. If you have got a greenhouse or tunnel then start a few tomatoes and cucumbers off now with heat and a second batch in March. Onions grow well from seed and will equal the crop from sets provided they are sown early enough. Spring onions are tough customers and a few sown in modules now will be worthwhile.

There is a lot to do in the flower garden as well, with finishing winter pruning of dormant trees

and shrubs. Leave those shrubs like dogwoods and shrubby willows plants with coloured stems which are at their best over the next two months. Try to get the roses done as early as is practicable, avoiding pruning in frosty weather as the newly cut surfaces can be damaged by the cold. Ornamental trees often need a little surgery, young trees need shaping, and mature deciduous shrubs often need thinning out (about a third each year for many sorts). It’s a good time to cut back overgrown deciduous hedges, and, of course, prune the wisteria.

Evergreens are best left until March for pruning although hardy evergreen hedges can be dealt with now. Use secateurs on large leafed plants such as laurels to avoid leaf damage.

Bulbs have started to push through and early daffodils will be in colour. If you didn’t get all planted last autumn you can now find potted bulbs in the garden centres to complete your display.

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46 THE VISITOR February 2015

Lovers ... & Others STILL HOPING TO FIND the man of my dreams, preferably with a bottle of bubbly in hand, I confess to paying very little attention to St. Valentine’s Day. A quick bit of local research however, shows that whilst those happily entwined in a relationship with their significant other largely seem to let the occasion for romance pass them by, the very name Valentine can conjure up a sense of fear and trepidation in the more ardent amorists.

Traditionally, men entertain their mistresses to lunch on Valentine’s Day, enabling the evening to be kept free for more domestic attentions.

Flowers, chocolate, perfume, lingerie, jewels, or wine; the choice is unlimited. The history of St. Valentine’s Day is a long and complicated one. Initially a Christian festival, it has sadly developed into an exercise in mass marketing and a social minefield.

The link between the scent of wine and arousal is well established and my, admittedly biased, choice as my preferred romantic initiator would be champagne.

A recent vintage of Perrier Jouët, Belle Epoque, Fleur de Champagne, with its beautifully decorated bottle, will set you back around £95, but is a true delight to behold, as is their highly regarded rosé, at £130.

This excellent cuvée has real class; a delicate richness and a soft, approachable style, positively reeking of elegance.

The Japanese anemones designed by artist Emile Gallé give the clear bottle a graceful element; why not invest in a bunch of anemones to go with it?

For those who prefer their wine without bubbles, there are a number of reputable still wines to be had without resorting to the fake ‘Valentine’ theme.

To kick start the romantic romp through the wine rack go for “Saint-Amour”. Without breaking the bank at around £12 a bottle, this sexy Beaujolais cru is as romantic in style as its name implies.

Powerful, with the big, red and black fruit flavours of Gamay, it goes well with any grilled meat. Producers to look out for are Duboeuf, Jadot and Drouhin. Sales of this during February, as one might expect, rocket every year.

Other wines with names to instigate amorous tendencies are:

Boy Meets Girl Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, South East, Australia, 2014, 12%. £7.50 Described as a product of passion, hard work and bags of enthusiasm, this cheap and cheerful fruity wine will appeal to those who want a light, zippy crowd pleasing all-rounder that is reminiscent of fruit salad, with the added palate awakening hit of passion fruit and lemon sorbet.

Mon Coeur, Domaine Jean Louis Chave, Northern Rhône, France, 2010, 14.5%. £15.46 A precocious, beautiful blend of organic Grenache and Syrah.

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This medium bodied dry wine will keep well whilst swathing your palate with its lilac, lingonberry, smoky bacon and hints of jam.

Chocolate Block, Boekenhoutskoof, Franschoek, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 2012, 14.65%. £21 Labelled as ‘The wine with secrets to keep’. This biodynamic blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Grenache and Viognier has an intensely floral aroma, with hints of Turkish Delight and marzipan keeping company with red fruits, and a spiciness provided by cedar and black pepper. Smooth, velvety and seamless on the palate.

