The Visitor Magazine Issue 373 December 2014 by The Visitor Magazine

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

Issue 373 December 2014

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Inside features on: Bruton’s Christmas Evening; Castle Cary’s Big Christmas; Christmas Gift Guide; Festive Venues & Menus; Langport; Post Offices & Village Stores; Sherborne; Somerton; Wincanton. Business focus on: The Walnut Tree, West Camel Plus regular features on: Antiques; Business; Gardening; House & Home; Leisure & Travel; Looking Good & Feeling Fine; Motoring; Pubs; Wine & Dine inc. Festive Food & Drink. r ts Sta ale mber S ter ece Win1st D

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In Passing ...

NE of the delights of Christmas is the pantomime. For many young children it is their introduction to the wondrous world of the theatre, to the spectacle of a folksy story colourfully enacted with great humour, with song and dance and audience participation. It’s magic, whether it’s an amateur production in the village hall or the big professional one staged at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil. This year the Octagon has ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, promised to be the most spectacular pantomime that Somerset has ever seen, and if it is anywhere near as good as last year’s ‘Snow White’ it will be great family entertainment. It runs from 5th December to 4th January inclusive and some performances are already sold out. Also at the Octagon, Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society is staging ‘Aladdin’ from 20th to 24th January inclusive, a production that will doubtless live up to the Society’s usual high standards. Sadly the majority of the younger generation leave the theatre after the pantomime and don’t set foot inside again until their own children are old enough to appreciate Snow White. Which must be a worry for Octagon manager Adam Burgan – and should be a worry to anyone who thinks that the performing arts, in all their glorious diversity, have an essential role to play in a civilised society. Some would argue that ‘theatre’ is not essential and that market forces, not subsidy, should determine its provision. But most appear to agree that money should be given to help the theatre provide what market forces do not. The aim is not to make and distribute a cash profit but to enhance the cultural life of the local community. The disagreements arise when it comes to defining ‘local community’ and ‘culture’. The Octagon, Visitorland’s principal local theatre, has consumed a lot of public money over the years for its conversion from the Johnson Hall into a theatre and its extensive refurbishment, and requires an annual subsidy to keep it going. But the theatre is undeniably popular – in a survey some years ago, 70% of the district’s population said they were users of the Octagon – so any politician

arguing for a significant cut or the total withdrawal of the subsidy could be courting electoral unpopularity if the outcome were a massive increase in ticket prices, smaller audiences and ultimate closure. Although the Octagon is large enough to attract high-quality performers as diverse as the Moscow Ballet, Barbara Dickson, Steeleye Span, and the Endellion String Quartet and sufficiently well equipped to stage full-scale plays, musicals and the Moscow State Circus, much of its programme comprises a succession of ‘tribute bands’ and stand-up comedians. Do these enhance the cultural life of our local community? No doubt these shows will pack the theatre, the audiences will come away happy and the profits will help to underwrite the costs of less popular performances. But is ‘light entertainment’ sufficient justification for subsidising the wondrous world of the theatre? NN.

Advertising Deadlines

Christmas / January Issue published Thursday 18th December Deadline Friday 5th December

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.

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG

Ltd.

Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Fax: (01963) 350552 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk facebook.com/thevisitormagazine twitter.com/thevisitormag

Proprietor, Accounts & Subscriptions Helen Dunion Production Manager Jeff Farrow

Advertisement Manager & Features Editor Michelle Trulock © The Visitor Ltd. 2014

(Items marked ©gt are the copyright of geoff thompson)

CONTENTS

Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to The Swan at Wells

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 64 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 11 BRUTON CHRISTMAS EVENING - 10 BUSINESS - 16 CASTLE CARY’S BIG CHRISTMAS - 8 CHRISTMAS GIFTS - 23 CREWKERNE business focus - 13 CROSSWORD - 66 FESTIVE VENUES & MENUS - 29 GARDENING - 59 HOUSE & HOME - 45 LANGPORT - 49 LEISURE & TRAVEL - 57 LETTERS - 5 LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE - 17 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 6 MOTORING - 12 MUSIC for the MONTH - 58 NOTICE BOARD - 38 PAPERCHASE - 63 PHONE-A-FIRM - 64 POST OFFICES & VILLAGE STORES - 4 PUBS - 36 SHERBORNE - 18 SOMERTON - 53 THEY SAY - 38 WALNUT TREE, West Camel, profile - 37 WINCANTON - 39 WINE & DINE & FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK - 33 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR December 2014 3

Post Offices & Village Stores

Waltons Post Office, Mere

POST EARLY

Glastonbury Post Office

Glastonbury Post Office is run by Gerald Cross together with one of his two sons. Having run this busy post office for over eleven years Gerald and his five staff are well known to their customers and offer a friendly and helpful service. If you are planning a winter break don’t forget you can get your travel insurance, travellers cheques and currency from the Post Office. Christmas is looming so remember to send your overseas parcels and cards off in plenty of time. The last posting date for New Zealand is 3rd and Australia 4th December, Canada 9th and United States 12th, and Western Europe 13th.

If you are struggling for a ‘useful’ gift idea, Waltons Post Office Gift Cards are ideal. Available for any occasion including Christmas, they can be spent in over 60 different retailers. Another very acceptable gift idea is a magazine subscription - there are titles to suit all ages and interests. Waltons of Mere have a good choice of jigsaws, toys and chocolates for Christmas, Quality Street/Roses just £4.85, plus of course, cards and gift wrap. Take a look at the bargains on sale in the pound zone - useful everyday items at £1 or less. If you are travelling abroad you can get your Euros, foreign currency, and travel money cards at the Post Office. So, whether paying a bill or Christmas shopping, visit Waltons of Mere.

Beverley & James Candy welcome you to

Nursery and Montgomery Cheese can now be ordered online. There are a host of Christmas treats to be had including mince pies, puddings and cakes plus speciality chocolates and tins of festive biscuits which also make very pleasing gifts. Beverley & James Candy are the proprietors of North Cadbury Village Stores. Since taking over the shop has undergone a huge transformation having had a total refit, including smart new shelving, flooring and fridge / freezers. Although the interior has changed the friendly service that you would expect from a Village Store remains the same. Alongside groceries and green grocery the store offers fresh, locally sourced meat from Andrew Barclay; a range of local produce including Montgomery’s potatoes and their famous cheeses; Wadman’s famous Jersey cream; Longman’s Farmhouse butter and a selection of Fudges and Border biscuits. Useful services offered include colour a nd b la ck a nd whit e photocopying; faxing; laminating and mobile phone top-ups. They are also agents for Puffin Dry Cleaners

NORTH CADBURY • Tel: 01963 440201 Open 7 Days a Week

MERE POST OFFICE

North Cadbury Village Stores

Orders are now being taken for Christmas Turkeys supplied by local butcher Andrew Barclay of Wincanton. Christmas Trees from Ashridge

TELEPHONE • GAS • ELECTRICITY • WATER • GIRO TRANSACTIONS

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

Telephone 01458 831536

MONEYGRAMS • BUDGET CARDS

STATIONERY • ACCOUNTS • STAMPS

Volunteers and Community Land Trust Board members celebrated the opening of Norton Shop.

GREETINGS CARDS • HOLIDAY INSURANCE • FOREIGN CURRENCY • PENSION PAYMENTS

The Village Stores

An extensive range of goods & services available • Fresh Meat from ANDREW BARCLAY of Wincanton Daily deliveries of ‘Specials’ and your orders taken • Selected local farm Cheeses including ... MONTGOMERY'S World Famous Farmhouse Cheeses • Cream from WADMAN'S famous Jersey herd • LONGMAN'S Farmhouse Butter SEASON’S • ANNAMMA'S CUISINE Curry Sauces - made locally GREETINGS to all of our • FUDGES & BORDERS Biscuits in stock customers • FRESH BREAD, CAKES and PASTRIES ... BAKED ON THE PREMISES • groceries - Fruit & Vegetables & Milk delivered daily FREE HOME DELIVERIES • Pet Foods and Household goods minimum £20 • Faxing - Laminating • Dry Cleaning with PUFFINS of Yeovil - Shoe Repairs • Off Licence - Newspapers & Magazines, greetings Cards & Stationery • Postage Stamps for home and abroad

4 THE VISITOR December 2014

NEWSAGENT offer a wide range of ...

CHRISTMAS IDEAS, Mouthwatering Sweets and Chocolates, Toys, Gifts & Magazine Subscriptions Gift Cards for all occasions Phone Cards plus ... POUND ZONE ITEMS £1 OR LESS Pay Your Bills Here!

Tel: 01747 860245

... and shoe repairs. A local delivery service is offered (minimum £20.00). Opening times: Monday – Friday 8am – 5.30pm, Saturday 8am – 1pm, Sunday 9am – 12.30pm.

Norton shop reopens following grant from South Somerset District Council

The future of the village shop in Norton-Sub-Hamdon has been secured, helped by a grant from South Somerset District Council of £9,436 to the Norton Community Land Trust (CLT) which has leased the shop premises and will be largely run by local volunteers. The post office and shop has provided a vital local service for many years supporting Norton itself and the nearby villages of Chiselborough and West Chinnock. The retirement of the owner led to a local review of the future provision of a village shop and post office serving Norton and other nearby villages. Liz Maunder, Secretary to the CLT said ‘We are very grateful to SSDC, not only for the award of the grant which was an enormous boost to the project but also for the support of officers and councillors, in particular Cllr Sylvia Seal who opened the shop for us.’ Councillor Sylvia Seal, local District Councillor for Norton said, ‘I am so proud of the achievements by local residents and the Community Land Trust and the future looks bright for this valuable village enterprise. The CLT researched other community managed shops, prepared a sound business plan and kept the community involved at all stages.’ Find out more about how the council can support your local area by contacting South Somerset District Council on 01935 462462 or email communities@southsomerset. gov.uk

Letters To the Editor Collecting for Charity

Sir, Every year at Christmas Red Berry Recruitment choose a charity to help raise awareness and make donations to support their cause. This year we have chosen the Food Bank in Shepton Mallet. It’s a charity that supports those in poverty, hardship or despair. Christmas is a time for giving and being thankful for what we have, so please, can you see it in your hearts and help us collect food items listed below in order that some families and individuals will have food at Christmas: Tinned Potatoes, Carrots, Peas and Sweet corn; Rice and Pasta; Baked beans and spaghetti; Pasta Sauces; Tinned meats / hams / corned beef; Cereals; Tea, Coffee, Sugar and Squash; Biscuits / Savoury biscuits; Chocolate / Treats / Christmas puddings; Rice pudding, custard and Jelly. You can drop off the items to Red Berry Recruitment at the address below or post supermarket vouchers if this is easier. We ask if all donations can be in by Friday 12th December 2014. On behalf of the Food Bank in Shepton and Red Berry Recruitment, thank you so very much! Rachael Haynes and the Shepton Mallet Berries Red Berry Recruitment First Floor 28 High Street Shepton Mallet BA4 5AN

40th Anniversary Celebrations at Castle Cary Museum

Sir, On the 31st October we were very pleased to welcome around 50 guests to the Museum Anniversary Celebration. It started as a 'Thank you' to the Stewards but became much more than that, with former Stewards, Museum Members and the many people who have helped us over the past years. The stewards and committee provided the food and monetary donations received covered the cost of the wine. In fact no costs were accrued by the Museum at all. With Museums closed in the surrounding areas and others open on a part-time basis we are extremely lucky to be one of the

few open full time. The success of our Museum is due to our hard working team, the committee and stewards. It is a fitting tribute that we are still here due to the founder member who had their first meeting in October 1974. As Chairman of the Museum I would like to express my grateful thanks to those members, past and present, who have helped to made us one of the town's greatest assets. Ann Brittain Chairman Castle Cary Museum

First-hand Account

Sir, There have been many accounts handed-down over the years of a phoney truce between German and British soldiers in WW1 at Christmas 1914 - 100 years ago - when a game of football was said to have been played in ‘No man’s land’ and food and drink and family photographs exchanged, in a somewhat friendly atmosphere. I did wonder if readers would appreciate a first-hand account of the occasion, given to me by my dad, who was in the trenches. Not a Happy Christmas for one poor chap at least. Norman Leeks Priams Way Cambridge We certainly would like to hear a first-hand account. All contributions welcome. Ed.

to fight our cause, as in this case. Certainly where local planning is concerned there is always the tricky dichotomy between overworked planning officers doing their best to apply rules not of their making, whilst being all too aware of the presumption in favour of planning permission being granted, unless evidence can be provided to the contrary. Sadly, the burden for gathering this evidence is increasingly falling on the shoulders of those local residents who feel that they will be most affected by any development. Whether the concern relates to the capacity of basic infrastructure, highways, school placement, the environment, or in the case of Somerset, worries over the impact on flooding, it certainly pays to do your homework. It is hardly surprising when I suddenly find that I’m the most popular person around, unless of course the application does not go the way they would wish. For significant developments, or those with the potential for a negative impact on the factors mentioned above, the decision will fall to the area committees to make. Unfortunately, and my point in raising the subject at all, is that this not where it ends. We are increasingly seeing the situation, where having been granted

permission for a development, with an agreed percentage of affordable housing included as a condition, the developer will some time later look to have this condition modified, or removed altogether, usually on grounds of the lack of viability of the project. Thus we find ourselves in a catch 22 situation, with the developer saying that they cannot complete construction whilst the affordable housing condition remains. Despite great unease among both planning officers, and locally elected council representatives it would seem that there is little to be done. I know that we all need somewhere to live, but I don’t believe we should be held to ransom in such a way in order to satisfy greedy unscrupulous developers. Likewise, there seems to be no mechanism in place at all to penalise those who go ahead with construction without gaining planning permission first. All the offenders need to do is to submit an application retrospectively; this doesn’t say much for the rest of us who do our best to be law abiding citizens. Personally I blame Eric Pickles for such nonsense. Linda Piggott-Vijeh Vicarage Hill Combe St. Nicholas

Affordable Housing Crisis

Sir, The protests relating to the lack of affordable housing in London made national news this month, as one might expect. Certainly there is considerable evidence to support the growing need for housing of all types across the country, which in itself does much to fuel the anti-immigration argument. However, it would be taking a rather simplistic view of the current situation to blame it all on incomers, many of whom do much to contribute towards our economy in one way or another. Locally there has been much angst and arm wringing as South Somerset once again submits its local plan to the inspector. It has certainly been a very lengthy, time consuming and expensive process for everyone involved. I always find it interesting to observe the extent to which, by and large, as long as everything is going well, most of us go about our daily business without too much consideration for the wider world beyond. It is only when we feel that our way of life is under threat that we take to the streets

THE VISITOR December 2014 5

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Community Shop & Café shows off to visitors from Brittany

Seavington Community Shop & Café welcomed a group from France who are concerned with community-owned and run enterprises in Brittany. The impromptu visit was an opportunity for the volunteers at the community shop & café to show-off the store and to rustle up a lunch for 15. The visitors were in Somerset as part of an ideas-exchange organised on this side of the channel by Taunton-based Somerset Co-operative Services as part of the FEED project, a European Regional Development Fund project exploring social investment into communityowned enterprises in France and the UK. The visitors were all very impressed with the range of local and seasonal products and took little persuading to stay for lunch. Mark Ellis, chair of the Shop & Café committee said ‘we were

Two talented Yeovil College Art & Design students have been presented with grants by the Yeovil Community Arts Association (YCAA). Level 3 students Fiona McKenna (18) of Shepton Mallet and Callum Trowbridge (19) of Blandford Forum were presented with their prizes by Liz Pike of the YCAA having been nominated by their lecturers.

delighted to welcome members of this Anglo-French group, and are always happy to share ideas and experiences with other community-based enterprises in Somerset or from further afield!’ Seavington Community Shop and Café is just off the old A303 on Water Street, Seavington St Mary. Open M-F 8.30am - 6pm, Sats 9am - 3pm and the café opens M-F 10am - 4.30pm, 10am - 1.30pm Saturdays.

Annual Christmas Blessing for Ferne Animal Sanctury

Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s enchanting annual Animal Christmas Blessing and festive service is taking place in the barn at their premises in Wambrook, near Chard, Somerset on Wednesday 3rd December at 6.30pm. The Reverend Geoffrey Walsh of Membury Parish Church will be taking the service and is

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

encouraging everyone to attend this delightful evening. To add to the magical atmosphere, the incredibly talented children from CLOKS (Chard Local Kids Society for Music and Drama) will be singing carols. Mulled wine and mince pies will be available on the night, as well as a raffle (for which prizes will be gratefully received). Tickets for this popular event are now on sale at £3 for adults; children under 16 are free. Due to limited capacity in the barn, tickets should be purchased in advance from either the Sanctuary on 01460 65214 or their Chard Charity Shop in Fore Street on 01460 261000. Ferne Animal Sanctuary launched their New Digs for Dogs £1m project for 2014/15 in March 2014 to build a new enhanced kennel block, improved grooming and veterinary care room, information hub, social unit, offices, reception and purpose built rehoming centre at their site in Somerset. Fundraising packs for the appeal, details of how to donate and more information about all their events can be obtained by calling 01460 65214 or by visiting www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org

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

● Large single en suite rooms with ensuite wet rooms

● Comprehensive social programmes with several activities a day, designed to stimulate physically, intellectually and socially

● Restaurant standard dining in own rooms or dining rooms

www.hendfordcarehome.co.uk 166 Hendford Hill, YEOVIL, BA20 2RG 01935 470400 info@auroracare.co.uk 6 THE VISITOR December 2014

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

● Frequent trips out in our own minibus

● Beautiful landscaped gardens with breathtaking views over the Somerset countryside

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Free Parking

Free festive parking will come into effect next month, as Mendip District Council’s Cabinet has agreed to support Small Business Saturday by providing free all day car parking at the following car parks on Saturday 6th December. Cranhill Road - Street St John’s - Glastonbury Union Street - Wells Great Ostry - Shepton Mallet Cattle Market - Frome Small Business Saturday UK is a national campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities. To build on this support, the Council has also agreed to suspend charges on all of its car parks in the days running up to Christmas. Free Christmas parking has been running for several years but this year will see all of the council’s 31 pay and display car parks suspend charges for the entire day. The free period will start on Saturday 20th December and will last until Wednesday 24th December and also includes New Years Day. However, the council is warning shoppers that the time restrictions will still be enforced in areas where parking is only allowed for a specified time. For instance, the one hour maximum stay limit in Wells Market Place will still be in place, and motorists are advised to check price boards in car parks for restrictions. These time restrictions will remain in place to ensure that everyone has a fair chance of benefiting from free parking.

Milborne Port School Library

Blackmore Vale Lions President Colin Macleod presented a cheque for £350 to Miss Suzie Milligan the Head Teacher of Milborne Port Primary School on Wednesday 12th November 2014. A couple of years ago Miss Milligan decided she would really like to see at library at the school and started fundraising to make it a reality. After lots of hard work and support from the community, the PTFA, the governors and the

Lions it has finally come to fruition. This £350 has been used by the school to purchase a Laptop that will be used to control the newly built school library using Micro Library System software – Junior Librarian an amazing cloud based system that will allow the children to scan books in and out (after a huge cataloguing exercise by the parents and teachers), upload book reviews and even access the system from their home computers to choose books with their parents.

Competition Winners

The winner of the Double Take competition in last month’s Visitor was: Mrs D. Dunn of Gillingham (£25) and runner-up Mrs Imogen Crees of Glastonbury (£10).

Look Out for a Giant Chocolate Father Christmas

The Blackmore Vale Lions have arranged to raffle 21 giant Chocolate Father Christmases around various outlets in the Blackmore Vale area throughout December 2014. The Father Christmases as seen in the photograph are approximately 500cm (19 inches) tall and contain over 2 Kg (4.5 lb) of the finest Belgian Chocolate. They can be won for just £2 by entering your name and contact details on one of the 100 square forms that can be found in Pubs, Hairdressers and Leisure Centres around the villages and towns in the Blackmore Vale. Visit: bvlions.yolasite.com for more information on the various outlets.

Now available on selected large appliances*. Das ist gut! Karl, The Bosch Engineer.

T&Cs apply, please see bosch-home.co.uk/boschcash

Extensive range of BOSCH in stock for immediate delivery  FREE local delivery  FREE installation   FREE disposal of old appliance 

The Triangle, Castle Cary  01963 351110 THE VISITOR December 2014 7

Shop ... Eat ... Sing ... Smile! at Castle Cary's Big Christmas

Funky Tunics, Ladies PJs & Nighties Onesies  Novelty Fleeces  Slippers Underwear  Stylish Knitwear Leggings  Skirts  Handbags Scarves  Jewellery ‘Herbs on the Hill’ Organic Soaps etc. Vintage Cards & Tags, Gifts + Much More Also 50:50 DrESS AGENCy

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

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd

CASTLE CARY'S Big Christmas takes place on Thursday 11th December when the shops will be open for late night Christmas shopping and many events for children and adults. There will be a grand opening procession at the Horse Pond at 5.30pm travelling down the High Street with an array of market stalls from our regular Tuesday market and the Anonymous Travelling Market. Other attractions include Carol Singing in the Market House undercroft, Community

Stalls, Scary Storytelling in the Market House, mulled wine, bacon butties, mince pies and much much more. There will be live music from The Rural Music Project at the Horse Pond end of town, Wincanton Silver Band, Majorettes and street entertainment all evening. Father Christmas will arrive

The Market Garden

It would not be Christmas without a Christmas tree and a holly wreath, so pop into The Market Garden for yours! Orders are now being taken for Christmas fruit and vegetable requirements - pick up an order form. Looking for gifts ideas - why not choose a pot plant to add some Christmas colour or a fruit basket - a healthy alternative to chocolate. If you are planning to have a garden make over in the new year cut out the advert coupon and save yourself some money!

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

around 7.15pm with presents for all the children. So Castle Cary is THE place to be! Come and join us to do your Christmas Shopping with added fun on Thursday 11th December from 5.30pm and stay for food and entertainment. Please note that the High Street and Fore Street will be closed to traffic from 4.00pm.

You’ll find lots of gift ideas at April's – including jewellery, animal print scarves and cosy slippers!

