The Visitor Magazine Issue 419 October 2018

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HEATING & HOME STORE

Everything for your hearth and home

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

Issue 419 October 2018

Wiltshire Bee & Honey Day, 6 October

See page 4 for details.

Photo: Saskia James

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In Passing ...

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eptember saw a substantial crop of little yellow numbered signs on roadsides, visible evidence that Somerset Art Weeks were in full swing. This year around 190 studios and other venues were open to the public, enabling them to see nearly 300 local artists at work, and if you’re quick you could still visit some of them as this annual event runs until 30th September and some special events and activities are promised for the final weekend. Simply follow the yellow signs or find out more from www.somerset artworks.org.uk.

Before that, at the tail end of August, Bruton Art Society staged its 65th annual exhibition in the Memorial Hall at King’s School. The week-long event displayed more than 280 paintings, drawings and sculptures by its members from Somerset and nearby parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, and highly impressive most of the works proved to be. In Shaftesbury the Arts Centre hosts short exhibitions by local artists throughout the year in its gallery, and in early September two young art students set up a ‘pop up gallery’ for nine days in a vacant shop on Shaftesbury’s High Street to display and sell their work.

These few examples indicate that there is a vast amount of creative talent in Visitorland, and considerable public interest in the visual arts. And the local arts scene has more in store for the month ahead. The current exhibition of works

by Bruce Bond and Elizabeth Leach at the John Leach Gallery at Muchelney continues until 30th October, and from 8th to 27th October Ilminster Arts Centre is staging an exhibition of works by a group of textile artists founded in Yeovil.

But the arts that draw people to Visitorland in their many thousands tend to be, at one end of the spectrum, the centuries-old portraits adorning the walls of Stourhead House and Montacute House, and at the other end the contemporary artworks and installations at Hauser and Wirth Somerset in Bruton

and the Wells Art Contemporary international visual arts competition and exhibition which this year runs from 6th to 21st October at The Bishop’s Palace.

And a new draw will surely be the new Hauser and Wirth Somerset gallery called MAKE which is opening on Bruton High Street on 28th September to display craftwork from the best emerging and established makers in the UK. How many of this influx of art-lovers have been tempted to view the works of our Visitorland talent during their stay, I wonder. Somerset Art Works, the body behind the Art Weeks, certainly hope the number is high. This artist-led organisation is dedicated to making this ‘a place where people expect to engage with excellent visual art that is surprising and distinctive’. From what I’ve seen this summer they won’t be disappointed.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines

November Issue published Thursday 25th October Deadline Friday 12th October

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BP

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

Proprietor Helen Dunion Editor Max Dunion Advertising Julie Crowe

© The Visitor Ltd. 2018

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

CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 50 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 32 CARE OF THE ELDERLY - 12 CROSSWORD - 50

FESTIVE MENUS & VENUES - 37 GARDENING - 45

HOUSE & HOME - 20 LEISURE - 31 LETTERS - 4

LOOKING GOOD - 34 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 - 4 MOTORING - 35

MUSIC for the MONTH - 31 NOTICE BOARD - 31 PAPERCHASE - 48

PHONE-A-FIRM - 48 PUBS - 41

SUDOKU - 31

THEY SAY - 43

WINE & DINE - 44

YEOVIL BUSINESS FOCUS - 28 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR October 2018 3

Letters to the Editor The Messenger

Sir, Having been a local councillor for many years, and re-elected each time with an increased majority, I like to think that I do a pretty good job; the amount of positive correspondence and comments I receive thankfully bears out this opinion.

However, this is not always the case. I recently received less complimentary comments from one particular local resident.

‘My contact with you achieved nothing, and you made little or no attempt to ask if all was well by telephone or email. Your poor record speaks for itself. One has to wonder whether it’s time for a change. I am a very disappointed constituent.’

Quite a sobering thought. I had clearly not met expectations and it was no use me trying to explain my own position in relation to the issues raised; litter along the highway and overgrown hedges.

Under such circumstances, my first reaction, which I am careful never to voice, is that the level of angst is out of all proportion in relation to the problem.

However, with my Samaritans hat on, I try to remember that everyone has different levels of anxiety and areas of concern, which are not necessarily in line with my own views.

Rightly or wrongly, I tend to focus much of my time and energy on those most vulnerable in our

POPPY

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APPEAL Patron: Her Majesty The Queen

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Collection Weeks 27th October – 10th November We look forward to your support EN QU IR IES TO

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Tel: 01963 350700

society; those who may be the victims of violence or abuse, suffering from physical or mental stress and are struggling to access the professional help they need to survive.

That is not to negate the concerns raised by others, but given the volume of enquiries I receive, often up to 100 per day, I have to make a judgement in prioritising my workload (in addition to having a ‘normal’ job).

I aim to respond within 24 hours and where it is an issue that is to be resolved by another department, such as highways or social services, I alert them to the issue, copying in the original correspondent. This is where I start to fail miserably.

Coming from a service industry background, I expect that those I ask to investigate an issue further will actually do something. This may have been the case in the past, but with reduced finance and resources all round it is increasingly unlikely, and I get the flak when sometime later I get the message ‘what have you done about it?’ My shoulders are broad, and I can take such negative comments on the chin, whilst reminding myself that I am not the person who can physically see that roads are repaired, litter collected or bus services run on time. I am just the messenger, hoping that those responsible will come up to the mark, which sadly all too often these days they fail to do.

Linda Piggott-Vijeh Combe St. Nicholas

in

Dispatches

The Wiltshire Bee & Honey Day

A fantastic day for people thinking about taking up beekeeping as well as old hands who want to learn a whole lot more on Saturday, 6 October at the Corn Exchange, Devizes, SN12 1HS. Talks (free) include: 'So you want to keep bees? An introduction to beekeeping as a hobby' by Richard Rickitt, while Professor Phil Stevenson will talk about how flowers attract bees in 'Sex, drugs and ecosystem services.'

Activities include: candle rolling, face painting, exploring inside a virtual hive, honey beer tasting and mead tasting, and a selection of bee-related products including locally produced honey, candles and cosmetics, beefriendly plants and seeds, skeps and gifts on sale from a variety of suppliers.

Find out more here: www.wiltshirebeekeepers.org.uk

Coffee Morning

Sir, The Castle Cary Museum Coffee Morning held on Saturday 8th September made a wonderful total of £260.00.

Many thanks to all the people who helped in various ways during the morning, plus everyone who kindly supported us.

Ann Brittain (Chairman) Castle Cary Museum

Bramble Hill Caravan & Motorhome Storage Park Walton, Somerset, BA16 9RQ

• Very High Security • Reasonable Rates Per Year

01458 442548 For further enquiries Tel:

4 THE VISITOR October 2018

Mentioned

Inspecting frames of honey.

Photo: Saskia James.

Mere Literary Festival 2018

The 22nd Mere Literary Festival begins on Monday Oct.8th and runs until Sunday 14th when Adrienne Howell, its founder, steps down as organiser at the finale of the week’s events: the Award Ceremony for this year’s flash fiction competition. Bestselling author, Damien Lewis, will be the guest speaker and Adrienne launches The Fox’s Lament, a collection of short stories published by Sundial Press. This is the second publisher to choose Mere as a launch-pad as mid-week sees the official launch of Nuremberg’s Voice of Doom, the autobiography of Wolfe Frank, chief interpreter at the famous trials. There’s an important and fascinating story behind Frank’s recently discovered memoir which has been edited by Paul Hooley of Gillingham and published by Frontline Books. Fans of military history will also be interested in Keggie Carew’s award winning memoir, Dadland, which recounts her father’s role in the SOE during WW2.

On a lighter note the festival opens with the popular stand-up comedian Paul Kerensa giving his Ho! Ho! slant on the coming Christmas season; Christopher Nicholson, author of the acclaimed novel, Winter, talks about his latest book, Among the Summer Snows; Dr. Keith Hooper explores Charles Dickens’ links with Wiltshire and a concert by folk group, The Yirdbards, celebrates the National Trust’s wild flower meadows of Great Clattinger.

There’s a treat for those interested in art (and dog lovers) when Julia Grigg talks about her just published historical novel, The Eyes that Look: The Secret Story of Bassano’s Hunting Dogs.

Set in Italy at the time of the Renaissance, the novel is a story of art and adventure and comes highly praised by Fay Weldon.

A Writers and Readers Coffee Morning, history and garden

Mentioned in

Dispatches talks, fantasy fiction with Trevor Stubbs, the community lunch, a children’s puppet show and a film night complete the eclectic programme.

Full details in the programme or on www.merelitfest.co.uk. All events are in aid of the local Link Scheme (Reg.Charity No: 1062328) Bookings on 01747 860475.

Stage for life - raising money for St. Margaret’s Hospice, with Nigel Clark from Dodgy, Saturday 6th October, Edgar Hall, Somerton

Nigel Clark from Dodgy headlines Stage for Life at the Edgar Hall, Somerton on Saturday 6th October. With support from local band Cover All Bases and U2sm (U2 / Simple Minds tribute band), with all proceeds going to St. Margaret’s Hospice. Tickets priced at £14 and are available from Natural Meats, The Head Office and St. Margaret’s Charity Shop.

Win tickets to the Festive Gift Fair 2018 at Birmingham NEC 15 - 18 November

Christmas will soon be upon us … and the dynamic Festive Gift Fair, now in its 23rd fabulous year, continues to be the best place to start your Christmas experience and is one of the most popular Christmas Shopping events in the UK (Birmingham NEC 15-18 November).

As well as finding great gifts for your loved ones, treats for yourself and all your sparkling Christmas essentials, you’re sure to have a fun-packed day!

The Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful eclectic mix of unusual stocking fillers and presents, traditional gifts, festive food and great home decorations. With 325+ stalls all under one roof, the variety is huge, with clever gift ideas for all ages and tastes … and lots of Special Show Offers! There’s even a Present Creche to drop off your full bags.

The festive atmosphere is always fantastic and there’s even more this year with new icicle lighting throughout the hall and a new Victorian band stand where Live Bands will take centre stage. While browsing the

THE VISITOR October 2018 7

Mentioned in

Dispatches

stalls, let the music get you into that Christmassy mood and be entertained by Santa himself, Stilt walkers and Pantomime characters.

Make sure you visit the popular Festive Food & Drink area where you’ll find 40 tempting stands selling everything from cheese to chutneys, spices to spirits, puddings to preserves, chocolates to champagne, beer to brownies and hampers to hog roasts!

So, take the strain out of Christmas, enjoy a day out at the Festive Gift Fair and get your festive preparations off to a cracking start!

More than just a shopping trip it’s the start of Christmas! With great live music, Festive e n t e r t a i ne rs a nd sp a rkl i ng decorations, huge Santa sacks to be won and prizes for wearing the best Christmas outfits - there’s never a dull moment at the Festive Gift Fair!

Take advantage of the Special Ticket Offer – ‘Buy 3 and get 1

8 THE VISITOR October 2018

The leaders of the Tour of Britain 2018 passing through Timsbury, Somerset on 4th September. Photo: Graham Cox L.M.P.A.

FREE’ on advance adult tickets, saving from £9-£11. The Fair is open daily 09.30 – 17.00 from Thursday 15th - Sunday 18th November at NEC, Birmingham.

Book your tickets now either online at www.festive giftfair.co.uk or by calling the Ticket Factory hotline on 0844 581 0808 / 09.

For much more information, including videos, show highlights, exhibitor list, show offers and all the Live Performers, please visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to the Festive Gift Fair simply

answer the following question:

Q: On the fifth day of Christmas, how many gold rings were sent?

Send answers to ‘Festive Competition’ The Visitor, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP or email info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk - answers to be received by 14th October. Please include your name, address and a contact telephone number good luck!

Bloom. In the past year Mandy has personally helped a dozen local individuals and businesses to create beautiful books which they can hand down to future generations.

Books produced recently have included the history of a major regional garden centre and the stories of local people including Richard Stone, the founder of Beehive Self-Storage; a BMP in 1950’s Berlin and the diaries of a family living in Ghana in the 1980s.

As well as offering a full memoir interview and transcription service, Mandy can also edit and reproduce your old diaries and letters, including your old photographs to ensure that this valuable information is preserved for posterity. Visit: www.mandy bloom.co.uk or email: enquiries.mandybloom@gmail.com or call 01458 223251 for details.

Mandy Bloom, Memoir Writer

Have you ever been told ‘You should write a book about your life’? You can now find support to do this from professional Somersetbased Memoir Writer Mandy

A book recently produced

by Mandy Bloom.

Mentioned in

Dispatches

The Vintage Bazaar, Saturday October 27th at The Cheese and Grain, Frome

With Christmas fast approaching it’s time to start sourcing those unique gifts, elegant decorations and stunning vintage party frocks.

‘The Vintage Bazaar’ at The Cheese and Grain in Frome, Somerset is the place to solve all of those problems! As featured in numerous national newspapers and magazines, this event promises the very best in vintage, antique and handmade goodies.

