The Visitor Magazine Issue 424 March 2019

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE

Everything for your hearth and home

Your local independent monthly journal

 01963 351256 www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Issue 424 March 2019

FREE copy Your

        

Over 200 appliances on display Multifuel stoves and cookers Full installation service Weekly promotions Chimneys relined – cowls fitted Fireplaces created Home accessories Logs Chimney sweeping

Also: LIVING PRETTY Tea Rooms & Interiors

Stockists of Clearview Stoves

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport,TA10 0ES

 01458 251476 • www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk

Act Swiftly to save an incredible bird See page 5 for details

Photo: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

In Passing ...

B

eauty, it is often said, is in the eye of the beholder, and the landscapes of Visitorland contain many things that to my eye are beautiful. Here are three that would probably not get planning permission if proposed today.

Prominent on Kingsettle Hill on the border of Somerset and Wiltshire stands Alfred’s Tower, 160 feet high with its top over 1,000 feet above sea level. Built for Henry Hoare of Stourhead to commemorate the victory of King Alfred’s troops over the Danes in 879, this folly was completed in 1772. It is triangular with a round tower at each corner.

Two towers are empty; the third contains 221 steps and is topped by a turret. The walls are of red bricks – around a million of them – that were made locally.

The Market House in Castle Cary was competed in 1855 on the site of an earlier market building dating from 1616. The new building was designed to provide a covered area on the ground floor for the market, including some semi-permanent stalls or ‘shambles’ where meat and dairy produce were sold, and a couple of cells to accommodate the town’s trouble-makers. The floors above were intended for reading rooms and space for large meetings and social functions, and nowadays house the town museum. Constructed in honey-coloured local stone and taller than all the surrounding buildings, the fussy Flemish style of architecture is unique in the town.

When the Great Western Railway created a new main line between London and the West Country in the early years of the 20th century it entailed building a completely new line from Castle Cary to a junction with the line from Yeovil to Taunton near Curry Rivel.

To cross the Parrett valley at Langport a long stone-clad viaduct was built, sturdy enough to withstand the winter flood waters that would drain northwards off the moor and through the arches. The ten 55-foot spans rise to 25 feet above ground level and were completed in 1906.

Although each structure significantly altered its local landscape, these have always been changing. They are man-made and have

been changing in response to economic, social and cultural developments since the dark ages. For centuries Kingsettle Hill looked down on the Royal Forest of Selwood but by the 18th century it included inclosures for cultivation and common pastures as well as woodland. It was not until the mid-16th century that stone began to be used for humble dwellings in Castle Cary. The moors around Langport were marshlands until systematic drainage started in the 17th century.

Will these landscapes of the past that I find beautiful today be the same ones that future generations will treasure? Will they behold beauty in some of the recent developments – the A303 sweeping across South Somerset’s hills and valleys, solar farms and wind turbines, modern factories like Crown Pet Foods and office blocks such as the council offices at Brympton Way? Time beyond our lifetimes will tell.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines April Issue published Thursday 28th March - Deadline Monday 18th March

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BP

Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk facebook.com/thevisitormagazine twitter.com/thevisitormag

Proprietor Helen Dunion Editor Max Dunion Advertising Julie Crowe

© The Visitor Ltd. 2019

(Items marked ©GT are the copyright of Geoff Thompson)

CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 34 ANTIQUES - 26

CROSSWORD - 34 GARDENING - 30

HOUSE & HOME Spring Home Improvements - 12 ILMINSTER - 17 LEISURE - 26

LOOKING GOOD - 18

MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 5 NOTE TO ADVERTISERS Advertisements are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions as printed on our rate card, available upon request. We cannot guarantee any specific page or position, but will always do our best to comply with clients’ wishes.

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

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

For advertisement sizes see our Rate Card.

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

MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS - 20 MUSIC for the MONTH - 29 NOTICE BOARD - 27 PAPERCHASE - 32

PHONE-A-FIRM - 32 PUBS - 27

SHEPTON MALLET - A business focus - 22 SPRING MOTORING - 24 SUDOKU - 25

THEY SAY - 29

WINE & DINE - 30 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR March 2019 3

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Act Swiftly to save an incredible bird

The RSPB is calling on homeowners and businesses in UK towns and cities to take simple steps to help save Swifts. Numbers have plummeted by half in just twenty years and now’s the time to act – before the birds return from Africa in spring to raise their families.

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) National Nestbox week (14-21 February)

was the perfect time to start getting bird boxes up.

In just a few months’ time, swifts will be making their epic 6,000 mile journey here from Africa to bring up their chicks. But for many, the chance to lay their eggs will be thwarted: our buildings are changing and their former homes under the eaves are gone, as are the spaces we used to leave for them. These birds are now vanishing from our summer skies: half have gone in just twenty years.

So the RSPB is appealing to the public to help provide as many new homes for them as possible. Just 1,000 additional new nestboxes could make a difference.

Swifts are incredible birds, spending most of their lives on the wing and only landing when it’s time to nest. After flying its nest

for the first time, a young swift may spend two or three years in the air, eating, drinking, sleeping, bathing and even mating! The swifts that nest in the UK arrive here in late April - May and may spend just 3 months with us; soaring and swooping over rooftops catching insects to eat.

But they’re in serious trouble here, with numbers down to less than half of what they were just twenty years ago. Modern buildings lack the nooks and crannies they need, and swifts are struggling to find homes.

Fortunately there are ways to help these birds. There are special

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THE VISITOR March 2019 5

Mentioned in

Dispatches

swift nestboxes available, and if you’re having a building constructed or renovated, there’s also the option of the ‘swift brick’.

This replaces a standard house brick and can easily be installed by a builder.

Swift nestboxes and swift bricks can work especially well when put up in groups, as these birds like to be near other swifts.

RSPB swift lead Jamie Wyver

6 THE VISITOR March 2019

said ‘We know how to give swifts the new homes they need – now let’s bring them back to our towns and cities!’

Find out more at www. rspb.org.uk/homes-for-swifts.

Get yourself a RSPB Swift nest box for £39.99 at www.rspb.org.uk/homes-forswifts. Photo: RSPB.

Official opening on Saturday 2nd March for Wincanton’s new Community Shop: Loving Memory Creations

This exciting, innovative Community Shop has its Grand Opening on Saturday 2nd March.

This charming Gift and Crafts shop showcases local, handmade craftwork products previously only available at Markets or via Facebook Shops.

In addition LMC will sell its own range of exciting products with something for all age groups to choose from. Visit the Instagram account loving memorycreations for a sneaky preview or pre-ordering.

Children’s activities include a Treasure Hunt around the town; children can hunt for treasure by following clues hidden in other shops in the High Street to win

their prize!

A selection of local shops will be offering discounts or offers on the day, and a Community Raffle all adds to the enjoyment.

Join Mel and her partners at 3 High Street at 10.30 when the adventure begins with the cutting of the ribbon by Wincanton’s Mayor.

Inspired by their dream to bring a sustainable, affordable outlet for local crafts, workshops and resources to Communities, clubs, charities and businesses within the local area this innovative venture aims to benefit many.

They would be interested to hear your ideas or feedback and with various volunteer opportunities available too, there is a lot to spark your interest.

For more details please contact Mel on 07999 338 073.

THE VISITOR March 2019 7

Mentioned in

Dispatches

New Exhibition 'Prints' at the John Leach Gallery 9th February - 7th May 2019

This brand new exhibition showcases the latest work by 4 Somerset printmakers - Julia Manning, Ann Fagan, Jenny Graham and Jackie Curtis.

Julia Manning

Working from her beautiful spacious studio in the Somerset village of Keinton Mandeville, Julia uses both intaglio and relief printmaking techniques to create limited editioned prints.

Julia’s inspiration comes from drawing in the wild, sometimes directly onto plywood blocks or copper etching plates. Back in the studio the plates are cut or etched and then printed on to Somerset Printmaking Papers.

The geology of islands - the colours and essence of different places - the patterns of nests - bare winter hedges and trees - rock formations on which ravens nest - rocky outcrops over which sea birds glide - a colourful celebration

8 THE VISITOR March 2019

Ann Fagan Snow on Glastonbury Tor.

of the natural world.

Julia studied fine art at Bath Academy of Art, Corsham and for over 40 years has earned her living with a paint brush. From portraits to trompe l’oeil, from murals to painted tapestries, commissions came from all over the world. Today she focuses her work as an artist-printmaker and as a member of PINE FERODA.

Ann Fagan

Ann trained as a painter and after a career teaching art in London, Kenya and Sussex she moved to Somerset where she started printmaking again at the Dove Studios and at Strode College.

For the last fifteen years Ann has focused on various forms of

printmaking. 'Much of my work is inspired by the Somerset landscape developed from observational drawings and my own photographs. Feelings of space and the patterns and textures made by the shapes in the land, water and sky are important elements in my work.'

Jenny Graham

Jenny's latest body of work takes as its inspiration the plants of the local countryside. She has used a combination of aluminium etching, photo-etching and monoprinting, often combining all three processes in one piece of work. 'Most of the prints are ‘one offs’ because I quickly become bored with editioning and enjoy trying out different colours and additions to the print and often use watercolour to tint the image.

My most recent pieces explored the decorative and graphic qualities of plant roots, underground filigrees which are seldom seen. The little concertina books are made using artists proofs of my work, combined with found text and collage.'

in hand; looking for materials and ideas to use in her printmaking.

Jackie works from her Somerset studio using relief techniques. Her monoprints are spontaneous, lively innovative prints often created as an immediate response to recent experiences. The collagraphs, produced from a collage of materials, are rich in texture and depth of tone.

Linocuts are more intricate and stylised with strong elements of pattern, whilst her woodblocks are influenced by natural grain, shape and flaws in the wood.

John Leach Gallery at Muchelney Pottery, Nr Langport, TA10 0DW, 01458 250324.

New opening hours: Tuesday Saturday, 10-1, 2-4. www.john leachpottery.co.uk.

Jackie Curtis

Jackie Curtis is an artist and printmaker inspired by the natural world. Jackie can often be found walking on the Somerset Levels observing the landscape and birds, sketch book and camera

Jackie Curtis - Crane Lapwings.

THE VISITOR March 2019 9

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Toploader to Headline At Somerstock

After 31 years of running, Somerton Music & Arts Festival Community Interest Company has added a one day spectacular ‘Somerstock’ to its traditional 10day Festival of high quality family

entertainment held in venues around the town.

The new ‘Somerstock’ to be held on the sports field in Somerton will provide something for all the family throughout the day on Saturday July 13th, running from 11am through to midnight. The event will be raising money for St Margaret’s Hospice and will feature over 17 bands, 3 bars, good quality food, retail stalls and children’s entertainment.

