The Visitor Magazine Issue 438 May 2020

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● SALES ● SERVICING ● REPAIRS ● INSTALLATIONS Your local independent monthly journal  01963 351256 www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Issue 438 May 2020

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In Passing...

A

t the farm across the road milking starts soon after 6.00am. The morning paper arrives on my doormat in time for breakfast. Then the road starts getting busy with tractors, agricultural hauliers’ trucks, quarry lorries and delivery vans. Around midday the postman calls, after lunch a tanker collects the milk from the farm, and on Fridays the recycling crew are here, so there’s plenty to watch from the confinement of my cottage and garden.

What’s missing is the social interaction – apart from shouted greetings from my front door to passers-by – so despite appearances life is not normal at all during the coronavirus shutdown.

Here, as in so many Visitorland villages, volunteers have been recruited to help the self-isolating by doing their shopping, posting letters, collecting prescriptions and suchlike. And my younger neighbours have all called me with similar offers of assistance, so I’m spoilt for choice. It’s a bit embarrassing to decline their help but on Wednesday afternoons I venture out to the shops in the nearby town (my sole weekly outing) and find them almost deserted, so it is no problem to do a bit of shopping without getting close to anyone.

One afternoon a neighbour appeared on my doorstep with some bread rolls hot from her oven and a pot of soup she had made earlier in the day. So starving is not on my agenda, but it was a shame I couldn’t invite her in for a gossip. And one sunny day the couple next door who are both working from home invited me round to take tea with them in their garden. It was a good opportunity to catch up with their news, and although it felt distinctly odd all sitting two metres apart, we were able to have a fairly civilised conversation.

Although my cottage has temporarily ceased to buzz with conversation it is certainly still alive with the sound of music (not that Sound of Music, I hasten

to add). Folk, New Orleans Jazz and Schubert are the most frequent sounds, and it’s good to have the time to delve into my CD collection and listen again to tracks I haven’t played in years. Being confined to the house all day has given me the time to revisit old favourites, and I’ve also got plenty of books to keep me entertained. But I’m missing the pub – not for the Butcombe bitter (I’ve got some bottles at home) but for the village news, banter and reminiscences.

I really can’t complain. I’m still alive and kicking and blessed with good friends and neighbours who keep a watchful eye on me, and I’ve still got (most of) my marbles so I can take an intelligent interest in the world around me. So if the virus doesn’t get me I should get through this difficult time without too many problems. I hope the same is true for you.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines June Issue published Thursday 28th May Deadline Friday 15th May

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

CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED ‑ 24 ANTIQUES ‑ 15 CROSSWORD ‑ 24 GARDENING ‑ 20 HOUSE & HOME ‑ 16 LEISURE ‑ 13 LETTERS ‑ 4 LOOKING GOOD ‑ 14 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES ‑ 4 MOTORING ‑ 17 NOTICE BOARD ‑ 11 PHONE‑A‑FIRM ‑ 22 PUBS ‑ 18 REMEMBER WHEN ‑ 22

NOTE TO ADVERTISERS

Advertisements are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions as printed on our rate card, available upon request. We cannot guarantee any specific page or position, but will always do our best to comply with clients’ wishes.

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

SUDOKU ‑ 11 THEY SAY ‑ 19 WINE & DINE ‑ 21

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR May 2020 3

Letters To the Editor Thomas Brassey Sir, I am pleased to see that Roger Richards gave a mention to the fact that the railway line reached Sherborne in 1860, thus making this year the 160th Anniversary of this life-changing event for everyone at that time. Very cleverly they did so on my birthday(!) The contractor for the line from Salisbury to Yeovil was Thomas Brassey - a man never given the attention or credit he deserved by railway enthusiasts or historians in my opinion.

I have but one book* about him in my collection and there are few if any others of substance as far as I can ascertain. I feel that proper recognition is long overdue, and even if one has a mere passing interest in the subject I would heartily recommend at least taking a look at his Wikipedia entry. Lesser men have had statues raised to them.

I wonder what Mr Brassey and his contemporaries would think now that Sherborne Station is heading for 250,000 passengers each year (present situation not withstanding) but is effectively becoming treated by the railway authorities like an un-staffed halt. I'll leave that thought with you.

John Penny Bradford Abbas *'Thomas Brassey: Railway Builder' - Charles Walker

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors 2 Bailey Hill Castle Cary BA7 7AD Tel: 01963 351052 Business and limited company accounts, self assessment tax returns, VAT, Payroll, Book-keeping and Training Personal and professional service 4 THE VISITOR May 2020

Mentioned in

Dispatches UK Crane population reaches its highest level for over 400 years

THE LATEST common crane survey reveals a record-breaking 56 pairs of cranes in 2019, bringing the total population to an estimated 200 birds. Cranes became extinct in the UK around four hundred years ago but following the natural recolonisation of a few birds and extensive conservation work, including a reintroduction programme, these graceful birds are making a return.

Cranes are the tallest bird in the UK, standing at 4ft. They are fabled for their dances; complex displays with bows, pirouettes and bobs, which take place every year between the male and female. The crane was lost from the UK for nearly 400 years, but thanks to conservation efforts their population numbers have once again hit record levels.

These birds used to be quite common. They were even frequent fixtures at medieval feasts – Henry II’s chefs cooked up 115 of them at his Christmas feast in 1251, but a combination of hunting and wetland decline led to their extinction in the 1600s.

In 1979, a small number of wild cranes returned to Norfolk and conservation groups have been working together to encourage more and more of these birds.

They have now spread to other areas of the UK, benefitting from improved habitat such as at the RSPB’s Lakenheath and Nene Washes reserves as well as Natural England’s Humberhead Peatlands. Cranes recolonised Scotland in 2012 and Wales in 2016.

In 2010, the Great Crane Project – a partnership between the RSPB, WWT and the

Recently released young Common / Eurasian Crane Grus grus, landing within a fox-proof initial release enclosure on the Somerset Levels and Moors near a roost pool with a standing manakin decoy dressed as a surrogate parent.

Image: Nick Upton (rspb-images.com)

Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, and funded by Viridor Credits Environmental Company – joined the movement. The project creates and improves existing habitat, as well as hand-rearing young birds for release on the Somerset Levels and Moors.

All the conservation effort has yielded impressive results, with 56 pairs across the UK last year.

Of these, up to 47 pairs attempted to breed and they raised 26 chicks. The total population is now believed to be over 200 birds - a new record.

Damon Bridge, Chair of the UK Crane Working Group said: ‘The increase of cranes over the last few years shows just how resilient nature can be when given the chance. With the support of our wonderful partners we’ve been able to recreate more and more of the cranes’ natural habitat, giving them a place to recuperate after the winter and raise their chicks. They are not yet out of the woods, but their continued population climb year after year is a very positive sign.’

Somerset’s councils and healthcare teams are getting in touch with people to check on their welfare

Thousands of people will be contacted by phone or letter over the coming days as all five local

authorities in Somerset and the NHS launch a new approach to help and support through the Coronavirus outbreak.

Around 70,000 residents will receive a letter which encourages them to first seek non-medical help and support amongst their own local community groups. But if they can’t find the help they need, they are asked to contact the new dedicated Somerset Coronavirus Helpline on 0300 790 6275. As well as the letters, around 1600 residents will receive phone calls to check on how they are coping and to ensure they have the support they need and if they don’t, give them guidance and advice to get help.

Residents are asked to always check that the caller is genuine, never give out personal bank details, pin, or passwords to anyone over the phone and not to ring the number the caller has given you to check it’s genuine.

Always try to look the number up for yourself. The new support helpline is open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm- 0300 790 6275. Residents will be able to get help with: • Emotional support if worried or anxious • Financial support • Personal care and support including food and delivery of prescriptions • Housing and support for the homeless • Social Care or Medical transport needs • Waste collection and disposal For more information and to subscribe to the latest Somerset Coronavirus news go to https://www.somerset.gov .uk/coronavirus.