The stallholders are carefully chosen for their beautiful and unique stock, sourced from here in the UK and from the brocantes in France. At this haven you can find everything you could need for a vintage and handmade Christmas. This year avoid the bustle of the high street and mass produced goods and buy from

small businesses instead.

Doors open at 9.00am on Saturday October 27th and the event finishes at 3.00pm. More details can be found at www. thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com or on their FB/instagram/Twitter pages.

Pictured above and left: Some of the items available at The Vintage Bazaar on 27th October.

Early Christmas Fair at Wincanton Racecourse on 16th October

Doors open 10.00am on Tuesday 16th October for the annual Early Christmas Fair held at Wincanton Racecourse Marquee.

Entry is £3 with free parking.

New stalls for this year include exquisite handblown Christmas decorations, lacquer gift items from Hanoi, Italian cashmere/silk knitwear, Sparkles and Pearls’ jewellery, Bath Soft Cheese Company.

Firm favourites returning will be Amilu’s beautiful bags, Flying Duck’s great games abd gadgets, lovely coats and jackets from Manteaux, Festive Food together with many others.

Take a break at Café Bleu for coffee or light lunch of homemade soup; local ham, poached salmon or cheese served with delicious salads followed by scrummy desserts, plus a wine bar.

The fair, organised by Somerton & Frome

The Vintage Bazaar Saturday 27th October Cheese and Grain, Frome 9.00am - 3.00pm

THE VISITOR October 2018 9

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Conservatives, is privileged to support Marie Curie Nurses who do a fantastic job in caring for people with terminal illness.

Marie Curie ladies will be selling Christmas cards, bulbs and gifts.

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd

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

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

10 THE VISITOR October 2018

Castle Cary Choir and special guest to perform at The Charlton’s Community Centre

On Friday 5th October at 7.30pm, Castle Cary Choir will be performing at The Charlton’s Community Centre, Top Road, Charlton Adam, TA11 7BE. For this concert they will be joined by a very special guest, the talented guitarist Tom Toomey.

Tom is well known as a composer and session musician.

In 2010 Tom joined The Zombies and performs concerts and travels internationally with them. Tickets are £8 (£4 under 16’s) and can be purchased at the Post Office in Charlton Adam, or on the door, or by calling Moyra on 01458 223094. There will be a bar, snacks and a raffle with all proceeds shared between the Church Roof Fund and the Community Centre.

For more information see www.castlecarychoir.org.

National charity calls time on pancreatic cancer in the South West with their GP Awareness Campaign

National charity, Pancreatic Cancer Action, are running a 6month campaign targeting GP surgeries in the North West and

South West to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer amongst the public and to provide supporting resources to GPs. Survival rates for pancreatic cancer remain very low at just under 7% of patients surviving 5 years. This can be attributed to symptoms of the disease being vague, low public awareness, and there currently being no effective screening test to detect the disease.

Pancreatic Cancer Action are targeting the South West as it has a higher than average incidence rate of pancreatic cancer as 1043 people were diagnosed and 928 died from the disease in 2015.

Statistics show that the 1year net survival for pancreatic patients diagnosed by their GP is 31%, in comparison to patients who were diagnosed by emergency which is 12%.

The campaign was first piloted in Glasgow and Surrey in 2017 and proved hugely successful. A GP in Glasgow said: ‘I had a few patients that presented with possible symptoms that I checked out due to this campaign.’

Pancreatic cancer, the UK’s 5th biggest cancer killer, is becoming an increasingly

urgent problem in the UK. By 2025 deaths from pancreatic cancer are predicted to be 25% higher than breast cancer in the EU. Ellen Anthony, Health and Information Officer at Pancreatic Cancer Action, says, ‘GPs play a vital role in making the crucial early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer which can give patients a much higher chance of longer-term survival if they are diagnosed in time for surgery, currently the only potential we have for a cure.’

Pancreatic Cancer Action is committed to working towards earlier diagnosis of the disease so that surgery, currently the only cure, is made available to the sufferer. The charity fund research into early diagnosis, provide medical education programmes, and launch awareness campaigns.

If you would like to find out more information about the charity or support them, go to www.pancreaticcanceraction .org. If you are a GP and would like a pack or if you would like a pack for your GP surgery then you can get your free pack here www.panact.org/gp-pack alternatively call 0303 040 1770 or email enquiries@panact.org.

THE VISITOR October 2018 11

Regal Solutions, South Petherton

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 bath and they are pleased to help make your life easier. Having a walkin shower room can increase the quality of your life, creating independence in the home to make everyday tasks easier for you. They also 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.

Mendip Mobility - now in Street and Trowbridge!

Mendip Mobility Ltd are pleased to announce that they have moved from Frome to open a new retail outlet in Trowbridge, accompanying their second outlet located in Street.

Established in 2007, Mendip Mobility Ltd aim to provide excellent service and quality value for money products to their customer base which now reaches further into Wiltshire.

The two local retail outlets containing their extensive range of quality branded mobility products enable customers to see the equipment first hand and receive professional help from knowledgeable staff.

Mendip Mobility Ltd are keen to spend time with everyone who comes through their doors.

They will discuss your options and needs and provide demonstrations both in store

REGAL SOLUTIONS SW LTD South Petherton BATHROOMS & SHOWERS Disabled Walk-In Showers Ramps for the Disabled

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12 THE VISITOR October 2018

The staff at Highfield House, Castle Cary.

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!

Caring with laughter at Highfield House, Castle Cary.

and at home to make sure the products you purchase suit your individual requirements.

Their new retail outlet in Trowbridge can be contacted on 01225 764 800, please see their advert for the full address and further details.

Highfield House, Castle Cary

Highfield House is completely dedicated to involving the people who live there in excellent care and support they receive by listening to, and acting upon people’s feedback.

At the heart of Highfield House are their concerns for each person’s happiness, health, safety, well-being and dignity.

This is reflected by the Outstanding rating they have from CQC in the areas of Caring and Well-Led. Their vision is to be a leader in providing a responsive care service where the standard of care and calibre of staff are second to none. Their mission

HIGHFIELD HOUSE Residential Care Home

Part exchan availabge le

We have a Step inside! wonderful choice of rise & recline chairs & Beds New & Pre-owned Scooters ... to suit all budgets

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

home Visits

acorn Stairlifts

 On-The-Premises Servicing  call in and see us at ...

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www.regencycareandmobility.co.uk “if you can’t come to us we will come to you”

THE VISITOR October 2018 13

is to provide a safe, warm and friendly environment where excellent person-centred care is offered and where staff appreciate the unique qualities of each individual living at Highfield House.

South West Hearing Care, Street

South West Hearing Care is a fully independent business and was established to improve the provision of hearing services in the South Somerset area. They specialise in the provision of

latest custom-designed hearing solutions not available through the NHS. This can include hearing instruments, but also tinnitus management, hearing protection products and ear wax removal.

Consultations are by appointment, and they can arrange these at your convenience. There is no pressure to purchase at any time, they are happy to provide free advice about long term hearing solutions and associated quality of life. Their

prices are extremely competitive, which together with a more personal and flexible service leads to ‘5 years peace of mind’ for their clients.

Beechwood House, Yeovil

Set in large gardens, Beechwood House Care Home in Yeovil, provides a very high standard

of residential care for 28 elderly people, all having ground level, en-suite rooms. Established for over 20 years, their aim is to provide a caring and comfortable home for people who feel unable or do not wish to live on their own any longer.

Two sitting rooms and conservatories allow residents

Care Home, Yeovil • 24hr personal care • Own ensuite basin & toilet • Large accessible gardens • Medication managed if required • Full social activities programme

Call SANDRA BARCLAY, Manager on 01935 472793 for an informal chat 60 West Coker Road, Yeovil BA20 2JA email: info@beechwoodcarehome.co.uk • www.beechwoodcarehome.co.uk

14 THE VISITOR October 2018

The beautiful gardens at Beechwood House.

to enjoy either personal time, to meet visitors or to participate in the activities on offer. The cooks prepare excellent homecooked meals and special dietary requirements are catered for. Should you require them to order, collect and administer medication, they will gladly do so.

They want residents to maintain their way of life, whilst knowing that help is available whenever they need it. Above all, treat Beechwood House as your home. Please call Sandra Barclay, Manager, on 01935 472793 for more details or if you would like to visit. You would be most welcome.

Careline - 24 hour help at the touch of a button

Worrying about being alone, or feeling at risk could be a thing of the past for elderly or vulnerable residents, thanks to the South Somerset District Council-run Careline service.

Careline provides an emergency alarm pendant that

can be worn at all times, which links to their control centre where specialist trained staff are on hand to answer calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Many elderly and vulnerable residents are already benefiting from the reassurance that help is at hand at the push of a button, and relatives can enjoy peace of mind.

Careline staff are fully trained to respond to calls from those in need, with experience in handling thousands of calls a year from a wide range of people including people who are elderly, frail, disabled, young or anyone feeling vulnerable. They support people being discharged from hospital or recovering hospital patients and those working or living in isolation.

Their staff will call a doctor or an ambulance, the police or friends and family within seconds of pushing the Careline button.

They offer a free demonstration and, if you’re happy with it, their staff can fit

the unit for you immediately.

To find out more on how Careline can help, contact 01935 479815 or visit www.carelinesouthsomerset .co.uk.

AHM Installations are specialists in bathroom adaptations

AHM Installations is a family run business with more than 15 years’ experience in installing quality bathrooms that give their customers a home to truly feel comfortable in.

They offer bathroom adaptations for those with mobility issues and have a simple three step route to transform your bathroom: Quotation, Design and Installation. Simply contact them today to get started.

With a free survey, bespoke bathroom and wet room designs that give a safe and stylish way to live at home at a reasonable price, and a qualified team with a vast knowledge and expertise of bathroom and wet room installations, they’ll take care

Installation – Repair – Services

Keep your independence at home with

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

Do you" • • • •

Live alone or sometimes feel at risk?

Have elderly, frail or infirm dependents?

Worry about their safety in an emergency?

Want to help them maintain their independence?

Careline provides help at the touch of a button, which can be worn as a pendant or on a wrist strap, and dials through to our team 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

Through Careline, you can enjoy the independence of living in your own home, secure in the knowledge that emergency help or advice is available at your fingertips.

We offer a free demonstration and if you are happy with it, our staff can fit the unit for you immediately.

Contact us on 01935 479815 careline@southsomerset.gov.uk www.carelinesouthsomerset.co.uk Initial connection/setup fee £33.84* Hire and monitoring £3.96 per week *waived if on certain benefits

Bathing a problem? We can help

Simply affordable solutions for bathing needs

Wet rooms • Walk in showers • Walk in baths Waterproof wall panelling Product and installation guarantee Slip resistant safety flooring Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets Established family business Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms Discounts for over 60s, SSAFA and Ex-Service Personnel

Call now to arrange a FREE survey and quote

Tel: 01823 729564

info@ahminstallations.co.uk • www.ahminstallations.co.uk Showroom at: Blackdown Garden Centre, A38 West Buckland, Nr. Wellington, TA21 9HY Tel: 01823 661910

THE VISITOR October 2018 15

of the finer points before, during and after their service, giving you a stress free experience.

Virtually any bathroom can be transformed into a wet room, and wet rooms offer better accessibility if your mobility is limited. Physical limitations no longer mean you have to choose a shower rather than a bath, as walk in baths are now available.

Please visit www.ahm installations.co.uk or call today on 01823 729564 for further information/to arrange a quote.

Suttons Stairlifts 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

Could a stairlift from Sutton Stairlifts help you get about at home?

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.

HartMobility Yeovil Disability & Mobility Products

We offer the best service and the lowest prices in the

South West

★ New Scooter £595

★ Road Legal Scooter £1,495 ★ Reclining Chairs from £595

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 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.

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 firstclass and personal service from Suttons Stairlifts.

★ NEXT DAY DELIVERY ● ● ● ● ● ●

Daily Living Aids Bath Lifts Walking Aids Wheelchairs Power Chairs Stair Lifts

01935 421111

E FRE NCE A R l INSU d lega oa for r sers u

Pre-owned mobility scooters and wheelchairs also available

1 Camborne Grove (Lyde Road) YEOVIL BA21 5DG www.hartmobility.co.uk

Scooter Servicing from £35 • FREE parking • FREE battery testing

16 THE VISITOR October 2018

Hart Mobilty of Yeovil for all your mobility aids.

Hart Mobility, Yeovil

Hart Mobility is a family run business based in Yeovil, Somerset and it’s hard to believe they have owned the shop for 8 years. Most of their business is by word of mouth and recommendation. They stock Mobility scooters, new and pre owned, wheelchairs, rise and recline chairs, stairlifts, daily aids and so much more.

Servicing and repairs available to. Free parking is available and good old fashioned great customer service. Drop in for a free demonstration or a browse.

They look forward to welcoming you.

