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Issue 483 February 2024
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t won’t have escaped your notice that 2024 is a Leap Year, an occurrence every fourth year when an extra day – 29th February – is added. Mathematicians explain that it’s because the earth’s orbit round the sun takes 365.2422 days and the extra day is added to absorb those .2422s. But this would be a smidgin too much so it was necessary to exclude the final year of each century from this rule unless it was exactly divisible by 400. There can be few readers of this column who will survive long enough to wake in 2100 and wonder why it isn’t a Leap Year. What the mathematicians don’t tell us is why 29th February is traditionally the day on which a woman can propose marriage to a man. Indeed, in some parts of the country the whole month – or even the entire Leap Year – confers this privilege on women, but as we didn’t adopt the Gregorian calendar with its Leap Years until 1752 this looks suspiciously like a ‘tradition’ dreamt up by some liberated 18th century ladies with their own interests very much at heart. In any case, local women already had their opportunity to declare their affections – albeit anonymously – earlier in the month on St Valentine’s Day, the Christian festival of love created to preempt and ultimately replace the lusty pagan fertility celebrations of Lupercalia on 15th February. How and why a martyred 3rd century Roman priest became associated with the 21st century rituals of sending cards, exchanging romantic gifts, sharing intimate candlelit meals and wearing sexy lingerie for afters continues to elude me. When Valentine cards first appeared in the 18th century they were home-made with personal messages, verses and drawings, so it was probably not hard for a recipient to guess the identity of the sender. The advent of commerciallyproduced cards and the penny post made the practice more commonplace and, in
many cases, less meaningful. Even so, it survives into the 21st century along with the other romantic trappings. More romantic by far than the tradition of the Valentine lottery, in which the names of those seeking intimacy were put in a box and drawn randomly by members of the opposite sex. Whether it ever caught on – or died out – in Visitorland remains a mystery. When looking for information about St Valentine I came across St Julian. Little seems to be known about him, although one source calls him Julian the Hospitaler, the patron saint of boatmen, hotelkeepers and travellers. Another calls him Julien and associates him with innkeepers and travellers, and a third says he was a mythical hero originally adopted by ferrymen and innkeepers as their intercessor but is now patron saint of all wayfarers. His day is celebrated on 12th February when perhaps we should remember him in Visitorland because of the link with The Julian in Sherborne, in the 15th century the hospice of La Julianys Inne near the top of Cheap Street. NN.
Advertising Deadlines March Issue Deadline: 19th Feb Published: 29th Feb
PO Box 5522, Castle Cary Somerset BA9 0BP Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk facebook.com/thevisitormagazine x.com/thevisitormag Editor Max Dunion Advertising Kerry Edwards Julie Horn Managing Director Helen Dunion © The Visitor Ltd. 2024
(Items marked ©GT are the copyright of Geoff Thompson)
CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED ‑ 34 ANTIQUES ‑ 21 BEST OF LOCAL BUSINESS ‑ 22 CROSSWORD ‑ 34 GARDENING ‑ 26 HOUSE & HOME ‑ 20 LEISURE ‑ 15 LOOKING GOOD ‑ 16 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES ‑ 4 MOTORING ‑ 17 NOTICE BOARD ‑ 15 PHONE‑A‑FIRM ‑ 33 POP QUIZ ‑ 15 PUBS ‑ 30 REMEMBER WHEN ‑ 32
NOTE TO ADVERTISERS
Advertisements are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions as printed on our rate card, available upon request. The views expressed in articles & letters contributed to this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.
SUDOKU ‑ 15 THEY SAY ‑ 31 WEDDINGS ‑ 18 WINE & DINE ‑ 28 Cartoons by GEOFF THOMPSON
THE VISITOR February 2024 3
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Dispatches Snowdrop heaven at East Lambrook Manor Gardens Festival of Snowdrops
THROUGHOUT February the famous cottage garden at East Lambrook Manor in Somerset will be celebrating the snowdrop season once again with its
annual, and possibly last, Festival of Snowdrops. Stroll through the beautiful winter garden and enjoy the wonderful collection of unusual snowdrops. Cottage garden doyenne and avid ‘galanthophile’ Margery Fish and her husband Walter turned the drainage channel betweeen two orchards into the pefect place for planting her growing collection of snowdrops in the 1940’s and the bulbs have thrived there ever since. “It gladdens the heart to see the snowdrops lining the banks of the famous Ditch in this gem
ELMG - Display bed February 2023.
4 THE VISITOR February 2024
Heal Somerset appoints first photographer-in-residence
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Dispatches of a garden,” says owner Mike Werkmeister. The garden has a collection of around 140 named varieties and many of these are used to make a special display in a raised bed enabling visitors to appreciate the subtle and often not so subtle difference between them. “Unless you are a snowdrop aficionado, or ‘galanthophile’, you are probably not aware of how varied they can be. Visitors are often amazed by the different shapes and colours of the flowers, including delicate Galanthus ‘Margery Fish’, found in the Ditch in 1987,” explains Mike. Visitors can join a snowdrop tour to learn about the genus and see some of the more unusual snowdrops in the garden. Around 80 varieties will be on sale in the nursery along with hellebores and other spring bulbs and plants. Sculptor Chris Kampf will again be exhibiting his popular steel snowdrops. The garden is open Tuesday to Sunday throughout
Snowdrops a plenty in the Woodland Garden at ELMG this February.
the festival from 10am to 5pm. Garden entry £7.00, Groups £6.50, under 16s free. Tours £4.00. The annual NGS Snowdrop Open Day is on
Thursday 15th February, with all entry money going to charity. RHS members have free entry on Wednesdays. No charge if just visiting the café or nursery.
Somerset-based photographer Emma Lewis has been appointed by the charity Heal Rewilding as the first photographer-inresidence at Heal Somerset, the charity’s foundation rewilding site near Bruton. Emma will be fulfilling this role as a volunteer. Emma is based in Wincanton and is passionate about nature, and trees in particular. The Heal team first met Emma when she visited the Heal Somerset site looking for trees to photograph. As the site’s official photographerin-residence, her approach will be to honour the wheel of the year, celebrate their connection to nature and highlight the importance of seeing the seasons change. She will come to the site once a month to shoot a range of images which reflect the recovering landscape as the year unfolds. Emma’s commercial work uses natural light and a sleight of hand. She specialises in lifestyle, portrait and Interior photography, and her strength is in bringing the subject to life as naturalistically as possible. Her work has been published in all the major interior and weekend magazines, and she also works with quality brands,
THE VISITOR February 2024 5
Their befriending service volunteers visit regularly to provide companionship and support to people with sight impairment.
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Dispatches designers and makers. Heal Rewilding was launched in March 2020 as the UK’s first charity dedicated to being a rewilding landowner and it acquired its 460-acre foundation site, Heal Somerset, in December 2022. Jan Stannard, Heal’s Chair of Trustees, said: “We are so grateful to Emma for accepting this year-long commission as a volunteer. Having photographs of the land taken by a professional will give us beautiful quality images we can use to inspire people, spark interest in our work and encourage more
Heal Somerset. Photo: Emma Lewis.
visitors to the Heal Somerset site.” Emma joins a group of volunteers who help the Heal Somerset team with a range of crucial tasks, from wildlife surveying to interior decorating. Anyone interested in volunteering
can sign up at www.heal somerset.org.uk/volunteer.
Volunteers needed
Somerset Sight are looking for volunteers across Somerset to work one-to-one with sight impaired people.
They offer full training and support, and pay all reasonable out of pocket expenses, including mileage. If you would like to know more about joining the friendly team, please contact them on 01823 333818 or email: admin@ somersetsight.org.uk.
Wincanton Choral Society Come and Sing Day 24th Feb
Fresh from their sell out and much acclaimed Christmas concert, Wincanton Choral Society would love any 'wannabe' singers - and indeed those who already sing or have sung in a choir - to join them on the 24th February for a day discovering excerpts from Haydn’s dramatic work The Creation. The choir's new and charismatic Musical Director Neil Moore, and their accompanist Jacquelyn Bevan, guarantee a fun, friendly and energising day. You will be impressed by the quality of performance that Neil coaxes out of the choir! This work will feature in their next concert on 19th May, and you could be part of it. The venue is King Arthurs School, Wincanton BA9 9BX, 10am to 4pm and costs just £20 & £3 for music hire (if needed). For more info see wincantonchoralsociety.co.uk,
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Mentioned in
Dispatches facebook.com/wincanton choralsociety or phone/email Trevor on 07914 074198 /honsecretary.wcs@gmail.com. Very good homemade cakes also provided!
Wincanton Choral Society Come and Sing Day is on 24th February.