There are now over 1,200

Mentioned in

Dispatches community volunteers who have signed up to support people in our local community with help like shopping, picking up prescriptions and dog walking.

The help from these fantastic people has meant that those most in need can continue to get support over the coming weeks.

Could writing a poem help cope with Week Five of lockdown? New children’s poetry competition opened Monday 27 April

Robbie Burns famously wrote about a mouse: ‘Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim'rous beastie’, AE Housman wrote about cherry blossom: ‘Loveliest of trees, the cherry now hung with bloom along the bough’; Spike Milligan was inspired by a worm: ‘Hello little worm, wriggling on your belly’ and Brian Patten wrote a love poem (or was it a tragedy?) about a blade of grass.

Earthwatch’s poetry competition opened on Monday

27 April, inviting children to write a poem inspired by the natural world and submit it for judging by Sunday 17 May. The competition is part of Earthwatch’s Wild Days online programme of indoor/outdoor learning activities, which aims to support families in lockdown.

Earthwatch ambassador and head competition judge, Michaela Strachan, launched the competition by reading her Wildlife A-Z poem and entrants will have a chance to win a signed copy of her children’s book, ‘Michaela Strachan’s Really Wild Adventures’.

Michaela’s poem is a fun, alphabetical, poetical romp through the animal kingdom from aardvark to zebra, inspired by a trip to Namibia, but she encourages children to come up with a poem inspired by the natural world they can see right now, or how they feel at the moment.

Michaela adds, ‘This lockdown is, without doubt, challenging for many kids. But what I have noticed, is that it's brought out the creative side, as well as an appreciation for any outdoor space kids have access to.

This poetry competition is a great way to use that creativity and connection with the natural

world. I think we're going to be really impressed with what they all come up with.’

Other prizes include signed copies of Nick Baker’s Bug Book, the author is also an ambassador and has presented content for the Wild Days programme.

Plus, Diary of a Naturalist by Dara McAnulty, a 16-year-old naturalist, packets of wildflower seeds and mini-nature kits.

Field guidebooks from Princeton University Press’s ‘Wild Guide’ series will also be prizes, encouraging families to explore and engage with nature again when the lockdown is over.

There will be four categories: for children aged 7 and under; aged 8 to 11; 12 to 16; and one for schools.

The competition is open to all those who wish to take part, whether or not they are current subscribers of the Wild Days programme.

Schools can also collectively take part and are invited to run the competition amongst pupils and then submit their top five poems. Schools will have the opportunity to win an Earthwatch ‘Naturehood’ learning box which is filled with outdoor learning resources including games, activities,

books and equipment.

Poems can be entered via the online entry form on the website wild-days.org. Entries will be judged by the charity’s four ambassadors, Michaela Strachan; Nick Baker; plus Mya-ose Craig, the world’s top teen birder aka Twitter’s @BirdgirlUK who has 14.6K online followers; and Bella Lack, 17-year-old conservationist and blogger with 150K followers.

Poems will also be celebrated each week as part of the ‘Friday Fanfare’ which will share the best poems submitted on social media and as part of the Wild Days newsletter.

Working from home: the benefits of houseplants

With a significant increase in the number of people working from home, in response to the current Government-enforced lockdown, Haskins Garden Centres wanted to share the extraordinary health benefits of houseplants and how they can improve your workspace at home.

It is unknown how long we will be working from our makeshift home offices, therefore, it is worth investing time to add a little greenery to your setting.

Not only will this make your desk a colourful, more peaceful

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Mentioned in

Dispatches and engaging place, it is also the perfect way to bring nature into your home and the multitude of health and wellbeing benefits associated with houseplants.

The 3 main benefits of houseplants are as follows: 1. Boost concentration levels and productivity. Researchers from the University of Exeter in 2014 found that plants can increase productivity by 15 per cent. The scientists suggested that a green office increases employees' work engagement by making them more physically, cognitively and emotionally involved in their work.

2. Alleviate stress and anxiety.

Many of us are under a lot of pressure at work, and given the current uncertainty, this is likely to be amplified. Research has shown plants in the home can reduce tension by almost 40 per cent, because they remind us of

the outdoors, nature, and a slower pace of life, which is instantly calming. An additional study conducted by Washington State University in 1996 made workers complete timed computer tasks in rooms with and without plants. When the plants were present, the participants were more productive, less stressed and had lower blood pressure.

3. Improve air quality. According to a NASA study from 1989, plants can help clean the air.

Scientists identified 107 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the Skylab space station which were contributing to poor health. Houseplants also help to make the air in the home less toxic by purifying the air and eliminating any toxins.

Homes can be full of airborne pollutants, with carpets, paint and even people harbouring toxins.

Houseplants are versatile and can be used in most rooms within your home. Our low maintenance houseplant recommendations for your desk are: Devil’s Ivy - Fantastic trailing plant that performs well in a

THE VISITOR May 2020 7

Mentioned in

Dispatches hanging pot or on a high shelf.

Prefers in-direct light conditions and liberal watering in spring and summer.

Cacti - Really easy to care for, these architectural plants love light and occasional watering.

Dracaena (Dragon Tree). Thrives in a warm room in light shade near an east or west facing window.

Spathiphyllum (Peace Lilly) A great air purifier, this distinctive popular plant thrives if kept damp and away from direct sunlight. Can also tolerate lower light levels.

Zamioculas (ZZ Plant) Whether it’s a bright lounge or shady hallway, this plant is a great focal point and will thrive on neglect. Just remember to water it occasionally.

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Visit www.haskins.co.uk.

SWP crews to help fire service tackle problem parking

Waste collection crews in Somerset have distributed ‘please

park carefully’ notes in solidarity with fire service colleagues in April. Staff working for Somerset Waste Partnership’s new contractor Suez will be putting the polite notices from the fire service on to the windscreens of the rising number of problem parkers.

With the Coronavirus lockdown meaning more people working from home, inconsiderate parking is becoming a big issue for Somerset Waste Partnership and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Services.

The cars are often legally parked, but parked in a way that makes it difficult for recycling and rubbish collections trucks to negotiate narrower streets. They have meant collection crews haven’t been able to make some recycling and rubbish collections – and this despite having smaller vehicles at their disposal as part of a new fleet.

If recycling crews can’t get through, fire appliances won’t be able to either. The fire service is becoming increasingly concerned that its crews could be seriously delayed getting to an emergency incident because of inconsiderate parking.

These parking problems are being seen across the county, from small villages with narrow streets to new estates with many more people at home.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, Chair of the SWP Board, said: ‘With the amounts of recycling and rubbish being put out our crews are working really hard. Not being able to collect because they can’t

get down a street makes their job even harder and causes disruption to services. We know it can be hard for people to find somewhere to park at the moment, but we would ask people to think about this, especially on their collection day ‘For the emergency services it could be a matter of life and death. With more cars at home all day we know it is tough, but please do think when you park.’

The Service is asking people when parking their vehicle to: • Park close to the kerb • Leave enough space for a fire engine or an ambulance to pass • Leave extra room near tight corners • Fold in your wing mirror SWP’s depleted crews have been collecting spiralling levels of waste as a result of Coronavirus, with the county’s 16 Recycling Centres temporarily closed.

Garden waste collections have been suspended, as have collections of bulky waste and delivery of replacement and new recycling boxes and rubbish bins.

For more information about how to reduce and reuse your waste and for the latest information about services and any disruption visit www.somersetwaste.gov.uk /coronavirus or follow @somersetwaste on Twitter and Facebook.

Heart Research UK Healthy tip - Physical activity for adults at home by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

At a time when gyms are closed and the population is being asked to stay at home, finding ways to keep active can be challenging.