Age UK Somerset to implement the Stay Strong, Stay Steady (Otago) exercise programme for older people in Somerset

Falls Prevention is a key intervention to help keep people independent as they get older and community-based classes are considered essential. Going

Age UK Somerset have worked with Somerset Public Health to implement the Stay Strong, Stay Steady (Otago) exercise programme in Somerset.

ahead, it is expected that these key classes will form part of the expected referral route for all older people, depending on their level of ability.

The Otago Exercise

Programme (OEP) was developed at the University of Otago Medical School in New Zealand and is an evidence based programme that has proved to be very effective at preventing falls.

Participants must commit to at least 50 hours (over a period of months) but this includes home practice and short walks.

Age UK Somerset has worked with Somerset Public Health to

THE VISITOR October 2018 17

Strong, Stay Steady classes, please contact Dianne Ramsay on 01823 345626 or email ageingwell@ageuksomerset. org.uk. To see a full list of the classes available, visit www.ageuksomerset.org.uk

Cary Brook, Castle Cary

Flexercise - part of the Stay Strong, Stay Steady (Otago) exercise programme in Somerset.

implement the Otago programme – called Stay Strong, Stay Steady - in Somerset. Community-based classes are led by qualified Otago instructors and are held in community venues. The aim is to help participants improve balance and rebuild muscle strength, giving them increased confidence

and a better chance of remaining independent. These specially developed classes are accessesed by referral only.

Many participants will move on from Otago classes to other, Age UK Somerset classes.

Ageing Well is a programme managed by Age UK Somerset

and it is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of older people. Organising events, activities and sessions in both Somerset & North Somerset, it has something that will suit everyone. There are a variety of classes across the area, from chair-based “Flexercise” to Yoga and Tai Chi, “Mature Movers” to tea dancing. No previous experience is necessary and all the classes are run on a pay-asyou-go basis. The focus is always on having fun.

For more information on Stay

Cary Brook is part of Somerset Care, an award-winning, not-forprofit Company with over 25 years’ experience of supporting people to live independently.

Located in the market town of Castle Cary, Cary Brook provides specialist dementia care in a welcoming, safe environment.

The staff team are trained to deliver the highest standard of care, meaning that they can understand the needs of their residents and support them accordingly.

Cary Brook is currently recruiting for passionate, caring and hardworking people to join their team. Whether you are new to care or have personal or professional experience and are looking to develop further, Cary Brook would love to hear from you. To find out more about the available positions, call the Recruitment team on 01823 448321 or visit www.somerset care.co.uk/careers.

Tea dancing - part of the Stay Strong, Stay Steady (Otago) exercise programme in Somerset.

St. Johns’ House Residential Home in Sherborne.

18 THE VISITOR October 2018

Farrow & Ball launches nine brand new paint colours

Experts in paint and wallpaper Farrow & Ball is introducing nine rich new paint shades to its colour card this autumn.

The new colours which range from an exotic pink and a deep red, to a soft off white and down to earth blue launched on 20th September 2018, and are the first from the Dorset based brand since 2016.

Carefully chosen to rebalance the Farrow & Ball colour card, the new additions will replace nine existing

RED:

Rangwali® No.296 An exotic pink inspired by the powder which is used so enthusiastically at the Holi festival of colours in India.

shades to preserve the curated palette of 132 paint colours that’s become so synonymous with the brand.

When commenting on this announcement head of creative Charlotte Cosby who co-created the new paint hues said: ‘New colours is an incredibly exciting time at Farrow & Ball, it’s not something we do often, making it feel all the more special.

‘An extraordinary amount of time and thought goes into each colour, from working with our expert craftsmen to refine the exact shade to dreaming up the perfect name and telling the story behind the colours.

‘The collection is intelligently designed to ensure the colours you choose sit effortlessly alone or as a scheme as well as responding extraordinarily to light. We can’t wait for them to bring homes across the world to life!’

True to the 100% water-based range, the new collection will be low odour, eco-friendly, safe and easy to use and available in a range of high performance finishes.

QUALITy PAINT & WALLPAPER Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PU

01749 677299

citydecoratingsupplies@gmail.com

Stocking the new range of Farrow & Ball colours

GREEN: Bancha® No.298 This mid-century modern green is a darker version of the much loved archive colour Olive. Named after Japanese tea leaves, it provides a feeling of security.

The new colours launched globally at London Design Festival on 20-23rd September. To purchase the new colours, visit farrowball.com, local showrooms and stockists.

Charlotte Cosby – Head of Creative at Farrow & Ball added: ‘Our colour names are never invented on a whim. Each story is meticulously researched, as was the case with down to earth De Nimes. Inspired by the colour of workwear first woven in the southern French city of Nimes, denim was once the uniform of the textile factory worker but is now loved across the globe.’

‘Each of our colours has a complementary white which will balance your chosen shade, giving a more considered feel for example the sober tones of Bancha sit perfectly with the grey nuances of Shaded White.’

City Decorating Supplies, Wells

For over 30 years Mike Tucker has grown his Farrow & Ball business in Somerset and Dorset and is their Premium distributor

F&B PREMIUM STOCKIST

Free gift with every purchase of Farrow & Ball for all Visitor readers with a copy of this advert (Photo of advert is acceptable, offer runs throughout October & November - while stocks last)

Full delivery service to your door Open: Monday – Friday 9am – 5.30pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm

20 THE VISITOR October 2018

offering a full range as well as an on site colour service throughout the UK. Better still why not pay his team a visit and see for yourself the new latest F&B colours where you can feel the 9 new beautiful colours in their showroom in Wells Somerset and you can see for yourself what his company has to offer.

Better still, if you cut out this feature and take it along to them in October they have a Farrow & Ball gift waiting for you when you spend £4.50 or more in store!!

They are open six days a week.

Compton Smith Interiors, Shaftesbury

There has been a change of ownership at Compton Smith, the well-established, interiors business in Shaftesbury - Carina and Martin Syms, along with their daughters, Arabella and Venetia have recently acquired it and they are looking forward to serving the needs of its many existing clients and welcoming new customers through its doors.

Compton Smith offers a full interior design service and has access to well-known suppliers and experienced curtain makers, upholsterers and fitters. In the showroom there is a range of specialist paints such as Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Zoffany, Earthborn and Paper & Paint Library. There are also a large number of wall-papers and fabrics by well-known brands, including, Colefax & Fowler, Jane Churchill, Cole & Son and Kate Forman and many more.

The Showroom also has top quality lighting and ironmongery.

Open: Weekdays 8am-5.30pm & Saturdays 9.30am-1.00pm.

10d Wincombe Business Park, Shaftesbury SP7 9QJ. 01747 850150 info@compton smith.co.uk, www.compton smith.co.uk.

Soap Supplier ran a survey of 2,000 Brits to find out how much water we’re really wasting.

Experts believe that we should be limiting our time in the shower to just four minutes. So, how many of us are already doing this? Well, not that many, it turns out! Overall, Soap Supplier found that, on average, Brits spend an average of 8 whole minutes under the shower.

Clearly, this is twice what’s been recommended, so it’s time to take notice and change our habits.

This pales into insignificance, however, next to the UK’s biggest water-wasting culprits: people in the South East. They spend an average of 12 minutes under the shower – what on earth can they be doing in there?

Not far behind are those mucky pups in Yorkshire and the Humber, who take an average of 10 minutes!

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the ones who spend the least time in the shower every day are those slick Londoners, who are

Wat-er Waste!

Brits waste precious water supplies by showering double the recommended time, reveals a recent survey.

Following a summer of heatwaves, signs of climate change are more apparent than ever. And despite a miserable bank holiday weekend, the Met Office predicted an Indian Summer with above average temperatures during a dry and warm September. Experts have been warning us for a long

in and out in about 5 minutes.

With the capital moving at such a fast pace, any lingering means you might be late for work!

Needful Things of Castle Cary celebrating 20 years

Needful Things start their 20th year this October, in fine fettle!

In recognition of this milestone they have spent the last year rebranding their shop with new logos, new exterior and interior decoration and new bags and stationery! They have also relaunched their website complete with an on-line giftshop which was launched in September. Find them at www.needful things.uk.com and you can follow them on Facebook or Instagram at Needful Things of Castle Cary.

It’s hard to believe this delightful emporium of Gifts, Ladies Clothing and Bespoke Curtain-making has been delighting their customers for 2 decades already! ‘The town has changed a little, since we started on the first of October 1999’ say owners John & Ally, ‘Yet Castle

time that we need to act now to avoid water shortages in coming years. Whilst many of us are very conscious of our gas and electricity usage, somehow many of us are much more liberal when it comes to how much water we wash away.

The head of the Environment Agency has suggested that we should all be given personal water targets to prevent damage to wildlife and rivers from future water shortages.

Soap making supplier experts,

THE VISITOR October 2018 21

Needful Things Clothing & Gifts, Castle Cary opened 1st October 1999.

Needful Things Interiors.

Cary retains a great community spirit and is so lucky to have all the essential shops still here, still providing a great service to locals and visitors alike’. There are so many good reasons to shop in this Town, where traditional, familyrun retailers still understand the importance and relevance of good customer service. ‘We have to move with the times of course, which is why we’re adding the on-line giftshop and always looking to keep our stock relevant and on trend’, explains John, ‘But whenever you need to enjoy a traditional shopping experience, with a friendly welcome and time to browse, our Castle Cary Stores and now the on-line shop too, will be there for you to create the fun and excitement which only

22 THE VISITOR October 2018

Needful Things can! Thanks for all your support over the years and here’s to the next decade and beyond!’

HYPNOS luxury beds Craftsman Day and SALE EVENT, Friday 26th October 11am to 7pm.

HYPNOS, the award-winning makers of hand crafted beds, have been making bespoke beds for over 100 years. These luxury mattresses and designer beds can be found in the finest houses, yachts, palaces and hotels. The entire range of beds are made to order just to your individual taste.

The Bed Specialist shop in Yeovil offer a large selection of HYPNOS divan sets and mattresses including all of the

best selling models and with free expert advice - they’re confident they will find a bed to suit you.

With so much bed making experience, Hypnos’ philosophy focuses on the pursuit of perfection and the delivery of a deep, energising night’s sleep.

They combine pressure-relieving pocket springs and layers of the finest natural materials with Royally Approved craftsmanship to ensure that they earn their reputation for making the most comfortable beds in the world.

On Friday 26th October you can experience how these exceptional quality beds are made first hand at The Bed Specialist shop in Huish, Yeovil between 11am and 7pm. There will be talks and demonstrations by a HYPNOS craftsman, many of the beds to try and purchase on the day at further reduced prices and free luxury bedding giveaways worth up to £350 – all of this only available on Friday 26th October.

There is also a fantastic competition open to everyone who visits the shop between the 26th September to the event day itself to win a beautiful Ruby pillow top mattress worth £1476, similar to those used in the popular Premier Inn hotels. There isn’t a catch – but you will have to make your way to the shop and pop in to leave your details in person!

Make sure you put this date in your diary and be sure to call in during the day to secure a special offer that will not be available at any other time. The craftsman day and sale event really is a great opportunity to own a new HYPNOS bed or mattress and learn about the way they are made while talking to the experienced team.

Every HYPNOS bed comes with a full 10 year guarantee, a choice of firmness rating, great storage solutions and some of the mattresses are no need to turn.

Delivery is free and your old bed can be recycled for a small charge.

Now is the time to purchase a new HYPNOS bed from The Bed Specialist in Yeovil.

Mendip backs initiative to help residents cut their fuel bills

Mendip District Council is once again backing the popular Big Community Switch which is a collective energy switching scheme which has seen some local residents save hundreds of pounds by switching their energy supplier.

Collective Energy Switching is when consumers get together to negotiate a group deal with gas and electricity suppliers, with a third party actively negotiating a better tariff on behalf of the group through an auction process.

There is a vast array of options for people looking to compare the market and switch

suppliers either individually or collectively. Mendip District Council is continuing to back The Big Community Switch run by iChoosr as one way of helping Mendip’s residents get a better deal on their energy bills.

The amount saved will vary, but in previous rounds of energy switching that involved Mendip residents, people who signed up

THE VISITOR October 2018 23

FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION With over 30 years of building experience — NO HIDDEN EXTRAS —

All works completed by our experienced and reliable team

SERVICES INCLUDE but not limited to: Project Management ★ New Build Planning ★ Loft Conversions Carpentry ★ Roofing Ground Works ★ Refurbishment Renovation ★ Commercial Property Maintenance ★ Joinery

All aspects of Building and Maintenance All Insurance Works Undertaken

Contact us for a free estimate

(01935) 808456

www.countrybuild.co.uk • info@countrybuild.co.uk

ACF WINDOWS

ANDY FELTHAM

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

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

to the scheme saved an average of £205.88 on their annual fuel bills.

The Big Community Switch, which is open to all Mendip residents, aims to help prevent people slipping into fuel poverty by making easier and more convenient for people to participate in energy switching.

The way the process works is: Residents visit iChoosr’s Big Community Switch website – www.bigcommunityswitch.com - where they can follow a simple online process to register their interest. Up to five households can be registered on one email address and residents without internet access will be supported through the registration process by the council.