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THE VISITOR February 2024
7
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Dispatches The forgotten Scarlatti: Associated Schools’ project sees 80 local school children learn to sing in latin
Two spectacular choral discoveries by a forgotten Baroque composer Francesco Scarlatti, which were hidden for centuries, are to be performed at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, on Thursday 8 February. Leading choir and period instrument ensemble, Armonico Consort will sing the composer’s Dixit Dominus and Messa a 16 in brand new editions created by Dr Geoffrey Webber from manuscript originals discovered in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. They will also perform Vivaldi’s Gloria, probably one of the best-known choral works of all time. Earlier in the day, around 80 local primary school children will get the chance to discover some of this incredibly complex music and learn to sing it – in Latin. Armonico’s artistic director, Christopher Monks, will lead a
8 THE VISITOR February 2024
Armonico School.
concert workshop where the massed children’s choirs will sing Scarlatti and Vivaldi alongside Armonico Consort’s professional singers and musicians, playing on instruments of the Baroque period. Children from All Saints CE, Preston CE and Kingfisher Primary will all be involved, as will the Octagon Junior Choir. It’s all thanks to a long-standing partnership between the music charity Armonico Consort, its education programme AC Academy, and Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil. The partnership has created the brand new Octagon Junior Choir, and there are plans to make the choir and venue a centre of
singing excellence, training choir leaders, and sharing best practice and resources. Members of the public and parents can book tickets to see the children perform online at the Westlands Entertainment Venue website, with tickets free to attend. The schools performance takes place between 2-3pm. Christopher Monks says, “We have done this project in other parts of the UK with almost 200 young people and I am absolutely staggered how excited they are to be singing these incredible tunes and recreating historical art using instruments from the 18th Century!” Sicilian born Francesco Scarlatti (1666-c1741) was part
of a famous musical dynasty but was entirely overshadowed by his more famous brother Alessandro and nephew Domenico, and died in obscurity in Dublin. Armonico Consort has become the leading authority on the works of Francesco Scarlatti. Its release of the first professional recording of the Dixit Dominus and Messe a 16 in April 2023 met with widespread critical acclaim both in the UK and internationally: “Spectacular… the greatest classical music find of the century” (Le figaro). Its next project is to give the first performance in modern times of the composer’s only oratorio, Daniele – the biblical story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den. Armonico Consort perform Francesco Scarlatti and Vivaldi’s Gloria at Westlands Entertainment Venue on Thursday 8 February. Details from www.westlandsyeovil.co.uk.
Uncertain future for Margery Fish’s famous cottage garden at East Lambrook Manor
The future of the much-loved and quintessentially English cottage garden at East Lambrook Manor hangs in the balance as a buyer is sought for the property. The gardens were created by Margery Fish, who moved to East
Mentioned in
Dispatches Lambrook Manor from London with her husband Walter Fish, editor of the Daily Mail, in 1938. A novice gardener when she came to East Lambrook in her midforties, Fish became a noted plantswoman and gardening writer and was one of the most important influences on gardening in the 20th century. She developed a style of
gardening which was in tune with the times, creating a grand cottage garden on a domestic scale, made famous through her many books and magazine articles. Fish changed gardening from a pastime of the wealthy to a passion for the whole population. Her first book We Made a Garden, first published in 1956, has inspired generations of gardeners and has rarely been out of print; it was translated into Italian in 2012 and Dutch as recently as 2022. East Lambrook Manor Gardens is the only Grade I listed cottage garden in England and, although on a smaller scale, sits
alongside the likes of Grade 1 listed Munstead Wood, Sissinghurst and Hidcote. The garden, which attracts thousands of visitors each year from the UK and across the globe, has appeared in practically every lifestyle and gardening magazine, from Country Life to Gardens Illustrated and the RHS magazine The Garden, and has often featured on BBC Gardeners’ World. Mike Werkmeister and his late wife Gail bought East Lambrook Manor in 2008, having seen a feature about the property and its famous garden being for sale
in the Sunday Times. “My late wife Gail, an antenatal teacher and President of the National Childbirth Trust at the time, saw the Malthouse Gallery at East Lambrook Manor as a fabulous teaching space whereas I embraced the garden and nursery. I shall be very sorry to say goodbye to both house and garden and would love to find a like-minded buyer to take on the property and keep the garden open to the public, but that is not proving easy in these difficult times. Nothing is certain except that I am getting too old to maintain the garden.” says Mike.
ELMG - House & Garden.
THE VISITOR February 2024 9
Mentioned in
Dispatches Choirs raise just over £30,000 in 2023
Choir singing in the afternoon is proving to be a big hit across the West of England, raising thousands of pounds for community groups. Last year (2023) across all the choirs, from Gloucester to Cornwall the magnificent sum of just over £30,000 was raised. Founder Grenville Jones has a World-Wide reputation as a choir leader and as someone who advocates the health benefits of belonging in a choir. He says; “Singing should be on prescription.” He is also well-known as founder of the Golden-Oldies Sing and Smile Charity – now in its 16th year – with its 120 daytime fun sessions in Church Halls and Community Rooms across England and Wales (Goldies Cymru). Sir Cliff Richard is the Charity Patron. Grenville also runs a Thursday evening mixed-voice choir in
10 THE VISITOR February 2024
Bath, the Welcome Chorus, which has over 70 singers and is also the founder conductor of the celebrated City of Bath Male Choir, now conducted by his son Laurie Jones. They hit the headlines on the BBC Last Choir Standing Saturday night series and have since performed across the World in recent years. He started the community Good Afternoon Choirs in his home City of Bath 15 years ago; choirs that sing in the daytime with no auditions and the accent on FUN singing, making friends and supporting local organisations with fundraising concerts. In recent years the Good Afternoon Choirs have raised many thousands of pounds for local groups and have just announced that last year – 2023 – over £30,000 was given to organisations across the West of England. There are now 24 Good Afternoon Choirs from Gloucester to Cornwall with more planned later in the year. Grenville takes four of the choirs himself and employs many talented freelance leaders and accompanists across the West. “I am fortunate to have a great team of leaders and all admin support comes from our office in
Charity Money raised for 2023 totals £30,195.10.
Westfield near Bath. Our choir members are now choosing the local organisations they want to help this year (2025),” says Grenville. The Good Afternoon Choirs take place on; Mondays : Bristol, Frome, South Somerset and Truro. Tuesdays: Chippenham/ Calne, Churchdown (N.Glos), Cirencester/Stroud, Mid Devon, Taunton and Wells. Wednesdays: Highworth/Shrivenham, Keynsham, Malmesbury, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Yate/Chipping Sodbury. Thursdays: Bath, Newquay, Norton Radstock, North Swindon and Thornbury. Fridays: Devizes, Falmouth and Westbury/ Warminster. Full details on all the choirs/rehearsal times etc. are
on www.goodafternoonchoir.org. In addition the Good Afternoon Choirs helped to raise funds for St Catherine’s Church (near Frome); Keynsham Mencap; Great Western Hospital Cancer Services and The Royal British Legion. Finally, Grenville organised and funded a concert in Bath Abbey in November to commemorate the life of his son who passed away in July. This concert was supported by many of Grenville’s choir members and raised £7,400 for the ‘We Get It’, a charity supporting families living with Cancer. The final grand total for money raised by Grenville’s choirs last year (2023) totals £30,195.10.
THE VISITOR February 2024 11
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Dispatches Young people to take action to improve Somerset’s coasts and rivers in New Blue Influencers Scheme
Ambitious plans to improve the environment in and around Somerset’s coast and rivers will be spearheaded by young people, thanks to a new scheme which has brought funding into the county. Somerset Wildlife Trust was among 22 charities to successfully bid for funding from the Blue Influencers Scheme and is being awarded £20,000 a year for three years. The grant will help pay for the employment of a Blue Mentor whose role is to recruit young people to become ‘Blue Influencers’. These young people, aged 10 to 14, with the support of their Blue Mentor, will create and run social action schemes to improve the environment of their schools, neighbourhoods and communities. The Blue Influencers Scheme
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Blue Influencers Scheme launch.
is a groundbreaking project from UK outdoor education charity The Ernest Cook Trust, with the ambition to support young people from underserved communities and those living in deprived coastal, estuary and riverside locations, by empowering them to tackle environmental and climate issues. The £2.25 million scheme is being match-funded by The Ernest Cook Trust and the #iwill Fund and will run for three years.
Its ambition is to engage more than 4,000 young people as ‘Blue Influencers’, as well as over 15,000 community members across England. The #iwill Fund is made possible thanks to £66 million joint investment from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to support young people to access high-quality social action opportunities. The Ernest
Cook Trust is acting as a match funder and awarding grants on behalf of the #iwill Fund. The scheme is entirely youthled, and even the selection of Somerset Wildlife Trust, along with 21 other registered charities, was made by The Ernest Cook Trust’s Youth Advisory Board, made up entirely of young people aged 14-21. Additional funds up to £5,000 will also be available for specific projects, and it will again be the Youth Advisory
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Dispatches Board members who approve these awards. Ed Ikin, Chief Executive of The Ernest Cook Trust, said the Blue Influencers Scheme would lead the way in empowering young people to take action: “Young people are often the most passionate about the environment and are very aware of the issues we face with climate change. The Blue Influencers Scheme will give them the funding, platform and tools they need to make positive changes to benefit their entire community,” he said. “We were pleased to select Somerset Wildlife Trust to join the Blue Influencers Scheme and are excited to see just what the young people come up with.” Kristen Lambert, Wilder Lives Manager at Somerset Wildlife Trust, added: “In Somerset, we’re lucky to have 53 miles of coastline with a rich variety of habitats and wildlife. Unfortunately, it often
doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but by encouraging young people and schools to engage with our brilliant coast, we aim to help them stand up for this crucial natural asset.” For more information about The Ernest Cook Trust’s Blue Influencers Scheme visit https://ernestcooktrust.org.uk/ what-we-do/green-influencersscheme.
