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Issue 415 June 2018
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Award winning Australian stand-up comedian Heidi Regan to perform at England’s third-largest open-access arts festival. See page 9 for details.
Photo: Karla Gowlett
In Passing ...
T
he leader of cash-strapped Somerset County Council sprung a surprise in early May by suggesting that his council and the five district councils in Somerset should be replaced by one new unitary authority. His proposal is not new – back in the early 1990s the Local Government Commission came up with this recommendation, then in a 2007 poll the same idea was decisively rejected by 80% of Somerset residents. And although there seems to be general agreement across the political parties that the present structure of district and county councils is confusing and costly and contains considerable duplication of effort and buck-passing, there is no consensus on what to do about it. Let’s start with a blank sheet of paper and describe what local government should ideally be like. Government by local people, for local people, accessible to local people, accountable to local people. Each council’s area should be small enough to reflect the identity and particular needs of its local communities but large enough for strategic issues to be dealt with cost-effectively. Decisions about local services should be made by local councillors who know their area well and listen to local views. It wouldn’t be the cheapest form of local government, but cheapest isn’t necessarily the best. Almost a decade ago a Wiltshire unitary authority was created to serve all of that county apart from Swindon (which became a separate unitary authority), and next year two unitary authorities will replace the nine councils in Dorset. A single unitary authority for Somerset would serve a population of around 500,000 people in an area of more that 1,330 square miles. Its area would extend from Frome in the east to beyond Dulverton and Porlock in the west, a distance by road of around 70 miles (the equivalent of London to Portsmouth!), and would contain more than 320 town and parish councils. That doesn’t sound very local to me! Remoteness discourages people’s
participation in local democracy, whether as a community activist, an election candidate or simply as a voter. The upshot is disinterested, complaining electors who perceive their councillors and council officers as inaccessible and aloof. When I’m out and about in the part of Visitorland that was formerly in Salisbury District Council’s area it’s a criticism I often hear of the Wiltshire unitary authority. And the low turnout in local elections serves to confirm the disinterest. Single unitary authorities responsible for most local services make much more sense than the present two-tier structure, but not if they end up the size of Somerset or Wiltshire. Rather than political pointscoring, the parties should be putting their heads together to come up with local proposals that are more acceptable than the preferred cost-saving option of the leader of Somerset County Council. NN.
Advertising Deadlines July Issue published Thursday 28th June Deadline Friday 15th June
PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BP
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Proprietor Helen Dunion Editor Max Dunion Advertising Julie Crowe
© The Visitor Ltd. 2018
(Items marked ©GT are the copyright of Geoff Thompson)
CONTENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 50 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 10 BRUTON - 18
CASTLE CARY- 11 CROSSWORD - 50 GARDENING - 43
GOLDEN YEARS - Care of the elderly - 31 HOUSE & HOME - 34 LEISURE- 24 LETTERS - 4
LOOKING GOOD - 29 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.
MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 5 MOTORING - 40
MUSIC for the MONTH - 27 NOTICE BOARD - 28 PAPERCHASE - 48
PHONE-A-FIRM - 48 PUBS - 46
SUDOKU - 28
SUMMER WEDDINGS - 20 THEY SAY - 47
WINE & DINE - 42
Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON
THE VISITOR June 2018 3
Letters to the Editor Typically English
Sir, There can be few more tranquil settings than the peace and quiet of an English country church on a bright spring morning. Dappled sunlight flooding through the stained-glass windows, settling on empty pews. Sadly, all too frequent, if falling church attendance is anything to go by. Once at the heart of the community, the presence of the church in our daily lives has now largely been side-lined by our worship at the altar of consumerism. We are all too busy being busy, except when the chips are down. It is then that we turn, almost as a last resort, to God in the hope that he will sort it all out. Whilst I have been a ‘regular’ church goer for some years now, I freely admit to taking a pick and mix approach to my own attendance; variety is after all the spice of life. I particularly enjoy those ‘special’ services held at certain times of the year,
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expanding the concept of faith and belief beyond the usual boundaries of prayer and worship. Thus it was that over the Bank Holiday weekend, I found myself part of a bustling group of 70 or so from the surrounding villages, gathered together at Cudworth church. All of us milling around with bacon or sausage baps in hand, gearing ourselves up for what proved to be rather a long walk, for me at least. I was surrounded by people of all age groups, from tiny tots to tottering oldies, landed gentry and local farming folk, newcomers and old stalwarts, and everything in between. We are all equal in the eye of God. There was a very fetching line in walking sticks, walking boots and wellies, with khaki being the colour of the day, along with a Heinz variety of wellbehaved pooches in tow. Not your average church service then. Many of this merry bunch, including me, had been transported, by horse trailer,
packed in like sardines, perched precariously on haybales (Health and safety? What health and safety? More fun than a fairground ride) from nearby Chillington to take part in the annual bluebell wood walk across the fields of neighbouring farms. But first the serious stuff, a short (very short) Rogation service conducted by the affable Rector, Rev. Geoff Wade, as we gave thanks for all of the good things that the soil, with a little help from nature, nurtures us with. It was standing room only; barely space for the wagging of doggy tails in time to ‘Morning Has Broken’ and ‘We Plough the Fields and Scatter’. As I observed my fellow congregants, the thought occurred to me that yes, organising such activities takes up a lot of time and energy, and is reliant upon a willing band of volunteers to bring it all together. But, if this is what it takes to fill our churches, then bring it on. As we trooped off into the countryside, across the verdant undulating landscape, avoiding the odd muddy puddle (note to self, wear wellies next time), with nothing but the bleating of sheep to interrupt our thoughts, I felt refreshed and uplifted. A feeling no doubt aided by the unaccustomed exercise. Unused to anything but the most gentle form of exertion, I did avail myself of the trailer for some of the return journey, noting that my fellow occupants were almost exclusively youngsters. Clearly the younger generation is without the stamina of the octogenarians, who ploughed on gallantly, unhindered by aching hips and knees. Homemade cake was our reward on arriving at Chillington, which along with the raffle raised several hundred pounds; not to be sniffed at. A townie by birth, living in Somerset, still largely a rural county, I treasured this opportunity to reflect upon this brief interlude. A moment of tranquillity and collective harmony in an otherwise troubled world is something that we can, and should, all give our heartfelt thanks for. Linda Piggott-Vijeh Combe St. Nicholas Somerset
Cary Brook Fete 2018
Sir, Two years ago, Cary Brook held its first ever Fete, which was a huge success. Our activities ladies Nicky and Mandy with the assistance of Carer Helen are now planning another to be held on Saturday 14th July from 2pm to late; please come and support our home, as the monies raised will be going towards our ‘Special Wish’ to create a Sensory Garden, allowing us to occupy our residents, who live with a dementia type illness, with reminiscence and activities to their abilities. We will be utilising the area by the side of the home, which will allow plenty of space for raised garden beds, a circular pathway, perhaps even a car to sit in and/or for the male residents to tinker with. We would love a water feature and who knows a few chickens to look after (a couple of residents used to be farmers). Could you become a volunteer, and help with the project, or maybe even a sponsor!! If you could offer a few hours a week, refreshments will be provided Louise our cook does a ‘mean’ chocolate cake. Maybe you have a few spare bedding plants/cuttings etc., and would like to donate to us, all gladly received? Please note if you wish to become a volunteer, a DBS check will have to be completed, but this will be free of charge to yourself. Somerset Care who owns Cary Brook is very keen on technology; and we have a resident who daily FaceTimes his wife. This resident and Somerset Care’s promotion of using technology in care homes has been noticed by Microsoft, who have approached the company to liaise on a project with them, what a coup. We are also developing Spotify playlists for each resident’s preferred type of music, allowing them to listen through iPods; many residents dislike the small ear pieces and so we have purchased a few larger-styled ear phones. Again, if anyone has some old/spare ones again donations would be gratefully received. Thank you, and hopefully see you at the Fete. Cary Brook Staff
Mentioned in
Dispatches
Save the Children – Charity Art Fair
Volunteers from The Save the Children Community Store in Castle Cary are delighted to announce that they will be holding a Charity Art Fair in All Saints Church, Castle Cary, on Saturday 16th June from 10am to 4pm. Coffee, cake and cream teas will be served throughout the day. Exhibits for sale will include many lovely pictures, ceramics and glass that have been donated throughout the year to Save the Children, together with art materials and Art related books. Can you help? To optimise this event’s success, during the next two weeks we would love to receive any items that might be suitable for us to include in the sale – perhaps pictures that have never made it to the walls in your own homes following a house move, or that set of pastels that you no longer use. We would also be grateful for any unwanted picture
frames, mirrors, ceramics etc. All items will go towards raising money for Save the Children with a proportion going to the All Saints Development Project in acknowledgement of them allowing us to use their lovely space for this event. All donations will be welcomed at our shop in Fore Street, Castle Cary and can be dropped off any time before Friday 15th June between 10am and 3.45pm Monday to Friday or on a Saturday morning between 10am and 12.30pm. Should you need assistance in delivering a donation to the shop or want further information please don’t hesitate to contact me on 01963 351362 or at ainsleycreedy @btinternet.com. Many thanks in advance for your generosity and look forward to see you there! Ainsley Creedy ‘Save the C hild ren C om m unit y Sho p ’ Volunteer.
Othery Street Fayre 16th June 2018
Traditional village fete with Punch and Judy, fun dog show, choirs, organ music, bar, barbecue, cream teas and much more. Sedgemoor FM will broadcast live and will open the Fayre at 11am, broadcastng from
THE VISITOR June 2018 5
Mentioned in
Dispatches the village during the day. Proceeds from the Fayre help to maintain St Michael’s Church. Inside the church there’s time for calm and contemplation between inspiring music by the organists of the United Benefice and also hosts displays by Westonzoyland Aviation Museum and of poetry by pupils of Othery and Middlezoy schools. In the Playing Field, real ale and Bere cider are on tap throughout the day and especially to wash down the traditional pig roast from 5.30pm. From 1pm there will be a cupcake decorating masterclass where a professional will give you hints and tips to get perfect buttercream swirls! We can't wait to see you at Othery Street Fayre! For further information, visit othery streetfayre.weebly.com or facebook.com/OtheryStreetFayre.
Buddhist Monks Create Religious Artwork For Shaftesbury Fringe Weekend
You’ll be able to watch Buddhist monks create beautiful patterns and perform traditional Tibetan dance in Shaftesbury this summer. The eight men are visiting from
A Mandala image.
the Tashi Lhunpo monastery in India, which was established when the order was exiled from Tibet in 1959. Over the course of five days from June 25th, the visitors will use millions of grains of brightly coloured ‘sand’ to create an intricate ‘Mandala’ design on a tabletop in Gold Hill Museum. Tour organiser Jane Rasch says the work is deeply symbolic. ‘It’s made as a meditation, a sacred circle,’ Jane says. ‘At the centre is the image of a Buddha represented by a thunderbolt. It’s made to take away any negative effects which may come about as a result of taking a life, whether intentionally or unintentionally.’ There’ll be a talk about the Mandala process at Gold Hill Museum at 6.30pm on
Wednesday 27th June. The monks’ work will then be destroyed, to promote the principle of “impermanence and nonattachment,” at 11.30am on Monday 2nd July. Jane says spectators are often visibly moved as the painstakingly created vibrant colours are swept together into a pile of grey dust. Each grain is considered a blessing and visitors will be able to keep a small bag of the sand. During their stay, the monks will also perform the masked dances and ‘extraordinary chanting’ associated with the Tibetan New Year festivities at Shaftesbury Town Hall at 7.30pm on 28th June. The monks previously visited Shaftesbury during Gold Hill Fair. Jane says that they are keen to return in time for the town’s Fringe festival before heading to the world-famous Edinburgh event. For more information visit GoldHillMuseum.org.uk.
Somerset Wildlife Trust Reports New Record For Bittern On Its Reserves
Somerset retains position as Britain’s bittern stronghold, as the population of the mysterious and elusive wetland bird keeps on booming. Somerset Wildlife Trust are pleased to say that following its
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annual spring Bittern count, 11 booming Bittern males were recorded on their Westhay Moor, Westhay Heath and Catcott Nature Reserves - the highest number since surveying on these sites began. This brought the total for the Avalon Marshes to 50 Bittern and 55 for the county. This serves as further evidence that the meticulous land and water level management that has taken place over the years pays huge dividends for these very special birds – as well as the other wetland bird and wildlife species that call these places home. Mark Blake, the Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Senior Reserves Manager, had this to say: ‘It seems unimaginable now that there was only a total of 11 males across the whole of the UK when the population of this elusive bird’s population reached its low point in 1997 - with most in East Anglia and Lancashire and just one other pair found in the Chew Valley for a time in the 1990s. It is fantastic that the numbers of these heron like birds continue to remain strong, and is testament to the incredible amount of work invested by us and others in the Avalon Marshes partnership (who also report excellent numbers on their reserves) over the years to ensure that the feeding and nesting habitats that support them are kept in perfect health and remain resilient. Somerset really is the stronghold for this amazing bird.’ How do they do it? To record these birds and have an understanding of how their population are faring, a large number of volunteers are paired up at 5am to survey at different points across the Avalon Marshes reserves to listen out for the distinctive ‘boom’. Each time a boom is heard, the location is plotted on a map of the area which is split into grid squares. All the information from each pair is collected and correlated to identify how many individuals are present based on the location of booms heard.
Bittern. Photo: Tim Stenton.
Mentioned in
Dispatches
Win tickets to RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day on Saturday 7 July 2018
The Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton International Air Day will take place on Saturday 7 July, to showcase the Fleet Air Arm’s current and future capabilities and historic accomplishments spanning over 100 years. As one of the busiest military airfields in the UK and home to many aircraft operating in front-line Squadrons and training units, the Somerset air station’s gates will be open to an expected 40,000 visitors. The show will include over five hours of dazzling flying displays featuring fast jets, historic warbirds, helicopters, formation aerobatic display teams and role demonstrations enhanced by spectacular pyrotechnics and flares. Our aims are to display the world’s most capable pilots and their aircraft, both in the air and on the ground, and to provide an
opportunity to see some magnificent equipment and meet our professional personnel in a family-friendly environment. In the Year of Engineering this is a great chance to inspire the next generation of engineers. This show has everything to keep the whole family entertained. There will be a vast range of showground attractions from the latest defence technology exhibitions, engineering fairs and service displays to trade stalls, arena displays, military bands and the chance to meet pilots and even sit in the cockpit! For the thrill seekers, there will be simulators, fairground rides and helicopter pleasure flights to enjoy. Whether you are a first timer or a dedicated aviation enthusiast, the Air Day has something for everyone. A full list of participating aircraft and ticket information is available from https://www. royalnavy.mod.uk/yeoviltonairday. To win tickets to Air Day, simply answer the following question: In what county is the village of Yeovilton? Send your answer to: Air Day Competition, The Visitor, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP or email info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk - good luck!
Bell Ringing In The Life Of The Church, Community and Nation
The Ringing of Church Bells will help commemorate the centenary of end of the First World War in November 2018, and Recruiting to replace ringers who have died. Ringers lost in WW1: Amongst the hundreds of thousands killed in the war it is known that at least 1400 were Bell ringers. Throughout the country in the last year or so, there has been commemorative ringing on the 100th anniversary
of local ringers’ deaths. The nearest was at Huish Episcopi to remember Stanley Evenett killed on 30th October 1917 at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. He has no known grave but is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium (see the reference in the note of Ypres Bells). In the Bath and Wells Diocese 60 or 70 ringers were lost but I can find no reference to St John’s losing any ringer. But in Edington, Wilts, it seems all their six ringers perished. Nationally, our present
A Dakota, one of the attractions at the RNAS Yeovilton International Airday. Photo: Paul Johnson.