Mendip residents are then pooled with other local authority schemes and energy companies bid against each other in a reverse auction to offer the group of customers the best deal. A no-obligation offer is then sent to each resident who has registered in the scheme and they have a month to choose whether to accept it.

If residents choose to accept their offer they are then switched to the new supplier and supported to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transfer. Residents who wish to take part in the next round of energy switching need to have registered by 8 October 2018.

Cllr Philip Ham, Portfolio Holder for Transformation, said: ‘Collective Energy Switching has already proved extremely popular, with people in Mendip saving an average of £205 on their annual fuel bills.

‘This is a great opportunity for people to be in with a chance of making a very impressive saving on their energy bills, so I would encourage local people to take part – it really is a quick and straightforward process.’

Mendip District Council has partnered with iChoosr, a leading expert in collective energy switching, to operate the scheme in the district.

Residents who are keen to be part of the process can register online via www.bigcommunity switch.com, contact Mendip District Council on 0300 303 8588 or visit any Council Access Point for more information.

Frank Schrijver Damp Control

24 THE VISITOR October 2018

Frank Schrijver Damp Control is a unique and permanent solution for all types of damp issues. Richard Smith from

Visit our ...

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.

Fabric Department

Please check out the website: www.southwest-damp.co.uk or call 01689 800101. See advert on page 8.

Sandpits Heating & Home Store and Kate Macey Designs

A wood-burning or multi-fuel stove is an excellent addition to any home no matter what the time of year. With autumn offers and many package deals throughout the recently refurbished showroom, browse at leisure and let them follow up with a home survey.

IN WINCANTON

Julie will be pleased to assist you!

And choose at leisure from our extensive fabric library...

WE ARE PLEASED TO OFFER

 Bespoke Curtain & Blind Service

 Now available: A range of ready made curtains to order  Poles and Tracks

 Free Measuring & Estimating Service  Professional and Helpful Advice

Luxaflex Shutters and Blinds  Chatsworth Fabrics Prestigious Textiles  Design Forum  Art of the Loom

Wincanton

Tythings Commercial Centre Southgate Road Wincanton, BA9 9RZ  01963 824418 sales@sjhcarpets.co.uk www.sjhcarpets.co.uk

Also at: High Street, Tisbury, SP3 6LD  01747 871178

THE VISITOR October 2018 25

MMS Soft Furnishings

Sandpits are there to help you decide on what would suit you and your property best. Aarow, Charnwood, Jotul, Hwam, Clearview and Aga are just some of the stoves that they hold. Designs to suit all tastes and properties and with installation solutions which may surprise you. You don’t necessarily need a chimney, a

chimney can be created with a twinwall flue, fireplaces can be created or existing chimneys relined: all by Sandpits employed staff.

Fireplaces make a lovely focal point and can be created or customised to enable you to achieve the effect that you desire. Focus Fireplaces offer a huge range of authentic beams

Formerly of Wincanton Woodside Court • Dairy House Yard • SPARKFORD • BA22 7LH (Next to the Haynes Motor Museum)

Bespoke Curtains  Blinds  Cushions ... in addition to Linings – Ribbons Poles & Tracks and now Styleline Blinds (Roller, Venetion & Vertical blinds) available to order ... with

Choose from an Extensive Range of Fabrics from ...

Clarke & Clarke  Prestigious  iLiv  Fibre Naturelle and more!

FREE Measuring & Estimating Service NO V. A.T. R U ON LABO Visit: www.mmssoftfurnishings.co.uk

SANDPITS

Contact MELODY on: 07883 089333

or email:

salesmmssoftfurnishings@aol.co.uk

HEATING

DUMPY BAG of KILN DRIED LOGS 1 Bag £150 2 Bags £250 3 Bags £350

FLOGAS Propane, Butane & Patio Gas deliveries

50 YEARS

Stock up your coal bunker ready for the winter ● Large range of smokeless fuels ● Competitive prices ● Free delivery

‘Autumn Thoughts’

Thinking of a new Woodburner or Gas Stove for the winter?

● Stoves: Wood, Multifuel, Gas ● Rayburn & Aga Cookers ● Flue liner & Twin Wall Systems ● Fireplace Works ● Full Installation Service

Promotional offers in our Showroom

Heat Centre

SERVICING & REPAIRS GAS - LPG - OIL - SOLID FUEL

Servicing of Rayburn & Aga Cookers, Boilers, Gas fires and Stoves

• Spare parts readily available • Fully Qualified Gas Safe and Oftec Engineers • New installations & quotes

• Introductory offers available • Please email dannii@sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk

Visit Our Showrooms - Open Six Days A Week Over 200 appliances on display Full installation service available High Street • Curry Rivel • Langport • TA10 0ES Tel: 01458 251476 • Fax: 01458 253505 www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk Large Car Park at Rear of Premises

26 THE VISITOR October 2018

and shelves to complement your stove.

Their kitchen showroom has also just been updated and is well worth a visit. As well as stocking a range of display model cookers from Rayburn and Esse, they have a wonderful range of Aga cookware – perfect for anyone who has an Aga or Rayburn. Imagine keeping your tea / coffee warm on a Rayburn hotplate.

Compliment your dream room by visiting Kate Macey Design, for made to measure curtains, colourful cushions or even to discuss upcycling that favourite but tired chair or lamp. With an extensive range of textiles, you’ll be sure to find something to suit.

MMS Soft Furnishings, formerly of Wincanton, are a wellestablished business with 20+ years’ experience in curtain making! You will find them at Woodside Court, Sparkford - why not pay them a visit and browse in their showroom and workshop?

They have an extensive range of fabrics from Clarke & Clarke, Prestigious Textiles, Iliv, Fibre Naturelle & more … or if you already have a fabric you love you can supply your own for them to work with! Services include bespoke curtains, blinds and cushions. They have a range of linings and ribbons in stock as well as poles and tracks available to order. Now also available to order are Styleline Blinds (Roller, Venetion and Vertical blinds).

Please telephone for appointments and opening times.

Contact Melody on 07883 089333 or via email at salesmms softfurnishings@aol.co.uk.

Made To Measure

Gates & Railings • Handrails • Garden Furniture Curtain Poles • Pond Covers, etc.

General Welding & Repairs

Enquiries: 01935 864444 desiron0@gmail.com

Unit 5, East Coker Saw Mills, East Coker, BA22 9JJ

KITCHEN SALE

Example Kitchen - 8 units

From only

£2866

Finance available Ask for more details Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury SP7 8PL ☎ 01747 851476 5 – 6 George Street, Warminster BA12 8QA ☎ 01985 219200

Log on to the website to see our fantastic deals!

www.myhomemaker.co.uk

THE VISITOR October 2018 27

Hider Heating

Hider Heating, established since 1973, is an expert in the plumbing and heating sector, working with estate agents, letting agents and the general public in the Somerset area.

They offer their customers all aspects of plumbing and heating including: full central heating installation; boiler repairs and servicing; bathrooms; landlord gas safety certificates and general plumbing.

Their Gas Safe registration number is 700 so you can see

that they have been in the business a long time, giving you confidence that only the highest standard of workmanship is offered as standard - they also have great testimonials.

Appleby and Childs

Appleby and Childs, independent masons, has been serving the area in and around Yeovil for over 130 years.

They are an independent family run business offering the best in service, choice and quality.

HIDER HEATING

Specialists in Installation & Service

ALL TYPES OF PLUMBING Central Heating Systems, Boiler Replacement Landlord Safety Checks and Servicing Gas and Oil Established Over 40 Years Rely on us for all Plumbing & Heating Needs Specialist in Bathroom Designs including all Tiling & Electrics

Reg. No. 700

www.hiderheating.co.uk Tel: 01935 426209 • Mobile: 07836 773152 41a West Coker Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2LY

Inside Sports of Bond Street, Yeovil.

They specialise in bespoke memorials, and also offer a cleaning, renovation and memorial insurance service.

A free brochure is available on request.

‘Let our Family look after yours’.

Sports of Bond Street

Sports of Bond Street is an independent sports specialist shop which has been trading since 1970. They cover a large range of sports for your equipment and are very happy to help you with personal preferences.

John Hamblin, Master Cabinet Makers and Antique Furniture Restorers, a family-run business. Find them at Unit 6, 15 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil, BA21 5HR. See advert of page 32.

Yeovil Auto Tuning  

CLASSIC CAR REPAIRS Repairs and Servicing Specialists Established OVER MOT Testing – Classes IV, V and VII also Motorhomes 30 YEARS Engine Tuning ● Brakes, Clutches, Gearboxes Competitive Rates ● Professional, Reliable, Friendly Service Specialising in VW T4 + T5 Vans Revo Engine Re-Mapping (VW and Audi Group) Caravan Storage  COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE 

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

9 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, YEOVIL

28 THE VISITOR October 2018



Tel: 01935 426515 / 01935 411946

A racket re-stringing service is available. They are kit stockists for both Yeovil Town Road Running Club and Yeovil and Sherborne Hockey Club .

Call in and see their extensive range of sports equipment or visit the website www.sportsof

bondstreet.co.uk. Opening hours Monday - Saturday 9 - 5.

Yeovil Auto Tuning

Do you have a caravan - are you looking for storage? Yeovil Auto Tuning now have a sister company (adjoining their

A recent installation by J2 Tiles & Bathrooms of Yeovil.

premises) Pen Mill Storage who offer secure caravan storage.

Yeovil Auto Tuning are now pleased to offer repairs to classic cars to their full range of services.

The services offered include

repairs, servicing, engine tuning and MOT testing incorporating class IV, and Class VII light vans.

A collection and delivery service is available.

Yeovil Auto Tuning is a family

Ward & Sibley Family Jewellers of Yeovil. In addition to diamonds, Ward & Sibley stock a wide range of coloured gemstones.

Free customer parking at the rear of the shop.

WARD & SIBLEY Independent Jewellers of Yeovil

AS GOOD AS NEW! Our repair section of the business is pleased to offer:

 Complete refurbishment of jewellery –

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

 Jewellery handmade to your own design  Seal, hand, and machine engraving  Pearl and bead re-threading

VALUATIONS For Insurance and Probate

For a prompt, reliable & friendly service THE CASKET 103 MIDDLE STREET YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065

“Established for over 70 Years”

CAR PARK at rear for customers while visiting the shop

THE VISITOR October 2018 29

run business, established for 34 years. Proprietor Colin Frost runs the business with his wife Anita and their experienced mechanic.

Yeovil Auto Tuning is located on the Pen Mill Trading Estate where there is ample parking.

Also operating from the same premises is Eclipse Custom Campers, converting VW Transporter T4 and T5 vehicles.

Crossroads Pet Supplies

Shop floor display of sofas, furniture, beds & mattresses are all on sale at Fit & Furnish of Yeovil.

SALE ON NOW Shop floor display of sofas, furniture, beds & mattresses Warehouse stock

ALL MUST GO Visit our website: www.fitandfurnish.co.uk

The Old Vincent’s Showroom, Market Street, YEOVIL, BA20 1HZ  01935 412811 Email: info@fitandfurnish.co.uk DIRECTIONS: from Marks & Spencer head towards Court Ash Car Park and past The Pall Tavern. Showrooms 100 yards on the right.

30 THE VISITOR October 2018

Have you discovered Crossroads Pet Supplies? Situated on the Yeovil to Sherborne road, this shop is packed from floor to ceiling hutches and cages, toys and leads, beds and bowls, seeds and shampoos! All can be found here.

Whether you like to feed the wild birds or have a pet at home, you can get all your animal feeds from Crossroads.

Why not call in? There is ample free parking right outside the door: ideal if you are purchasing food in bulk.

Focalflames Fireplaces

Welcome to Focalflames Fireplaces! They are a small, personal, family run business specialising in wood burning stoves and fireplaces. With more than 15

years’ experience in the industry they pride themselves on providing high quality, great value services, with free home consultations, advice and even their very own showroom to browse a huge range of makes and models!

Expert advice will help you make the right choice at a budget you are happy with!

Call or text them today for a free no obligation quote on 07931 918947.

Yeovil Hydraulics

Established since 1968, Yeovil Hydraulics on the Lynx Trading Estate offers a professional hydraulic and pneumatic service to both the agricultural and industrial sector. Hose assembly is available while you wait.

They also offer a gas delivery and installation service for central heating systems. This service covers most of the South West. Make sure your vehicle’s air conditioning service is working properly. At Yeovil Hydraulics they recharge air conditioning units.

The garage side of the business offers a full servicing programme on all makes of vehicle and is a MOT Testing station.

October Notice Board BEAMINSTER

CONCERT: THE FAMOUS FAIREY BAND, Saturday 27th October 2018, St. Mary’s Church, Beaminster, Dorset, 3pm. Tikcets £12.50. Please Tel: 01308 862493.