Regular physical activity is strongly associated with a reduced risk of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes as well as improving mental health.

Even small increases in

physical activity can positively impact on health. Heart Research UK have some tips to help you meet the recommended amount of physical activity while staying at home.

How much physical activity is recommended?

The Government recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week.

It is also recommended that adults engage in strengthening activities on two days each week, such as lifting weights or press ups. If you are not yet in the habit of doing this amount of physical activity, you can start small and build up to the recommended amount over time.

Moderate Intensity Activities (150 minutes weekly) Your heart will beat faster, you will breathe harder, you will get warmer and you can probably maintain a conversation E.g.

Brisk Walking or cycling.

Vigorous Intensity Activities (75 minutes weekly) Your heart will beat rapidly, you will breathe much harder, you will get warmer and it will be difficult to have a conversation E.g. Running or football.

Replace your daily commute with physical activity If you are working at home, you may be saving time that would normally be spent on commuting to and from work. Why not put this time to good use by scheduling in some physical activity. For example, you could go for a brisk walk, jog or cycle outdoors or walk briskly around the house, including going up and down flights of stairs.

Find a range of exercises you can do inside your home Find exercises that you can do in short bursts of ten minutes or more, at regular intervals throughout the day. For example, you could try some gentle weight-

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Mentioned in

Dispatches lifting, using cans of baked beans.

The NHS provide tips for exercising without gym equipment on their Website.

Don’t be a couch potato Rather than spending your evenings sitting on the sofa without moving much, why not try a few gentle exercises, such as leg raises, while watching your favourite TV show.

Examples of some exercises you can do from your sofa can be found on the NHS website, and you can find lots more healthy tips, advice and recipes at heartresearch.org.uk.

Coronavirus – have a plan for your pets

Animal owners are being urged to think ahead about protecting their pets should they fall ill during the Coronavirus crisis.

Whether furry, feathered or scaly; having a plan for how animals will be looked after if their owner becomes unwell makes life easier if it does happen. It will also mean the animal’s welfare won’t be weighing on people’s minds when they need to be making other important decisions.

Guidance on what to think about and how to take sensible steps in advance can be found at www.somersetprepared. org.uk/animals.

Somerset Prepared is a partnership of all Somerset’s local authorities and other partners. Its animal emergency planning advice is endorsed by groups including the RSPCA, the National Animal Welfare Trust and Avon & Somerset Police.

Do you know what you need to do to keep your animals safe if an incident occurs? Do you have carriers or vehicles required to move them out of

harm’s way? What would you need to look after them and could you access it quickly if you had to leave your home?

Specific guidance is available for pets, horses and donkeys, and livestock. Top tips include: • Include any essential pet items in your grab bag, such as food, a lead and vaccination records • Ensure your animals are vaccinated. This is an essential requirement for many boarding centres • Consider friends, neighbours and relatives. Could they look after your pet if you couldn’t?

Stressed Pets? Experts Reveal Top Calming Tricks During Lockdown

As people are spending more time at home, it has certainly been a major adjustment for our pets!

Although some of the betterbehaved animals have adjusted well, there are many that haven’t got used to us being around so often. Canabiotics found that 1 in 7 pet owners have had difficulty trying to relax their pet and 3 in 5 are getting distracted by their pets in the working daynow realising that it’s harder than ever to try and train them effectively.

As we are spending more time at our desk, and giving them less attention when we are around, it can leave them confused and concerned, making them more desperate than ever for our attention!

Canabiotics discovered that there are 5,860 google searches every month from Brits looking to calm and relax their pets. As a result, Suzanne Gould from Edinburgh Holistic Dogs has provided Canabiotics with tips for owners who are having difficulties in these awkward times.

There is also a case study from dog owner Sam Barnard, who provides her experience and believes that these tips are

certain to make a difference!

Making dinner time more interesting!

The ultimate sniffing game for dogs! It is an alternative way to feed your dog their meal instead of their usual bowl, a great way to tire them out and sniffing helps dogs relax too.

An activity box is a cardboard box lightly filled with scrunched up paper, smaller boxes, crumpled up cardboard, empty plastic bottles, old tea towels.

Really, you can use whatever you have lying around that is safe for your dog.

Next scatter your dog’s meal in there. Present the box to your dog, you may have to encourage them, but they will no doubt be happy to search once they have sniffed out their first treat.

Alternatively, you could scatter your dog’s food in your garden or hallway, they will still sniff it all out to eat!

Playtime - it’s for adults too!

Playtime is a vital part of your dog's life and it's easy to forget about in our day to day lives. So, grab your dog’s favourite toy, get on the floor and have a play. Be exciting, encouraging and have lots of fun. You can do this when

you wait for the kettle to boil, the TV ad breaks are on too.

Parkour in the comfort of your own home Create your own obstacle course in your home and/or garden! This is the perfect confidence builder for dogs, as well as providing them with physical exercise by moving their bodies on and around different obstacles. It also provides great mental stimulation which will be tiring, as well as relaxing.

You want to aim to get your dog to jump on, over, out of, inside and stand on lots of different things. You can create a jump with two dining room chairs and a broom handle, get your dog to crawl under a table and weave around furniture; there are lots of possibilities.

Think of anything you can grab and get your dog moving.

Use treats to lead your dog or place the treats around the course and encourage them to find them all.

Everyone appreciates a massage, right?

There's nothing better than a good massage, is there? It is just as important for your dog as physical exercise to help them

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Mentioned in

Dispatches keep healthy. Plus, it’s a good excuse to have a sit down too.

This will be super relaxing for your dog, it will help them release any tension, help with any anxiety and tire out even the high energy dogs.

How about a dual workout?

It's important that your dog is still getting some good physical exercise, and we all know how tiring going up and down stairs is, so why not spend 10 minutes going up and down your stairs with your dog; either walking or running. It is a great cardio workout, gets your dog moving differently compared to flat walks and it will wear you out too!

Make sure you are both fit enough for the task, if this is

something new to you, start with a minute or two and build up duration over time. Also bear in mind puppies should not be using stairs so wait until your dog is at least one year old before starting this.

Chew time Appropriate dog chews are excellent for not only occupying your dog, but a great full body workout. While your dog is holding a chew with their paws, they are actually using their full bodies to keep it in place, so it helps burn energy as well as calories. Their brains are also engaged as they concentrate on chewing and holding the chew.

Some appropriate chews include Deer Antlers, Bull Horns, Nylabones and Root wood chew. These are all good for your dog's teeth, and safe too.

Bach Rescue Remedy No doubt we have all used this, haven’t we? If you haven’t heard of it, Bach Rescue Remedy is a

natural way to help with stress, calm nerves and aid with relaxation.

It is perfectly safe for our dogs and all you need to do is include a few drops to your dog's water.

It helps restore your dogs natural emotional state so they can relax.

Relaxed Owner means a Relaxed Dog Our dogs are a great source of comfort in these strange times, we are thankful that we have our pets to keep us company.

Our pets pick up on our energy, so if you’re feeling stressed or anxious then it’s possible your pet is feeling the same.

The top tip to help humans relax is using the box breathing method. Breath in for the count of four, hold the air in your lungs for a count of four, breath out for the count of four and then hold your lungs empty for the count of four. This is very soothing, and will benefit your dogs in the process.’

CASE STUDY: Sam Barnard is a dog owner and is on lockdown with all four of them. She spoke to Canabiotics and admits to finding it particularly difficult to relax them, as one has gone into season for the first time!

‘I have four dogs; three males and one female. And of course, it’s just our luck that the female went into season for the first time during lockdown! We knew that it would be difficult with three male dogs, but didn’t realise the real extent of it, especially with one of the dogs in particular. The boys would not calm down, the first few

10 THE VISITOR May 2020

days we were confused, but then she begun bleeding and it made sense.