Toploader will be headlining with Ben Waters, House of Commoners, Decatonics, Black Friday, Abba’s Angels, Chris Jagger, Twisted

Purely Books BOOKKEEPING SERVICE For more information please contact 07817 614810 rachel.purelybooks@gmail.com

Vinyl, IoU, Area 52, Mangled Wurzels, Turner, Nevertheless, Craig and Alex Priddice, Hang 11, Cover All Bases, Supermix Silent Disco and more. So if your taste is Rock, Soul, Ska, Reggae, Celtic Folk, Funk, Boogie Woogie, Acoustic Originals or just having fun, ‘Somerstock’ has it covered.

Parking on-site is available along with camping for those wishing to party to the end.

The Festival in town will continue to run as usual but with more events in the town centre, many of which will be free. The Art & Photography Exhibition will again be held in the Parish Rooms prior to the main Festival, this year from 25 May to 1 June. The town events will run from Monday 8 to Friday 12 July and will include a quiz, a concert of medieval music, the Heron Band from HMS Yeovilton, Bluebird Cabaret plus a talk and old film of Somerset, plus Irish music in

the pub. Other free events include school workshops for Somerton infant and junior schools, free entertainment to residents of the local care home and, of course, the annual family fun day to be held on Somerton recreation ground on Sunday 7 July.

Tickets for ‘Somerstock’ are now on sale at the early bird rate until the end of March, when the standard rate will apply. Tickets for the town events will be on sale from Saturday 8 June.

More information at www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk and www.somerstock.com.

Toploader are headlining Somerstock 2019.

The Arts Society Mendip What’s On - 5th March

‘The English face unmasked – 5 centuries of portrait technique’ by Sarah Cove, one of Britain’s foremost Technical Art Historians.

The Arts Society Mendip meets at the Bath and West Show Ground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN at 11am. Details; www.theartssociety mendip.org.uk. Guests Welcome.

Contact 01934 862435.

Could you volunteer with Castle Cary Scout Group?

Castle Cary Scout Group are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help run sessions with the groups. As part of a small team, you will plan and deliver a safe and exciting programme for young people, helping them achieve badges and awards.

Enthusiasm, an empathy with young people and a sense of

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd

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

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

10 THE VISITOR March 2019

humour are a must, but the rest can be taught. There will be support all the way to ensure you get the training and support you need. Interested? Then contact gslcastlecary@gmail.com.

Families for Children Somerset Adoption Information Sessions

Families for Children Trust is a Specialist Adoption Agency and charitable trust based in the South West. They place vulnerable children from all over the UK with new adoptive families in Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, Somerset and the Isles of Scilly. There is currently a real shortage of adopters coming forward and a growing number of children waiting for adoptive families.

People can learn about becoming an adopter and how Families for Children can support them for life. The current sessions planned for Spring 2019 in Somerset are: Wednesday 6th March, 3.00 to 5.00pm at Yeovil Community Church, Addlewell Lane, Yeovil, BA20 1QN. Wednesday 17th April, 2.00pm to 4.00pm at Wells & Mendip Museum, 8 Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE. To book please contact Families for Children on 01271 612004 or email devon@familiesfor children.org.uk, www.families forchildren.org.uk.

There is currently a real shortage of adopters coming forward and a growing number of children waiting for adoptive families.

June reunion for former Westlands Staff - can you help?

40 years ago Westlands (as was) opened an office above Keymarkets (as was - now the site of the Premier Inn). It became the home of various design and research/development teams as well as pensions and other areas before it was closed and the various personnel relocated at the main site.

The autonomy coupled with the people involved made it a great place to be, helped also in no small part by the proximity of The Glovers for the traditional Friday lunchtime pint.

This June will see a reunion

for the people who worked there.

Nearly 50 people have committed to the event and there are hopes of more.

Unfortunately, with many people having retired it is inevitable that contact details for some people are missing and anybody who has not yet been contacted is urged to get in touch via email to: keymarkets2019 reunion@gmail.com.

The Hidden Needs Trust Charity Concert Monday 18th March 7:30pm at Octagon Theatre, Yeovil

Featuring Just Take That - Take That Tribute Band, who have featured on BBC with Graham Norton and will take you on a journey of Take That's, Gary Barlow's and Robbie Williams' biggest hits spanning 30 years.

A must for any Take That fan,

the concert will raise money for Special Educational Needs Children in Dorset and Somerset.

Tickets are only £20 and available from the Octagon Theatre Box Office. More information available at www.octagon-theatre.co.uk/ news/hidden-needs-trust-charityconcert.

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

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THE VISITOR March 2019 11

Needful Things, Castle Cary

Needful Things of Castle Cary are well known for their bespoke Curtain and Blind making service. They are also well known for their wide range of Little Greene, Sanderson, Zoffany and Paint & Paper Library Paints and Wallpapers! But did you know they also have a great range of rustic, traditional and

12 THE VISITOR March 2019

contemporary furniture, lamps, mirrors and cushions? Not only that, but also great Pictures, Bronzes and Statues to create a conversation point in your home and in your garden?

Next time you visit Needful Things, look beyond their fabulous gifts; Candles, Scented Reeds, Soaps, etc. and their easy to wear ladies fashions ‌ take time to

Spring Home Improvements

consider their bedside tables, console tables, lamp tables and occasional chairs. Look beyond the many objets d'art and statement pieces and you will discover some truly unique furniture pieces which will bring flair and individuality to your home!

Turner Windows of Somerton

Turner Windows Ltd has been established in Somerton for nine years. Proprietor Craig Turner started the company in 2010 with the help of key staff such as Anne Perry as well as 2 teams of employed fitters and a salesman Mike. Craig was a fitter made good, and has built up the company with a quality over quantity attitude, to enable their customers to have confidence when buying from them.

Now members of Check A Trade, you can be certain of receiving a quality-assured service.

Further to this, Turner Windows website is full of positive feedback from very happy customers.

Craig takes pride in being an

active member of the community locally. Turner Windows are delighted to be the main sponsors for Somerton Rugby Club.

As well as offering installations of windows, doors and conservatories, they also carry out repairs to windows, doors and conservatories as it may not need replacing!!! Straight honest advice with no false discounts.

Turner Windows have also worked on commercial projects with clients including Haynes Motor Museum in Sparkford and Clark’s Village in Street, Somerset to name just a couple.

Turner Windows are Approved LEKA Warm Roof installers, a high-quality product which can transform your conservatory into a space to be enjoyed all year around. Craig noted it as one of the best warm roof conservatory products on the market currently.

We are very pleased to announce that their professional and honest services in the industry are here to stay since they have recently bought the premises at Bancombe Trading Estate. As well

Spring Home Improvements

as being the Turner Windows office base, the premises house seven brilliant showrooms. The showrooms feature a range of different products, full size bi-fold doors to conservatory warm roofs and glass roofs, composite doors, so that customers really can try before they buy.

So why not visit www. turnerwindows.co.uk to see for yourself. For trustworthy and expert advice, visit Turner Windows at Bancombe Trading Estate, Somerton or call 01458 272555.

SJH Carpets, Wincanton

SJH Carpets in Wincanton offers a full measuring and fitting service on shutters and blinds, and work with Luxaflex to provide the latest designs, technology and safest window coverings available.

Their fabric department in Wincanton has an extensive fabric library stocking Prestigious Textiles and Chatsworth Fabrics, and they offer a bespoke curtain and blind service, a free measuring and estimating service

and professional and helpful advice.

New selection of Prestigious Textiles Wallpaper now available with samples available to view in store.

They also have a wonderful selection of carpets and flooring including naturals, vinyls, woods, laminates, tiles and luxury vinyl tiles (including Kardean, Moduleo and Harvey Maria).

They supply and fit Roger Oates runners, Crucial Trading floorcoverings and all traditional carpets. Their knowledgeable staff can assist you through the difficult selection process and help you choose the right product that best suits your needs. They deliver and install at a price that competes with all the national chains.

Call SJH Carpets in Wincanton on 01963 824418 and get your free estimate for your upcoming project. Find the window dressings or flooring that perfectly matches your needs and unique personal style. Also at North Street, Langport and High Street, Tisbury.

A new selection of Prestigious Textiles Wallpaper is now available with samples available to view in store, at SJH Carpets & Flooring, Wincanton.

■ Carpets

■ Naturals

■ Laminates

■ Vinyls

■ Woods

■ Shutters and Blinds ■ LVTs: Karndean,

Moduleo, Harvey Maria

+ many other manufacturers

ROLL STOCK Vinyls, Carpets now available WINCANTON FABRIC & WALLPAPER DEPARTMENT offers ...

Our

 Bespoke Curtain & Blind Service  Poles and Tracks  Wallpaper

 Free Measuring and Estimating Service

 Professional

& Helpful Advice

Wincanton

Chatsworth Fabrics Luxaflex Shutters & Blinds Prestigious Textiles Design Forum Fabrics Art of The Loom Fabrics

Tythings Commercial Centre Southgate Road Wincanton, BA9 9RZ  01963 824418 wincanton@sjhcarpets.co.uk www.sjhcarpets.co.uk Also at:

High Street, Tisbury, SP3 6LD  01747 871178 The Old Post Office, 38 North Street, Langport, TA10 9RH 01458 887301

THE VISITOR March 2019 13

Frank Schrijver Damp Control

Richard Smith has looked after Somerset on behalf of Frank Schrijver UK Ltd for many years.

He has organised many installations and can provide numerous testimonials.

All assessments are friendly and free, with absolutely no pressure

or obligation. Should you decide to proceed you pay a refundable 10 per cent deposit and the balance on satisfactory completion by fully trained, professional engineers.

The company has won numerous awards in the UK and abroad. Fully endorsed by WHICH? As a trusted trader and

Spring Home Improvements

attaining 98 per cent customer satisfaction from Check A Trade, with over 500 positive reviews.

Best of all The Schrijver system is installed on the outside, so there is no intrusion or replastering to worry about inside. Simply call 01278 652766 or 07785 731623 or check out the website www.southwest-damp.co.uk.

The customer comes first at Godden & Curtis, television and audio specialists

With so many television programmes available, you won’t want to miss out on any of them: smart TVs and freeview recorders allow you to watch when you want!

Godden & Curtis sell and install TVs and various other electricals such as DAB radios, including Roberts popular retro range: a great choice for a gift.

Godden & Curtis can also transfer cinefilm, videos and slides to DVD, which is a wonderful way to bring the past into the present. If you know someone who would like to bring old memories to life, this could be the ideal solution for them!