Dreams, Vinnaioli Jermann, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, 2012, Chardonnay, 13.5%. £49.50 Just imagine the intense bouquet, and ample body on this elegant wine, with a hint of honey and wild flowers. Dry and smooth on the palate, it has good balance and an exceptionally long finish.

Finally, for those of us who will just have to be satisfied with observing the romance, Innocent Bystander, Yarra Valley, Pinot Noir, Australia, 2012, 13.5%. £12.95 Musky chocolate with a hint of spice, blackberries, orange peel, cocoa, roasted coffee beans and cloves. Tight and brooding with a touch of peat on the fresh chalky palate.

I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the poor quality of many of the online ordering sites. Whether or not it is one of the large supermarket chains, or specialised wine merchants, the lack of information about the wines on offer, and more importantly the accuracy of the information given, gives me much to complain about.

However, I have recently discovered one site, Naked Wines, based in Norwich, which is easy to navigate, kept up to date, has fun selections on offer at modest prices, and a really helpful team of staff.

Their customers are all called ‘Angels’ and invest from £20 a month towards future purchases. Not a place for wine snobs, but for wine lovers; what could be more appropriate for Valentine’s Day? LP-V.

the end bit...

Paperchase

TUCKED AWAY on the business page of the Christmas Eve issue of the Western Daily Press was the news that editor Ian Mean is to retire in February. The report revealed that Mr Mean is 68 years old, so he was well over the traditional retirement age when he took over the editorship from Tim Dixon last May, suggesting that his appointment was never intended to be more than a short stop-gap. It also stated that ‘a new editor will be sought for the Western Daily Press’, with no indication of how this might be achieved before the end of February. Remember that it took the publishers, the Local World group, more than six months to appoint a replacement for Fanny Charles after she left the Blackmore Vale Magazine in June 2013. Clearly something’s going on behind the scenes which I find all very intriguing.

Christmas brought a golden opportunity for the Western Gazette to try to increase its sales.

The 18th December issue carried a 24-page supplement full of photos of local schools’ nativity

plays – around a hundred of them, all full of unnamed children neatly grouped for the camera, all of them much of a muchness. The rationale, it would seem, is that doting parents who are not regular readers will buy the paper for the photo of their child, and maybe copies for the grandparents too.

The New Year brought a similar opportunity with the Yeovil Town v Manchester United FA Cup fixture. The 8th January issue contained a 32-page souvenir which turned out to be little more than countless uncaptioned photos of Yeovil Town fans, many of them pulling silly faces at the camera.

How many of them will want to buy this printed record of their attendance at the match, I wonder. For many readers such supplements probably go straight into the recycling bin after a passing glance.

The issues of the Western Gazette published over Christmas and the New Year were slim, thin on news and put together rapidly, judging by the number of typographical and layout errors they contained. The collection of cuttings in front of me, some kindly sent in by readers, is a depressing sight and I won’t bore you with the details of them, but it makes me hanker for the old days when newspapers employed proof-readers.

However, one boob that I can’t ignore comes from the 1st January issue, ahead of the big football match. Under the heading ‘Couple mark golden day at United clash’ it reported that a former Yeovil Town player and coach would be

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.

celebrating his diamond wedding anniversary on match day. ‘He will have been married to wife Betty for 50 years and he says the marriage has been wonderful’, it stated. The ‘golden day’ of the headline, the Golden Wedding, undeniably marks 50 years of marriage, but that’s reportedly not what’s being celebrated. It’s their Diamond Wedding marking 60 years of marriage. The reporter must be decidedly green behind the ears to get himself into such a silly muddle, but I’m surprised that the sub-editor didn’t spot the error. Maybe they don’t employ sub-editors any more.