New research shows the benefits of getting out into a garden this winter
New research published by leading garden charity the National Garden Scheme, confirms the important health benefits that visiting a garden in the darkest days of winter can provide. “Visits to our snowdrop and spring flower gardens are always a popular start to the garden visiting season and this latest research gives us more of an insight into why that is,” says National Garden Scheme chief executive, George Plumptre. “Existing research generally links the health benefits of garden visiting to the summer months when most gardens are at their abundant best. But our new research highlights the benefits of visiting in winter and, as well
as comparing those to visiting in summer, shows how a winter visit helps combat the particular seasonal challenges that we all face at that time of year.” The report also examines the effect of nature on wellbeing for visitors during the winter. Visitors described, in their own words, a number of positive feelings while visiting the winter gardens. They felt relaxed and calm, happy and uplifted, interested and inspired, appreciative of the gardens, immersed and at one with nature, and hopeful for spring. Visitors particularly liked the plants and flowers that could be found in the gardens during winter. Almost half of all visitors (47.6%) mentioned liking the snowdrops, 29.2% appreciated the emergence of spring growth, and
28.2% the scent of flowers like Daphne. A third of respondents (33.3%) also appreciated being able to see the structure, design and views of and from the garden, given the lower amount of foliage at that time of year. “Our research suggests that visiting a garden in winter can
THE VISITOR February 2024 13
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Dispatches be just as beneficial as visiting in summer, as long as you wrap up warm,” says report author, Dr Emma White. “This is an
important finding, as we may notice ourselves getting out in to gardens less during a time which many consider to be dormant. But winter gardens can be full of life and interest. Our survey respondents felt that winter is the perfect time to observe the emergence of new growth and experience the unique joy of spring flowering bulbs. It is a great time to appreciate the structure of a well-designed
garden, and respondents noticed lots of wildlife and beneficial natural features. So, whatever the season, we should all try to get out into gardens more, observe the plants and nature around us, and feel the benefits.” “The National Garden Scheme has been championing the health benefits of garden visits since it first opened 609 garden gates in 1927. Now opening over 3,500
gardens a year we continue to advocate the improvement to wellbeing that a visit to a garden can generate. In 2016, we commissioned the King’s Fund to produce a report on the topic and began an annual funding programme to support gardens and health-related projects run by charities. A year later we launched our annual Gardens & Health programme to continue raising awareness of the impact gardens and gardening can have on everyone’s physical and mental health. This latest report builds on that work and illustrates what many gardeners and garden visitors know, that being in a garden really is good for you,” adds George Plumptre. The report The wellbeing benefits of visiting National Garden Scheme gardens in winter, by Environmental Psychologist, Dr Emma White – can be found online here: https://bit.ly/NGSWinterWell beingReport.
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February Notice Board MARTOCK
The Beach’d Buoys Shanty Band on 22nd February 2024 at All Saints’ Church, MARTOCK, TA12 6JN. 7:30 pm Admission: £10.00 at Guardianstickets@
gmail.com /07547 213992/ Martock Gallery/ Martock Newsagent (CASH ONLY); £12.00 at door. www.martock online.co.uk/events, www.thebeachdbuoys.com. TO ADVERTISE your MARCH event here, email info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk, write to: PO BOX 5522 Castle Cary, BA9 0BP or telephone 01963 351256. It costs only £5 for 20 words, 30p per additional word. Payment via credit/debit card or cheque. March issue deadline is 19th February!
So, you think you know your Pop music, do you?
By John Osborne Answers can be found on page 31 1) Name the band who banged on about the 'Sultans of Swing' in 1978 2) Justin Timberlake once told us to 'Rock Your … ' what? 3) Who sang about 'My Favourite Game' in 1998? 4) Name all three male singers featured on 'All For Love', a big hit in February 1992. 5) How do we best know Audrey Perry? 6) Who was the male artist who made an album named 'Graceland'? 7) Who declared she was 'Crazy' back in 1961? 8) On which Beatles album were we first introduced to George Harrison on sitar? 9) Lyrics. What song starts 'I am not in love, but I'm open to persuasion'? 10) The single 'Cold Heart Pnau Remix' of 2021 features which two artists?
Looking for love this year? Why not try Just Somerset Introductions
February is the month for Valentines - so what are the signs of love? It means different things to different people. Here are a few examples. What’s yours? There should be give and take in a relationship. You love each other’s idiosyncrasies and make allowances. You make sacrifices for their happiness or wellbeing even if they might not realise it. You keep your promises and have the same outlook on life. When you truly love your partner, you see them as part of your life and future. You get so much pleasure from sharing interests together and learning new ones. You enjoy following your own interests but enjoy having some fun and doing ones together too. Would you like to get out and meet new people, maybe your
Valentine ... people join for different reasons: to make new friendships; dating and hopefully that special relationship. Check out the website and testimonials for more details and give Alison a call on 07584 250285!
Bonus Question Name the year of release of Q2 Anorak question Who wrote the song from Q7? Goldlamé Anorak Question Name the album on the cover of which features Algie the pig, flying over a London landmark. Great quotes in Music (154) 'Bowies “Gene Genie” is like the blues but in platform shoes' – Boy George
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 January Sudoku on page 31
THE VISITOR February 2024 15
Family Health with
Jenna Evans FEBRUARY is Heart Health Month, so with that in mind, this month we'll be discussing hypertension (high blood pressure). This has to be one of the most common problems people present with here at Ceres in Yeovil. It may be someone has been told they are 'borderline' and wish to halt further deterioration. More commonly I see people who have been on blood pressure medicines for many years and are wishing to reduce or eliminate their use, due to unwanted effects (don't do this without the support of a medical professional). Blood pressure (BP) is a huge subject with many contributing factors and in my opinion there is also a lot of fear mongering and an all too rapid prescription of drugs. About 90% of HBP is 'essential' or 'idiopathic' hypertension, meaning there is no specific identified cause – what this really means is that it is probably a collection of lifestyle, dietary and environmental factors. As usual, a few basic guidelines can be followed. Avoid processed foods, take regular exercise, reduce/eliminate caffeine, alcohol and smoking. All guidance you'd get from the NHS. When it comes to salt however, I have a slightly different view! There is no doubt in my mind that refined table salt is a no-no. However, we are very salty beings and there seems to be a sweet spot in salt consumption (from unprocessed foods and unrefined salts) whereby both too much and too little are hazardous to our health. Many people have literally written books on this subject and thanks to a Naturopath who has gone viral on YouTube, the sales of Celtic sea salt have rocketed and it's worth checking out her video on water and salt. I know plenty of people who are taking a teeny amount of salt dissolved on the tongue followed by a glass of water a few times a day and are reporting back benefits such as reduced fatigue, less aches, pains and headaches and yes, also as part of a high BP management regime. At the very least it can help with hydration, itself a known contributor to blood pressure. While we're talking fluids, two things I always 16 THE VISITOR February 2024
Shutterstock.com/ING Studio1985.
recommend to drink are beetroot juice and hibiscus, both of which have demonstrated BP lowering ability. A good glass or two of beetroot and a couple of cups of hibiscus tea a day are worth trying. To support the general health of our whole cardiovascular system, useful herbs include hawthorn and garlic. Taken consistently over several months, these herbs can regulate blood pressure. Hawthorn is considered a heart 'tonic' with tonifying, relaxant and BP balancing abilities and garlic packs a punch for BP, cholesterol and as an antioxidant. I'm a big fan of cayenne pepper too. Magnesium supplementation can also make
a difference and as one of the most commonly lacking minerals, there's a good chance most of us can benefit from a little extra magnesium now and then! Then there are the super cleaners – serrapeptase and nattokinase – enzymes that clear up dead tissue and inflammation with nattokinase especially popular these days for blood clots. Lastly, we all know anxiety and stress can raise our blood pressure and are probably familiar with 'white coat syndrome' – where the mere act of having your BP checked in a medical setting raises it! So whatever practices help you maintain Zen – tai chi, yoga, meditation, dance or gardening,
they are all good things for your body and mind to stay well. May you have a happy heart full of love this month, see you next time! © Jenna Evans 2024. •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, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.