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

Embroidery Engineering Services

Suppliers of Computerised Embroidery Machines

Telephone: 01963 350068 • Mobile: 07947 725315 Email: robert_churches@hotmail.com UNIT 8, TORBAY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE CASTLE CARY BA7 7DW

The Market at

Garden

Always a good choice of fresh fruit & vegetables ... place your Christmas order now!

Fresh Flowers, House Plants, Planted Pots, Fruit Baskets, Gardening Gifts CHRISTMAS TREES O WREATHS O HOLLY Floristry  Bouquets  Weddings  Funerals — FREE LOCAL DELIVERY —

Take this advert to the shop to receive a SPECIAL DISCOUNT on any GARDENING WORK during January and February

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

8 THE VISITOR December 2014

Office: 01963 31226 • Quotes: 07738 524254 • www.julianshave.co.uk

Florence Italian Bags

Italy comes to Castle Cary !!! An exciting new shop, Florence Leather Collection has just opened in Castle Cary specialising in handmade Italian Leather Handbags at affordable prices. There are over 100 handbags to choose from in a wide range of styles to suit all tastes and available in an extensive array of colours: blue,

green, red, black, denim, animal print and more. Prices start from just ÂŁ39. The business is owned and run by local husband and wife team StĂŠphane and Carole Richet, together with business partner Nick Plant. Carole plans to return to Milan and Florence every six weeks to replenish and up-date the stock so there is always something new, and in the Spring they will launch into

shoes. Why not pop in and have a look for yourself. In keeping with the Italian theme, a selection of varieties of panettone are for sale in the rear showroom in anticipation for Christmas. If this is a treat you have not tried, call in on 11th December late night opening and enjoy a free tasting ! Carole at Florence Leather Collection is looking forward to welcoming you.

Needful Things

Needful Things are celebrating their 16th Christmas in Castle Cary with displays from floor to ceiling of beautiful trees,

garlands, wreaths, decorations and their very special Santas and Angels, Musical Globes and Musical Scenes. There are plenty of ideas for Stocking Fillers and Christmas Gifts including: Lotions and Potions; Scented Candles and Reeds; Bronzes and Table Centre Pieces ... the list goes on. Don't miss this delightful Christmas Emporium and right next door, their stylish winter clothing and accessories are proving to be a great hit too. Come join in the fun at Needful Things of Castle Cary ... delighting children, of all ages, since 1999!

Carole looks forward to welcoming you to the newly opened Florence Leather Collection - the Italian leather handbag shop.

THE VISITOR December 2014 9

Bruton’s Christmas Evening Wednesday 10th December 6pm – 9pm

BRUTON is holding A Christmas Evening, on Wednesday 10th December from 6 - 9pm. The High Street will be closed to traffic, the shops will be open for you to browse for Christmas gifts and goodies and there will be plenty of stalls lining the street selling a variety of gifts and other items. The festivities begin when the lights are switched on at 6pm.

Father Christmas will be abseiling into town (just like last year) and then he will move into his Grotto where he will distribute gifts to children. There will be plenty going on throughout the evening for you to enjoy including stilt walkers, carol singers, a ghost walk, a treasure hunt, etc., so make a note in your diary today to visit Bruton’s Christmas Evening.

Rare 17c 1680 Jacobean moulded front chest in oak - of small dimensions 30in x 28in. Available from Quillon House Antiques.

Bruton Motor Services

Established for over 20 years, Rob Mahoney and his experienced staff at Bruton Motor Services offer a full servicing and repair service on all makes of cars, vans and light commercials. There is a fully equipped, purpose built, MOT bay complete with all the latest diagnostic computer equipment for testing emissions etc. Other services offered include tyres, batteries and exhausts at competitive prices, and the prompt acquisition of spares. If you are going away for Christmas make sure your car is roadworthy. Book in for a service today. The festive window of The Antique Shop, with its distinctive blind, has a wonderful selection of items that would make pleasing Christmas gifts.

Beautiful Jewellery... Just one of many gift ideas from

5 High Street, Bruton. Tel: 01749 813264

Furniture - Jewellery - Collectables - Decorative Art Jewellery Making - Repairs - Restringing

Open: thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 till 5.30 December: tuesday, Wednesday, thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 till 5.30 Dave & Mike wish all their customers a very Merry Christmas

10 THE VISITOR December 2014

The Antique Shop

Entertaining this Christmas? Then brighten your festive table

with some silver candlesticks or perhaps a cut glass decanter or some beautiful glasses. You are sure to see something special for your guests too at The Antique Shop in Bruton where there is always a superb choice of jewellery ... an ideal gift. Do pay them a visit, the stock is constantly changing.

Book Launch

Steve Ross, a Bruton based author has just published his first book titled Sex, Trucks and Rock n' Roll. The book is about the author and his adventures as a truck driver on rock tours during the 70s and 80s. The book will be launched at the Bruton Castle, between 6pm and 8pm, and will run alongside the Art @ the Castle exhibition.

Station Road, Bruton, Somerset

Are pleased to offer Full Class 4 MOT Facilities MOTs • MOT Preparation • Welding Service and Repairs on all makes of Vehicle

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Tel / Fax: 01749 812992 Mobile: 07976 401432

Bruton’s Christmas Evening Wednesday 10th December 6pm – 9pm

Truffles Brasserie

Antiques

Lawrences’ Autumn Fine Art Auction

THE FINAL DAY of Lawrences’ major Autumn Fine Art auction in Crewkerne comprised clocks, works of art, furniture, carpets and rugs.

three course dinner you can be sure of the quality of the food and the excellent service provided by Truffles. Treat the family to afternoon tea and delicious pastries, served daily, except on Mondays.

Situated at the bottom of the High Street, Truffles Brasserie is a restaurant serving imaginative cuisine in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you are wanting breakfast, lunch, or a

A Cole-type strut clock made by C. F. Hancock of Mayfair proved popular and exceeded its £3,000 - £4,000 estimate to take £5,970 and an Atmos clock doubled hopes to make £2,270. A walnut longcase clock took £2,500 and a mahogany stick barometer saw a rise in pressure as it exceeded its £1,000 - £1,500 to make £4,540.

Truffles Brasserie in the High Street Bruton - enjoy a taste of France with their Prix Fixe lunches, daily specials and delicious dinner menu.

Quillon House Antiques

16 HIGH STREET , BRUTON  01749 812269

 17 th / 18 th C. Oak and Country Furniture  Arms & Armoury  Equestrian Paintings  Valuations Undertaken  Antiques Purchased

Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

1970 Troika Lampbase 12-inches initialled ‘A.N.’

10.00am — 5.30pm

Truffles BRASSERIE

95 High Street, Bruton, BA10 0AR

Amongst a host of solid prices in the furniture selection, £1,790 was paid for a beech and yew wood ‘Gothic’ Windsor armchair; £3,460 for an 18th Century Continental toilet commode with elaborate marquetry; £3,460 for a pair of folding mahogany campaign chairs (c.1750-1770); £1,310 for a Turkey carpet; and a total of £11,230 for a suite of 31 ‘Regence’ style oak dining chairs, each elegantly upholstered with gross and petit point needlework.

The Crewkerne firm reported a total in excess of £1,200,000 for the week of sales. A ‘New Terrestrial’ pocket globe by Nathaniel Hill was about the size of a tennis ball and rolled up to £1,310 and a carefully stocked apothecary’s cabinet was bid to £1,790. A neatly worked needlework sampler, produced by Anne Raffan in the late 19th Century, made £1,610. An Indo-Portuguese tortoiseshell table cabinet from the 17th Century had a fall front enclosing an arrangement of nine drawers. The fine rich colour ensured that bidding reached just over £6,200.

Beaminster Antiques, Vintage & Collectables Fair

Saturday 13 December th

Public Hall BEAMINSTER Dorset 9.30am – 4.00pm

Bookings & Enquiries Meadow Fairs 01297 24446

Morning Coffee & Breakfast • Prix Fixe Lunch • Dinners All Day Brasserie Menu • Daily Specials Wednesday Special set 2 course menu £10 from 6pm

NOW OPEN ALL DAY Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 9am

 Afternoon Tea & Patisserie served daily (not Monday)  Bookings now being taken for our Christmas Party Menu and Christmas Day Menu both available on our website

Bookings call: 01749 812180 or email: trufflesbruton@gmail.com www.trufflesbrasserie.com

THE VISITOR December 2014 11

VINTAGE Motor Cycling I START THIS MONTH with an item of good news, and how welcome is that. Back in the summer I made mention in this column of the Wells Classic Motor Cycle Clubs Tortoise & Hare Run, an event held annually, and which is used to raise money for charity. This year they did particularly well and raised a massive £2,000 which has recently been donated to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Congratulations to all concerned for what was obviously a job well done. When doing a little research for these articles it is sometimes amazing what snippets of useless information you pick up. Did you know for example that Lesney, the makers of Dinky Toys, have used eleven different sizes and shape of tyres on their models? Did you also know that the Autocycle Club has recently announced that a new lap record for the Isle of Man (37¾ miles remember) has recently been set using an NVT moped? The new record now stands at a shade under seven hours, commendable but it no way compares with modern superbikes doing the same lap in under 18 minutes. I might apply to Mastermind and choose such oddities as my specialist subject. I like to keep a guarded eye on what our legislators are thinking up next to foul up our pastime. Now I see that the process of Chromium Plating is under scrutiny once more because of the rather obnoxious chemicals used. Safety in the workplace is paramount of course but this process, together with virtually all electro-plating procedures, has been going for well over a hundred years. With little

● ● ● ● ● ●

MOTOR ING

thought for the consequences the European law makers want to ban the process with no suitable alternative in place. If you are restoring a vehicle I suggest you get the chrome done early before any action is taken. Various bodies involved with the preservation of old vehicles are trying to fight this ban, or at least get an exemption for us. I am sure there will be more to come on this subject. I have written many times of the problems of Ethanol in petrol and have no wish to labour this point, but an interesting experiment has been done which I hope is of interest to you. The Vincent Owners Club has carried out a year long test in which fuel hoses and a complete carburettor were immersed in blends of petrol which contained either 5%, 10% or 85% ethanol. Upon examination the carburettor immersed in the 85% solution was fit only for the scrap bin but the fuel hoses were untouched. Conversely the carburettor immersed in the 5% and 10% solutions showed differing results. At 5% the carburettor showed marked corrosion but at 10%

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12 THE VISITOR December 2014

there was none. The fuel hoses at both 5% and 10% had disintegrated badly. Although these results seem at odds with each other they can be partially explained by the absorption of water with the 10% ethanol. I am now of a mind to let the boffins sort this mess out. December is a quiet time for our activities on the road but club life continues, mainly with the large consumption of Turkey and all the trimmings, always very social occasions. The Somerset Section has a Bring and Buy for its club night on the 4th and this is quickly followed on the 7th with their Christmas Run and Lunch. They also have Ashleys Run on the 27th from the Pecking Mill Inn at Evercreech. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section make do this month with their Christmas Dinner on the 8th at East Stour. The Dorset Section has its Lunch Meet on the 3rd at West Stour, then has a Social Evening for its club night on the 10th, followed by their Christmas Run and Lunch at Leigh on the 14th. Lastly they have their Breakfast Meet again at West Stour on the 27th. Further details on any of these events can be gained by ringing 01935-872528.

My picture this month shows something a little different. It shows a 1923 Triumph Ricardo sidecar combination done out in the livery of the AA Association. The AA did indeed use some of these outfits for the patrolmen to carry out their duties. What is slightly strange was the use of the Ricardo model which had been designed as a fast roadgoing/racing machine. It had a four valve cylinder head with a high compression piston and in solo trim was quite a performer. So why use such a thoroughbred to haul along a heavy sidecar full of spares and tools, this is like asking the racehorse Najinski to pull a brewery dray cart. This job was usually given to the large capacity side valve engined machines which could slog away all day. This is a question we may never have answered. Rod Hann.

Snowy Conditions

With news of the recent heavy snowfall in America, and knowing that their weather often drifts over the Atlantic to reach the UK, here are a few tips for driving in snowy conditions. 1. Clear snow and ice from your entire car, including the roof, flying chunks of snow and ice pose a danger. Think of those driving behind you. Imagine seeing a sheet of snow coming off the car ahead. 2. Accelerate slowly to avoid wheel spin.

3. Go smooth and easy - reduce your speed to lessen the likelihood of a skid. Avoid any sudden inputs to the steering, throttle, or brakes. Use lower gears when decelerating, to allow the engine to slow the car. 4. Give yourself some space - don’t drive too close to the car in front and allow yourself plenty of time to stop.

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

morning from Lamp Lighters in the George Shopping Precinct. Mike is also available for guitar tuition. See advert for details.

Bluebird and Buttercup

If you are looking for inspiration this Christmas then visit Bluebird and Buttercup - recently

Keep warm this winter with a woodburning stove. R. A. Wicks of Merriott have an excellent range - save money when ordering before the end of January.

Lawrences Auctioneers

Lawrences Auctioneers conduct over 85 antiques auctions per year, ranging from popular and affordable weekly general sales every Wednesday to lavish Fine Art sales in six catalogues per year. A full team of specialists complements a range of valuation services for all requirements (insurance, IHT, family division,

auction assessment etc). The Crewkerne saleroom has ample free parking and an excellent cafe on sale days. See details at www.lawrences.co.uk

Mike’s Music

Although Mike’s Music no longer has a shop in Crewkerne due to retirement – ‘strings and things’ can be purchased on a Saturday

RACING AHEAD

Sam Cornelius-Light at Bluebird and Buttercup of Crewkerne. Here you will find a host of locally sourced crafts and gifts, as well as the popular Di Palomo range of toiletries.

GORGEOUS GIFTS FOR ALL Showcasing Local Designers and Artists Inspiration for Home & Garden Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm

Bluebird and Buttercup No. 4, The George Shopping Centre CREWKERNE, TA18 7LU Tel: 01460 77728 www.bluebirdandbuttercup.co.uk

Mikes Music

Will be selling Strings and Things on Saturday Mornings from 10am – 2pm at The Lamplighters, The George Shopping Centre, Crewkerne

Guitar Lessons are also available – for details ring MIKE on 01460 75663 C. N. Hemy watercolour, from a West Country home BOUGHT FOR A RECORD £32,200

Weekly General Auctions (700 lots from £20) Six Catalogued Auctions per Year (2000+ lots from just £50) Full Team of Specialists with 300 years of experience Home Visits by Appointment See our sales and read our news at www.lawrences.co.uk

We have SOLD 50,000+ LOTS in 12 months

 01460 73041

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

15% discount

OFF FIREVIEW STOVES Offer ends 31st January

Supply and Installation of Wood Burning & Multifuel Stoves  Own Professional Fitters  HETAS REGISTERED

R. A. WICKS Ltd. See our Showrooms

Clapper Hay, Church Street, MERRIOTT, nr. CREWKERNE, TA16 5PR  01460 74612 visit our website www.wicksheating.co.uk

THE VISITOR December 2014 13

opened in the George Shopping Precinct, Crewkerne. Run by Sam Cornelius-Light the business was formerly based on the levels but due to flooding in the area had to re-locate to new premises. Sam specialises in locally made crafts, gifts and clothing – many items ethically sourced. Due to the nature of the products many are one-off originals – stock includes up-cycled painted furniture, hand-made oil cloth bags, scarves, brooches, organic cotton children’s clothing, soap,

Christmas decorations and more. Gift vouchers can be purchased and a wish list is available - ideal for solving the ‘what to get’ problem. Stock changes regularly. See website for more details.

Robert Frith Optometrists

All the staff at Robert Frith Optometrists would like to wish everyone an enjoyable festive period. Providing all aspects of eye care to patients in Crewkerne and the surrounding area, the

practice aims to cater for every individual whatever their need. Whether you require a new pair of spectacles for the Christmas party season, or a complete new look with contact lenses, make Robert Frith Optometrists your first port of call. Maybe you are stuck for a Christmas gift? Why

not consider a gift voucher to put towards designer sunglasses or spectacles? Telephone 01460 72964 to make an appointment.

Antiques Bazaar

Christmas shopping is fun at Antiques Bazaar. A real opportunity to spend a

Put your feet up and relax this Christmas with a rise and recliner from Regency Care & Mobility in Falkland Square. You will also find a good choice of mobility scooters and everyday living aids to make life easier.

14 THE VISITOR December 2014

Christmas is coming - but so is the Self Assessment deadline - advice from Chalmers & Co.

It is that time of year when we are all concentrating on the festive season. But as a small business owner with year end accounts and a self assessment tax return to do by 31 January 2015, it is also time to make sure that your affairs are in order. You need to remember Santa

is never late and neither should you be where the Tax Man is involved. So, if you need help, we at Chalmers & Co would be happy to assist. Give us a call now and relax at Christmas in the knowledge that your accounts and tax returns are in good hands. Something Special card and gift shop is now owned by Sarah Roy and Dean Walker who have recently completely revamped the shop. There is now an extensive range of cards for all occasions. Quality toys have been introduced such as tin drums, wooden dolls houses, puzzles, glove puppets and more, all at sensible prices. The range of sweets in jars, are extremely popular and include such favourites as fudge and sherbert pips. Sweets are also pre-packed in cones making them an ideal Christmas treat. Other gift ranges are available such as photo frames and

Chalmers chartered accountants

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

jewellery. New stock is still arriving so pop in and see the complete range. There is a 10%

discount for those purchasing goods to the value of £10 or more – so hurry.

Something Special

&CO

few relaxing hours browsing around the vast array of stands, cabinets and displays. An Asian temple gong, a wind-up gramaphone, incense sticks, wrapping paper, greetings cards, painted furniture, dining tables, sofas, vintage clothes and textiles, oriental china, sets of drinking glasses, vintage tools - the list is endless - and all beautifully displayed. Soak up the atmosphere, with period music playing and a whiff of incense in the air. Finish your visit with tea or coffee and a cake in The Home Bakery, our own on-site cafe.

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

A host of treasures over two floors Crewkerne Antique Centre.

CREWKERNE ANTIQUES CENTRE

with 50 Dealers & 30 Display Cabinets over 2 Floors

✳ GOLD & SILVER BOUGHT ✳ Jewellery, Silver, Glass, Rocking Horses, China and an Extensive Range of Furniture ANTIQUES BOUGHT & SOLD Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm

16 MARKET STREET • CREWKERNE Tel: 01460 77111

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP & NOW COMPLETELY REVAMPED

Free initial consultation

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

www.chalmersaccountants.co.uk or email us on

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

Something Special

Cards & Gifts No 1 The George Shopping Centre, Crewkerne, TA18 7LU

Extensive range of Greetings Cards for Every Occasion Quality Toys at Sensible Prices Traditional Sweets in Jars

Gifts for Weddings, Anniversaries, Births Christenings & more ... do call in!

THE VISITOR December 2014 15

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

Red Berry Collections

Every year at Christmas, Red Berry Recruitment Ltd. help to raise awareness of a particular local charity and ask for donations to support their cause. This year each office has chosen a different charity - and they are

as follows: Shepton Mallet Branch – Shepton Mallet Food Bank. Donations Needed: tinned foods such as veg, potatoes and beans, tinned meats, biscuits, chocolate and baby clothes. Yeovil Branch – Fearne

Animal Sanctuary in Chard. Donations Needed: tinned cat and dog food, toys and chews, treats for horses. Bridgwater Branch – Food Bank for the Trussell Trust. Donations Needed: tinned ham/food, biscuits, chocolate,

mince pies, male and female toiletries. If you would like to donate, please pop the relevant items into your closest branch by Friday 12th December 2014. On behalf of our chosen charities and Red Berry Recruitment, thank you so very much and Merry Christmas.

Robert Stone & Co., Chartered Accountants and tax advisers in Ilminster answers questions from small businesses in Somerset Q1. My consulting company holds a significant amount of cash and I would like it to buy a piece of artwork as an investment, what are the tax implications? Robert Stone replies:

If the artwork is kept at your home there will be a taxable benefit in kind, which needs to be declared on the annual form P11D. Say the artwork cost £30,000: You will pay income tax on 20% x £30,000 = £6,000 at your marginal rate, each year. The

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Woodside Court at

SPARKFORD

Attractive out of town premises within easy access of the A303

 WORKSHOP - OPERATING CENTRE available TO LET January 1st. Excellent location, ½ mile from A303 on A359 next to Haynes Motor Museum. good access, 3-bay workshop 18 x 24 metres. Capacity 40 HgVs. For more details please contact Pauline: pauline@lewisandcox.co.uk or telephone 01963 440231.

 UNIT G6 - Well Appointed Business Unit. Approximately 352 square feet, kitchen / running water, front and rear access, super location, ample free parking. Ideal for a small business or hairdresser, dog groomer, florist, beauty salon, or perhaps satellite branch for an expanding business.

 STORAGE UNITS - Secure Shipping Containers available TO LET. Competitive prices unlimited access to site.

 FOR SALE - Commercial Kitchen Equipment. Champagne chillers x 2, Champagne buckets, glasses, refrigerators, tables, lounge furniture to include leather chairs and sofas and chenille type covered sofas / seating. Full Amenities including Toilets, Kitchen, Meeting Room Facilities and Ample Free Parking Competitive Rental • Flexible Tenancies • Non Restricted Opening Hours

Enquiries: MARYANNE STOKES 07747 676833 Or email: maz@maryannestokes.co.uk • www.woodsidecourt.co.uk 16 THE VISITOR December 2014

BUSINESS

Family Health with

Jenna Evans

Making The Most of Your Medicines - Part Two

Helen Lacey, MD of Red Berry Recruitment and her staff would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and to remind you that all donations to their Christmas charity appeals need to be delivered to their relevant offices by 12th December.

company must also pay class 1A NICs of 13.8% x £6,000 = £828 per year. If the artwork is to be kept in a bank vault as a pure investment, there won't be a benefit in kind charge for you. However, the business must pay the insurance and storage costs, for which there will be no tax deduction. There is also no tax deduction for the cost of buying the artwork as it is not an item used for the business. If the company closes, any creditors will be able to access the value of that art, just as if it was cash. If the business is solvent when it closes holding significant investments, it may not qualify for entrepreneurs' relief, which would otherwise reduce the tax you pay on any gain made on the liquidated asset of the company down to 10%.