THE VISITOR June 2018 7
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We accept all major Credit Cards
Mentioned in
Dispatches Government, in the arrangements to remember the centenary of end of the war in November, is backing a plan to try and recruit at least 1400 new ringers. You will soon see notices headed Ringing for PEACE – Armistice 100 - with the slogan ‘Ringers in Yeovil (and elsewhere) Need You’ and the famous pointing finger of Kitchener. This invites people to enlist now so they can be taught to ring by November! Ypres Bells in 1927-29: St George’s Anglican Memorial Church was built to serve the British Community that settled in Ypres after World War 1. Recently, on the initiative of and donations from bell ringers, a new ring of 8 bells (tenor 6cwt) has been cast in Loughborough and installed in the church. Before being taken to Belgium, the bells were on display at the Dorset Steam Fair near Blandford on August Bank Holiday 2017. They could be seen on two veteran lorries, a Thorneycroft and a Dennis which had served in the war, and these were also used to transport the bells to the church on the final part of their journey from Tyne Cot Cemetery to Ypres. Lawrence and Margaret Bignell, ringers from St James’ Preston Plucknett travelled there and were privileged to take part in ringing for the blessing of the bells on Sunday 22nd October 2017. Lawrence had two relatives who served in the conflict, only one of whom survived, returning home seriously wounded. Although they were not ringers, Lawrence felt he wanted to be involved in this memorial. The
names of ringers known to have died are recorded in the church. This is the first set of change ringing bells to be installed in an Anglican church on the continent. It is planned to teach a local band of ringers. Any competent ringers fluent in French or Flemish would be welcome to go and help!
13th Leigh Food Fair & Vintage/Classic Car Display Saturday 21st July – Leigh Village Hall, DT9 6HL 10am – 4pm
As I am sure many of you know this event is good fun, and a great way to taste and buy some of the best food and drink on offer from local producers. The stallholders will include:- Alweston Jam and Chutney Empire, , Chocolate Arthouse, Devon Fishcakes, Dorset Blue Viney, Dorset Sea Salt Co., Fussels Fine Foods, Grownup Marshmallows, James’s Cheeses, James’s Forager Spirit, Lavender Blue Food Company, Liberty Cakes, Little Groves Nursery, Meat Free Martha, Oxfords’ Bakery, Reads Coffee Roasters, Percy’s Bakery, Simply Sprinkle, Somerset Cider Brandy Co., Somerset Charcuterie, Sri Lanka Spices, Tim Hurren’s Icecream Trike, Unusual Pork Pie Co., White Post Gate Honey, Wraxall Wines, Wyld Meadow Farm, and Yarty Cordials. A variety of interesting Vintage/Classic cars & motorbikes will be on display. Barbecued Hamburgers & Sausages, Refreshments, Ice cream, Beer and Cider will be here! Entertainment includes children’s activities. It will be opened by Katharine Wright of Dorset Food and Drink. This is proving to be a very successful show, AND will, of course, be at our amazing Village Hall. Please spread the word to your friends and relations – it really is a day NOT to be missed. Proceeds go to Leigh Village Hall, The Hub, Yeovil and St Andrew’s Church, Leigh and other charities. Adults £2, children under
15 Free. Contact: Elizabeth Turnbull on 01935 873846 or elizabethturnbull70 @ b t i n t e r n e t . c o m , www.leighfoodfair.co.uk.
Shaftesbury Will Host England’s Third-Biggest Fringe Following Record Registrations
Shaftesbury Fringe organisers say that the three-day event is now England’s third-largest openaccess arts festival, based on performance numbers. When artist registration closed, 139 separate performances had been booked, a massive increase from the 83 events offered as part of the 2017 schedule. Only Brighton and Manchester offer larger fringe festivals in England with more performances. Shaftesbury Fringe founder Andy Tebbutt-Russell says that once a fringe festival reaches a certain size, then word gets out and more acts come forward. This year a significant number of comedians have registered, including Australian stand-up Heidi Regan. Heidi won the BBC’s ‘New Comedy’ award in 2017. Andy says the timing of the event is critical. ‘It’s one month before Edinburgh and that allows comedians to test their new
material in Shaftesbury. Standups can’t rehearse alone, at home. They need an audience to gauge which material is funny. That’s why the timing of Shaftesbury Fringe is perfect,’ he says. New additions for the 2018 Shaftesbury Fringe include a free childrens’ hub in the Abbey Gardens on Saturday 30th June. Critically acclaimed children’s theatre company Paddleboat will headline a programme of shows, activities and events designed especially for kids aged between 4 and 12 years of age. Shaftesbury Fringe takes place across 25 venues, ranging from an estate agents office to a coaching inn, a hidden walledgarden and an Abbey founded in the 9th century. Each of the venues is within walking distance of all other performances spaces. The event is being held from Friday 29th June to Sunday 1st July 2018. There’s more information at www.shaftesbury fringe.co.uk.
Win tickets to DogFest – the ultimate summer festival for dogs!
Hosted by Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick, DogFest offers dogs, their owners, and dog-lovers an action-packed, fun-filled weekend; think Glastonbury
THE VISITOR June 2018 9
Festival – for dogs! Highlights of this year’s events include School 4 Dogs, Dogs with Jobs and the ever popular Great Dog Walk. Led twice daily by Noel, the Great Dog Walk is the perfect opportunity for visitors to get some exercise with their dog, explore the wonderful surroundings of our three venues and raise some money for charity. There will be loads of ‘have-a-go activities’ for dogs including Flyball, agility, dog diving and the RSPCA Fun Dog Show. Plus, live music, delicious food stalls, doggy-centric shopping and even more to be announced. To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to Dogfest 2018, simply answer the following question: Which celebrity vet is hosting DogFest? Send answers to: Dogfest Competition, The Visitor, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP or email your answer to: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk. Closing date is 8th June - good luck!
The Henhayes Community Centre in Crewkerne will be celebrating 100 years of the RAF on Friday 22nd June from 10am to 4pm
There will be a full programme for the day starting with an exhibition of artefacts relating to 1918, in particular the RAF and the Royal British Legion. At 12.30 they will be serving a themed 2 course hot lunch and at 2pm a special guest speaker will make a presentation which will be followed by the
opportunity to reminisce over wartime songs with Jan MacNeill. The day will end with a delicious cream tea. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a day out. Entry is free and will include drinks plus the cream tea but there will be a small charge for the lunch which must be booked by 10.30am on the day. The event is sponsored by Marks & Spencer. There will be a collection on the day for the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA). For further information call the Centre on 01460 74340 or email henhayescentre@btconnect.com.
Local Charity urgently recruiting volunteers!
Local charity Somerset Sight is seeking volunteer befrienders across the whole of the county. Volunteers are carefully matched (taking into account common interests and geography) with sight impaired people to provide ongoing companionship and support. Many of our volunteers visit the same person for years or even decades and firm friendships are built. Volunteering for Somerset Sight is a very rewarding and fun thing to do and many of our volunteers enjoy visiting as much as those who are visited! Somerset Sight gives full training, support and reimburses all reasonable expenses. If you feel you could spare a few hours a week or a fortnight to visit someone who is lonely or isolated please contact Avril Johnson, Volunteer Visiting Co-ordinator on 01823 366143 or avril@ somersetsight.org.uk.
Noel Fitzpatrick, Supervet, who is hosting Dogfest 2018.
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Catch Is Better Than The Chase For Buyer Of £11200 Lot At Auction
Pictures and prints spanning 400 years attracted much interest at Lawrences’ recent sale in Crewkerne and over 80% found buyers from around the world. Five from a rare set of six lithographs of views in India by Jose Gonsalves, circa 1826, made £3170, and an etching by Rembrandt of his wife Saskia and others, dated 1636, also made £3170. The rather changeable market for Victorian watercolours showed renewed strength for good artists’ works: a charming study of a seated boy by William Henry Hunt doubled hopes to make £4390, and an atmospheric twilight scene of ‘The Convent Ferry’ by Albert Goodwin
was bid to £5490, again doubling the estimate. An auction record of £6100 was paid for a large (156 x 120cm) watercolour by contemporary artist Sarah Graham.
An etching by Rembrandt of his wife Saskia and others, dated 1636, made £3170 at a recent auction held by Lawrences Auctioneers of Crewkerne.
Antiques Fairs
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Chasty Cottage Antiques
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Saturday 26th May, Saturday 16th June Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA 9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1
Future Dates: Saturday 7th July 01963 370986
www.chastycottageantiques.co.uk
IF YOU APPROACH Castle Cary from the west, along Station Road, you cannot fail to notice that the fields on the left are now a large building site. Groundworks on part of the site are progressing fast and houses are beginning to take shape close to the town’s edge. I recall that housing was the big talking-point when I visited the town in the autumn of 2014. Developers had generated a lot of opposition by submitting proposals to build on the fields on both sides of Station Road between the western edge of the town and the bottom of Ansford Hill, and while many people I spoke with at that time agreed that more homes and jobs will be needed in the years ahead to cater for the town’s growing population, they were worried that considering separate proposals from different developers for portions of the land would create more problems than they purport to solve. They wanted assurance that the right types and sizes of homes would be built, that facilities like schools would be provided, that employment land would be developed in tandem with the homes to provide local jobs, and that the thorny problem of cars would be tackled effectively. Population growth could spell good news for the town’s shopowners and many local organisations but it will inevitably put increasing pressure on such services as education and health. And the increasing volume of traffic it generates could be bad news for the alreadycongested town centre, the narrow approach roads and the A371. Housebuilding on this scale in the 1970s and 80s effectively
transformed Ansford into a suburb of Cary, but much of that growth was achieved without too much harm being done to the countryside setting or the core of facilities and historic buildings of the town. One can only hope that the 21st century developments along Station Road will similarly enrich rather than harm the town. For most of its 1,300-year existence Castle Cary has quietly, self-sufficiently and prosperously gone about its business. It successfully surviving the decline of the wool industry and its final collapse in the 18th century, and by 1831 Pigot’s ‘Pocket Topography and Gazetteer’ was able to record that the town had four bakers, four bootmakers, four drapers, four tailors, three milliners, two druggists, four surgeons, twelve grocers, a bookseller, a wine and spirit merchant, six inns and two maltsters. And that’s not all – there were also three carpenters, four painters, three plasterers, two saddlers, three smiths, two stonemasons, three solicitors, two bankers, three fire officers, two tinmen, two sailcloth manufacturers, a hair seating maker, two watchmakers, four wheelwrights, an auctioneer, a basket maker, a miller and a nurseryman. A directory in 2018 would, I suspect, reveal a similarly diverse range of trades and businesses and a similar degree of self-sufficiency, and I’m told that moves are afoot to create a chamber of commerce to support and promote the town’s businesses. Even without one, shops seldom remain empty for long in Castle Cary – no sooner does a
business close down than another moves in to fill the space, as I noticed when I visited on a warm Tuesday morning in early May. Nowadays self-sufficiency and prosperity are evident in the range and quality of the town’s many shops and the weekday hustle and bustle on High Street, Fore Street and Woodcock Street. Thankfully there is still no
soulless superstore on the edge of town to drain the vitality from the centre. Instead the town is full of small, independent businesses offering personal service, and whatever you’re seeking, the chances are that you can buy it in Castle Cary. If the town’s history intrigues you, it’s well worth spending an hour or two in the museum in the
Two of Castle Cary’s independent retailers, A. Bishop Electricals and Needful Things can be found on the High Street.
THE VISITOR June 2018 11
Market House. It is crammed with exhibits reflecting local industries, agriculture, lifestyles and people through the ages, and in the main display room you can find out more about two of the town’s once-important businesses – T S Donne Ltd, flax spinners and ropemakers, and John Boyd & Co Ltd, horse-hair weavers. Other rooms contain displays relating to Douglas Macmillan, founder of Macmillan Cancer Relief who for many years lived at Ochiltree House on Upper High Street, and Parson James Woodforde who was born in Ansford in 1740 and served as curate at Castle Cary from 1765 till 1773. His legacy is his diary which records in great detail the social scene of the period – the places, the people, what they ate and what it cost, how they behaved, worked, spent their leisure and died – and it is intriguing to trace the places he mentions and imagine them as he had seen them more than two centuries ago. Fascinating reminders of
12 THE VISITOR June 2018
bygone days abound in the museum, which is open until October on Mondays to Fridays from 10.30am till 12.30pm and 2.00pm till 4.00pm (including Bank Holidays) and on Saturday mornings. Admission is free, but I suspect you will be sufficiently
Castle Cary Market, every Tuesday.
impressed to leave a generous donation in the collection box to support the volunteers who run the museum. If you visit the museum on a Tuesday morning you will see traders’ stalls in and around the Market House, for this is the town’s Market Day. Usually there are more than a dozen stalls selling fish, fruit and vegetables, bread and rolls, cheese and chutneys and much more, attracting shoppers from the surrounding area to see the
range and quality of the goods on offer. And perhaps to take coffee or lunch at one of the town’s many cafés and restaurants. The lively pubs all offer hot drinks and food too, the oldest and most central being the thatched George Hotel opposite the Market House. Its datestone shows 1673 but parts of the building are reckoned to be considerably older. The attractive White Hart opposite the horsepond was opened as a public house in 1836 having
previously been occupied by a cabinet maker, and a short way out of the centre, on South Street, you’ll find the Bay Tree lounge bar and restaurant in what was formerly a pub called The Countryman. It’s well worth the walk to find it. Sadly the Horse Pond Inn on the Triangle, formerly the Britannia Hotel, closed recently after having provided visitors with sustenance and overnight accommodation for around 200 years. Hopefully it’s only a temporary closure. Roger Richards.
Art Exhibition - a retrospective of the work of Steve Irish
Many people will know Steve Irish (also known as Barnes) as the proprietor of Studio 13. He ran his business in the town for fifteen years - framing pictures, stretching tapestries and putting batteries in watches - until he passed away in December 2017. What many people may not know is that he was also an
accomplished artist, painting in a variety of media and including diverse subjects in his repertoire, from small watercolours of local craftsmen to large oil paintings on canvas. Steve was self-taught and had exhibited all over the UK from Scotland to the south
The Market Garden on Fore St.
Vario Style NoFrost bottom freezer with exchangeable colour front
Avalible colours: Espresso Brown, Coffee Brown, Raspberry, Sunflower, Lime Green, Pearl Green, Champagne, Plum, Pearl Night Blue, Orange, Cherry Red, Aqua, Black Matt
Contact us today!
Our prices are competitive and our staff friendly, helpful and knowledgeable Free delivery & installation
4 High Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7AW 01963 351110
www.abishopelectrical.co.uk email: bishopelectrical@btconnect.com
THE VISITOR June 2018 13
coast, as well as France, Canada and the US. His paintings have found their way to Hungary, New Zealand and Switzerland, and he had many works in progress both at home and in the shop that he never got the opportunity to finish. His widow Beverley Irish is proud to present his work in an exhibition in The Shambles, The Market House, Castle Cary from 30th June to 4th July 2018 from 10am to 2pm each day (excluding Sunday). For further information about the exhibition, please contact the Market House for details: markethouse.bookings@castlecary.co.uk or visit the town’s Facebook page.
Charity Fair Saturday 16th June
Fun and bargains for all at the Rotary Club of Brue Valley Charity Fair at The Market House, Castle Cary from 9.30 12.00 midday on 16th June. Toys, furniture, books, clothing, refreshments, and much much more!
Heal and Sole Holistics
Health Problems? Why not treat your condition the natural way? Heal and Sole Holistics located in Castle Cary, specialise in Reflexology, Reiki, EFT Tapping and Indian Head Massage. These complementary therapies are holistic and non-
intrusive. They are deeply relaxing, reduce stress and tension and can bring relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. For centuries holistic therapies have been used as powerful forms of natural healing and today many people use them for help with specific symptoms or conditions including: Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, Addictions, PTSD, Bereavement, Asthma, Eczema, Headaches, Sciatica, Back Pain, Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Poor Circulation, Lymphoedema, IBS, Digestive Disorders, Fertility, Pregnancy, PMT, Menopausal Symptoms, Fears and Phobias, the effects of Trauma and Abuse, Sports Injuries, Post-Operative Recovery, Cancer Support and many other chronic diagnosed health conditions. For more information about Heal and Sole Holistics, their range of therapies and how they can benefit you, please give them a ring on 01963 350639 or visit their website www.heal andsole.co.uk.