MOTORING VINTAGE Motorcycling with Rod Hann I START THIS month with my picture which shows a 1950’s James Trials model. It is powered by a 197cc Villiers engine. I confess that I am not a fan of the two stroke engine but Villiers were a long established manufacturer and supplied power plants to virtually every company who made the smaller capacities of machine. Now it so happens that my brother is renovating a machine for a friend. This is also a 1950's James with a 98cc Villiers engine. Needing some spare parts my brother contacted a firm trading as Villiers Spares. This company makes, or has made, every part needed for a Villiers engine made since the last war. They guarantee to have every part on the shelf and ready for use. There cannot be another make of machine who can boast of such a good spares backup scheme and they are to be commended. Perhaps I should reconsider my bias against the two stroke engine and look for a lightweight machine. The picture also reminded me of my interest in competitive Trials. For a short time, when a lot younger, I did compete but my talent was never going to equal my expectations. As I write this article just after Christmas I have just returned home from spectating at the Boxing Day Trial organised by the Yeo Vale Motorcycle Club. A thoroughly good long walk whilst watching some of the action was just what was needed after the roast turkey and Christmas pudding. February will hopefully see the
1950's James Trials model, powered by a 197cc Villiers engine.
end of a long winter. Club events will still continue as always with several good riding opportunities coming up. The Somerset Section have their club night at Cossington on the 1st and this will be the AGM and photo displays. Next on the 18th will be Neil's Run starting at the Brook House Inn, Castle Cary. On the 24/25th they, together with all local Sections and Clubs will participate in the Bristol Classic Bike Show at the Shepton Mallet Showground. The Dorset Section will hold its Valentine Day Run on the 11th and this will go from Teal's at South Cadbury. Club night at Pulham is on the 14th and this will be a guest speaker. After that it's off to the show like everyone else. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section will have their club afternoon at Silton on the 12th. As always more details can be had by ringing 01935-872528.
Yeovil Auto Tuning
CLASSIC CAR REPAIRS ● Repairs and Servicing Specialists Established OVER ● MOT Testing – Classes IV, V and VII also Motorhomes 30 YEARS ● Engine Tuning ● Brakes, Clutches, Gearboxes ● Competitive Rates ● Professional, Reliable, Friendly Service ● Specialising in VW T4 + T5 Vans ● Revo Engine Re-Mapping (VW and Audi Group)
9 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 426515 / 01935 411946
Now a quick reminder of two events coming up which I have written about before. On the 24/25th February will be the Bristol Classic Bike Show. Reduced priced tickets are available online now. The second event is the next Autojumble organised by the Somerset Section. The date for this is the 2nd March and will be held at the Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet. Neither of these should be missed. Looking further ahead and on the 29/30th March will be the MCC's Land's End Trial. This is a very old and well established event and attracts entrants from all over the country. It takes the form of a navigational trial with proper off road sections thrown in and all done overnight in usually tough and poor conditions. A real test of man and machine. Two starting places (Cirencester and Launceston) with routes leading to Mithian in Cornwall. There are classes for proper competition machines and a 'Colonial' class for slightly modified road going machines. You are probably too late to get an entry but many people are content with spectating at this rather unique event. Returning to the subject of the availability of spare parts I can report on a happening of my own. My faithful Honda XBR500 has
always run very well and reliably but of late the engine has become a bit noisy and it has been burning some oil. I have no complaints after recording 108,000 miles. I had to decide whether to scrap the bike or to effect repairs as necessary. I was advised that the machine was far too clean and tidy for it to be scraped so my only solution was to repair the engine I had. A friend stripped the engine down and found that the bottom end was fine and fit for further use. The piston was standard size and within tolerance but needed a new set of rings. The only part worn was the camshaft as some of the case hardening had been scuffed away. A new set if piston rings were ordered and coming from Poland. There are no factory camshafts available but a supply of replica cams are being made in Germany. As a routine service item I also ordered a new cam chain, sprockets and tensioner blade. Also needed was a new set of gaskets. All were ordered via the internet. Just before Christmas was perhaps not the best time to order parts by post or courier. Even so within 12 days all parts were received without any problems. A good testament to the internet systems and our postal or courier operations. My bike will soon be fit and mobile once more. THE VISITOR February 2024 17
Have your big day at the picturesque country venue Old Oak Farm.
Old Oak Farm Our Home, Your Venue!
OLD OAK Farm’s brand new, Bespoke Barn opened in May 2023 providing a year round structure to host in! A beautiful, picturesque setting for your rustic, country wedding or event. With a relaxed and informal ambiance, and nine acres of rolling countryside Old
Oak Farm is the ideal location offering clients a venue with few restrictions. Situated just twelve miles from Taunton and fourteen from Yeovil, Old Oak Farm is easily accessible. Fully licensed for civil ceremonies and boasts not one, but two beautifully rustic bars. One situated within their bespoke barn and the other in the converted stable. They have onsite accommodation in the form of three unique Shepherds Huts and a beautifully appointed Bridal Suite. An utterly unique venue not just for weddings, find out more at www.oldoakfarm.co.uk.
Congratulations!
It’s so exciting planning a special event, wedding, or partnership, with so many different ideas,
Bridge Street Barber Shop Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8.30am – 6.30pm Friday 8.30am – 7pm • Saturday 8.30am – 4pm 3 Retsel House, Bridge Street, STURMINSTER NEWTON Tel: 01258 472615 • Mobile: 07782 222590
Working with your venue, event planner or coordinator, Flowers & Home can bring your ideas into reality.
concepts, and considerations to think about. Flowers & Home have a wealth of experience, creating florals for events and planning every special detail with couples. Working with your venue, event planner or coordinator, they can bring your ideas into reality and offer advice and guidance on how to choose the correct flowers, colour tones and style to complement and enhance your day. Flowers & Home offer complimentary consultations to couples, held in their high street shop, where you can discuss your ideas with one of their qualified florists. Working with clients to create unforgettable florals for your special occasion. www.flowersand homesomerset.co.uk.
Alleycuts, Wincanton
Alleycuts is the hairdressing salon located at 45a High Street, Wincanton. Alleycuts owner Rebecca is looking forward to welcoming both old and new clients for 2024, for all services, cuts colours and perms walk-ins are always welcome. Rebecca enjoys doing wedding hair and hair ups for any event. Bookings are via phone: 01963 34321, email: rebeccaalleycuts @outlook.com or Facebook: Alleycuts Wincanton.
Skye Beauty Nails, Castle Cary
*Introductory Special Offer* Throughout February, Skye Beauty Nails are offering 10% off your nail treatment when you show their advert voucher. Skye Beauty Nails have recently opened up and are located within Heidi’s Hairdressers in Castle Cary. Ione is currently taking on new clients and offers a full range of nail services for your hands and feet including gels, gel extensions, glitters, chromes, nail art, and inspiration. They even offer a senior citizen service for those who just can’t reach their toes. Open on Wed, Thur, Fri 9am5pm, Sat 9am-1pm and by appointment on Thur and Fri late night opening until 7pm. Contact Ione through Facebook: SkyeBeauty or call/txt 07756 616005 or pop into the salon.
Ward & Sibley Jewellers of Yeovil
Ward & Sibley Jewellers of Yeovil is a well-established family run business offering a comprehensive range of engagement and wedding rings. If you are looking for that
18 THE VISITOR February 2024
Throughout February, Skye Beauty Nails are offering 10% off your nail treatment when you show their advert voucher.
special ring, visit Ward & Sibley. They carry an extensive range in stock and can also take special orders. A bespoke service is also available to create a ring of your
choice should you so desire. They can also recommend the best style of ring to sit with your existing ring(s). If you are looking for gifts for the wedding attendants, you will find some very attractive pendants and earrings for the bridesmaids and stylish cufflinks, tankards and tie pins for the best man and ushers. For those looking for a gift for the happy couple there is a choice of crystal glassware and a wide selection of clocks, both traditional and modern. An engraving service is available to make the gifts extra special. Ward & Sibley Jewellers offers good old fashioned service based on over 70 years that they have served the people of Yeovil and the surrounding area, along with a customer base all over the UK and abroad. Their staff, with many years’ experience in the trade, can offer expert advice on all matters connected to sales and repairs.
rs yea 0 er 7 mers r ov r custo op o f rk fo he sh hed blis Car Pa ear of t a t s E at r Free Ward & Sibley - the jewellers of Yeovil.
The Jewellers of Yeovil Where Quality & Service Count
WARD & SIBLEY Extensive range of Wedding Rings Special Orders undertaken THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065 Car Park at rear for customers while visiting the shop
Rebecca at Alleycuts in Wincanton enjoys styling wedding hair and hair-ups for any event.
THE VISITOR February 2024 19
Get the know-how to avoid the misery of burst pipes
AS THE Met Office is able to predict weather patterns so accurately these days, WaterSafe is advising households on how to prevent, and deal with, burst or frozen water pipes this winter. Research by WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, shows 15 per cent of UK residents have had a burst pipe in winter, when freezing temperatures can cause pipes to split. Additionally, the Association of British Insurers reports the average cost of a weather-related home insurance claim for burst pipes is a costly £9,300. Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, says prevention is key: “The best thing you can do to prevent pipes from bursting in the first place is to use insulation to protect pipes from the cold. “You should do this in unheated areas of the home, like lofts, as well as insulating your outside tap. “It’s also crucial to know in
15 per cent of UK residents have had a burst pipe in winter. Image: Shutterstock.com/RosnaniMusa.
advance where your stop tap is and how to use it, so you can quickly turn your tap water supply off in an emergency. This is usually located under your kitchen sink, but can be in a cupboard, under the stairs or
even in a garage. “If a pipe does burst, you should turn the water off using your stop tap and call a WaterSafeapproved emergency plumber for advice. “If you need to thaw a frozen
pipe, you can use a hot water bottle to do this once you’ve isolated your water supply, starting with the end nearest the tap.” For further advice on winter-proofing your plumbing, or to find an approved plumber, visit www.watersafe.org .uk/winter.