We are implementing a number of different relaxation techniques, but we have found that massaging the dogs and being with them is the best way to help them relax. Attempting to distract them and move their mind to a different situation is the best way we have been able to calm them down, but we can’t spend 24 hours a day doing this.

However, after reading these tips I’m definitely going to give them a good go, Bach Rescue Remedy is at the top of my list!’

National Tutoring service launches FREE online school to support ALL UK parents in lockdown. As the Summer Term starts MyTutor - the UK's leading online tutoring service – advises and reassures parents in best practice home learning

This week would usually have been the beginning of the Summer Term for all children across the UK. Instead, parents have had to turn their hand to teaching once more and resume home-schooling now that the Easter holidays are over and schools are shut. For those working parents juggling their own workload, too, this time is especially stressful, and MyTutor hope to provide reassurance to parents and help alleviate any pressure they may be feeling.

MyTutor - the UK's leading online tutoring service - has compiled some great tips on how parents can structure and timetable their children's days, based on feedback from their own parent base: Try having set lessons in the morning, and then use the afternoon to try more creative or practical activities - including getting outside if you can do so safely. Lots of MyTutor's parents are doing exactly this and many

Mentioned in

Dispatches are using the afternoons to bake and craft with their children.

Keep a combination of selfdirected study, help from you and other family members, and free time when kids can focus on their own project or activity.

If you have more than one child, timetables should ideally be adjusted depending on the independence and needs of each individual child. Younger children, for example, should work in short bursts of 30-40 minutes. Older children can remain focussed for longer periods of up to an hour.

Try ‘shaping the day’ with each child so they know exactly what to expect and what they should have achieved by the end of it. Establishing a routine is important - even if it's just that they need to have had breakfast and be dressed by 9:30!

To help disadvantaged students at home, the Government has also announced they will provide laptops and 4G routers to those families who do not have internet access.

MyTutor hope to support all pupils, and has launched a free Online School which is packed with support.

The platform offers daily live group tutorials on key topics and new resources are added every day. Current offerings provide GCSE module tutorials, with Key-Stage 3 and A-Level modules in development. Prerecorded videos focussing on popular topics are also uploaded to MyTutor's YouTube channel regularly, across a wide range of subjects, but are currently centred around the core subjects: Maths, the three Sciences and English.

James Grant - Co-founder of MyTutor - discusses the need for EdTech to help support parents taking on the role of teacher during this time: ‘Pupils working in isolation from home because of containment measures could face learning challenges at a critical period. Fortunately, online platforms can be accessed in a convenient and hygienic way across the UK. MyTutor are incredibly pleased to launch this new service for GCSE students, which we believe will be a vital resource for those looking to

continue their studies from home. MyTutor has advocated the use of EdTech in the classroom for a long time, and now we have the chance to assist schools, teachers and pupils as they work from home. We want to ensure we support all children with their continued learning during this tricky time and so are delighted to be able to provide this valuable and easilyaccessible platform for free.’

Battens Charitable Trust donates over £25,000 to the local community amid corona virus crisis

The Battens Charitable Trust have donated over £25,000 to local foodbanks, NHS hospitals and the volunteer NHS service Yeovil Freewheelers all based in the South West. All three services have received an unprecedented high demand amid the coronavirus crisis.

It is no surprise that hospitals all across the UK are feeling the pressure, which, in turn, can affect all staff working in the hospitals. The money donated to local South West hospitals will aim to help support the welfare of our NHS staff during this challenging period.

The charity Yeovil Free Wheelers, are emergency medical motorcycle couriers for Yeovil District Hospital, Dorset County Hospital, and the community hospitals across our regions. Currently, they are being relied on heavily for distributing medicines out to local people who have been discharged from hospital, as well as their usual emergency duties.

This donation can enable the team to carry out their services for the community.

The work of food banks is very prominent, now more than ever.

Reverend Jono Tregale explains; ‘Since the COVID-19 lockdown came into force at the end of March, the Sherborne Food Bank has faced unprecedented demand for the support it offers to families and individuals in financial need. This has been accompanied by a reduction in food donations as many donors now find themselves selfisolating and unable to support the food bank as part of a regular shopping trip. This generous cash donation from the Battens Charitable Trust will enable the food bank to source food supplies direct from supermarkets and wholesalers to make up the shortfall in donations, thus ensuring that it can continue to be a ‘helping hand to the hungry’.

Lockdown Conflict: Expert Tips on Coping with Housemates

The BBC recently posted an article with the headline ‘my housemate refuses to social distance’ and it got property specialists Sellhousefast.uk thinking.

Many might think lockdown with other people is fortunate and a way to prevent loneliness, BUT this is not the case for everyone.

Some people have fraught relationships with housemates, some only house share because they can’t afford not to, and some just aren’t used to spending this much time with roommates.

To support Stress Awareness Month and shed light on how to cope with housemates in lockdown, Sellhousefast.uk obtained comments from Environmental Psychologist and Wellbeing Consultant Lee Chambers MBPsS. Chambers has kindly shared how we can learn from Astronauts, catch conflict early and think positive, among other things. More detail can be seen below.

Tips: How to cope with housemates in lockdown Consider – and learn from – unusual social circumstances. An Astronaut or Scientist, for example, can be found living with workmates in close quarters for long periods of time.

Catch conflict early - It’s important to set boundaries and parameters with housemates.

When you discuss this, be clear and articulate – no assumptions.

Boundaries should reflect mutual respect, as well as being appropriate.

Avoid blame - You need to be open with your feelings, bottling up will only make things worse, but be careful with how you communicate. Actively listen to each other and get clarity on agreed behavior.

Think positive - A positive attitude will help to deepen connection, even with the trickiest of housemates. When discussing things that annoy you, approach it with a positive slant and plan to separate if you can feel tension rising.

To expand, Chambers selected 3 coping mechanisms to try Cognitive Flexibility Cognitive flexibility is a great way to deal with housemate conflict.

It’s easy to have tunnel vision on

a particular issue or word that has been said. Cognitive flexibility is using the power of the mind to take a step back and see the bigger picture. Is your housemate struggling in an area of their lives?

Are they aware of why and how they are making you feel? If you can communicate clearly, without emotion, and have empathy for others, conflict is less likely and higher levels of understanding and collaboration possible.

Technology We should be looking to use technology to reduce anti-social behaviour towards our housemates. Many a conflict is ignited by somebody being too noisy, overstepping agreed boundaries and simply by not thinking about how they are affecting the environment around them. Do you want to listen to your favourite tunes? Use headphones. Are you about to rage on another invasion on your privacy? Breathe, and put it in a text message or voice note (to yourself) to bring clarity to the problem, without blame or passive aggressiveness. Angry at other housemate choices? Phone a friend or loved one for a second opinion and to get a different view on the situation.

Breathing, Meditation and Journaling When you feel your emotions brewing, it is often best to get some space and release these emotions in a positive way.

By breathing - we can anchor into the present, calming ourselves down and finding mental clarity that often allows us to address the scenario in a much more productive way.

Meditation - works in a similar way, as we practice not jumping into those negative thoughts that float by, and we become more grounded and less triggered by things which annoy us.

Journaling - Likewise, we can use journaling to write our thoughts and feelings down, getting them out of our heads, onto paper, which allows us to look at them objectively. It’s also useful to create a plan to proactively address the issue that is causing conflict. Source: www. sellhousefast.uk.

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12 THE VISITOR May 2020

Mentioned in

Dispatches Thank you, Somerset!

Thousands of volunteers, community organisations, charities and all five local authorities have been tirelessly helping people in Somerset get the support they need during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Somerset’s five local authorities and the Clinical Commissioning Group are working together with groups and volunteers to support Somerset’s response to Coronavirus. It’s being coordinated via a network of community hubs and the Somerset Coronavirus Helpline - 0300 790 6275.