If your electrical equipment is in need of some TLC, look no further. Godden & Curtis also offer audio visual repair and servicing including televisions, video recorders, hi-fi systems and even vintage guitars amps.

They have been offering a wide range of services for over 48 years and have been at their current premises in Greenhill, Sherborne

14 THE VISITOR March 2019

since 1972. Visit the shop or send them an online message via their website to find out how they can bring memories, music and entertainment into your life!

Home Invaders: Almost Three Fifths Of Britons Have Experienced A Pest Problem

A new study has found that 57% of British adults have experienced a pest problem within their home, with those living in London, the South East and Scotland the most likely to have experienced an issue with uninvited house guests.

Rats, spiders and wasps have emerged as the pests that are most likely to make UK residents want to move home, with 6% of respondents polled admitting they’d previously changed their address due to an infestation of unwanted animals, insects or other critters.

In-home experts at www.Hillarys.co.uk have carried out a study of over 2,000 British homeowners, which looked into their experiences of dealing with pest problems.

All respondents were initially asked if they’d ever lived in a property where a pest infestation had been uncovered, with 57% admitting they had. Researchers broke down the answers and found the following regions were most likely to have a pest infestation: London - 69% (of respondents from this region had a pest control issue in their home), South East - 66%, Scotland - 64%, East Midlands - 61%, North East - 58%, Northern Ireland - 57%, West Midlands – 55%, Yorkshire and Humberside – 51%, North West - 46%, East of England 42%, Wales - 41%, South West 39%.

Spring Home Improvements

Of those who had experienced a pest infestation, 64% were in rented accommodation at the time and 36% were in a house they owned.

All participants were asked to reveal if a pest infestation would incentivise them to move home, with almost two thirds (64%) confessing it would and a further

6% revealing they had already relocated for this reason. When asked to state the pest issue that would, or already had, made them want to leave a property, the top five answers emerged as follows: Rats - 26%, Spiders - 16%, Wasps - 14%, Mice – 11%, Ants – 9%.

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THE VISITOR March 2019 15

Spring Home Improvements

Drapes Direct, Martock

Drapes Direct are The Somerset Curtain & Blind Specialists; whether you are looking to do one window or a whole building, whether it’s for your own home or a huge commercial property, Drapes Direct have the solution!

They make made to measure curtains and blinds from a choice of hundreds of fabrics at affordable prices and offer a complete service including Free Measuring & advice, No Obligtion Quotations and Professional installation (if

16 THE VISITOR March 2019

required). There are great discounts available for multi- buys, including whole house packages and deals!

They have ‘day and night’ Vision blinds, Blockout blackout rollers, battery or hardwired motorised blinds and the New (and very clever) Allusion blinds TM, as well as up to date options on all of their more well known vertical, roller, venetian and roman blinds, many of which are made by themselves in their on site workshop!

Give them a call to arrange a

free measure visit, or call in at the factory showroom at Unit 3, Kelly’s Yard, Parrett Works, Martock TA12 6AE (next door to Castle Reclamation and across from Southfork Caravan site). The showroom is open to the public Mon-Thurs 9-3pm, Fri. 9-1.00pm and Sat. 9-12noon!

Spring into action against a ‘hole’ lot of trouble from textile pests

A national trade body is urging householders to look out for textile pests during the spring clean season, to ensure the unwanted visitors don’t catch them on the hop.

According to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), this is the time of year when issues with Clothes Moths and Variegated Carpet Beetles can become apparent – and acting quickly could prevent costly damage being incurred. Left unchecked, infestations can leave clothes, as well as other materials including rugs, carpets, upholstery and blankets, riddled with holes and sometimes beyond economical repair.

Natalie Bungay, BPCA Field Officer, said: ‘This is the time of year that we see issues with these types of pests.’

‘Adult Clothes Moths seek out suitable places for their larvae to feed, and their diet includes cashmeres, wools and other materials of natural animal origin, while Variegated Carpet Beetles usually target blankets and carpets, as well as feathers and fur, including taxidermy items.

‘With both Clothes Moths and Carpet Beetles, it is the larvae that do the damage, and spring cleans are often a time when householders first become aware

of an issue, with activities such as moving heavy furniture about providing an opportunity for people to encounter them.

‘Moving clothes which might not have been worn for a while can also highlight an infestation problem.’

According to BPCA, there are several species of Clothes Moths in the UK, all characterised by folding their wings tent-wise along their backs.

The most numerous species is the adult Common Clothes Moth, which is 6mm to 7mm long with pale, plain golden-buff wings fringed with hair.

Less common is the CaseBearing Clothes Moth, which is duller and has three dark brown spots on each of its wings.

And of increasing concern is the Variegated Carpet Beetle, which has outstripped the Clothes Moths as the major British textile pest.

Around 2 to 4mm long, the adult Carpet Beetle looks like a small, mottled brown, grey and cream ladybird and feeds only on pollen and nectar of garden flowers.

But the beetle lays its eggs in old birds’ nests, felt, fabric or accumulated fluff in buildings, with the emerging larvae causing the damage, feeding on feathers, fur, hair or wool.

Ms Bungay added: ‘In the case of Clothes Moth, signs of a potential infestation can include sightings of adult moths, small holes appearing in materials and the appearance of Frass, which is a smooth, lined tunnel weaved by the larvae, which consists of silk and excreta mixed together.

‘Carpet Beetle damage consists of fairly well-defined round holes along the seams of fabric where the grubs bite through the thread.’

If a householder is concerned they have an infestation, BPCA advises that the advice of a professional pest management company should be sought, to ensure a correct diagnosis of the issue and that treatment plans are both safe and effective.

A qualified and audited pest management company can be found on the BPCA website bpca.org.uk/find. BPCA also provides further information relating to textile pests in its A to Z of pest advice, available to view at bpca.org.uk/a-z.

Variegated Carpet Beetle, a major textile pest.

Photo: Levente Nuber, 123rf.

The Trading Post, Lopenhead

The Trading Post Farm Shop is nestled away in the Somerset countryside just off the A303 between South Petherton & Ilminster.

They have created an award winning, must visit, destination shopping experience; from the outside an unassuming little farm shop but as you enter you are welcomed into a magnificent Aladdin’s Cave.

Their wonderful staff are second to none, their knowledge of local producers & their friendly chatter puts you at ease & before long even the newest of customers feel like they are part of the Trading Post family.

They are all things to all customers; our regular customers pop in daily for a loaf of bread or an ‘emergency carrot’, alongside customers who do their big weekly shop – often picking up one of their pre-order organic veg boxes.

They have recently opened

ILMINSTER

their Organic Refill Room – you can bring along your own containers and buy as much or as little as you like from their massive selection of dried fruit, nuts, grains, pulses, seeds, pasta, herbs and spices – soon to be joined by an organic milk dispenser – fresh from the farm!

Their ethos is local, organic and delicious and each and every item they sell falls into one, if not all, of those categories – but most of all what makes them different is their customers, without whom, owning the fabulous farm shop wouldn’t be half so much fun!

Winner of Muddy Stiletto Best Farm Shop/Deli in Somerset 2018 & Finalist in the Guild of Fine Food Shop of the Year Award 2019 (announced 11th March 2019).

Find out more at tradingpostfarmshop.co.uk and on their social media (facebook: tradingpostfarmshop & twitter: Trading_Post_TP). Tel 01460 241666.

Kate Forbes (along with husband Andy) has only been running the Trading Post Farm Shop in Lopenhead, near Ilminster, for 18 months but they’ve already won Best Farm Shop in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2018 and they’re currently finalists in the Shop of the Year in the Guild of Fine Foods Awards 2019.

Selling everything from organic fruit/veg and local cheeses to world foods, refillable foodstuffs and toiletries from over 140 suppliers.

The Trading Post Farm Shop is open seven days a week, Mon to Sat 8.30am – 6pm and Sun 10am-2pm.

THE VISITOR March 2019 17

ILMINSTER

County Antiques, Silver Street

Four dealers selling a good selection of Antiques, Furniture, Re-upholstered Furniture, Silver,

Fabrics, Ceramics, Curios and painted French items. Upholstery service also available. Established over 30 years. On Silver Street opposite The Minster.

County Antiques, Silver Street. opposite The Minster.

Family Health with

Jenna Evans

THIS MONTH I’d like to take a look at an issue close to many of our hearts – the environment or, as I think of her, our beautiful Earth Mother. We’ve had many conversations with our customers instore over the last few months over issues of plastics, packaging, Eco solutions etc. We’re often asked about our packaging, suppliers and what we recycle. It’s great to see this topic taken seriously, so here’s a quick run through of some of things we do/stock showing how small choices can have a big impact.

Our cleaning and bodycare refills have definitely had a boom.

This is a service we’ve offered for years and we have recently switched to Bio D, who we felt to be the most Eco conscious on the market and free of lots of nasty chemicals that you can find in

The Dress Circle Dress Agency

Mr Bonner, of Bonners Butchers Ilminster, pictured with some of his award winning meat. Bonners also have a delicatessen offering a wonderful selection of mouthwatering pies and savouries.

COUNTY ANTIQUES

31 Silver Street, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 0DH 01460 57761 / 07842 197171 Upholstery Service also available

m fro en m p O .30 a 7

Delicious Quality Meats

and mouthwatering delicatessen

Bonners VISIT

— of Ilminster —

AWARD WINNING BUTCHER

37 Silver Street • ILMINSTER • TA19 0DW Tel: 01460 52465 Visit our website: bonnersthebutchers.co.uk  Shop Online

18 THE VISITOR March 2019

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

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

For large quantities collections can be arranged

4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY  01458 273485

some other refill brands (always read those labels!). In that section you can also find loose soaps, and soaps from the Friendly Soap Company which are free from palm oil and in cardboard packs.

We also offer refills of olive oil, directly from Greece, the shop owner has even been to the farm.

The If You Care brand carries lots of fantastic kitchen lines such as recycled foil, baking parchments and food bags but I think my favourites have to be the compostable sponge cloths.

Beeswax food wraps are proving popular. They are a reusable, naturally anti-bacterial, and biodegradable alternative to plastic food wraps.

Bamboo toothbrushes and herbal toothpowders are a big hit too. Toothbrushes are a great example of where small day-today choices have a major impact.

There’s about a 90% reduction in plastics from an Eco toothbrush.

Measure that by the millions that end up in landfill each year and if we all make the switch that’s a phenomenal positive change.

Feminine hygiene is another important area to consider. Some people are switching to items such as the OrganiCup, a silicon menstrual cup that is washed and reused for years. Others preferring to stick with sanitary towels and tampons are opting for brands such as Natracare whose entire range is compostable and vegan.