Q2. I am currently aged 57 and while I have been out of the country, I have paid voluntary national insurance contributions to allow me to qualify for the state pension. I recently asked the Pensions Service whether I need to carry on paying voluntary NICs but I'm very confused about the answer. Do I need 10, 30 or 35 qualifying years, to get the full state pension? Robert Stone replies:

The rules for qualifying for the State Pension will change for anyone who reaches state pension age after 5 April 2016, so that includes you. A person currently needs 30 years of NICs to achieve full entitlement to the state

pension, but that is to increase to 35 years for people who reach state pension age from April 2016. You will need a minimum of 10 qualifying years to get any of the new state pension, which will be paid at a flat rate.

Q3. How can I easily calculate a total amount to claim for the self-employed business I run from my home, for example the total amount of usage for rent, gas, insurance, council tax, internet usage and broadband? Robert Stone replies:

There is an easy way to calculate the deductible amount of your home expenses, you simply record how many hours you work at home each month and claim the appropriate flat rate: - Working 25 to 50 hours at home allows a £10 claim for the month - Working 51 to 100 hours at home allows a £18 claim for the month - Working 101 or more hours at home allows a £26 claim for the month This rate covers the cost of power, telephone, internet access, but it doesn't cover council tax, insurance, rent or mortgage interest. Those other costs should be apportioned according to the space you use for your business in the property, and how many hours you use that space. We can help you with the calculation.

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

FOLLOWING ON from last month’s article, we’ll be taking a closer look at how foods can affect medicines. Meals high in fat, protein or carbohydrate can all potentially change the effects of certain drugs. All three of these food types can slow the emptying of the stomach. Now, for drugs you want to have broken down quickly such as pain killers or sedatives, this could slow how quickly they take effect. Some drugs may also be broken down too much or too quickly by staying in the highly acidic environment of the stomach. This is especially true of high protein meals as the protein can increase the levels of acidity in the stomach. If a drug is required to be broken down slowly and this doesn’t happen, it can increase the risk of side effects. Some supplements need to be taken away from high protein meals too, for example the amino acid tryptophan (used to elevate levels of the feel good hormone serotonin) has to compete with other amino acids for utilisation. Therefore it is recommended that you take these supplements with a carbohydrate snack, eliminating competition from other proteins. On the other hand steroids require an increase in protein in the diet, providing those extra building blocks during recovery. As well as delaying stomach emptying, the presence of a high fat meal can have other effects. If you are taking fat blocker for instance, this can lead to digestive upsets and very fatty stools. Fat blockers incidentally can interfere with the fat soluble nutrients in our diets - including the Vitamins A,D,E & K. So it is important to make sure you have a good intake of these nutrients away from the drug. A,D,E & K can benefit from a meal that contains healthy fats, indeed those are the foods you will find good yields of A,E & K in naturally our main intake of Vitamin D would be from the sun. A high fibre diet, as well as slowing gastric emptying, can create problems by binding with certain drugs. The soluble fibre found in oats, fruits, peas and beans can bind to statins and paracetamol amongst others. The insoluble fibre found in bran and

fruit and veg skins can bind to the heart medicine digoxin. Steroids can be affected by both forms of fibre. Grapefruit can block enzymes that breakdown drugs, creating a spike in blood levels and therefore upping risks. It is thought this risk could also apply to pomegranate, cranberry, tangerines, oranges and limes. Drugs at risk of interactions include those used for cholesterol, vascular disorders, nausea, immunosuppressing, urinary tract issues, cancer and infections. Alcohol has interactions with hundreds of drugs and can increase the risk of drowsiness and light headedness. Alcohol also depletes B Vitamins (especially B1), Vitamins C & E, probiotics and minerals. Fizzy drinks are a big mugger of nutrients. The sugar alone robs the body of B Vitamins, Zinc, Chromium and Magnesium. Add the phosphoric acid leaching bone and teeth building minerals and add in the usual host of colourants and artificial everything and you have one lethal cocktail! Tea and coffee can also have a detrimental effects on many nutrients and drugs. Tannins and caffeine can rob your body of minerals such as Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium and Iron. So if you’re a massive tea or coffee drinker, think about cutting back and switching out to herbal brews. Also please don’t eat or take your vitamin supplements whilst knocking back these drinks! Both caffeine and tannins can make drugs be broken down too quickly, block their effects and some drugs actually slow the breakdown of caffeine increasing its effects! So always read all the packaging you get with any drug or supplement to make sure you’re getting the most out of them while minimising side effects. If reading this has given you any concerns about your drug-food interactions - don’t make any sudden changes to your diet, but do talk to your GP or pharmacist. Next month we’ll be taking a look at how drugs can rob the body of nutrients (creating side effects) and how that can be safely corrected. Jenna Evans ©2014. Jenna is a Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’. Jenna is available instore as a 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.

THE VISITOR December 2014 17

Fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables add splashes of colour to the pavement of Cheap Street.

A FEW DAYS BEFORE Remembrance Sunday I took a quiet reflective look at Sherborne’s war memorial on Half Moon Street in front of the Abbey. Originally erected in memory of the local men who were killed in the ‘war to end all wars’, it also commemorates those who were killed in World War II. And alongside I noticed a plaque listing the names of 18 civilians killed in an air raid on Sherborne on 30th September 1940. Why, I wondered, would the Germans want to target this sleepy little Dorset town? And why so early in the conflict? The tragedy seems to be allbut-forgotten in the town nowadays, but thanks to the writings of the late Rodney Legg I now know the full story. Just before 4.00pm that afternoon, 37 Heinkel bombers were flying 20,000 feet above Yeovil towards their target – the Westland Aircraft Company’s works and aerodrome – but the cloud cover made this impossible to find. Flying in formation in a northeasterly direction that had been set from glimpses of the railway line, the bombers passed harmlessly over Yeovil and began to bomb blind across west and central Sherborne. In the course of less than four minutes more than 100 bombs were dropped,

Sherborne Shoe Repairs ★ Shoe Repairs ★ Key Cutting ... while you wait

★ Luggage

2 Swan Yard Sherborne Tel: 01935 817978

North Dorset & South Somerset

PREMIER ART SHOP

Gifts to the budding and professional artists this Christmas

Liquitex Stockist * Picture Framing Greeting Cards * Craft Materials

12 Cheap Street, Sherborne 18 THE VISITOR December 2014

Tel: 01935 817100

some say as many as 300, most of them falling on homes, roads and shops. Amazingly the abbey and the surrounding complex of ancient buildings escaped almost unscathed, but of the town’s 1,700 buildings, 86 were destroyed or ruined, and blast damage to roofs and windows meant that a further 680 needed repairs. 18 people were killed and 31 casualties were taken to hospital.

Sherborne’s friendly independent bicycle shop NEW

Electric From kids to full carbon road bikes, Bike cycles of all kinds supplied and Showroom serviced including ebikes. Parts & accessories supplied & fitted. Cycle brands include: Merida, Raleigh, Dawes, Volt. We also have suppliers for a huge range of components & accessories. Riley’s is just a minutes walk from the Abbey. Why not save yourself a trip to impersonal large stores and try your local cycle shop first?

The long-established family business of E. B. Marsh & Son Ltd can be found in Cheap Street.

Riley’s Cycles (Through Arch) Trendle Street, Sherborne, DT9 3NT

 01935 812038

Find us at

www.rileyscycles.co.uk

In 1984 Legg interviewed Edward Freeman, who had been clerk to Sherborne Urban District Council from 1936 to 1974.

USEFUL CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ...

H Lamy Pens & Gift Sets H Artists Materials H Filofax and Collins Personal Organisers H 2015 Diaries H 2015 Calendars

GIFT WRAP AND GREETING CARDS STOCKED also CARDMAKING ITEMS Call at our shop ...

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

www.midwest-office.co.uk

59 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3AX Tel: 01935 389665 34 Market Place, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1AR Tel: 01258 472564 www.ebmarsh.com

THE VISITOR December 2014 19

Freeman told him that ‘there were no longer any services at all. No water, no telephones – the exchange had a direct hit – no gas, no electricity, and the sewers and all roads out of town were blocked.’ He added that ‘one of

the miracles was in Newland where Foster’s Infant School received a direct hit and had to be pulled down afterwards. It was hit only a quarter of an hour after the children had left.’ On the council’s housing estate at

Lenthay Road ten houses were completely destroyed and there was damage to all the remaining 108, most of it serious. In the town centre the Cheap Street end of Half Moon Street and part of Cheap Street itself were blitzed, but being one of the first English towns to be extensively damaged in the war, repairs were carried out quite quickly, and the efficiency of the local Civil Defence was held up as an example to other places, as was the resilience of Sherborne’s inhabitants.

Over 70 years later there are few reminders to be seen of the catastrophe. Before the air raid the gap between the Pear Tree Deli Café and the Half Moon Hotel was occupied by part of Phillips & Son’s outfitters, whose store stretched back towards Cheap Street – and take a look at the little shops on either side of the path to Cheap Street Church. In 1851 two identical shops were built, one on each side of the entrance. The shop on the north side was severely damaged

WET ROOM

Olivers Coffee House stands alongside the arcade leading to the former Co-op store, now a Waitrose supermarket.

SPECIALISTS

FULL PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICE

If you are having difficulty getting in and out of the bath ... a wet room is the perfect solution. Wet rooms can be tailored to suit your personal requirements VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS

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

20 THE VISITOR December 2014

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

Much of Sherborne’s charm lies in its little lanes and alleys off the main streets.

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

Stylish kitchens to suit you

Excellent teashops, cafes and pubs are plentiful in Sherborne.

in the air raid and was rebuilt with a different frontage. To see how it originally appeared, take a look at its neighbour on the south side of the entrance. And the plaque alongside the war memorial is a lasting reminder. On a happier note, as always there are countless events happening in and around Sherborne between now and Christmas, and the place to find out about them is the Tourist Information Centre. Not only are the helpful staff a mine of information about things to do and places to visit in the town and around, they can also book overnight accommodation for you, sell you tickets for events and offer you a range of local gifts and souvenirs to take home. And as always, the TIC is selling charity Christmas cards, so it’s well worth a visit. You’ll find it on Digby Road between the railway station and the Abbey, so if you come by train you can’t miss it! Sherborne has good public transport links, both train and bus, and is well provided with car parks close to the town centre – and West Dorset’s car park charges are inexpensive

compared with those of neighbouring authorities. Window-shopping here is always a pleasure thanks to the large number of small independent shops (more than 100, I’m told) offering an amazing variety of interesting and unusual products. Thanks, too, to the pedestrianised Cheap Street which makes browsing there such a safe pastime. So it’s no wonder that the town always seems bustling whatever time of year I visit, and the coming Christmas promises to be no exception. With the shops stocked up for the Christmas trade there is plenty to see, and an open air market every Thursday and Saturday by the Conduit on Cheap Street certainly creates a lively atmosphere. On the third Friday morning of each month a farmers market is held at the same place, and both markets will be operating on Sunday 7th December from 10.00am until 4.00pm when the chamber of trade and the town council are staging a festive shopping day with plenty happening to appeal to families. Roger Richards.

Caffe Baglioni

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

MALCOLM HELYAR

Proprietor “See our door library with hundreds of colours and finishes”

New Kitchen? House Renovation? We project manage from start to finish! ■ Plan and design ■ Undertake the construction work ■ Install and fit units / appliances ■ Electrics ■ Plumbing ■ Plastering ■ Complete on time – to a high standard

SHERBORNE KITCHENS & HOUSE RENOVATIONS

A taste of Italy in Sherborne ...

Italian Coffee Shop

Open Monday to Saturday for Morning Coffees Light Lunches, Cakes and Pastries FULLY LICENSED H OPEN SUNDAY 7th DECEMBER

2 Swan Yard, Sherborne, DT9 3AX  01935 389389 ... Buon appetito !

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

Through the archway next to the Half Moon Hotel

Tel: 01935 817111

Email: sales@sherbornekitchens.com www.sherbornekitchens.com THE VISITOR December 2014 21

Love a Local Christmas

The historic town of Sherborne will once again light up for Christmas with a free-entry ‘Love a Local Christmas’ Festive Shopping Day on Sunday 7th December from 10am – 4pm. Organised by volunteers from Sherborne Chamber of Trade & Commerce, supported by Sherborne Town Council and Battens Charitable Trust, the event offers a great family day out, while raising awareness for many local charities. Sherborne’s Festive Shopping Day is always well supported as the town puts on a whole host of different musical, fun and entertaining activities. The main shopping area of Cheap Street is closed to traffic allowing street performers and stilt walkers, choirs, bands, orchestras, carollers, dancers and even a ‘Victorian’ chestnut roaster to provide entertainment outside Kafe Fontana. The Abbey Church welcomes visitors to join in its joyful shoppers’ carol services, held throughout the afternoon,

and to wonder at its magnificent ceiling-high Christmas tree and traditional crib scene. The Cheap Street Church stages its everpopular Christmas Tree Festival too, featuring dozens of twinkling trees, all delightfully and individually decorated. A new attraction this year is Sherborne Chamber’s Christmas Prize Draw, running from 29th November – 13th December. The draw is free to enter; shoppers simply collect eight different stamps (when they purchase an item worth £5 or more from a choice of more than thirty participating retailers) for a chance to win a collection of gifts and vouchers worth £1000. Dorset Farmers’ Market will be in full swing all day in Cheap Street while Butterfly Bright’s Artisan Market (free entry) takes place at the Digby Hall, Digby Road from 10am – 3.30pm. A real life reindeer from Bailey Ridge near Leigh makes a special appearance outside Vineyards Wine Shop from 11.30am – 2.30pm while the Christmas

Fairy models balloons and adds a sprinkling of fairy dust to the proceedings throughout the day. There will be plenty of fun for children and Santa will of course be taking up residence in his Grotto (but with a change of location this year to outside The Raleigh Hall, Digby Road) when every little person receives a gift from him (in return for a small entry fee of £2). A Children’s Festive Craft Workshop, including mini lantern making, takes place from Noon – 3.00pm at The Rendezvous Centre, organised by Artslink in association with TakepArt, and a shop window competition organised by the girls from ‘Gathered’ will keep little ones busy looking for Rudolph and friends as the grown-ups enjoy the atmosphere in town (and maybe the occasional mulled wine!). Visitors will of course be able to browse Sherborne’s wonderful shops, all offering great ideas for Christmas gifts, treats, pampering and entertaining as well as countless places to enjoy something to eat or drink in the many coffee shops, restaurants and pubs the town has to offer. There’s the award-winning Christmas display at Castle Gardens too, just five minutes drive from the town centre. The highlight of the event will be a festive and fun parade along Cheap Street, which everyone is

invited to join, led by colourful musicians and dancers, the ‘Hobos Morris’, before a traditional bagpiper welcomes everyone to the Conduit Christmas tree around 4.15pm, where choirs will sing and hundreds of lights will be illuminated. The day ends just in time for visitors to join Sherborne Abbey’s annual family-friendly Christingle service at 5pm, which is always a very special occasion. Follow all the news of what’s happening on twitter at @shopinsherborne where Sherborne invites you to ‘Love a Local Christmas’ this year.

Santa will be making an appearance at the Festive Shopping Day on Sunday 7th December.

Sherborne Douzelage Presents ...

ROMANIAN EVENING of MUSIC & DANCE

Love a local Christmas

The Conduit 22 THE VISITOR December 2014

Friday 5th December from 7.30pm Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne

Music from duo Sinaia Mythos plus local Romanian Musicians & Dancers and The Wessex Morris Men and a Poetry Reading by Elena Finger Buffet, Licensed Bar, Giant Raffle • Tickets £10 for Adults (£5 for Under 18s) Tickets available from Sherborne T.I.C. and Mary on 01963 251255

@ShopinSherborne

The CROWN Inn

Greenhill, Sherborne, DT9 4EP

DECEMBER MUSIC

Friday 5th: Lucy (guitar & piano) Wednesday 10th: Trad Jazz Friday 12th: The Drovers Friday 19th: Sam Francis

Tel: 01935 816115

Jewellery always makes a very special gift ... for ladies and gentlemen. At Ward & Sibley, the jewellers of Yeovil, you will find a wonderful choice - something suitable for all members of the family.

Colourful Nepalese slippers for children and adults would make a delightful Christmas gift. Available from Harriet Sandys of West Compton.

Harriet Sandys

On sale this December in the barn at the Manor House, West Compton will be a display of colourful and exotic textiles and unusual Christmas gifts. Kneelength wool coats, jackets and kaftans from India, smart sleeveless tweed gilets from Kashmir for men, and a new range of colourful Nepalese slippers for children and adults are just some of the items for sale. There are oriental rugs, runners and tribal kilims from Afghanistan and Iran, carved wood chests and tables from the mountain villages of Swat in northern Pakistan and a fabulous assortment of hand woven silk and wool scarves. On sale too are table lamps, block printed tablecloths, bed spreads, quilts, cushions and throws from India as well as silver jewellery from Afghanistan,Thuya wood jewellery boxes from Morocco, and semi precious stone earrings made by craftsmen living in the desert villages of Rajasthan. Prices in the barn start from ÂŁ2. The barn is open on the weekends of 6th/7th December, 13th/14th December and 20th/21st December 2pm-5pm. If

you would like to visit at any other time, the barn is open by appointment. Credit and debit cards are accepted. For further details and directions see www.sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk. Signposted from A361. The Barn at the Manor House, West Compton, Shepton Mallet BA4 4PB. Tel: 01749 890582.

The Jewellers of Yeovil

WARD & SIBLEY J ~ for ~ Wonderful & Sparkling

Established Over 65 Years

Gifts for Christmas ... with good old fashioned service

J J

THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL T Tel: 01935 474065 T Car park at rear of shop for customers visiting the shop T

THE VISITOR December 2014 23

Keep your independence at home with Make someone’s Christmas this year by setting them up with Careline in 2015

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

Do you …  Live alone or sometimes feel at risk?  Have elderly, frail or infirm dependents?  Worry about their safety in an emergency?  Want to help them maintain their independence?

If yes, Careline can provide help at the touch of button 24-hours a day 365 days a year! Through Careline, you can enjoy the independence of living in your own home, secure in the knowledge that emergency help or advice is available at your fingertips.

For all new installations booked before 31st January 2015 through this advertisement, we will offer one month free of charge! Please quote this advert when you contact us.

We offer a free demonstration and if you are happy with it, our staff can fit the unit for you immediately. Contact us on 01935 479815 careline@southsomerset.gov.uk www.southsomerset.gov.uk/careline

Initial connection / setup fee £32.70* Hire and monitoring £3.81 per week *waived if on certain benefits

This go-kart from the Berg range is available from Ben Johnson Garden Machinery on the Wincombe Business Park in Shaftesbury. Call in to his showroom where you will find go-karts for all ages. Fun for all members of the family.

O Careline - a lifeline for vulnerable people

South Somerset District Council’s Careline service continues to serve as a lifeline to over 2,000 people across South Somerset, enabling people to stay in their own homes and provide peace of mind to families that their loved ones are safe. The Careline service provides an emergency alarm button and pendant that can be worn at all times, which links to a control centre where emergency staff are on hand to answer calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Pressing the alarm button puts the customer straight into contact with staff who call a family member, neighbour or doctor if the resident was feeling unwell, or an ambulance if needed. They will also call the police if the person felt intimidated or in danger. SSDC has been running the service for 32 years and it continues to prove to be

GO-KARTS for ALL AGES!

Karts to suit 3+ years to adults 2 Year Guarantee ... prices from just £99

5 Year Guarantee

Sturdy metal construction Adjustable handlebars and seats Fun for all the family

BenJohnson

Support

H Ideal Christmas Gift H SEE OUR RANGE

Ben Johnson, 17d Wincombe Business Park, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ Tel: 01747 851021 • www.benjohnsonmowers.com John Deere BFR-AF

SALES – SERVICE – REPAIRS

24 THE VISITOR December 2014

invaluable to residents, particularly those people living alone. The service has built up a strong local reputation with its team of dedicated and experienced staff. The service offers a range of other ‘telecare’ devices which can help people live independently, such as smoke detectors, fall detectors and key safes. Careline is able to provide this through partnership working with other agencies like the Fire Service and Social Services. Alice Knight, Welfare & Careline Manager at SSDC has been spending time out and about raising awareness of Careline, providing talks to lunch clubs, carer’s forums, voluntary groups and team meetings for local agencies. If you would like to know more about Careline either for yourself, a friend or relative, or you would like us to come and talk to your group about the services we can provide, please contact us on 01935 479815, email careline@southsomerset.gov.uk or visit www.southsomerset. gov.uk/careline Careline also takes referrals from GPs, social workers, carers, the fire service and a whole range of other support agencies so people are encouraged to speak to people who help them if they think Careline could be an option for them.

“Buzzy”

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY on ... 6th December

Everyone likes to smell nice. For an extensive range of fragrances ... for both ladies and gentleman, visit Street Pharmacy.

Beyonce gift sets RRP £24.95 Now £9.95

Paco Rabanne Lady Million 30ml RRP £37.50 Now £34.95 Clinique Happy 30ml RRP £28.00 Now £21.95

Give a useful gift this Christmas - Universal Grip Turner £3.98, ‘Tin’ Safe £5.99, Key Buddy lightup key fob £4.95, ‘rock’ key concealers £5.99, just a few ideas from 3 County Locksmiths of Gillingham.

Estee Lauder Modern Muse 30ml RRP £44.00 Now £38.00 DKNY Delicious 30ml RRP £35.00 Now £28.75

Practical Gifts For All!

 Key Buddie light up key fobs £ 4.97  “Baked Bean” security can £ 5.99  “Rock Safe” leave keys safely ... looks just like a rock £ 5.99  Universal Grip Turner makes turning appliances on and off easy £ 3.98  Masterlock Key Safe - keep keys safe access by combination only £ 27.12

Christmas Shopping at Muchelney Pottery

The pottery shop in Muchelney is full of Christmas gift ideas from mugs, plates and bowls to casseroles, baking dishes and chicken bricks. Currently on display is an exhibition by professional photographer Pauline Rook entitled Reflections on the Year Past. Dramatic pictures of this year’s flooding along with flower studies of her garden. The exhibition runs until the 20th January. (See the advert in the Langport feature).