Lizzie Price Shading Solutions can help insulate your home this winter
With winter in full swing and the rising cost of heating our homes is at the forefront of our minds, LPSS can offer several options to keep your rooms warmer by insulating your windows with Blinds or Plantation Shutters to reduce heat loss. Externally if you are looking to extend your outside space, they can provide a number of products including Louvred roof Pergolas, Awnings, Verandas with glass or polycarbonate roofs which can also be used for Covered Walkways and Carports.
20 THE VISITOR February 2024
Their range of External Roller Blinds don’t only provide shading from the sun but are also insulating during the winter months. They will personally deal with you from the initial in-home consultation, where they will identify your needs and then provide you with a quotation for the most suitable solution. All products are professionally fitted by them and guaranteed. Get in touch for a free in-home consultation by email enquiries@lizziepriceshading solutions.co.uk or phone 07879 992000.
The 2024 Masters of Motoring event in June has already brought in a significant number of rare and historic competition cars
Lizzie Price.
The Brabham BT18, which finished close runner-up to Tony Marsh’s Marsh Special in the 1967 British Hillclimb Championship, driven by Bryan Eccles will feature at the Masters of Motoring event in June. The car, which started life as a Formula 2 car, was converted to run a 3.5 litre Buick V8 engine. The car currently boasts 280BHP.
Brabham BT18.
INSTANT CASH FOR YOUR OLD TOYS!
PASTIMES Of Sherborne (near the Abbey) • Over thirty years of dealing in antique and Collectible Toys • Established business paying BEST prices for old toys in any condition
ANY TOYS CONSIDERED
TOP PRICES PAID for old toys Those magical names Britains Matchbox Subbuteo Triang Spot-On
Dinky Timpo Corgi Meccano Hornby
Covid Safe Home Visits • Tel: 01935 816072 / 07527 074343 Email: info@pastimes-toys.co.uk
THE VISITOR February 2024 21
Sherborne Kitchens
LOOKING for a reliable and experienced kitchen design and installation service? Look no further than Sherborne Kitchens! A family run business that has been serving the Sherborne, Yeovil and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Malcolm, a carpenter by trade has a wealth of experience in all aspects of the building trade. His wife Catherine, experienced in all administration
tasks will deal with your enquiry efficiently and courteously. Their showroom, established in 2006, is now open by appointment only to ensure you receive the individual attention you deserve. They offer more than just kitchens – services also include complete house renovations. From carpentry and joinery to electrics, plumbing, heating, plastering, tiling and even knocking down concrete partition walls and installing RSJs, they’ve
Sherborne Kitchens is run by Malcolm and Catherine Helyar.
22 THE VISITOR February 2024
got you covered. Need a Structural Engineer Report or Building Regulations? They can help with that too and project manage your work from start to finish. Give Malcolm or Catherine a call on 01935 817111 (option 1) or email on sales@sherborne kitchens.com to discuss your project today.
Experience the perfect blend of gardening and home at Otter Garden Centre in Wincanton!
Otter are your one-stop destination for all things gardening and beyond. From home-grown plants to gardening essentials, stylish homewares, clothing, gifts, and bird-friendly products, they have it all. Plus you can explore a delightful array of seasonal treasures. Relax and recharge in the cozy coffee shop, where you can savour homemade lunches, snacks, drinks, and delectable cakes. At Otter they take pride in their home-grown plants. An
impressive 80% of their plants are home-grown, ensuring topnotch quality for you. Don't miss the EXTRA 15% off garden furniture sets sale, where you can get your garden ready for spring. Grab a deal from 4th
Otter Garden Centre, Wincanton.
February – 3rd March. Find them just 5 minutes off the A303 on the Wincanton – Bruton Road, Wincanton, BA9 8HA. www.ottergarden centres.com.
South West Art Courses, Sherborne
Have you always wanted to try watercolour or oil painting? How about acrylic, mixed media or textile art? Find it all at Compton Studios in Sherborne. South West Art Courses offer beginner workshops with all the materials provided so that you can get started or just try it out. They then offer weekly drop-in sessions to practise and if you want to take it further they offer art and design City and Guilds courses. Visit the website at southwestartcourses.co.uk, follow them on Facebook or email admin@southwestartcourses.co .uk for information.
South West Art Courses offer studio based courses and workshoips for all levels of ability.
meet or even surpass the latest regulations. All installations are covered by their comprehensive guarantee. In a competitive market place choosing the right company to supply and install your new windows, doors or conservatory can be extremely difficult but when making such an important decision about your home, some things should not be compromised. The majority of their work comes through recommendations and repeat customers so with Valecraft, you can be sure that you are dealing with a company where reputation is the most treasured possession.
Valecraft Windows
At Valecraft they are justifiably proud of the quality of their products and reputation for reliable service and attention to detail, going the extra mile and taking the time to get it right. Based in Gillingham, Dorset with their showroom within the grounds of Orchard Park Garden Centre, Valecraft are a local, long established family-run company who pride themselves in offering the latest energy rated PVCu and aluminium products which all THE VISITOR February 2024 23
Vickery’s Luxury Travel New Adventure
Vickery’s Luxury Travel has been a familiar sight across Somerset and the South West since 2015. They have built a strong
reputation you can trust for providing quality coach hire services to a wide range of customers including schools, private groups and more recently international cruise clients.
For 2024 they are adding to their portfolio by providing their own day tours for sale to the general public. They have put together a quality programme of day trips which include Compton Acres followed by a fish & chip cruise around Poole Harbour, Highclere Castle the home of Downton Abbey and The National
Memorial Arboretum to name a few. The full programme can be found on the new website www.vickeryscoaches.co.uk which is updated with new trips regularly, or give Claire a ring on 01935 825114. Vickery’s aim to offer a unique experience for all customers with the personal touch being paramount.
Clean and ready for another Vickery’s adventure!
Moggs of Wells (Engineering) Ltd
Moggs of Wells (Engineering) Ltd is based at Beardly Batch Depot on the outskirts of Shepton Mallet providing sales, servicing
24 THE VISITOR February 2024
and repairs for a select range of garden machinery. A selection of Ariens and Westwood ride-on mowers are available, plus Hayter and Toro pedestrian mowers, including several of their 60 volt battery/cordless models.
The Muddled Man, West Chinnock - a pub that's not a restaurant - celebrating 25 Years on 22nd March
The Muddled Man at West Chinnock is a welcoming family pub that's been run by the same real people for 25 years and is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Serving ‘proper pub food’ every day from soups to steaks. Sunday night-Thursday special of 2 x 8oz Cub Cadet ride-on machines are also offered, plus the Echo range of chainsaws, brushcutters and hedge trimmers, powered by their renowned 2-stroke engines with Japanese build quality and a 5 year consumer warranty (2 years for professional use too). Full support is available for engines from Briggs & Stratton and Kawasaki, with a comprehensive supply of spare parts in stock at all times. Any new machines supplied are thoroughly prepared and tested by experienced staff, taking the
Rump Steaks for £26, Friday night special is traditional Real Ale battered fish & chips. Tasty gluten free batter is also available. Sunday Lunch on offer is traditional roast beef or pork with real gravy priced at £15.95. Open Monday-Thursday 11am-2.30pm and 7pm-11pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 12noon-10pm. Food served 122pm and 7pm-9pm.
time to explain fully how to operate them safely. All service and warranty work is carried out on the premises in a fully equipped workshop, and a collection and delivery service is provided for the larger machines.
ears 0 y ers 7 er m r ov or custo op o f f s k ed e h lish Car Par ar of th b a Est Free at re The Muddled Man, West Chinnock.
Ward & Sibley - the jewellers of Yeovil.