In Skincare, biodegradable face wipes are proving popular. As are crocheted scrubbies, washable pads for face cleansing. We also promote making your own skincare and have all you need to whip up your own lotions and potions in reusable packaging.

Several brands offer a recycling

scheme and the Viridian supplements company offers an incentive - 25p back when you return one of their empty glass bottles. Instore, we also return Tinker’s Bubble apple juice bottles and honey jars from our local honey suppliers. On the subject of packaging, many brands are starting to switch to biodegradable and compostable materials, such as Alara’s cereals. In fact, many people may not be aware but almost our entire own-label selection is packaged in biodegradable cellulose. In our lunches area we have a vegan range that’s packed in 100% recyclable packaging.

We have always ensured that all the packaging from the deliveries we have is either reused or recycled and we are part solar powered to boot! We are always happy to talk about ways to improve our environmental impact and are always looking to expand our ranges so feel free to make suggestions. Luckily, the health food sector has always been ahead of the game but there’s always room to improve. Use your purchasing power and help us use our purchasing power to make more lasting changes for the planet and all the creatures on her back. © Jenna Evans 2019.

Fashion Boutique Market Place • Wincanton  01963 31676

www.previewwincanton.co.uk

Exciting new Spring Collection

in sizes 10 - 18

Exclusive to Wincanton.

Discover a unique customer service in relaxed surroundings with carefully chosen collections to suit ladies from size 10 to 18. Fabulous hats & Fascinators and comfortable shoes with bags to match.

A warm & friendly welcome awaits you.

 Jenna is an 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.

Spring Outfits at Preview, Wincanton

Preview Fashion Boutique, Wincanton is an ideal choice for beautiful spring attire. You will receive a warm welcome in a relaxed environment to browse and try on their extensive ranges of hats to shoes and dresses to jackets, they have the perfect pieces for all events including Spring Weddings, Garden Parties and Luxury Cruises.

If you’re yet to find your outfit, look no further: Preview are stockist of sought-after labels such as Rabe from Germany. Rabe fully washable knitwear is especially kind to your skin due to the exclusive use of non-wool fabric.

Olsen spring collection comes in a variety of colours which will look stunning against any skin tone.

Olsen pieces keep their shape and have exceptional wear ability and comfort. Prices from £45.

New and exclusive labels to Preview are; Micha, a Danish brand producing quality knitwear

with a range of skirts, blouses, dresses and knitwear to suit the needs for dressing for work at home and at parties. New this spring into the UK is the Zenia collection from Spain, creatively using a combination of different fabrics and materials in neutral tones to create stunning pieces available in sizes 10-18 with prices from £45.

Preview stock labels such as Condici, Luis Civit, Lizabella, Tina Taylor, Michaele Louisa and Joseph Ribkoff. With such a fabulous choice, there is sure to be something you’ll fall in love with.

Open from 10am – 5pm Monday to Saturday.

A hat adds glamour to any outfit.

Failsworth Spring/Summer 2019 collection at Preview, Wincanton.

Make sure your rings are sparkling clean! Take advantage of the March promotion at Ward & Sibley family jewellers, Middle Street, Yeovil.

WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil

Our repair section of the business is pleased to offer

MARCH PROMOTION FREE clean & setting check on gemstone rings (ends 31/ 03/2019)

 Complete refurbishment of jewellery –

soldering charms onto bracelets, sizing rings, repairing chains, jewellery cleaning

 Watch repairs including battery replacements  Jewellery handmade to your own design  Seal, hand, and machine engraving

 Valuations for insurance and probate  Pearl and bead re-threading

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

THE VISITOR March 2019 19

Mothering Sunday Gifts Gifts for mum at The Market Garden, Castle Cary

Situated in Castle Cary High Street, The Market Garden not only offers a wide range of cut flowers but a good choice of pot plants and plants for the garden.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are readily available - why not treat Mum to a delicious fruit basket?

The shop is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, they also offer gift wrapping and deliveries.

You can call them on 01963

350650 if you have any questions or want to place an order.

With over 30 years of experience Julian Shave and his LISS/CSCS qualified team offer a range of services including walling, water features, patios, tree planting, pruning, lawn care and garden maintenance.

Julian and his team can supply you with an appropriate planting scheme for your garden and are able to source rare plants. Three Counties offer a complete service for commercial customers.

GLASTONBURY POST OFFICE AND CLASS CARDS

35 High Street Glastonbury BA6 9HG

Telephone 01458 831536

MONEYGRAMS • BUDGET CARDS

STATIONERY • ACCOUNTS • STAMPS

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

GREETINGS CARDS • HOLIDAY INSURANCE • FOREIGN CURRENCY • PENSION PAYMENTS

Mayflowers of Gillingham

Mayflowers of Gillingham always have a delightful range of fresh cut flowers and house plants in store.

As local Interflora Agents they can deliver locally, nationally and internationally.

Why not call in and see the complete range for yourself?

Mayflowers offer flowers for every occasion. Make sure you place your order early for Mothering Sunday.

Beautiful Cards from Wild Cardz, Wincanton

Wild Cardz have an excellent choice of cards for every occasion. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, why not drop into the store in Wincanton and pick up something special in time for Mothering Sunday?

There are plenty of gift ideas too including a lovely selection of cuddly toys, including the new Blue Nose Friends range of collectables.

A new line of humorous mugs

Beautiful flowers for Mother’s Day

The Market Garden

ORDER YOUR BOUQUET TODAY

Pot Plants, Cut Flowers, and more!  FREE Local Delivery  National Delivery with ...

Three Counties Landscaping & Tree Services @ Julian Shave

 Soft and Hard Landscaping  Project Design and Advice  Plant Search  Garden Maintenance - one off or regular maintenance

Hart House, Fore Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7BQ

Office: 01963 350650 • Quotes: 07738 524254 • www.threecountieslandscaping.co.uk

Mayflowers Your local Interflora Florist

 MOTHERS DAY – Sunday 31st March 

For a super selection of fresh cut flowers and plants visit us at ...

2A HIGH STREET, GILLINGHAM or why not order by phone or website?

Tel: 01747 824424

www.mayflowersofgillingham.co.uk

20 THE VISITOR March 2019

with colour insides for all occasions priced £7.99.

Wild Cardz are now pleased to offer a quality card range from just 99p. For those who like to make their own cards there is a wide choice of craft card, ‘pick n mix’ your own selection. Fill a small box for £3.49 or large box for £6.99.

They are now also a UPS collection/delivery point for parcels. Wild Cardz have balloons for all occasions – including wedding day arrangements.

Visit their website at www.wildcardzwincanton.com.

Needful Things Castle Cary

Needful Things have beautiful gifts for all occasions and for Mother's Day you will find so many great ideas in this intriguing store.

Mum can be pampered with lotions and potions, such as their luxury soaps from Neste Dante of Florence. Or treat her to a beautufilly fragranced Candle or Scented Reed Diffusers from Somerset Toiletries or St Eval Candles of Cornwall. Perhaps she needs a new Hangbag or Purse?

Needful Things can always find you something to make your Mum feel loved and special. Then choose a lovely gift wrap and ribbon, or pretty giftbag with tag.

They'll even giftwrap it for you if you ask and your Mum will be delighted!

If you cannot decide which lovely idea she'd prefer, but you know she'll love this shop, then ask for one of their gift vouchers so Mum can come and browse the myriad of ideas for herself!

All Mums; Mum's Mums and even Mum's Mum's Mums are made very welcome at Needful Things!

Mother’s Day Sunday 31st March VISIT US for a SUPERB CHOICE of CARDS

“Mummy” – “Mum” – “Wife” – “Nan” – etc. ★ Special MOTHER’S DAY Mugs, Key Rings, Pens ★ Blue Nose range of Teddy Bears & Gifts St. PATRICK’S DAY Cards & EASTER Cards now in stock

UPS drop

off / collection point

Wild Cardz Visit Google + ... and have a virtual tour of our shop!

35 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU • Tel: 01963 31234

Wht not treat your Mum to this Mothers Day Celebration Basket from Andrea’s Flowers of Yeovil.

Andrea’s of Yeovil

Beautiful flowers for Mum

Beautiful Bouquets - Plants - Arrangements Why not add a Box of Chocolates, Balloon or Teddy?

ORDER EARLY FOR SUNDAY 31ST MARCH

Tel: 01935 706526 78 Middle Street, Yeovil, BA20 1LT Cider Sea and the Bay of Avalon by Matthew Shooter.

Showing the area between Taunton & Wells following a rise in sea level of 10 metres above its 1995 level.

24" x 17". Framed price £59.50.

Available at Martock Gallery, Martock.

Complete Framing Service Available

'Sheep on Burrow Hill' Photo on canvas by Rob Smith Size 28" x 19" £95:00

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

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

THE VISITOR March 2019 21

RIGHT PRICE DIY – Your Local Independent retailer

Having first launched as a small DIY Store at Fosse Lane, back in 1994 and it proved to be successful, Right Price DIY then relocated to their current location at Downside. The new shop opened in November 1996.

Right Price DIY have always been a family run independent business and have had the same shop manager now since February 1997, and Assistant Manager since 2002.

They have a huge range of

REGISTERED OSTEOPATH

TREVENEN PASCOE BSc. (Hons.) Ost. Med. ND.

Cranial & Structural Osteopathy

42 High Street SHEPTON MALLET Somerset BA4 5AS  01749 342594

tools, materials, fixtures & fittings to suit amateurs and professionals. The staff are knowledgeable, experienced and have the patience to help you find exactly what you need for the job!

With free advice and easy parking and loading, over 60’s receive 10% discount every day and for trade discounts – just apply in store.

Stocking Bottled Gas, Coal & Logs, Building Materials, DIY & Gardening, Camping accessories & Trailer parts, Cutting service, mixing machine. Delivery service available, open 7 days a week.

For more information visit www. rightpricediy.co.uk.

All cars come with a new MOT, a service, cam belt replacement (if required), and a warranty.

Part exchange is welcome, and credit cards are also taken.

Should you be looking for a

particular make / model of car they will be happy to try to source it for you.

Visit www.ridgewaygarage.com or give them a call.

Stock changes regularly.

Ridgeway Garage

If you are looking for a reliable secondhand car then pop along to Ridgeway Garage, situated on the Ridgeway Estate to the south of the town, near Mendip District Council in Kingsland Road. A family run business, established for over 50 years, you can be sure of helpful and professional service.

Right Price DIY have everything for the amateur DIYer or the professional tradesman in stock and are open 7 days a week.

Repxotics has moved to larger premises on the outskirts of Shepton Mallet

Proprietor Robert Callaghan of Ridgeway Garage.