All six organisations would like to extend a big thank you to all the wonderful volunteers and keyworkers who have been working round the clock to support efforts to look after the vulnerable during this emergency.

Spark Somerset is a key partner and now has more than 1,200 Corona Helper volunteers signedup to help with anything from shopping to dog walking. Visit https://www.corona-helpers.co.uk/ for more information. Spark coordinates these volunteers and is also providing advice and support to many local community groups and voluntary sector organisations. They’ve also recently launched webinars that focus on key topics like prescriptions and financial support.

The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) Village Agents is also playing a vital role in finding people the help they need because of the self-isolation and social distancing measures in place.

Since 23 March, Community and Village agents have undertaken over 32,400 community support activities.

As well as Village Agents, Health Connectors in Mendip; wellbeing advisors and health coaches are reaching out to people who need extra support during this challenging time.

Together they have contacted over 1,000 people to offer support.

Their role is to put people in touch with the help or care they need, whichever organisation or volunteer group is best-placed to give it. www.somersetcarers. org/who-can-help-you/somersetvillage-agents.

Meanwhile, in every corner of Somerset, local community groups

have sprung into action to help with a range of tasks - from shopping and providing meals, to sewing face masks or mowing lawns.

This army of volunteers has ensured that people are not caught short in their time of need. Some of the organisations have included Parish Councils who have worked together with wonderful local community volunteers to set up some great offers of help and have been able to put people in touch with support. To date, over 300 food parcels have been distributed across Somerset from district hubs in addition to over 1700 shield parcels from central government.

The five local authorities in Somerset are connecting those in need with support through the Somerset Coronavirus Helpline 0300 790 6275. It’s available 8am to 6pm, seven days a week for anyone who needs non-medical help. For more information about Somerset’s response to Coronavirus and to sign up for regular email newsletters go to www.somerset.gov.uk/ coronavirus.

Sudoku by T.M. Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9. Solution to April Sudoku on page 28.

Radio Ninesprings Station Manager, Steve Haigh, goes undercover

Lockdown has presented challenges for everyone at Radio Ninesprings keeping the station on air, not least, having to present shows from temporary studios at home - Steve Carpenter is presenting his 'Breakfast Show' and 'Classic Years' from home although listening to Steve you would never guess he was not in the Radio Ninesprings studio!

Ross Owen Williams and his partner Vicky are home working, getting it together, and doing a terrific entertaining job with their lunchtime and mid-afternoon shows.

Young Jake Hunter is obeying the rules on social distancing up high from a studio set-up in his bedroom. And, spare a thought for newsreader, Steve Haigh - to kill off an echo in his makeshift home studio, Steve’s having to read the news from underneath a duvet cover - He says it may look like he's ready for bed but promises his stories will not send listeners to sleep! To hear Radio Ninesprings 104.5 FM – Local Radio for Yeovil and South Somerset.

Steve Haigh goes undercover!

THE VISITOR May 2020 13

Family Health with Jenna Evans This month we continue with our A-Z of herbal helpers Passiflora (Passiflora incarnata) – The dried aerial parts of this beautiful plant, also known as Passionflower, have anodyne, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, hypnotic, hypotensive, peripheral vasodilating and sedative properties.

As a prime remedy for the nervous system, Passiflora is useful for nervous tension, anxiety and panic attacks. Disorders involving spasms such as asthma, seizures and Parkinson’s have been treated with this herb.

Passiflora can aid the transition into restful sleep, without the ‘narcotic’ hangover effect the following day. It can also be effective to treat nerve pain such as from shingles and neuralgia.

Consider Passiflora in any state of nervous tension and exhaustion. Combines well with valerian and/or hops for sleep; motherwort for neuralgia; skullcap or lemonbalm for the nerves. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herb per mug of hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Take one mug in the evening to promote sleep or drink a couple of mugs throughout the day for the nerve disorders.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) - The aerial parts of this familiar

plant have analgesic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative and diaphoretic properties. A core digestive herb, Peppermint is especially helpful in gassy indigestion. It can relieve spasms in the bowel, making it a potential remedy for IBS. The volatile oil acts as a mild anaesthetic which can allay feeling of nausea, giving a useful application during travel and morning sickness states.

Peppermint may be used to ease pain and tension with painful periods and as a nerve tonic to ease anxiety. Migraines associated with digestive distress may also benefit.

Peppermint is a diaphoretic meaning it helps promote sweating during a fever.

Peppermint relaxes the gastrooesophageal sphincter – good for releasing gas but best avoided if you suffer from reflux. Combine with herbs such as catnip and lemon balm to sooth digestion. A blend of elderflower, yarrow and peppermint is an old influenza remedy. Infuse 1 heaped teaspoon of the dried herb (or a small handful of fresh) for 10 minutes.

Can be drunk several times a day.

Raspberry Leaves (Rubus idaeus) – Raspberry leaves possess astringent, parturient, refrigerant and tonic properties.

The leaves of the Raspberry have a very long history of use for expectant mothers. They are used to help prepare and tone the womb for contractions and prevent haemorrhage. You can come across a lot of conflicting information here as to the safety of when to start taking them. All sources seem to agree the last

trimester of pregnancy is safe but many herbalists recommend their use from the second trimester or even from early pregnancy.

You’ll have to use your own discretion on that one! Some of my favourite herbalists recommend teas from herbs such as raspberry, dandelion and nettle throughout as nutritive tonics (being mineral rich plants), upping the use of raspberry for the final trimester. That makes sense to me. Aside from pregnancy the astringency of Raspberry leaves can make them useful for diaorrhoea, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers and as a gargle for sore throats. Infuse 2 teaspoons of the dried herb for 10-15 minutes, 3 times a day.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) - The aerial parts of this plant have alterative, antispasmodic, expectorant and possibly oestogenic properties. A useful remedy for skin conditions, Red Clover can even be used in childhood eczema and psoriasis.

As an expectorant you will sometimes find it in formulas for coughs, bronchitis and especially whooping cough. Considered to be a phyto-oestrogenic herb that may have application during the menopause. Phyto-oestrogens have weak activity that binds to receptors in the body. This helps buffer the effects of a drop in oestrogen during menopause.

It also makes the herb potentially contraindicated in hormonal cancers - although the jury is still out on the validity of this precaution. Combine with herbs such as nettle and burdock to support skin health and sage for menopausal problems. Use 13 teaspoons of the dried herb per mug of hot water. Infuse for 1015 minutes and drink 3 times a day.

That’s all for this month, join me next time for more herbal healers! © Jenna Evans 2020.

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

14 THE VISITOR May 2020

a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.

Not much of a sleeping beauty?

Studies have shown that a lack of sleep may cause us to eat 300400 more calories the next day.

And in order to keep energy levels high we tend to choose sugary or starchy quick fixes.

Just one extra hour of sleep each night can increase leptin, the hormone which suppresses appetite.

You’re addicted to social media? Always checking Facebook and scanning your Instagram feed constantly throughout the day, ring any bells? A large study found that if participants had a friend who became obese, it then rose their own chance of becoming obese by 57% and scientists suspect that this is because social networking can influence what people perceive as normal and acceptable. For example, if you see your friends getting heavier, then you may be more inclined to feel that is ok if you do too.

Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns looks further into how social media could be encouraging us to pack on the pounds, ‘I’d say that an addiction to social media could well increase the likelihood of weight gain. Anyone who’s spending a lot of time on Facebook or Instagram is likely to be less active, and online connections, even for those who have a lot of online ‘friends’, are much less satisfying and fulfilling than real human contact. This could increase the tendency to comfort eat, to boost levels of ‘feel-good’ chemicals such as serotonin that are lacking as a consequence’.

Emotional eating never resolves the underlying issue and leads to guilt and shame. Always have a list of non-food related self-soothing activities to hand.