Celebrating 25 years
Your hosts, Mick and Garry welcome you to
The MUDDLED MAN Lower Street, West Chinnock A charming country inn serving home cooked fayre lunchtime & evening
SUNDAY LUNCH £15.95 - choice of roast
WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil
Larger parties catered for
FRESH FISH Day Friday
Valentine gifts to treasure at
With home-made beer batter
STEAK SPECIAL - Two 8oz Rump Steaks £26
Daily Specials • Real Ale • Skittle Alley • Beer Gardens • Accommodation
THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065
Sunday to Thursday
OPEN: Mon-Thurs 11am-2pm, 7-11pm Fri & Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 12noon-10pm
Tel: 01935 881235
For that someone special
Car Park at rear for customers while visiting the shop THE VISITOR February 2024 25
Luca's Garden
with Bridget Sudworth THE TURN OF the year has given us all the weather records for 2023 which are pretty shocking. The driest, the wettest, the windiest - you name it, we’ve had it with apparently worse to come this year. Climate Change is definitely uppermost in our minds though perhaps not the right ones (the Great and the Good?). We on the ground with our simple patches to tend will have to muddle through and rely on common sense and logic. Somehow or other, gardeners will have to adjust to all extremes but don’t rest on your laurels as everything that is done in simple ways all adds to the greater picture. Oaks come from acorns. There is a lot of publicity aiming to advise folk about what to plant and how to counter some of the anticipated extremes so think ahead and see if changes can be made now before plants really get going in the next few weeks or become unavailable. February can be such a tricky time of year as winter really settles into some sort of pattern that may include deep cold. After so many weeks of unseasonal, mild, rubbish weather, we are sailing in uncharted seas - almost literally! A sudden drop in temperature can catch you out; plants can adjust to low temps but without the time to acclimatise, a frost could totally destroy them and as I write, we are in the middle of a cold snap with possibly subzero
Luca with 'cousin' Tina!
temperatures though maybe we shall be spared snow. We mustn't grumble though as we need cold temps to see off the unwanted insect problems that abound when the winter is just murky, misty and mild. Keep an eye on
Full ground preparation and laying service available The Farmhouse, Somerton Door, SOMERTON, TA11 6JA Tel / Fax: 01458 272091 www.evergreen-turf.co.uk • info@evergreen-turf.co.uk
Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.
plants that are semi-stored outside and wrap them up if they are likely to be slain with cold. It’s hard work being outside when so cold but while inspecting the garden with our daughter-inlaw (a garden specialist), infestation was noted on the branches of the pyracantha that provided such a munch-fest last summer for the vapourer moth caterpillars. She spotted small clumps of mould on the branches that I had assumed were something to do with chrysalises.
QUALIFIED ARBORIST
ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL
TREE PLANTING
PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660 26 THE VISITOR February 2024
Utilise the generous grants now available to restock neglected woodland or areas of wasteground
But no - they proved to be aphid clusters wintering over. As they appear at the tips of branches, clipping them off is easy and this will be done in order to avoid an influx of aphid when the weather gets warmer. It pays to be vigilant with leafless shrubs so keep an eye open for anything that looks out of place or indeed, too comfy - ladybirds are natural prey but they are busy sleeping at the moment so no help at all! Luca loves the cold weather and enjoys a really good roll on frosty grass. His awful habit of sniffing out snacks along a walk has recently resulted in a very nasty (and expensive) bout of D&V - D is not new but V is not his usual style! Herbivore droppings are pretty harmless in small doses for any dog but it's the human selection of discarded food and even vomit (ugh!) that are so toxic and, believe it or not, so irresistible. Makes you think twice when your beloved dog wants to give you a kiss! He leaves a wonderful rolly print in the moss on the lawn which is inundated with growth but deliberately left as a feeding ground for the blackbirds who peck their way through masses of hiding insects lying in the soft cushions of green. Don’t forget your seed purchases - and there are bulbs available to fill up any pots that appear to be empty after the clear-out before Christmas. Seed potatoes are around now too - it’s worth reading up about varieties before buying as you might decide to branch out and get something different depending on space and preference. Still time to buy young trees though planting is better delayed until the soil warms up a bit. Consider too the possibility of hedge plants along your boundary that will give so much shelter and sustenance to wildlife sooner than you might think. Like others at this time of year, we are a bit plagued by rodent invasions. Mice have chewed their way through fleece in the greenhouse and attempted to raid the bird food in the garage, without success. But worse than that, we have a nocturnal visitor who somehow gets into the house to select, remove from the fruit bowl on the table and roll an apple onto the kitchen floor and then proceed to consume it rather messily. It has to be a squirrel
Winter Sweet (Chimonanthus).
Luca's moss.
judging by the teeth marks but where it gets in is impossible to find. There are no falls of masonry or sudden blasts of cold air to surprise us with a hole! A trap was set to photograph it with the wildlife camera but unfortunately, ignorance and finger fumbling seems to have jammed the beastly little card so we shall have to try again with another camera fortunately to hand. What we need is a clever grandchild to tell us what we should be doing!!! It all feels a bit like Beatrix Potter's house in Sawrey - could it be fat Samuel Whiskers with his annoying little wife Anna Maria or maybe Timmy Tiptoes, a grey squirrel, looking for a ready supply of winter food? Maybe we should just resort to a trap though it won’t tell us how the creature got in.
Bulbs cope well with temperature drops - they seem to have the ability to simply stop growing and wait till warmer days come. Masses are pushing up everywhere with promises of Spring beauty to come. Tulips being the favourites here were purchased just to herald a taste of what’s to come; their elegance and style always pleases and every stage of their confinement to a vase is of interest including the wild bends that come towards the end of their ‘shelf life’. Enjoy cold weather leisure from gardening while you can - all too soon, labours outside will be calling! In the meantime, get cracking with the marmalade making - now is the season!
Daphne.
Marmalade!
Elegant tulips.
THE VISITOR February 2024 27
‘Love is in the Air’ - Wines with Enchanting Names for Valentine's Day
VALENTINE'S DAY is a time to celebrate love, and what better way to set the mood than with a bottle of wine that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also whispers sweet nothings with its romantic name? These wines with enchanting names and captivating flavours will add a touch of romance to the occasion; perfect for cosying up on a cold winter’s day for a romantic Valentine's Day celebration. Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, these wines are sure to create lasting memories with your special someone. Cheers to love and the joy of sharing it with a glass of beautifully named wine!
Whatever the Weather With Julie Haylock of Sandhurst Garden Design
What a mixed bag of weather we have had over the last month or so. First the rain that never seemed to stop then a week of freezing temperatures to contend with. In the garden there is evidence of energy just below soil level as shoots of daffodils, crocus and iris are appearing in all my garden borders. It will not be long now until they burst into colour to lift our spirits and encourage us to dream about our plans for the gardening year ahead. In December we revamped one of the borders at the back of our house. Several of the plants had become too big for the space so we relocated them to other parts of the garden. I want to inject more structure, colour and variety into this border which is in full sun all day.
28 THE VISITOR February 2024
I have already added my structure in the form of evergreen euonymus ‘Green Spire’ balls, which at the moment are providing interest and ‘green’ to the space, and planted my ‘go-to’ perennial for a sunny border Salvia Caradonna which will do very well in this position giving me months of colour, as well as being a great source of nectar for insects. I still need to add more plants to give this border all year interest and I shall look forward to a shopping trip to the garden centre to source these in a few months’ time. I am pleased to say that Sandhurst Garden Design is still busy with new projects and projects that have come over from last year. We have new gardens designs ready to start building if the weather plays ball, and others on the drawing board I am designing for clients. If you are contemplating a new garden design for 2024 and would like my help, then give me a call or visit my website where you can see details of recent projects and read testimonials from clients we have built gardens for www.sandhurstgardendesign.co .uk. Next month I will have some exciting news to share with you, so do not forget to pick up your copy of the Visitor Magazine to read all about it. Until next time, Julie
Santero 958 Love Extra Dry, Piedmont, Italy, NV, 11.5%abv., £8.90
This Love Extra Dry (which means sweet!) bubbly is made from a blend of hand harvested white Glera (80%) and Pinot (20%) grape varieties. The initial fermentation is in steel, whilst the second fermentation takes place in a pressurized tank (the Charmat method), followed by 3 months bottle ageing. Straw yellow with greenish reflections, it has fine and persistent bubbles. On the nose intense floral scents are enriched with notes of white peaches. In the mouth it is fresh, full and satisfying. Perfect to serve as an aperitif, it goes well with white meat or seafood dishes.
flavours, topped off with zingy citrus aromas. Perfect for a glass at lunchtime or after work … or anytime really.
Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2012, 12.5%abv., £19
A solid, organic food friendly example from two of New Zealand's iconic wine personalities. A pretty bouquet of white peach, passionfruit and pineapple rind is backed by white floral notes and a grassy, fresh greenherbal undercurrent. The palate is clean and dry with prickly acidity and a slippery texture.
Andrew Murray, ‘Enchanté’, Santa Ynez Valley, California, USA, 2020, 13.5%abv., £27.99
I Pinot Grigio, Italy, NV, 12%abv., £7.95
Fresh and crisp. True to style this uncomplicated inexpensive wine is packed full of lemon and peach
A blend of Roussanne (55%) and Grenache Blanc (45%), this wine takes you to the heart of the French countryside. The name, meaning "nice to meet you" in French, sets the stage for this elegant white wine. Its creamy texture and hints of tropical fruits make it a sophisticated and charming choice for a Valentine's Day celebration. A rich, refreshing blend delivering vibrant minerality and wonderful balance, with notes of juicy melon, pear, marzipan and honey.
Romance Rosé, Provence, France, 2021, 12.5%abv., £13
A blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Merlot and Cinsault, this pale salmon pink rosé smells as fresh and aromatic as a bouquet of red roses. With flavours of peaches, apricots, tangy cranberry and a dash of lime for balance, this Provence rosé is reminiscent of sweet summer fruit salad; fresh and refreshing in the mouth with a perfect balance.
Love By Léoube Rosé, Château Léoube, Côtes-deProvence, France, 2022, 13%abv., £15.75
Fully ripe with a soft texture, this organic Cinsault is smooth and appealing. A smooth and silky organic rosé that has a gentle smell of red berries and white nectarines and a delicate flavour. Its tangy character gives texture and a fine bite at the end. Try it paired with soft cheeses.