The Market House
The Market House team has had a very busy year so far and continues to see our wonderful, historic building being used for all sorts of private and public events. As always, we are proud to be the backdrop to a variety of family celebrations, especially weddings – we see people’s pictures from these events and never fail to feel that rush of
14 THE VISITOR June 2018
excitement over being a part of these treasured memories. Castle Cary seems to hold a special place in its heart for the humble bee as Paula Carnell’s talks on bees and her celebration for world bee day have been a roaring success. These talks will be continuing through the year and will be complimented by the Bee keepers association’s ‘Honey Show’, which will be returning in October. Our learning classes, run by LAMP (learning at the Market Place) have always been popular in the Market House; the Art class and creative writing class are going particularly well. Interest in this year’s new ‘Film Buff’ course has been steadily growing and will continue later in the year with more iconic films for you to study. In addition to our weekly market we now have a regular Vintage Market on the second Sunday of every month. This market has quite a different atmosphere with music, refreshments and an amazing variety of vintage stalls including clothes, books, maps, jewellery, bric a brac, silver, toys, furniture and vinyl, each market different from the last. We are all seeing the impact of this regular town event in bringing even more visitors into Castle Cary. The Market House is particularly thrilled to have been chosen as the venue for the WSET wine courses being run from June onwards by our neighbour the Somerset Wine Co. We continue to see our local organisations and charities
benefit from use of the Undercroft of the Market House on Saturday mornings, free of charges, to hold coffee mornings – which are very well attended and help these groups raise much needed funds. We would like to thank all those organisations who give a donation to the Market House, which helps towards the running costs of the building. Since opening, the Market House has been an exhibiting
space for numerous artists; each one changing the look and feel of the Market House. Our next exhibition at the end of June will feature works of the late Stephen Irish. It is little known that as well as framing the art works of others from ‘Studio 13’ in Castle Cary, Stephen was also a talented artist. We look forward to seeing his body of work on our walls! If you have an idea for an
event for Castle Cary and would like to use the Market House to host it, please let us know! You can email Markethouse.bookings @castle-cary.co.uk or telephone 01963 351763.
Emma Chippendale Ceely BSc(Hons)Ost, PGCert, MSc, FHEA
Emma is a qualified osteopath with more than 20 years experience in treating all ages. She uses a combination of gentle joint mobilisation techniques, soft tissue work and cranial osteopathy. This can help relieve aches and pains associated with arthritis, sports injuries and those related to posture and lifestyle. She is available at Manor Lodge on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Contact her directly on 07432 234660 or email echipp@live.co.uk to discuss how osteopathy might be of benefit to you.
water features, patios, tree planting, pruning and lawn care. Julian and his team can supply you with an appropriate planting scheme for your garden and are also able to source rare plants. The Market Garden in Castle Cary supplies the town and surrounding area with fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, house plants, planted pots, fruit baskets and gardening gifts. The shop is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, pop in and pick up an order form or call 01963 350650 to make your order or inquiry over the telephone.
Three Counties Landscape and Tree Services and The Market Garden
With 30 years of experience, Julian Shave and his NVQ certified team offer a range of services including walling,
Castle Cary Post Office Cards H Stationery H Soft Toys Medici H Ling H Caspari H Woodmansterne Noel Tatt H Lamy Pens
O
Oxford Mill
The newly-wed Royal couple made an appearance at Oxford Mill upon their recent visit to Castle Cary.
Euros & Dollars on Site: all other currency next day Passport Checking H Top-Ups Bill Payment – Car Tax – Post Office Homephone – etc.
Bailey Hill, Castle Cary. Tel: (01963) 350237
Three Counties Landscape & Tree Services Ltd @ Julian Shave Soft and Hard Landscaping
Project Design and Advice Plant Search
Garden Maintenance – one off or regular maintenance
The Market Garden
Pot Plants, Cut Flowers ... Fresh Fruit & Veg, Hanging Baskets
The Market Place, Castle Cary, BA7 7AG Tel: 01963 350230 www.oxfordmillclothing.co.uk
FREE Local Delivery National Delivery
Hart House, Fore Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7BQ
Office: 01963 350650 • Quotes: 07738 524254 • www.threecountieslandscaping.co.uk
THE VISITOR June 2018 15
Needful Things of Castle Cary
Needful Things of Castle Cary are delighted to announce the launch of their new Web Site! www.needfulthings.uk.com. You can now make an initial soft furnishings, curtainmaking, blind-making or re-upholstery enquiry on line. You can also browse their
HIGHFIELD HOUSE Residential Care Home
If you are considering a move into residential care ... Highfield House provides excellent care in a homely environment.
Situated in the centre of Castle Cary we benefit from all the delights that Castle Cary has to offer within a short walk. Our calibre of staff is second to none and we are here to cater for each and every individual person. Please feel free to contact us for any further information.
Telephone: 01963 350697 Email: manager@highfieldhouse.net www.highfieldhousecastlecary.com
16 THE VISITOR June 2018
The George Inn, Castle Cary is hosting a music weekend 25th - 27th of May.
fabric and paint suppliers and find out about their bespoke services. A new online giftshop is also going to be added soon so why not take a peek; sign
up for their newsletter and be among the first to know when that goes live? Of course, you’ll be made just as welcome if you prefer to simply visit one of their shops on Castle Cary’s beautiful High Street...so however you choose to make contact, you’ll find a fun store with some great ideas to help create your magical home. Free measures and quotations for bespoke window dressings and remember, they have a store full from floor to ceiling with all the finishing touches for your home: Mirrors, pictures, furniture, and decorative items to really make a statement. Needful Things of Castle Cary: uniquely creative, with loads of fun!
Delaware Veterinary Group Castle Cary and Yeovil
New 15 minute consults at no extra charge. At Delaware Veterinary Group they want to ensure that they spend time understanding you and your pet’s needs which is why they have increased their standard consulting time to 15 minutes. A nose to tail health check and advice on preventative healthcare with time to discuss and address any concerns, and at NO EXTRA COST. If you need them in an emergency you will be guaranteed to be seen by one of their professional and helpful clinical team as they provide all of their own out of hours services too. Same practice, same vet and same great price. If you are not already
registered at the practice visit www.delawarevets.co.uk for an online registration form.
Millbrook Gardens, Castle Cary Summer Fete 2018
Once again the residents of Millbrook Gardens are coming together for their Summer Fete, which will take place on Saturday 16th June from noon until 3pm. There will be a variety of stalls to browse around, a raffle, the Castle Cary Majorettes, refreshments including teas, cakes, crepes and a barbecue. And for those of you interested in the Chinese martial arts, there will be a demonstration of Tai chi. All welcome.
The newly-wed Royal couple were spotted mingling with the locals during a pre-honeymoon trip to Castle Cary.
MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd
Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors 26 Lower Woodcock Street Castle Cary BA7 7BH Tel: 01963 351052
Business and limited company accounts, self assessment tax returns, VAT, Payroll, Book-keeping and Training Personal and professional service
Millbrook Gardens Fete, Castle Cary Saturday 16th June, Noon until 3pm
STALLS ● RAFFLE ● REFRESHMENTS & MORE
BGW Solicitors are very proud of the fact that they have provided Legal Services to the people of Castle Cary and the surrounding areas for 40 years this year. The practice first opened in Old Bank House in 1978 and has worked from that building ever since.
We are well aware that some of our clients find our stairs a struggle and although Robin Weelen and his staff have always been happy to visit clients in their homes some still prefer to come to the office. We are also aware that parking is not as easy as it used to be, even in Castle Cary. We have the opportunity to move to larger premises with a ground floor and a car park, such opportunities do not occur in Castle Cary very often and we are therefore very pleased that we will shortly be moving to the “other end of the town” and to offer better facilities to our clients (although Robin is still happy to visit people in their homes).
The office will also be expanding and Robin Weelen will be joined by Karen Lucas a Solicitor presently working in our Glastonbury Office who deals with Probate, Wills and other Private Client work. We will continue to offer a very full range of Legal Services from our new premises, supported on occasion by our colleagues in our other offices. We look forward to the next 40 years in Castle Cary!
Offices at: Castle Cary, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Cheddar
Old Bank House, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7AW Tel: 01963 350888 • Fax: 01963 351107 enquiries@bgw-solicitors.co.uk • www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk
THE VISITOR June 2018 17
BRUTON
BRUTON has a lot to offer, come and explore
SEVENTY-SIX years after William of Normandy’s conquest in 1066, William de Mohun granted a site in Bruton for Augustinian canons to build their monastery. More recently the town is perhaps most famous for it’s schools and cheesemakers, but there is much more to discover. Bruton boasts an internationally renowned art gallery, The Grade I listed 14th Century Church of St Mary (unusual because of it’s two towers), a bustling high street, medieval bartons, choice of fine eateries (read reviews online
yourself if you don’t believe me) and a 17th Century almshouse - there is plenty to explore. For a good view of the town, head south to Lusty Hill and amble up to the Grade II listed Dovecote, a limestone tower that was built between the 15th and 17th century. Although no exact construction date is known dendrochronological dating funded by the National Trust found that the timbers in the door and window frames came from trees felled between 1554 and 1586. The community of Bruton have recently signed up to work towards becoming the next
A collection of 18th Century Flint Lock and Percussion Pistols available at Quillon House Antiques, Bruton.
Florent Chopin Mixed Media Contemporary Oil on Canvas Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10.00am – 5.30pm
18 THE VISITOR June 2018
plastic free community. The Plastic Free Bruton group started earlier this year as part of the Plastic Free Communities initiative and aims to influence people to find sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic. To find out more and for tips on how to reduce your own plastic use visit www.plasticfreebruton.uk. On Monday 28th May, Bruecrew will be hosting a bat walk with Somerset Bat Group, starting at 8.15pm. There are 18 species of bat found in the British Isles, so why not go along to discover some of the species that live in Bruton. On Saturday 9th June, there is a walk with Emma Donovan to meet some of the towns special trees. Booking is essential for both events, so to book please email info @bruecrew.org. Meeting place to be confirmed after booking.
BRUTON
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. Before you go on holiday make sure your car is roadworthy. Book in for a service today.
Bruton Motor Services
Established for over 23 years, Rob Mahoney and his
Bruton Dovecote. Photo: Mark Eastment/Adobe Stock.
THE VISITOR June 2018 19
The Old Pound Inn at Aller
The Old Pound Inn is a traditional, friendly village Inn at Aller, Langport, with a good reputation for fine food, real ales and genuine hospitality. Formerly known as the White Lion Public House, it was renamed The Old Pound Inn in 1980, as the Inn stands on the ground of the old village animal pound. A varying selection of West Country beers are pulled from the sprung stillage in the cellar of this large 16th-century village pub. An open Dutch fire is a feature in the centre of the bar. There is a restaurant, lounge and snug, with its own ghost. Excellent food is served in the bar or restaurant where many murals of animals are on display. Monthly quiz nights in aid of charity and monthly band nights from Acoustic to Rock are held at The Old Pound. Dogs are welcome in the bar at this traditional village inn: please keep them on a lead.
The Old Pound at Aller has a function room with bar, suitable for up to 100 guests, an ideal wedding reception venue.
Aller • Langport TA10 0RA
The perfect venue ...
Function Room with Bar suitable for up to 100 guests Restaurant (with Carvery) suitable for up to 50 guests Menu tailored to suit your personal requirements 7 En Suite Rooms
Attractive Garden Ample Parking Call in or telephone for further details
DELICIOUS FOOD SERVED DAILY
Monday to Saturday 12pm - 9pm, Sunday 12pm - 4pm
H SUNDAY CARVERY – £9.50 H
MONTHLY QUIZ NIGHT – Sunday 24th June MONTHLY LIVE MUSIC
‘Kharma Alarm’ (Acoustic) Saturday 26th May ‘Blackout City’ (Acoustic) Friday 29th June
01458 250469 E: info@oldpoundinn.com www.oldpoundinn.com 20 THE VISITOR June 2018
Ward & Sibley Jewellers of Yeovil
Ward & Sibley Jewellers of Yeovil is a well-established family run business offering a comprehensive range of engagement and wedding rings. If you are looking for that special ring, visit Ward & Sibley. They carry an extensive range in stock and orders can normally be obtained within seven days. A bespoke service is also available to create a ring of your choice should you so desire. They can also recommend the best style of ring to sit with your existing ring(s). If you are looking for gifts for the wedding attendants, you will find some very attractive pendants and earrings for the bridesmaids and stylish cufflinks, tankards and tie pins for the best man and ushers. An engraving service is available to make the gifts extra special. For those looking for a gift for the happy couple there is a choice of crystal glassware and a wide selection of clocks, both traditional and modern. Ward & Sibley Jewellers offers good old fashioned service based on over 70 years that they have served the people of Yeovil and the surrounding area, along with a customer base all over the UK and abroad. Their staff, with many years’ experience in the trade, can offer expert advice on all matters connected to sales and repairs.
Memories To Last Forever: Top alternative honeymoon trends for 2018
Looking for somewhere a little different to spend your honeymoon? The Wedding Shop (www.weddingshop.com) has teamed up with travel partners Wild Frontiers, Original Travel and Truly Experiences to share the hottest destination picks for an alternative, off-the-beatentrack honeymoon in 2018 – and all available to add to your wedding gift list only at The Wedding Shop!
Oman in Style
When we think of romantic destinations, the Middle East may not always be the first place that comes to mind. However, for those looking for something a little bit extraordinary Oman offers an unforgettable and romantic experience. Stay in a luxury hotel in the amazing Al Hajar Mountains. From here, explore the regions rugged landscape and unwind in comfort
enjoying luxuries such as a heated outdoor infinity pool and a cliff top yoga class with a view!
Majestic Southern Malawi
An idyllic Island on Lake Malazi, Kaya Mawa holds the reputation of being one of the world’s most romantic lodges. With secluded beaches and stunning views out onto the lakes, the resort offers a truly majestic experience. For those who like to explore the local culture and communities, they also offer trips to volunteer in the local villages.
WARD & SIBLEY
Ward & Sibley Jewellers of Yeovil, offer a comprehensive range of engagement and wedding rings.
Independent Jewellers of Yeovil
Where quality and personal service count Extensive Range of Wedding Rings Special Orders Undertaken Wide Range of Bridesmaid, Page Boy & Best Man Gifts
Jewellery Cleaning – ensuring your engagement ring sparkles on your big day — Established for over 70 Years —
THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065 Car Park at Rear for customers while visiting the shop
THE VISITOR June 2018 21
Jordan’s Desert Kingdom
Stargazing, desert walks, 4x4 driving, sand boarding and camelriding are just some of the amazing activities on offer at Discovery Bedua. A new luxury eco-camp set in the majestic landscapes of Wadi Rum is completely powered by solar energy. With an exclusive and luxurious feel, you will be just one of 6 tented suites with daily meals served al fresco under the stars.
Luxury Finland Activities
An extensive selection of hats available for hire at Hooper’s Hat Hire of Yeovil.
This is one for the bucket list; a romantic adventure in one of the most remote landscapes in Europe. Enjoy an exhilarating two-day husky safari through the arctic wilderness and spend the evening winding down watching the Northern Lights in the comfort of your own Aurora Dome. About The Wedding Shop Specialising in honeymoons, Wild Frontiers, Original Travel and Truly Experiences will use their personal insights and exceptional knowledge of worldwide destinations to design incredible, unique trips for the honeymooning couple. They’ll take care of all of the admin, leaving you the freedom to enjoy your wedding planning.
For further information visit www.weddingshop.com or email hello@weddingshop.com to book an appointment with one of their expert Gift List advisors. The Wedding Shop’s awardwinning service is designed for couples who want unrivalled choice, flexibility and exceptional service all in one place. Combining over 350 products with honeymoon and cash contributions, and even a charity funds close to your heart, The Wedding Shop is the UK’s most popular fee-free gift list provider. With more than 28 years’ experience in the industry, they are passionate about helping you choose your perfect gifts and appreciate the importance of creating a truly tailored list that reflects you and your partner’s styles. With showrooms in Chelsea, Selfridges Oxford Street, The Wedding Gallery, Dublin and Edinburgh, The Wedding Shop
Hooper’s Hat Hire YEOVIL
01935 706555 • www.hoopershats.co.uk
22 THE VISITOR June 2018
offers expert advice, flexibility and unlimited choice to help build a list that is entirely personal to you.
Hooper’s Hat Hire of Yeovil
For hats, hatinators or fascinators visit Hooper’s Hats in Yeovil. Sally has an extensive collection exclusive to her and if you cannot find what you are looking for. Sally can make you something to complement your outfit. With lots of helpful advice on offer you will find Hooper’s a pleasurable experience. Clutch bags can also be hired to match. Visit Sally’s website: www.hoopershats.co.uk and browse through her Gallery for a small sample of what is on offer, or telephone to make an appointment, on 01935 70655.
Refrigerated trailers available for hire
Chill-out Somerset have 4 refrigerated trailers readily available. Each is 10ft long x 5ft wide, approx. 8ft high, fully insulated and consists of aluminium checker plate flooring, aluminium shelving, internal light, internal emergency door
handle, two aluminium rear door steps, electric cable with plug and a tow bar hitch lock. The trailers can be used to keep food and drink chilled, or temperatures can be adjusted for frozen food. They can be used for outside catering and are ideal for events such as weddings, music venues and any outdoor based entertainment. The trailers are also of great use in the unfortunate event of an emergency. For all enquiries please contact Martyn Jones on 07973 433586, email chilloutsomerset @yahoo.com or send a message through the Chill-out Facebook page.
Wedding Flowers
Flowers are an integral part of any wedding - the bride’s bouquet; bouquets for bridesmaids; posies for little flower girls; buttonholes for the groom, ushers and family members; flowers for the wedding ceremony venue such as the church or hotel etc., and table flowers for the reception venue. Getting married during the summer months gives you a
wonderful choice of flowers as most flower varieties are in season. This gives you unlimited potential as far as colour, size, shape and perfume are concerned and the ability to complement the colour scheme you have chosen for the bridesmaids. So, what are the most popular flowers to go in bouquets for the bride and her bridesmaids?
Roses
One answer is almost undoubtedly roses, there’s nothing more romantic than a rose. They are available in a wide range of colours, they’re elegant and smell amazing. They can be used as tiny buds or full blown blooms.
Freesias
Loved for their petite size and soft appearance freesias have a beautiful clean perfume that make them a joy to be around. Their tones are lighter and can blend into any arrangement or bouquet. Freesias represent ‘innocence’.
Carnations
Colourful and underrated. Each colour represents something different. For example: pink represents boldness; red symbolizes love and white indicates talent. Carnations are a good choice as they are in season all year.
Calla Lilies A beautiful bouquet of peonies.
Lightly fragrant, calla lilies are beautiful and elegant and can be categorised as ‘magnificent
beauties’. They bloom in May, June and July making them perfect for a late spring or summer wedding. These tropical lilies originated in Africa.
Sweet Peas
This is an old-fashioned favourite. Sweet peas represent ‘pleasure’ and can be very fragrant. They come in a delightful range of pinks, purples, yellows and white.
Peonies
If there’s one flower that screams summer it’s the peony. Very popular because of their fresh scent and billowing petals, peonies stand for love, happiness and ambition, which is a sweet sentiment for your romantic day. They come is several vibrant pink, yellow and white hues.
Gardenias
The gardenia represents purity and joy, two things strongly associated with weddings. And if you want a scent to knock your socks off, you’ll find the gardenia intoxicating.
Preview, Wincanton
Whether you’re dressing for a wedding, Ladies Day at the races, a garden party, or indeed any event, Preview of Wincanton have stunning hats, bags and shoes to complement your outfit. They hold Failsworth and Jane Anne Designs hats, and can order styles and colours in for you if they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock. Royal Ascot’s Style Guide advises that hats should be worn, but that a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Preview hold beautiful fascinators on bands in a rainbow of colours. Fascinators from just £19, hats from £79. When it comes to shoes and bags, Preview have a gorgeous collection, offering comfort and style: the leather Capollini shoes are available in soft gold, silver and stone, and there is a sling-back option. Priced from £99 with matching bags also available. Lunar shoes are available from £59. Bags to accompany these are due in June!
Fashion Boutique Market Place • Wincanton 01963 31676
Specialist in Mother of the Bride & Groom
www.previewwincanton.co.uk
Exclusive to Wincanton. Discover a unique customer service in relaxed spacious surroundings with carefully chosen collections to suit ladies from size 10 to 18. Fabulous hats & Fascinators and comfortable shoes with bags to match. A warm & friendly welcome awaits you.
THE VISITOR June 2018 23
Summer Exhibition Features: Holly Webb, John Gammans and Chris Kampf. John Leach Gallery at Muchelney Pottery 2 June - 28 August 2018
The John Leach Gallery is delighted to host an exhibition this summer of fresh new work by local artists - Holly Webb, John Gammans and Chris Kampf.
Holly Webb, handmade jewellery
Holly trained as a designer jeweller at Loughborough College of Art and Design, graduating in 1978. She lives and works on the beautiful Somerset Levels in the hamlet of Thorney where she produces an eclectic mix of handmade jewellery, mostly in gold and silver and often incorporating semi precious stones.
John Gammans, paintings
John moved to Somerset in 2013 and set about creating a purpose built studio where he can fully
immerse himself in his painting. ‘My inspiration has always been big skies and landscapes, especially dramatic sunsets or menacing stormy skies. Watching a weather system evolve in real time and then trying to paint what you are seeing is both daunting and exciting at the same time. Because it’s changing so fast you really don’t get much time to think, you are reacting, often on instinct. I like to think that you are only ever really creating the impression of that particular moment, recording the feeling, almost like recalling a memory.’
Chris Kampf, metal garden sculpture
Chris set up a brand new studio in 2016 at his home providing some much needed space. His work grew in size often leading to alfresco welding! He takes nature's beautiful designs and simplifies them to create eye catching architectural structures that suit both the traditional and modern garden. His inspiration predominantly
Above: John Gammans Chimera and right: Chris Kampf - Duo Fern. Both peices part of the Summer Exhibition at the John Leach Gallery at Muchelney Pottery, 2 June -28 August.
comes from the Somerset countryside - roadside verges packed with grasses, cow parsleys and teasels. The stylised ferns and plant stems are unusual and their size gives them presence. The majority of his creations move in the breeze pleasingly. The gallery is open Monday Saturday, 9-1, 2-5 (inc bank holidays). Muchelney Pottery, Muchelney, Nr. Langport, Somerset, TA10 0DW. 01458 250324, www.johnleach pottery.co.uk.
Italian Courses Classes and private tuition throughout the year in Yeovil CONTACT CHRISTINE JEWELS
01935 425958 www.italianlanguageservices.net
24 THE VISITOR June 2018
The Gartell Light Railway
The Railway’s second Open Day of 2018, on May Day Bank Holiday was the hottest day yet. It is hoped that the next Open Day on Bank Holiday, 28th of May will be equally fine enabling passengers to see Alfred’s tower, about 8 miles distant from Tower View Station. Both of the steam locos will be in action, together with replica Class 33 diesel. Between them the locos will operate a 20 minute service from 10.30am until 4.30 pm. The train reversals at Pinesway Junction, Park Lane and Tower View make for added interest, not just an out and back journey. The simultaneous start of two trains from Pinesway Junction is thought to be unique for a narrow gauge working railway. You are invited to join the friendly staff for a day of fun riding on half full-size trains in the Somerset countryside with facilities, including a large free car park, picnic areas,
Both steam locos will be in action at The Gartell Light Railway Open Day on Bank Holiday 28th May.
shop, café and toilets. Fares are Adults £8.00, Seniors £7.00, Children under 14 £5.00 and family tickets (2 adults and up to 2 children) £22.00. Please see our advertisement for details or go online at newglr.weebly.com.
In The Open: Exhibition of New Work from New Zealand, Peru, Scotland and England by Moish Sokal 5th June - 22nd July
Travelling watercolour artist Moish Sokal has returned from his adventure trip to New Zealand’s South Island. He brings back a new and exciting
collection of work from this and his earlier trips to the Lake District and Scotland for his exhibition 'in the Open' at the Malthouse Gallery, East Lambrook Manor Gardens, Silver Street, TA13 5HH, which opens on Tuesday June 5th. ‘The diverse and inspiring landscapes of one of the worlds’ last frontiers, settled by humans only 800 years ago, always fascinated me.’ says Sokal. The excitement of this outdoor adventure, discovering new landscapes to paint in a new fresh style and palette is what this forthcoming
A selection of inspirational uses for left over fabric scraps and knitting wools. Free patterns available from Hansons Fabrics and Crafts, Sturminster Newton.
exhibition is all about. Alongside these exotic paintings from New Zealand, Sokal will also show work he painted following his first ever visit to the Lake district last May and to Scotland when exploring the romantic west coast, as well as other subjects he discovered whilst exploring his beloved Somerset.
This exhibition, set in the beautiful Grade 1 listed East Lambrook Manor Gardens, opens on June 5th to July 22nd, closed every Monday. Admission to Exhibition is free (this also includes café and nursery). Further details on the artist and this exhibition can be obtained from www.moishsokal. co.uk or on 07812 837825.
'Quartet' by Debbie Boon. Limited edition block print, edition size 250. Framed size 43" x 29", £410.00. Available at Martock Gallery, Martock.
‘Smells Like Summer’ Limited edition print by:
SAM TOFT
Complete Framing Service Available
Framed size 16” x 19”
£140.00
Martock Gallery Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00, Saturday 9.30 - 4.30
Water Street • Martock • Tel: (01935) 823254 • www.martockgallery.com
THE VISITOR June 2018 25
Watercolour Club Exhibition
Come and see an eclectic mix of contemporary watercolours painted by enthusiasts from your local community. The Watercolour Club is to host an exhibition by its members at the Bowridge Gallery, Gillingham. Experimentation is a feature of these paintings and members of the club have been working on their own themes expressing their ideas in varied representational and abstract ways. Exploring skills and techniques new to them and using many different styles and materials the group have challenged their own views of watercolour painting. This not to be missed exhibition is open daily at the Bowridge Gallery 11.00— 6.00 between 24th June and 8th July. www.thebowridge gallery.co.uk, Watercolour Club: www.laura-jolliffe.co.uk.
Watercolour Club
The Watercolour Club is a group of watercolour enthusiasts who are keen to paint and explore the medium of watercolour. The group meet at Mere Lecture Hall on a Monday evening 7.00-9.00 and at Vicarage School Room, Gillingham on Thursdays 2.00-4.00. These venues provide a pleasant and welcoming setting where beginners and more experienced painters can enjoy a relaxed and friendly couple of hours in the company of others. These regular sessions have provided time to learn basic skills such as mark making and washes, develop more challenging techniques such as wet-into-wet painting, composition and colour values and experiment with new ideas, methods and materials. Each session includes time to paint in watercolour, individual advice and group demonstrations from the tutor, Laura Jolliffe, and
handouts on methods and the work of other watercolour artists. There have been over 40 members since the group started in January 2015 who have benefited from learning in a small group setting. The current exhibition is a milestone in the development of their painting skills and their continuing desire to paint. To join the Watercolour Club visit the website at: www.laura-jolliffe.co.uk.
Dragonfly Drones
Now operating in its second year as a CAA Commercial Drone Operator, Dragonfly Drones continues to spread its wings working throughout the South West supplying high quality HD imagery to its private & business customers at affordable prices. Available 24/7/365, please contact Dragonfly on 07789 991120 or see www.dragonflydrones.org.uk for more information.
Introducing: Reaching Out. For Youngsters Age 8 to 18
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26 THE VISITOR June 2018
From June to November this year, The David Hall performing arts centre in South Petherton will be presenting a series of events specifically for youngsters aged 8 to 18. Called Reaching Out, the programme is being funded by The Arts Council and South Somerset District Council and delivered by Actiontrack, who
are based in Taunton. The David Hall is one of only three Somerset venues running these projects, which have been created to attract school children and students with an interest in music, theatre and dance. Petherton Arts Trust, which runs The David Hall, will accommodate youngsters from schools in the surrounding area, including Ilminster, Langport, Martock, Crewkerne and Chard, as well as South Petherton. Reaching Out will begin in June with 10 free half-day workshops in local schools. Led by Actiontrack, the aim is to prepare the children for a Showbuild summer school at The David Hall from Monday 30th July to Friday 3rd August. As the Showbuild is being generously subsidized, the cost per individual will be only £50. Plus, Actiontrack is supervising a songwriting project which will lead to participants performing their works during Acoustic Nights at The David Hall. On Thursday 30th and Friday 31st August, Actiontrack and The David Hall are inviting local artists and artistic practitioners – i.e. individuals teaching subjects such as art, theatre, dance and media - to take part in a two-day Creative Lab, from 10am – 4pm on both days. The aim is to develop a youth
engagement project for the halfterm week running from 29th October to 2nd November. Further details will be available in September. Petherton Arts Trust Board member, Mike Penn, explains: ‘These events will help our young folk to develop their communication skills, boost confidence and promote teamwork in a way that will stay with them for life. We are genuinely excited by these new attractions and look forward to welcoming interested youngsters and their families through our doors!’ For more information about any of the above projects, please email info@thedavidhall.org.uk or call 01460 240340.
Dorset Art Weeks 2018 produced by Dorset Visual Arts 26 May - 10 June 2018
Dorset Art Weeks – Last year marked 25 years since the original Dorset Art Week event back in 1992. How time flies! The ever popular, biennial Dorset Art Weeks returns this year - 26th May – 10th June. A striking new yellow and black logo headlines the famous free, DAW guide and the studio banners welcoming you at 312 free venues. You will also see it on the signs that pop-up like spring flowers, the Dorset Art Weeks website -
dorset artweeks.co.uk - and across its social media presence. The DAW brochure can be found in Libraries, Tourist Information and Arts Centres, as well as a huge number of shops, B&Bs and other outlets across the South West region and across its borderlands. Artists will, of course, have a stock of copies and the prize draw postcards. The guide can be ordered from Dorset Visual Arts - Email: admin@dorset visualarts.org for £3.30 to cover P+P. The DAW website gives everyone time to plan tours by art form, geography or named artist. Supported by Hall & Woodhouse - and their Badger Beer label - and by Wyke Dorset Cottages, the event’s success has much to with the fact it is the only truly county-wide Dorset festival. No-one has to go far to visit a furniture maker, a potter, a painter, a sculptor, printmaker, textile artist or photographer. And, of course, almost any tour will take-in aspects of Dorset’s fantastic rural and coastal landscapes. The emphasis of the event is to enable the public to meet artists and see their work in their studio or workshop setting; surrounded by the tools, the materials, the stimuli and the successful results; sometimes works in progress too. Art Weeks is by people living and working amongst us. How well do we know what is on our doorstep? This is the antidote to the perception of art only being accessible in elite institutions. The producers are as keen to encourage local people to visit local artists, designers and craft makers to see what is produced on their doorstep, as they are to attract visitors from elsewhere. Art Weeks attracts many regular visitors from as far as Scotland and other EU countries who plan extended stays in Dorset to explore the event. N.B. The only non-free venue is a one-day special, fundraising event at the home and gardens of renowned furniture designer, John Makepeace, Farr’s, Beaminster - Sunday 10th June 10.30am - 4.30pm. For more information see: www.dorsetartweeks.co.uk and find Dorset Art Weeks on facebook, instagram and twitter @dorsetartweeks.
Local Artists feature in Ilminster Art Exhibition
The Ilminster Midsummer Experience will again feature a Pop-Up Art Exhibition showcasing the works of local amateur artists. Organised by the Whitelackington Art Group in the Minster Rooms, Ilminster, the one-day event runs as part of the long-established Food & Craft Market taking place in Silver Street, Ilminster on Saturday 9th June. Annie Roden of Whitelackington Art Group, commented: ‘The popularity of our one-day art exhibition has grown each year. And with all the paintings for sale it offers a fantastic opportunity to buy high-quality original art produced by talented local artists’. The Pop-Up Art Exhibition forms part of the Ilminster Experience Food & Craft market. It’s free to visit and is open between 9am and 4pm on Saturday 9th June. Further details of all the events taking place throughout the festival can be found on the website at www.ilminsterexperience.co.uk.
Beaminster Museum, June
The Beaminster Museum makes its contribution to Festival week with the traditional exhibition of the best work from Beaminster School’s Photography Department. During the Beaminster Festival from 23 June to 1 July, the museum will be open daily from 10.30am to 4pm and admission is free. The Museum’s summer season continues with two special exhibitions, alongside our refurbished permanent displays. The ‘Hatch, Match and Dispatch’ exhibition gives a historic insight into the births, marriages and deaths of local people. It will be on display until 28 October. ‘Beaminster WI 1918 - 2018’ celebrates the centenary of the Beaminster branch and is on until 21 June. Opening times: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Bank holidays 10.30am until 4pm. Sundays 2pm until 4.30pm. For more details see our website www.beaminstermuseum. wordpress.com Telephone number 01308863623 (answerphone message).
Discover local hidden gems by stepping out for a Walk About with the Ramblers
People across Somerset are being invited to step out with the Ramblers for their Walk About festival this summer, to discover the best of the local area and uncover the hidden gems on their doorstep. South Somerset District Council (SSDC) obtained £975 of funding from Ramblers to organise local health walks as part of the Walk About festival. The nationwide festival, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, takes place from 26 May to 3 June with hundreds of free group walks on offer across Britain. This year, many of the festival walks highlight hidden gems that can be found along the way – from unexpected views and peaceful picnic spots to atmospheric ancient ruins – that can often only be spotted when you head out on foot. SSDC has coordinated a total of nine walks across Somerset to enable more people to discover hidden gems. In South Somerset, the following walks have been organised: Wednesday 30 May – StokeSub-Hamdon: 3 or 4 mile walk available, 10.00am start. Meet at Ham Hill Centre, near StokeSub-Hamdon, TA14 6RW. Take
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in the fantastic history and views of the site. Friday 1 June – Ilminster: 2 mile walk, 10.30am, meet at Ilminster Recreation ground, by play area, TA19 9DS. 4 mile walk, 10.00am, meet at Minster Rooms, TA19 0DU. Walks from the centre of Ilminster, taking in the countryside views and depending on the walk you attend visit Beacon Hill, Dillington House, Herne Hill and the old Chard to Taunton canal. For information on walks happening across Somerset, in Wells, Avalon Marshes Centre, Frome and Wellington, please visit www.southsomerset. gov.uk/walkabout. Catherine Devonshire, scheme coordinator for South Somerset Walking for Health walks, said: ‘Anyone who loves walking will know it’s the best way to discover the world around you – it could be an amazing secret view, a quirky old building tucked down a side-street, or simply a fantastic new walking route. We know lots of great spots and want to share them with others.’ All walks during Walk About are free to attend and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re after a short summer stroll or you’re a seasoned walker looking for more of a challenge.
THE HAMMERVILLES The George, Castle Cary (8.30pm) SOPHIE CHANDLER The George, Castle Cary (8pm) CHRIS RITCHIE The George, Castle Cary (8pm)
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UTTER CHAOS Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil (9pm) MR D’ARCy Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil (9pm) RURAL MUSIC NETWORK Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse (7.30pm) ACOUSTIC JAMMING SESSION Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse (8pm) LOOSE ROCK Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse (9pm) MUTTER SLATER Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil (9pm) STOMPIN’ DAVE Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse (2pm) GREG AGAR Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil (9pm)
AN ADVERT IN THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE MENTION HERE! THE VISITOR June 2018 27
June Notice Board CASTLE CARY
HANNAH SANDERS & BEN SAVAGE (Support: Jack Harris). Classically timeless folk duo Saturday 02 June 18:45. Caryford Community Hall. Tickets £10 from 01963 350 980 or www.wegottickets.com/event/ 420053. CLAUDE BOURBON Master of classical guitar. Saturday 23 June 18:45. Caryford Community Hall. Tickets £12 from 01963 350980 or www. wegottickets.com /event/436535.
CREWKERNE
SATURDAY 30th JUNE, 2pm -5pm at The Speedwell, Abbey St, Crewkerne. Music in the Garden with Julian Dawson, Somerset Community Choir and Len O’ Connor. Tickets only £5 from LIC at Town Hall, Crewkerne or phone 01460 271220.
DITCHEAT
OPEN GARDENS, Charles Dowding illustrated Talk. 17th June. Plant sales and refreshments. Tickets combined £10, Gardens only £5. www. ditcheatvillahehall.org.uk.
GALHAMPTON
OPEN GARDENS And Flower Festival. June 23rd 12-4pm. Tickets available on day: Adults £5, 5-12yrs £2.50. Entry includes cream tea.
ILCHESTER
BERTIES BIG BAND Concert under Concorde, FAAM Ilchester, June 9th with String Orchestra and vocalists. Bar, 7pm for 8pm. £15 on door.
KINGTON MAGNA
KINGTON MAGNA STREET Fayre, Saturday 16th June, 11am -4pm. Mustang Sally, Steps In Time, Stalls, Ploughmans Lunch’s, Teas. Free Parking.
MARSTON MAGNA
MIDSUMMER FAIR. A popular family event on the 9th June. Activities begin with a duck race at 2pm followed by: dog show, brass band, craft produce and lots more! A BBQ, licensed bar and live jazz take us well into the evening. Tickets £1 for adults. For more information visit www.marston magnaparish.co.uk.
MARTOCK
DAVE MARTIN'S Jabbo Five in parish church playing 1920-1930s popular jazz. 7.30pm, Thursday 21st June. £9 on door, £8 from 07955 467896. Cornet/trombone/ vocals; reeds; piano; banjo; sousaphone/trombone. 28 THE VISITOR June 2018
MERE
WATERCOLOUR CLUB startsMere 4th June, Mondays 7.00-9.00 at the Lecture and starts Gillingham, 7th June Thursdays 2.00-4.00. 7 sessions for £105.00. Creative Days - £50.00: 10.304.30 Watercolour for Beginners, Thursday 26th July, Gillingham. Creative Watercolour Saturday 28th July, Mere. Enrol in advance: www.laura-jolliffe.co.uk.
MISTERTON
MISTERTON VILLAGE FETE, Sunday 24th June. 12 – 6pm at the Recreation Ground. Postcode TA18 8NY. A traditional mid-summer country fete for adults and children. Stalls, children's area and games, Punch and Judy, fancy dress, bouncy castle, country dancing, grand raffle, bingo, live exhibitions and music. BBQ, hog roast, snacks, drinks of all sorts and much more. The last 2 hours will focus on live music with food and drinks. Free entry.
SOMERTON
SOMERTON MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL, 6 - 15 July, free programme widely available. Variety of music & talks - see website for details: www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk. Box office in Overt Locke, West St, Somerton opens Wed-Sat 10am-1pm from Saturday 26 May - earlybird reduced price tickets until 9 June.
STOCKLINCH
STOCKFEST at Stocklinch, nr Ilminster - 23rd & 24th June, 2-5pm. Open gardens, artisans, stalls, games. Free parking, £5 entry, lunches from 12.30-2pm.
TINTINHULL
SATURDAY 30th JUNE 10am-5pm. Tintinhull Village Open Gardens in South Somerset, BA22 8PY. Entry £5 to 15 gardens. Start Tintinhull Village Hall. Plant Stall and refreshments all day. Phone 01935 824868 , www.open gardens.co.uk.
So, you think you know your Pop music, do you?
By John Osborne Answers can be found on page 48 1) Who is saying right now that you should 'Make your Own Kind of Music'? 2) 'Circle in the Sand' was a hit 30 years ago this month for whom? 3) The Beatles single 'Get Back' appears on which album? 4) Name the duo who declared they were a 'Soul Man'.
5) The Fleetwood Mac album 'Rumours' of 1977 was followed in 1979 by an album named … what? 6) Name the American band best-known for their 1967 hit 'Happy Together' 7) 'Nickelback' come from which country?
8) 'Frank Zappa and the Mothers (… what?)
9) 'Kiss Me' by 'Sixpence None the Richer', hit the charts in what year? 10) How do we best know Carol Joan Klein?
Bonus Question: The song in Q1 was originally a hit for a) whom, and b) what year?
Question Impossible: Who is the uncredited female vocalist on ELO's 'Rockaria'?
Great Quotes in Music (102) ‘So when I realised I could sing for a living - do what I loved and be paid for it - I thought, This is unbelievable. Unbelievable! And that feeling has never left me’. - Tom Jones
Sudoku
by
T.M.
Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9.
YEOVIL
TOP TABLE SALE, Saturday 23 June, 10am-2pm. St James' Church, Preston Rd. Table £10. Book on 01935 474233. Free entry and refreshments available.
YEOVIL ART GROUP’S Spring Exhibition of latest artwork is being displayed at The Octagon Theatre, on the 1st Floor, until 14th June. Entry free. (lift available).
Advertise your JULY event here
A listing under our Notice Board costs from just £5. Send details of What? When? Where? to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG or email info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk. All entries to be pre-paid, maximum 20 words, 30p per additonal word. Deadline for July issue, Friday 15th June.
Solution in the July issue!
Family Health with
Jenna Evans
Welcome to Your Body
HOW ISyour relationship to your body? Do you nourish & nurture it? Ignore it? Or maybe you even harbour resentment or disgust? We’re not always very kind to ourselves on any level and when we are in pain it can be difficult for some of us to feel benevolence to the ‘thing’ we see as the vehicle of our suffering. But our bodies are remarkable and amazing self healers when given the right tools, so this month I thought we’d take the time to check in with our bodies and send them a little love! As I sit writing this, tiny smooth muscle fibres in my eyes are working to respond to changes in light, adjusting the pupil accordingly. 60 muscles in my arm, hand and wrist are working to write this piece. A grand communication network of hormones and nerves are whizzing about my body, keeping all things in balance. My sensory nerves are relaying information to my brain and motor nerves are stimulating movement. Did you know damaged nerves - that are able to repair - can grow 1-2mm a day? Quite striking for such a complex and essential system. If you’re eating as you read this, your senses of taste and smell will be active. Your nifty little nose can distinguish 10,000 different odours! Children have around 10,000 taste buds and adults may lose half of these with age. Think of your food working it’s way through your 9 metres of digestive tract and your pancreas pouring out 1.5 litres of digestive juice each day. Feel your skin holding the magazine. An area of skin the size of your fingernail contains 5 million cells, 100 sweat glands, 1,000 touch sensors (more on the fingertips), 100+ hairs and sebaceous glands, 1 metre of blood vessels and half a metre of nerve fibres. Pretty impressive! The liver too is a brilliant feat of engineering. Weighing around 1.5kg, your liver is currently filtering your blood, producing bile, processing and storing nutrients, regulating glucose, detoxifying and recycling old blood cells; incidentally, your body makes around 2 million blood cells every second! As your brain is lighting up as you read be aware that it makes up around 2 percent of your body’s weight but requires 20 percent of its blood. This tissue of the brain is continually bathed
in cerebrospinal fluid. This keeps the brain and spinal cord nourished with proteins and glucose as well as immune cells to guard against infection. As you are no doubt aware, our bodies are mostly water - around 40 litres in the average adult. Our tissues are 8090 percent water, blood plasma more than 90 percent, fat 10-15 percent and even the bones (206 in case you were wondering, unless you’re one of the 5 percent who have an extra rib!) are a whopping 25% water. On top of all these little miracles, the skeleton & muscles are working to keep you supported; the lymphatic system is working to squash unwanted invaders; your urinary system is filtering ready to excrete some of the 800-2,000 millilitres it produces a day; your 150,000km (90,000 miles) of blood vessels are carrying 5 litres of blood as your heart pumps some of it’s potential 3 billion beats. So embrace and love your extraordinary body - it’s the most amazing thing you will ever own. Jenna Evans ©2018.
Jenna is an Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’. Jenna is also a multi-award winning Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil. To make an appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.
Just one of the many styles of Freya Lingerie available at Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie, Shaftesbury.
Shirley Allum fashions & Lingerie, Shaftesbury
Shirley Allum fashions and lingerie, of High Street, Shaftesbury, are one of the largest lingerie stockists in the South West, with sizes from 30AA-50K. Seven out of ten women wear the wrong size bra. Are you one of them? All of the lingerie team are fully qualified bra fitters and offer a freefitting service. They are stockists of Truimph, Sloggi, Lepel, Charnos, Bestform, Fantasie, Freya, Gossard, Spanx plus lots more. The Anita Care mastectomy bras are offered in a wide range of styles. Sports bras range from B-HH cup and just arrived is the new Anita Active DynamiX Star5537 in red/grey offering comfort, ease and support for high impact sports. Buy a Triumph sports bra at the moment and receive a free gift while stocks last. You will find in store a superb selection of nightwear and swimwear to suit all ages in the lingerie department. They look forward to helping you with their free fitting service. Don’t forget, you can also buy online on their website brashopuk.com quoting MYFIRST10VT to receive 10% off your first order.
THE VISITOR June 2018 29
Jog on! Almost half of Brits think just 30 mins of exercise per week is optimal for a healthy heart
Despite becoming an increasingly health-conscious nation, more than half of Brits (50.5%) are still oblivious to basic heart health. Almost half of the population do not know what constitutes a healthy body mass index. Mapped: how does the UK’s knowledge of heart health compare? Greasy spoons may be under threat by today’s cappuccino culture, but heart disease is still one of Britain’s biggest killers, killing more than one in four people in the UK. But despite the shocking statistics and the rise of ‘clean eating’ and quinoa and kale consciousness - a new study by AFIB Matters has revealed that Brits are still relatively clueless when it comes to basic heart health. In fact, more than half of us (50.5%) have poor knowledge on basic heart health, a study of 2,500 adults has found. Worryingly, that figure is even lower for men – with the survey revealing that only 49.8% of men are savvy on their heart health, compared to 51.5% of women. And despite our nation becoming increasingly health-conscious, ignorance toward heart health rings true across the country. AFIB Matter’s survey found that those in the South East were the most clued up on heart health, though they still only scored 55.6% on their heart health test. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Northern Ireland, the land famous for its fried bread, Ulster Fry, was the most unknowing when it came to heart health, scoring a dismal 38.2%. But despite offering the unique culinary delights of deep-fried Mars bars and sugary Irn-Bru, the Scots seemed to be much more aware of heart health, coming in the middle
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of the scoreboard, with just under half of respondents (48%) demonstrating a good knowledge on the subject. AFIB Matters have created an infographic map to show how clued up Britons are on heart health across the country: www.afibmatters. org/en_GB/About-atrial-fibrillation /atrial-fibrillation-infograhic (Or see below).
The Basic Heart Health Test
So what exactly should Brits know when it comes to heart health? Well, only 38.1% of the 2,500 respondents questioned by AFIB Matters were able to say what our heart consists of (four heart chambers and four valves). Instead, 26.1% of those surveyed believed the heart has two heart chambers and two valves, 22.8% said that the heart has four heart chambers and two valves, and 13% thought the heart has three heart chambers and three valves. And though we may be spending more than ever on gym memberships and fitness products, AFIB Matter's survey also revealed that only 28% of Brits know how much weekly exercise is needed in order to reduce the risk of cardiac diseases, (150 minutes a week). The survey revealed that 17.4% of Brits believed that 90 minutes was enough weekly exercise to reduce the risk of cardiac diseases, 11.9% thought an hour per week would suffice, and shockingly, the majority of Brits (42.7%) thought that just 30 minutes of exercise per week would keep the heart happy. It turns out we should have paid more attention in science classes too, as the survey revealed that most Brits are also unaware of the heart's basic functions: only 29.9% of Brits knew that the heart pumps 4-5 litres of blood per minute, instead, 12.8% of respondents thought it pumped 2-3 litres per minute, 23.8% of Brits answered 6-7 litres, 15.8% answered 8-9 litres, and 17.7% answered 1112 litres. Similarly, AFIB Matter's survey revealed that a shocking three quarters of Brits are clueless on the matter of blood pressure. 42.1% of those surveyed admitted they thought a healthy blood pressure reading was 90 over 60 or less, 23.3% thought a healthy blood pressure reading was 90 over 60 and less than 120 over 80, and surprisingly, 1 in 10 (10.1%) thought that a healthy blood pressure reading was 140 over 90 or higher. Only a quarter (24.5%) knew that a healthy blood pressure reading was more than 120 over 90 and less than 140 over 90.
There is great potential to improve health by avoiding certain risks like smoking and a poor diet, but it's also important to understand that good heart health starts with awareness. Heart diseases can come in many different forms – but one that has become much more common in the past 20 years is atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart condition that causes an irregular, and often rapid, heart rate, and potentially heart failure or stroke. AF affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK, but according to AFIB Matter's survey, only half of Brits (50.7%) were aware of the disease, and knew that atrial fibrillation was a type of abnormal heart rhythm. Worryingly, 20.9% thought AF was the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, 9% thought it was an abnormality/defect with the structure of the heart, and 19.5% thought it was when blood supply to the heart becomes restricted. Over a third (37.6%) of Brits knew that persistent atrial fibrillation means AF that lasts longer than seven days. 36% actually thought it was when AF occurs despite the usage of drugs, 21% believed it was when AF occurs more than once per month, and 5.4% said that it is when AF is not treated for more than one year. What's more concerning is that almost a third of Brits did not know that atrial fibrillation could occur in all ages. 23.3% believed it would only occur in people over 70 years old, and 5.1% thought it was only occur in people over 40 years old. 4.3% believed AF occurred particularly in
young adults. Moreover, while 34% of Brits knew that atrial fibrillation cannot cause hypertension, a distressing 20.4% of Brits thought that AF couldn't cause heart failure, 23.3% didn't think it would cause palpitations, and 22.3% did not believe it would cause a stroke. But while the majority of Brits were oblivious to heart health basics, they were aware of what constitutes a healthy body mass index (BMI). Interestingly, over half of Brits (53.8%) knew that a BMI score of 20 would mean they were at a healthy weight and would not need to lose any weight. However, 18% of those surveyed thought a BMI of 25 indicated a healthy weight and no need to lose weight, 16.8% thought it was a BMI of 28, and even 11.3% thought a BMI of 32 was low enough not to need to shed the pounds – when in actual fact, a BMI of 28 and over would be considered overweight. Prof. Gregory Y. H. Lip (Birmingham, UK) from the AFIB Matters taskforce commented: “An important aspect of lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases is managing health behaviours and other risk factors, such as diet, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol and ensuring 150 minutes of exercise a week. We're aware that many still need educating on the risks but we’re working towards creating public awareness about heart health and atrial fibrillation specifically. After all, atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm problem, and is associated with a 5 fold excess risk of stroke or death.’
Bramley House Celebrates
Bramley House has been celebrating the completion of its building refurbishment and landscaped gardens. The local community and businesses were invited to join staff and residents for drinks and canapés in the new orangery and to explore the garden with its pond and pergola. It was lovely to welcome so many visitors. Located in Mere, Bramley House combines excellent quality care with a peaceful location and light and spacious en-suite rooms. The new orangery and patio provide the perfect place to sit and enjoy the views of the gardens and the countryside beyond. For more information about Bramley House or to arrange a viewing call 01747 860192 or email info@bramleycare.com.
Making everyday life easier Do I need a Stairlift?
If you have difficulty getting up and down stairs you are not alone. The decision to install a stairlift is sometimes a difficult one to take but, when compared with the alternative of moving or living on only one level of their home, many people have found a stairlift to be their preferred solution. Why choose us? – Suttons
Stairlifts aim to provide an ethical, reliable and prompt service to their valued customers. Thanks to personal recommendations from satisfied customers referring them to their friends and relations we have achieved a solid reputation for integrity and exceptional service. We have worked hard to establish an affordable, dependable and honest service to be proud of. Suttons Stairlifts is now a wellestablished family-run company committed to providing expert advice with a no-pressure selling policy, guaranteed! Peace of mind – In addition to being approved dealers for Handicare, Suttons Stairlifts are also approved members of the Trading Standards Buy with Confidence Scheme. You are also choosing an ISO Quality Approved product that conforms to the ethical business practices required by the British Healthcare Trades Association. Our Products and Services – We offer a range of new or refurbished Handicare stairlifts for either straight or curved stairs in the Somerset and Mendip area. We also offer a rental option for straight stairlifts. We also provide fast and efficient maintenance and repairs on all supplied stairlifts, as well as an annual service and safety check to keep your stairlift
Residents enjoying the new garden at Bramley House, Mere.
running as smoothly as the day it was installed. We also offer servicing and safety checks for stairlifts not installed by us, as well as repairs and removals at a very reasonable cost. Whilst stairlifts are very simple to use, they are mechanical devices and benefit from annual servicing and maintenance to ensure they continue to run efficiently.
All Handicare stairlifts have safety sensors on the power pack and footplate; these are designed to stop the lift if it meets any obstruction. There are also optional features such as a powered swivel seat and powered folding footplate; these can make using a stairlift even easier by allowing you to operate these functions at the touch of a button.
Get out this summer: Could an outdoor stairlift installed by Suttons Stairlifts help you?
Installation – Repair – Services
THE VISITOR June 2018 31
It is a popular misconception that stairlifts are fitted to the wall, they are usually fitted to the staircase itself. Most lifts will only take between 2-4 hours to install. What happens next? – We will visit you to survey the staircase and conduct a user assessment leaving you the leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time. We aim to fit your stairlift within a week of your order or, where possible, within 2 days subject to availability. With our inclusive and comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty and 365 day coverage you can be assured of a first-class and personal service from Suttons Stairlifts.
Regal Solutions
Regal Solutions are bathroom designers and installers specialising in walk-in showers for disabled in South Somerset and the surrounding areas. They know how difficult it can make your life if you are unable to get in and out of the
St. Johns’ House Residential Home, Sherborne.
bath and they are pleased to help make your life easier. Having a walk-in shower room can increase the quality of your life, creating independence in the home to make everyday tasks easier for you. They also
REGAL SOLUTIONS SW LTD South Petherton BATHROOMS & SHOWERS Disabled Walk-In Showers Ramps for the Disabled
Electrical Work Undertaken ◆ General Carpentry
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Tel: 01460 241753 Mobile: 07843 339338 01460 929151 07702 888895
32 THE VISITOR June 2018
fit standard bathrooms and undertake any plumbing or carpentry jobs. Regal Solutions is an established company and have over 20 years experience in wet room and bathroom installations. From Quote to Finish you will
find a fast and friendly service that others can't match. They also offer other services designed to make your life easier, these include but are not limited to: Building Alterations; Widening of Doors; Wheelchair Ramps; Handrails. Please contact them for a free quote.
Pictured right: Regency Care & Mobility in Crewkerne have a comprehensive range of mobility scooters, rise and recline chairs and living aids. Pop in today and receive a warm welcome!
South Cary House
Situated in the pretty market town of Castle Cary, South Cary House is a Grade II listed Georgian property set in its own grounds of approximately one acre. This comfortable care home offers a relaxed and welcoming environment for its residents, with a strong emphasis placed on the preservation of dignity, privacy and respect for each individual's choice of lifestyle. South Cary House is within walking distance of the town and there is also a convenient regular bus service to Yeovil and Shepton Mallet. Should you wish to travel further afield trains go to London and Plymouth from Castle Cary railway station.
Regency Care & Mobility, Crewkerne
The New UK Ambassador dual motor riser recliner is available from Regency Care & Mobility, Crewkerne The new Ambassador® chair is different from any other riser recliner chair with its superbly supportive seating positioning system and deep waterfall cushions providing the ultimate in seating comfort. Its unique design enables almost any individual to achieve maximum comfort, whether seated, rising or reclining. With dual motor, a waterfall back and available in small, medium and large specifications and a range of colours, there is sure to be a version you’ll love. The New UK Ambassador is made in the UK and comes with a 5 Year Guarantee. Available from Regency Care & Mobility, Crewkerne. Contact them today and find out about their fantastic range of furniture and living aids which could make your everyday life better! Find them at 10 Falkland Square, Crewkerne, Someret, TA18 7JS, next to Costa Coffee. Call 01460 271172 for further information.
Part exchan availabge le
home Visits
Step inside!
We have a wonderful choice of
rise & recline chairs & Beds New & Pre-owned Scooters ... to suit all budgets
acorn Stairlifts
On-The-Premises Servicing call in and see us at ...
Next to coSta coffee aND withiN eaSy reach of MaiN car Park
10 Falkland Square Crewkerne, TA18 7JS 01460 271172
www.regencycareandmobility.co.uk “if you can’t come to us we will come to you”
THE VISITOR June 2018 33
Turner Windows Somerton
Turner Windows Ltd has been established in Somerton for eight years, Craig Turner, having started the company in 2010 with the help of key staff such as Anne Perry as well as 2 teams of employed fitters and a salesman Mike. Craig was a fitter made good, and has built up the company with a quality over quantity attitude, to enable their customers to have confidence when buying from them. Now members of Checkatrade, you can be certain of receiving a quality-assured service. Further to this, Turner Windows website is full of positive feedback from
34 THE VISITOR June 2018
very happy customers. Proprietor Craig takes pride in being an active member of the community locally. Turner Windows are delighted to be the main sponsors for Somerton Rugby Club. As well as offering installations of windows, doors and conservatories, they also carry out repairs to windows, doors and conservatories as it may not need replacing! Straight honest advice with no false discounts. Turner Windows have also worked on commercial projects with clients including Haynes Motor Museum in Sparkford and Clark’s Village in Street, Somerset to name just a couple.
Turner Windows are Approved LEKA Warm Roof installers, a high-quality product which can transform your conservatory into a space to be enjoyed all year round. Craig noted it as one of the best warm roof conservatory products currently on the market. They are very pleased to announce that their professional and honest services in the industry are here to stay since they have recently bought the premises at Bancombe Trading Estate. As well as being the Turner Windows office base, the premises house seven brilliant showrooms. The showrooms feature a range of different products, full size bi-fold doors to
conservatory warm roofs and glass roofs, composite doors, so that customers really can try before they buy. So why not visit them at: www.turnerwindows.co.uk to see for yourself. For trustworthy and expert advice, visit Turner Windows at Bancombe Trading Estate, Somerton or call 01458 272555.
All recycling sites take plastic food pots, tubs and trays
The biggest change to plastics recycling in Somerset in almost a decade is underway at the county's 16 recycling sites. Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) has announced that every recycling site is now taking plastic food pots, tubs and trays – the rigid plastic containers for yoghurt, margarine, fruit and other foods – as well as all plastic bottles. It is a leap forward in the planned transformation of Somerset waste services from 2020, including the end of landfilling rubbish and phased roll out of the new ‘Recycle More’ weekly kerbside collections taking extra bulky but light plastics, with three-weekly collections of the far emptier refuse bins. The move to take rigid plastic food pots, tubs and trays - known as PTT – at all 16 recycling sites follows successful trials of taking extra plastics in kerbside collections and at a small number of sites to check the quality and monitor levels of contamination from unwanted materials. The plastic bottle and PTT skips will take black plastic food trays, but residents must: Remove all foil, film covers, and cardboard attached to or enclosing the PTT. Discard all lids, flip-caps and trigger-tops from plastic bottles. Rinse out food residues or other contents, and squash items to fit more in each skip. They must also exclude: Thin plastics, such as cling film, carrier bags, black sacks, or bubble wrap. Plastic plant or paint pots, with or without any contents. Other plastics, such as plastic toys, CD cases, garden furniture or car parts. Residents who do not already regularly use recycling sites are reminded that they are all far less busy early on weekdays, while 11 sites stay open to 7pm on late-night Mondays.
Earlier this year, 12 of Somerset's 16 recycling sites began taking single use coffee cups, with their layers of plastic and card, in the same skips that already take beverage cartons, such as Tetra Pak and other brands. And SWP is launching a Schools Against Waste programme across 90 primary schools, promoting free water refills in local food outlets, and launching a plastics pledge card with simple tips and information. A SWP spokesman said: ‘Taking plastic food pots, tubs and trays at all recycling sites is a big step forward. We are working with councils, companies, campaigning groups and schools to help people cut their waste by using less plastic and recycling far more of the plastic they buy when shopping.’ Details of all recycling sites, including opening hours and what materials each site takes, can be found at www.somerset waste.gov.uk/recycling/centres.
Polymer progress: All recycling sites can now take plastic food pots, tubs, trays and bottles.
THE VISITOR June 2018 35
Duck Egg Living Room Ideas For Your Home
If you’re thinking of redecorating your living room, check out our duck egg living room ideas for inspiration. Duck egg living rooms can be beautiful, relaxing spaces at the very heart of the home. If you’re planning your own duck egg living room, start by getting out a paint chart. Keep a duck egg scheme subtle by using a lace-effect wallpaper with a low-sheen, embossed finish. Bring in pretty carved furniture and curtains in a pretty turquoise to add an elegant brocante-style touch. Combine different duck-egg tones for a pretty living room
scheme. The walls of this space have a hint of green, the sofa offers a hit of blue, while the pillows are at the boldest, bluest end of duck egg. Head for duck egg at the grey end of the scale and use the most gentle of shades from skirting to picture rail. If all your room needs to bring it to life is a fresh coat of paint, you can’t beat a soothing duck egg shade. It fits really well with all neutrals, from natural wood and cream to black and dark brown. Duck egg can make a great anchor shade for full-on vibrant colours. A smart modern living room can be resplendent in jade, old white and duck egg.
Made To Measure
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Enquiries: 01935 864444 desiron0@gmail.com
Unit 5, East Coker Saw Mills, East Coker, BA22 9JJ
36 THE VISITOR June 2018
Duck egg living room ideas for your home.
Waltons new Wooden Rocket Playhouse has launched
The 6ft x 6ft Wooden Rocket Playhouse from Waltons is the perfect way to encourage kids
into the garden, and beyond. They’ll love taking charge of their very own international space station and exploring the galaxy.
The new Waltons Rocket Playhouse has launched.
Built-in trays for walk-in showers, recently installed at a property in Merriott by J2 Tiles, Yeovil. Visit their showroom on Lynx West Trading Estate, opposite Wickes.
THE VISITOR June 2018 37
Inside the nose cone, a raised platform allows budding astronauts to command their mission. The cargo bay underneath is a great place to store supplies, moon rocks, space suits and blasters ready for hostile or friendly encounters of any kind! Supplied unpainted, astronauts have free reign to decorate their rocket however they choose. The possibilities are infinite. The 6ft x 6ft Wooden Rocket Playhouse from Waltons costs £549.99. Safe, high quality construction. Built to comply with EN71 Safety Standards, the wooden rocket playhouse is made from 12mm interlocking tongue and groove timber. Cut from 9mm solid sheet board, the floor can comfortably withstand space storms and anything else kids can throw at it. Round porthole
The Green Weigh, coming to Dorset and Somerset this summer.
windows are glazed with clear shatterproof styrene, a safe alternative to glass in busy family gardens.
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(01935) 808456
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38 THE VISITOR June 2018
Frank Schrijver Damp Control
Frank Schrijver Damp Control is a unique and permanent solution for all types of damp issues. Richard Smith from Bridgwater has organised hundreds of installations in the Somerset area and has numerous satisfied customers. They are a friendly, family based company employing twelve fully trained engineers. Their system will dry out cold wet walls, reducing the humidity and condensation which will subsequently reduce your heating bills too. The process will be effective on terraced, detached or any sort of building, whether they be solid, cavity brick or stone walls. Please check out the
website: www.southwestdamp.co.uk or call 01689 800101. See advert on page 7.
The Green Weigh, Dorset & Somerset
For Alex Green and her colleagues Kate Robertson, Lora Pascoe and Libby Rogers, turning towards a more plastic free way of life seems like a no-brainer. As Mothers raising their children in the town of Bridport and also growing up in Bridport as children themselves, the Jurassic Coast and it’s beaches have been an integral part of their lives the recent news of huge plastic presence in the Oceans inspiring a desire to make a cleaner future. Living sustainably and teaching their children to respect the environment was what brought the founders of The Green Weigh together, the idea for a zero waste shop on wheels sparked following a visit by Alex in 2017 to the UK’s first zero waste shop in Totnes, Earth. Food. Love. Alex says ‘Buying groceries in a zero waste way made so much sense to me, so I returned to Earth. Food. Love with Kate, Lora and Libby in 2018 for a zero waste consultancy. They were so open and encouraging, providing us with all the information we needed to make the idea of a zero waste shop in Bridport a reality’ The idea for making the shop mobile by putting it on wheels originated when considering the demographic of Bridport, it’s surrounding villages and wider community. ‘We felt that the message of plastic free shopping would be better delivered into the community if we took the shop to the people’ says Libby.