The new premises has enabled them to add a marine fish and coral section and significantly increase the number of tropical fish species they sell.

Repxotics has installed all new, larger enclosures for the reptiles and further increased the dry goods for both reptiles and aquatics. The new location offers free parking right outside the door. Opening hours are TuesdaySaturday 9.30am-5.00pm and Sunday 10.00am-4.00pm.

RIDGEWAY GARAGE Family run business - established over 50 Years

For quality used cars at affordable prices - PART EXCHANGE WELCOME -

CLEAN CARS BOUGHT FOR CASH - CARDS ACCEPTED

Kingsland Road, SHEPTON MALLET • Tel: 01749 342938 www.ridgeway-garage.com

We Have Moved!

We Now stock Marine and Corals, Tropical and Coldwater Fish.

A large range of Snakes, Tortoises, Frogs, Insects and more.

10% OFF when quoting VIS19 (Single purchase only) Tel: 01749 937340

22 THE VISITOR March 2019

Unit 3 Centurion Business Park, Fosse Lane Shepton Mallet BA4 4PW ... or visit website www.repxotics.co.uk

Mendip Chiropractic

People who come to us really benefit and word has spread. You too can benefit – whether you currently suffer symptoms or not yet.

At the core of what we do is an underlying principle: A healthy spine leads to a healthier life. We offer drug free spinal health care and lifestyle advice.

We have helped hundreds of local people with problems related to their skeleton and nervous system such as trapped nerves, head-ache, pelvic pain, pregnancy pain, joint problems etc.

But we recommend you get yourself checked now – rather than wait for damage to occur or progress. Contact Ben on 01749 938140.

You’re in safe hands with Ben Gait DC BSc of Mendip Chiropractic.

Moggs of Wells

Moggs of Wells offer genuine, impartial and enthusiastic advice about a wide range of garden machinery from several manufacturers, so that you can make the right choice for your particular needs.

They believe they stock the best quality machines available which will give you reliable and faithful service for many years. All new machines are fully assembled by them, including petrol and oil, and are properly tested before they leave their workshop.

Moggs can deliver your new machine if required, and give you a full explanation of the controls, and how to get the best out of your new purchase.

Their fully equipped workshop can service your machine, carry out repairs, and perform any warranty work required, so you may rest assured that when you walk out of their showroom, you walk into their care. It is their

prime objective to keep your garden machinery properly serviced so that it is a pleasure to use and will work to the best of its ability. Their workshop is filled with an array of tools and specialist equipment to keep your machine in top condition. Moggs have direct access to manufacturers’ Service & Parts Manuals, Service Bulletins and all the latest technical information – in addition, they regularly attend various Service Courses and Dealer Days to ensure that they know the best ways to service and repair your machinery.

Unless out of production, they always use genuine parts – quality without question.

A wide choice of garden machinery at Moggs of Wells, Cannards Grave.

Jackie of DR Carpets Evercreech Junction will be happy to advise you on your choice of flooring and also offers a binding service where remnants can be made into rugs/runners.   

D. R. CARPETS

  

Carpets  Vinyls  Luxury Vinyl Tiles Natural Flooring including Sisal and Seagrass Laminates  Wood Flooring  Ceramic  Porcelain

SAFETY FLOORING / WET ROOM SPECIALIST Domestic & Commercial – Supplied & Fitted

Showroom 1, Evercreech Junction, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6NA Tel: 01749 831578  Email: jac.w@hotmail.co.uk www.dr-carpets.co.uk

We will find, show you and correct what is limiting your special ability to heal and be well.

Call Us THE VISITOR March 2019 23

MOTORING

VINTAGE Motorcycling

I START THIS MONTH with my picture which denotes a 1914 Rudge Multi. Rudge were always made to a high standard and quite innovative and had a good sporting record. Originally bicycle makers they ventured into motorcycle production around 1911 and continued until 1939.

The originator and owner of the company was one Dan Rudge.

The machine shown is quite

conventional with a 500cc single cylinder engine of their own design and manufacture but the interesting thing on this model is the multi ratio gear system. Most bikes of this era made do with a single speed and no clutch which meant direct drive from engine to rear wheel. Rudge invented a system of expanding and contracting pulleys on the engine and rear wheel controlled by the long lever alongside the fuel tank.

This gave them no less than 21

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

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

 01963 350568

1914 Rudge Multi, 500cc.

different ratios which was a boon to the machines hill climbing abilities. It gave them such an advantage in competition that some clubs barred them from events. Undeterred Rudge used this fact in their advertising material and later machines were adorned with a transfer on the rear mudguard which showed the Rudge symbol of a hand with barred written across it. This came to mind recently when giving a talk and demonstration on the art of wheelbuilding when the subject of the Rudge rear wheel came up. They are in fact two wheels built separately but interlaced with a total of 80 spokes involved. An absolute nightmare to build and the first one I did took me four days to complete for which I received the sum of £10.

Now that was a serious challenge for little return. Later ones still took a long time but nothing like four days.

March now and spring should be with us. Therefore events become more frequent so get those bikes out of the shed and on the road. The Somerset Section start the month with a guest speaker for their club night at Cossington on the 7th. Next they have their autojumble on the 9th (more on this later). This is followed on the 17th with the Spring Run from

Nether Stowey Fire Station and on the 28th will be the Morning Meet at Wedmore. Lastly on the 30th and 31st will be the 54th Cheddar Weekend. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have their club night at East Stour on the 11th and this will be an illustrated talk on Sideshow Transport (Fairground Vehicles).

The Dorset Section start the month with the Lunch Meet at Henstridge on the 6th. Club night on the 13th, also at Henstridge, will be a talk on the Iron Butt Rally. On the 24th will be the Spring Run again starting at Henstridge and lastly we have the Breakfast Meet on the 30th at the same venue. As always further details can be obtained by ringing 01935-872528.

As mentioned above the Somerset Section will have their usual autojumble (the first of two this year) at the Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet on Saturday the 9th March. Always a very social event and the opportunity to obtain that elusive missing part for your rebuild, or the chance to replenish those consumables that we all need. For anyone with an interest in bikes of all ages this is an event not to be missed.

The Bristol Classic Bike Show at the Shepton Mallet Showground scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd February had to be postponed because of the snow and ice. It took place on the 23rd and 24th February, just before this issue was published - so I will include a report next month.

I have reported before of the difficulty in obtaining Beaded Edge tyres. The larger size of 28x3 have been available for some months but now the more popular size of 26x2 ½ have been produced

GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS

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

G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414

24 THE VISITOR March 2019

once more and are available from Vintage Tyre Supplies. A great relief as these have been unobtainable for a couple of years now. Due to a backlog of orders the first batch have now sold out but I am sure further supplies will follow shortly.

Is your machine all fettled and road ready? The ones I intend using certainly are but at this moment I cannot go out for testing purposes. As I write these words the last vestiges of snow are melting away but I shall wait until all remnants of salt have been washed from the roads. Nothing attacks our bikes quite as quickly as road salt. I like my bikes clean and tidy but the cleaning process is always a chore so I am not asking for a lot more work by riding on salt laden roads. A whiff of spring and clean roads will soon get me mobile.

Rod Hann.

Rich’s Auto Services

Richard Cross opened Rich’s Auto Services on the Torbay Road Trading Estate in 2014. Richard has over 19 years’ experience as a motor mechanic (working for

Phillips Tyres of Castle Cary.

many years at One to One Motor Repairs).

Rich has a fully equipped workshop complete with diagnostic equipment and can undertake servicing and repairs on most makes of cars. MOTs by appointment and air conditioning service by prior arrangement.

Automotive, Shaftesbury

Automotive is an independent privately owned business where customer service, courtesy and helpfulness have to be of paramount importance in order for them to survive against the web and the larger car accessory businesses.

They have a wealth of knowledge and resources to help find answers to customers' queries:

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) Caravan Storage  COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE 

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

9 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, YEOVIL 

What oil their vehicle needs or what type of bulb or windscreen wiper they need, they can also access diagrams to identify parts and components that can be a little difficult to describe.

The most common products are usually in stock or available same day. The more unusual requests and non-stock items can be supplied within 48hrs. Automotive have developed a network of contacts enabling them to supply parts for cars and motorcycles, new or old. They have also supplied parts for aeroplanes, diggers, boats, quad bikes and scooters and even motorised wheel barrows.

They are just as comfortable supplying bits for Bentley and Maserati as they are for Ford and Peugeot and have contacts within all the main dealers.

You can find them in Bell Street Car Park Shaftesbury, seven days a week, open from 9.30am to 5.30pm and 10.00am to 1.00pm Sundays and bank holidays.

Westover Garage Langport

Westover Garage has been established for ten years and is run by business partners Gary Webb and David Huntley who are

both local to the area. The purpose-built workshop is fully equipped including the latest diagnostic equipment. Work is carried out by the team of mechanics who are all fully qualified. There are seven members of staff in total.

Services offered include MOTs, body repairs, exhausts and batteries, car valeting and servicing on all makes and models of car. They are Ford specialists.

Westover also offer a vehicle recovery service. Open from 7am5.30pm, Monday to Friday; 7am 11am, Saturday.

Yeovil Auto Tuning

Do you have a caravan - are you looking for storage? Yeovil Auto Tuning now have a sister company, Pen Mill Storage (adjoining their premises), who offer secure caravan storage.

The services offered by Yeovil Auto Tuning include repairs, servicing, engine tuning and MOT testing incorporating class IV, and Class VII light vans and also motorhomes. A collection and delivery service is available. They are also very pleased to offer repairs to classic cars!

Yeovil Auto Tuning is a family run business, established for 36 years. Proprietor Colin Frost runs the business with his wife Anita, their experienced mechanic Jamie and their apprentice, Patrick.

Find them on the Pen Mill Trading Estate where there is ample parking. Also operating from the same premises is Eclipse Custom Campers, converting VW Transporter T4 and T5 vehicles.

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.

Tel: 01935 426515 / 01935 411946

THE VISITOR March 2019 25

Festival of Cards 2019

Antiques Fairs

•

Chasty Cottage Antiques

phone cards, coins, and all manner of accessories to aid your collecting hobby.

Entry costs just £5 on the Friday, £2 on Saturday and entry is free for children. Refreshments are available.

•

Saturday 16th March Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA 9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1

Future Dates: Saturday 6th & 20th April  01963 370986

www.chastycottageantiques.co.uk

INSTANT CASH FOR YOUR OLD TOYS! ANY TOYS CONSIDERED Established business paying BEST prices for old toys in any condition  Dinky  Britains  Corgi  Meccano  Hornby  Bing  Matchbox  Scalextric  Action Men  Star Wars Home visits or shop valuations

Barrie Rollinson is the organising ‘star’ of the ever-popular Festival of Cards that takes place at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet on Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd March. Throughout the two days Barrie will ensure that things run smoothly for both the 140 plus dealers and the collectors and browsers visiting the event.