An advertisement for blinds and curtains caught my eye. The company, ‘your friendly local supplier with over 16,000 satisfied customers across Dorset’, was offering an over-60s discount of 10% with the encouragement to ‘order in November for pre-Xmas delivery’. The advertisement appeared in the 26th December issue of the Blackmore Vale Magazine. The charitable amongst you might like to believe they were looking ahead to next ‘Xmas’ – the rest of us will conclude that someone, somewhere, made one big mistake.

Chronicler.

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 12

1. ‘The police’ 2. ‘The Herd’ 3. ‘Help!’

4. ‘Special Brew' 5. Leona Lewis

6. ‘Three Dog night’ 7. 2006

8. ‘ian Dury and the Blockheads’ 9. ‘i Still Haven't Found

What i'm Looking For’

10. John Denver

Bonus Question peter Frampton

Question Impossible Denise Marsa

Solution to January

Sudoku

THE VISITOR February 2015 47

Classified Ads

Fires / Chimneys / Stoves

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Send Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. 30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential.

For a Box Number please add £2.

Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit / Debit Card. ✽ If you require a receipt a s.a.e. must be enclosed with payment, or your email address.

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48 THE VISITOR February 2015

daVE BUyS all TyPES OF TOOlS, salvage, bygones and collectables. daves Tools - Tel: 01935 428975

all SPOrTS PrOGraMMES and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. large collections welcome. cash paid. Tel: clive 01749 675456.

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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.

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GEnT 60, outgoing, G.S.O.H., 5ft 9ins, non-smoker, solvent, no ties. O.H.a.c. likes meals out, holidays, gardening, places of interest. Seeks special female friendship / relationship. Photo please.

Box no. 5.

nIcE POlISH lady, 56, seeks nice tall g e n t , n o n - s m o k e r, f o r l o n g t e r m relationship. Tel: 07832 903753.

Mobile Bars / Catering

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01963 33528 / 07885 723915

Clock Repairs

PAUL CHEDZOY Property & Garden Maintenance  01935 472669

For further information & estimates contact allan carey

Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing. upVC Fascias  Guttering FREE EST I MAT ES

U CAN’T I CAN

... or

All New Work Fully Guaranteed

Bourton Roofing Co.

Maintenance & Repairs

 All plumbing work carried out  Complete bathroom and kitchen installations  Home improvements Free Quotations • No VAT

Tel: 01963 441099 Mob: 07884 434625

Your advert HERE can reach a potential readership of 60,000 per month

• • • • •

• • • •

SERVICES

Exterior and interior decorating Gutters cleared and cleaned High level painting and cleaning Conservatories washed down Removal of disused sky dishes and cabling Repointing of stone and brickwork Patios cleaned Many other jobs undertaken No V.A.T. competitive rates for seniors

Contact JAMES CADE on 01963 34272 or 07967 307179



March Deadline – Friday 13th February

THE VISITOR February 2015 49

PHONE - a - FIRM

Prize Crossword No. 340 Set by Frank Butler

Building

Dave Hoddinott FUlly QUalIFIEd BUIldEr - ESTaBlISHEd 1973

• Renovations & Extensions • Roofing + Carpentry • Plumbing & Heating • Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling • Painting & Decorating FRIENDLY and RELIABLE SERVICE • Electrical Contracting Competitive Prices ✳ No VAT ✳ No job too big or too small

 01963 440256 / 07974 844682 24 hour emergency call out • email: hoddaz@hotmail.com

Blinds

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG to arrive by Friday 13th February.

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.