By having a relaxing bath, taking a walk or watching your favourite programme, you can lift your mood in a natural and healthy way. Another key to prevent comfort eating, of course, a healthy diet based on whole foods and avoiding processed and junk foods. This is the best way to give our body the nutrients it needs and keep our blood sugar on an even keel, helping to prevent cravings for more food and the tendency to overeat.

Charming Country House effects create a stir at auction

FORGOTTEN treasures once belonging to the inhabitants of some of Britain’s grandest estates created a stir at Chorley’s Fine Art, Antiques & Ceramics sale.

The auction featured printed maps, porcelain, paintings and boxes collected over centuries by families living in some of Britain’s most historic houses including Spetchley Park, Priors Court Forthampton and Ombersley Court.

Leading the lots, a gentlemen’s Rolex Explorer wristwatch purchased in the sixties achieved £8,000 and a Russian 56 standard gold cigarette case from St Petersburg circa 1910, with a hinged cover and cabochon sapphire thumb piece sold for £3,200.

Furniture that attracted attention include an 18th Century satinwood card table of Adam design, finely inlaid a central fan shaped patera with surround of arabesque acanthus scrolls that achieved £3,500 and an

Edwardian tea table and matching card table that sold for £1,400.

Two prints The Early Ploughman and The Rising Moon by celebrated British artist and key figure in Romanticism Samuel Palmer achieved £2,800. On the verso of one of the prints a letter from A H Palmer, Cornwall House, Cornwall, St., Pimlico, 21 July 1879 – ‘Madam, I have this day forwarded to you by my Father's desire two proofs of his new etching ‘The Bellman' printed by myself at our private press.

When removed from the roller I should not advise rolling it backwards but leaving it to flatten either in a large book or a portfolio for several days before framing.

Yours A H Palmer’.

Amongst the quirkier lots, five hand painted buttons depicting figures in Swiss national costume sold for £2,500 and a 1664 Charles II gold two guinea coin with elephant achieved £2,100. A considerable quantity of 18th Century Worcester porcelain went under the hammer, including pieces from two of Worcester’s

An 18th Century satinwood card table of Adam design, finely inlaid a central fan shaped patera with surround of arabesque acanthus scrolls achieved £3,500 at the recent Chorley’s Fine Art, Antiques & Ceramics sale.

best-known Stately homes, Ombersley Court and Spetchley Park. From Ombersley a pair of Worcester mask head jugs, circa 1785, achieved £1,500.

Chorley’s is a UK auction house, based in Gloucestershire. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Chorley’s conducts high value antiques and art sales and undertakes professional valuation work for private and corporate clients. The firm is a member of the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers (SOFAA) and the Association of Accredited Auctioneers (AAA). Chorley’s sells

to an international market, through auctions held at its rooms in the beautiful grounds of Prinknash Abbey, which are broadcast live to online bidders through Chorley's online platform and internet auction platform The Saleroom.

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Home renovation: Brits’ reveal their biggest lockdown DIY fails

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during lockdown, a brave 32% are going to persist with doing more DIY tasks/projects during lockdown Since lockdown began a few weeks ago, people have looked for different ways to keep themselves busy - with many turning to DIY to address the parts of their property they have been wanting to rejuvenate for some time.

Interested in home improvement, surveyed 1,412 Brits who have embarked on DIY tasks/projects since the lockdown began, in a bid to discover which aspects they have failed/struggled with the most.

MyJobQuote found that laying laminate flooring (58%) has been the biggest DIY problem for Brits.

Thereafter, 52% have struggled with tiling their walls/floors. Whilst 45% experienced issues plastering their walls.

With summer right around the corner, individuals undoubtedly want to make their garden space as enjoyable as possible and of those that have attempted to do so, 43% have failed to successfully lay decking

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Interestingly, 36% of Brits have had a mishap when repairing/fitting doors and/or windows.

A relatively simple task such as fitting new door/ window/cupboard/cabinet handles has caused a headache for 19% of homeowners.

Despite already experiencing DIY difficulties/problems during lockdown, a brave 32% are going to persist with doing more DIY tasks/projects during lockdown.

Overall from those surveyed, their main motivation to carry out DIY during lockdown is as follows: Lisa Evans, a spokesperson from MyJobQuote.co.uk commented: ‘We are unprecedented times.

Covid-19 has had a massive impact on daily life. To the credit of millions of Brits across the country, they have wisely followed government guidelines and stayed in their home. In doing so, many have tried their hands at DIY. Making the changes they have always desired or taking the inspiration from someone/something to do so. Whilst commendable, there have understandably been DIY

mishaps. This research highlights the most common DIY woes that Brits have experienced during lockdown – with some surprising results.

The good news for individuals is that they can use the wealth of knowledge available online to correct any DIY fails in a safe and methodological manner’.

Wait it out: Trying but failing is never a bad thing and don’t put yourself down. If you think you don’t have the confidence or can’t sufficiently understand how to rectify the DIY problem in hand - wait until the current situation subsides and find a reputable professional to look into it.

MyJobQuote’s top tips for effectively resolving lockdown DIY fails/struggles

Check off The DIY to Do List using handy Youtube Tutorials

Search Online: With the internet providing a plethora of information, read relevant blog posts to find the solution to your DIY problem – there are various reputable publications which address a ton of different DIY jobs.

Video Assistance: If you are not a fan of reading, utilise YouTube. Simply type in the DIY task/project you are having an issue with and then you will see multiple ‘how to’ videos, which might just have the answers to the questions you are looking for. Also, a lot of the videos are done by professionals, so their advice is more than likely to be reliable/trustworthy.

As we’re spending more time at home at the moment, it's only natural that we’re taking the opportunity to tackle those lingering DIY tasks around the home.

Nothing to do, so do it yourself!

From plastering to wallpapering and unblocking drains, Victorian Plumbing has compiled the ultimate list of home improvement YouTube tutorials to get you started, all based on Victorian Plumbing’s research

How To Plaster A Wall by Plastering For Beginners has over 450,000 views on youtube.

into the UK’s most stressful DIY jobs.

How To Plaster A Wall by Plastering For Beginners has over 450,000 views and is available to watch here: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLT AUREkbos.

Taking the top spot as the UK’s most worried about DIY tasks, there is no wonder why this ‘Plastering for Beginners’ video has over 445k views on YouTube.

In just 25 minutes, you’ll go from newbie to pro as you’re walked through the entire process. Don’t forget to look in the comments for step-by-step written instructions so you don’t miss a trick.

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THE VISITOR May 2020 17

MOTORING VINTAGE Motorcycling I AM SURE we have all heard plenty enough about the Coronavirus and I trust all readers are taking all the advised precautions in order to stay well and prevent further spread of this awful virus. It has however affected our hobby of playing with old vehicles.

As far as I am aware all motorcycle clubs have ceased all activities until further notice and other clubs will be doing likewise.

In the Hann household all club evenings, lunch and breakfast meets and all riding events are suspended. In addition our Short Mat Bowls sessions and those of our Table Tennis Group have likewise been suspended. Like many our social life has come to a grinding halt. We are stocked up (but not overstocked) and can manage quite well but life has become quite boring not being in regular contact with ones friends.

Telephone calls and Skype do not have the same pleasure for me.

We must do what we have to do but I fear that life will have changed dramatically for

everyone after this is all over.

I always try to look on the bright side of any situation and my one blessing is that I can hide in my workshop and spend many hours doing repairs and restoration work that should have been done long ago. In addition my two vehicles have been washed and polished and now used so sparingly that it is easy to keep them in pristine order.

We are only venturing out to do essential shopping and for the first time ever I gain simple pleasure from doing a bit of grocery shopping. Another blessing is that I am not spending money on breakfasts, lunches, coffee and cake sessions and club nights, nor am I using petrol to get there. I am hoping to notice a marked effect in both my wallet and my waistline.