If you are considering taking up a new hobby for 2019, see the vast range of ‘collectibles’ on display including stamps and postal history, postcards, cigarette and trade cards, autographs, wall posters, ephemera,

Dating tips for Spring from Just Somerset Introductions

The days are now getting longer and Spring is nearly here!

Hopefully long gone is the snowy and icy cold weather. What better time to get out there and meet someone special. Here are some dating ideas for Spring: It’s that time of year for bluebells and daffodils so go and visit somewhere like Stourhead Gardens and see the daffodils. Go to other woods to see bluebells and wildlife. Look on the Woodlands Trust website for a wood near you.

Festival of Cards 2019

Bath & West Showground SHEPTON MALLET

Friday 22nd March 10am – 6pm / Saturday 23rd March 9.30am 4pm Entry: £5 – 2 Day Pass / £2 – Saturday Only Children under 16 FREE if accompanied by an adult

Postcards  Cigarette and Trade Cards  Stamps Phone Cards  Postal History  Autographs Ephemera & Accessories  140 + Dealers  Coins PROFESSIONAL CATERING LARGE CAR PARKS

Details:

01278 445497

www.festivalofcards.co.uk

John Hamblin, Master Cabinet Makers and Antique Furniture Restorers, are a family-run business. Find them at Unit 6, 15 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil, BA21 5HR.

John Hamblin

Bespoke Furniture Makers Furniture Restorers French Polishers

Fine furniture made to your personal requirements and specifications, including bookcases and libraries Re-leathering of desktops, bureaux etc.

Dining table tops refinished — A family run business established for over 50 years —

Unit 6, 15 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate YEOVIL, BA21 5HR  01935 471154 • jhamblin101@gmail.com

Wishing all our customers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

26 THE VISITOR March 2019

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

By John Osborne  Answers can be found on page 32 1) Who is the Canadian insisting we should 'Shine a Light' (multiple times!) right now?

2) 'Hell Freezes Over' a 1994 album from which country rock band?

3) 'Air Supply', a band originally from Australia, once declared they were 'All out of …' what?

4) 'Golden Slumbers' came from which Beatles album?

5) 'Too much, too little, too late' was a 1978 hit by which male / female duo?

6) 'Uptown Funk' by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars was the biggest hit of what year?

7) The theme to the James Bond movie 'Goldfinger' was sung by which female?

8) Name the singer songwriter who told us about a 'Wild World' in 1970.

9) Name the song that starts with the lyrics: 'Jeremiah was a bullfrog, was a good friend of mine'.

10) 'Father Figure' is a song featured on which George Michael album? (Clue: 1987) Bonus Question Thomas DeCarlo Callaway is the real name of who?

Bonus Anorak Question Name all four females who recorded duets with Marvin Gaye.

Great Quotes in Music (112) 'The greatest teacher is just going out and playing' – George Benson

Or a walk down on the beach and coast, it should be fairly quiet this time of year! Lovely on a sunny day and find a nice pub for some lunch out.

How about visiting a local market or an antiques fair, lots of hidden treasures may be found!

Attend a sporting event like a horse race – maybe not Cheltenham but a local race meet such as Wincanton. Maybe even a Rugby Match or motorsport event.

We put on social events for our members like going to National Trust houses and gardens plus pub lunches. There is usually something on each week throughout the group.

It’s a fun relaxed way to meet our other members and you don’t know who you might meet!

For further information about Just Somerset Introductions please look at our website.

Spectra Musica in Wincanton

'All the Pleasures Prove' is full of songs to delight you. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, In Beauty May I Walk and Orpheus and His Lute. We will also bring you two beautiful works by Welsh compopser, Morfydd Owen - a possible English premier, 'Sweet and Low' and her 'Fierce Raged the Tempest O'er the Deep', which was never actually published. Other works to enjoy are by Parry, Rutter, Chilcott and Sterndale Bennett.

The evening will be led by our talented Musical Director, Peter Leech and concert pianist Anita

D'Attellis will feature throughout the evening.

Join us on Saturday 30th March at the Church of St Luke and St Teresa in Wincanton at 7.30pm.

Tickets, priced £12, are available from 01963 350160, from tickets@spectramusica.co.uk or on the door.

March Notice Board

CASTLE CARY

REG MEUROSS. Folk singerSongwriter-Storyteller. Saturday 09 March 18:45. Market House. Tickets £12 from Bailey Hill Bookshop, Castle Cary or www.wegot tickets.com/event/459209.

HENSTRIDGE

BLACKMORE VALE U3A, a talk

by Diana Janes Sinner or Saint: The Famous Career of Sir Bernard Spilsbury. Henstridge Village Hall, Tuesday 5th March at 2.30pm.

Members £1.50, visitors £2.50.

Refreshments included.

MARTOCK

WESSEX BIG BAND Concert on 14 March at Martock Church. This 24piece brass band, plays melodies, including popular and contemporary music, made famous by the pre-war bands of Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Count Basie and Glenn Miller as well as by post-war bands such as Ted Heath and James Last. Admission: £9 or £8 at 01935 829576, www. martockonline.co.uk/events, https://en-gb.facebook.com/ wessexBB.

Pub The

Pages

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

'SO HOW LONG have you been obsessed with pub games?'

I've been asked this a few times, although I prefer to think I am 'a student of the social impact of the games of the people of England'.

Okay so that's a little bit pretentious perhaps, but my chance introduction to alley skittles sparked off an interest that continues to be a part of my life nearly 50 years on. Not being one for seriously active sport – a back injury put paid to my activities on the Badminton court – the more gentle and sociable games took

over. The desirable part of pub games is that anyone of any age, ability and background can find an activity they can participate in and enjoy within the wonderful thing that is that great Bastion of Britishness.

Wetherspoons; it would appear that my readership are distinctly polarized when it comes to decide if the company are good or bad for the public, the hospitality industry as a whole or for those who work for them. One correspondent has culled and scanned a newspaper letter from a disgruntled employee in the 'I' (part of the Independent I believe) who accuses CEO and founder Tim Martin of 'exploiting his position' when it comes to propaganda as so much pro-Brexit material is distributed through his pubs. However, it would appear his main rub is with the poor wages which he alleges is caused by exploitative bosses. How true this is I am not in a position to comment on, and not being in a position to dissect the living styles of those who have to earn a living working there would be grossly unfair. Interestingly that Mr Martin should declare at one time that it 'would not be in the interests of the workers' to pay them a living wage. This led to the first strike of employees and the move toward seeking Union

SHAFTESBURY

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION and The Royal Air Forces Association welcome you to coffee mornings at 10.30am in the the hall on Coppice Street, Shaftesbury. RBL every Thursday, RAF first Wednesday in the month.

YEOVIL

50/50 BALLROOM SEQUENCE Dance with Carl Webb. 7.30pm 10.30pm, Sunday 17th March at Milford Hall, Yeovil, BA21 4QD. Entry £5. Bring and share. Tel 01935 424164. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund via a grant from Awards for All (England).

TUITION CLASSES, EASY SEQUENCE ballroom/latin & new sequence, Ballroom & latin for absolute beginerrs. Starting on Wednesday mornings at 9.30am.

Milford Hall, Yeovil, BA21 4QD. Entry £2. Tel 01935 424164. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund via a grant from Awards for All (England).

THE VISITOR March 2019 27

Pub The

Pages

recognition. On Mr Martin's side, a recent interview by a 'Guardian' newspaper reporter reads as if it was more like an 'attack'. Needless to say Tim sprung to his own defence listing many of the advantages that his employees have over others in the trade, in fact declaring that more profits are handed back to the employees for a company of its size 'other than perhaps John Lewis'. Quite a claim, and rather than listing all the other

Celebrating 20 years

The MUDDLED

MAN

Your hosts, Mick, Jean and Garry welcome you to

Lower Street, West Chinnock A charming country inn serving home cooked fayre lunchtime & evening

MOTHERING SUNDAY Early booking advised

SUNDAY LUNCH £8.95 - choice of roast Larger parties catered for

FRESH FISH Day Friday

With home-made beer batter

STEAK SPECIAL - Two 8oz Rump Steaks £19.50 Sunday to Thursday

Daily Specials • Real Ale • Skittle Alley • Beer Gardens • Accommodation

Tel: 01935 881235

claims I would respectfully suggest that all employees and customers of JDW seek out that article. I found much of it on the 'Morning Advertiser' site, which unfortunately I am not allowed to quote as it's copyrighted (even though it appeared in The Guardian) You can find this on the web, which may be a lot easier.

Irrespective of where one works and for whom, we all think or thought that we deserved more – I know I did, until I went selfemployed for the last 25 years of my working life, which was a real eye-opener I can assure you!

Another correspondent made a good point about one of Mr Martin's statements regarding changing suppliers for two of their drinks which now come from within Great Britain as they could be obtained at a lower cost. Wetherspoons have thus reduced the cost of these to their customers. Why has this saving not been passed onto the staff in the shape of a higher wage, asks my correspondent? That I cannot answer either, but to which I feel I must add, 'Why not raise the price of everything they sell by 10p, and pass that on as a better wage?' The prices are so low throughout the chain that this tiny proportion would go virtually unnoticed by the majority of us, I'm sure. Throwing more information into the ring for one to contemplate is the Wetherspoons relationship with CAMRA, which has been up and down in the distant past but settled to the point of CAMRA giving £20 worth of tokens with every years' membership, to be used at 'Spoons pubs for real ale or cider. At 50p a hit they make cheap beer even cheaper (only one token per visit) and whilst I can only declare to have used a handful of them in one

Now serving

ADRIAN & KATE INVITE YOU TO

SUNDAY ROAST DINNERS

FREEHOUSE

Choice of four roasts and a reduced main menu Ever-changing specials board & real ale selection

THE NATTERJACK INN

12noon – 4pm

Maintained 4 Star AA Rated Rooms & recommended for food quality

EXCELLENT ACCOMMODATION

9 EN-SUITE LETTING ROOMS Disabled Access - Viewings Welcome

Email: natterjack@btconnect.com Website: www.thenatterjackinn.co.uk

Taking bookings for Mother’s Day Lunchtime: Two sittings 12noon - 1.15pm and 3pm - 4.15pm Closed Sunday Evenings

The Natterjack Inn, nr. Evercreech Junction, Evercreech, Somerset, BA4

Telephone: 01749 860253 or Facsimile: 01749 860757

28 THE VISITOR March 2019

full year they are certainly a good thing to have if you are a regular 'Spoons user. I do find that their pubs themselves vary in quality so tend to stick with the few that I do use – and as one can work out by my token use – it's not that often, however I have never had a pint in a 'Spoons pub to complain about. In fact I would go as far as to say most are absolutely excellent. So rather than making a concluding statement on the aforementioned topic I will leave you, dear reader, to make up your own mind about Mr Martin, his philosophy and the pubs. One thing I think we can be sure of though; Wetherspoons is here to stay.