Mimi Kiss Rosé, Lombardy, Italy, 2021, 11.5%abv., £7.99
A fresh, floral and very dry pale Rosé made from the pink-skinned Pinot Grigio grape. With white peach and nectarine fruit characters, it’s different in style to Rosé wines usually produced in the region.
Tempranillo, and Viognier, it is deep ruby in colour with a complex aroma of dark fruits, spice, and vanilla, the palate is bold and full-bodied, with flavours of blackberry, cherry, and plum, with hints of black pepper and dark chocolate. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, giving the wine a smooth and silky texture. The finish is long and satisfying, with a subtle hint of oak. It pairs perfectly with steak, lamb, or venison.
Love Noir Pinot Noir, Livermore Valley, California, USA, 2019, 13.5%abv., £8.92
The name alone evokes images of mystery and passion. This California red wine boasts rich, velvety flavours of dark cherry and black raspberry, creating a perfect accompaniment for a candlelit dinner or a quiet evening by the fireplace.
Finally, for those with a yearning for a drop of the hard stuff try ...
Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia, 2021, 15.5%abv., £54
One to push the boat out for, it's full, rich and expansive on the palate. Ripe berries suffuse the palate, tinged with Mexican chocolate, vanilla and mocha. The nose reveals notes of leather and black cherry. The palate is fresh, mineral, complex, balanced and elegant. In the mouth it expresses notes of blueberry, strawberry and slight notes of liquorice, with slight salinity on the finish. Lovely!
The Whistler 'PX I Love You' Small Batch Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Ireland, £53
This is triple distilled and finished in Pedro Ximénez casks. The nose suggests coconut, baked orange, and darker sherry, accompanied by roasted almonds, ground cumin, dried fruit, mixed peel, and glacé cherry. The palate’s brown sugar sweetness and cherry are blunted by nippy spices of pepper and ginger, leaving nuts, orange fondant, Jaffa cakes, and walnut. L.P-V.
Loveblock Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand, 2021, 13.5%abv., £25.00
Big, ripe black cherry and plum flavours with hints of mushroom and violets. Dry tannins and hints of smoke make this a versatile wine to pair with turkey, salmon, lamb and beef.
L'amour Cuvée Cupidon Red, Château Amour, Médoc, Bordeaux, France, 2016, 13.5%abv., £9.46 An unusually styled Médoc, this deep ruby cuvée is an equal blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. With an enticing oaky nose, the palate is supple and soft, and the fruit takes on vanilla-like tones. A well-balanced, readyto-drink wine.
d'Arenberg The Love Grass Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia, 2019, 14.5%abv., £16
This organic wine is a great example of the top-quality Shiraz wines that d'Arenberg is known for. Made from predominantly Shiraz, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot,
WITH ADVERTS FROM AS LITTLE As £15 a month shouldnʼt you be advertising here in 2024? To ADVERTISE call 01963 351256 THE VISITOR February 2024 29
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BEER & SKITTLES P. A. BAXTER DARTS ARE BACK in the limelight! Yes, thanks to the success enjoyed by Luke Littler interest is now on the rise once again. There are plenty who will say it never went away, but having sat through the match thanks to a live broadcast at a friends house via YouTube (is that legal?) I really enjoyed the competition, something I haven't said about darts for many a year. As a kid I recall our father bringing home a dart board and two sets of darts which was to be a 'family present', one Christmas. The board stayed up what seemed like forever as it gave us such fun! In my younger days any pub with a dartboard was fair game for a night out with the lads and that stuck with me right until the time when skittles became my main interest. I'm sure many will recall the tea-time series from the early 1970's named 'Indoor League', complete with Fred Trueman smoking his pipe and drinking beer – all at a time that was classed as children's television! (Yes, it was that Fred Trueman – one of the fastest bowlers of all time). Luckily many of those programmes are available for all to see thanks to YouTube, although I have to say that these days they do appear to be rather corny. Westward Television as it then was also had a spot for darts players as some of the better ones were beginning to make a name for themselves. This regularly involved the sports presenter interviewing the potential champions, but as I recall it centred more on how much they needed to drink 'to play well'. The 'British Darts Organisation' (BDO) was formed in 1973, but the image was still very much a lower-class puborientated one and it was cruelly – and some say accurately 30 THE VISITOR February 2024
George Inn Blandford league winners 1945-6. Landlord Ernie Rumbold to the left.
lampooned by Mel Smith and Griff Rees-Jones. This involved two very fat and drunk darts players becoming more and more oiled as they continued throwing 'singles' or 'doubles' - pints of beer or gin / whisky - down their throats, and becoming less and less capable. (The video is still available on YouTube and in your writer's opinion, just as fresh and funny).
followed which one can read about on the internet, dear reader, should you wish, although of course throughout it all, darts firmly remains a pub favourite. Long may that continue. It's interesting that the game has been recognised as a sport, although it did take until 2005 to do so. Does this mean it could become part of the Olympic Games? Well that I will reserve judgement on, as well as the fact that ten-pin bowling is also recognised as a sport, yet that is also not a game one sees at the Olympics. The lack of a governing body at skittles is more than
likely the reason that it is not recognised as a sport, along with the fact that there is no 'standards' for the equipment. To my mind this is part of the enjoyment, for whilst each venue may have its own quirks, to every team the pins are the same, the balls are the same and the alley is the same - so there is only really that one main variant! Long may that continue as well! The Baxter crew do their best to spread their favours around the region's pubs and so recently my great mate Phil and I (sans femmes) headed off to the Mitre
Un-used set of promotional darts (authors collection).
The result of this was that darts took a huge dive in popularity, something that was recognised by the BDO, and even after drinking and smoking was banned on stage, the game took some time to recover. Who would have thought that a comedy show could have had so much influence? Various reorganisations
Random darts pin badges.
Outgoing Landlord of The Mitre Inn, Alan with the 'Twister', (Author, photographed 30 years ago!).
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BEER & SKITTLES P. A. BAXTER at Sandford Orcas. It's been a little while since our last visit, and this fine country pub nestled in amongst the hills has been ably looked after for more than thirty years by Alan and Cheryl, and for a greater part of that time it has been in their ownership. They certainly made it their own and welcomed locals and visitors alike in that time, and we all wish them both a long and happy retirement. Steve, the new owner and landlord has maintained the convivial atmosphere and tells me he is keen on pub games, so a man after my own heart! He is keeping the Dorset version of the Norfolk 'twister' on the wall as well, a game which has caused many a 'lost' pint (it's best that you ask Steve!) and still many puzzle how it is affixed to the wall, a secret few have shared. Alan and Cheryl had a portable skittle alley which they laid through the pub on those long winter nights – something I have still to witness, and I believe this will continue, thankfully. The Mitre is a Good Beer Guide regular so Steve has a reputation to maintain. On the bar from the Nuttycombe Brewery we viewed 'Snow Leopard' a 4.9%ABV white mild. Not familiar with such a brew we had a taster, and pleasant though it was and being the driver, for the first time ever I tried the Guinness 'zero'. To my utter surprise I thoroughly enjoyed it! It certainly left any other low/no alcohol beers in the dust. Despite many visits over the years I was not aware of the extensive garden to be found up some steep steps, until I viewed the website which has a fine aerial view. I note there is a fine lawn too, plenty of room for my favourite outdoor summer game, the Kentish 'Bat and Trap'. So Steve, if you truly are a keen pub
gamer, just give me a shout. Another pub visited a little infrequently is the rather lovely 'Chetnole Inn'. I was instantly recognised by Maria as soon as I walked in, which was somewhat startling, but surely that's part of the delight of a 'proper' landlord/landlady in a rural pub? On the bar that night was a beer from Cerne Abbas Brewery 'Tryjanuary', clearly one that encouraged us ale drinkers to give a new beer a go in a month of the 'Dry January' nonsense. I decided on a half-pint and was 'wellimpressed' although sadly I took no notes of said product and there are no details on the brewery website. We've mentioned other beers from them over the years, and despite being only established in 2016, they are clearly getting it right as far as we are concerned. Maria and her partner Les are also keen to get pub games going thanks to their pleasant garden, particularly as the skittle alley was lost some years ago and converted to a shop, which sadly is closed. I seem to recall a previous landlord, Andy Davies, saying that they had played the Oxfordshire game of Aunt Sally in the garden, although unfortunately I didn't witness it. Does anyone recall that? Chetnole is also home to the 'Chuckers', a thriving boule club (they even have a junior section I believe) but that is played elsewhere as boule is a definite no-no on grass! So by the time this reaches your hands we will have probably kissed goodbye to the first month of the year. As I write, February looms large on the calendar and I reflect on what pubs have meant to us over the last few weeks. Interestingly, four pubs where I have quizzed the incumbents have declared having their best Christmas ever, and another their best New Year ever. However, all that success didn't just happen or fall from the heavens. It took hard and prolonged planning and plenty of sweat (and probably tears as well) in the hope that this could get them through the lean months of the new year.