My picture this month was taken from a bridge overlooking the famous Brooklands racing circuit. The two small figures in the middle illustrate just how big the circuit is and to some extent it shows how steep the banked track was.

Back in 1905 a wealthy enthusiastic racing driver called Hugh Locke King had nowhere to race because any form of racing

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on public roads had been banned by the government. Undeterred he decided to build his own circuit on his lands in Surrey. He engaged a workforce of 4000 navvies and nine months later he had a 2.75 mile banked oval circuit (a feat we could not manage today with our huge machinery). Later central roads were built across the centre thus allowing different circuits to the plain oval. The roads were 100 feet wide and the steeped curved sections rose 30 feet and at an angle of 30 degrees. The area was designed to be used as an Aerodrome as well and many famous planes were built there.

The first races to be staged there happened on the 6th July 1906 when a crowd of 10,000 spectators attended. Quite an attraction to draw so many people. The first motorcycle racing was during 1907 and incidently the very first race was won by Mr R. Cook from Weymouth when riding his N.L.G. (North London Garages).

The last racing took place in August 1939 after which false buildings were built on the track to confuse the Germans into not bombing the aerodrome and protect the aeroplane manufacturers.

The track was unusable thereafter so no further racing was possible. The actual surface

was made of concrete and laid in large sections which with time and wear became very bumpy.

The banking meant that very high speeds could be attained and maintained for long periods. Over the years many drivers became rather too ambitious and crashed by going over the top of the banking and many fatalities resulted.

Today little of the old circuit remains, just a few bits of the banking and the centre roads and the area has become an industrial estate. The remaining banking is now protected and with it many of the original sheds and buildings. One houses a very splendid museum showing the uses of the Brooklands area and contains lots of racing cars and bikes used during the period the circuit was open. Outside there are many aeroplanes on show and countless aero engines for those with a technical inclination.

Brooklands is a rather magical place and the name is revered by all petrolheads throughout the world. It is well worth the time and trouble to pay it a visit.

Perhaps this is something to add to the 'to do' list when the world returns to some form of normality. In the meantime we must all do as we are told and keep safe, but I do miss the freedom to travel and see friends.

Rod Hann.

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meals but beer as well and as always I am in awe - 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going' as the Billy Ocean song goes.

The supply chain will have been mostly destroyed, so there will inevitably be a delay before our pubs can get back to normal, but the best thing we can do as locals is to make sure we get back into those pubs as quickly as we can. I'm looking forward to some some fine pints of cool English Best Bitter. Are you with me? Of course you are! Cheers! © P.A. Baxter 2020. skittlealley@hotmail.com

The

Pub Pages

BE E R & SK ITTLE S

They Say

P. A. BAXTER SCANNING THROUGH last months' article before beating rhythm on the keyboard one can't help realise just how quickly things change. Here I was, full of optimism that the Bulldog Spirit would allow us to keep going, but instead we're immured in our homes and the chance of life getting back to anything like normal still seems so far off as to be invisible.

So we have to pass the time in some manner or other. Luckily for me I no longer have to work for a living and have hobbies I enjoy, and at least a couple of those are still possible, although this does not compensate for lack of contact with our beloved family, grandchildren and friends.

So what have you been doing

That some keen gardeners can't wait until the First Saturday in May. So they didn't.

That when it comes to Spring blossom and coleslaw, too many Helens can be confusing for Castle Cary’s Penny Mitchell.

The loggat trophy, photographed just before it heads almost 2000 miles East in 2020.

in this lockdown? I note with great interest that a 'Pub Games' site has appeared on Facebook, and there we can find a wonderful account how Simon and Joanna in Perth, Western Australia, had a 'virtual' game of loggats with their friends Paul and Caroline in Melbourne, New South Wales. There is even a two-hour time difference, proving we do not realise how big

Vinny isn’t coping too well with lockdown

Australia is, and indeed how small Great Britain is too.

Thanks to the wonders of the internet and portable screen devices they had a wonderful time, with Paul and Caroline taking a decisive victory. Videos and pictures are available for your pleasure on the aforementioned 'Pub Games' site, along with the instructions to make and play this game – it's not difficult. As with all pub games, it's simple to play, hard to master, a lot of competitive fun, and a little luck chucked in for good measure.

So don't just stand there, get on with it, and when this present nonsense comes to an end we can all re-introduce it to the local!

Many other games are already being covered on the 'Pub Games' site, some of which are no longer being seen in pubs, sadly. I am assured that there will be many other categories added as time goes on. So do feel free to take a look and join if you fancy being kept informed.

Speaking to tenants of our wonderful pubs, as one can guess it is incredibly tough for them right now, and let's be honest, anyone with even a modicum of knowledge of the licensed trade will know how tough it is at the best of times. Some tenants are able to do 'takeaway' for not only

That wanting to surprise her mother on her birthday, thirteen-year-old Tilly Dunn of Scarning in Norfolk rose in the wee small hours of the morning to blow up and decorate the lounge with balloons and bunting, but her pièce de résistance was the birthday cake - luckily, her mother didn’t hear a thing and slept through it all!

That during the course of a threehour ‘catch-up’ on FaceTime during Lockdown, two Dorset ladies managed to bake two batches of Blueberry Muffins and imbibe two bottles of wine - oh, the joys of friendship!

That Maggie Harris thought ‘love hath no bounds’ when she received 50 tulips via Moonpig, only to discover 40 had been freebies due to a nursery clear out. A very kind thought for the original 10 ordered!

THE VISITOR May 2020 19

and tidy mow once a week. If you have moss and weeds growing in the lawn, apply an all-in-one lawn feed, weed and moss killer.

Gardening Tips for May

HAVING a garden to escape into during these diffficult times is surely something to be thankful for. Not only does it give you the opportunity to be out in the fresh air, the digging, weeding, planting and mowing is also an excellent way of keeping fit.

I’m sure that your vegetable patch has been dug over and is just waiting for those runner beans and courgettes that have been growing steadily in the greenhouse over the past couple of weeks. Plant out when the threat of frost is gone.

And don’t forget your house plants while you’re spending lots of time in the garden. With the warmer weather they will need watering more frequently. Some may need re-potting and remember to give them a liquid feed, older plants need a feed once a week!

So, what should you be doing during May? Here are a few tips:

Runner beans ready for planting out.

1. Spray roses against pests and diseases and apply a general rose fertiliser.

3. Make room for bedding plants by lifting bulbs that have finished flowering.

2. Support tall perennial plants and pinch out the growing tips of vigorous plants, such as Michaelmas Daisies, to form bushy plants. Weed borders regularly.

4. Plant out half-hardy annuals after the risk of frost has passed and sow biennials, such as Sweet Williams, Canterbury Bells and Wallflowers.

5. Put straw around strawberry plants.

6. Prune early-flowering shrubs such as Prunus Triloba (flowering plum or flowering almond) and Kerria Japonica (Japanese marigold bush).

7. To keep lawns looking neat

Houseplants, such as Stephanotis need regular feeding.

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REVEALED: Best desserts as voted by Brits

Smeg's new ice cream maker will make your heart melt

These are the GOD tier British desserts, as voted by you The results are in, and Jackandbeyond.com can reveal that the nation’s favourite desserts are the famous sticky toffee pudding, mouth-watering profiteroles, the classy but sassy red velvet and the spot-hitting tiramisu.

When it comes to the second row of favourites, the TOP tier desserts as voted by Brits are the quintessential British Victoria Sponge, brownies, the very well baked bakewell tart, and the not so British but still much-loved eclairs.

The attachment, which can be added on to any of the brand’s range of stand mixers, is ideal for creating delicious ice creams, sorbets, granitas and frozen yoghurt in just a few steps. The SMIC01 ice cream accessory is perfectly suited to the Smeg stand mixer bowl (stainless steel bowl only) and enables you to create all the desserts you love best, especially in summer.