I recently read that despite the fact we are still losing pubs at the rate of about three per day, the amount of larger pubs is increasing. How much this is down to Wetherspoons I cannot say, and also that the amount of people employed within the trade has increased. This does not appear to have any logic but I would guess it is good news in the trade overall.

As for keeping your local pub going it is a two-way thing; those running a pub need to cater for the Wednesday afternoon retirees tea party, the local British Legion meeting or just the occasional coffee morning. I spoke to a Landlord recently who had a once a week late afternoon skittle session with visitors from the nearby special needs school. So they only had one drink each but that would've been dead time when the staff were nothing like so busy, and hopefully the personable staff give the customers and their families the idea that 'this is a place to visit' just that little bit more often. It seems the innovators and the flexible ones are those who will not only survive but hopefully thrive.

Proof to me that the pub is so much a part of the social scene and life of the community that their very existence is one of the pieces of the jig-saw that make life worthwhile, and without just one significant piece, a jig-saw, and life, is not complete. Use your pub! © P.A. Baxter 2019. skittlealley@hotmail.com

Pete Lambden & Staff welcome you to .....

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL

This city desert makes you feel so cold It's got so many people, but it's got no soul THE FIRST PERSON to tell me the song gets a free drink.

Last month no one guessed that it was Three Dog Night and Joy to the World.

This month sees yours truly celebrate 17 years as captain of The good Ship Quicksilver.

And to celebrate we have a nice little gig with the fabulous Mr D’arcy, that is on the 8th of March. Come on down and join the fun.

Talking of fun what a month we have just had. Our Gin & Fizz night was such a success that we are doing it all again next year.

Thanks to Darren and Anne for organising it and raising over £600 for the Hospice.

Our David Bowie afternoon tea Party was also a ripper raising over £500, well done to all concerned. On the 15th of Feb we saw the return of Snake Davis, he brought a fantastic band with him and everyone who was there was left in no doubt that he is one of the premier musicians around.

Apart from Mr D’arcy on the 8th we have have a Dolly Parton Tribute Show here on the 9th of March, tickets are available from the pub. And on the 15th of March we have Finian McGurk playing his tunes in the bar. Music starts around 9.15pm.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my customers and staff for all the help and support over the past 17 years.

I could not have done it without you and I have to especially thank Tracy who sadly is moving on to pastures new after nearly 10 years here at the Quick.

We all wish her every success in her new venture.

See you all next month.

Toot Toot!!! 

BOOKINGS

 01935 424721

AROUND THE

H O U S E S IN ILMINSTER ... quiz night on the last Wednesday in January was a popular affair at The Stonemasons ... there’s a new mid-week fixed price menu available at The Barrington Boar, Barrington ... try one of the ales brewed by the Windy Brewery, on the premises at The Volunteer Inn, Seavington St Michael ... and delicious hand roasted coffee from the West Country served at The Royal Oak, Over Stratton.

Wandering on to West Chinnock we find light-hearted banter accompanies the well-kept ales at The Muddled Man ... you’ll find a wide choice of wines at The Rose & Crown, Tintinhull ... up to ten choices on the Early Bird Menu between 6pm and 7pm at The Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil ... it’s nice to see Skippers is back once again in Sherborne, after briefly being named the Teddy Rowe ... located at the top of the high street, The George is the oldest pub in town ... and there are thirteen comfortable en-suite rooms available for visitors at The Half Moon Inn. Cruising on to Corton Denham where there are three film nights in March at The Queens Arms ... meat draw on the last Friday of the month at The Catash Inn, North Cadbury ... 5th March is Quiz Night at The Stag’s Head, Yarlington ... special dietary requirements such as Gluten Free and Lactose Free diets catered for at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton ... Sharp’s Doom Bar is a popular ale at The White Hart, Castle Cary ... a relaxed, casual atmosphere can be found at The Pickled Inn, Evercreech ... West Country beef, air-cured for a minimum of 28 days, served at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction ... jacket potatoes are a popular light bite at The Old Pound Inn, Aller ... and finally, Wednesday 6th March is Comedy & Curry Night at The Cross Keys Inn, Lydford on Fosse.

Vinny would do a better job, probably!

They Say That Mike Hawkins of Wincanton has a new part time job, as a bouncer for Mothercare.

Tim Newton of Bradford Abbas has been heard singing the Canned Heat classic 'On the Road Again'.

That several members of the Yeovil Skittle League team 'Gazelles' should think about going professional.

That Wincanton’s Simon Hinchliffe does not refuse any wine, even alcohol free!

That John Penny of Bradford Abbas finds that his memory of Dorchester roundabouts is a little bit foggy.

That Ben (Skinny) Sweet of Yeovil likes to add a few aerodynamic lines to his sleek motor.

That Wincanton’s Mike Hawkins thinks battery powered cars are expensive.

Sherborne Causeway’s Marcus Arnold now has the drive to his garage finished.

That congratulations on the 28th March go to Mrs Caroline & Mr John Brunsden of Yeovil on the occasion of their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

That it was just like a scene from Last of the Summer Wine when for one reason and another three incapacitated golfers toured a building project in Castle Cary recently.

That when Laura Dunn of Scarning called for a cold flannel, she did not expect to come round from a faint with frozen peas on her head and ice cubes down the front of her jumper.

MARCH ...

Friday 1st SAM KELLY TRIO Meadway Hall, Compton Dundon, 8pm.

Doors open 7.30pm. Bar. Tickets £10.

Friday 8th MR D’ARCY Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil.

Saturday 9th DOLLY PARTON TRIBUTE SHOW Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil.

Wednesday 13th ACOUSTIC JAMMING SESSION Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse Friday 15th FINIAN McGURK Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil.

Friday 15th OLDE BOSTON TEA PARTY Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse AN ADVERT IN THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE MENTION HERE!

THE VISITOR March 2019 29

Putting Mum in the pink this Mother’s Day

IF THE number of bottles on the shelves of most pubs and bars these days is anything to go by, when it comes to booze, pink seems to be the colour of choice for female millennials; and not just rosé wines.

This craze for all things pink is thought to have begun in 2015 when Pantone named rose quartz as its colour of the year. Since then, packaging solutions for wine and spirits have embraced the pink craze; the appealing colour has become a design statement.

Aided by the surge in gin consumption, which shows no sign of abating, the drinks industry has been working hard to come up with new creations to combat competition from all sides. Some, it must be admitted, would not appeal to those who take their alcohol consumption seriously. But, there we are, this is a sign of the times we are in.

Even if mum is a dedicated rosé drinker, she is sure to enjoy sipping these pretty pink gins.

Brands such as Gordon’s and Beefeater, along with many of the burgeoning boutique producers, have been busy launching a dazzling array of gins flavoured with berries and other pink-hued fruits. Some of the descriptions though, waxing positively lyrical, I feel we should take with pinch of salt.

Bitter Truth Pink Gin £37 (70cl.) 40% abv.

The tradition of blending gin and bitters was first established by Royal Navy sailors to cure sea sickness. This is a delicious blend of traditionally crafted gin and aromatic bitters.

More of a bottled cocktail, it has a strong herbal bouquet and a warm spicy taste.

Whitley Neill Rhubarb Ginger Gin - £26 (70cl.) 43% abv.

Inspired by the glory of the English Country Garden. Essence of Rhubarb adds a tart crisp edge whilst the real ginger warms the palate. Exceptional quality with Full-Bodied complex finish.

Burleighs Pink Gin - £42.50 (70cl.) 40% abv.

Inspired by a trip to Japan, master distiller Jamie Baxter has launched a limited-edition pink gin for this Leicestershire company (just 600 bottles produced) featuring 30 THE VISITOR March 2019

botanicals such as preserved Japanese cherry blossom, pink grapefruit, hibiscus and rose flowers. Presented in an opaque pink bottle, it is vibrant, smooth and fresh with a zesty floral aroma.

Edgerton Original Pink Gin £24.25 (70cl.) 43% abv.

Billed as the world’s first pink gin, this is made in London using 15 botanicals, including sweet orange peel, angelica and coriander, as well as grains of paradise and damiana.

It gets its pink tinge from pomegranate extract and has a rich complexity and a balance of light, sweet citrus and dry spice notes.

Eden Mill Love Gin - £30 (50cl.)

42% abv.

Created at the distillery in St Andrews, Scotland, this is made with botanicals including juniper, rose petals, raspberry leaf, goji berries and hibiscus and has a citrus and floral finish on the palate.

Pinkster Gin - £32.25 (70cl.)

37.5% abv.

This pink gin with a difference includes raspberries and black peppercorns. It is deliciously dry with a smooth finish, and nothing goes to waste, as the leftover raspberries are recycled as Boozy Berries and Gin Jam. Bakewell Cherry & Almond Gin - £30 (50cl.) 40% abv.

This small batch craft gin is made with just 6 Botanicals; the main ingredients, cherry and almonds, give it that unique, delightful, Bakewell flavour.

For those interested in the origins of words, ‘In the pink’ is an English idiom that means to be at the peak of health, in perfect condition. The expression goes back to the 1500s when the word pink did not actually refer to a colour. At that time, the word ‘pink’ referred to the flower dianthus, still referred to as pinks in the English vernacular. They were considered to be the height of floral design and so the word ‘pink’ came to mean anything that was the pinnacle of excellence.

The word ‘pink’, applied in the context of a colour, was not used until the end of the 1700s, and not in general use until the 1800s.

LP-V. The Visitor CAN BE READ ONLINE: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Pick up what others leave behind with Westwood available at Ben Johnson Garden Machinery

THE BRITISH weather is notoriously unpredictable. Make a plan to mow your lawn and it seems inevitable that it will start to rain.

A Westwood is the only machine that ‘cuts it in the wet’.

Most ‘ride-on mowers’ rely on the air flow caused by the cutting blades to throw lawn clippings into the grass catcher. This system can be noisy and inefficient. Damp grass will often get clogged in the

deck and discharge chute, requiring regular unblocking and an unacceptable nish on your lawn.