CASTLE CARY

WINTER WILSON. Folk with a splash of Blues. Saturday 20th October 6:45pm, Caryford Community Hall. Tickets £10 from 01963 350 980 or www.wegottickets. com/event/436732.

CREWKERNE

FREE DIABETES HEALTH event 18th October from 6.45pm Henhayes Centre. Talk with Dr Murdoch and buffet. www.creating-health.org.uk Booking essential

MARTOCK

THURSDAY 25th OCTOBER 7:30pm: Pamela's All Stars. A 6piece jazz band playing New Orleans and popular tunes.

Tickets: £9 or £ 8 at 07955 467896. www.martockonline. co.uk/events, http://newsociety jazz.co.uk/pamelas-all-stars.

NORTH CADBURY

CHEDDAR MALE CHOIR Concert, Saturday 13th October, 7pm in North Cadbury Church.

Tickets £12.50 including nibbles, from North Cadbury Village

The Gartell Light Railway

With the hot weather behind us, as we look forward to autumn, why not spend a day at the Gartell Light Railway at its next open day on Sunday

Store, or call 01963 440683, northcadburychurchwardens @gmail.com.

SOMERTON

SOMERTON'S FIRST OKTOBERFEST on Saturday 13th October in Edgar Hall details www.somertonarts festival.co.uk. Tickets £14 from Palmer Snell, Somerton or www.ticketsource.co.uk /somerton-music-and-artsfestival

WINCANTON

EARLY CHRISTMAS FAIR, 10am on Tuesday 16th October at Wincanton Racecourse. Gifts, fashion, accessories, books, food, raffles, café. Entry £3, free parking.

YEOVIL

HYPNOS BEDS CRAFTSMAN day and sale event at The Bed Specialist shop in Huish, Yeovil BA20 1AQ on Friday 26th October from 11am – 7pm.

Demonstrations, refreshments, special offers, free luxury bedding giveaways with every new purchase and mattress competition. www.thebed specialist.co.uk or call 01935 423596.

Advertise your NOVEMBER event here

A Notice Board entry costs £5 for 20 words, 30p per extra word. Send details to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG or info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk.

Entries to be pre-paid.

November issue deadline: 12th October.

30th of September.

Subject to availability of locomotives, it is intended to operate 3 of the half-size trains with two steam locos and one diesel.

The Gartell Light Railway has its next open day on Sunday 30th of September.

Departures will be from Common Lane station at 25 minute intervals. With reversals at Pinesway Junction, Tower View and Park Lane involving two simultaneous departures from Pinesway junction. Each trip lasts for approximately 35 minutes.

The large car park is surrounded by large areas of grass, ideal for picnics if the weather permits.

The railway is just off the A357 between Templecombe and Henstridge and there will be signposts to help you find the GLR if you haven’t been before.

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. You can travel as many times as you wish: indeed many visitors travel on all three trains on one day.

Please see the advertisement for details or go online at newglr.weebly.com.

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.

The Visitor

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

OCTOBER ...

RURAL MUSIC NETWORKS Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse Friday 5th MICHAEL MOCHAN Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil Wednesday 10th ACOUSTIC JAM SESSION Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse Friday 12th HOWIE CASEY Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil Friday 19th MARNIE BAND Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi Sunday 21st NIBS VAN DER SPUY Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse Friday 26th ROSS KIRK Old Pound Inn, Aller Wednesday 31st PAUL HENSHAW Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi Friday 5th

AN ADVERT IN THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE MENTION HERE!

THE VISITOR October 2018 31

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

By John Osborne  Answers can be found on page 48

1) Who was known as 'The Queen of Soul, who passed away recently?

2) 'Here Comes the Sun' is from which Beatles album?

3) Lisa Stansfield once went 'All Around the … ' what?

4) 'Every Time You Go Away' was a 1985 hit for whom?

5) Paul Jones sang about which sign of the zodiac in 1969 (Clue: think 'Hair')?

6) In which year did Ultravox say they were 'Dancing with Tears in My Eyes'?

7) Who knew a 'Mustang Sally', 'In The Midnight Hour' at 'Funky Broadway'?

8) Who sang about their 'New Shoes' in 2007?

9) Who made their chart debut in 1994 with 'Supersonic'?

10) Who sang the lyric: 'I left my home in Georgia, and headed for the 'Frisco Bay'?

Bonus Question One of the songs in this months' quiz come from the album 'Lament' – which one?

Great Quotes in Music (107) Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories.

And the longer a song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it - Stevie Wonder

Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair, 19-21 October 2018 at Haynes International Motor Museum

Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair 2018 invites visitors to step back inside after a long hot summer with new and returning exhibitors ready to inspire for home decorating for the autumn and winter.

Following the smash hit launch in 2016, and now a firm fixture in the social calendar in the salubrious Bruton area, often called the Notting Hill of the South West, the 3rd Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair will take place from 19-21 October 2018 with some exciting new exhibitors and many eager returnees from 2017.

The luxurious and spacious

venue of Haynes Motor Museum will be an interior design hub spot with more than 50 exhibitors dealing in decorative antiques and Mid Century design with an accent on home furnishing and embellishments.

With a companion fair of the stature of Bath Decorative Antiques Fair to match, the fair has been quick to establish its very own style and atmosphere and offers a hybrid of decorative antiques for house and garden, Country House furniture and humble folk art with Mid Century design attracting a sophisticated trade audience, interior designers and a fleet of smart home owners and collectors from the region and across the UK. The essence of a decorative fair

Pictured: A collection of bronzes available at Quillon House Antiques, Bruton.

Left: Contemporary bronze of a Morrish Stallion by Annette Yarrow.

Centre: A very large Mid-20th Century bronze sculpture of a Sailfish. (85cm high).

Right: 19th Century Italian Military Bronze of a Dragoon Officer on a mounted charger, with signed Base.

The Market House

by Pam Legg.

Acrylic on canvas, 22" x 18" £295.00

The Mechanic

by Pam Legg.

Acrylic on canvas, 20" x 30" £500.00.

Both available from Martock Gallery, Martock.

John Hamblin

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

‘Campervan’

 Bespoke Furniture made to customers specific requirements

Pam Legg

 Re-Leathering of Desktops, Bureaux, etc.

Image size 16” x 12” Mounted & wrapped

£50.00

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

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

32 THE VISITOR October 2018

Pictured: Very large mid 20th-Century bronze sculpture of a Sailfish (85cm high).

Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10.00am – 5.30pm

Limited edition print by:

Complete Framing Service Available



 French Polishing

 Dining Table Tops Refinished

A family run business established for over 50 years

Unit 6, 15 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil, BA21 5HR Tel: 01935 471154 • jhamblin101@gmail.com “We care for your furniture”

is the artful curation of stands where exhibitors use all their talent to help visitors table in original condition envision how pieces might be used and in some cases these are curious interpretations of random objects – antique dolls houses as cocktail cabinets, any possible object converted as lamps or planting vessels, huge illuminated shops signs as wall art, absolutely any garden related object or furniture brought indoors and architectural elements as accent pieces – no limit on size here!

Making a debut at Bruton this year will be Dean Antiques and Blank Canvas Antiques, both based at Lorfords at The Hangars, Tetbury and dealing in Country House furniture, lighting and mirrors. and unusual pieces. From Hungerford, Berkshire Youlls Antiques with French provincial furniture and decorative accessories, Tetbury based Trilogie with French and Continental decorative antiques for the home and garden, specialist Art Deco furniture dealers Shine on Design from Brighton and TV antiques specialist and decorative dealer Mark Stacey. Antiques who delighted visitors at Bath earlier in the year with a jam packed cabinet of curiosities covering a complete wall of his stand. Ashburton, Devon,

based Denis Perry Antiques will also make a debut and will make a splash after a lifetime of collecting a wide range of curios and desirable objets for the home.

New to Bruton with a dazzling selection of jewel coloured antique rugs and upholstery will be Rug Addiction who trades from Home & Colonial in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire and Banbury based 3rd generation antique dealers Slade’s Antiques.

Owner of the fair Sue Ede: ‘We had such a fantastic Bruton debut at Haynes International Motor Museum in 2016 following much pent up demand from exhibitors for a companion fair to the revered Bath Decorative Antiques Fair celebrating its 30th edition next year. We are very much looking forward to our 3rd edition at Bruton in October 2018.’

Quillon House Antiques at Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair

Quillon House Antiques will be exhibiting at Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair at The Haynes Motor Museum, BA22 7LH, 19th– 21st October 2018.

Please visit www.bruton decorativeantiquesfair.co.uk or telephone 01278 784912 for further information about the Fair.

2 green leather buttoned armchairs available at Antiques Bazaar, Crewkerne.

Antiques Bazaar, Crewkerne - ‘you never know what you’ll find’

With over 95 dealers renting cabinets and space, Antiques Bazaar is the perfect choice for browsing, buying and dealing.

They are proud of their painted furniture, up-cyclers, jewellery traders, their house clearance specialists, picture experts, toy and model dealers, clock restorers, room designers and style-setters, all of whom make Antiques Bazaar, Crewkerne a great destination.

Over the past few days they have sold a large haberdashers’ unit, Edwardian library shelves, period wheel-back chairs, a mannequin, a rocking horse, 2 Rupert annuals, a large copper water feature, gents’ gold ring, enamel industrial lampshades, 3 buttoned-back leather armchairs, a sheepskin coat, painted wardrobes, an Edwardian print of a greyhound ... to mention just a few items. The list is endless.

Open 7 days a week with ample free parking, they look forward to seeing you soon.

Antiques Fairs

•

Chasty Cottage Antiques

•

Saturday 20th October Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA 9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1

Future Dates: Saturday 10th November  01963 370986

www.chastycottageantiques.co.uk

THE VISITOR October 2018 33

Family Health with

Jenna Evans

Family Health Q & A

Welcome to my third Q&A column!

Family Health is now a forum for you to ask me your health questions. I can’t of course guarantee they will all end up in print or be answered in person but I will try! You can write to me ℅ Ceres Natural Foods, 9-11 Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1EN; email info@ ceresfoods.co.uk or message me on my Facebook page AlchemicalBeautyUK. Q. Every Winter I seem to come down with every infection doing the rounds! After a particularly bad time of it last year, I want to do everything I can to prevent infection this year. Do you have

any suggestions?

A. Thanks for your question.

This is definitely the time to start thinking about winter immunity.

There’s certainly a crisp autumnal quality to the air rolling in and prevention is always better than cure! Here are my favourite remedies.

Beta Glucans - Specifically Beta 1,3 1,6 glucans. Found in mushrooms and the cell walls of yeasts this family of beta glucans has a very interesting effect on our immune systems. When ingested the 1,3 1,6 glucans make their way through the stomach and on to our small intestines where special areas of lymphatic tissue known as Peyer’s patches take them in. Cells such as macrophages that are part of our immune system can be found in these tissues. Macrophages sweep about the body, ‘eating’ invaders, making them a very useful part of our defences.

Macrophages actually have receptors or ports on them that allow these glucans to attach. Once present 1,3 1,6 glucans seem to have a strong immune priming

effect, switching our macrophages onto a higher level of alert and making them more effective enemy scavengers. A Beta Glucans supplement is one of my staples throughout the winter months or when lurgies are doing the rounds.

Look for a tablet that also contains immune helpers such as the vitamins C&D, Zinc and probiotics.

Elderberry - A veritable medicine chest all by itself - the leaves, flowers, berries and bark have all been used as medicines.

The elderberries are anti-viral, anticatarrhal, anti-allergic and immune boosting. I keep a bottle of Lamberts Imuno-strength to hand all through the Winter. This blend of Elderberry, Rosehip & Blackcurrant is really helpful for preventing infections, makes a feelgood healing tea when mixed with hot water and a pinch of cinnamon, and tastes pretty good to boot. A daily dose can help keep the bugs at bay.

Vitamin C - At the first sign of feeling low, I Vitamin C load. You know the tell-tale tickle in the throat or that feeling in your chest when a bug is brewing? I take 1g

of Vitamin C every couple of hours for as many doses as I feel is doing the trick. This has saved me more times than I can remember. You’ll know if you have too much as you’ll reach what's called bowel tolerance - I.e. Diarrhoea! I’ve found when I’m fighting off the beginning of a cold I can tolerate many more grams than is usual, showing how the body’s needs increase during infection.

Vitamin D - Make sure you’re getting plenty of Vitamin D. Our levels can plummet during the Winter and there’s good research to suggest that even the sun worshippers among us don't make enough D to store through the cold months. Although most famous for bone health, Vitamin D helps modulate the immune system, helping prevent infection.

Colloidal Silver - I always have Colloidal silver on hand too. In a spray bottle, this antimicrobial makes a useful remedy for sore throats, ear infections and sinus conditions. A small dose can be used daily as prevention.

Combination Q - This homeopathic remedy can be great for catarrh and sinus disorders. I keep some in the house just in case, but hopefully if you use all of the above it won’t come to that!

 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

Shirley Allum Passion for Fashion

New season Joseph Ribkoff available at Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie, Shaftesbury.