Something else struck me too, for despite an extremely cold spell, severe rain and gales when many people would prefer to stay in front of the telly, we still went out to play those games of skittles, darts and pool, drink the beer and support our local hostelries. And that's the value of having games played at your pub! Cheers! © P.A Baxter 2024. skittlealley@hotmail.com
ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ On page 15
1) 'Dire Straits' 2) '… Body' 3) The Cardigans 4) Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, Sting. 5) Faith Hill 6) Paul Simon 7) Patsy Cline 8) 'Rubber Soul' on 'Norwegian Wood' 9) Joan Armatrading 1976 10) Elton John and Dua Lipa Answer to the bonus question: 2002 Answer to anorak question: Willie Nelson Answer to Gold lamé anorak question: 'Animals' – Pink Floyd. Algie was the inflatable pig who was flown over Battersea Power Station.
Solution to January Sudoku
They Say That for Bethany Halle, the elf sitting on top of the Milborne Port sign over the festive season definitely raised a smile. That after searching for her gloves, a certain Chiselborough lady found that she was wearing them … in her hat. That the recent high winds caused damage to a stain glass window at Ilminster Arts Centre That when it comes to BIG birthdays, a Caribbean cruise was just the ticket for Mrs Ruth Pitman of Ansford. That rumour surrounded the 'collecting habit' of Sprowston’s Mrs Janet Feakins, but the rumour was confirmed recently when she sorted through her scarf drawer and set aside 23 for the charity shop. That party revellers at Holbrook Manor’s New Year’s Eve celebration in Wincanton, enjoyed a warm welcome from the reception hall log fire, dutifully attended all evening by North Cadbury’s David Hoddinott. That Mr Zebedee, Mr Blobby and Brian the Snail all enjoyed their round of golf at Long Sutton’s frozen course on Saturday 20th January, but Florence was nowhere to be seen. That next time the Cutlers of South Petherton visit Chiselborough for afternoon tea, they will travel by boat. www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk
Vinny knows all the lines
Random skittle team. Names, anyone? THE VISITOR February 2024 31
REMEMBER WHEN ... ... 30 YEARS AGO FROM Bargain booze?
LONG GONE are the days when a real ale drinker could get a pint for a £1. Amidst the numerous pubs advertising in the February 1994 Visitor the White Horse Inn at Hinton St Mary was promoting draught beer at this low price, albeit only ‘every Thursday night for the whole month’. The landlord must have been disgruntled to see, alongside his advert, the Chetnole Inn offering ‘at least four real ales and local cider for only 99p a pint’ with no restrictions on the days they were available. Those were the days!
Inn for a treat
Many of the pubs and restaurants appearing in the February issue were highlighting their Valentine’s Day menus. The tradition of treating one’s beloved to a special celebration on St Valentine’s Day, 14th February, seems to be on the wane these days but 30 years ago it was clearly an important occasion in the calendar of romance. At the Sparkford Inn the Valentine’s Dinner included ‘a red rose and chocolates for your loved one’, all for £13.75 per person, while the Crown Hotel in Sherborne added to this ‘a glass of champagne each’ and a taxi home (within a 3-mile radius of Sherborne) for £14.25. The Ivelchester Hotel at Ilchester offered a ‘special 5course menu including champagne cocktail’ at ‘only £15.25’ while among the rest the cheapest Valentine offering appeared to be at the Chetnole Inn where a ‘three course dinner and disco’ came in at £10 per head.
Summer madness in February
No mention of Valentine’s Day in the advert from the Dolphin Hotel in Wincanton. Having already made a name for itself by holding its Xmas Party in the previous August, its event on Saturday 12th February was to be a beach party. ‘We will supply the sand and Budweisser at £1.00 – you bring the buckets and spades’, the advert stated, adding that ‘Tshirts and shorts to be worn’. Included in the promised fun was a sandcastle competition and a barbecue. 32 THE VISITOR February 2024
I wonder how many Wincanton residents remember this madcap occasion.
Good for game
Shaftesbury readers with long memories might recall Kytes Wine Bar and Restaurant on the High Street under, not in, the Mattar Arcade. Opened in the middle of the previous October, the unusual story of its inception was recounted in the February 1994 Visitor. ‘Less than a year ago Elna Koschoreck was working in Shaftesbury as a translator. During a lunchtime stroll with a friend she noticed a derelict cellar b e n e a t h M a t t a r ’ s Arcade and remarked, somewhat idly, that it might make a good wine bar. Within an hour a phone call from the building’s owner set her off on a project that was to take over her life. After several months of clearing out, rebuilding and cleaning, the cellar was transformed into a spotless cavern and Kytes Wine Bar was born.’ Readers were informed that the 18th century cellar could seat 50 diners and its specialities were fish, shellfish and game. According to Elna most customers come to eat and are never bored because the menu changes daily.
Not a weighty problem
With food and drink featuring so prominently in this issue of the magazine – even the Spring Weddings feature included a lengthy section on the wedding reception – it was somewhat incongruous to come across an article on dieting. ‘It now seems to be an annual ritual that during the month of January newspapers and magazines bombard us with diets,’ it opened.
‘This is all because we, the general public, are presumed to have gained huge amounts of weight over Christmas and the writers want us to feel that we have got a problem, so that we will then buy their newspaper, book or whatever to help us.’ The article reminded readers that ‘the truth about weight loss and a better figure is yours for free from the health authority and your GP’, adding that ‘the only way to lose weight and sustain it is by sensible eating and exercise’. In the writer’s view
ARCHIVES ‘the diet industry is a multimillion pound business which does not actually want us to all achieve weight happiness’ because ‘if we did we would stop buying their books, videos, pills and potions and they would suddenly lose a huge amount of money’. A quick glance at last month’s newspapers confirms that some things haven’t changed over the years. Roger Richards.
PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM Damian Hoddinott PLUMBING SERVICES
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DAVE BUYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS, salvage, bygones and collectables. Daves Tools, Est. 1989. Tel: 01935 428975
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Prize Crossword No. 447 Set by Frank Butler
SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 5522, Castle Cary, Somerset BA9 0BP – to arrive by Monday 19th February. Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize for winning the Crossword is a £15 voucher to spend with any advertiser in this issue of The Visitor. Please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.
REDUNDANT MOTOR MOWERS, rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844 COLLECTIONS CDS and Vinyl LPs - must be excellent condition, most genres c o n s i d e r e d . Te l : 0 1 4 5 8 8 3 4 1 0 2 / 07704229979/email: tonyartony@aol.com DIESEL GENERATORS. Any make/model. Top prices paid. Tel: 07970 742471 1950s/70s PLASTIC TOY Soldiers, knights, cowboys, loose/boxed. Britain’s Plastic Garden, Timpo Trains. Tel: 07823 443474 DO YOU HAVE a shed/garage full of stuff? I buy job-lots of vintage items & bygones to include autojumble, unfinished projects, advertising & signs, interesting machines & models, wartime & military, flagons & bottles, fairground & slot machines. Darren 07875 677897
March Deadline: 19th Feb Monthly Subscription Get your copy delivered each month for £30 per year. Send cheque to: The Visitor, PO Box 5522, Castle Cary BA9 0BP or Tel: 01963 351256
Clues Across: 1. Girl confused daily [5] 4. Principal couple spliced on special occasion [9] 9. Plotted a hundred on steeple, finished with five hundred! [9] 10. Sailor, also known as Japanese port [5] 11. Some careful training leads to extreme [5] 12. Rewriting Manon with bent tree makes very little difference in length [9] 13. Traveller tells falsehood and answers [7] 15. Sent about, for example, a thousand in part [7] 18. Pleasure of French lamp [7] 20. Woman’s praise accepted by CIA [7] 21. Sweet clump plant [9] 23. Stick with broken tapes [5] 25. Partly as green as a leaf, nosey! [5] 26. Rubbings, O ass-brain in a muddle! [9] 27. Do have son sent out from the Ark [9] 28. Drops huts [4] Clues Down: 1. Muddle queer lad with first class paint finish [9] 2. Don’t surround uranium with nuclear toroid [5] 3. Attractive, a quiet ringing [9] 4. Jollies in among mares [7]
5. Requisitions notches [7] 6. Shrub bush [5] 7. Hide, confused, after a bit in segregation [9] 8. Avoid first woman’s swallowing advertisement [5] 14. Sail Peony to Pacific islands [9] 16. Where to score between end jobs [9] 17. Skill returning with poetry and crosses [9] 19. Take a trip around a small firm with African bird [7] 20. Exclusive circle with bed above a lake [7] 21. Clergyman who sounds likely to be fired! [5] 22. Sly? OK, yellow then! [5] 24. Hard notes [5]
Solution to Crossword 446
Winner of the January Crossword A. Gready of Crewkerne who choseto spend the £15 voucher at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock.
GUNS WANTED FOR CASH
SOS to all air rifles and pistols any make or model. Any condition. WE COLLECT IN ANY AREA, TOP PRICES PAID IN CASH ALSO GUNS ALSO GUNSSOLD SOLD
34 THE VISITOR February 2024
07970 742471
ALSOGUNS GUNSSOLD SOLD ALSO