The Westwood cut and collect system works in a better way. The three hardened-steel blades found in the heavy duty Westwood XRD and IBS decks, are contra-rotating and throw the clippings to the rear of the deck. The ejected grass is

All types of Fencing

• Gates • Trellis • Fence Panels • Tool Sheds • Summer Houses • Garages • Workhouses • Greenhouses • Field Shelters

All Buildings are hand-made at Bourton using Scandinavian Redwood Shiplap Timber.

Bourton, Gillingham on the old A303 Nr. Zeals For Free Survey/Estimate/Brochure

TELEPHONE 01747 840752

swept up by the rotating brushes of the Powered Grass Collector.

A Westwood will not clog: The Powered Grass Collector uses brushes to sweep up the grass cuttings.

The Westwood ‘system’ means that even wet grass can be cut and collected fully, with little risk of clogging. Leaves and other garden debris can be quickly cleared from the lawn. Simply drive over the material with the collector engaged.

Westwood ride-on mowers are available from Ben Johnson Garden Machinery, Shaftesbury.

Tuesday 5th March, for other opening times and information, tel: 01823 413923, email: info@hestercombe.com, or visit: www.hestercombe.com.

Admission £12.50 adult, child £6.25. SatNav postcode TA2 8LQ. Also open in Somerset for their daffodil displays are Lower Shalford Farm, Shalford Lane, Charlton Musgrove, Wincanton BA9 8HE, Nynehead Court, Nynehead, Wellington, TA21 0BN, 01823 662481 and Ston Easton Park, Ston Easton, Radstock, BA3 4DF, 01761 241631.

To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk.

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

Daffodil Festival – March

For the NGS Daffodil Festival, Somerset have 4 of their gardens opening:

A wonderful display of Daffodils at Hestercombe Gardens.

Hestercombe Gardens Cheddon Fitzpaine Taunton TA2 8LG

This Georgian landscape garden designed by Coplestone Warre Bampfylde has a Victorian terrace and shrubbery and is an exquisite example of a Lutyens/Jeykll designed formal garden. These together make up 50 acres of woodland walks, temples, terraces, pergolas, lakes and cascades. Hestercombe House is also now open comprising a contemporary art gallery and second-hand book shop.

Facilities include light refreshments in the Stables Café which offers light lunches, teas and cakes and a covered courtyard seating area. Dogs welcome, Plants For Sale, Coaches welcome.

Disabled Information: Gravel paths, steep slopes, steps. All abilities route marked. Tramper mobility scooter is available booking required.

Opening date for NGS:

The ATCO GT 40H Twin 4WD. Four wheel drive, cut & collect, mulching kit included and suitable for up to 5 acres: a pleasure to use. Available at Lee Holmes Garden Machinery, Somerton.

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

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THE VISITOR March 2019 31

the en d bi t . . .

PAPERCHASE

IN LAST MONTH’S column I bemoaned the fact that my usual Wincanton, Castle Cary, Bruton and Gillingham edition of the Western Gazette had not reappeared after Christmas, and wondered whether the local editions were the latest victim of the cost-cutting measures promised last year by its publishers, Reach plc. Sure enough, in mid-January the paper carried an announcement that ‘previously we have published five editions of this newspaper covering South Somerset and Sherborne. However, from the start of 2019, we have moved to publishing one edition, covering the very best of the news stories from across this area’, adding that ‘you will now receive more local news, albeit from a slightly wider area’.

This ‘slightly wider area’ stretching from Gillingham to Chard extends almost 40 miles, scarcely less than the distance from Croydon in South London to Brighton on the Sussex coast. Thus the Gazette has transformed itself from a local to a regional paper, although its region is ill-defined.

And its the promise of ‘more local news’ seems pretty hollow, especially as the paper’s pagination has not increased. I get my regional news on a daily basis from the Western Daily Press, but there now seems little chance of getting much truly local news on a weekly basis from the Gazette.

In last June’s column I complained that recent issues of the Gazette had contained ‘nothing about the deliberations and decisions of the town councils, the openings and closures of local businesses, the progress or otherwise of roadworks and building developments, the achievements and charitable activities of local people and organisations’, adding that ‘in the “good old days” if news was short the reporter would phone the police and the fire service to find out whether there had been any local crimes, road accidents or fires worth mentioning’. And in the September column I wrote of ‘the pleasant surprise I got when I opened the 2nd August issue of the Western Gazette’s Wincanton, Castle Cary, Bruton and Gillingham edition. It was full of news, including items from all four towns and several of the local villages, unlike many issues this year about which I have complained in previous columns.

32 THE VISITOR March 2019

And the 9th August issue was similarly newsy and local, so perhaps this is the new dawn promised by Tim Lethaby when he became editor a couple of months ago.’ You will know that Tim’s role was made redundant from 11th January, so the new dawn was very short-lived.

You will find few mentions of the Gazette in future columns because I have cancelled my order with the newsagent, adding myself to the paper’s declining circulation. Now that it carries next to no local news and is full of features that are direct lifts from the Western Daily Press – motoring, gardening, fashion, home interiors etc – there is no reason to buy it apart from sudoku, crosswords and codewords. And I can get my fill of these from other papers and magazines. Fortunately Visitorland is blessed with plenty of other good sources of local news, such as the Blackmore Vale Magazine, The Leveller, The Dove and Mendip Times, so I will not be short of papers to chase for Paperchase.

Chronicler.

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ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ

on page 26 Bryan Adams 'The Eagles' 'Love' 'Abbey Road' Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams' 6. 2015 7. Shirley Bassey 8. Cat Stephens 9. 'Joy to the World' – Three Dog Night, among others.

10. 'Faith' Bonus Question CeeLo Green Bonus Anorak Question Tammi Terrell, Diana Ross, Kim Weston, Mary Wells.

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Solution to February

Sudoku

Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford Orcas DT9 4SE

Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

01963 220366

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

Oven Cleaning Mister Oven Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

Tel: 01935 862614 Mob: 07752 695264 www.misteroven.co.uk

Clean Ovens Domestic Ltd Covering Somerset and Dorset

AGAS • RANGES • OVENS HOBS • EXTRACTORS Eco-Friendly Materials Used Experienced + Fully Insured Friendly Staff

Tel: 0800 7076629 Mobile: 07563 693145 www.cleanovendomestics.co.uk

DEADLINE for April Issue is Monday 18th March

Fire & Security Alarms

PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM

Plumbing

Damian Hoddinott PLUMBING SERVICES

Competitive rates for all your plumbing needs

01963 441232 07971 676111

Denture Repairs

Are you a denture wearer?

Fires / Chimneys / Stoves

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE

Multifuel Stoves ... over 200 on display Chimneys Relined ★ Full Installation Service

D to menture smi ake y s o le a gain u !

Denture repairs while you wait ...

Terry New Denture Clinic

01458 210039

Home visits a speciality

HETAS • OFTEC • GAS SAFE

✴ Chimney Sweeping Service ✴

Showrooms Open: Monday to Friday 8am – 5.30pm and Saturday 8am – 4.30pm Email: enquiries@sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport  01458 251476

Fuel Storage Tanks

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd

Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

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

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

Transport & Storage

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

Framing

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery

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

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

Logs

Building

Dave Hoddinott FULLY QUALIFIED BUILDER ESTABLISHED 1973

• Renovations & Extensions • Roofing + Carpentry • Plumbing & Heating • Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling • Painting & Decorating • Electrical Contracting

Competitive Prices No Job Too Big or Too Small FRIENDLY & RELIABLE SERVICE

Tel: (01963) 440256

Roofing

For all your roofing requirements

Roofing

Flat Roofing • Tiling Slating • GRP Roofing

Bourton Roofing Co.

For further information & estimates contact Allan Carey

 01747 840064

All New Work Fully Guaranteed

01963 33528 / 07885 723915 Email: allancarey541@hotmail.com

Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing.

UPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE ES T I M AT ES

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

Logs

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

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

THE VISITOR March 2019 33

Classified Ads

Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP. 30p per word (£5 minimum) prepayment essential. Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit / Debit Card.

For Sale

HONDA C50 MOPED 1974, spares or possible restoration project. Mostly complete but has suffered from being left outside. Tel: 07956 485116

Memoir Writing

BEAUTIFUL BOOKS, MEMORIES and Photos preserved for Friends and Family to treasure. Full memoir writing service available (01458) 223251, 07969 333940 Please visit: www.mandybloom.co.uk

Personal

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

Storage

Prize Crossword No. 389

Wanted

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BP – to arrive by Friday 15th March

STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles.

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

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

Set by Frank Butler

19

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

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

CLASSICAL AND JAzz LP records. Tel: 01458 834102 / 07704229979 email: tonyartony@aol.com

AUTOMOBILIA, AUTOJUMBLE, woodworking and engineering tools. Tel: 01747 850474

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH, any size, any condition, make or model. We collect in any area. Registered Firearms Dealer.

Tel: 07970 742471 POSTCARDS, pop memorabilia, coins, badges, old toys, games, and anything military. Tel: Clive 01749 675456

ALL SPORTS PROGRAMMES and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. Large collections welcome. Cash paid. Tel: Clive 01749 675456

Services

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN RUBBISH CLEARED, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844 The Visitor CAN BE READ ONLINE:

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Across:

1. A boar confused with pal in path of projectile. [8] 5. Forbid a returned article of fruit.

[6] 9. Meant ion to name. [8] 10. Donkey river to be certain. [6] 11. Not a liar, but logical. [8] 12. Morning, having lost blood around, alleged responsibility. [6] 14. Letting in, can Tim date be arranged? [10] 18. Eases gap as boat trip. [10] 22. Recall minister all-right in the east? [6] 23. ACA tract needs rewinding as waterfall. [8] 24. Finest expression of pain to put in place. [6] 25. Charm Ian into post of honour.

[8] 26. Rusted cloth arrangement. [6] 27. Waits around ROM, finding salts.

[8]

7. Endwise meeting meant tub. [8] 8. Bare need for Scots place. [8] 13. I bore surrounding graph for writer of lives. [10] 15. Writer in present time imputed.

[8] 16. Share TVs, arranging cuttings of crops. [8] 17. Spine reverse B1? [8] 19. Rub aim in order to find element 56. [6] 20. MD with fear grew crops in fields. [6] 21. One among saints of interest to geologists. [6]

Solution to Crossword 388

Down:

1. Cooking pot attempt at finding where ingredients are kept. [6] 2. Concerning return of large book far away. [6] 3. Swollen toe and British combination. [6] 4. All the odes show a deathly amount. [6,4] 6. About Les mixture to be sure. [8]

34 THE VISITOR March 2019

The Winner of our February Crossword is H.J. Green of Gillingham who chose to spend the £10 at Scenes of Gillingham.