The Dress Circle Dress Agency

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

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

For large quantities collections can be arranged

34 THE VISITOR October 2018

4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY  01458 273485

Shirley Allum fashions and Lingerie has been established for 21 years and stocks sizes 8-30 with fashions for every age, size and budget. The shop 3,500sqft of fashions and 1000sqft of lingerie in Shaftesbury, Dorset - almost opposite the famous Gold Hill.

Shirley has been in the business for many years, sourcing fashions from all over Europe and buying with her customers in mind.

Shirley Allum excels in the trouser department with over 2500 pairs in stock so that you are sure to have choice, with top brands Brax, NYDJ, Robell, Laurie and many more in sizes 4 - 30 plus.

From stockists of Joules, Seasalt and White Stuff to the more sophisticated brands of Joseph Ribkoff, Mat de Masaine and Gant.

Their wedding wear includes hats and fascinators for that special occasion. Stockist of shoes by Fly, Riva, Superga, Ugg and more.

The Lingerie department stocks sizes 28AA-50K with many of the

top brands including Triumph, Sloggi, Fantasie, Freya, Lepel, Anita Care mastectomy bras are a very important part of the lingerie department. All the team are fully trained for mastectomy fittings.

Special days with dedicated appointments to offer mastectomy advice and help are available.

The website brashopuk.com is pleased to be an extension to the Shirley Allum shop and the knowledge Shirley can bring to the business.

These are just a few things at Preview to liven up your autumn wardrobe.

Preview Fashion Boutique, Wincanton

New collections are arriving almost daily at Preview, including hot pink and navy wool Jackets from Italian designer Peruzzi. Beautiful Jackets from Spanish brand Zenia in Moss Green, Black and Gold starting at £129, fitted trousers are available from Zenia to complete the outfit.

Robell jacquard textured trousers in black, navy, plum and burgundy with soft elastic waists available in sizes 8 to 18 which are flattering and comfortable.

Fashion Boutique Market Place • Wincanton  01963 31676

www.previewwincanton.co.uk

Zenia - exclusive Spanish label available at Preview Fashion Boutique, Wincanton.

Exciting New Season Collection Now Arriving

MOTORING

VINTAGE Motor Cycling

I HAVE RECENTLY attended a couple of 'Bike Meets'. These events have sprung up everywhere in recent years and anyone keen enough could attend one such event nearly every day of the week. The big one in this area is at Poole Quay on a Tuesday evening when an average of three thousand bikes will congregate and sometimes that number has swelled to around five thousand. Attendees are charged one pound to park their bikes in the designated area and all that money goes to charitable causes.

Many other events take place on a smaller scale and most of them do raise money for various charities.

So what you may ask is a 'Bike Meet'? It is nothing more than a social gathering of motorcyclists who assemble to look at other people's machines and talk about anything associated with motorbikes. Usually accompanied with a coffee or a glass of beer and something to eat and a good excuse, if one were needed, to go out and enjoy your bike with friends and like-minded people. The bikes range from the brand new plastic rockets to the ancient plodders

ridden by yours truly. If this type of event should appeal to you then why not give it a try. There are Meets just about everywhere so there should be one near your home.

My picture this month depicts a very early and rare machine which took part in the Somerset Sections Veteran Only Run. It shows a 1904 Lagonda forecar threewheeler. It is in fact the oldest surviving Lagonda known to exist. Powered by a 1200cc twin cylinder engine it is quite advanced for the period in that it has a proper gearbox with all-chain drive, springing and brakes on all three wheels and seating for three.

The machine was brought over from Pembrokeshire for this event but it proved somewhat temperamental on the day and sadly had to be retired. The picture shows the owner doing a little fettling to coax the engine to run properly but all to no avail. All he succeeded in doing was to get oily fingers and the rest of us onlookers got similarly oily digits. It serves us right for poking our noses in. A long way to come for a very short ride but he will be back next year when I am sure he will fare much better.

Events continue through October as usual. The Somerset Section starts off with a guest speaker for their club

Stockists of ...

Robell

Micha Adini

Peruzzi

Just White

Available in sizes 10-18

Our friends from Wales trying to coax life into the recalcitrant Lagonda.

BREWERS GARAGE LTD AIR CONDITIONING • DIAGNOSTICS TYRES • MOT SERVICING • REPAIRS Telephone

01935 812720

Season’s Greetings to all our customers

Western Ways Yard Bristol Road, SHERBORNE, Dorset DT9 4HR

THE VISITOR October 2018 35

MOTORING

night at Cossington on the 4th. They have their Cornish Weekend from the 5th to the 8th and the Autumn Leaves Run from Bishops Sutton on the 14th. Lastly on the 25th will be their Breakfast Meet. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section just have a Noggin and Natter evening for their club night at East Stour on the 8th. The Dorset Section start with their Lunch Meet at West Stour on the 3rd and on the 7th the Autumn Run starts at Sherborne. Club night at Henstridge on the 10th will be the annual A.G.M. and to round off the month they return to West Stour on the 27th for the Breakfast Meet. Ring 01935-872528 for further details of any of these events.

The problems of Ethanol in petrol has come up again as we move to the next stage of increasing the percentage to 10%. Petrol pumps should be marked with a clear label indicating the E10 fuel. Any old vehicle (over 25 years old) was never designed or intended to run on this fuel and problems could well follow.

The E5 (5%) was enough to cause many older vehicles to have problems and the new 10% will only increase

those problems.

Older vehicles can be modified to run on this fuel but these modifications will take time and no doubt some considerable expense.

There was a petition / survey to allow owners of these vehicles to make representations to our government but this has now been completed. My advice would be to avoid using E10 fuel if at all possible but when there is no alternative then we must seek help to avoid damage to our vehicles and to keep them in sweet running order.

As I have reported before there will be no autumn autojumble at the Bath & West Showground this year. There is however an alternative available to those desperate to find those vital parts. A little further afield I am afraid but well worth the extra effort to get there. On October 13th and 14th there is the usual Show and autojumble at the Stafford County Showground. Very much bigger than we see at Shepton Mallet this event attracts people from all over the country and from the continent. The number of machines for sale and the associated paraphernalia is spread

Jeremy Bailey is entering the Lombard Rally Bath 2018 with his Hawk Stratos.

over a huge area and I would suggest two days is needed to see everything.

I recommend this event to you and Stafford is in easy reach up the M5 and M6. At the above show I will be helping on the VMCC stand, if you go call by and have a chat and if you come bearing gifts in the form of a cup of coffee you will be even more welcome. See you there.

Rod Hann.

Lombard Rally Bath 2018, 19th - 21st October

Probably the largest selection of Historic Rally Cars ever assembled in the UK will come to Bath in October.

Lombard Rally Bath was conceived by former rally driver, Tim Nash, to replicate part of the route of the 1976 Lombard RAC Rally combined with a reunion of former competitors at a dinner at the McDonald Bath Spa Hotel. The cars will visit four former ‘special stages’ and drive them at noncompetitive speeds. The response to the event has been hugely more than was expected, with some 120 cars coming to Bath and some very well known period Rally Crews also attending.

Drivers such as Stig Blomqvist, twice a winner of the Lombard RAC Rally; Jimmy McRae five time British Champion Driver; Louise AitkenWalker, Ladies World Champion Driver; Rosemary Smith, not only a former Ladies Champion Driver but the oldest person to drive a Formula 1 car, aged 79; former manufacturer drivers Dessie McCartney, Graham Elsmore, David Llewellin, Robin Eyre-Maunsell and many more, will arrive in Bath on Friday 19th to attend a Rally Question and Answer Forum at the Bath Spa Hotel. On the Saturday morning the cars will leave Bath to visit former rally stages at Longleat and Cricket St. Thomas, before arriving at the ‘Spectator’ stage

at Wiscombe Park between Axminster and Honiton in Devon at around 11am. Lunch will be taken in Minehead before the cars run up the Porlock Toll Road and then return to Bath, where they will be displayed whilst the drivers attend the Rally Dinner on the Saturday evening, plus a charity auction in aid of Action on Addiction.

In all some 50 different types of car will attend from the oldest, a prewar Alvis Special, through many Minis, Fords from a 1958 Zephyr, Cortinas, Escort Mk1 and Mark 2, Sierras, Puma and Escort Cosworth, Triumph TR4, Dolomite Sprint and a selection of the brutal TR7V8s, Rover SD1, Volkswagens from Beetles to Golfs, the cars that changed the face of rallying in the 1980s – Audi Quattros and MG Metro 6R4, amongst others.

In all it will be an extraordinary spectacle that is building a lot of interest not only from the drivers, who are keen to demonstrate their cars over what will be a hugely social weekend, but spectators also who are keen to see something that has not been seen in the UK before. As the whole tour around the old rally venues will be conducted at a very leisurely pace, even these venues will be driven at a demonstration not competitive speed, spectators will be able to approach the older rally heroes to swap stories.

Back in the 1970s and 80s the largest attended sporting event in the UK in terms of spectators was the Lombard RAC Rally, more people watched on its traditional last weekend of November date, than attended all Football League Matches put together. Who knows how many people will come out to watch in the West Country in October!

For more information, or to see the entry list visit: www.lombardrally bath.co.uk

GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS

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

36 THE VISITOR October 2018

G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414

Festive Venues & Menus

THE VISITOR October 2018 37

Festive Venues & Menus

The MUDDLED MAN Your hosts, Mick, Jean and Garry welcome you to

Lower Street, West Chinnock Tel: 01935 881235

Pre-Christmas Dinner Bookings now being taken

2 Courses + Coffee - £17.50  3 Courses + Coffee - £19.50

Christmas Day Dinner

Drink on arrival, 7 Courses, 1/2 bottle of wine + Coffee - £65

Children under 15 half price — Booking Essential —

Bar – Dining – Accommodation

Christmas Menu 2018

Available from Saturday 1st December until Saturday 22nd December

TO S TA RT Local venison terrine with sloe gin jelly and warm toast Lemon risotto cakes with smoked salmon and horseradish cream Twice baked soufflé topped with melted camembert and cranberry relish Sweet potato and blue cheese soup and homemade bread MA INS Traditional roast turkey with cranberry and pancetta stuffing and pigs in blankets Warm mushroom and thyme dauphinoise potato tartlet Beef short ribs braised in red wine with root vegetables and garlic crust Roast fillet of lemon sole with prawn and saffron chowder Pan fried duck breast with pomegranate glaze and orange sauce P U DDINGS Traditional homemade Christmas pudding with brandy custard Espresso Martini cheesecake with coffee syrup and vanilla ice cream Chocolate and hazelnut pavlova with chocolate sauce and honeycomb cream Mulled winterberry brulee with cinnamon shortbread Trio of regional cheeses with biscuits and fig jelly 2 courses £21.50  3 courses £26.50 £5 non refundable deposit required per person at time of booking Please contact us for any dietary requirements and children’s menu

38 THE VISITOR October 2018

Festive Venues THIS CHRISTMAS why not join us for your festive party in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere?

We have 5 rooms available to book ... all with roaring log fires!

We have a range of Christmas Menus from only £19.50 per head, and our full Bar and Specials Menus are available as well.

Packages available with a Glass of Prosecco and Wine from £23.00

Meet with friends or colleagues and enjoy a festive feast this Christmas at The Coppleridge.

Open Christmas Day £72.50 per head: bookings only

The Coppleridge Inn, Motcombe, Dorset, SP7 9HW • 01747 851980 thecoppleridgeinn@btinternet.com • www.coppleridge.com

THE VISITOR October 2018 39

Pub The

being the equivalent of a years wage for the working man. To take a look at this fascinating slice of social history it is very likely to be still available on BBC iPlayer as you read this, being broadcast on 14th September at 4.30, only 5 minutes or so into the programme. Failing that, with a quick trip to Youtube one can find some genuine old footage of this fine Yorkshire game. All it needs now is for one of the many CAMRA branches in 'God's Own County' to kick-start it again.

Now that would be really something!

Toward the top end of 'The Visitor' area, lies the town of Shepton Mallet. Not that far away and just east of the village of Evercreech there is a brewery, beautifully named 'The Wild Beer Company'.

Here, a number of beers are brewed with passion and intent, and I was fortunate enough to have a chat with Giles, who was kind enough to spare me some time from the hectic schedule to give me a little insight into the philosophy of the company.

'We're out to change people's perception of beer and brew to a flavour, not a style' he tells

Pages

B EER & S KI TT L ES P. A. BAXTER

WE DINE EARLY in Baxter Towers. Not that the fact is likely to be of great interest to you, dear reader, but whilst doing so, we do enjoy 'Car Boot Fortune Fake Antique Treasures in your Attic to Flog It on a Road Trip' or whatever the current version is.

Doubtless a lot of it is contrived, and it makes us grimace when the 'antique expert' walks into a shop and introduces him or herself, and the camera operator just happens to be there first.