Jimmy Choo Exotic 60ml RRP £44.00 Now £39.75

Key Buddies

& Architectural Ironmongers

Your Local Locksmiths and Architectural Ironmongery Specialists Servicing Dorset, Somerset & Wiltshire Areas

Unit 5, Oakleigh Court, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4JB Tel: 01747 826311 • Mobile: 07854 757306

www: 3countylocksmiths.co.uk • email: info@3countylocksmiths.co.uk

THE VISITOR December 2014 25

If you are a collector of the popular Betty Boop ceramics you will find a wonderful selection at Fit & Furnish of Yeovil. Email: richard@workinghorses.co.uk • Website: www.workinghorses.co.uk

Dining Room

Say you saw it in The Visitor

Christmas Gift Ideas at

Betty Boop

Childs Chair

Games Set

Large Clock

Fancy Chest

Arch Mirror

Sign & Lamp

The Old Vincent’s Showroom, Market Street, YEOVIL, BA20 1HZ  01935 412811 • Email: info@fitandfurnish.co.uk • www.fitandfurnish.co.uk

FREE PARKING OUTSIDE THE DOOR

26 THE VISITOR December 2014

Heavy Horses Experience Days O

Purchase a gift voucher for a friend or family member so that they have the chance to experience the thrill of working a gentle giant. Swainsford Heavy Horses Experience Days are designed to give participants a taste of handling, harnessing and working with a heavy horse. Participants will learn how to harness a horse to pull an implement and to have the pleasure of driving a heavy horse in a cart. Swainsford Heavy Horses - 10 horses which are Percherons and Coloured Draft ranging in age from 2 years to 22 years. The courses are held on the farm at Broadwater Farm, Mere, Wiltshire close to the Dorset border. The days are suitable for anybody over the age of 13 and cost £100.00, this includes lunch and refreshments. Discounts are available for two or more people booking together or for additional days. For further information on their courses or to book or purchase a gift voucher visit www.workinghorses.co.uk, email richard@workinghorses.co.uk or contact Richard Branscombe on 01747 860879.

Mallet. There is ample free parking, and Jon Thorner’s farm shop and café are next door. O

Bear Grylls multi tool £19.95, Drapers inspection lamp £39.95 and a calculator that runs on water! only £2.95 - just some of the many gift ideas at The Tool and Vice Shop Yeovil. O

Does your pet need a new bed? Call into Crossroads Pet Supplies on the Sherborne Causeway, where you will find a good choice.

Pylle Emporium & Gallery

Looking for Christmas gifts that are a little bit ‘special and unique’, why not visit Pylle Emporium & Gallery? They have 5 large showrooms with an extensive range of antiques and modern, quality items. There are Oriental antiques, porcelain, glassware, and silver. Antique furniture such as dressers, dining tables and chairs, chests of drawers, desks, and wardrobes. The upstairs Art Gallery has been completely refurbished, with over two hundred pictures. Pylle Emporium & Gallery is situated on the A37 just south of Shepton

The Toy Barn

Come and see Father Christmas at the Toy Barn this winter. He will be here between Friday 12th and Sunday 14th December, details are on line at www.toy-barn.co.uk. We recommend booking in advance! We have a newly designed shop with great new lines of toys in store. Find those great well made toys for

Christmas this year alongside the traditional favourites. We also have the best outdoor toy shop in the South West; come and try out a selection of climbing frames and trampolines. We have experience from school play grounds to small back gardens ask our friendly staff for help. Visit us on line at www.toy-barn.co.uk or call us on 01935 815040 to see the best in toys and outdoor play. Find us on the A30 outside Sherborne at Blackmarsh Farm DT9 4JX.

NOW ON AT ...

Tools & Accessories for D.I.Y. and The Professionals Leading makes stocked including DRAPER, MAKITA and DeWALT

107 Middle Street, Yeovil  01935 412333

Under Archway past Ward & Sibley and next to The Nail Bar

ANTIQUES & ART PYLLE EMPORIUM

Dog tired of high prices?

CROSSROADS PET SUPPLIES VISIT

SUPPLIERS OF

• Pet Foods • Bird & Pigeon Seeds • Full range of Toys, Hutches, Accessories

... all at competitive prices Ample FREE PARKING outside the Door Find us at Forward Garage on the main A30 between Sherborne & Yeovil

Tel: 01935 411859 .

Whether you are looking for lovely furniture for your home or exciting CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS come pay us a visit

Based in Pylle, Somerset on the A37 • 5 Minutes South of Shepton Mallet

Web: www.pylleemporium.co.uk Email: antiques@pylleemporium.co.uk

Pylle Emporium, Stockwood Business Park SHEPTON MALLET, BA4 6TA Tel: 01749 838783

Open All Week • Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm • Sunday by Appointment

THE VISITOR December 2014 27

One World

One World - such an interesting shop, with 6 showrooms over 2 floors stocked with beautiful and unique gifts from around the world - many fair trade. New in - a delightful selection of rugs and throws, to brighten up your home. The Indian cotton bedspreads too are proving very popular. If you are looking for Christmas gift ideas then there are plenty at

One World - warm winter scarves made from lambs or alpaca wool, extra soft bamboo socks, stunning silver jewellery, glass vases, fair trade baskets and more! The children’s toy department has a wonderful choice of children’s traditional and soft toys, including gifts for babies. There is always a good choice of stationery, cards for all occasions and diaries. Call in today and see for yourself.

Pictured left ‘Synchronicity’ £95 by Angela Davidson. One of a range of giclee limited edition animal prints, framed in light coloured mounts and black frames, available from Martock Gallery of Martock.

‘Star of the Morning’ Giclee Limited Edition Print by Pam Carter

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

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

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

This festive floral arrangement is just one of many available from Andrea’s of Yeovil, your local Interflora agent.

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

Flowers say so much! “Merry Christmas” - “Happy New Year” - “Thank You”...

BOUQUETS • ARRANGEMENTS • PLANTS

Andrea’s of Yeovil

As an extra treat why not add a Box of Chocolates or a Teddy?

78 Middle Street, Yeovil BA20 1LT FREEPHONE: 08000 92 93 50  01935 706526

Hurry!

Last Minute Gift Guide

Print: 18th December Deadline: 5th December

The Visitor

Tel: 01963 351256 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

28 THE VISITOR December 2014

For the dressmaker, there is a wide choice of gifts at Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts in Sturminster Newton - from sewing boxes to the latest sewing machines.

The Visitor Guide to your local West Stour • Nr Gillingham • Dorset • SP8 5RP

The versatile menu at The Ship Inn caters both for those who want a hearty sandwich and a pint, to those who want to enjoy a full three-course meal with a decent bottle of wine. Our dishes are a blend of the traditional and the not so familiar, with a specials board and fresh fish board that offer further daily choices. We pride ourselves on using local and seasonal ingredients as much as possible and all dishes are freshly prepared and cooked to order. ______________________

Christmas Menu 2014 3 courses £24.95 / 2 courses £18.95 (coffee & mince pies included)

BOOKINGS AND PRE-ORDERS ONLY Available Lunch or Evening from 1st December to 24th December 2014

Starters

Cheddar, onion & real ale soup, freshly baked homemade bread Chicken, pistachio & ham terrine, festive chutney, toasted homemade bread and dressed leaves

Tian of smoked mackerel & horseradish topped with fresh prawns, citrus & dill mayo Toasted brioche topped with mushrooms in a garlic and tarragon cream, balsamic glaze

Mains

Roast breast of turkey, cranberry stuffing, pigs in blankets, bread sauce, roast potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables & pan gravy Pheasant, bacon & leek stroganoff, garlic & rosemary Parmentier potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables

Mushroom, spinach & leek wellington, blue cheese sauce, parsnip dauphinoise, fresh seasonal vegetables

Pan-fried fillet of hake, watercress cream, chilli & garlic crushed new potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables

Roasted blade of beef, chorizo, red wine, shallot jus, parsnip dauphinoise, fresh seasonal vegetables

Desserts

Traditional Christmas pudding with warm brandy custard and vanilla ice cream

Dark chocolate & raspberry cheescake, with an amoretti biscuit base and Chantilly cream Vanilla pannacotta with a winter berry cômpote Mississippi mud pie with vanilla ice cream

Tel: 01747 838 640 • Fax: 01747 838 640 Email: mail@shipinn-dorset.com Website: http://www.shipinn-dorset.com

Festive Venues And Menus The Halfway

House Inn Country Lodge

CHILTHORNE DOMER nr. YEOVIL

Tel: 01935 840350 • Fax: 01935 849006 • www.halfwayhotelyeovil.com

Christmas Party Menu 2 Course – £14.95 H 3 Course – £19.95

Christmas Day Lunch – £49.95 £25 children 13 years old and under H Bookings Taken Sunday Carvery – £7.95

Lakes & Gardens: FREE fishing for residents

Why not stay over? In one of our 19 Ensuite Rooms

Real Ales • Function Room • Lakes & Garden • Proprietor: Paul T. Rowsell FBII

ROYAL OAK Chris & Jill welcome you to the ...

Over Stratton, South Petherton Tel: 01460 240906

A Charming Country Inn

Why not join us for Lunch?

2 Course Lunches - £8.50 Tuesday to Saturday

Charity Quiz Night

Sunday 30th November all welcome

Traditional Sunday Roast ... booking advised

Christmas Party Menu

2 Course - £14.95  3 Course - £18.95 Visit our website for full menu details

www.the-royal-oak.net

THE VISITOR December 2014 29

The Visitor Guide to your local

Festive Venues And Menus

2 Courses £19.95 or 3 Courses £24.95

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Feta Crostini, Watercress Pesto Confit Duck Leg Terrine, Christmas Chutney, Toasted Brioche, Wild Rocket Salad Oat Smoked Mackerel Pate, Beetroot Cured Salmon Gravalax, Mixed Leaf Salad Garlic Marinated Goats Cheese Salad, Sun Blazed Cherry Tomatoes, Balsamic Glaze Mains Roasted Breast Of Somerset Reared Turkey, Sage and Onion Stuffing, Pigs in Blankets, Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables and Red Wine Jus Slow Cooked Shoulder of Lamb, Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Minted Gravy Pan Fried Fillet of Hake, Herb Crushed New Potatoes, Garlic Infused Cream Sauce, Sautéed Green Beans Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini, Sautéed Wild Mushrooms, White Wine Cream Sauce

Christmas Pudding topped with Cranberries, Brandy Sauce Dark Chocolate Torte, Warm Chocolate Sauce, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Lemon Posset, Raspberry Coulis, Chef’s Shortbread Biscuit West Country Cheese with Homemade Christmas Chutney and Crackers

Tea or Coffee • Homemade Mince Pies Menu available from Monday 1st December to Tuesday 30th December 2014

Booking Essential – please call 01963 441685 or email enquiries@camelotpub.co.uk 30 THE VISITOR December 2014

The MUDDLED

The Visitor Guide to your local

Festive Venues And Menus

MAN

Your hosts, Mick, Jean and Garry welcome you to ...

Lower Street, West Chinnock • Tel: 01935 881235

H Two Rump Steak Dinners only £16.50 H Pre-Christmas Dinners Group Dinner Bookings 2 Courses + Coffee – £16 • 3 Courses + Coffee – £18

Game Casserole: Sunday 21st December Christmas Day Dinner

Drink on Arrival, 7 Course Meal, Half Bottle of Wine – £60 10% OFF for groups of 10 or more • Children under 12 Half Price • Bookings Essential

Boxing Day Buffet - £15 Curry Buffet: Saturday 27th December 12noon – 2.30pm and 6pm – 9.30pm

The White

Lion Inn Bar – Restaurant – Accommodation

BOOK EARLY for Christmas Day & Boxing Day and RECEIVE A DISCOUNT

Function Room available for your corporate presentations / business meetings – call to book

DAILY SPECIALS • REAL ALES • SKITTLE ALLEY • BEER GARDENS • ACCOMMODATION

www.themuddledman.co.uk

Christmas 2014

STARTERS Chefs Seasonal Vegetable Soup served with Homemade Bread Homemade Chicken Liver, Wild Mushroom and Cognac Pate with Homemade Bread King Prawns in Tempura Batter with Salad and Sweet Chilli Sauce Field Mushroom ﬁlled with Spinach, Tomato and Fresh Basil, topped with Mozzarella Baked Brie in Filo Pastry, served with Salad and our own Cumberland Sauce

MAINS Roast West Country Turkey, Home Cooked Gammon Ham, Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Roast Sirloin of Local Beef with Yorkshire Pudding Herb Crusted Baked Cod with White Wine, Cream and Dill Sauce Poached Chicken Breast, wrapped in Parma Ham, Stuffed with Spinach and Ricotta, served with Cream and Tarragon Sauce Roasted Root Vegetable Goulash served over Spinach Linguini Wild Mushroom Stroganoff and Rice PUDDINGS Forest Berry Shortbread Lemon and Lime Cheesecake Christmas Pudding with Brandy Custard Apple and Mulled Berry Crumble served with Clotted Cream Three Chocolate Brownie and Ice-Cream Selection of Cheese and Biscuits 2 Courses £16.95 ★ 3 Courses £ 21.50

High Street, Bourton, Dorset, SP8 5AT Tel: 01747 840866

Email: relax@whitelionbourton.co.uk • www.whitelionbourton.co.uk THE VISITOR December 2014 31

The Visitor Guide to your local

Festive Venues And Menus

Mildmay Arms Christmas at the ...

Queen Camel • BA22 7NJ 28th November – 10th January (2015)

All our Dishes are Homemade and where possible, locally sourced STARTERS

Creamed Spiced Parsnip and Apple Soup served with Herb Roasted Croutons Duck Liver and Cognac Parfait, Apricot and Quince Chutney served with Toasted Brioche

Organic Scottish Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Chive Terrine with Wild Rocket and Cucumber Salad, Crusty Brown Bread and Citrus Vinaigrette MAINS

Roast Turkey Lobe, Chestnut and Sausage Meat Duxelle, Merlot & Redcurrant Juz served with Festive Trimmings and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes* Pan Seared Venison Steak, Fondant Potatoes and a Cranberry Cumberland Sauce* Pan Fried Fillet of Sea Bass, Shellfish Bisque, crusted New Potatoes and garnished with Samphire*

Roast Vegetable, Brie and Redcurrant Wellington served with a roasted Red Pepper & Cherry Tomato Juz with Rosemary Roasted Potatoes* *All served with a Medley of Seasonal Vegetables DESSERTS

Rich Chocolate and Orange Torte served with Clotted Cream and Redcurrants Irish Cream Cheesecake, Spiced Berry Coulis and Clotted Cream

West Country Cheeseboard, Homemade Chutney and a selection of Rustic Biscuits White Chocolate and Raspberry Crème Brûlée, Christmas Pudding Ice Cream and a Shortbread Biscuit 2 Courses - £17.95 • 3 Courses - £22.95* *Complimentary Coffee and Mince Pie when 3 Courses are chosen Hats and Crackers included

Bookings now being taken for ... ‘A Night with Disney’ New Year’s Eve Party

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

Truffles BRASSERIE

Truffles’ Taste of the West Christmas Party Menu

1st – 24th December £19.95 p.p. (£10 age 12 and under) This menu is for pre-booked parties only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other menu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ STARTERS Pâté: Beech Ridge Farm free range duck liver pâté, generously accompanied with two chutneys and toast.

Soup: Montgomery’s gold medal Cheddar cheese and leek heart-warming soup with crusty bread. Trout: Mere Farm cold smoked trout, blinis, Olive Farm’s unpasteurised Guernsey milk crème fraiche and dill sauce ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MAINS

Traditional Roast Free Range Turkey: Home Farm (Redlynch) bronze turkey with pigs in blankets, chestnut stuffing, lashings of turkey gravy, cranberry sauce and bread sauce Brisket Wellington: Our own Dexter Beef slow cooked for six hours in red wine with baby onions, wild mushrooms and smoked pork, wrapped in all butter puff pastry with more wild mushrooms and mustard accompanied by a jug of its own beautiful gravy Duck Egg & Vegetable Tart: Capricorn goats cheese, spinach and chestnuts set in a pastry case with Longmans’ duck eggs with a rich tarragon mustard sauce.

Smoked Haddock & Crab Bake: Chesil Smokery haddock fillet baked in West Country double cream with fresh Brixham crab, all topped off with a herb crust. All served with local roast potatoes, buttered baby brussels sprouts and roast seasonal root vegetables ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DESSERTS Boozy Christmas Pudding: with very brandied butter

Heck’ Kingston Black Cider and Toffee Apple Pudding and real custard

Really Really Chocolatey Yuletide Christmas Log with Midway Farm clotted cream Lovington’s Outstanding Lemon Sorbet

Chef’ Personal, within 10 miles of Truffles, Cheese Selection

We ask that you make meal selections at least 7 days prior to your intended booking. £5 per person deposit required on booking. In the event of cancellation the deposit will be returned in full provided we have at least 24 hours notice.

95 High Street Bruton, BA10 0AR

Christmas Day Luncheon

25th December £60 p.p. (£30 age 12 and under) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ STARTERS

Bradders Mulled Cider or Apple Juice Christmas Appetisers

Jerusalem Artichoke and Roast Chestnut Soup Cornish Lobster and Avocado Salad

Beech Ridge Farm Duck Liver Pâté with toasts and chutney Spiced Crewkerne Goat’s Cheese Tart ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MAINS

Leigh Common Farm Turkey with pigs in blankets, chestnut stuffing and turkey gravy, served with all the traditional trimmings and tracklements Roast Beech Ridge Farm Duck Breast with cherries, Dauphinoise potatoes, wilted winter greens and braised roots Rack of Home Farm Lamb with Boulangѐre potatoes, minted garden vegetables and redcurrant jus

Poached Fillets of Brixham Sole in a Crayfish & Perigord Truffle Sauce with a puff pastry leaf garnish, creamed spinach, asparagus and a mirepox potato croquette Black Truffle Souffle baked in a pastry case with steamed lambs lettuce and a creamed vegetable parcel ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DESSERTS

Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce Nougat Ice Cream with Berries

Traditional Chocolate Yule Log with Cream

Hand-made Somerset Cheese Selection with damsels and pickled walnuts ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Coffee or Tea and Seasonal Truffles

Bookings call: 01749 812180 or email: trufflesbruton@gmail.com • www.trufflesbrasserie.com

32 THE VISITOR December 2014

The Visitor Guide to your local

Festive Venues And Menus

Wine & Dine

IN THE RUN UP to Christmas many of us will soon get caught up in the frenzied whirlwind of present buying, baking and gift giving. Charities will also be keen to take advantage of the ‘feel good’ factor to gain our support and provide a healthy boost to their funds. With this in mind I have turned my thoughts to Fairtrade wines, along with other charitable wine producers, that can provide useful gift ideas, and will also see you nicely through the festive season’s celebrations without breaking the bank. However, do remember that when buying from supermarkets it is actually very little money, often just a matter of a few pence, that goes back into their projects. Sales of Fairtrade wines have nearly tripled since 2008; rising last year by 15% for the second year running, to an equivalent of 13.7m. bottles, at a retail value of £27.5m. This clearly demonstrates the wine-buying public’s commitment to ethical practices. But, whilst the growth in

volume and value provides a stark contrast to the overall UK wine trade in general, it does show that buyers are spending less per bottle on average. This is reflected, in my view, in the lack of overall quality available. It would seem that many producers, whilst keen to support the initiative, don’t pay sufficient attention to the standard of wine that finds its way into our shops. One piece of good news is that The Fairtrade Foundation is in discussion with some premium wine brands about Fairtrade certification, so watch this space. The Co-op has been promoting a large range of Fairtrade products, including wines, for over 10 years and has by far the widest selection available, accounting for almost half of all UK sales, and 28% globally, with the wines coming predominantly from South Africa or Argentina. Their Fairtrade Pinot Grigio, from La Riojana, Argentina, for £5.59 (12.5% alc.), is a light and lively fruity wine

NATTERJACK INN Adrian & Kate invite you to the

Freehouse with Accommodation

Nr. Evercreech Junction, Evercreech, Somerset, BA4 6NA

 01749 860253 • Email: natterjack@btconnect.com • Web: thenatterjackinn.co.uk

New Year’s Eve: The War Years Fancy Dress Party We will take you on a nostalgic journey through World War II with MUSIC by KAYLEIGH & FIREWORKS at Midnight Bottle of Champagne for Best Dressed • Rations from 6.30pm – 8.30pm The menu below is only available on the 31st December 2014

STARTERS Bubble & Squeak Soup £6.00 Chicken Liver & French Bean Salad in a Shallot & White Wine Reduction £6.00 Gin Cured Salmon with Buttermilk Pancakes £6.00 St. George’s Mushrooms, Garlic & Parsley on Sourdough Toast £6.00 Crab Fritters with Lime & Garlic Aioli £6.00

MAIN COURSE Pan Fried Sea Bream, Roasted Winter Vegetables, Pea Puree & Balsamic Glaze £13.00 Braised Blade of Beef in Red Wine, Suet Dumplings & Glazed Carrots £16.00 Slow Roasted Pork Belly, Fillet of Pork filled with Black Pudding, Apple Mash, Buttered Green Beans & Creamy Cider Sauce £13.00 Roast Duck Breast, Cherry Compote Dressing, Fondant Potato, Buttered Greens £15.00 Beetroot & Ricotta Ravioli, Sage Butter & Rocket, Pinenut & Sun Blush Tomato Salad with Herb Croutons £12.00 PUDDINGS White Chocolate & Pear Trifle £6.00 Salted Caramel Cheesecake with Homemade Lime Syrup Icecream £6.00 Panettone & Chocolate Bread Pudding £6.00 Homemade Toffee Apple Icecream with a shot of Burrow Hill Cider Brandy £6.00 Selection Of Local Cheeses, Biscuits, Homemade Damson Chutney £8.00 Please book your table in advance and join Adrian & Kate to see in the New Year!

THE VISITOR December 2014 33

Wine & Dine Festive Food & Drink

that would go well with risotto, or a fishy pasta dish. Their Malbec and Rosé are also especially popular choices. Tesco, as the biggest wine retailer, only stocks a minimal selection of Fairtrade wines, few of which can be recommended for serious wine buffs. Their Swartland Shiraz is however consistently reliable at around £7 (14% alc.), and their Stellenbosch Red, made in the Bordeaux style and available at £10 (14% alc.), is also appealing. M&S has Zebra View Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa, on sale for £7.99 (14% alc.) and Asda’s Extra Special Fairtrade Chenin Blanc, also from South Africa, won’t break the bank at £7 (14% alc.), if this particular grape variety takes your fancy. It will be a fair match for stir fry or light chicken dishes. Virgin Wines has now also entered into the Fairtrade wine market, stating ‘We work very closely with small, boutique producers around the world,

A delicious fruit basket from Root & Vine of Sturminster Newton - a very acceptable gift. Take the hassle out of shopping, pre-order your Christmas fruit and vegetable requirements.

getting involved in every stage of the process to ensure that everyone involved is treated well and appropriate consideration for the environment is given. Many of our winemakers use organic and biodynamic techniques and

— Prop. Sue McShane —

Treats

3 Market House, Sturminster Newton Tel: 01258 472576 QUALITY

Asparagus FRESH FRUIT New Potatoes (washed) Strawberries VEGETABLES & Pineapples FLOWERS FOR Mangos Celeriac THE FESTIVE Mange Tout SEASON Green Beans POT PLANTS Salad from • Lettuce (various) £ 1.99 • Bunched Carrots • Beetroot • Cucumber • Tomatoes • Celery • Cress • • • • • • • •

Festive Fayre • • • • • • • • • •

Dates Fresh Cranberries Clementines Dried Figs Chestnuts OWN POT GR AS Red Cabbage HRISTM C Broccoli TREES Cauliflower from only Fruit Boxes from £12 £ 14.99 Veg Boxes from £8 made up to order ... an ideal gift

Super Savers

(Nets / Boxes) • Swedes • Carrots • Sprouts • Parsnips ... excellent value • Oranges - Net - £1 • Apples - Net - £1

TRADE & CATERING ORDERS WELCOME Delivery available

Bulk Potatoes

• Marfona • Maris Piper • Desiree Red • King Edward All available in 25kg sacks as available

Christmas Lines

• Cut Christmas Trees • Planted Gift Baskets • Table Decorations • Cut Flowers • Holly Wreaths Floral Bouquets and Arrangements to order Bird Seed 20kg £15 Peanuts 25kg £39 Fat Balls 5 for £1 Wild Bird Food Boxes from £10

See in Store for our Full Range & Price Details H Prices correct at time of going to press and subject to availability

TO PLACE YOUR ORDER Tel: 01258 472576 or Fax: 01258 472778 ... or just call in!

Open Monday to Friday 7.00am - 5.30pm • Saturday 7.00am - 4.00pm • Major Credit Cards accepted - minimum spend £5

34 THE VISITOR December 2014

we have an ever growing range accredited by the Soil Association as Organic.’ Currently on offer from them are four Fairtrade wines, two reds and two whites, from South African producer, Usizo, all at £8.49 a bottle. Money from the sale of these wines goes towards education and housing projects. The Pinotage (13.5%), is a full bodied red, and the Shiraz (12%) comes across as rich and fruity. The zesty Sauvignon Blanc (12%) from the Breede Valley is made in the style of the popular New Zealand wines produced from this grape variety, whilst the Colombard/Sauvignon Blanc blend (12%) is a clean and crisp white. Waitrose fare slightly better in the quality stakes, having sourced the vibrant, peppery, Tilimuqui Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon/Bonarda from the Fatima Valley, Argentina, available at £7.99 (13%). From the same producer,

and at the same price, is a Torrontés, a grape variety indigenous to Argentina, aromatic and gently spicy, it has character. Fairhills, in South Africa’s Western Cape, comes up with an easy drinking mediumbodied Shiraz/Pinotage blend for £6.99 (14%). There are others on offer but what also caught my eye is the Cederberg Waitrose Foundation Shiraz, at £8.99 (14% alc.), although not a Fairtrade producer, money (how much?) goes towards projects funded by this wine farm. Last, but by no means least, is the nicely named floral, fruity, Piggy Bank Verdejo from Castilla, Spain at £7.99 (13%) which also contributes to local charities. The key message is that none of these wines are likely to generate any great excitement in your vinous taste buds, but the feel good factor will more than compensate for that at this caring, sharing time of year. LP-V.

CATERING

Wine & Dine Festive Food & Drink

Andrew Barclay Butchers Wincanton

Andrew Barclay Butchers would like to thank all their customers who have supported them throughout 2014 and wish them all a Happy Christmas and New Year. Their meat is naturally reared and sourced locally where possible, delicious beef, pork and lamb! Have you ordered your festive bird yet? This Christmas they will be selling their usual wide range of poultry - turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese. Game pheasant, pigeon, partridge, mallard etc. and all cuts of venison. Home cooked hams, home made sausages, chipolatas and cocktail sausages, and their very popular home dry-cure bacon. Dairy produce includes cheese,

Support Small Business Saturday on 6th December

cream and eggs and you’ll find lots of other delicious things too. Orders are now being taken for Christmas and the New Year.

Brown and Forrest Hambridge

Brown and Forrest is a small family run smokery at Bowdens Farm, Hambridge. They produce the finest smoked eel and salmon as well as a whole range of delicious smoked foods including smoked chicken, duck, lamb and trout. They stock a wide range of products in their shop which is attached to their award winning restaurant. They also send mail order all over the UK and supply wholesale to many restaurants and delicatessens. Two of their popular lines are: Smoked Scallops - seared over a hot log fire and smoked for a mere ten minutes. The result is stunning, the fish keep their natural sweetness whilst holding the gentlest of smoked flavour. They can be eaten either cold, or heated through for a hot option. And Mackerel Pate - a delicious,

slightly coarse yet creamy pate with just a hint of lemon, simply must be tried! Go along to their Christmas Open Day and sample the produce in person, or visit their website for their full range.

Bower Hinton Farm Shop Martock

Christmas lines are now in at Bower Hinton Farm Shop and include festive tipples such as sloe gin, mulled wine, mulled cider, fruit wines and traditional ciders. Orders are now being taken for turkeys (prices held

from 2013), poultry, game and red meat, all can be ordered along with locally made Christmas cakes too. Just pick up an order form - then drop it in and your order will be ready when required. Potatoes are available by the sack and loose sprouts. A christmas hamper would make a lovely Christmas gift filled with local cheeses, ciders, wines and meats. Call in today and see the complete range, and enjoy a coffee and a delicious slice of cake. Don’t forget to check out the Christmas trees which are very competitively priced.

Bower Hinton Farm Shop - Martock CHRISTMAS TREES Traditional and Nordman Fir 6 – 7 Foot Non Drop £26.95 * Traditional £15.95

V Turkey - Geese - Red Meat - Hams etc. - Hampers V V Fruit & Veg Boxes - Sprouts - Dairy Produce - Christmas Cakes & Puds V OPEN: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm • Open Sunday 21st December 10am – 1pm • Christmas Eve 9am – 1pm

Just off the B3165 at the top of Bower Hinton Tel: 01935 827743 • www.bowerhintonfarmshop.co.uk

THE VISITOR December 2014 35

The

Pub Pages

BEER & SKITTLES P. A. BAXTER

WE LEFT OFF LAST MONTH whilst we were still in the USA, sampling some of the multitude of craft beers now available. Just as in this country, the craft movement is flourishing, with seemingly every town and city having at least one brewery. Nevertheless, of the total beer consumption in the States, these small brewers – and Micropubs – add up to less than 4% of the beer consumed. Initially we were staying in Woodstock – no, not that one, but another Woodstock, this one being situated just

outside Atlanta, Georgia. Travelling into the town of Woodstock we had lunch at ‘The Freight Shed’ converted from a building formerly of that function, where the speakers appropriately played ‘Southern Rock’ recordings, and our server, Bobby, was a beer fan too. Interestingly, although there was a railway line still operational adjacent to this venue there were no fences or any protection to stop silly people throwing themselves onto the tracks, so one could wander all over the lines with gay abandon. There were automatic barriers for the road crossings, but unlike Great Britain, there appeared to be no paranoia about saving idiots from themselves! As the pub was not busy we were able to try small samples of a number of the local products, although unfortunately my notes do not appear to have their names! Our trip to Bryson City (population:1440) and the Freymont Inn (our hotel for a couple nights) had local brown ale on draught as well as an Atlanta Brewing Co. beer. Mentioned last month was the Nantahala Brewing Company, and although the pub – using the term loosely – was not our cup of tea, it was our first brush with the game of ‘Cornhole’. Well one

Festive Programme Christmas Fair

Saturday 6th December: 10am – 5pm

Enjoy festive cheer within the magical surroundings of The Queens Arms. Featuring a selection of the finest local food & drinks producers, arts & crafts and gifts for Christmas. (Monies raised from stallholders for Macmillan Cancer Support).

Cooking for Christmas Demo & Meal

Wednesday 10th December: 7pm

Ben Abercrombie and GUEST CHEF Stuart Downie will be demonstrating 3 Christmas dishes followed by customers enjoying a 3 course meal. Tickets £25 per person.

Hooray for Hollywood

Themed New Year’s Eve Party: 7.30pm – 2am 5 course meal and themed Hollywood party, £65 per person. (At booking 50% non refundable deposit required). Tables of 4+ are offered a FREE TAXI HOME within an 8-mile radius if booked by Sunday 30th November.

OPENING HOURS: 8am – 12 Midnight Food is Served: Breakfast 8am – 10am; Lunch 12noon – 3pm; Dinner 6pm – 10pm

Corton Denham, Sherborne, Somerset, DT9 4LR Email: relax@thequeensarms.com www.thequeensarms.com  01963 220317 Come and try this award winning inn!

Taste of Somerset Best Pub 2013 • Best National Freehouse 2012 2 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

36 THE VISITOR December 2014

Vinny checks out the take-away service at The Butt of Sherry in Mere

certainly lives and learns, for this simple yet skilful game consists of lobbing what we would refer to as bean-bags, into a hole in a flat sheet of plywood from some distance. This could easily be adapted for indoor as well as outdoor use depending on weather, space etc. and also easily adopted by the British who wanted a cheap game to make and play. I was assured there are

often large tournaments of the game and whilst the basic game is as I have described, being a team game (of two players) there are many tactics to score points and also tactics to block the opposing team from doing the same. I would urge anyone with any interest in fun games to Google this and see just how it is made and played, in detail. Going by the fact we saw the

The Rose & Crown

Bradford Abbas • Tel: 01935 474506

Monday to Thursday Lunchtime – Senior Citizens Lunch A Main from the Specials Board and a Pudding £6.95 Friday Lunch – Fish, Chips, Peas and a Pud £6.95 Saturday 6 th December: Wise Intentions

Saturday 20 th December: Skittle for a Turkey – 8pm Start ... In Aid of Bradford Abbas Pre-School + Live Music with Ocean Drive SUNDAY CARVERY £8.95

 CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU available 

B&B

 CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH £49.95 Early Booking Advised – Limited Space  Thursdays: TWO 8oz RUMP & BOTTLE OF WINE £25

The

Lord Nelson Rectory Lane

Norton Sub Hamdon

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

GOOD FOOD – GOOD BEER – GREAT ATMOSPHERE

Saturday 29th November: Transition Covers Originals (Toned ‘F’) Saturday 6th December: Powercut

Sunday 7th December: Quiz hosted by Nicky Brodie Saturday 13th December: ‘Us’ Acoustic Duo

Saturday 20th December: Flatland Boogie Band CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU 2 Courses £19 H 3 Courses £24

MID-WEEK LUNCHTIME SPECIAL 2 Courses for only £8 Monday – Friday Lunchtime

COURTYARD H BEER GARDEN AT REAR AMPLE PARKING OPEN ALL DAY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

GLUTEN ES H FREE DISBLE AVAILA

Tel: 01935 881473 www.thelordnelson.biz

A fresh new look …

The Walnut Tree West Camel

NESTLING in the village of West Camel yet easily accessible from the A303 is The Walnut Tree, successfully run by husband and wife team Peter and Gina for the past 26 years.

New signage.

The Lounge Bar at The Walnut Tree, has just been refurbished to give it a fresher, lighter and contemporary feel and a new bar meal menu has been introduced. The Walnut Tree has always had an excellent reputation for fine dining but owners Peter & Gina are keen for people to realise that they also offer a relaxed, more casual form of dining. The Bar menu offers such dishes as homemade Steak & Ale Pie, Mushroom Stroganoff and traditional Fish & Chips, plus a range of daily specials. A traditional Sunday roast lunch is available at £9.95.

The Walnut Tree is full of character made up of interesting nooks and crannies and many cosy corners in which to enjoy a meal and relax with friends. As a freehouse there is always a good choice of draught lagers, beers and cider.

Contemporary Lounge.

The Rosewood Restaurant is rather striking with rose-coloured wood panelling giving it a warm and cosy ambience. Here you will find plenty to tempt you on the a la carte menu. Peter is an experienced chef and sources all his ingredients locally. Each dish is freshly prepared to order - he even makes his own bread! Starters include his delicious homemade soup currently Butternut Squash & Chili - or, on a lighter note Crab Gateaux on a caper dressing or maybe Pigeon Breast & Bacon on a balsamic dressed salad. To follow Beef Wellington … or Guinea Fowl Breast on a cream, prune and brandy sauce. For lovers of fish there is always a choice of at least three fresh fish dishes plus a vegetarian alternative. Because all dishes are made from scratch they can be readily adapted for anyone who has a food intolerance – such as coeliacs.

Whatever you choose for your main course – do leave room for dessert! Gina is renowned for her homemade puddings with a choice of over 10! Chocolate & Banana Meringue with chocolate sauce, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Mango Mousse, Bread & Butter Pudding … the list goes on. To accompany your meal there is an extensive wine list.

The Rosewood Restaurant.

 Sunday lunch in the restaurant is £17 for 2 courses and £22 for 3 courses.

 The Christmas menu is available and proving very popular so early booking is advised. Three courses £27.95. Full menu available on request.

Accommodation: for those wishing to stay, there are 13 letting rooms all individually furnished to a high standard. Prices range from £70 – £79 single and £95 – £110 double. Residents have their own lounge in which to relax.

Whether you want an informal dinner with friends, to celebrate a special occasion, or you are looking for quality accommodation, visit The Walnut Tree.

OPENING HOURS

Individually designed accommodation.

Tuesday to Sunday Lunch 12 noon until 2pm Tuesday to Saturday Evening 6.30pm until 9.00pm Closed Sunday Night and all day Monday

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

THE VISITOR December 2014 37

They Say

That a night out at Poole Greyhounds was destined to be a "rubbish" evening for Rachel Chick of Yeovil who threw away her winning ticket - but after routing around in the bins eventually found it!!! That congratulations go to Chiselborough’s Golden Couple Mike and Josie Hayter. That plenty of personal bests were achieved at the 50th Montacute House Park Run at Hallowe’en.

That Caryford Community Hall has achieved South Somerset District ‘Hallmark Quality Standard’ at the Community Council for Somerset awards.

That in North Cadbury, a new carpet can necessitate exiting the first floor bathroom by ladder. That Graham Haskett of GH Sales will certainly be turning heads with his stylish set of wheels.

That a St. Margaret’s Hospice/ Darch Oil Calendar for 2015 is eagerly awaited by the ladies of Somerset and Dorset. That after 40 years in the building trade and being au fait with the correct ratios for mixing concrete, North Cadbury’s Dave Hoddinott is now also proficient when it comes to producing porridge from ‘refined’ jumbo oatmeal.

That Madge Hawkins of Yeovil would make an ideal candidate for Jackanory.

That when it comes to spelling notices for the gardening club, Tony Perry is pants - when things to do come out as thongs to do!

That the new concept of running buses on pooh - is not to be sniffed at.

That Zandra Rhodes returns to Shaftesbury to turn on the Christmas lights on the 1st December.

That Simon Beard of Podimore has been known to flash his socks at Sue Pollard - hi di hi!

That Sylvie Hamblin of Yeovil has Yogi Bear living at the bottom of the garden

That the Visitor contributors are a humorous bunch - articles are carefully crafted and diligently chequed. That Santa's Elves will be collecting Letters to Santa from upstairs at 81 Cheap Street, Sherborne throughout December. Children of all ages can post their letters right up to Christmas Eve.

That Sonia of the Camelot Inn, South Cadbury is now a member of I'm a Celebrity get me out of Here! 38 THE VISITOR December 2014

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

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL “Feeling unknown And you're all alone Flesh and bone By the telephone Lift up the receiver I'll make you a believer”

FIRST PERSON to tell me the above song gets a free drink. Last month Drew from Barwick House was the first to guess “Everybody wants to rule the world” by Tears for Fears. Well another month has flown by and we are still here at the top of the hill  . The Railway on Hendford Hill has a new Landlady. Kelly Burrows has taken on the reins and I would like to wish her all the very best of luck in her new venture  . Andy White celebrated his 30th Birthday here in style: a great bunch of friends a few beers and a great band made for a fantastic evening. Well done Andy! Martin and Sandra became Mr & Mrs Sutcliffe on the 15th of November. We had a lovely day here with them and their family and friends. We were delighted to be part of their special day and would like to say “congratulations to you both” X. Next month we have Karaoke on the 5th with Addy. On the Saturday the 6th come along and help me celebrate my birthday with the fabulous Mr D’arcy. It will be a late one but it will be good fun! On the 12th we have live in the bar Finnian McGurk with some special Christmas renditions - always good fun it will be a great evening. Some advance news now about New Year’s Eve - we have a fabulous evening lined up for you with a great local band Dinosaur Café. Tickets are £15 which includes a buffet and They are limited so get yours now! And finally ... we have recently taken on a one armed waiter. He can take it but he can’t dish it out.  TOOT TOOT!!!

BOOKINGS

 01935 424721

The

Pub Pages

game in Bryson City and then several hundred miles away in Savannah, we can say for certain that it is played over a wide area, by British standards, anyway. Take a look – who knows; we could learn something from the Americans for once! Doubtless I shall refer to our States-side visit again in future, and as American beers become more prevalent in this country (mail order from specialist retailers and increasingly from a good supermarket near you) then I trust you, too, will give some of their products a bit of a try. So, as the ‘Season to be Grumpy’ draws ever closer, what can we

December Notice Board MONTACUTE

Christmas Tree Festival in the church, 20th, 21st, 22nd December. 10.30 – 4.00 daily, with seasonal refreshments. Entry by donation.

YEOVIL

The People’s Choir Yeovil present the Colours of Christmas at 7.30pm in St. John’s Church Yeovil. £6 adults and £4 under 16s, which includes refreshments. Call 07749 321834 for tickets or buy at the door.

Advertise Your Christmas / January Event Here!

A listing under our Notice Board costs just £5 for 20 words - send details of What? When? Where? to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. All entries to be pre-paid. Extra words 30p each. Deadline for our Christmas / January issue, Friday 5th December.

recommend to you, gentle reader? Well, whether you have done so before or not, then a great thing to do is try a few beers with your food. This is something we started a long time ago, particularly after being introduced to the fantastic range of beers from Belgium. Recently I was given an interesting piece from the ‘Waitrose’ magazine, with none other than Phillip Schofield reviewing some bottled beers. He tastes (or it implies that it is him) some six ales that are available form said retailer, including Wychwood Gold, St. Austell ‘Proper Job’, Wold Gold, (the Baxter crew are not familiar with this one), Fullers ‘1845’ and also their London Porter. Whilst it is a matter of personal taste as to which beer one enjoys most with any particular food, if there is any question as to what I would have if I could not decide is Phillip’s other choice, Bath ‘Gem’, as in my humble opinion it could go with most food. The two Fuller’s beers are among our favourites for anytime drinking, although a little strong, but could go with that Christmas pudding. (Whoops; I used the ‘C’ word). Another publication from Waitrose features a ‘Meet The Producers’ section where the head brewer of Wychwood, Jeff Drew, relates the concept of Hobgoblin Ruby Ale, and also what food he suggests it should be matched with, in this case being a rich casserole or stew, or particularly a steak and ale pie. Knowing that this beer is now more easily obtainable and many pubs have such culinary delights on their menus, I am all in favour of this. Failing that of course – get a bottle or two to enjoy with your own dinners. Still stuck for ideas? Here’s an unbeatable one. It’s the time of year when the amount of chocolate given and received increases many-fold. Get your favourite stout or any dark ale, and enjoy chocolate between each sip. Go on – give it a try. Cheers – and Greetings of the Season!

AROUND THE

H O U S E S

IN WINCANTON the Bell Street Jazz Band will be playing on the 5th December (Wincanton Extravaganza) at The Dolphin, with mulled wine and a BBQ ... karaoke on the 6th December at The Bear, with a Christmas theme ... comedy night first Thursday of the month at The

Nog ... always a good pint at The Unicorn, Bayford ... firework finale at The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague on New Year’s Eve ... and afternoon tea with delicious pastries now served daily at Truffles Brasserie, Bruton. Edging on to Evercreech Junction where there is Erdinger German wheat beer at T h e Natterjack, and landgirls will be welcome on New Year’s Eve ... roast pheasant a la Pilgrims is a popular seasonal dish on the menu at The Pilgrims, Lovington ... Sue Pollard and the cast of Ha Ha Hood popped into The Podimore Inn, at Podymore for a swift half ... and in Limington, Di is busy with her paintbrush at The Lamb & Lark. Yomping on to Yeovil where the Mutter Slater Album Launch Party will be held on the 28th November at The Quicksilver Mail tickets £5 ... when booking your Christmas meal at The Halfway House, Chilthorne Domer why not stay the night in one of their excellent rooms ... in Norton Sub Hamdon the stoneman is looking devilish with the addition of a trident at The Lord Nelson ... enjoy a tasty steak meal for two at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock for just £16.50 ... welcome to new

The

staff members Roxy, Danielle, David and Alfie at The Royal Oak, Over Stratton ... Cornish Rattler and Thatchers Gold ciders guesting at The Barrington Boar, Barrington ... skittle for a turkey on the 20th December at The Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas. Cantering on to Corton Denham where The Queens Arms will be holding a Christmas Fair on Saturday 6th of December with food, drink, arts, crafts and plenty of gift ideas - don't miss it ... a cracking good time is guaranteed at The Stags Head, Yarlington where there are over 800 crackers on stand by ... delicious Christmas Party menu at The Camelot, South Cadbury ... have you tried the new wine bar The Place in Castle Cary? ... wild mushroom, spinach and leek wellington served with a Blue Vinney sauce is a tasty vegetarian option at The Ship, West Stour ... and finally, book your advert early for Christmas Greetings & opening times, New Year’s Eve and Burns Night celebrations in our next issue.

WINCANTON

WINCANTON must surely be the most underrated town in Visitorland. I can’t understand why so many local people speak disparagingly of it, and why folk

from much further afield seem to know it solely for its racecourse, if they know of it at all. For the reality is that Wincanton is a delightful friendly little town, full

Support Small Business Saturday on 6th December

Wyndham Arms

KINGSBURY EPISCOPI nr. MARTOCK SOMERSET TA12 6AT

Please try our new tasty Winter Menu

Delicious homecooked food served every lunchtime and evening  Choice of Sunday Roasts 

Excellent Wine Selection CAMRA Rated Beers and Ciders

LIVE MUSIC Boxing Day: The Ray Jones Band - 9pm New Year’s Eve: Kevin Butt - Guitarist / Vocalist CHRISTMAS MENUS Available 5th – 23rd December Lunchtime Christmas Menu 2014

2 Course - £12.95  3 Course - £15.95  4 Course - £16.95

Dinner Christmas Menu 2014

2 Course - £15.95  3 Course - £18.95  4 Course - £19.95

Tel: 01935 823239

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

Independent businesses on the High Street include the unique Discworld Emporium.

Élégance Established 1983

Beauty Therapy Clinic

Sparkle this Christmas

Full range of beauty treatments to get you ready for the party season!  GI FT V OU C HER S 

Sandie Barrett

M.B.A.B.Th.C. • C.I.D.E.S.C.O. A Ladies Only Salon 8b Church Street, Wincanton (01963) 34115

Within SJH Carpets

The Tythings Commercial Centre Southgate Road, Wincanton

Bespoke Curtains, Blinds etc. Superb choice of Fabrics Poles, Tracks, Haberdashery Ribbons, Threads Remnants and more! Place your order for the New Year before Christmas and receive 10% DISCOUNT on all Fabrics Purchased

Tel: 07883 089 333

OPEN: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am – 3pm Saturday 9am – 1pm H Closed Thursday

THE VISITOR December 2014 39

Welcome to WINCANTON

of historical and architectural interest and well served by a comprehensive range of shops and businesses, most of them independently owned. Today Wincanton contains plenty to attract the discerning shopper, and with ample free car parking space and regular bus services from as far afield as Henstridge, Milborne Port, Bruton, Castle Cary and Street, the town is

reclaiming its historic role as a market town. Approaching from the west along the A303 the first glimpse of Wincanton is from the top of Holton Hill. The town appears attractive and compact on the hillside overlooking the Blackmore Vale, comfortable in its rural setting, and this impression is confirmed on leaving the trunk road. Yes, there

A. J. WAKELY & SONS LTD Independent Family Funeral Directors • Golden Charter Pre Paid Funeral Plans • 24 Hour Service

• Private Chapel of Rest

Golden Charter Brochure available on request Clive Wakely Dip F.D. M.B.I.E. The Old Police Station, Carrington Way WINCANTON BA9 9JS Tel: 01963 31310

Little Poland on South Street provides groceries and household goods familiar to the town’s Eastern European population.

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

40 THE VISITOR December 2014

WINCANTON

is the inevitable edge-of-town sprawl of superstores, hotel, business park and industrial estate that greets visitors to most country towns these days, but here it seems less harsh and intrusive because everywhere there are trees – in roadside hedges, in formal landscaping, in private gardens, in the churchyard, in vacant nooks and crannies between buildings, and in the backdrop of the surrounding countryside. It’s almost as if the countryside is creeping into the town rather than the town expanding into the A END CAL

country. But the town is expanding into the countryside, especially on the western edge where more housing has been built on greenfield sites, also to the south between the town and the bypass. The town’s size and population have grown enormously in the last 15 years and are set to grow still further, yet it has successfully retained many of the characteristics and charm of a small market town. For centuries the heart of a country town was its Market Place, and Wincanton was no exception. Nowadays its retail

Wild Cardz

DIAR

A gallery of artwork and collectables occupies part of the former Greyhound coaching inn on the Market Place.

IES

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

TOYS CAN BE ORDERED FROM OUR COLOUR BROCHURE www.wildcardzofwincanton.co.uk

Now available on selected large appliances*. Das ist gut! Karl, The Bosch Engineer.

Fri LA day TE 5 th NI De GH cem T ber

New Christmas stock now in

HALF PRICE BOOKS ] NATIONAL BOOK TOKENS ]

Books to suit everyone! Humour, Cookery, Fiction, Childrens Books + more! See our “£1 WALL” ... everything just £1 Promotional Supplies Banners H A-Frames H Posters H And More Stocking Filler Toys and Games Full range of Stationery for Home and Office Why not order your Newspapers and Magazines to be delivered?

33 High Street • Wincanton Open Monday – Friday 7am – 5pm, Saturday 7am – 2pm, Sunday 7am – 12noon

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

T&Cs apply, please see bosch-home.co.uk/boschcash

Extensive range of BOSCH in stock for immediate delivery

Jerry’s Electrical Ltd For a professional & friendly service

Market Place • Wincanton 01963 33521

THE VISITOR December 2014 41

Welcome to WINCANTON

area stretches eastwards for a goodly distance along the High Street and westwards to the Lawrence Hill Business Park off the roundabout by the A303, but the Market Place still retains much of its period charm with many of the elegant old buildings having been renovated in recent years. The town centre is full of reminders of its former importance as a staging post on the main road midway between London and Plymouth. Several of the old coaching inns remain in business as pubs offering good food and overnight accommodation, and a glance

above the shop fronts on the High Street and Market Place reveals many fine examples of 18th and 19th century architecture. Mill Street, quiet now but once a major thoroughfare into the town, retains much of its period charm thanks to the sensitive renovation of many of the former shops and weavers’ cottages, and Tout Hill contains a fine Jacobean house named The Dogs from the crest of the Churchey family who built it around 1630. This and Balsam House at the eastern end of the town are two of the very few properties to survive a devastating fire in the town in 1707.

High Street shops include a large well-stocked wholefoods store and Andrew Barclay’s renowned traditional family butchers.

So with Christmas fast approaching, Wincanton is a good place to visit when searching for

Spoilt for choice!

Visit our new showroom to see our extensive range of flooring

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

Stair Runners by Roger Oates

★ Free Estimate ★ Free Measuring ★ Professional Fitting by our own Expert Fitters ★ Friendly and Personal Service ★ Competitive Prices “Just nice people to do business with”

SJH CARPETS, Southgate Road, Wincanton  01963 824418

nc .T ow n

Shoe Repairs & Key Cutting - at The Wincanton Cobbler - Established 1986 -

Shooting Sticks - Leather Bags, Travel Goods, Sports Bags, Wallets, Umbrellas LACES - POLISHES - WAXES - SHOE TREES

High Street, WINCANTON. Tel: 01963 34587

42 THE VISITOR December 2014

Lidl

Southgate Road

Also at: High Street, Tisbury  01747 871178

Fire Station

Tythings Centre

NEW SJH

OLD SJH

Morrisons

those elusive ‘unusual’ gifts. If you’re buying for a lady, take a look in the glamorous Preview shop on the Market Place, for a gardener or cook try Clementina & Co on the High Street, for someone with a sweet tooth you’ll find an enormous choice of luxury chocolates in the Post Office. Divine Wines is well worth a look for alcoholic presents, and Jerry’s Electrical is full of electrical goods and appliances large and small. Elegant Home has an extensive stock of stylish furnishings and gifts, and across the road you could well find what you’re looking for in the Ironmongersibthorp Contemporary Art Gallery. For fans of the writings of Terry Pratchett the Cunning Artificer’s Discworld Emporium is a source of all manner of wonderful objects that owe their inspiration to the author, and the nearby Papertrees shop stocks a selection of books as well as office

SCISSOR HAPPY Unisex Salon

10 Church Street, Wincanton

Hairdressing for all the family ...  Styling, Cutting, Perming, Highlights   Deep Conditioning Treatments   Gift Vouchers available 

Telephone: 01963 31270

THE VISITOR December 2014 43

Welcome to WINCANTON detours on my way into the town. The modern business park at Lawrence Hill is home to the extensive showrooms of Cullingford Carpets. where the display of literally hundreds of rugs provides some affordable gift ideas. Likewise at the Rochford Garden Machinery showroom where the smaller items such as strimmers, tillers and chainsaws are competitively-priced. At the Tythings Commercial Centre the Myakka warehouse offers an enormous choice of furniture and

furnishings from far-off countries and SJH Carpets has some very stylish floorings and soft furnishings. North of the town the racecourse has a pay-and-play golf course in its extensive grounds where the pro shop sells lots of goodies for ardent golfers. And around 500 yards beyond the racecourse is Otter Nurseries, a garden centre with plenty to offer the green-fingered. When you’re ready for refreshment you’ll find that Wincanton is well-provided with

Recently opened on the High Street is a shop stocked with everything the home baker needs to emulate Mary Berry.

supplies, newspapers and magazines. And the excellent Wincanton Cobbler is well worth a look for luggage, sports bags, wallets and other leather goods. These are just a few of the shops that caught my eye as I strolled through the town. There are many more where you can

buy wholefoods, locally-reared meats, computer peripherals, floor coverings, jewellery, ladieswear, furniture, delicatessen and gifts for your pet. When Christmas shopping it can pay to look a little wider than the town centre, so on my latest visit to Wincanton I took some

Handel’s Messiah Winter Concert

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

01963 32367

11 Church Street, Wincanton, BA9 9AA

Sunday 14th December

7.30pm

Tickets available from 01749 813899 or www.netaticket.co.uk £13.50 in advance (by 8th Dec) or £15 on the door Under 18s £6.50 at any time

The clock tower of the Victorian town hall stands high above Wincanton’s Market Place.

44 THE VISITOR December 2014

WINCANTON

House & Home WARM HOMES

THE WINTER MONTHS can put a real strain on the household budget, so here are a few tips to keep your home draught-proof and energy efficient.

Inside Your Home

1. If you haven’t already done so, have your boiler serviced and your chimney swept if you have an open fire. 2. Bleed radiators to release any trapped air - this will make them hotter, more efficient and your home warmer. Kitchen foil placed behind radiators reflects heat back

Morning coffees and light lunches can be enjoyed in Wincanton’s independent wine merchant.

cafés, restaurants and pubs to cater for almost all tastes and pockets. And if you’re not driving, pop into one or more of the pubs for a glass or two of festive cheer. Then maybe you’ll see Wincanton in a new light and come back again in the future. Roger Richards.

Let us frame your picture for Christmas ...

Cottage Framers Wincanton

Situated behind the Cobblers on the High Street Open Tuesday – Friday 9am – 5pm All Types of Frames Glass Cutting • Laminating Dry Mounting

Tel: 07967 812978

MER CUSTO K AR P R A C

Support Small Business Saturday on 6th December

GENTS & BOYS HAIRDRESSING ~ at ~

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

SPARKFORD Village Hall Fridays 12.45pm – 5.45pm Lance Wells & Mike Baker State Registered ~ or ~

★ PHONE for a HOME VISIT ★ 01935 814074 or ... 07767 027798 (mobile)

Clementina

Gifts for all the family ...

CHRIST M TREE L AS IGHTS

Ornaments • Clocks • Watches • Photoframes • Silver Ware etc. Practical Gifts for Home and Garden LATE House Signs: Wood and uPVC NIGHT Fireside Accessories – Halogen and Electric Heaters OPENING Flogas Stockist – Kindling Wood and Logs – Coal – Torches Friday 5th

We wish all our customers a Happy Christmas !

December

HIGH STREET • WINCANTON • Tel: 01963 32249

You’re guaranteed a warm welcome from this attractive Mendip pedestal stove which would make an interesting focal point in any living space. Mendip Stoves are available from Ben Johnson of Shaftesbury.

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

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

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

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

THE VISITOR December 2014 45

into the room. 3. Draught-proofing your home is vital. Check for any gaps where chilly breezes could sneak in, such as under and

ACF WINDOWS

ANDY FELTHAM

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

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

House & Home

around doors and windows, loft hatches and pipes which lead outside. 4. Close curtains and blinds as soon as it starts to get dark to ensure you don’t lose warmth through the windows. 5. In bitterly cold weather, if you are going out, keep the central heating on low and leave internal doors open for warm air to circulate. Keeping the hatch to your loft ajar will stop pipes and tanks freezing. 6. Make sure you know where your water stopcock is located. If you suffer a burst pipe you'll be happy you found it in advance! 7. Be prepared for power-cuts! Candles, matches, torches (with batteries). Put them somewhere easily accessible and remember where you’ve put them!

Outside Your Home

1. In Autumn, leaves can collect in gutters and drains, leading to blockages and overflows, so it’s best to clean them regularly. Consider investing in gutter leaf guards to help prevent your gutters becoming blocked in future. 2. If you are going away for any length of time, shut off the

outside taps and drain any standing water to avoid outside pipes bursting. 3. For blocked drains, ordinary household salt and warm water will unblock a frozen drain - fast. 4. If you know temperatures are going to drop below freezing put a tennis ball in your fish pond - then remove it to let

A solid oak hall sideboard with brass handles - bespoke furniture beautifully made by John Hamblin, on the Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil.

John Hamblin

CABINET MAKERS • ANTIQUE FURNITURE RESTORERS We are specialists in the repair and restoration of antique and modern furniture

Bespoke Furniture ... made to customers specific requirements French Polishing

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 Tel: 01935 471154 • jhamblin101@gmail.com “We care for your furniture”

Now available 5 TONNE LOAD DELIVERIES by small lorry

SAND & GRAVEL

NEW

PRE-PACKED COAL AVAILABLE

large and small loads

TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME

(01935) 823346

46 THE VISITOR December 2014

We can deliver to your area inc. Castle Cary, Bruton, Sherborne, Wincanton etc. For advice or information ring Tim or Heidi or call in and see us

oxygen into the water. 5 . Cat litter makes a great alternative to salt for clearing ice off your paths - and unlike salt, it won't kill your plants.

Commentary from property expert on how to prepare for the flood season

In light of the recent news which suggests that the Government appears to be backtracking on a £2.7 million pledge to kickstart a special flood prevention body, Jason Orme, editor of Homebuilding and Renovating magazine provides commentary below on what people and organisations can do to prepare better this winter: ‘There are several main points of water ingress in a typical home: doors/windows; utilities incursions (such as phone points); air bricks and through drains. There are plenty of products on the market that will help homeowners to protect their home's weaker ingress points in the short term (such as airbrick covers and guard/barriers - try Floodsense.co.uk) but ultimately

House & Home

these are dealing with short term flooding only. You can help to minimise the effects of flooding by choosing appropriate building materials for your house, and carrying out repairs appropriately. For example, certain types of insulation, particularly the wools, absorb water and lose their efficacy after flooding; closed-cell boards tend to be more waterproof. Timber, on the whole, deteriorates when immersed: engineering bricks tend to have high levels of water-resistance. If you must use plasterboard for dry-lining walls, then lay it horizontally rather than vertically so that, in the event of flood damage, you can simply remove the bottom step rather than the whole lot. For many, the worst thing about flooding is drains backflow. A one-way (non-return) flap valve (often sold as anti-flooding valves) are money well spent.’ Pictured right: this attractive kitchen has been recently installed by Sherborne Kitchens. See their advert in the Sherborne feature.

Unit 11, Brickfields Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4JX

Tel: 01747 826714 / 826721 www.townandcountryaerials.co.uk

Ask about our amazing Sky package deals! Sky+HD WiFi with 7 day Catch Up

CATCH UP TV SERVICES REQUIRE A BROADBAND CONNECTION

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

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WE CAN HELP WITH ... ✔ No Unsightly Cables ✔ Listed Buildings ✔ Conservation Areas ✔ We cover your area ... Yeovil, Sherborne, Wincanton, Gillingham etc.

Your local Sky expert

THE VISITOR December 2014 47

Lighting-up Time - using candles and decorative lights safely in the home at Christmas

If you’re a fan of BBC’s Strictly you will probably have heard that the daughter of one of the programme presenters, Claudia Winkleman, was seriously injured recently when her Hallowe’en costume caught fire whilst out ‘Trick or Treating’ with family and friends. It is thought that her costume came into contact with a candle in a pumpkin. Candles, decorations and decorative lights are a growing cause of fires. It only takes one candle to put your home at risk so always take care when using them. It is important to keep safety in mind whenever you use candles at home. By following these simple guidelines you can use candles safely. Candles are best placed on a heat-resistant surface – be especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic. Always place them in a proper candle holder, so that they don’t

House & Home

fall over and keep out of draughts. Keep them out of reach of children and pets, and away from curtains and soft furnishings. There should be at least three feet (1 metre) between the candle and any surface above it and at least four inches (10 centimetres) between any two candles. Always put out candles before moving them and don’t let anything fall into the hot wax, such as matchsticks. Never leave a candle unattended. Make sure you put out candles before you leave a room and before you go to bed. Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them out – blowing them can send sparks and hot wax flying. Double-check that they are completely out and not still smouldering. Never leave a burning candle or oil burner in a child’s bedroom. Candles and night lights are often used in celebrations for Christmas and other festivals. Make sure you don’t put candles in, or by, a Christmas tree, plants, flowers or foliage. You should also

take care to keep ribbons, festive decorations made of tissue paper or cardboard, and greetings cards away from heaters, lights, fireplaces and candles.

Decorative lights

Fairy lights and Christmas tree lights don’t get used very often, so you should make sure they are in good working order before using them. Check that lights aren’t damaged or broken and look out for loose or worn wires. Check that the fuse in the plug is the right size – the packaging should tell you the maximum size of fuse you should use. Remember:

1. Don’t overload sockets. 2. Replace any bulbs that blow. 3. Switch the lights off when you go to bed or leave the house. 4. Don’t let the bulbs touch anything that can burn easily, like paper or fabrics and other Christmas tree decorations. 5. If you are unsure about the safety of last year’s Christmas lights, don’t use them.

For indoor lighting you could use light-emitting diode bulbs – LED lights. LED lights work at a lower voltage than traditional bulbs so there is less risk of electric shock. You can also buy Christmas lights with a low voltage

REPAIR SERVICE

transformer. The transformer reduces the normal voltage so the lights are safer to use. If you want to use decorative lights outside, you should make sure they are designed for outdoor use only and are connected through an RCD-protected socket. A residual current device (RCD) protects against electric shock by disconnecting the electricity if the current is uneven. An RCD is sometimes called a safety switch or circuit breaker. Make sure you know where your fuse box is so that you can turn it off quickly in an emergency. Every home should be fitted with a working smoke alarm, it could save your life in the event of a fire. Always check your home for fire hazards before you go to bed. Check the cooker is turned off and turn off and unplug electrical appliances (unless they are meant to be left on, such as the fridge/ freezer). Make sure candles and cigarettes have been put out properly. If you have an open fire remember to put up the fireguard. Turn off any heaters. Close internal doors at night, should a fire occur, they can help prevent it from spreading.

Support Small Business Saturday on 6th December

★ All makes of TV repaired ★ On the premises workshop

★ Loan TV whilst being repaired

★ Estimates ★ Bench or field service

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

H.R. Hodge

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

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

Email: james@taylormade-sw.co.uk Tel: 01460 77344 Mobile: 07866 145050

Quality craftsmanship and expertise in bespoke furniture, bedrooms, kitchens and custom made joinery

Workshop / Showroom, Unit 1, Walronds Park, Isle Brewers, Taunton, TA3 6QP

48 THE VISITOR December 2014

www.taylormade-sw.co.uk

House & Home

Individual pieces of furniture are available from Living Pretty in Curry Rivel.

AP Kitchen Solutions NEW YEAR – NEW KITCHEN

 Kitchens replaced for a fresh new look – at a reasonable price

 Complete new kitchens designed to suit you

 Replacement doors – “don’t replace it, reface it”

 Huge choice of granite and quartz worksurfaces  Full range of accessories and appliances

 Full project management & qualified local installers

 We offer an expert and friendly service

 01935 849559

To discuss your personal requirements contact Adam or call at our showroom

Northover, ILCHESTER, BA22 8LD www.apkitchens.co.uk

LANGPORT

Langport’s many independent shops, in buildings of all shapes and sizes, provide a broad range of goods and services.

THE FLOODPLAIN of the River Parrett and its tributaries the Ile and the Yeo has a character unique in Visitorland. Most winters some fields are under water for several weeks, and that’s no bad thing. Water gushing down from the hills carries silt and nutrients that enrich the Levels and ensure a good crop of grass the following summer. But in heavy winter rains it can turn into a vast inland sea as the water from more than 800 square miles of upland Somerset and Dorset drains into the 250 square miles of the Levels, as happened earlier this year. Media images of the floods that blighted so much of Visitorland painted a heartbreaking picture of homes engulfed, businesses devastated, farmland submerged, communications severed and lives dramatically altered for what turned out to be many weeks. Langport’s origins date from Saxon times when the settlers wisely chose a dry hilltop site high above the river in the

marshy land below. Archaeological evidence shows that it was fortified against the Danes in the early 10th century. But the Parrett was an important means of transport, so a low causeway was built across the valley to the navigable waterside sometime in the 12th century (although some writers claim it was built by the Romans). And this became the town’s commercial centre and has remained so to this day. If you

FOSTERS NEWSAGENTS NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES Props. Sue & Tony WE DELIVER!

West Country Calendars Local Christmas Cards and “Relative” Christmas Cards David Sturgeon Giftware Bow Street, Langport Somerset, TA10 9PQ Tel: 01458 250607

COCKLEMOOR GIFT & CRAFT SHOP

Christmas Gift Ideas for all the family Lots of Boxed Chocolates including Liqueurs TOYS • GAMES • JIGSAWS • PHOTO FRAMES • GIFTS Sirdar and Hayfield Knitting Yarns Patterns, Haberdashery, Ribbons, Crafts Follow us on Facebook

Bow Street, Langport Tel: 01458 253145

THE VISITOR December 2014 49

are searching for that elusive ‘special’ Christmas gift, Langport may provide the answer. Its many independent shops are brimming with original gift ideas – needlecraft kits and embroidery

Festive LANGPORT

silks, individually-crafted silverware and jewellery, local views, useful and decorative items for the home and garden, carpets and soft furnishings, ladieswear and lingerie, toys and

They say it’s difficult to find a

GOOD GARAGE so here is a map to help you ... Westover Trading Estate

River Parrett

L MC

games, sweets, chocolates and lots of very tempting foods to name but a few. And for speciality foods seldom found in the supermarkets, take a look in The Langport Stores on Cheapside.

Many reminders of Langport’s past prosperity lie up The Hill. The imposing parish church, alas no longer in use, dates from the 15th century but contains remnants of a much earlier

Aptly named, The Hill links Langport’s hill-top residential area and the retail commercial area on the Levels below.

South West Peninsular Training Training Specialists

Curry Rivel

A378

Langport

Servicing & Repairs on All Makes of Car Citroën and Peugeot Specialists

Collection & Delivery Service • Courtesy Car Available Full Electronic Diagnostics

Pre -M.O.T. Preparation Work Undertaken NEED A CAR WASH OR A VACUUM?

Our Car Washes & Car Vacuum are the most powerful for miles! Open 24 hours 7 days a week

Batteries ★ Tyres ★ Exhausts

Open Monday – Friday 8am – 5.30pm • Saturday Appointments Only

LANGPORT MOTOR COMPANY Prop. Richard White

WESTOVER TRADING ESTATE LANGPORT, SOMERSET, TA10 9RB

Tel: 01458 251100 • Email: langportmotors@btconnect.com

50 THE VISITOR December 2014

SOUTH WEST PENINSULAR TRAINING LTD Westover Trading Estate, Langport, Somerset, TA10 9RB Tel: 01458 253493 • Fax: 01458 253445 Email: info@swptraining.co.uk www.swptraining.co.uk

Festive LANGPORT

building on the site, and the churchyard provides panoramic views across the levels. Next to the church is the site of the town’s original market, and most of the elegant houses

surrounding it are 19th century, although a few are older, and older still is the nearby Hanging Chapel across the road to Huish Episcopi. This is a survival from the fortifications of the Civil War

period when Langport was garrisoned for the King, to no avail as it turned out when Cromwell’s Parliamentary forces won a decisive battle nearby on 10th July 1645.

Support Small Business Saturday on 6th December

Langport’s handsome 15th century parish church is no longer used but is often open to the public.

Sandpits Heating Centre Inspirational gift ideas for hearth & home Companion Sets Log Baskets Candles – Cushions

Rugs – Lamps Throws – Scarves – Bags China – Clocks Cookware, Enamalware Chopping Boards Trivets ... and More! High Street, Curry Rivel Langport, TA10 0ES Tel: 01458 251476 LARGE CAR PARK AT REAR

Langport’s Hanging Chapel is a survivial of the town’s fortifications during the Civil War in the 17th century.

LIVING PRETTY

FESTIVE AFTERNOON CREAM TEA

1st December to 20th December Selection of Finger Sandwiches • Salmon & Dill Tartlets Parsnip, Blue Cheese & Walnut Blinis Mini Frangipane Mince Pies • Festive Spiced Scones Chocolate Oragne Brownie Bites • Pot of Tea for Two Two Glasses of Bubbly on Arrival £30 for two

CHRISTMAS LUNCHES AND SUPPERS LUNCHES Thursday 11th December • Friday 12th December Thursday 18th December • Friday 19th December 2 Courses, Coffee & Petit Fours – £22 3 Courses, Coffee & Petit Fours – £26 SUPPERS Thursday 11th December Friday 12th December Thursday 18th December 3 Courses, Coffee & Petit Fours – £30 Lunches from 12noon • Suppers from 7pm Deposit and Pre-order required

FESTIVE FOODIE DELIGHTS

H Gift Vouchers H Marvellous Mince Pies H H Deluxe Yule Logs H Christmas Canapes H H Orders taken for Christmas Cakes H

The Old Bakery, Curry Rivel, Langport, TA10 0ES Tel: 01458 253357 Email: kate@livingpretty.co.uk www.livingpretty.co.uk THE VISITOR December 2014 51

No visit to the Langport area is complete without calling at Muchelney, Curry Rivel and Hambridge. The John Leach Gallery at Muchelney Pottery, open again after the floods, has an ever-changing display of artwork and ceramics to admire and perhaps purchase and the pottery shop sells the classic range of Muchelney kitchen and tableware. Sandpits Heating Centre in Curry Rivel is best known for its big range of woodburners but it also stocks home furnishings and accessories and garden furniture and has a

Festive LANGPORT

lovely tea shop called Living Pretty. And at Hambridge, next to the renowned Brown & Forrest smokery and restaurant at Bowdens Farm, the former grainstore, haybarn and dairy were painstakingly restored and converted some years ago to create a base for art and craft work designers and makers and to provide a different shopping experience from the usual chainstore-dominated edge-of-town retail developments. A good time to visit Langport could be Friday 19th December when the town is staging its

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The area of Langport at the bottom of the hill, closer to the River Parrett, has long been the town’s commercial centre.

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LANGPORT Christmas Extravaganza. Proceedings start at 10.00am with a market in the town square where small-scale local producers will be selling a wide variety of foods, craftwork and lots more. Many of the town shops will be entering into the spirit of the occasion and I’m told that Father Christmas will be putting in an appearance at some stage during the day. Car parking is free in the large parking area on Cocklemoor behind the town square opposite the Town Hall. And the town has a choice of cafés and pubs catering for almost all tastes and pockets so you won’t go hungry. The event is being organised by the Langport Area Business Group. In last December’s Visitor I noted that Hurds Hill was about to become a 14-bedroomed business centre catering for

conferences, retreats, seminars and meetings. This large old house, set in five acres of land on the hill beyond Bow Bridge on the road to Taunton, was for many years in the 19th century the home of one of Britain’s most influential businessmen, the economist Walter Bagehot. On Monday 1st December the annual social evening of Langport and District History Society is being held at Hurds Hill and will feature tours of this historic house from 7.30pm. The event is free to members of the History Society but non-members are welcome to attend at £2 each. However, places must be booked in advance by contacting the Secretary, Sue Standen, on 01458 273471, or by email to suzannestanden 471@btinternet.com. Roger Richards.

Somerton

ANY DAY now the first Christmas cards of 2014 will start dropping through my letterbox, a salutary reminder that I must buy some cards, address some envelopes, pop them in the post and trust Royal Mail to deliver them within two or three days. For more than a century, in preinternet days, we relied on Royal Mail to convey most of our

written communications cheaply and quickly to anywhere in the country, but it was not always so. In the 1830s, before Christmas cards had been thought of, it cost tenpence in pre-decimal currency to send a letter from Somerton to London. To put this into context, at that time the sexton of Somerton Church was paid £4 per year for ringing the bell every

Somerton’s famous Buttercross is a central feature of the Market Place.

Nicola French, proprietor of the recently opened Eustace and Arthur, a delightful gift shop specialising in gifts mainly for men - from cartridge case cufflinks through to beautiful silk scarves - do call in.

Traditional & Quirky Gifts Mainly for Men Open: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm throughout December

LATE NIGHT OPENING

Friday 19th December The Old Register Oﬃce, Bow Street Langport, TA10 9PR  01458 252914 www.eustaceandarthur.co.uk

THE VISITOR December 2014 53

day at 5.00am in summer and 6.00am in winter, and again every day at 5.00pm, and five shillings for each grave he dug. The Royal Mail Coach service started in 1784 and was an immediate success, with most towns and large villages gaining a Post Office within a few years. In Somerton the Red Lion Inn on the Market Place was the place where the coach called at around 11.00am to drop off and pick up mail and passengers and, importantly, to change horses. It was also an Excise Office where quarterly pension

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Christmas in Somerton

payments were made to exsoldiers and sailors. Letters were then taken across the road to the Post Office off a little passage that once linked Broad Street and the churchyard, from where they were delivered to or collected by the recipients. Despatches in the London direction left at around 6.00pm. The coming of the railway – first to Taunton in 1842, then to Langport in 1853, and eventually to Somerton in 1906 – revolutionised the mail service, it being vastly quicker and cheaper to run than the coach with four horses, coachman, guard and limited carrying capacity. As business grew the

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54 THE VISITOR December 2014

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Post Office moved to New Street, then into part of the Red Lion Hotel (as it had then become), and eventually, many years ago, to its present home at The Triangle. These days it also provides banking services and sells stationery, cards and suchlike – perhaps somewhere to buy my Christmas cards. Heading back from the Post Office towards the Market Place I noticed that the Somerton Hobbies shop by the car park next to the former Half Moon pub is now called Curious Collectables and has an

Christmas in Somerton

interesting range of antiques. However I was pleased to see that it is still catering for people interested in model railways, planes and Scalextric. My stroll along West Street revealed numerous fascinating shops, their size much larger than their narrow frontages would suggest, as well as the Brunel Shopping Centre, tucked away in what were formerly brewery buildings, which houses a selection of small businesses including a wholefoods shop offering a wide variety of tempting products, and

Somerton’s independent and seemingly very popular supermarket.

At the Market Place the Old Courthouse is nowadays a superb showcase for some of the

Tinhouse Home & Garden Antiques Furniture • Vintage • Retro • Gardenalia • Pots Birdbaths • Sundials • Statues • Sculptures ITEMS BOUGHT & SOLD – CASH PAID – CAN COLLECT Open 10.30am ‘til 4.30pm, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Other times by appointment

Tel: 01458 241298 • Mobile: 07971 244441 Sutton Road, South Hill, SOMERTON, TA11 7JG Approx. 1 1⁄3 miles from Somerton Town Centre heading South on B3165

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As well as antiques, Curious Collectables stocks kits and equipment for model railways, planes and Scalextric layouts.

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THE VISITOR December 2014 55

Christmas in Somerton

Somerton’s war memorial, pictured on the day after Remembrance Day.

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

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

56 THE VISITOR December 2014

finest ceramics, metalwork, woodwork, glass, jewellery, embroidery and photography produced by members of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen. Most of the items are very reasonably priced considering the many hours of skilled work put into creating them. The Gallery is normally open from 10.00am till 5.00pm daily except Sundays, but during November and December it is also open on Sundays from 11.00am till 4.00pm and has a special Christmas exhibition displaying a selection of decorations and small gifts which could make ideal Christmas gifts. Across the road the Stationery House is much more than just a stationer; it has a selection of goods that are clearly gifts from Somerton, together with a broad range of maps, books, pens, jigsaw puzzles, framed prints and office requisites. Like most Visitorland towns, Somerton will be celebrating Christmas, and information about its programme of festive events and carol services can be found on its website www.somerton.co.uk. The atmosphere in the town centre will be enhanced with decorations, lights, carol services and events, and on selected dates many of the shops will be staying open late for Christmas shopping. But for browsing for Christmas gifts I usually find it better to visit early in the week when the shops are quieter and car parking is easier. Although the coach and four no longer gallops through its streets with the mail, Somerton still looks and feels traditionally English and displays many historic features. It is bursting with interesting old buildings and its medieval heart attracts visitors from all over the world. It has managed to retain much charm in the face of pressures and demands of 21st century living. I recommend that you pay it a visit this Christmas, see it for yourself and spend some hours browsing round the shops. Roger Richards.

Support Small Business Saturday on 6th December

Somerton In bygone days The Red Lion Inn on the Market Place was the place where the Royal Mail Coach called to drop off and pick up mail and passengers, and importantly, to change horses.

Andrew M. Knight

D.O.

Has moved to ...

Osteopath

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Leisure

Party Time at Mad Hatter

If you are having a party visit the Mad Hatter in Princes Street Yeovil. Whatever the theme there are props and costumes to set the scene - Pirates, Hawaii, Casino, Wild West, Hollywood, the list goes on. There are a host of fancy dress costumes plus a wide range of accessories such as wigs, hats, and masks. No party would be complete without a firework finale so check out the super choice. Spread over two floors the Mad Hatter is an Aladdins cave of party tableware, balloons of every hue, party poppers and much more!! See their website or call in.

Wincanton Choral Society Winter Concert

The Wincanton Choral Society will perform Handel’s great Oratorio, The Messiah at 7.30pm on Sunday 14th December at the Wincanton Sports Centre. With wonderful soloists, Katharine Hawnt (soprano), Andrew Stewart (countertenor),

Kieran White (tenor) and Tom Hunt (bass), the Choir is joined by an orchestra of top musicians conducted by Simon Twiselton. The performance, which follows the same pattern of its very first hearing in Dublin in April 1742, contains unusual versions of some of the famous solo numbers as well as the well-known choruses that thrill the ear and excite both the emotion and the intellect. Handel gave all the proceeds of that first performance to different Irish charities, something of which the Messiah would surely have approved. Come and hear this most enduring of choral works on the 14th December. Tickets for the performance are available from 01749 813899 or from the Box Office at: www.netaticket.co.uk. Prices are £13.50 in advance if bought by 8th December, £15.00 on the door with under 18s at £6.50 at any time.

Final Two Concerts of 2014

Jacquelyn Bevan (piano), Lisa Betteridge (violin) and Cressida

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THE VISITOR December 2014 57

Leisure & Tra vel

previous years can be viewed at www.yeovilrailway.freeservers. com where bookings can also be made online. Alternatively telephone 07816 359285 and leave a message for a return call.

Glastonbury Male Voice Choir Prepare for the Festive Season

Thinking of making a New Year Resolution? Do you enjoy singing? How about joining Glastonbury Male Voice Choir? Rehearsals for 2015 start in January. See their website for details.

Nash (cello) are the Paradis Palm Court Trio and they perform concerts regularly at The Assembly Room in Midsomer Norton Town Hall. The concerts take place from 12.30pm until 1.30pm and entrance is by donation. Home-made cakes and tea and coffee are always on sale. Their final concert of 2014 takes place on Friday 5th December at 12.30pm and is

entitled Winter Wonderland. On Sunday 14th December from 5 6pm - a brass quartet will be performing A Blast of Brass.

Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre

Once again running over five days, the Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre offer a great family occasion in the run up to Christmas.

So, you think you know your pop music, do you? By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 63

1. Who was really ‘Happy’ earlier this year?

2. Lyric ‘You walked into the party, like you were walking onto a yacht’. 3. ‘Harvest Moon’ A 1992 album by which solo artist?

4. Name the Welsh songstress who was once ‘Lost in France’ in 1976? 5. Jeff Lynne and Richard Tandy recently performed together after a long break, as what?

6. Lyric ‘Hot Dog, jumping Frog, Albuquerque’ name the song.

7. Who was the ‘Teen’ sung about by Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel?

8. Name the teen-idol family group who sang about ‘The Proud One’ in the early 70’s

9. ‘Blackbird’ appears on which Beatles album?

10. Name the sixties band who had hits with ‘5-4-3-2-1’ and ‘Pretty Flamingo’ amongst many others. Bonus Question Who was the band who sung the song in question 6?

Extra Bonus Question ‘Revolution’ is the song on the flip of Beatles single?

Question Impossible Name the American solo male from 1976 and the British band from 1995 both of whom released a single called ‘On and On’ – but a different song, same title, both of which failed to chart. Great Quotes in Music (73) “There’s people making babies to my music. That’s nice”

58 THE VISITOR December 2014

The visit begins with a steam train ride and then visitors make their way to the Visitor Centre which is transformed into a magical place with snow and bubble machines enhancing the experience. After a visit to see Santa in his Grotto (with a present for the children), seasonal refreshments are also included in the ticket price. More details and photos of

The festive season is a busy time of year for Glastonbury Male Voice Choir. The choir have a full concert of Christmas music to learn and to polish to a harmonious perfection ready for the Christmas Concert & Carols at St Johns’ Church Glastonbury on Wednesday 10th December at 8.00pm. The choir are also performing at Cossington Village Hall on 12th December and Clarks Village Street on Sunday 14th December helping Somerset Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Christmas Collection. Glastonbury Male Voice Choir was founded in 1903 and for over 90 years has provided local towns and villages with some spine tingling harmonies featuring classic, sacred and popular songs.

Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction, BA22 9UU

Sun 7 th, Sun 14 th, Sat 20 th, Sun 21st & Tue 23rd December Bookings via website www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com or telephone 07816 359285 £8 each adult /child • £7.50 each for parties of 8 or more £10 each on the day subject to availability

SANTA SPECIAL ***** Yeovil

Price includes steam train ride (subject to availability), seasonal refreshments, a visit to Santa's Grotto and a selected present for the children. Charity No 1043581.

FOR THE

NOVEMBER 28th MUTTER SLATER - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 29th TRANSITION COVER ORIGINALS - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon

DECEMBER 5th BELL STREET JAZZ BAND - Dolphin Hotel, Wincanton 5th LUCY (guitar & piano) - Crown, Sherborne 6th POWERCUT - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon 6th WISE INTENTIONS - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas 10th TRAD JAZZ - Crown, Sherborne 12th FINNIAN McGURK - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 12th THE DROVERS - Crown, Sherborne 13th US (acoustic duo) - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon 13th TOM CLEMENTS - Dolphin Hotel, Wincanton 19th SAM FRANCIS - Crown, Sherborne 20th FLATLAND BOOGIE BAND - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon 20th OCEAN DRIVE - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas 26th RAY JONES BAND - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi 31st KAYLEIGH - Natterjack, Evercreech Junction AN ADVERT IN 31st KEVIN BUTT - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE 31st DINOSAUR CAFE - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil MENTION HERE!

Leisure

There was a time when the choir was down to only 20 members with a high average age. Now, however, membership is up to 40 strong, and the average age is much reduced. Members are keen to learn more modern pieces, as well as keeping faith with the more familiar hymns and arias. In recent concerts some observers have commented on the warm, inviting quality and on the rich and full sound that the larger choir now achieves. No longer does the choir go into ‘con belto’ as though they were relying upon volume alone. These days each chorister is kept on his musical toes, both at rehearsals and concerts by musical director Tracey Hansford. Tracey has a remarkable talent to persuade each chorister to be more sensitive, to think carefully about his breathing and phrasing and especially about the meaning of the songs. In rehearsal Tracey uses her good humour to correct, persuade and encourage each voice to blend in with his neighbour and also with the choir as a whole. Rehearsals are great fun and they gain an enormous amount of satisfaction from achieving such a great sound. January marks the start of rehearsals of their popular and classical songs ready for the main concert season through the spring and summer. This makes it an excellent time for anyone interested in joining the choir to go along to Glastonbury Town Hall on Tuesday evening at 7.45pm to see how they like singing in a choir. This is an open invitation and is completely free. See the website for full details, www.glastonburymalevoicechoir. co.uk.

Christmas Tree Festival at the Minster Church, Ilminster

Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Festival at the Minster Church, Ilminster. Monday – Friday December 8th – 12th 9.00am – 5.00pm and Saturday December 13th 9.00am - 4.00pm, with the addition on the Saturday morning of a Christmas Fair selling cakes,

Christmas table decorations, and Christmas presents. There will be over 50 lit trees raising money for national and local charities, including Bristol Childrens Hospital, an Ebola fund raising charity, Horseshoes and Handprints etc. etc. Free entry and wheelchair access.

Sherborne Douzelage

Sherborne Douzelage present a Romanian Evening of Music & Dance at the Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, on Friday 5th December at 7.30pm. Sherborne Douzelage has a project to support the psychiatric hospital and youth groups in our partner town of Siret. This is a fantastic project to provide a minibus to them, but also to drive it to Romania collecting young people from various Douzelage towns along the route, making a memorable inter-country event. The year will be 2015, the distance is 2015 miles. Anything will help; £5 will get us a mile further along the road, £50 will pay for an overnight stop. I hope that as many of you as can will give to the project via the website and also ask all your friends to contribute also. Please just click on the link below and follow the directions on the site. More project details are included. http://www.justgiving.com/Road -to-Romania (See advert in Sherborne feature).

GARDENING

GARDENING MONTHLY by Richard Cumming Orchard Park

National Tree Week 2014 23rd November 1st December

THIS IS AN ANNUAL EVENT to highlight the need to care for existing trees and make sure that we look for opportunities to plant new ones. Clearly I have a vested interested (I sell trees and plant care products!) but they really are important and close to my (wooden) heart, metaphorically, although I expect that will be literally at some future point when I’m in my box! I have been lucky enough to have planted a lot of trees over the years and it always gives me a tremendous charge to think that I can create or contribute to a landscape that will be there long after I have gone. Trees can be very personal memorials; I have planted several to celebrate or in memory of friends and relatives and it is so

comforting to revisit a tree that has a significant reason for its existence. Then there are the chance saplings started by the birds or the squirrels that grow tall before you realise they are there. Sometimes I move them to a better site, and sometimes I just leave them where they are. It breaks my heart to dig them up and throw them away, there’s usually a space somewhere. I’ve never measured my size 12 carbon footprint but I hope I have managed to put a bit of balance into my energy hungry lifestyle with the trees I have planted and cared for. So, how to mark National Tree Week? It is a good chance to check the trees already growing in your garden, have they done well enough? Are young trees properly staked and the area at the bottom of the tree clear of

Colours of Christmas Concert

On Friday 12th December The People’s Choir Yeovil present the Colours of Christmas at 7.30pm in St. John’s Church Yeovil. Tickets for this performance of Christmas classics and seasonal favourites can be booked in advance by calling the choir hotline on 07749 321834 or can be bought on the night at the church. Tickets are priced at £6 for adults and £4 for under 16s which includes refreshments. Programmes for the concert will have a lucky programme number and proceeds from a retiring collection will go to local charities.

Colours of Christmas The People’s Choir Yeovil presents ...

Friday 12th December, 7.30pm at St. John’s Church, Yeovil A Selection of Christmas Classics & Seasonal Favourites Musical Directors: Claire Hawkes, Rachel Milestone-McAdorey Accompanist: Becky Dudley Smith

Tickets £6 and £4 for Under 16s  Choirline: 07749 321834

THE VISITOR December 2014 59

GARDENING All types of Fencing

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

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PODIMORE RECYCLING LTD. Podimore, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8JG Tel: 01935 849250 • Fax: 01935 849099 Mobile: 07973 844145 The Visitor can now be read online: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

Bring some festive colour to your garden - visit Harts Garden Centre, Sturminster Newton for a wide choice.

weeds and grass? Prune away any damaged diseased or badly positioned growth to help a young tree grow strong. Older trees can also need a little attention especially where trunks may have cracked or split and allowed rot to set in. The care of mature trees is usually a job for a qualified tree surgeon, it is not worth the risk of ignoring dangerous limbs or obvious cracks and rotten sections. New garden? There is almost always room for a small tree or even a large shrub in every garden no matter what the size. You have to be a little careful in positioning trees near walls and drains but apart from that, there is a variety to suit most situations. The usual choice is between trees grown for shade (need good foliage) flowers or fruit. A good shade tree will keep you cool in summer and save energy in winter by acting as a windbreak. Flowering trees often

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60 THE VISITOR December 2014

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

produce fruit as well whether it is to feed the family or the wildlife. Blossom attracts insects and birds to the garden which provide natural control for other pest problems. So there you have it, plenty of really good reasons to plant trees. And the next step? Read up the books and the catalogues, check the predicted height at 10 years as well as the ultimate height, and talk to the nurserymen and the plant team at the garden centre; they will tell you what grows well on your soil and what will suit your needs. If you want a few suggestions then look at the Norway maples for shade, Holm oaks and cedars for evergreen shade, hawthorns, crab apples and cherries for flowers and apples, plums and damsons for fruit. Then Amelanchiers, and maples for autumn colour. So many wonderful trees to choose from.

Plant of the Month

There is one really seasonal and under used plant that deserves being better known, and that is Sarcoccoca or the ‘Christmas’ or ‘Sweet Box’. There are several sorts of this fragrant, winter flowering evergreen that can fit in with any scheme you may be planning. Former Chanel model and founder of the Edible Busstop Mak Gilcrist is a real fan “This plant has incredibly intense scent and thrives at a time of year where there is little scent in the garden. I particularly like that about it. It's a sensuous indulgence in the deep midwinter.” Sarcoccoca makes a great addition to a winter garden as it’s a tough, reliable plant that is very easy to grow. Perfect for a border, in containers or as ground cover it will grow well in shade while its delicate white flowers bloom over winter and early spring. Sarcoccoca grows slowly and gradually to form lowgrowing mounds of evergreen foliage and also has red and black berries once flowering has finished. Indoors the Christmas plants are now ready; azaleas, cyclamen and poinsettias are the traditional lines but they each have their own needs. Azaleas need good light but don’t want to be too warm. The wrong conditions will cause them to drop their flower buds. Cyclamen also prefer a cool room. Both are best watered from

below, letting the plant sit in a bowl of water, at room temperature, for 20 minutes or so, a couple of times a week as necessary. Traditional red poinsettias, are joined by a range of colours from a creamy white, to marbled pink and white, salmon pink and a beautiful ’Artistic’ blend of crimson and white. These colourful Christmas plants prefer a warm room away from cold draughts. The surface of the pot should be allowed to dry before they are watered with tepid water. The best way to judge if a plant needs water is to lift it up. A dry plant is light in weight, but don’t let any of them get to the point of collapse as the leaf tissues could be damaged beyond recovery.

Jobs for the Month

If the weather is good then winter gardening is very rewarding. I don’t mind the dark but I need a few good hours of daylight to maintain my equilibrium. If you can get outside, and claygardeners need to treat their soils with the utmost respect – then any tidying up will save time later. Tender plants should have been protected by this time and its worth checking that any fleece covers are still in place. If you’re lucky enough to own a greenhouse then check the heaters and the bubble wrap insulation to protect precious tender plants and in preparation for early seed sowings next month. A good layer of manure on the rhubarb now will make a huge difference to productivity next year. It has been a good year for vegetable production and growyour-own plots have proved their worth. Any crops still in the ground may need protection from cold winter weather and hungry

GARDENING

predators! Rabbits and pigeons will be making a beeline for brassicas, and badgers for root crops. Every garden, organic or not, will benefit from a good application of well-rotted manure. This can be hard to find but it is certainly worth the effort. We are lucky enough to live in a rural area, and there’s plenty of muck around so, if you have the space, and can find a load of half decent stuff, make a heap, allowing it to rot further for a few months before using it. Planting of dormant deciduous trees and shrubs carries on right through the winter stopped only by frozen or waterlogged soil. Then there is the pruning to be tackled. Fruit trees, bushes and ornamental trees and shrubs can be pruned now while they are fully dormant, although this should be avoided in very frosty weather when cold can enter the fresh cut stem and cause damage.

Over 6,000 trees set to be planted across Dorset to commemorate the centenary of the First World War

Tree planting events are set to take place around Dorset as part of an ambitious UK-wide project by the Woodland Trust to mark the centenary of the First World War. 6,120 saplings has been delivered to schools and community groups across Dorset that will now be planted as part of local events organised to thank those affected by the War that broke out in 1914.

The saplings will grow to create new woodland, hedgerows and memorial areas that can be enjoyed by both people and wildlife. They will provide a

lasting tribute to all those who made sacrifices in the First World War in the hope of securing a brighter future for the next generation.

Wickhams Cross, Butleigh, BA6 8TP OPEN DAILY from 29th November 10am until dark

O Fresh from the Forest O

✴ Traditional Trees ✴ Nordman Fir ✴ Mistletoe and Holly ✴ Potted & Rooted ✴ Fraser Fir ✴ Logs in Bags ✴ Large Trees ✴ Wreaths ✴ FREE REINDEER DUST

www.o-christmas.co.uk ( 07870 466179

Ho-ho-ho!

It’s Christmastime

O Quality Christmas Trees (Nordsman) and Stands O Festive Wreaths O Colourful Planted Pots O Amaryllis - an ideal gift O Logs, Kindling & Coal

Station Road Sturminster Newton ( 01258 472788

OPEN: Monday – Friday 8am – 5.30pm. Saturday 8am – 4.30pm

Christmas Trees

FOR SALE Nordsman & Norway Spruce

POTTED OR CUT

Red Dawn Bridgefoot West Lydford nr. Somerton TA11 7DP

Tel: 01963 240532 Mob: 07970 397248

THE VISITOR December 2014 61

In this centenary year, the Woodland Trust believes creating thousands of acres of life-giving native woodland, and dedicating

GARDENING

trees to loved ones or local heroes, is the best way of saying ‘thank you’ to those involved. Saplings for the local planting

events have been supplied by the UK’s leading tree conservation charity, through its Free Trees scheme. They will contribute to

Common Mead Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4RE

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

( 01747 822242 Email: thorngrove.staff@scope.org.uk O Poinsettias and Cyclamen in many glorious shades

O Potted and Cut Christmas Trees from First Week of December

O Wreath Making Workshops: Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th December, 2pm – 4pm each day ring for details and booking

O Christmas Afternoon Tea & Raffle, Saturday 13th December 2 – 4pm, fund-raising for new glasshouse

Thorngrove Garden Centre was set up by SCOPE, a national disability charity, whose vision is a world where disabled people have the same opportunities to fulfil their life ambitions as non-disabled people. By purchasing goods and services from Thorngrove you are supporting Scope's work in our local community. Thank you.

Would you like sharper teeth?

OPENING TIMES: December Open 9am – 5pm EVERY DAY • Closed from 4pm on Wednesday 24th December Re-opening Saturday 3rd January • January & February 2015 Open 10am – 4pm EVERY DAY

THE DORSET & SOMERSET FENCING & GATE COMPANY All types of fencing supplied and erected No VAT • FREE Survey & Quotation Pressure Treated Material 10 Year Guarantee Fencing the counties for 30 years

Tel: 01935 330095

the millions of trees being planted across the UK as part of the Trust’s Centenary Woods project – one of the most ambitious in the Woodland Trust’s history – where by 2018 four memorial Centenary woods will be created in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. John Tucker, the Woodland Trust’s Woodland Creation Director, said: “It is wonderful to hear about the tree planting events in Dorset, and the touching stories about the war heroes they’re set to give thanks to. Whether planted for a family member, former school pupil or well-loved member of a community, each tree will represent a special individual or group of people. “Currently the UK has significantly less woodland cover than the rest of Europe. Local tree planting events help us work toward our target of doubling the amount of native woodland we have, and what better way of

Chainsaw Sharpening and Servicing

Bars • Chains • Files • Axes Get ready for the winter!

Chainsaws

December OFFER

1 week only 1st – 6th Dec Buy a chainsaw chain and get another chain FREE! See our website for our monthly promotions

Husqvarna 135 Lighweight & compact 14 inch bar

£ 210 FROM

Garden Machinery

Full range of tools & garden machinery available

17d Wincombe Business Park, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ

( 01747 851021

Alan Dodge BSc 62 THE VISITOR December 2014

www.benjohnsonmowers.com

Support Small Business Saturday on 6th December

GARDEN

securing future woodland cover, than by dedicating trees to and creating woods for those who sacrificed so much for us during the First World War.” The First World War Centenary Woods project is supported by our lead partner Sainsbury's, helping us plant millions of native trees to commemorate the First World War. The packs have been generously funded by lead partners Sainsbury’s, IKEA FAMILY and Biffa Award, also funded by WHSmith, Wilko and players of People’s Postcode Lottery. More information about how to dedicate a tree, the Woodland Trust’s Centenary Woods project and Free Trees scheme, by visiting woodlandtrust.org.uk

Christmas trees are now arriving at garden centres. Get yours early!

Suppliers of quality lawn turf Full ground preparation and laying service available

Telephone Somerton 01458 272091 Mobile 07850 310998

TREE SURGERY SPECIALISTS

the end bit...

PAPERCHASE

A PHOTOGRAPH on page 54 of the 23rd October issue of the Western Gazette caught my eye. The headline stated ‘Retailers go back to basics with visit to cheese makers’ and the photo depicted James Montgomery shouldering a truckle of his handmade Somerset cheddar at Manor Farm. I thought it looked familiar – and indeed it was, because the same photograph and story had appeared in the Western Daily Press over a week earlier, on 15th October. The lack of attention to detail by the sub-editors at the Western Daily Press recently produced these two silly headlines. On page 4 of the 24th September issue a story and three photographs about the cast of this year’s panto at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre was headlined ‘Pin-up’s daughter set for staring role’. I trust her talents extend beyond simply staring, otherwise it could be a very dull pantomime indeed. Then on page 12 of the 18th October issue a report of the Earl of Cardigan’s failure in the Court of Appeal to prevent the sale of his family’s ancestral home was topped with

‘Earl losses to mystery buyer of family seat’. The headline could do with losing an ‘s’ to make any sense at all. And an eagle-eyed sub-editor should surely have picked up this abomination that appeared in the 14th October issue. In a story about raiders blasting open a cash machine outside a Bristol bank the reporter mentioned similar raids in the area earlier in the year and informed readers that the latest raid ‘had happened in the early hours and bared strikingly similar hallmarks’. I don’t want to be a bore, but ‘bore’ is the word the reporter was looking for. To celebrate hallowe’en the Western Gazette published a page of local ‘spooky tales’ in its 30th October issue. The tale that caught my eye was headlined ‘Molly the ghostly tea lady – Yeovil Pen Mill railway station’ and told of Molly who worked in the station’s refreshment room in the 1960s, died on the platform and now haunts the café. A nice story, except that the station was not Pen Mill, it was Yeovil Junction, and despite the accompanying photo being captioned as Yeovil Pen Mill it is clearly Yeovil Junction, as can be seen from the station nameboard and the South West Trains service standing at the platform. Sticking with railways, the 23rd September issue of the Western Daily Press carried a story about remains of structures built by Brunel for the Great Western Railway in the early days of the railways that had been unearthed during the building of the new Crossrail scheme in London.

Sudoku

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.

‘Findings include the foundations of a 600ft-long engine shed, a workshop and train turntables,’ it informed readers. I think not! It would need one heck of a long turntable to turn a train, and why turn a train anyway? What the reporter meant was locomotive turntables, and in the interests of accuracy that is what he (or she) should have written. Finally, I wonder how many readers attempting the Codeword puzzle on page 34 of the 1st November Western Daily Press ended up, like me, tearing their hair out in frustration. With the two letters given to allegedly ‘trigger the solution’ entered in the grid, 3=L and 18=0, it shouldn’t take anyone with a reasonable vocabulary more than 20 minutes to complete the puzzle. After 20 minutes of fruitless experimentation with every word that I and the Oxford English Dictionary could come up with, I was driven to looking at the answers, only to find that 3=S and 18=B, while poor old L was actually 5 and O was 9. And did an apology for the error appear in a subsequent issue? Of course not! Chronicler.

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 58

1. Pharrell Williams

2. ‘You’re So Vain’ – Carly Simon 3. Neil Young

4. Bonnie Tyler

5. ‘Jeff Lynne’s electric Light

Orchestra’

6. ‘The King of Rock ‘N’ Roll’ 7. ‘Judy Teen’

8. The Osmonds

9. ‘The Beatles’ (White Album) 10. Manfred Mann

Bonus Question ‘Prefab Sprout’

Extra Bonus Question ‘Hey Jude’

Question Impossible Stephen Bishop, ‘The Long Pigs’

Solution to November

Sudoku

Crown Thinning and Reduction Dead and Dangerous Trees Removed New Trees Supplied and Planted Tree Stumps Removed Approved Contractor to Somerset County Council and Local Councils

Phone B. P. MONTGOMERY for a FREE Estimate Tel: 01963 240532 Mobile: 07970 397248 Email: brutontreecare@hotmail.com

THE VISITOR December 2014 63

Classified Ads



Send Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. 30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential. For a Box Number please add £2. Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit / Debit Card. ✽ If you require a receipt a s.a.e. must be enclosed with payment, or your email address.

Fires / Chimneys / Stoves

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE

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

NAME ........................................................................................................................................................................ ADDRESS ................................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................................. Tel: ......................................................................... Cheque Enclosed for £ .................... Minimum £5

Passport Photographs

Wanted

Storage

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

PASSPORTS - passports - passports - also studio sittings and weddings. Any time to suit you. Easy parking. Tel: Graham Cox, Photographer, 01458 223769.

STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles. Lock-up garages to let. Tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692.

Personal

GENT 69, enjoys travel, National Trust, seaside, theatre, music, dancing. Seeks lady, non-smoker, easy going. Tel: 01458 440094.

JUNE NEEDS strong arms to hold her. Young 65, smart, good figure, non-smoker. Enjoys animals, walks, meals out, theatre, cosy nights in with home cooking. Lots of other interests, 01458 851399.

Meditation

WELLS ZEN GROUP: Zazen Meditation followed by discussion on Buddhism, 7.30pm every Monday, Town Hall, Wells. Contact Paul Crummay: 01749 670193.

Cornish Holiday

CHRISTMAS IN MEVAGISSEY? 7 nights available from 20th December. Polkirt Forge, our traditional cornish cottage for 4 people, overlooks the harbour and has views out to sea. Includes gas and c / h. 7 nights £541. Contact 07971 782738 or polkirtforge@btinternet.com

T.V. Rental

T.V. RENTAL - long or short term, domestic & commercial, up to 50-inch plasma. H. R. Hodge. Tel: 01460 240645.

Say you saw it in The Visitor

64 THE VISITOR December 2014

DAVE BUYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS, salvage, bygones and collectables. Daves Tools - Tel: 01935 428975

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

GUNS WANTED for cash. Any size, any condition, make or model. By registered firearms dealer. Tel: 07970 742471.

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

Denture Repairs

DENTURE REPAIRS

While You Wait Collection & Delivery Denture Advice

Communications

WESTLINE COMMUNICATIONS

Business Telecom Specialist

Mr. C. Dunn

For all your telecom needs For free, friendly and professional advice call ...

www.dunndental.co.uk

www.westlinecoms.co.uk

Registered Dental Technician

01749 812585

John Penny on

07976 967349

LAMBRETTA to restore; any scootering memorabilia, i.e. photos, magazines etc. (genuine enthusiast). Tel: 07790 700251.

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

Dog Holidays

HOLIDAY FOR YOUR DOG. Let your dog stay with us when you are away. 24-hour attention and long walks. Fully licensed and insured. Vet approved. References available. Tel: 01963 240650.

Mobile Bars / Catering

HARRY’S MOBILE BARS, all occasions, weddings, parties, etc. Tel: 01747 825553 harry@bars4u.plus.com www.harrysmobilebars.co.uk

For Sale

SHEPHERDS HUT, all new tinwork, wood lined, 12' x 7', iron wheels, green, £2,900. Tel: 07813 864844.

LARGE WOODEN, GEORGIAN style Dolls House. Fully furnished. Good Condition. Perfect Christmas Present. £99.95 ono. Buyer collects. Crewkerne: 01460 77739.

Send Christmas Greetings Book your Festive Shape Today! Christmas / January Issue Published Thursday 18th December Deadline Friday 5th December

Telephone 01963 351256

Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Support SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY on 6th December

PHONE - a - FIRM

Electrical Contractors

Transport & Storage

The key to all your storage needs!

Fully Insured Storage at Highly Competitive Rates Call us today for a quote!

01963 440045 www.sparkfordstorage.com

• Open 7 Days a Week • 20 Years Established Family Business

• Modern Burglar-Alarmed Warehouses • Professional & Reliable Service • Removals To and From Storage • Self Store with Easy Access • Cubicle and Crate Storage • Friendly, Helpful Staff

Plumbing & Heating

High Street, Sparkford, nr. Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7QJ Tel: 01963 440045 / 440526 / 440692

Roofing

PARKS

ROOFING LTD.

SLATING & TILING SPECIALISTS

Specialists in period and listed properties

Leadwork Chimneys Fascias Gutters Flat Roofs

26 Stembridge, nr. Kingsbury, Martock TA12 6BN Telephone: 01460 240229 • Mobile: 07917 411961

Tel: 01747 861479 Mob: 07561 120828 34 White Road, MERE, Nr. Warminster Wiltshire, BA12 6EX

Email: mead208@btinternet.com

For all your roofing requirements

Flat Roofing • Tiling • Slating GRP Roofing All New Work Fully Guaranteed

For further information & estimates contact Allan Carey

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

Bourton Roofing Co. Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing. UPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE EST IM AT ES

( 01747 840064

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

Services

GOOD POTATOES

Takeaway Bags of Coal • Calor Gas Car & Van Rental Competitive Prices

Anchor Hill Service Station WINCANTON 01963 32609

Clock Repairs

CLOCK REPAIRS Antique and Modern Clock Repairs. Free pick up and delivery 40 years experience

Tel (01935) 477582

Framing

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery

« Picture framing « Restoration « Large selection of prints & paintings « Greeting Card Blanks High St. Gillingham Tel 01747 824050 www.scenes-online.co.uk

TV Aerials

DAVE PARMITER AERIALS TV AERIAL SERVICE SATELLITE / VIDEO SYSTEMS CCTV SYSTEMS - PERSONAL SERVICE

Tel: YEOVIL (01935) 422088 or mobile 07850 405433 NO CALL-OUT CHARGE

Christmas / January Deadline Friday 5th December ... BOOK EARLY

Maintenance and Repairs

U CAN’T I CAN PAUL CHEDZOY Property & Garden Maintenance

Decorating, Gardening, Building and General D.I.Y.

( 01935 472669

... or

07884 345511

email: ucantican07@aol.com

Trading for over 7 years CUSTOMER REFERENCES AVAILABLE

• • • • •

• • • •

SERVICES

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

Contact JAMES CADE on 01963 34272 or 07967 307179

 THIS 3 cms x 1 column SPACE COSTS

£17.28 per month inclusive of VAT

SHOULDN’T YOU BE ADVERTISING HERE? Tel: 01963 351256

Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

THE VISITOR December 2014 65

PHONE - a - FIRM

Prize Crossword No. 338 Set by Frank Butler

Building

Dave Hoddinott FULLY QUALIFIED BUILDER - ESTABLISHED 1973

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

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

Blinds

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG to arrive by Friday 5th December.

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. 1

Domestic - Commercial - Venetian - Roman - Pleated

PERFECT FIT BLINDS

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

FREE QUOTE  FREE FITTING

 01935 584384 • www.outlookblinds.co.uk

Domestic Appliances

PREMIER ELECTRICS Est. 34 yrs

COVERING THE SOUTH LOCALLY

Kitchen Appliance Sales & Repairs

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

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

Taylors Domestic

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

Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford Orcas DT9 4SE

Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

01963 220366 Email: info@tda.uk.com

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

66 THE VISITOR December 2014

Oven Cleaning mister Oven

Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

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

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

www.cleanovendomestics.co.uk

Across 1.

9. 10. 11.

12.

13.

15.

17.

19.

22.

23.

25.

26.

27. 28.

IRA members flock around early string instrument to get Italian food. [7] Discovered the truth when naval spirits lost blood. [7] Sack limb with weapon. [7] Offended indignation when underground prison exchanges last don with first. [7] Depot queen sells pens and paper. [9] SI unit of flux density rates last bit. [5] Put off and determine loss of pit. [5] Article, arbitrator and mineral of value consequently. [9] Wrecker disturbed and half-done with town in Visitorland. [9] Melodious sounds from small microphone around us. [5] Nob returned account for pigmeat. [5] Britain arranged about lines: Splendid! [9] Initial name lots for kind of pasta. [7] Big ape with small stream in Goa. [7] Betrayal - Ears not twisted! [7] PS (letting contract included) is satisfying. [7]

6. 7.

8. 14.

16.

17.

18. 20.

21.

23. 24.

Ada rides in classic car with navigation aid. [5] Surrounded by five hundred sheets in the centre of a brook perhaps. [9] Bottom of ship rises on Sunday (with other vegetables?). [5] Study gallery with teeth. [7] Broken reels about genre: What a glowing splint does in oxygen. [9] Making equal, not retiring before midnight. [7,2] I put ten back under taxi, a place to keep things. [7] Confused eco-lens Shut up. [7] Where to keep horses with table on board. [7] PC Santa organised short snoozes. [3-4] Sink as in bin. [5] Jumbo collar gets partly hidden. [5]

Solution to Crossword 337

Down 1. 2. 3.

Adjudicator employed? Said “No!” [7] Air rising in van before junction: That’s a change. [7] All right, a penny I find for a giraffe-like animal. [5] Some film in stereo for Somerset town. [9]

THE WINNER of our November Crossword was John Lyons of West Coker, who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Andrew Barclay Butchers at Wincanton.