The Italian made attachment provides up to 1.1 litres of finished product – ready to eat in around 30 minutes. With its cold, double wall cooling system, the maker keeps a -10°C temperature at all times. Fun for all the family, making ice cream at home allows you to create a healthy sweet treat, avoiding additives often found in shop bought ice cream.

What are the least-loved British desserts as voted by Brits We talked the best, now it is time to reveal the worst (as voted by you). Jackandbeyond can reveal that the ‘WORST’ tier desserts are the no-surprise-there fruit cake, the not so angelic angel cake, and the very festive mince pie, followed by the even more festive Christmas pudding. In conclusion, Brits hate Christmas!

Maybe not… But it definitely seems we aren’t fans of festive desserts!

So, Harry’s Jam Roly Poly is nowhere to be seen! Can you see your favourite on the chart?

The ice cream maker accessory comes with all of the tools you need for preparing tasty desserts: a mixing beater, magnetic adapter, adapter ring with slide, ice cream spatula and transparent cover. It is one of the latest additions to Smeg’s SDA range which includes kettles, toasters, stand mixers and coffee machines.

Brits love desserts. From sticky toffee pudding to mince pies, we have perfected the craft of dessert making over the years to satisfy our sweet tooth. And with the recent events that force us to stay at home, we can find comfort in our favourite sweet treats.

However, there is one question that can either unite or break us: what are the best British desserts? In order to put an end to this dilemma, the dessert experts conducted a survey which asked 1,788 Brits what their preferences are. Is your favourite on top, or are you about to be fuming?

Smeg, the iconic Italian appliance brand, launched the Smeg SMIC01 ice-cream maker on 1st May.

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CONTACT : Martyn Jones 07973 433586 EMAIL : chilloutsomerset@yahoo.com THE VISITOR May 2020 21

Remember 30 years ago from The Visitor archives Bypass delay According to a report in the May 1990 Visitor the Minister for Roads and Traffic Robert Atkins MP had promised that work on the A303 Wincanton to Mere improvement scheme would start in the autumn.

Constructing this bypass for the villages of Bourton and Zeals had been expected to start in May and for the villagers ‘it can’t come too soon’. The report told of ‘no less than 20 accidents involving cars’ in the two villages on Maundy Thursday and commented that ‘the villagers are so used to the sound of crumpling metal that they don’t notice that they themselves are so full of exhaust-emitted lead that they clank when they walk’.

Dining for countryfolk The same issue carried news of a new 24-seat dining room that had just been added to the Countryman pub in South Cary.

‘Now customers can have their lunch or evening meal served in the comfortable bar, the wellappointed family room or the dining room which overlooks the courtyard,’ it announced, adding that an extensive new menu had been introduced including six vegetarian dishes, an Italian pasta selection and popular sweets like treacle pudding and custard. Although currently closed by the coronavirus shutdown, the pub still exists and still provides excellent food but has reverted to its original name, the Bay Tree.

Really hard work On Sunday 8th April Templecombe Station received its long-awaited footbridge which had, earlier in the day, been dismantled at Buxted in Sussex. Templecombe’s onceextensive station had closed in 1966 but through the determined campaigning of a local pressure group it had reopened with just one platform in October 1983. Now the Station Promotion Group could begin what the Visitor called ‘some really hard work’. After the 100-year-old bridge has been shot-blasted and primed by professionals the group ‘will 22 THE VISITOR May 2020

when...

PHONE - a - FIRM

proceed to paint it and have it ready for erection on the night of 23rd June’.

Gillingham’s good news A brief piece of good news from Gillingham appeared in the May 1990 Visitor. ‘New businesses continue to be attracted to Gillingham now that the Brickfields Business Park, next to the industrial estate in Oaklands Lane, is on stream. This bodes well for the future.’ Indeed it did, for the Business Park was enlarged by a further 3.7 hectares in the early years of the 21st century to meet the increasing demand for space.

On the back foot Some things have seemed changeless down the decades.

The Shoe Museum in the oldest part of Clark’s factory in Street received generous Visitor coverage in 1990. Clearly the writer (perhaps Patrick Dunion) was impressed. ‘The museum exhibits a fascinating display of footwear through the ages, from Roman and medieval to Clark’s range of fashionable shoes and boots from 1860 to date. Ladies will love it, while the kids can see what mum and grandma used to wear on Friday night . . . how did they dance in those platform shoes?’ He also mentions the buckles, decorative heels, craftsmen’s hand tools and shoemaking machinery, and world’s biggest boot, made from 22 yards of leather, weighing 82lb and produced for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887. The sad news in 2020 is that the museum has closed its doors for the final time.

Roger Richards.

Solution to April

Sudoku

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

01963 351256

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THE VISITOR May 2020 23

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

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

Personal

Services

www.country-link.org.uk COUNTRY LINK SOCIAL GROUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. Tel: Andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918

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

JUST SOMERSET INTRODUCTIONS. Bringing people together. Call Alison Tel: 07584 250285, www.justintro ductionsgroup.co.uk MARTIN, 61, Best dressed man at party.

Find out what I look like, ladies 40-70.

Box no. 10 AN EXTRA INCOME with minimum effort.

For details please visit www.doubledeal.co.uk, if joining please quote reference 001NK

Storage STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles.

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

COMPUTER PROBLEMS? 07483 805766

Prize Crossword No. 402 Set by Frank Butler

19

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BP – to arrive by Monday 18th May. 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.

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

Daves Tools, Est. 1989. Tel: 01935 428975 R E D U N D A N T M O T O R M O W E R S , rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844 CLASSICAL AND JAZZ LP RECORDS: CDs also considered. Tel: 01458 834102 / 07704229979 / email: tonyartony @aol.com AUTOMOBILIA, AUTOJUMBLE, woodworking and engineering tools. Tel: 01747 850474 POSTCARDS, pop memorabilia, coins, badges, old toys, games, and anything military. Tel: Clive 01749 675456 A L L S P O RT S P R O G R A M M E S a n d books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. Large collections welcome. Cash paid. Tel: Clive 01749 675456 YOUR AD HERE from £5. Tel: 01963 351256 to book or email info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Across: 1. Morse T lengthwise [5] 4. Peep warns of letters in journal [9] 9. Puffin as main repeater [3-6] 10. Relation in EEC [5] 11. Dances unsteadily [5] 12. Coast disturbed after six balls worn ready for rain [9] 13. One penny less than sweets, held on sticks and lounging idly [7] 15. Snobbish like a poster [5-2] 18. Gold and the good needed as air returns in European country [7] 20. Slip end off axle [7] 21. Firearm in charge after car rug [9] 23. Call up ‘all right!’ in poetic evening [5] 25. Satin tinge [5] 26. Irate promise puzzles you [9] 27. Unintelligent and out cold [9] 28. Drew out colour from unit of luminous flux [5]

8. Organ pipes growing by the river [5] 14. Latin star not to be missed [4,5] 16. Make sure anvil changed everywhere [9] 17. Made believe was looked after in advance [9] 19. Recital thing [7] 20. Divisions of dry hils [7] 21. Fools put ship in turbulent sea [5] 22. Rodents take direction to find cheap lunch [5] 24. O sullen smell! [5]

Solution to Crossword 401

Down: 1. More metal in 18 gives another country [9] 2. A vote may become egg-shaped!

[5] 3. A polished entrance, so Gas Lord gets upset [5,4] 4. Uncertain, we French surround King Edward the fifth [7] 5. We find first sponge sent up damp [7] 6. Partly span ice in alarm [5] 7. Pecker pad ready for the shops [9]

24 THE VISITOR May 2020

Winner of our April Crossword

was Heather Shave of West Camel who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Andrew Barclay Butchers, Wincanton.