Nevertheless in amongst the nonsense there is the occasional gem, and we viewed with renewed interest when on his 'Antiques Road Trip' auctioneer Charles Hanson paid a visit to a museum where the equipment for the ancient game of 'Knur and Spell' is housed. Never heard of it, you all cry as one! This may be because it is no longer played, apparently, which is more the pity. It is covered in Arthur Taylor's excellent book 'Played at the Pub' under 'lost games', so one can assume it is indeed no longer played.

Known as 'poor man's golf' it was very much the working man's game, where a long handled club, complete with a flat-surfaced pommel was used to strike a tiny ball of clay (the 'potty') as far as possible, this 'potty' having been launched into the air via a

Home-Made Food Served 7 Days a Week

me. Looking at the range of beers available (see their website) one can only wonder at the names and concepts. A friend brought one of their beers to test, being seduced by the long (dare I say it?)

American-type description on the label. 'Millionaire' a 'Salted Caramel plus Chocolate plus Milk Stout' at 4.7%ABV. We've tried a couple of their beers before, which I have to say were not to my personal taste, but I recognise what they are attempting to do. This time, however, I have to say this was easily our 'Beer of the Month' which promised to deliver and did so most deliciously. The brewery does have a couple of open days each year in the shape of beer and cheese events, but tours are not on the cards just at the moment. Do keep a lookout for their products, I'm sure there will be at least one you will find to your taste.

On the subject of stout, this year it is the Siren Brewery that has been awarded the coveted 'Champion Beer of Great Britain' at the Great British Beer Festival, Olympia, London, with Broken Dream Breakfast Stout (6.5% ABV) thanks, the judges state

P.A. Baxter recently sampled The Wild Beer Co’s ‘Millionaire’ - ‘A Salted Caramel plus Chocolate plus Milk Stout’.

Editor recommends ‘Pogo’ - another of The Wild Beer Co’s fantastic range of beers.

spring loaded device (the 'spell'). The distances were then measured in multiples of 20 yards, so a 'six' would actually be 120 yards.

Doubtless all the betting and under-hand planning (yes, there was plenty) went on at the pub beforehand, and also where the winner would celebrate afterwards and the losers would drown their sorrows. The game can be traced back a couple of hundred years when huge prize monies were won, often

Real Ales - Garden Skittle Alley

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THE VISITOR October 2018 41

Pub The

Pages

Vinnie isn’t much of a wine connoisseur

B EER & S KI TT L ES P. A. BAXTER

'to its deep and complex blend of chocolate, coffee and a touch of smoke'. The judges commented that it stood out for its aroma, taste and finish, all of which were superb. Best we look out for it then! Still with the subject of stout, there are alcohol-free versions available. We gave mention to zero-alcohol beers a couple of months back and not only is the list growing but the quality is improving beyond all recognition. If stout is your t i p p l e t he n ho w a b o ut ' B i g Drop Chocolate Milk Stout' at 0.5% (this counts as alcohol free) or there is Braxzz Porter which has absolutely no alcohol at all. I'm yet to see these available locally (unless you know better) as it would appear multiple-order by mail/courier is the only way at the moment. Reviews of both these beers are extremely good.

We have become firm friends with a lovely couple in Perth – Australia. How? I shan't bore you with details (not yet, anyway) and we publish here a photograph from Simon Church with their family skittle trophy, which has been keenly fought for by family and friends. In the background stands the game, and students of the game will be able to

42 THE VISITOR October 2018

detect more than a passing resemblance to the Northants / Leicestershire version of the game, the former county being where Simon's ancestors originated. The trophy includes a portrait of Simon's late father, Alfred, this match being in his memory as he was a keen player back in the 'Old Country'.

Simon unsuccessfully defended his crown(!) losing in the final match to his brother Paul. There was even a separate trophy for the younger participants. Simon

PUB PEOPLE

Simon Church with the Alfred Church Memorial Trophy.

and Paul have now made several tables in this style, yet each with a slightly different feel. Yes, the game of skittles in this form has now reached Western Australia, although it may be a while before international matches take place, at least it's a start – so all power to the brothers Church!

So here's to the 'Beautiful Game' being played worldwide; whatever the variation!

Cheers!

P.A.Baxter. skittlealley@hotmail.com

The Barrington Boar, Barrington

The Barrington Boar has recently been taken over by husband & wife team, Alasdair & Victoria. At the heart of Barrington village, the pub offers a freshly prepared menu. Creating refined comfort food, it focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, cooked with skill and passion.

The pub offers a wonderful selection of real ales, ciders, spirits and wines, including some local gems from artisan producers all found on our doorstep.

The pub has four en-suite rooms. Clean, comfortable and well appointed, they are perfect for a night away from home, a business trip or a stop off on a long journey.

For more information go to www.thebarringtonboar.co.uk, telephone 01460 259281, find us on facebook or follow us on Instagram @the_barrington_ boar.

AROUND THE

H O U S E S

IN MERE ... The Walnut Tree Inn is able to serve nearly 90% of its main menu gluten free, if required ... a generous donation was made to Mere Carnival by The Butt of Sherry ... set within 15 acres of meadows and woodland The Coppleridge Inn at Motcombe is the perfect setting for a wedding ... Scrumpy is the popular drink for locals at The White Lion Inn, Bourton ... the famous carvery at The Hunters Lodge, Leigh Common is served on Tuesday and Sunday lunchtimes (Sunday until 5pm) and Friday and Saturday evenings ... and with autumn approaching a bowl of soup with fresh homemade bread at The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague will keep the chill out.

Cruising on to Castle Cary we find ales changing regularly at The George Hotel ... dishes to suit all tastes catered for at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton including gluten and lactose free ... super accommodation available at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction ... outside bars catered for at The Pickled Inn, Evercreech ... Tim Bassett with his Tribute to Elvis is at The Cross Keys Inn, Lydford on Fosse on Saturday 29th September ... all functions catered for at The Quarry Inn, Keinton Mandeville ... a recent event at The Barton Inn, Barton St David raised £175 for the charity MIND ... you can normally expect to find three to five different ales at The Rose & Portcullis, Butleigh along with five Somerset ciders ... cosy atmosphere at The Walnut Tree, West Camel ... and don’t forget it’s band night with Ian Valentine at The Old Pound Inn, Aller on 28th September.

Moving on to Yeovil we find Barry Paull and his Tribute for a King show at The Quicksilver Mail on 28th September ... always a warm welcome at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock ... Red Velvet king prawns in beetroot crumb is a tasty starter at The Hollies Hotel, Bower Hinton ... you’ll find a good choice of inexpensive genuine home-cooking at Dinnington Docks, Dinnington, Hinton St George ... and finally, we would like to welcome new landlords Alasdair and Victoria at The Barrington Boar, Barrington, to our Pub Pages.

They Say That Jim Eastment of Chiselborough got more than he bargained for whilst visiting the Hawk Conservancy Trust near Andover, when a vulture got ‘up close and personal’.

That the signposts in North Cadbury are looking exceedingly smart after their recent overhaul.

That congratulations go to Anita on her recent wedding, wishing her a long and happy marriage from UJ.

That vandal birds have been spotted throwing rocks at cars in Castle Cary.

That if you like your coffee served in delicate china cups, then a visit to Sherborne’s Top End Cafe is for you.

That after the discovery of a badger helping itself to the contents of a wheelie bin in Crewkerne, local residents are opening their bins with extreme caution whilst depositing their rubbish.

That for something that was conceived last year as a ‘bit of fun’, by former rally driver Tim Nash, this year’s Lombard Rally Bath is expected to exceed all expectations.

That congratulations go to Alison and John Lawrence who are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the opening of their delightful shop Needful Things in Castle Cary.

That if poet extraordinaire, Mr. Gordon W. Rendell, who may or may not live in the vicinity of Montacute, would like to contact The Visitor office, he may learn something to his advantage.

That Mr. John Moran of North Cadbury, certainly has the knack when it comes to picking a winner.

That Anita Hancox of North Cadbury has a be-au-ti-ful new coat.

That Somerset residents Monica Trott and Di Clegg recently went on a trip to Bath from Castle Cary Station, although they were so deep in conversation they didn’t actually get on the train.

That John ‘JR’ Richards of Wincanton does a taxi service at the drop of a hat.

That Garry Thomas of Evercreech is once again back in Castle Cary ‘by popular demand’.

That 106 Huish, Yeovil, is the place to be on 26th October.

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

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL

It was a night like this forty million years ago I lit a cigarette, picked up a monkey skull to go The sun was spitting fire, the sky was blue as ice I felt a little tired, so I watched Miami Vice

Stop Press!

BBC’s MasterChef star comes to Yeovil on 27th October

The star of BBC’s MasterChef, Inside The Factory and Eat Well For Less, Gregg Wallace, takes to the stage for this brand new live show at The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, at 8pm on Saturday 27th October.

Mixing hilarious behind the scenes tales with demonstrations and audience fun and games.

THE FIRST PERSON to tell me the song above gets a free drink.

Last month Ann from West Coker was the first to tell me that the song was ‘It’s different for girls’ by Joe Jackson.

There was a couple of great parties up here this month - we had Craig Ball celebrating his BIG 50, lots of friends and family came along including his brother Alan who came all the way from Australia to surprise him. Great party, well done Craig !!

Another young man celebrating this month was Sam Waugh who reached the number 60 in style.

Great Band, nice little bit of grub and loads of friends came along to help Sam. A splendid time was had by all - congratulations Sam. Next month we have Live music on Friday 5th with Michael Mochan live in the bar from 9 pm. On the 12th we have a very special event in the function room when Howie Casey will be bringing his BEATLES with WINGS tribute show. This is one night not to be missed, tickets are available from the pub.

Our Christmas menu is out now and the dates are filling up fast.

We would love to see you here so pop in for a menu ... next years Good Beer Guide is out and sadly there is only one pub from Yeovil in it - see if you can guess which one  See you all next month!

Toot Toot!!! 

BOOKINGS

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Join Gregg as he answers the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, shares classic anecdotes and dishes up a sumptuous serving of MasterChef’s juiciest bits. Complete with a Q&A, this really is a mustsee event for any foodie and Gregg fan!

Gregg Alan Wallace is a writer, media personality and former greengrocer. He is probably best known for co-presenting MasterChef, Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals on BBC 2 and BBC 1.

Gregg was born in Peckham, South East London, where he first watched Millwall FC and remains a Millwall supporter to this day.

He began his career in Covent Garden Fruit and Veg Market. In 1989 he started George Allan’s Greengrocers, a company that built up to an eventual turnover of £7.5 million.

Based on his business success, he was invited to co-present Veg Talk on BBC Radio 4 with Charlie Hicks. He was the original presenter of Saturday Kitchen in 2002. Other TV projects include: Eat Well for Less, Inside the Factory, Turn back Time, Harvest, Supermarket Secrets and Who Do You Think You Are? Tickets can be bought from the Box office on 01935 422 884 or online at www.octagontheatre.co.uk.

THE VISITOR October 2018 43

THE EARLY AUTUMN season provides the opportunity to take short breaks at an affordable price; beaches are less crowded and the sun less intense.

Islands provide the perfect setting for easy exploration. There are great deals on offer and regular flights to the Greek islands, including Corfu.

Enthusiastic when it comes to getting to grips with the culture, on my recent visit I sampled ‘Corfiot’ food and wine, not always successfully. When a restaurant I planned to visit was closed, I resorted to plan ‘B’, eating at another nearby. The absence of other patrons should have alerted me to disaster. I wrote, ‘This, my first experience of Corfiot wine, bears little resemblance to what can be a fine beverage. Vinegar would be more palatable. I hope the pot plant survives.’

I should have known better.

Pleasingly, my subsequent encounters were largely more successful.

Greek vineyards are situated in a climate usually associated with red wine production, but surprisingly more than 60% of wine production is white, the most common being Retsina, made from blended grapes, with fruit flavours masked by resin, and considered inferior.

Most of the wine produced in Corfu is for personal consumption so much of the ‘local’ wine on offer is from the mainland.

In this difficult terrain it takes a good deal of persistence to produce wines worthy of recommendation, but vinophiles can find surprisingly good wines made from local grapes, such as the white Kakotrygis and red Petrokoritho, giving a real sense of ‘place’. Experimenting enables us to discover something new, and more reasonably priced.

Although a small island, l clocked up 300 miles in seeking out Corfiot vineyards; mainly due to the absence of a decent map. I survived, but the hire car came off a little worse for wear.

I visited four vineyards, the bestknown being Theotoky. In the Bond film, For Your Eyes Only, filmed in Corfu, Roger Moore, when dining in the Achilleion Palace, famously says he would prefer to drink Theotoky white rather than a martini!

These are all worth visiting, but check opening times beforehand.

44 THE VISITOR October 2018

THEOTOKY

Ropa Valley, Giannades, 49100, Corfu. Tel. +30 694 559 3016, www.teoktoky.com

Theotoky, Bio Dry White, Cuvée Spéciale, 2017, 11.5%abv., £14

Grapes are hand harvested, fermented naturally, with no additional yeast. Made from 90% Robola and 10% Kakotrygis, this is bright yellow and smells of minerals and herbs, just like the landscape. The crisp citrus character makes it a good match for fish dishes.