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Domestic - Commercial - Venetian - Roman - Pleated

PERFECT FIT BLINDS

100s of Fabrics & Designs - Verticals from £49 (Max 6' x 6')

FREE QUOTE  FREE FITTING

 01935 584384 • www.outlookblinds.co.uk

Domestic Appliances

Pe

PREMIER ELECTRICS Est. 34 yrs

COVERinG THE SOuTH LOCALLy

Kitchen Appliance Sales & Repairs

Ø Repairs to all leading brands of Kitchen appliances Ø 12 months guarantee on all repairs Ø Diagnostic work charged unless work undertaken Ø 24 hour service Ø OAp discounts

TELEPHONE: 01935 609300 / 01747 470212 / 01460 220660 / 01458 298212 For your nearest technician

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: info@tda.uk.com

Covering the areas between Wincanton Castle Cary, Sparkford, Sherborne and Yeovil

50 THE VISITOR February 2015

Oven Cleaning Mister Oven

Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264 www.misteroven.co.uk

Clean Ovens Domestic Ltd Independent Oven Cleaners AGAS • RANGES • OVENS HOBS • EXTRACTORS Tel: 0800 7076629 Mobile: 07563 693145

www.cleanovendomestics.co.uk

Across 1.

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prehistoric Dior confused with rim, pal! [10] Dad has two helpers. [4] Confused elder swallows Wi in bed. [10] Smart Ken leaves chicken. [4] imp, second-grade rodent. [4] Those that take in washing hear what happens to grass in the sun. [9] Typo makes M1 run very fast.

[8] young goat returns with cheap jewellery: That’s a decree. [6] Some regret seeing herons. [6] Antonio’s friend sings low with article ten. [8] How to begin untangling West Tor, O.K.? [3,2,4] Outside broadcast, with old English musical instrument.

[4] no-one is hiding the time at midday. [4] Came about Open university flag that is concealing. [10] Waistband with small tree. [4] Meeting has less energy after fruit falling rapidly. [10]

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A place and a thoroughfare. [6] At about article is an unbeliever. [7] Doing about 100 over u.S.A. That’s the charge! [10] Feed iona miss confused with entry payment. [9,3] Current unit cut on the beach, &&… [10] Moor an office? [8] Shares half of 3 on first sight.

[7] Zone ian muddles with extreme right-winger. [3-4] Extra from burst balloon, with nothing lost! [2-4] December glow hides mountain. [4]

Solution to Crossword 339

Down 1.

2.

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Ale-houses where, around first beer, “sup up” is the word. [4] Where to find nurses going towards the middle. [7] Old boy shone light on eration, expunging. [12] Home with 500 getting bigger but headless. [8]

THE WINNER of our January Crossword was Mrs. Angela Coombs of yeovil, who chose to spend the £10 voucher at the Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas.

Eleanor Florence

★ QUALITY★ CHOICE ★ ★ VALUE ★ Garden Machinery stockist of ...

Bridal Prom & Ball Gowns

3 Year Warranty on all Cub Cadet Mowers Ride-On Mowers from ... £1,299 Pedestrian Mowers from ... £219

Garden Tools

Unit 2, Beardly Batch Depot, Cannards Grave SHEPTON MALLET, BA4 4NB Tel: 01749 343881 • www.moggsofwells.co.uk SALES – SERVICE – REPAIR

Eddy K.

www.eleanorflorence.co.uk

35 Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1EG  01935 472670 info@eleanorflorence.co.uk

The Walnut Tree West Camel • BA22 7QW  VALENTINE’S MENU 

Contemporary Lounge.

Friday & Saturday 13th & 14th February £35.00 per person • 3 courses Special Bedroom Price for either night £95.00 — Includes Breakfast —

Eat from an A LA CARTE selection between Tuesday and Saturday Lunch in the Bar Area and ...

RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY STARTER or SWEET Snack Menu also Available

And for that SPECIAL EVENING our Award Winning ROSEWOOD RESTAURANT

The Rosewood Restaurant.

SUNDAY LUNCH • 2 courses £17.00 • 3 courses £22.00 13 Bedrooms individually furnished and decorated OPENING HOURS for FOOD are ...

Tuesday to Sunday Lunch 12 noon until 2pm Monday to Saturday Evenings 6.30pm until 9.00pm

 Walnut Tree GIFT VOUCHERS are available 

Individually designed accommodation.

The Walnut Tree, Fore Street, West Camel, BA22 7QW Tel: 01935 851292 • www.thewalnuttreehotel.com