The Green Weigh’s mission is to be affordable, accessible and to supply as many different foods as possible without packaging. The wider benefits of a shop on wheels for the community are also of great appeal to the four. Kate says ‘With cuts to public services, there are so many people within our community and surrounding villages who are isolated. By bringing our mobile shop into Bridport’s neighborhoods, we will be a friendly face, a smile, a ‘how are you?’ We will be able to offer them plastic free shopping with our van in a personally assisted way.’ The idea of a mobile shop in Bridport’s community is nothing new. ‘My Mum says she remembers a mobile shop which
used to visit Netherbury when I was a baby’ says Lora. ‘So in a way, we’re not really creating anything new at all. The Green Weigh will be a packaging free, mobile shop, the way things used to be!’ The Green Weigh is launching this Summer. Contact: thegreenweigh@gmail.com or visit: www.thegreenweigh.co.uk (website coming soon). The Green Weigh are Crowdfunding and need your pledges! They are looking to buy a specialist van and equipment. The Crowdfunding campaign is now live - please visit http s://www.crowd funder.co.uk/the-green-weigh-zerowaste-on-wheels to make your pledge and view the rewards!
Simply Inspirational ...
Quality bathrooms & wetrooms individually designed and expertly installed
Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms Visit our Showroom
The Old Bakery, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, DT9 3LN (Through Archway by Half Moon Inn)
Tel: 01935 817111 * www.simplybathandbed.co.uk * info@simplybathandbed.co.uk
THE VISITOR June 2018 39
SJH Carpets & Flooring
SJH Carpets & Flooring are a well-established business of 18 years and continue to go from strength to strength. The team at SJH strive to provide their customers with the best selection of floorcoverings, blinds and shutters available, fitted by trained and motivated
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professionals, giving you the confidence to entrust your flooring project to them. SJH love to keep ahead of new trends and products whilst retaining an honest, reliable and approachable service: a service that their reputation is built upon. They have a huge range of choice, from traditional carpets through to sisal, seagrass and coir, solid and engineered wood to Harvey Maria, Roger Oates Design runners, Cormar Carpets and Moduleo. They are Amtico, Roger Oates and Crucial Trading approved and have local, employed fitters. They are Luxaflex Blinds approved main dealer and dispose of uplifted floor coverings legally. They offer free quotations and luxury flooring of the highest quality. Their fabric department is housed in their Wincanton branch where you will find brands such as Prestigious Textiles, Art of the Loom, Design Forum and Chatsworth Fabrics.
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40 THE VISITOR June 2018
MOTORING
VINTAGE Motor Cycling
MY ACTIVITIES OF LATE have allowed me the opportunity for a spot of people watching. Having been to the Stafford Classic Bike Show and the Somerset Sections Autojumble, plus other occasions, I have indulged in watching the people taking part in these events. To say we are a diverse lot is something of an understatement. Our hobby includes people of all ages, creeds and colour. From the young and youthful to the old and wrinkly (that's my section). From the well-heeled to the down at heel. From the smart to the downright scruffy. It seems that motorcycling attracts people from every walk of life. Why then do all clubs find it difficult to attract more members and those from the younger generation? For example my own club is the VMCC which has around 15,000 members spread throughout this country and abroad. At the recent Stafford Show around 15 to 20,000 people went through the gate during the two days. If all those people had enough interest in old bikes to attend the show then why is it that we cannot attract them to become members of ours and the many other clubs catering for our needs? I know some people are more solitary and prefer to ride alone, but surely many of the others would enjoy the social aspect of our hobby as much as the riding. It just makes you think. The Stafford Show was as splendid as always. The standard of restoration was as superb as usual (actually much better than the manufacturer could produce when these things were new) but there were also many machines
on display which were totally original and unmolested, just as I prefer to see them. The show is so large it takes two full days to walk around it and even then you are bound to miss some things. A very enjoyable event and one I would recommend to everybody despite the travelling involved. The Somerset Section's autojumble went ahead as planned in April. The only one possible this year due to difficulties with the venue. Nevertheless it was as good as always and very social. Lots of goodies to buy and complete bikes on offer so plenty to keep everyone amused. This is probably the largest autojumble in the southwest and so it attracts both sellers and buyers from near and far. Always a 'must do' event for me. My photo this month shows just a sample of the large crowds gathered all looking for that elusive part or for a bargain or just having a social chat with friends, or of course all three combined. Events during June come thick and fast. Somerset start off with their Girder Fork and rigid Frame Run from Westhay on the 3rd. Club night at Cossington on the 7th is Ride a Bike Night with a short run and lastly on the 21st they have an evening meet at Spaxton. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have an event called the Mercian Incursion from Whitley on the 10th and for their club night on the 11th they are trying their hand at a game of Boules. The Dorset Section start the month with a club stand at Gillingham in Gear on the 2nd. The 6th will see them meeting for the Lunch Meet at West Stour. The 8th to the 10th will be a camping weekend at club headquarters at Henstridge, and club night on the 13th will be an evening ride followed by a pie and pint, also
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The Somerset Section's autojumble in April.
at Henstridge Golf Centre. Lastly on the 30th they return to West Stour for the Breakfast Meet. The Wells Classic Club have their Tortoise and Hare Run on the 3rd. Always a good event organised to raise money for charity. Support it if you can, have a good day out, and do good in the process. What could be better. More details on all those events are obtainable by ringing 01935-872528. The promise of better weather and with the longest day imminent it make sense to get out and ride those bikes during the evenings, hence the reasoning behind the Sections having Evening Runs. You can of course just go for a ride of an evening or perhaps use a bike to go to the monthly Section meetings. Of concern to many is the ever escalating prices for old vehicles, whether it be for cars, tractors, lorries and motorcycles, or any other type of vehicle you may mention. Many people have advocated for years that at some stage the bubble will burst and prices will fall dramatically, but so far this has not happened. Investors still have confidence in
the market as pension funds, various investors, and other professional investment companies are still buying up old motorcycles to keep purely as assets to make a profit in the future. I have even heard of a person having cashed in his pension pot to reinvest in this way so he must be certain of a rosy future. I like to think of my own small collection as a means of saving and as an appreciating asset but be warned prices can fluctuate either way and could decline with some rapidity. Rod Hann.
tracks, designed and devised by Red Bull in partnership with the British Lawnmower Association, putting a new spin on a quintessentially British sport. There will be individual winners for each track format and an overall winner based on points scored throughout the day. Peter ‘Pugs’ Reeves, from the British Lawnmower Association says: ‘Cut It is a completely unique event designed to celebrate the quirky sport of lawnmower racing. The event will see 50 lawnmower racers race to see who can complete four unique race tracks. From rollers, uphill and downhill sections, twists, turns, jumps and hoops, competitors and spectators can get involved and expect really nail-biting viewing - often racers are neck and neck to the finish line!’ The four races on the day include: Drag race: a timed 100m flat sprint. The Eliminator: after two laps, the racer in last position on each lap is removed. Racers will keep racing until
there is one winner. This track will include jumps and hoops. Points-per-lap race: after two laps riders will be awarded points depending on what position they finish each lap, with a total of 10 laps. This track will include jumps and hoops. E.g. 1st = 5 points, 2nd = 3 points, 3rd = 1 point. Joker lap race: each rider is allowed to use a shortcut once in the race. This will also have a total of 10 laps and will consist of twists and turns. The event is open for anyone over 18 to enter. An open circuit will also be available for spectators to try their hand at the sport throughout the day. Entries are now open, based on £15 per lawnmower (which can be used by up to four drivers). The event is free for spectators to attend. To register for the event, go to: www.redbull.co.uk/CutIt The event will take place in Cheddar, Somerset from 10am – 5pm on the 9th June 2018. Join in the conversation with #RedBullCutIt.
Lawnmower Racing Set To Shred Up Somerset At Red Bull Cut It
Red Bull Cut It, a new and unique lawnmower racing event, is set to screech into Cheddar, Somerset, this summer. The 9th June high-octane race will see modified ride-on lawnmowers hit speeds of over 50mph as they hurtle over twists, turns, rollers, and jumps. Red Bull Cut it will see both experts and novices take to the turf in an attempt to weed out the competition over four quirky
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Red Bull Cut It is set to screech into Cheddar, Somerset, on 9th June.
GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS
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THE VISITOR June 2018 41
Inner Hebredian Whiskies
I JUST CANNOT help myself. Every time I go anywhere or do anything, at the forefront of my mind are those connections with food and drink. Obsessive I would call it. Hence, having braved the chaos caused by the snow storms in March, and holed up at Bristol Airport for three days, I finally arrived in Iona in the Inner Hebrides, whisky seemed the natural thing to warm me up. Scotland is of course renowned for its whisky production. The choice, whether it be your favourite blend, or a particular single malt, is mindboggling. In exploring food and drink I find it useful to break things down into manageable chunks. On this occasion decided to explore the whiskies of the Inner Hebrides, deliberately excluded those from Islay, simply because there are so many to choose from. Sadly, I was to discover that, in addition to the closure of many independent distilleries in recent decades, most of the remainder have been sold to multi-national corporations. We have seen the same demise of our local shops and I feel strongly that we must support those that have so far fended off the big boys for whom only profits matter. Many of these single malts are the Island whiskies that my fellow pilgrims and I sampled on our visit. Just the job for Father’s Day.
Jura Superstition – 43% abv., £38.95
Just seven miles wide and thirty miles long, Jura has only one road, one pub and one distillery. Described as lightly peated, smoke and spice, this whisky had mixed reviews. A real love it or hate it, marmite reaction. Earthy tropical aromas are
followed by hints of white pepper, honey and toast. Pleasant and mildly interesting but unexceptional was the verdict. The distillery is owned by Whyte and Mackay, part of Philippines-based Emperador Inc.
Sound of Iona, Highland 40% abv., £55
This is actually produced in the Highlands, by Tullibardine in Perthshire as an own label for the island. I have included it nonetheless, as this family owned independent distillery pays great attention to detail in the whiskies they produce, and it is one of the few that distil, mature and bottle on site. Pale gold in colour, it is very smooth and creamy. I loved it.
Talisker Storm - 45.8% abv., £39.95
Released in early 2013, this has the typical warm, smoky, peppery characteristics of Talisker 10 year old with a bit of added oomph. More smoke, more spices, more flavour; more to enjoy. The distillery, founded in 1830, is based in Carbost on the Isle of Skye, and now operated by Diageo. Re-built in 1960 after a fire, the distillery operates five stills; two wash stills and three spirit stills. The use of ‘worm tubs’ is said to give the whisky a fuller flavour. Double distilled, the malted barley used in production comes from Muir of Ord.
Raasay While We Wait - 46% abv., £54.95
This first legal distillery on the Isle of Raasay in NW Scotland began distilling in September 2017. Its first bottling has yet to be released, as it legally requires a minimum 3 years ageing. They are satisfying their impatience by working with a Highland distillery to craft this whisky; a sneak preview of the style to come.
Co-founder Alasdair Day’s roots are firmly in the Hebrides through his grandfather, whilst his other greatgrandfather, Richard Day, was a whisky blender in the Border town of Coldstream with a heritage dating back to 1820. They have blended two single malts from the same undisclosed distillery, one peated and one unpeated, then finished it in Tuscan wine casks. In 2020 the first Isle of Raasay Single Malt Scotch Whisky in history will be released. It has been made in small batches from the mineral water drawn from their own Celtic well on site, using a combination of virgin American oak casks, high rye bourbon casks and wine casks to create a contemporary single malt Scotch whisky.
Tobermory 14 Portpipe - 57.8% abv., £106.63
Matured in oak wood casks, and only available at the distillery, this has been finished in Port Pipe casks, giving a rich, sweet single malt. This 14 Year Old Limited Release (just 534 bottles) has been finished in Port Pipe casks, for 5 years. They are named, not only for having matured Port, but also for their long, narrow shape. The distillery is situated on the island of Mull. Formerly known as Ledaig, it was founded in 1798 and has changed hands several times, after periods of closure. The only distillery on Mull, in the main village at the northern tip of the island, it is now owned by Burn Stewart Distillers, a subsidiary of Distell Group Limited of South Africa. The distillery also produces a smaller amount of peated whisky, which remains known under the former name, Ledaig.
Arran 10 year old - 40% abv., £42
This is the only distillery on the Isle of Arran, founded in 1994 by founded by Harold Currie, former director of Chivas. There used to be about fifty distilleries on the island, but most of them were ‘moonlight’ or illegal distilleries. They offer a cask purchase scheme, giving private individuals the opportunity to own their own cask of whisky, which can be stored on site. The distillery is a patron of the World Burns Federation and has created a Robert Burns Single Malt and a Blended Whisky in honour of Scotland's National Poet; the only
whisky distillery permitted to use the image and signature of Robert Burns on their packaging. A small proportion also goes into the production their blended whiskies. This single malt is matured in sherry and old bourbon casks, giving a fuller bodied whisky with a sweet-fruity character. L.P-V.
Cider, cheese and racing prove a winning combination at Wincanton Racecourse
Two of Somerset’s greatest traditions – cheese and cider – proved a winning combination at Wincanton Racecourse on Thursday 10th May when an evening of tastes, tipples and fantastic racing had a huge crowd enthralled. There were cheeses to suit every palate, ranging from Windyridge’s Jalepeno Jack to Barbers 1833 renowned Vintage Reserve, and the flavoursome extra mature from Keen’s Cheddar to the Longman’s Farleigh Wallop. Several of the county’s best known producers attended the race meeting which was hailed a resounding success and looks set to become an annual event. Cider manufacturer Oliver Dowding, who farms just two miles from the racecourse, said: ‘It’s a great combination and our cider has been very popular. We have our own orchards with a variety of apples and also use apples from the locality as well.’ Melvin Glynn from Windyridge, whose innovate cheeses include Chip Shop Curry and Indian Lime Pickle, said: ‘I’m a racing man and its good to be able to come here, show everyone our cheeses and watch a bit of racing.’ George Keen of Keen’s Cheddar had racegoers enthralled with his tales of tradition and ancestry. ‘We’ve been making cheese for five generations using raw milk from our own herd which adds to the flavour. There’s a lot of flavour in a two year old extra mature cheddar!’ Longman’s twice World Championship winning rolled salted butter was for sale alongside an array of cheeses such as Vale of Camelot Blue. ‘It’s been lovely evening as it’s a different place to show off our wares. There’s been a lot of interest – everyone loves a strong cheddar,’ said Iona Fyfe. Blue skies and sunshine added to the atmosphere with The Enrichments providing the musical entertainment.
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42 THE VISITOR June 2018
GARDENING MONTHLY by Gavin Cooper
Orchard Park
In Blossom at last!
IT SEEMS to have taken longer than ever for the blossom to come, but it has eventually happened. I think we probably missed some of it because the foul weather at times has driven us back indoors! Hopefully by the time you read this we will be enjoying a blissfully warm and pleasant summer month. So, on the plus side late blossom has missed the frosts and we should get a bumper fruit crop. This year the barbeue has already been cleaned and used a couple of times, and I am really keen to make the garden easier to maintain so that we can have more time enjoying it and spend less time working on it!
remove dead heads and improve flowering over a longer period of time. Pruning is necessary to keep the plants in shape during the dormant months. Pruning is easy, the rule of thumb being for established bush roses; prune to one third the original size in a frost free period from mid-February to mid-March taking out any weak
growth at the same time. Some cultivars like ‘Iceberg' and ‘Peace' have stood the test of time but there are always new cultivars being bred and adding to the choice that the gardener can make. The Hampton Court flower show is often used as a launch pad for new roses. There are roses for every aspect of the garden, from
cladding walls and pergolas to providing informal barriers. Rambling roses can be used to cover old stumps and unsightly fences or walls. Certain rose types such as old English and musk can be added to mixed borders to create a traditional cottage garden effect. The local clay soils suit roses down to the ground – just as
Plant of the Month: Roses
There’s a rose for every type of garden, even for indoors. From Hybrid Teas to miniatures, climbers to floribundas, the choice is endless. Virtually all the colours of the rainbow are available in the flowers and some have fascinating fruits (hips) in autumn. Roses are easy to grow; lots of food and drink just like humans and all should be well. Roses will grow in most soil types providing there is good drainage. They prefer a position that is sunny and not too exposed. If you are replacing old roses with new ones, ensure that the old soil is removed and replaced with fresh soil; this will avoid the soil sickness problem that is associated with roses. Ideally a site that has never grown roses is best. Container grown roses can be planted at any time of the year providing the ground is not waterlogged or frozen. Mulching after planting with well-rotted compost will also be of benefit to the plants. To get the best from roses they need regular feeding, this will maintain their vigour and improve their resistance against pests and disease. If you do run into problems there are good products available such as ‘Rose Clear’ or ‘Multirose’ that will control most problems without harming beneficial insects such as bees, if used properly. Pruning is also important to
Regular feeding produces tip-top blooms. Photo: Swetlana Wall / Adobe Stock.
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THE VISITOR June 2018 43
long as you can add plenty of well-rotted compost or manure, as they do best with plenty of organic matter in the soil.
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It’s been a slow spring. Potato top growth has only recently made cover, and seed germination has been a bit erratic. Without doubt, salad
crops grow best when their growing conditions are consistent. Now the weather seems to have turned dry a little regular watering will make the difference between success and failure. Don’t forget that more established crops will also need to be looked after if they are not to be held back. Potatoes are a case in point where drought
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during the period when tubers are swelling will give a great reduction in yield. If you have got a water butt nearby then at least you can water without guilt! You can save water by applying it early in the day so that it doesn’t evapourate before it can soak in properly. Bear in mind that wet leaves overnight are never a good idea either as those are the perfect conditions for fungal disease to develop. Carrots can be difficult; best results come when sown thinly in a fairly firm and even seed bed. For really productive use of a limited area of land, cut and come again salads are well worthwhile. These are a range of leafy vegetables which can be grown, cut and then sprout (come) again. These leafy greens include: amaranth, basil, beetroot, chicory, coriander, chard, corn salad, dandelion, endive, komatsuna, land cress, leaf celery, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, pak choi, parsley, purslane, radicchio, red kale, rocket, sorrel and spinach. There are also crops usually grown for their roots such as beetroot, radish and turnip which also have tasty leaves when harvested young. Spinach can be sown repeatedly – treat it like a
salad crop sowing a little every couple of weeks and you will get a constant supply. There’s lots to be doing in the vegetable garden. It’s time to plant out runner beans, tomatoes, courgettes and anything else you‘ve been hanging on to. Leeks should now be planted out, carrots sown (late crops are less likely to be attacked by carrot root fly) onions hoed, sweet corn sown, parsnips sown and herbs planted out. Greenhouse tomatoes need constant removal of side shoots and weekly feeding – it is best to switch from general fertiliser to tomato fertiliser as the first flowers appear. However, outdoor bush tomatoes don’t need side shooting as their habit is quite different. Greenhouse capsicums and aubergines need to be kept growing so that they are strong enough to produce and support a good crop – again feed is important. Grow-bags are very poor in nutrients they only act as a growing medium, if you don’t add feed then the plants won’t produce a good crop. Outside the veg plot, taller growing plants such as delphiniums and hollyhocks need support, then take out flowering
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44 THE VISITOR June 2018
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spikes as soon as they have finished to keep plants flowering. Weeding is vital this month if you want to keep on top of it; there are Ready to Use spray bottles of glyphosate that are really useful which are specially formulated to last for quite a while. However, these should be used responsibly in accordance with the instructions. There is also the old fashioned way - every good gardener should have a push hoe somewhere nearby to use on the seedlings and annual weeds. This is the cheapest and safest method (once you’ve got your weeding eye in!). Lawns need regular mowing to
keep down the broadleaved weeds and encourage the finer leaved-grasses. If you mow and remove the clippings then you really should feed it. Good multipurpose lawn treatments are not nearly as expensive as they used to be and the difference is noticeable. Pests and diseases are now evident, greenfly and black spot will be the most common especially on roses. The weather will govern the amount of mildew or botrytis we see. Hot weather will produce powdery mildews and wet evenings will encourage black spot on roses and downy mildews. Cold wet weather
generally encourages botrytis – although good ventilation will help. Combined rose fungicides and insecticides work well, and if you make sure the plant doesn’t get under stress by giving it adequate feed and water, you should be able to get the best out of them. June can often be dead plant month, as so many problems suddenly show up at this time –
plants that have suffered over the winter, can live on their sap for a while then suddenly collapse. Cut back to healthy growth if possible. If it’s not possible plant a new one. Most evergreens can be trimmed to maintain their shape; keep wall shrubs and climbers tied in and prune off the growth that is obviously heading in the wrong direction.
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THE VISITOR June 2018 45
The
Flowers Blooming at Bath & West and Chelsea Flower Show!
Flowers from North Brewham, near Bruton, will be going to RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year as part of the ‘Flowers from the Farm’ stand in the Grand Pavilion. Alison Norris from ‘Border Cottage Flowers’ will be sending her blooms to London as part of a joint effort that will see hundreds of independent flower farmers and florists represented at this major event. ‘It’s such an honour to be sending local Somerset-grown flowers on to the national stage,’ Says Alison Norris. ‘It’s the first time that ‘Flowers from the Farm’ has been represented at Chelsea and although we don’t think we’ll take
home any medals, it’s the taking part and promotion of British flowers that counts!’ The cut flowers are a 2 billion pound industry yet only 10% of flowers are grown here in the UK. We are trying to encourage people to buy locally grown flowers and reduce the air miles and associated carbon footprint. Flowers from the Farm is not for profit organisation that works to promote recognition of British grown flowers up and down the UK. This blossoming network of independent flower growers will be represented with stands at many of the RHS and major county shows this year, including the Royal Bath & West. ‘The Bath & West is a great event which is ‘home turf’ for our Somerset growers,’ Says Alison. ‘Last year we took home a Large Gold medal from the Bath & West and we’re looking to defend our medal this year. We’re encouraging the public to come out and support their local flower growers by attending the county shows and finding out more about what we do.’
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46 THE VISITOR June 2018
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168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL
There was I - many times a fool I hope and pray, but not too much Out of reach is out of touch All the way is far enough
THE FIRST PERSON to tell me the song above gets a free drink. Last month Nigel McBay was correct with The Who and ‘Won’t get fooled Again’. I have to start this month with some very sad news. Lisa Blunsdon has sadly passed away at an excruciatingly young age. A lot of you will remember Lisa as the Landlady of The Mandeville Arms or more recently The Portman Arms. She and her Husband Andy dedicated themselves to running both pubs and both worked very hard to keep them going under their tenure. Lisa’s knowledge of the local music scene was second to none and she often tipped me off about up and coming bands and she seemed to have an insider’s knowledge of who the best bands were. Lisa was a friend to many of us and our thoughts are with Andy and the family. Now for a little bit of good news, our team at The Quicksilver is expanding and especially in the kitchen. We have a new head chef in the form of Tony Chivers who is really cooking up a storm for us. We still have lots of the old favourites on the menu but Tony is coming up with some dishes that have to be tasted to be believed. No good for my waistline but great for the Pub!! During June and July the football World Cup will be on but as you know we are not really a Football pub. We will be showing all the games even though some of them are at funny times and we will be doing some special offers on drinks etc. Next month we have some great music for you to get us all ready for the summer. On Friday 1st we have Utter Chaos, on the 8th we have Mr D’arcy, on 22nd we have Mutter Slater and on the 29th we have Greg Agar. All the gigs are in the bar so free entry. Music will start just after 9pm. See you all next month!! Toot Toot!!!
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They Say That the Castle Cary Cheese & Cider Festival left many of the attendees with wobbly legs and very sore heads on the Sunday morning.
That after twenty six and a half years of writing for The Visitor, we would like to wish Richard Cumming, gardening expert extraordinaire, a long and happy retirement. That Neale Gear of Sparkford Timber Buildings and Gates got high high high on brazen berries. That Ashley Pitcher of Henstridge recently married his husband called Becky! That Anita Hancox of Tatworth is no longer a fan of Turkey.
That North Cadbury badgers are partial to un-iced Christmas cake. That when John Williams parked his golf trolley on the 17th at Long Sutton golf club recently, he would have been better off having the trolley tended and not the flag!
That when attending hospital appointments in Taunton, it has been known for patients to be offered Jaffa Cakes, or even chocolate orange creams, when feeling under the weather. That Wine World is coming to Ilminster.
The build up for this year’s Royal Bath & West Show at Shepton Mallet is now underway including, 1.5 hectares of marquees; 3.5 miles of barriers; a mile of temporary fencing; and more than 1,200 signs, all to keep the expected 135,000 visitor in check.
That popular actress Sarah Parish officially opened Tintinhull’s new village hall at the end of April.
That when Castle Cary’s Mr Teasy Weasy travelled from Yeovil to Olympia for ‘A Place in the Sun’ the prospect of a ‘screen test’ without a professional make-over was not an option, he even refused to hug the voluptuous Jasmine Harman.
That congratulations go to Castle Cary solicitors Bartlett, Gooding & Weelen who are celebrating their fourtieth anniversary in the town this year.
The Visitor
CAN BE READ ONLINE: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk
AROUND THE
H O U S E S
IN CASTLE CARY ... plenty of live music over the coming bank holiday weekend at The George Hotel ... the skittle alley at The White Hart is available for meetings, parties and special events ... touring caravans and motorhomes are welcome at The Brook House Inn ... good selection of beer and cider to choose from at The Bay Tree, South Cary ... Thursday night is Steak Night at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton, booking advised ... plenty of garden seating to enjoy the sunshine at The Catash Inn, North Cadbury ... you’ll find a comprehensive selection of wines and Champagnes at The Red Lion Inn, Babcary ... and food is available all day, every day at Wayne’s Bar & Bistro, West Camel. The function room at The Northover Manor in Ilchester can seat up to 120, making it an ideal wedding venue ... there’s going to be Utter Chaos at The Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil on 1st June (the band, that is) ... a variety of real ales are served at The Crown & Victoria, Tintinhull ... smoked trout pate with toasted olive bread and salad is a tasty starter at The Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon ... the large skittle alley at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock can seat up to 100 for a buffet ... when the sun shines enjoy a drink in the beer garden at The Royal Oak, Over Stratton ... a Taste of Portugal is coming to The Volunteer at Seavington St. Michael on 2nd June ... senior citizen’s lunches served Monday to Friday at The Dolphin, Ilminster ... and if you’re visiting Somerset and looking for comfortable accommodation you’ll find tasteful en-suite rooms available at The Barrington Boar, Barrington. Wending our way back towards base we find an everchanging specials board at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction ... and a beer and cider festival, with lots of live music, over the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend, May 25th - 28th, at The Cross Keys Inn, Lydford on Fosse.
THE VISITOR June 2018 47
the end bit...
IT MUST BE reassuring for the residents to learn that absolutely nothing happened in Castle Cary, Bruton, Gillingham and the surrounding villages in the week ending 2nd May. I know nothing occurred from reading that source of ‘trusted news since 1737’, the Western Gazette. The 3rd May issue of the Wincanton, Castle Cary, Bruton and Gillingham edition carried a couple of stories relating to Wincanton but no news from the other three towns (apart from fleeting mentions in the sports reports). Thinking that this might be just an isolated occurrence I took a look at the following week’s issue, only to find that again it contained no news at all of Castle Cary. From Gillingham there was a brief piece writted by the Mayor listing the places in the town she had visited on its Civic Day, from Bruton (to be precise, from the nearby hamlet of Cole) a short article by a freelance contributor on the history of Cole Manor and a plug for its tearooms, and from Wincanton five short sentences announcing that the tennis club is offering free taster sessions. Surely more newsworthy things must be happening in the area purportedly served by this edition of the Gazette. If the photo and contact details on page 2 are to be believed, the edition has a named reporter but the paper shows little evidence of his endeavours. Nothing about the deliberations and decisions of the town councils, the openings and closures of local businesses, the progress or otherwise of roadworks and building developments, the achievements and charitable activities of local people and organisations. In the ‘good old days’ if news was short the reporter would phone the police and the fire service to find out whether there had been any local crimes, road accidents or fires worth mentioning. Perhaps the truth is that absolutely nothing happens in Castle Cary, Bruton, Gillingham (and very little in Wincanton), but I doubt it. I’m not surprised that sales of the paper are in decline and that it’s getting slimmer – down from 88 pages in the 3rd May issue to 80 on the 10th May. The 1st May issue of the Western Daily Press carried a lengthy report of the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator’s comments on the problem of the
48 THE VISITOR June 2018
Irish border during his latest visit to Ireland. Michel Barnier was quoted as saying ‘We are seeking practical, practical and operational solutions to a complex problem. No more, no less. We are seeking practical, practical and operational solutions to a complex problem. No more, no less.’ Did he really say it twice, I wondered, and a quote in the next paragraph of the report compounded my doubt. ‘We have no intention of questioning the UK’s constitutional order. That is none of our business. We are seeking practical, practical and operational solutions to a complex problem. No more, no less.’ It’s more likely that the newspaper should be seeking ‘practical, practical and operational solutions’ to the absence of effective sub-editing in its newsroom. Finally, and perhaps a sad reflection on my adolescent sense of humour, I was amused by a headline on a business page in the 21st April issue of the Western Daily Press, pictured below. Who was disappointed, I wondered, and why.
Chronicler.
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THE VISITOR June 2018 49
Classified Ads
Send Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP. 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.
Prize Crossword No. 380 Set by Frank Butler
SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BP – to arrive by Friday 15th June.
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.
NAME ..................................................................................................................................................................... ADDRESS .............................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................
Wanted
Personal
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
JUst someRset intRodUCtions. Bringing people together. Call alison tel: 07584 250285, www.justintro ductionsgroup.co.uk
Tel: ......................................................................... Cheque Enclosed for £ .................... Minimum £5
daVe BUYs all tYPes oF tools, salvage, bygones and collectables. daves tools, est. 1989. tel: 01935 428975
PostCaRds, pop memorabilia, coins, badges, old toys, games, and anything military. tel: Clive 01749 675456
a l l s P o Rt s P R o g R a m m e s a n d books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. large collections welcome. Cash paid. tel: Clive 01749 675456
Storage
s to R a g e f o r f u r n i t u r e i n l o c k e d cubicles. lock-up garages to let. tel: sparkford storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692
Passport Photographs
PassPoRts – passports – passports – also studio sittings, and golden weddings. any time to suit you. easy parking opposite the Quarry inn. tel: graham Cox, Photographer, 01458 223769.
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Services
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GUNS WANTED FOR CASH
Any size, any condition, make or model We collect in any area Registered Firearms Dealer
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July Issue Deadline: 15th June
50 THE VISITOR June 2018
Across:
1. Caper around 1st of September is anti-bacterial. [10] 6. Collapse in autumn. [4] 9. Main Brahms arrangement of Indian religion. [10] 10. Stiff ending to quarrel. [4] 12. Cast off shack. [4] 13. Cringe with oil-change jumping back. [9] 15. All at sea, mother, I’m involved in rite. [9] 16. Gain me a puzzle! [6] 18. Paint acting to hide whole. [6] 20. Senior lecturer tied differently and made money. [8] 23. Happy Tory under canvas. [9] 24. Company exercise to manage. [4] 26. ET holds eleven on way out. [4] 27. Pry, and beer put out, for canon. [10] 28. Small can unknown. [4] 29. True, she set girls waiting. [10]
5. Belonging to a group with six legs. [6] 7. Chant after confused air coming up. [7] 8. Fairs glued around troops of cavalry. [10] 11. Import sign if I can before civil engineer. [12] 14. Sit on mince all-knowing! [10] 17. Chromium can be eaten, if you can still believe it! [8] 19. Half score is reversed and working stress. [7] 21. Post mat as part of high rigging. [7] 22. Looks hard: Are enclosed by saints! [6] 25. East OK: So I see! [4]
Solution to Crossword 379
Down:
1. As pound within vestments. [4] 2. Instructor finds cheater reformed. [7] 3. Sid cheated me, arranging type of house. [12] 4. Complete view has dad, girl, mum in order. [8]
The Winner of our May Crossword Was Mr D. Feltham of East Harptree, who chose to spend his £10 voucher at Dinnington Docks, Dinnington.