Theotoky, Dry Rosé, 2015, 13%abv., £16

100% Syrah, and a brilliant, clear, rose colour, with purple highlights. Powerful aromas include cherry, strawberry and clove. Crisp acidity offsets the fruity, richness of this wellstructured wine.

GRAMMENOS

Aerostato, Sinarades, 49084, Corfu.

Tel. +30 266 105 4687, www.grammenosfamily-wines.com.

Grammenos, Dry Red, NV, 12%abv., £11

Made from Petrokoritho, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is smooth with soft tannins and good length. It is a bright deep-red, with aromas of cherry, plum, vanilla and spice.

Grammenos also produce a white wine from the Kakotrygis grape, with the unlikely name of ‘Cockroach’.

GOULIS

Eparchiaki Odos PaleokastritsasPeleka, Liapades, 49083, Corfu Tel. +30 2663 041963. Inexpensive and undemanding wines, popular locally.

Goulis, Kerali, Dry White Wine, 12%abv., £6

A simple, fresh, light, dry white wine characterised by white flowers on the palate, with pleasant acidity.

Goulis, Dry Red Table Wine, 12%abv., £6

A straight forward red that goes well with grilled meats.

AMBELONAS

Pelekas Road, Karoumbatika, Pelekas 49100, Tel. +30 693 215 8888, www.ambelonas-corfu.gr.

Family owned since the 1600s,

L.P-V enjoying some wine tasting during her recent trip to Corfu.

this working vineyard has a museum, shop and restaurant, which hosts cooking courses, concerts and workshops.

Local grape varieties are hand harvested, and vinified without preservatives or stabilisers, and aged in oak barrels, to produce just 4,000 litres.

Ambelonas, White, Katotrygis, 2017, 13% abv., £11

A well-balanced medium bodied dry wine with good acidity, and a fresh fruity flavour with floral overtones, softened by 6-7 months barrel ageing.

Ambelonas, Red, Skopelitiko, 2017, 14%abv., £11

A medium bodied wine, with soft tannins and dark fruits on the palate, perfectly complementing Corfiot cuisine.

For the duty driver, there is another Corfu speciality to seek out, ginger beer (tsitsibir).

Introduced by the British in the 19th century, it is very popular.

Corfu Ginger Beer

Ingredients 7oz. sugar ¼ tsp. dried yeast 2 heaped teaspoons powdered ginger Juice of 1 lemon Tepid water

Method 1. In a 2 litre bottle, put the sugar and yeast and shake well to mix.

2. Add the ginger and lemon juice and shake well until the sugar dissolves.

3. Add tepid water until the bottle is just ¾ full, no more.

4. Seal the bottle well and leave it in a warm place (e.g. in sunlight or above a radiator) for 24-48 hours until the fermentation is completed.

The ginger beer will be ready when the bottle feels solid if you try to squeeze it.

5. Cool in the fridge, and when cool strain the ginger beer into a clean bottle. It will keep in the fridge for up to a month.

L.P-V.

GARDENING MONTHLY

AUTUMN: a time of fading sunlight, shortening days and red and golden hues all around the garden. By the meteorological calendar the first day of autumn was 1st September but the Autumn Equinox 2018 took place on Sunday 23rd September at 02.54 precisely. Did you notice?

This is the time of the year when night and day are of equal length, not just in the UK but all over the world, so what does this mean for gardeners?

If you’re a nine-to-fiver it means gardening will probably be restricted to weekends and there’s lots to do at this time of year.

raking them from the lawn and sweeping paths will help to keep the garden looking tidy (and good for the compost bin of course). Ensure that plants in borders alongside the lawn are not overlapping the grass and causing it to die. A good raking and an autumn feed high in phosphate and potash will benefit your lawn, producing a good strong healthy root system. Spike the surface and add sharp sand to improve drainage and reduce the amount of moss.

Remove stakes and canes that were used to support plants during the summer, brush off

Raking up fallen leaves will help keep your garden looking tidy.

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Ben Johnson, 17d Wincombe Business Park SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ Tel: 01747 851021 • www.benjohnsonmowers.com THE VISITOR October 2018 45

soil, wash with disinfectant and store in the shed ready for next year.

Lift dahlia tubers as soon as the frost has blackened their leaves. Cut off their stems about 5 inches above soil level and carefully dig up, taking care not to damage them. Wipe off the soil and place tubers upside down in boxes to let them dry out. Place boxes in a cool, dry, frost-proof shed.

A pond needs attention at this time of year. Remove dead plants and leaves that have fallen into the water. Rubbish that remains in the pond decomposes, creating gases that can harm your fish. If there are trees around that are still shedding their leaves cover your pond with netting. It will save you having to clear the pond again.

Herbaceous perennials benefit from lifting, splitting and replanting at this time of year.

Autumn is the best time to plant trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials as the warm soil is

welcoming for plant roots and the conditions are conducive for encouraging new root growth, without the burden of having to support masses of leaves.

Plant of the Month

Vitis Coignetiae - Crimson Glory Vine, is a plant belonging to the genus Vitis that is native to the temperate climes of Asia, where it can be found in the Russian Far East, Korea and Japan.

This vigorous, ornamental climbing vine was introduced to the United Kingdom in the late 19th century. If you are lucky enough to have the vertical space to accommodate this plant you will be rewarded year after year with its intense colour. The rough-textured dark green heart-shaped leaves are pointed at the apex and in autumn turn into vivid, fiery shades of orange, scarlet and crimsonpurple. The small flowers, which are usually hidden by the foliage turn into black inedible grapes in autumn.

The plant needs no attention

Full ground preparation and laying service available

Plant of the month: Vitis Coignetiae - Crimson Glory Vine.

after the first year of planting.

Mature specimens can reach 82ft.

Open Afternoon at Mill on the Brue, 30th September 1:30pm – 5:30pm In aid of: The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Mill on the Brue in Bruton, Somerset is opening its doors to help fundraise for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

They are hoping to raise a super amount of money for this worthy cause by inviting you to go and have a slide down the super long zip wire, try the leap of faith or simply throw an axe and get back to your Viking roots.

If this isn’t your idea of fun, come and sample some of Mill on the Brue’s finest homemade teas and cakes. Then have a guided tour around their

The Farmhouse, Somerton Door, SOMERTON, TA11 6JA Tel / Fax: 01458 272091 www.evergreen-turf.co.uk • info@evergreen-turf.co.uk

Lee Holmes has a large selection of garden machinery on display in his showroom.

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Stables and open garages are just some of the speciality timber buildings that Sparkford Timber Buildings & Gates have been crafting since 1912.

See their advert on page 2 for more information.

wonderfully colourful gardens, including vegetable gardens and orchards, finishing with winetasting in their vineyard.

A truly fun afternoon for the whole family. Free entry.

Contact: 01749 812 307 or info@millonthebrue.com.

Open afternoon at Mill on the Brue, Bruton on 30th September.

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THE VISITOR October 2018 47

t h e en d

bi t . . .

REGULAR READERS of this column will know all about the Western Daily Press’s muchpromoted offer to encourage people to buy the paper via a direct debit subscription paid in advance and save 40% on the cover price for the first 13 weeks and 20% thereafter.

When first advertised the offer was supposedly closing on 31st January but this was extended to 31st May, and then to 31st August, and now to 20th October. And it’s still being promoted in almost every issue with a full-page or half-page advert and sometimes both, so perhaps this offer will never end.

Talking of offers, one from a membership warehouse club caught my eye in a full-page advert in the Western Daily Press’s West Country Life supplement. ‘Sign up for membership with this advert’ it said, and receive ‘a £20 voucher to spend online’, which seemed like a good deal as the annual membership fee is £28 plus VAT. According to the advert, this generous offer is valid till 31st August 2018 – but the advert appeared in the 15th September issue of the supplement. Some offers are clearly too good to be true.

Something else that intrigued me in that issue was David Lifton’s allotments page on which he waxed lyrical about his courgettes. The accompanying photo carried a caption informing readers that ‘David is happy with his courgette progress and suggests using them with beetroot in a home-made tart’, and below it was his recipe for courgette and beetroot tart. What intrigued me was the complete absence of any mention of beetroots in the recipe’s ingredients or methodology. Perhaps his crop of beetroots didn’t live up to his expectations.

In last month’s column I noted that while sales of paid-for local papers are declining in the face of competition from the internet and on-line newspapers, demand for Visitorland’s freebies appears to be increasing – especially those with clearly defined and often quite small circulation areas. I suspect this is because their content is written by local people who know their area and the issues of concern and interest to local residents. One of the freebies, the Somerset Leveller, claims to be ‘Somerset’s fastest growing newspaper’ as issues are now running to 80 pages and more than 10,000 copies. Full marks to Andrew Lee and his team for producing a monthly magazine that packs a lot of local news and comment – some of it quite

48 THE VISITOR October 2018

contentious – into its pages, along with plenty of local advertisements.

Another impressive local free publication is the quarterly What’s On Somerset which certainly lives up to its title. Its 64 pages contain a useful overview of what’s on in Somerset, fairly extensive events listings and a goodly number of short features. In the latest issue you can read about topics as diverse as archery, the ‘Shrouds for the Somme’ art installation, toiletries, Somerset Arts Weeks and mediaeval herb and kitchen gardens. It’s a good read, well written, attractively presented and, like The Leveller, well supported by advertisers. So, too, is the Mendip Times, now in its 12th year of publication. This freebie has grown into the fine publication with around 130 pages in full colour each month and it continues to contain plenty of good local news stories, photos and advertisements.

Finally, I was amused by a recruitment advert (pictured below) that appeared in the 24th August issue of the Blackmore Vale Magazine. I suspect the advertiser dictated the wording over the phone and it was taken down literally word-for-word with this unintended and entertaining consequence. I wonder what ‘oblique help’ looks like, regardless of whether it’s cleaner or dirtier.

Chronicler.

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Logs

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

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

THE VISITOR October 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. 384 Set by Frank Butler

1

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BP – to arrive by Friday 12th October.

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 .............................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................

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

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

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 CLASSiCAL AnD JAzz LP records. Tel: 01458 834102 / 07704229979 email: tonyartony@aol.com

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.

www.country-link.org.uk COUnTrY LinK SOCiAL GrOUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. Tel: Andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918

Services

HOUSEHOLD & GArDEn rUBBiSH CLEArED, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844

Catering / Mobile Bars

HArrY’S MOBiLE BArS, all occasions, weddings, parties, etc. Tel: 01747 825553 www.harrysmobilebars.co.uk

Photographic Studio

PrOFESSiOnAL PHOTOGrAPHiC STUDiO for hire in beautiful quiet location. ideal for commercial and amateur photo shoots. Fully equipped with professional lighting, softboxes, various backdrops and props.

PHOTOGrAPHY MODELS WAnTED. Te l 0 1 4 6 0 7 7 1 7 7 / 0 7 9 5 5 3 5 4 8 1 6 E:rEDSQUArEiMAGinG@GMAiL.COM

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

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH

Any size, any condition, make or model We collect in any area  Registered Firearms Dealer

Tel: 07970 742471

Across:

1. Go into part of seven terraces. [5] 4. Jack’s companion (vegetables chat!). [9] 9. Object about corrosion pushing. [9] 10. Relative partly unclear. [5] 11. Generous hero hiding attendant. [5] 12. Part of ticket in red ink wearing ladies’ underwear!

[9] 13. Torn fin ahead. [2,5] 15. Decorate sharing confusion.

[7] 18. Enlarge senior officer. [7] 20. Sped about source of tea rejected. [7] 21. Set quarry arranged with 90 degree tester. [3,6] 23. Idle person, one following physician. [5] 25. Man, changing hands, having no money. [5] 26. O come, Bess, your dream is realised. [7,2] 27. Regretting time. [6,3] 28. Some honest sign of breeding birds. [5]

5. Cornering fishing. [7] 6. Miss Tucker partly glued down. [5] 7. Agreement with charged particle as instrument. [9] 8. K and E arranged in breadmaking. [5] 14. Nun confused with boy in fen, sounds humerous! [5,4] 16. Sud formed with Norman making deliveries. [9] 17. Avoids telling directly about pig: Prickly animals! [9] 19. Blue fad for non-floral arrangements in plant. [4,3] 20. Eat away in the air is not very clear. [7] 21. Sailor is hill with small drum. [5] 22. Baroque entrance conceals ruler. [5] 24. Roast fish lacking extremes at fertile spot in desert. [5]

Solution to Crossword 383

Down:

1. Accordingly, in ending largely, being zealous. [9] 2. Rocky height, with church, to set alight. [5] 3. Sire arranged with rover as water store. [9] 4. Bet about danger in meat.

[7] 50 THE VISITOR October 2018

The Winner of our September Crossword Was Mr R. A. White of Lovington who chose to spend the £10 voucher at The Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse.