The Visitor Magazine Issue 421 December 2018

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

Issue 421 December 2018

Spread some warmth this winter by donating your Winter Fuel Payment to those in need See page 6 for details

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In Passing ...

W

hen I was a youngster the milkman delivered our daily pints from an electric float laden with crates full of bottles. His means of transport was quiet, gave off no nasty emissions to pollute our air, and used none of the world’s finite supply of fossil fuels (if you disregard the fossil fuels used to generate the electricity that charged the batteries every night).

Nowadays, supposedly to display its green credentials, the Government wants to make us all have batteries under the bonnets of our cars. Its declared intention is to ban the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars from 2032, and to ban their use from 2040.

At present there are very few electric vehicles on our roads, and most of those are hybrids with a conventional engine to fall back on if or when the battery goes flat. It’s easy to see why they are so rare.

They are significantly more expensive than petrol or diesel cars, the battery’s life expectancy is unknown, and by the time it needs replacing the cost could well exceed the value of the car. There are few public battery charging points, and with the hours it takes for a full charge they could have queues of vehicles with long waits to access them.

Unless you live in one of Visitorland’s small towns a car is essential. With little or no public transport it is often the only way to get to the shops or the doctor, to visit friends or go to work or college. Many rural services have been centralised, requiring rural residents to make more longer journeys, and our public services rely on many of their staff – teachers, nurses, dustmen, policemen and the like – driving to work, for nowadays few people live on the doorstep of their workplace.

To transform the Government’s laudable intentions into something that is acceptable in Visitorland will require a massive financial investment. Many local residents do not have an off-road facility at home to charge their batteries overnight, so a proper network of many thousands of charging

points will have to be established. And the National Grid has calculated that several more nuclear power stations will be required to generate the electricity needed to charge the UK’s millions of cars. The price of electric cars will have to become much more affordable if motoring is not to become restricted to the well-off. Low-paid workers in Visitorland will still need cars, and young people will still need to have access to cheap old vehicles in which to learn to drive.

So far the Government has said nothing about how it proposes to tackle these issues, and has remained silent on its intentions for commercial and agricultural vehicles.

Instead it has enthusiastically endorsed fracking for oil and has cancelled several major railway electrification schemes, so its green veneer is already looking very thin.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines

Christmas / January Issue published Thursday 15th December - Deadline Monday 3rd December

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

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

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

For advertisement sizes see our Rate Card.

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

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 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 - 39 CASTLE CARY BIG CHRISTMAS - 32 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE - 34 CROSSWORD - 50 FESTIVE LANGPORT - 12 FESTIVE VENUES & MENUS - 40 GARDENING - 46 FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK - 16 HOUSE & HOME - 36 LEISURE - 22 LETTERS - 4 LOOKING GOOD - 31 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 4 MOTORING - 30 MUSIC for the MONTH - 23 NOTICE BOARD - 22 PAPERCHASE - 48 PHONE-A-FIRM - 48 PUBS - 42 SEASONAL SHERBORNE - 18 SOMERTON - 26 SUDOKU - 23 THEY SAY - 44 WINCANTON - 24 WINE & DINE - 45 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR December 2018 3

Letters to the Editor Social care funding shortfall in Dorset

Sir, Your readers may have heard recently of the £240m of extra money being allocated to the social care system to ease pressure on the NHS this winter.

We now know this will mean that over 3.4 million will be made available in Dorset.

While it’s important that the Government has recognised that social care underfunding lies at the heart of our hospitals’ winter pressures, the amount committed is a let-down – less than 10 per cent of what’s needed to fix the

social care crisis now. The social care system is ‘not just for Christmas’ and people with dementia, as its biggest recipients, are experiencing the emotional and economic cost all year round.

To actually turn the tide for the 22,000 people with dementia in Dorset we need to plug the current funding gap and offer them the chance to access the good quality social care they have a right to.

Marion Child Head of Region (South West) Alzheimer’s Society

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Second hand Railway Book Sale & Christmas Fayre

Ffestiniog Railway Bristol Group are holding a sale of second hand, mainly railway, books that have been donated to them on Saturday 1st December 2018 from 10am to 1pm at Frome Cricket Club, Rodden Road, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2AH. The selection covers many topics and there are a few rarities among them, including books about Ffestiniog Railway of course, and all proceeds will be going to projects on the Railway.

The event also includes a Christmas Fayre, in conjunction

Millers Helping Hands

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with Frome Gateway Club with cards, gifts, calendars and craft items all available.

There will be plenty going on during the morning so do come along and support two excellent causes and gain a bargain or two, as well. For further information contact 01373 471103.

The Yeovilton Military Wives Choir at the Digby Hall, Sherborne on Saturday 1 December

Blackmore Vale and Yeovil NT Association (a supporter group for local National Trust properties) presents The Yeovilton Military Wives Choir who will get the Christmas season off to a festive start at the Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne. Doors open 2.00pm, with performance at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £10.00 and are available from Winstone Books, Cheap Street, Sherborne, or send cheque and SAE to Philip Walker, 9 Freame Way, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4RA; Contact 01747 824 645.

Festive refreshments will be served at the end of the afternoon. There will be a raffle.

For more information visit www.bvyntassoc.word press.com.

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Dispatches

Spread some warmth this winter by donating your Winter Fuel Payment

If you wish to donate your Winter Fuel Payment, please send completed form to: Somerset Community Foundation, Yeoman House, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN.

6 THE VISITOR December 2018

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) has launched this year’s Surviving Winter campaign, which encourages people to join the growing number of contributors who donate some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment to help local people living in fuel poverty. This year, any online donations to the campaign made during the week-long Big Give Christmas Challenge midday Tuesday 27 November to midday Tuesday 4 December - will be doubled!

Surviving Winter began in 2010 right here in our office in Somerset. We were contacted by one of our donors who offered to give his Winter Fuel Payment to help local pensioners struggling with the cost of staying warm and healthy. He wanted his

donation to pay for the everyday essentials that most of us take for granted, such as heating, warm clothing and food. From this simple idea Surviving Winter has spread across the country, raising over £6 million nationally and over £600,000 in Somerset alone. Over 80,000 older people have received a Surviving Winter grant during this time. The costs of running the Surviving Winter appeal are met entirely from Gift Aid contributions, so donors can be confident that their donation will reach those who need it the most. But for this reason we also ask you to please complete the Gift Aid form if you are able to do so.

The Arts Society Mendip - ‘Is photography Fine Art?’, 4th December

‘Is photography Fine Art?’ is the subject of a talk by Brian Statter. The lecture will be followed by a Christmas Reception and Lunch. The meet is at the Bath and West Bar & Restaurant, B&W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN at 11am. Guests welcome.

More details available at: www.theartssocietymendip. org.uk or contact 01934 862435.

Carols & Classics

by Candlelight The Final Concert

A fitting finale to the series of this pre-Christmas hidden gem will be performed at the All Saints Church Merriott (TA16 5PS) on Saturday 15th December. This will be the 10th and final year that the Fisher Sinfonia has performed at this 15thC church providing an unmissable evening of string ensembles with organ and piano accompaniment.

Being the last year, the Fisher Sinfonia will bring the largest string ensemble ever to perform in the church. A string orchestra directed by London Symphony Orchestra’s member, William Melvin will perform Vivaldi’s Winter from his 4 Seasons.

Together with Gamal Khamis performing Beethoven’s Emperor Piano Concerto (1st movement), the evening of classical and festive arrangements will be the final concert not to be missed.

The Fisher Sinfonia concerts have amassed a significant following of appreciative classical and festive music lovers, and have raised over £12,000 for the church. The Carols & Classics concert on Saturday 15th December will no doubt be

another sell out, with mince pies and refreshments before the concert to start the Christmas festivities. 7.00pm refreshments for a 7.30pm concert start.

Tickets are £10 available from Merriott Service Station, Broadway, Merriott; Crewkerne Information Centre, or contact 07870 404631 / 01460 76360, please book early to avoid disappointment.

Peer Support Group: First Thursday of every month 7.30 - 9.30 pm in Taunton & Bridgwater

The group provides a safe and confidential space for anyone to attend that has been bereaved by suicide. Meetings are held at: Taunton (Facilitated by Susan Hoyle) - Mind in Somerset, Sussex Lodge, 44 Station Road, Taunton, TA1 1NS (Parking available in Belvedere Road car park) & Bridgwater (Facilitated

by Sam Carr) - The Snug (double fronted shop on the corner), 7 East Quay, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5AZ. The best free car park is a 2 minute walk away and it's free after 6, it's by the job centre at TA6 3HG. The shop still has part of old sign on it saying 'We buy We sell We trade'. Also you can

Carols & Classics at All Saints Church, Merriott, on Saturday 15th December

park in Asda but only for 2 hours.

The groups have experienced facilitators but manage themselves.

Call 01823 334906 if you would like to talk to someone before attending.

The group is part of the

Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service, which is available to anyone in Somerset.

Tel: 0300 330 5463 or email: : bereaved@mindtws.org.uk, www.mindtws.org.uk/somersetsuicide-bereavement-support.

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THE VISITOR December 2018 7

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Dispatches People’s Peer Support Group for those aged 14yrs+ who have been bereaved by suicide is now running. Please contact us for more information.

The DIY Doctor and Foundations Up Construction take the Crisis 50/50 Challenge to Frome Market to help end homelessness

Two Somerset companies took up the challenge to help to end homelessness in the UK. DIY Doctor, the leading home improvement website that operates from Frome, Somerset and it’s building arm, Foundations Up Construction completed the Crisis 50/50 challenge. A team from both companies pushed a wheelbarrow 50 miles in 50 days.

The 50/50 challenge is an event organised by the charity Crisis, which is most famous for giving away Christmas dinners

for homeless people. Over the festive period they take in people and give them a hearty meal, showers and a bed for the night.

There is access to health care professionals and advice about how to access benefits and housing. They even offer clean clothes and anything else to make life a little easier.

As two companies that spend all their working days helping people making their homes even nicer, they feel it is important to stop and consider people who don’t have a home at all. It is easy to forget that there are people that are not as lucky as we are especially when you are improving homes for a living.

The team was on the Crisis leader board after 40 miles for funds raised, with over £500 raised.

There were extraordinarily generous donations from visitors to the DIY Doctor website and from passers by who donated loose change, throwing it into the barrow as it passed.

The climax of this challenge took place on the morning of Saturday 3rd November as the team pushed the barrow through the Frome Independent Market.

They passed through the town to help raise awareness about

Crisis and the amazing work that the charity does, and collected a few more donations along the way.

Mike Edwards, founder of DIY Doctor and Foundations Up explains why they did the challenge, ‘Most of us are lucky enough to have a roof over our heads, and in our busy lives it is easy to forget that there are others less fortunate than ourselves – we did the Crisis 50/50 Challenge to try to make a difference to these people.’

Should you want to make a donation it is possible at the website and all donations will be extremely gratefully received. https://crisis-5050-challenge2018.everyd ayhero.com/uk/ diydoctorandfuc/.

Women across South Somerset can be In It Together

With over 2,500 women taking part in sporting activities in the past three years, South Somerset District Council’s In It Together project has certainly had a real impact on many women’s lives.

The In It Together project funded by Sport England helps women and girls aged 14+ to be more active by providing sporting and physical activity opportunities that are fun, affordable and in the right place at the right time.

Many women think about doing physical activity but for various reasons including money, time, body or general confidence, decide not to take part. The In It Together project helps people to find their confidence through its friendly approach to taking part in exercise.

Classes are friendly with that ‘beginners’ feeling so that everyone who takes part is starting from the same point.

This approach to getting women back into sport and physical activity has led to the success of the project and with six months of the project left, more women attending than originally projected.

Successful Classes: Cherry Toop has taken part in a number of In It Together classes and gone on to lose four stone in weight, gain confidence in her ability and trained to lead her own In It Together running classes.

Cherry found she was struggling with motivation to take part in sport, was overweight and had problems with her lower back. She received an email about the In It Together beginners running classes and despite thinking she couldn’t run, decided to sign up for the eight week beginners running sessions.

Now with the running bug and a leader’s qualification behind her, Cherry has set up her own beginners running classes in Sparkford and Wincanton.

Initially 11 women turned up for the first week at the Sparkford course, all wanting to be more active, gain confidence and share in Cherry’s inspiring story.

Speaking about the project, Cherry said, ‘In It Together has really changed my life; it’s allowed me to become more fit, lose weight but most importantly be more confident about myself and taking part in sport. I’m not a person to give up and despite not enjoying the running sessions initially, I look back now and can see the

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Dispatches benefits that I have personally reaped because of these easy to access affordable classes.’

Cherry’s Sparkford beginners running class has gone from strength to strength, with new classes starting for beginners and intermediates. Many women are now comfortable running 5k or further and lots of participants also regularly take park in weekly Park Run events.

Cherry added, ‘I’m really pleased that my story has inspired others to come forward and take part in sport. My classes have an excellent retention rate in terms of people coming back to training sessions. We use WhatsApp as a communication tool so we can keep in touch and talk about how we’re feeling after sessions, what we have planned and it has allowed people to make new friends as well.’

How to get involved: There are lots of In It Together activities, including a range of beginners

Women across South Somerset can be In It Together.

Cherry Toop (front centre – blue trainers, black leggings, pink top and black jumper) with her Sparkford beginners and intermediates In It Together running groups.

fitness, sporting and relaxation classes. For example, you can take part in classes such as taichi, running, netball, badminton and Zumba.

To get involved or find out more information, Like the In It Together – South Somerset Facebook page or email iit@southsomerset.gov.uk.

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All prices include full installation plus a comprehensive guarantee. They also offer a rental option for straight stairlifts as well as servicing and safety checks, repairs and removals.

Handicare stairlifts offer features such as a powered swivel seat and powered folding footplate allowing you to operate these functions at the touch of a

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THE VISITOR December 2018 9

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Dispatches button. All Handicare stairlifts have safety sensors on the power pack and footplate which are designed to stop the lift if it meets any obstruction.

Suttons 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.

With their inclusive and comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty and 365 day coverage

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12th Wells Rotary Reindeer Parade Sunday 9th December

The event will be opened at 10.50am by the Mayor of Wells and the President of Wells Rotary.

At 12 noon there will be a Parade of Santa Claus in his sleigh pulled by real reindeer through the City of Wells and led by the Town Crier and the City of Wells Band.

Before and after the parade there will be music by bands and choirs plus rides and other entertainments in Wells Market Place. There will also be a variety of stalls with festive food, drink, seasonal goods and gifts.

Last year’s parade raised Two Thousand Five Hundred pounds

Santa Claus will be in Wells on Sunday 9th December.

by means of programme sales, donations from the public and support from the local business community. This sum was passed on to support the vital work of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

This event has become part of the local calendar and will be a great day out for all the family.

Take Art Presents Bowjangles in Cabaret: 7.30pm, Saturday 8th December 2018 at Kingsdon Village Hall

Bowjangles are a string quartet who can really play. They dance whilst they play. They sing whilst they play. They can do it all and this is their most magical and ludicrous, show so far. A theatrical, musical journey through myths, folklore, legends and a portal in a cello case in the

10 THE VISITOR December 2018

quest to find the most priceless relic of all; a magical violin bow known as Excalibow.

You can expect tales of ancient gods, monsters, historical figures and characters of pure fantasy in this action packed show, all presented in Bowjangles own inimitable and unique style. Full of comedy, energy, panache and almost every musical genre you can imagine.

Suitable for all ages. Be warned, may contain traces of Abba.

Bowjangles are four very clever and funny performers, not to mention truly excellent musicians. This is a cabaret comedy night of pure fun that is always a big hit on the rural touring circuit. Tickets are available from Kingsdon Village Shop.

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Bruton Choral Society

It is now coming to the end of what has been a packed Gala Year to celebrate 25 years of live choral singing in Bruton; next in line is our Christmas concert at 7.30pm on Monday 17 December.

Once more there will be singing in the wonderfully atmospheric setting of St Mary’s and as always there will be a mix of seasonal music and carols for all to sing.

Mince pies and wine will add to the festive mood and Bruton Choral Society are delighted to welcome Angela Ashworth (soprano) and Tiggy Brearley as guest oboe soloist. Tickets are available at £12 (children free), to include a glass of wine and mince pies, from Bruton Pharmacy, Church Bridge Stores, by phoning 01749 813161 or online at www.bruton choralsociety.org.uk.

Christmas Market at All Saints' Church, Martock TA12 6JL, 1st December

Christmas Market on Saturday 1st December at All Saints’ Church, Martock, 10am – 2.30pm. Stalls, refreshments, raffle, games, entertainment. All welcome!

from 01935 822287 or stanchesterquire1@gmail.com.

Sherborne Lunch Club volunteers receive a Dorset Volunteers Award for 'Volunteer Group of the Year' 2018

Sherborne Lunch Club organiser Rabiah Jackson and volunteers Linda and Marjorie represented the team at the awards evening at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester. Rabiah says: ‘Our team consists of 9 volunteers in total, the oldest of which is 92!

She loves washing up and serving food. We host our lunches on Tuesdays, every fortnight, to about 25-30 members each time.

As a team, we try our best to get to know each member of the Lunch Club, so that they feel welcomed and included. Seems to work, because we have happy members! Needless to say, I love working with my team. We have

shared the happy news with our members and they are delighted for us!’

To find out more about Sherborne Lunch Club and the

Royal Voluntary Service in Dorset please contact the office on 01305 236666 or email dorset wiltshirehub@royalvoluntary service.org.uk.

Smiley Castle Cary residents Ann Brittain (left) and Jimmy Allis (right) helping to raise funds for The Poppy Appeal 2018.

Photo: Graham Cox Photography L.M.P.A.

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Angels Proclaim - The Stanchester Quire come to Martock on 14th December

On Friday 14th, December, at 7:30pm, The Stanchester Quire will be performing their Christmas Concert of carols and readings, collected from the South West of England, at the Martock Christian Fellowship Centre, Church Street, Martock, TA12 6JL. Admission £8, details

next to Costa Coffee anD within easy reaCh of Main Car park

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“if you can’t come to us we will come to you”

THE VISITOR December 2018 11

Festive LANGPORT

Kick off your Christmas in Langport

LANGPORT welcomes you to start your festive season, right here in this charming little town.

The market town of Langport has many independent businesses who believe they have the solution to your Christmas shopping dilemmas.

Whether you are looking for delicious local food, something special for your home or a distinctive gift, Langport’s unique and independent traders will be sure to have something that you

will love, right here on your doorstep (and the parking is free).

You can be sure that Langport has a wide choice of excellent gifts and foods to suit every purse and a wonderful Christmas Fair to get you in a merry mood.

Christmas certainly comes to town on Saturday 1st December with the Christmas Fair and fireworks. This year, the fair boasts more than 40 vendors in the town centre, with many more stalls in The Angel and the Ridgeway Hall, and of course, all the usual independent businesses

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12 THE VISITOR December 2018

Christmas on Langport High St. Photo: Peter Roberts.

Festive LANGPORT

and cafes will be open too.

Some wonderful stalls are ready for you and you will find Christmas gifts, accessories, artworks, tasty treats and mulled cider. There will be music and entertainment from local bands and carol singers, to really get you in the festive mood, and when you need a break, the coffee shops and tea rooms are ready to provide you with something restorative.

The town will once again be decorated with thousands of delicate white lights.

The market will run from 14.00 -18.00 and many businesses, shops and cafes will also remain open until 18.00. This will be followed by the annual fireworks display at 18.30 with a hog roast on Cocklemoor beside the River Parrett.

Once again, the town's yearly ‘Best Dressed Window Competition’ will begin on 1st December. You can vote for your favourite window and enter a draw to win up to £50 in vouchers to spend locally.

Langport & District History Society Event Report November 2018: South Somerset Flax & Hemp & the West Coker Twineworks

Santa in Langport. Photo: Bill Bradshaw.

On Sunday 2nd December, Shakspeare Glass will be holding their annual Open Day and Sale.

This well-established and successful event is a must for lovers of beautiful hand-blown glass, art and much more besides.

With so many independent businesses offering goods of the highest quality, Langport really is the place to come for your

Christmas shopping. The shops are full of beautiful gifts and there really is something for everybody from children's toys, Christmas fare and gorgeous stocking fillers, right through to art pieces, handblown glass and ornaments and furniture for the home.

Langport is the place to find those unusual and unique gifts.

Ross Aitken, Chair of the Coker Rope & Sail Trust, gave an illustrated presentation on how the Trust was restoring the famous Dawe’s Twineworks at West Coker, and more generally, provided a wide - ranging description of the history and importance of the flax and hemp industries to South Somerset and West Dorset. Ross was dressed as Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who had invented one of the small machines used at the Twineworks.

The industry developed in this region because of its propitious geology and soil, ideal for growing flax and hemp. An important product of the regions’ various rope and twine works was sailcloth, and ‘Coker Canvas’ was used as high-quality sailcloth for the Royal Navy, including several ships of Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar, as well as for many of

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Festive LANGPORT

the early America’s Cup Race yachts. Ross speculated that it may even have been exported to Russia when Peter the Great was creating his Navy. To overcome domestic shortages of the necessary quantities of flax and hemp as raw materials for the industry, supplies were regularly imported from Russia by sea to West Bay, and to this day, small lead seals, dated and in Cyrillic script, that were affixed to these imports could be found in the fields and elsewhere in the region.

Ross suggested that it was logical to assume that the ships would return to Russia laden with sailcloth for its Navy.

He then focussed on the Twineworks, which was developed by John Dawe in the late 19th century out of an existing business run by the Rendells. He briefly described the operation of the Works – which produced 42 differed types of twine - and the lives of its workers. Sadly, the Works stopped operating in 1968, and lay derelict for many years.

14 THE VISITOR December 2018

However its importance as part of the history and heritage of South Somerset was increasingly recognised by various public and voluntary bodies, keen to preserve the site and its contents, including, importantly, all its production machinery which, unlike other similar Works, had been retained in their entirety.

The Works are Grade II* Listed; various studies were made of how to preserve and restore it; and the site was eventually compulsorily purchased by SSDC in 2005.

The Coker Rope and Sail Trust was formed to take forward the site’s restoration, and, with the benefit of substantial grants and donations has been working to transform the site, including restoration of the 100-yards long ropewalk building as its centrepiece, the various pieces of machinery at the site, and the creation of an impressive Visitor Centre. The Trust has received many expressions of interest in exploiting any new twine the restored Works produces.

The Society’s next event will be its annual Christmas Social, to be held at the Black Swan, North St, on Monday 3 December from 7.30. It is £10 per person; bookings essential, to Colin Edwards on 01458 251118.

Anyone interested in joining the History Society should contact Sue Standen (01458 273471, suzannestanden471@btinternet .com). Follow the History Society at @langporthistory, and on: https://sites.google.com/site/ langport heritage/home.

The Langport Stores makes national shortlist for best window displays in the country

The Langport Stores has been shortlisted by SaveTheHigh Street.org for some of the best window displays in the country.

SaveTheHighStreet.org was set up in 2016, with the aim of supporting high streets across the country by empowering local shopkeepers. On the 26th of September this year, they launched their quest to find

Britain’s Best Shop Window. The purpose was to celebrate and champion the independent high street businesses across the United Kingdom who go the extra mile with their shop window displays. The first shortlist closed on 26th October 2018 The standard of entry from all over the country was extremely high and the submissions were fascinating and remarkable. The judges had a tough time choosing their favourites, but we think they did an impressive job. The results are now in! Look at this first shortlist https://savethehigh street.org/first-shortlistannounced.

We are delighted to announce that The Langport Stores made the national shortlist. It is no great surprise. It was only a matter of time before The Langport Stores window displays were noticed beyond just Langport. After all, Jason and John Rice-Lewis' window arrangements have been delighting us all ever since they first opened their business in Langport.

Festive

LANGPORT

themselves on sourcing the most interesting, and different foods and products that you might struggle to find elsewhere, in their lovely vintage shop, a cross between a Health Food Shop and a Delicatessen. Working with lots of local suppliers, the shop supplies locally sourced products, knowledgeable staff and a great customer experience that sets them apart from larger shops. If you want something they don't stock, then they love nothing more than the challenge of sourcing this for you, you just need to ask. In addition, The Langport Stores have embraced reducing plastic.

They have been decreasing their use of plastic and stock many alternatives to plastic items such as bamboo toothbrushes. They are carrier bag free, only using traditional brown paper sacks or Cotton Shopping Bags. In addition, did you know that they deliver FREE of charge to your home or office within 10 miles radius of the Langport Stores, for

all orders over ten pounds placed online or by telephone?

Westover Garage Ltd

Westover Garage in Langport offer a wide range of services including servicing, repairs, MOT's, tyres and much more.

They work on all makes and models at very competitive prices, providing an honest, friendly and reliable service at all times. They also offer car recovery and courtesy car service and are proud to be recognised as a highly reputable car garage.

Just give them a call on 01458 252252 or pop in to see them on the Westover trading estate, Langport. Open 7am until 5:30pm Mon-Fri & 6:30am until 12:30pm Saturday.

Westover Garage would like to wish all their customers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Dave and Gary thank you for the custom over the past year and they look forward to seeing you in 2019.

The Langport Stores Snow Globe window.

The Langport Stores, situated at the heart of Langport, is a health food and delicatessen with the emphasis on local, gluten, wheat and dairy free products.

Many of you will already know the shop which not only has wonderful window displays but also boasts a stunning listed interior with many original shop fittings dating back to about 1892.

The voting for the best windows will open on 5th December via Instagram (savethehighstreet), using the hashtag #Best ShopWindowuk.

Apart from their wonderful windows, there are many good reasons to use this lovely Langport shop. The Langport Stores in Somerset offer a personal and friendly service. They pride

THE VISITOR December 2018 15

Festive

Christmas Shopping at Muchelney Pottery

The Christmas kiln firing has been unpacked and the shop is full of gift ideas - from mugs, jugs and bowls to casserole dishes, garlic pots and sauce boats. The Muchelney Pottery range of kitchenware pots is handmade by John Leach and Mark Melbourne and fired in the three-chambered woodfired kiln. The kiln reaches a temperature of 1320 degrees centigrade which gives the pots their distinctive toasted finish.

As well as the functional range of pots, in the gallery you will find signed ceramics by John Leach, Mark Melbourne and Nick Rees as well as handmade silver jewellery (Holly Webb), paintings (Jamie Condon), copper and enamel bowls (Joanne Horrobin), willow baskets (David Drew) and handmade leather work (Jake Leach - Bare Naked Design).

Find out more at: www.john leachpottery.co.uk. Muchelney Pottery, Muchelney, Nr. Langport, Somerset, TA10 0DW. 01458 250324.

16 THE VISITOR December 2018

LANGPORT Open Monday - Saturday, 9-1, 2-5 (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day). *Please note that our hours are changing in 2019: From January the shop and gallery will be open Tuesday - Saturday, 10-1, 2-4.

Above: Woodfired sauce boat Below: A woodfired small lugged casserole pot. Both items along with many others available now at Muchelney Pottery.

Kimber’s Farm Shop and The Kitchen with the Somerset Trading Barn

With 45 years of producing succulent free range turkeys and geese the secret is in the care and attention in the growing, game hanging and hand inviseration process. Both Kelly Bronze and traditional white turkeys are grown from a day old on the pastures around the farm in Charlton Musgrove - orders are now being taken for Christmas.

Home cured gammons, beef, lamb etc. are also available. The shop also offers a hamper service, pick a hamper online and they will send all over the UK including a personalised note.

The shop stocks a wide range of produce from other local growers and producers. Alongside local products the Kimbers’ source quality rare products such as bottles of extra virgin olive oil from 500 year-old trees. Also on this site between Wincanton and Bruton is the Somerset Trading Barn, in which 23 individual traders have come together

selling antiques, home wares, fabrics, Christmas decorations and lots more. Sprout and Flower are selling their distinctive Christmas wreaths in their vintage shop (bottom of the stairs). The barn is a perfect place to pick up a gift that you won’t find on the high street. A new edition this year is The Kitchen at Kimbers. A wonderful space with cosy wood burner and delicious homemade cakes, light lunches and of course English breakfast. The kitchen will be hosting pop up events and should you wish to be kept informed about these please email info@thekitchenatkimbers.co.uk to be added to the data base.

River Cottage Food Fair 25-26th May 2019

River Cottage are delighted to announce a very special guest for the River Cottage Food Fair 2019 ... Yotam Ottolenghi.

Ottolenghi is an acclaimed chef, restaurant owner, and food writer. He has published seven cookbooks including Ottolenghi,

and Artisan Crafts. Tickets are just £15 and is free for under 16s.

For more information visit www.rivercottage.net/festival/food -fair-2019.

Tim’s Wines

Plenty, and Jerusalem and his latest book Simple. He writes a weekly column for The Guardian’s Feast Magazine and a monthly column in The New York Times. Yotam has also made two Mediterranean Feasts series for More 4, along with a BBC 4 documentary Jerusalem on a Plate.

Yotam Ottolenghi will be giving a demo on stage on the Saturday, so you'll be able to see him in action and learn more about his food philosophy.

Yotam will be joining all the River Cottage regulars. Hugh will be speaking and signing books, and Steven Lamb, Gill Meller and John Wright will all be taking part.

More guests will be announced soon but there is also all the fun of the fair including: Foraging Tours, Food & Craft Markets Farm Tours, Garden Talks & Tours, River Cottage Feasts Masterclasses, Cocktails On Wheels, Children’s Activities, Meet the Animals, Workshops

In Tim’s Wines family get together we open our presents before lunch. A glass of Langham Classic Cuvee 2015 is just the thing to take away that moment of sadness one gets when you’ve opened them all.

With turkey I’d have the Elderton Shiraz 2014, it is juicy enough to perk up the driest old bird and ideal for drowning out the sound of children screaming.

It’s always important to have something interesting and inexpensive when the neighbours come over, Chateau Billeron Bouquey St Emillion 2015 does the job perfectly even if your neighbour is Mrs Bucket!

After lunch, with the classic movie on TV and the Queens Speech beckoning, you’ll need something top quality from France with enough steel to stop

from falling asleep and a Domaine Camille Paquet Macon Lugny 2017 is ideal.

Christmas can be a time for family discord. If you’ve just had a row with someone, wait an hour or two, and then offer them a glass of Quinta De La Rosa’s Colheita Vintage Tawny Port 2008. It’s just the thing to close old wounds, soothe souls, mend friendships and, after a few glasses, bring about world peace.

Pop in and sample some delicious wines ready for your Christmas gathering.

25 St James’ Street, South Petherton TA13 5BS

info@timswines.co.uk www.timswines.co.uk 07866 538756 01460 242094

THE VISITOR December 2018 17

WITH CHRISTMAS fast approaching Sherborne is an ideal place to browse for unusual gifts from all over the world. Now the shops have stocked up for the Christmas trade there is plenty to see – ladies designer clothes, jewellery, fancy foods, kitchenware, books, traditional and contemporary home furnishings, electrical goods, antiques, bicycles ... the choice seemed endless when I was window-shopping in early November. And with its good public transport links, both bus and train, and large car parks close to the town centre, it’s no wonder that Sherborne attracts shoppers from a wide area.

Cheap Street, pedestrianised for much of the day, is the town’s main shopping thoroughfare which the late Patrick Dunion described some 30 years ago as ‘one of the most pleasant streets in the whole wide world’ after the cars were excluded.

Even today it is lined largely with small independent shops and retains a lot of character. The shopping centre also embraces Long Street, South Street, Half

18 THE VISITOR December 2018

The Swan Yard, Sherborne.

Moon Street and Digby Road which together house an incredible variety of specialist traders too numerous to mention by name. And much of Sherborne’s charm lies in its little lanes and alleys off the main shopping streets where there are other interesting businesses to be discovered on Hound Street and Trendle Street, in Swan’s Yard behind Cheap Street, at Greenhill beyond the top of Cheap Street, and on South Western Business Park next to the railway station.

The town always seems bustling whatever time of year I visit, and

the coming Christmas promises to be no exception. The open air market every Thursday and Saturday by the Conduit on Cheap Street certainly creates a lively atmosphere, and on the third Friday morning of each month a farmers market is held at the same place. Both markets will be operating on Sunday 2nd December from 10.00am until 4.00pm when the chamber of trade and the town council are staging a festive shopping day with plenty happening to appeal to families.

Of cosy tearooms Sherborne has

an abundance, providing enough choice to cater for almost all tastes and budgets. Two that I’ve used recently and found to be very good are the popular Pear Tree on Half Moon Street, and Olivers near the top of Cheap Street alongside the arcade leading to the Waitrose supermarket. Stroll through the town centre between these two and you’ll be tempted by several more.

An abundance of pubs, too, many of them steeped in history. The 16th century Plume of Feathers opposite the Abbey is probably the one most photographed by visitors, but it’s worth the walk to the top of Cheap Street to see The George, built on the site of an earlier inn and now Sherborne’s oldest surviving hostelry. Also 16th century is the Digby Tap on Cooks Lane, formerly the parish workhouse before becoming the tap house for the nowclosed Digby Hotel, providing beer and food for the servants of its affluent guests. And part of The Britannia Inn on Westbury was the original Lord Digby’s School where poor girls were taught to read and sew. I suspect that most of the

Looking up Cheap St., Sherborne.

town’s dozen or more pubs have an interesting story to tell.

But Sherborne at Christmas is about much more than just eating and drinking, much more than simply buying and giving gifts. As always, there are countless events happening in and around the town between now and Christmas – the festive shopping day, farmers’ market, antiques fair, exhibitions, concerts and carol services. The best way to get the details is to log on to www.sherbornetown.com which provides comprehensive information about the town, its services, facilities and events. Or call into the Tourist Information Centre, just a few doors down Digby Road from the Abbey, which is open from 10.00am till 3.00pm daily except Sundays. Alternatively, you can telephone the TIC on 01935 815341. Not only are the helpful staff a mine of information about things to do and places to visit in the town and around, they can also sell you tickets for events and offer you a good range of charity Christmas cards, books, gifts and souvenirs of local interest.

One event that’s unlikely to be happening this year is ice skating.

Readers with long memories will doubtless recall the winter of 1962/63 when blizzards created deep snowdrifts that brought Visitorland to a standstill and cut off the remoter villages for many days. Or the early months of 1947 when 30th January saw the worst blizzards that the country had endured since 1894. Indeed, 19th century winters were usually very

much colder than they are nowadays. Weeks of frost, snow and sub-zero temperatures in early 1891 froze ponds and lakes inches deep and ice-skating became the primary outdoor sport. The London and South Western Railway even ran special trains to Sherborne to bring people in to watch ice races on Castle Lake.

These days both the old and new castles and the lakeside gardens are closed in the winter, so leave your skates at home if you visit the Castle Gardens garden centre to see its many attractive Christmas displays. It will be staying open for evening shoppers until 7.00pm from Monday 17th to Friday 21st December, and has a pleasant café serving food and drinks to keep out the cold.

Roger Richards.

Sherborne Festive Shopping Day 2018, Sunday 2nd December

It's the time of year when Sherborne begins to sparkle once again with festive fun. Christmas lights twinkle all over town; carol singers serenade locals and tourists alike and Sherborne Town Band bids us 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' as Sherborne Festive Shopping Day gets underway on Sunday, 2nd December. Oh – and don't forget that Santa Claus really IS coming to town!

Festive Shopping Day is organised by volunteers from Sherborne Chamber of Trade, and supported by Sherborne Town Council, Sherborne Cottages and

Apartments, The Paddock Project, Sherborne Girls School, Abbey104 FM and both of the town’s Rotary Clubs. The town's increasingly popular 'Love a Local Christmas' event is free-entry, takes place between 10am and 4pm and offers a fabulous family day out, whilst raising awareness for many local charities.

During the day, the town puts on a whole host of different musical, fun and entertaining activities for all ages. This year includes balloon modellers, face painters and a stilt walker; dancing from (amongst others) the Black Rock Dancers and Dance Academy; ukulele treats from Yeovil Ukulele Group; Singing from the choirs of Sherborne Girls, Leweston School and members of Sherborne Chamber Choir, not to mention the wonderful Sherborne Abbey Choristers. Sherborne Town Band and festive bagpipes add to the musical entertainment for the day.

The main shopping area of Cheap Street and Digby Road will both be closed to traffic to allow for the street entertainment, market stalls and much more, with Abbey104 FM broadcasting live all day from The Conduit.

Delicious local produce will be available, and pop up shops and stalls will offer individual and

imaginative gifts for all the family.

Every year, the shops outdo themselves with their beautiful Christmas displays and window dressings, and are full to bursting with gift ideas for even the most difficult person to buy for! The town's many coffee shops, pubs and restaurants are alive with people enjoying delicious festive treats, and the grown-ups can even enjoy a glass or two of mulled wine whilst soaking up the seasonal atmosphere.

Father Christmas will once again be taking up residence in his Grotto outside the Post Office, and every little visitor he sees will receive a gift from him (in return for a small entry fee of only £2).

Carol services will be held in the Abbey throughout the afternoon.

Visitors are welcome to attend, and to enjoy the stunning backdrop of its spectacular ceiling-high Christmas tree and traditional Nativity scene. Cheap Street Church stages its ever-popular Christmas Tree Festival too, featuring dozens of twinkling trees, all delightfully and individually decorated.

Castle Gardens' award winning Christmas display is just five minutes' walk from the centre of town and will be open to visitors until 6pm that day.

St. JOHNS’ HOUSE Residential Home, Sherborne, Dorset

St Johns’ is a beautiful house in the centre of an historical town, for persons above pension age to live.

All of our rooms are ensuite and unfurnished. A monthly contribution is payable to include all meals, housekeeping and laundry.

We are not a care or nursing home, but promote independent living for all residents who are in good health with good mobility. Residents from all areas accepted.

You are welcome to visit to have a look around or to have a short stay in our Guest Room, just give us a call.

We currently have rooms available  Please contact: 01935 813245 or email: assistantmanagers@hotmail.co.uk THE VISITOR December 2018 19

20 THE VISITOR December 2018

At 4pm, the parade will gather at the top of Cheap Street ready for the off. Everyone is welcome to join in as the parade makes its way down Cheap Street towards the Conduit, where the town's Christmas Tree is then illuminated.

The day ends just in time for visitors to join Sherborne Abbey's annual family-friendly Christingle service at 5pm. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Keep up to date with the latest news on Facebook @Sherborne FestiveShopping and Twitter @SherborneCOT.

Christmas Inspiration

Acreman Antiques are a large antiques centre set over two floors just on the edge of Sherborne set back from the A30 as you head towards Yeovil.

They have a wide selection of Antiques and quality items from furniture to jewellery, silver, photo frames, watches, linen & lace,

clocks, paintings & prints, mirrors, rugs, pottery, porcelain & glass, armchairs & sofas. With Christmas on its way they are an ideal destination to search for a present for friends & relatives. They have customer parking and a cafe serving tea, coffee & homemade cakes as well as lunches, snacks & homemade soups.

Acreman also hold monthly Auctions on-site of goods from local vendors. They will take in single items up to offering a complete house clearance service. Their next Auction is to be held on 27th December at 1pm. Viewing on the day 11am-1pm & also Tuesday 18th December 10am-6pm. Buyers premium 18%. Catalogues are available to view on their website 2 weeks prior to the sale.

Any enquiries to Gill Norman on 07908 333577, 01935 508764 or email: auction@acremanstreet antiques.co.uk. 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PH.

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

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

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

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

If your electrical equipment is in need of some TLC, look no further.

Godden & Curtis also offer audio visual repair and servicing including televisions, video recorders, hi-fi systems and even vintage guitars amps.

They have been offering a wide range of services for over 48 years and have been at their current

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

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

★ Luggage

2 Swan Yard Sherborne Tel: 01935 817978

North Dorset & South Somerset

PREMIER ART SHOP

Gifts to the budding and professional artists this Christmas

Liquitex Stockist * Picture Framing Greeting Cards * Craft Materials

12 Cheap Street, Sherborne

Tel: 01935 817100

Inside Acreman Antiques, Sherborne.

ACREMAN ST. ANTIQUES & INTERIORS SHERBORNE 40 DEALERS SET OVER 2 FLOORS SELLING JEWELLERY, ANTIQUES & QUALITY ITEMS FOR HOUSE & GARDEN - CAFE - PARKING 121, ACREMAN STREET, SHERBORNE, DORSET DT9 3PH TEL: 01935 508764

ACREMAN ST. ANTIQUES AUCTION

121, ACREMAN STREET, SHERBORNE, DORSET DT9 3PH

THURSDAY 27TH DECEMBER 1PM

VIEWING TUES 18TH DEC 10-6PM & ON THE DAY 11AM-1PM BUYERS COMMISSION 18% inc.

WE HOLD MONTHLY AUCTIONS OF ITEMS FROM LOCAL VENDORS. WE ACCEPT SINGLE PIECES AND WE CAN ARRANGE A COMPLETE HOUSE CLEARANCE SERVICE. TEL: GILL NORMAN 07908333577 auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

Made in Germany.

Since 1923.

PROUD TO BE STOCKING LOEWE TV’S CALL IN FOR A DEMONSTRATION As a well established TV and radio shop, Godden & Curtis have been offering a wide range of audio visual sales and repair services for over 47 years.

Established in 1968 as a radio and black and white TV shop in Newland, we moved our business to our current premises on Greenhill in 1972.

We have continued to deliver the high standard of service and great prices that our business was built on.

Greenhill, Sherborne, DT9 4EW Tel: 01935 813451 www.goddenandcurtis.co.uk

THE VISITOR December 2018 21

December Notice Board CASTLE CARY

ROVING CROWS. Celtic Folk Fusion. Saturday 08 December 18:45. Caryford Community Hall.

Tickets £12 from 01963 350 980 or www.wegottickets.com /event/436734.

YEOVIL

50/50 BALLROOM SEQUENCE Dance, with organist Keith Bell.

Milford Hall, Yeovil, BA21 4QD. 16th December, 7.30pm 10.30pm. Entry £5, bring and share. Tel: 01935 424164.

YEOVIL

SLEUTH - THE ULTIMATE WHO DID IT. Swan Theatre Yeovil. 28th Nov - 1st Dec, 7:45pm nightly, tickets £9 & £8 www.civicplayersyeovil.com.

Advertise your JANuARY event here

A Notice Board entry costs just £5 for 20 words and 30p per additional word. Send details to: ‘Notice Board’, The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG or info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk.

All entries to be pre-paid.

Payment can be made by cheque BACS or credit/debit card over the telephone by calling 01963 351256. The January issue deadline: 3rd December.

Yeovil Railway Centre

Yeovil Railway Centre is running the increasingly popular Santa Specials once again during December on five days.

The visit starts with a short steam train ride in a decorated coach. Then visitors move onto the ex-GWR Transfer Shed where snow and bubble machines add to the enjoyment and anticipation before the visit to see Santa in his Grotto. Afterwards there are refreshments whilst the children can continue to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Other attractions may be available.

Booking, more details and photos at www.yeovilrailway. freeservers.com or via Yeovil Railway Centre on Facebook.

Also, a number of main line steam visits are expected in December when the site will be open for viewing.

Winter Dating Ideas from Just Somerset Introductions

Winter days are short and the nights are long so here are some dating ideas to help you beat the winter blues. We’re fast

approaching the festive season and if you find yourself single and alone this time of year and want to meet someone new then do get in touch! You are passing up dating opportunities if you are a fair weather dater.

A Romantic Winter Picnic: decide where you are going and what you will do. Take a Thermos of soup and a Thermos with coffee in. Many places are wonderful to look at on a frosty day. Check the weather reports too, on a cold dry day wrapped up warm - it could be fun!

Go to a Matinee: at the cinema or theatre - they are less often likely to sell out! Take in a good film or play, a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Visit a Tropical garden like the Eden Project, you’ll be warm and it’s interesting too.

Have a retro game night: Dust off the old board games, cards etc.

- don’t just leave Monopoly for Christmas!

Take a class together or join a choir: winter evenings can feel much more fun if you have a hobby to share. There are plenty of classes you could try or even join a local Choir, they are always looking for new members.

Finally, there is something eternally romantic about sitting by an open fire and if neither of you have a fireplace or wood burner at home then maybe a trip to a local pub to sit around their fire and enjoy a nice drink, cheers!

Cats' eyes drawing workshop, Saturday 24th November

International Cat Care (iCatCare) is delighted to announce that there will be a ‘Cat’s Eye Drawing Workshop’ at the start of its forthcoming art exhibition, The Complete Cat, in Frome.

The exhibition, which is being

Eye Progression by artist France Bauduin.

run by Tisbury-based charity iCatCare and the Society of Feline Artists (S.O.F.A.), will feature over 130 extraordinary and diverse cat-themed artworks from 24 renowned artists.

Running for two weeks from 24th November, at the beautiful Rook Lane Chapel in Frome in Somerset, the exhibition is raising vital funds for iCatCare’s welfare work.

To kick off the exhibition, on Saturday 24th November, feline artist and trainer France Bauduin will be running a drawing workshop. Entitled Drawing a Cat's Eye, there will be two half-day sessions (limited to 8 people per session) where art enthusiasts can sharpen their skills and receive expert personal guidance on colour layering and other drawing techniques.

The workshop is aimed at all levels of artist, from the more experienced to those just starting out. Children over the age of 10 are also welcome to attend the workshop when accompanied by an adult. Priced at £25 per

Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction, BA22 9UU

Sun 2nd, Sun 9th, Sun 16th, Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd December BOOKINGS VIA WEBSITE

www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com OR TELEPHONE 07501 189065 • £10 each adult /child • £9.50 each for parties of 8 or more • Babies under 12 months old free of charge 22 THE VISITOR December 2018

SANTA SPECIAL ***** Yeovil

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

person, the cost includes tea/coffee/biscuits and drawing materials. Participants are also welcome to bring photos of their own cats to use as a model. With places limited to 8 people per session, early booking is highly recommended. For more details see: https://icatcare.org/thecomplete-cat International Cat Care has also produced a comprehensive

online catalogue for the exhibition. This includes details about each individual piece of art, more information on the artists themselves and provides information on how to purchase items for those that may not be able to attend the exhibition. To view the catalogue, go to: https://icatcare.org/the-completecat.

International Cat Care is a

charity dedicated to improving the health and welfare of cats worldwide. The International Cat Care vision: all cats, owned and unowned, are treated with care, compassion and understanding.

The International Cat Care

mission: to engage, educate and empower people throughout the world to improve the health and welfare of cats by sharing advice, training and passion.

For more information, please visit www.icatcare.org or www.facebook.com/icatcare.

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

By John Osborne ď ˆ Answers can be found on page 48

Torquay Harbour at night during a recent visit by popular local photographer extraordinaire Graham Cox L.M.P.A.

1) 'Paint it Black', 'Brown Sugar', 'Satisfaction'. Three classic songs from which classic rockers?

2) 'If Tomorrow Never Comes', a hit for which male artist in 2002?

3) Who is 'Perfect' in the charts at the moment?

4) Elvis Costello once said that it was a 'Good Year for the ‌ ' what?

5) Lyric; ‘I sat on the roof, and kicked off the moss’ 6) Who had a 2002 hit with ‘Harry’s Bar’?

7) 'Time', 'Eldorado', 'Discovery', 'Face the Music'. Just a few albums from which band?

8) Who sang about 'Time Passages' and 'The Year of the Cat', amongst others?

9) What year was the Beatles single 'Free as a Bird' released?

10) Who, in 2007, was the female who said 'Shut Up and Drive'?

Bonus Question

Take the answer to Q:6, add Robert Fripp and say which prog-rock band they played together in.

Great Quotes in Music (109)

I feel like what I owe my audience is what I'm most passionate about - Bruce Hornsby

NOVEMBER ...

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DECEMBER ...

Friday 7th Friday 14th Saturday 15th Wednesday 19th Friday 21st Monday 31st Monday 31st

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THE VISITOR December 2018 23

Christmas in WINCANTON Wincanton Extravaganza on Saturday 1st December from 1pm – 6.30pm

Wincanton High Street will be lined with stalls and Fun Fair rides during this year’s Extravaganza. Explore the craft stalls in the Bear Hotel and visit Santa in the Dolphin Hotel. Catch a film on the Pop-Up Cinema in the Old Town Hall, Miracle on 34th Street (1947) at 3.30pm or A Christmas Carol (1951) at 6pm, alternatively, follow the Lantern Parade at 6.15pm from the stage at the top of the High Street to the festive Christmas Tree where carols will be sung.

SJH Carpets: Start the new year with a new carpet

SJH Carpets have a wonderful selection of carpets and flooring including naturals, vinyls, woods, laminates, tiles and luxury vinyl tiles (including Karndean, Moduleo and Harvey Maria).

They supply and fit Roger Oates runners, Crucial Trading floorcoverings, Rubber Flooring and all traditional carpets. Their

Carols will be sung around the Christmas Tree, Wincanton on Saturday 1st December at 6.45pm.

knowledgeable staff can assist you through the difficult selection process and help you choose the right product that best suits your needs. They deliver and install at a price that competes with all the national chains.

They offer a full measuring and

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Chatsworth Fabrics Luxaflex Shutters & Blinds Prestigious Textiles

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 Old Post Office, 38 North Street, Langport, TA10 9RH  01458 887301 24 THE VISITOR December 2018

fitting service on shutters and blinds, and work with Luxaflex to provide the latest designs, technology and safest window coverings available.

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

Customer satisfaction means everything to SJH, and they offer

their full attention from selection through to end of installation care.

They have local, employed fitters and 20 years plus industry experience.

Call SJH Carpets today and get your free estimate for your upcoming flooring project. Find the flooring that perfectly matches your needs and unique personal style.

Find showrooms at Tythings Commercial Centre, Wincanton, High Street Tisbury and North Street Langport.

WINCANTON LIKE MOST Visitorland towns, Somerton will be celebrating Christmas in a big way. The atmosphere in the town centre will be enhanced with decorations and lights and on selected dates many of the shops will be staying open late for Christmas shopping.

Information about this and the town’s programme of festive events and carol services can be found on its website www.somerton.co.uk and in the local library.

If you’re on the Christmas gift trail it pays to visit Somerton early in the week when the shops are quieter and car parking is easier. And no visit to Somerton should miss Overt Locke, the large store on West Street. It’s the oldest shop in Somerton and although the town contains some very much older buildings that were or still are shops, Locke’s can claim the title because it has traded

Wincanton High St.

ARS

EnD

CAl

Wild Cardz

Stationery House, Somerton.

DIAR

IES

35 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU • Tel: 01963 31234 CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Christmas Cards for all your Relations and Friends • Boxed Cards • Charity Cards Hologram 3D Christmas Cards • Wrapping Paper • Gifts • Party Items • Confetti Latex Balloons and Helium Foil Balloons • Crepe / Tissue Paper • Table Decorations Napkins • Stocking Fillers • Wool & Accessories • New Gift Items Arriving Regularly Christmas Party Bits: Poppers – Hats – Earrings – Spray – and much more!

ToyS CAn BE oRDERED fRom oUR ColoUR BRoCHURE Find us on Facebook

 Personalised Christmas Cards  You supply the photo – we can do the rest!

New Christmas stock now in ...

HALF PRICE BOOKS ] NATIONAL BOOK TOKENS ]

Books to suit everyone!

Humour, Cookery, Fiction, Childrens Books + more!

‘Pass My Parcel’ Amazon Collection & Delivery Parcel Point Promotional Supplies Banners  A-Frames  Posters  And More

33 High Street • Wincanton OPEN: Monday – Friday 6.30am – 5pm, Saturday 6.30am – 2pm, Sunday 6.30am – 12noon

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

26 THE VISITOR December 2018

Williams Supermarket.

The Old Court House.

continuously from the same site, in much the same range of goods, since 1925, longer than any other Somerton business. The shop still occupies founder Overt Locke’s Tudor house and if you look carefully you can see traces of the old family dining room with its fireplace and beam carefully retained, protected and probably much as Overt Locke would have known it.

However, most of the display space is in a modern showroom area of more than 3,500 sq ft at the rear of the house and is packed with everything the DIY and garden enthusiast could want, together with plenty to please the homemaker, the housewife, the gift-hunter and the home brewer and winemaker.

For gifts with a local connection it’s worth popping into the Stationery House on the Market Place which has a selection of goods that are clearly gifts from Somerton.

Despite its name this shop is much more than just a stationer, offering a good selection of maps, books, pens,

jigsaw puzzles, framed prints and office requisites, and is always worth a browse. The Market Place is noted for its fine shops, café and pubs – and the Old Town Hall at its centre. Nowadays it’s the home of ACEArts which is short for ‘Art Care Education’. For the last two years this registered charity has been using it as an art and craft venue providing courses in various creative activities and projects focusing on community health and wellbeing. The ground floor of the building is given over to a shop selling a large selection of goods created by local artists and craft workers, and the upstairs floor is a gallery with a new exhibition staged every month. The next one, which runs from the 1st to 24th December, features a diverse range of pottery decorated with

wood ash and glazed surfaces.

ACEArts is open daily from Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00am until 5.00pm, with Christmas shopping opening from 6.00pm to 9.00pm on Saturday 1st December.

Across the road, on West Street, the Old Court House and three adjacent former shops are currently being transformed into retirement apartments, new small shops and a health studio, and their location so close to the Market

Place seems certain to attract residents and businesses. It’s worth taking a stroll along West Street from here to The Triangle to see numerous other fascinating shops providing plenty of gift ideas. And making a short detour into the Brunel Shopping Precinct which currently houses a selection of independent shops including Cobbs wholefoods store, Brunel Pet Centre and the Dress Circle dress agency as well as Somerton’s excellent

THE BUTTERCROSS TEAROOMS

Market Place, Somerton (01458) 273168

Homemade Cakes & Scones Morning Coffee, Cream Teas Lunch Served 12 – 3pm Open: Mon – Sat 9 – 5pm

THE VISITOR December 2018 27

family-owned Williams supermarket.

Beyond The Triangle, on the town’s north-west edge off Bancombe Road, is a modern business park that is home to a multitude of small businesses as diverse as motor mechanics, beauticians and dealers in garden machinery, bedrooms and kitchens,

windows and conservatories, country furnishings and clothing. Here, too, is Somerton’s modern Edgar Community Hall which also houses the office of the town council. Its edge-of-town location doubtless makes it inconvenient for people without cars, but the hall has a large car park which could

not be provided cheaply, if at all, at a town centre site. The hall is a large, light and attractive asset for the town.

Somerton is well provided with pleasant places to eat and drink when some respite from

walking round the shops b ecomes necessary. On t he Market Place there is the Buttercross Tearooms, on West Street the Full of Beans licensed café and the Courtyard Café at the back of

Somerton Old Town Hall.

28 THE VISITOR December 2018

the Gifted Company shop, and in the Brunel Shopping Precinct there is M & M’s café.

The independent Williams supermarket also contains a splendid café. If you prefer a ‘wet’ lunch there are two adjacent ancient inns on the Market Place, the White Hart and the Globe, the medieval Unicorn Hotel on West Street, and the Royal Oak beyond The Triangle at the junction with the road to Langport. These are the ones I spotted, but there might well be others.

But Somerton is not just for Christmas! It’s a lovely town to visit at any time of year, whether your interest is browsing round the shops, admiring the architecture or simply ambling round and imbibing the atmosphere. This month the spirit of Christmas is an added bonus.

Roger Richards.

Number 47

For a gift that is just that little bit different. Perfect for that someone special.

Jacqueline’s inspiration for Number 47 has come from being a chandler for many years creating luxury high end scented candles for the private label market. A bespoke service is available for customers wanting to use a memorable container or a favourite scent. Past commissions have included a special fill for Granny’s favourite china teacup and lavish granite containers for a terrace in the South of France.

Nestling amongst this

wonderful scented world of home fragrancing are natural bath and body products and an array of unique gifts. A perfect Christmas experience.

Opening hours are 10.30 4.30 Monday to Saturday and closed Wednesday.

M

J

Carpets Proprietor: Roger Willis

“Over 55 years experience in the carpet trade”

A Christmas gift for all Visitor readers: Enjoy 10% discount on your purchases until Christmas Eve. Use discount code VIS010 in store at Number 47, West Street, Somerton, Tel: 07814 655641.

For a reliable & personal service n Select from over 1000 Carpet and Vinyl samples n All leading makes supplied n Prompt Delivery

n Professional Fitting

n FREE Estimates and Planning

Market Place, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 7LZ

Email: sales@mjcarpets.co.uk • Tel: (01458) 273042

Brunel Pet Centre in the Brunel Precinct, Somerton - everything for your pet including a welcoming bowl of water for passing pets and a warm welcome from Karen the proprietor!

THE VISITOR December 2018 29

MOTORING

VINTAGE Motor Cycling

DECEMBER has come around once more and another year has nearly slipped by. With December comes the season of much cheer and good will. May I take this opportunity to wish all readers, and the staff at The Visitor Magazine, a very Happy Christmas. For your festivities you may eat, drink and be merry but do none of these things to excess. I make no promises to heed this advice myself.

Amongst these festivities there will be many clubs and associations having their own Christmas celebrations and as I have mentioned before the social aspect of any club life is of vital importance.

Support these events if you can for your own sake and the wellbeing of your club. Even the smallest of Do's takes a fair bit of organising so go along and help wherever you can and above all enjoy yourselves.

This time of year also brings the task of organising events calendars for next year so put your name forward and contribute in some way. I may be getting old and grumpy but do not complain to me

about anything involving events unless you are prepared to do something about it yourself.

I make no apology for submitting another photograph this month which was taken during my Cornish touring week which I mentioned last month. It shows a quiet country lane which overlooks some of the stunning Cornish coastline.

The machine is a 1960 BSA Golden Flash of 650cc's, a thoroughly solid and reliable piece of British motorcycle manufacturing.

Standing with the machine is the proud owner who happens to be Ian Botham who is the General Manager of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club and is based in Burton-UponTrent. If scenes like this do not tempt you to try visiting different places and meeting different people then nothing will.

Events continue in December as always. The Somerset Section start the month with their club night at Cossington on the 6th and this will be a Bring and Buy. Next on the 9th will be the Christmas Run and Lunch again at Cossington. On the 27th will be Ashley's Run which starts at The Pecking Mill Inn at Evercreech. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have a club night at East Stour on the 10th and this will be their Annual Dinner.

Ian Botham, General Manager of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club and his 1960 BSA Golden Flash 650cc.

Yeovil Auto Tuning  

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30 THE VISITOR December 2018

The Milkman has been making a comeback in Visitorland of late, perhaps you would like your milk delivered on this 1947 123cc DOT Villiers Milk Float. DOT stands for ‘Devoid of Trouble’, so you would be sure to have your milk delivered on time. Photo: Graham Cox L.M.P.A.

The Dorset Section have their Lunch Meet on the 5th followed on the 12th by the club night which will be a Social Evening with Buffet.

Next will be the Christmas Lunch on the 12th and lastly on the 29th will be the monthly Breakfast Meet.

All these Dorset events take place at the Henstridge Golf and Leisure Centre. For more details ring 01935872528.

The Wells Classic Motorcycle Club have a Run on December 27th which starts at The Railway Inn at Meare and the Westland Classic Motorcycle Club also have a Run on the same day. Details of these events can be had by looking at the different websites.

In addition the Bikers Breakfast Meet continues throughout the winter at the Haynes International Motor Museum. Just roll up on the third Sunday of the month and enjoy some good company and a hearty breakfast.

My Norton Dominator, which is a bike I use frequently, has cried enough. This summer the engine began to rumble and the gearbox started to whine alarmingly. This after only 8000 miles from being restored by a competent and very well respected engineer. The only remedy was to strip the thing apart and look inside. The engine laid bare revealed no cause for the ominous noises. Similarly the gearbox showed no sign of wear nor cause for the whine.

The only fault I could find was with the alternator contained within the primary chaincase. The rotor that spins within the alternator body had for some reason run hot and 'picked-up' the resin which

binds the alternator coils. This had happened earlier in the year just the same and I had replaced the alternator on that occasion. But could this be the causes of my unwanted noises and what should be done?

As a belt and braces approach to this problem I decided it wise to replace every bearing within the engine and gearbox. Reassembly has begun but with no real conviction that I will cure the problem. I can only conclude that the earlier alternator and the replacement I fitted were somehow not compatible with the rotor so I am now replacing both. I hope that the lesson I will learn from this experience will be to check very carefully any pattern parts I buy because in some cases the standards are not very high, but if that is the only replacement part available then what choice do I have. Watch this space for further updates.

Rod Hann.

Greenlaning Experiance with GLASS, The Green Lane Association

If you own a recreational 4x4 vehicle of any make and would like to get involved with off road exploring, why not contact GLASS. In Dorset and the surrounding counties of Wiltshire, Hampshire, Somerset and Devon, there are quite literally hundreds of miles of rights of way which are legally driveable and which need to be used (and used sensitively) to be kept open. You could help with this, and enjoy family outings to places you have never seen before. For details of joining visit www.glass-uk.org.

GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS

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

G.H. SAlES. Tel: 01935 891414

family Health with

Jenna Evans

Family Health Q&A

Welcome to my fifth 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 at Ceres Natural Foods, 9-11 Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1EN; email info@ ceresfoods.co.uk or message me on my Facebook page Alchemical BeautyUK. This month I’m going to answer a question I’m frequently asked – ‘I want to make my own Skincare; where do I start?’

With Christmas fast approaching, people are looking for quirky, personal gift ideas.

Handmade Skincare can make a lovely gift. Below I will give a couple of recipes for a basic cream and a basic body butter for those who want to ‘cook’ from scratch.

Remember though, if you’re looking for a quick and simple way, you can buy pre-mixed unscented bases of creams, lotions, oils, cleansers, washes, shampoos and conditioners.

Just add your chosen essential oil fragrances, bottle up (why not scour the charity shops for unusual jars and ribbons to be extra Eco-friendly – remember to thoroughly sterilise!) and label.

For the following recipes you will need a couple of saucepans – not aluminium or Teflon, I always use stainless steel; a glass jug; measuring spoons; hand held electric blender; bottles and labels.

Before you get started make sure you have sterilised your equipment.

Basic Cream

Ingredients – 10g emulsifying wax, 80ml sunflower oil, 80ml rosewater, essential oils.

Method – melt the emulsifying wax into the sunflower oil over as low a heat as possible. Gently warm the rosewater in another pan. When the emulsifying wax has fully dissolved, pour the fat mixture into the water and remove from heat.

Swish around the saucepan a little and decant into glass jug. Use a hand held blender to mix until

creamy white. Allow to cool before adding up to 60drops of your chosen essential oil(s). Bottle and label.

You can play around with the oils you use – try exotic anti-ageing oils such as rosehip and argan; soothing calendula; balancing jojoba or nourishing avocado. The different viscosities will influence the thickness of the cream, as will playing with the ratio of rosewater to fat in the mix. Different floral waters can be chosen for skin type too.

Basic Body Butter

Ingredients - 100g cocoa butter buttons, 100g coconut oil (nonfractionated), 50ml sweet almond oil, essential oils.

Method - Melt the cocoa butter buttons and coconut oil in a BainMarie or pan. Stir in sweet almond oil. Put in the fridge until it begins to set around the edges. Add 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) and whisk with a hand held blender until soft. Bottle and label.

Always date your products so you can keep track of what you made and when. I find that creams made with floral waters and fragranced with essential oils have at least 3 months life if stored away from heat and light. You can buy gentle preservatives online from cosmetics suppliers. If you ever wish to use herbal infusions, preservation is essential.

Remember you can adapt both of these recipes with the base oils, waxes, waters and scents of your choosing - the options are endless.

In Ceres we have a fantastic selection of oils, floral waters, waxes, emulsifying wax and butters as well as plenty to choose from in the way of packaging – bottles & jars galore.

We also have a good selection of all the ready-made bases I mentioned

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

4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY  01458 273485

earlier. Most of all enjoy being creative with your recipes!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy Christmas. I’ll be back in 2019 to answer more of your family health questions.

Jenna Evans.

 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

Preview, Wincanton

Whether you’re dressing for a Christmas party, a wedding, a day at the races, or indeed any event, Preview of Wincanton have stunning hats, bags and shoes to complement your outfit.

They hold Failsworth and Jane Anne Designs hats, and can order styles and colours in for you if they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock.

Fascinators from just £19, hats from £79.

When it comes to shoes and bags, Preview have a gorgeous collection, offering comfort and style: the leather Capollini shoes

are available in soft gold, silver and stone, and there is a slingback option. Priced from £99 with matching bags also available.

Lunar shoes are available from £59. Bags to accompany these are also in stock.

29% of male UK workers suffer from mental health problems but 44% do NOT tell their employer: Majority fear revealing their problems will block career progress, with three-fifths worried it will damage relationships with colleagues

Dr Zain Sikafi, CEO and founder of Mynurva says ‘Society is certainly taking positive steps forward in talking more and more about mental health, but evidently there is still much more to be done in a professional context so that men feel comfortable seeking the treatment they need. This is particularly true when it comes to having support structures in place at work’. Research by the Mental Health Foundation showed that 75% of all UK suicides are men and one in eight men suffer from one of the common mental health symptoms. Despite this, however, the negative stigma associated with mental health means that men are less likely to seek professional help.

Fashion Boutique Market Place • Wincanton  01963 31676

www.previewwincanton.co.uk

Gorgeous Gifts  Scarves

 Leather Bags  Jewellery  Gloves

... and more

Gift Vouchers

... the ideal gift THE VISITOR December 2018 31

C H R I S TM A S I N CA S TL E C A RY A Christmas Celebration with John Rutter & Friends

On Saturday 15th December, the Maesbury Singers return once again to the beautiful All Saints Church, Castle Cary to perform their annual Christmas concert.

John Rutter is one of the most successful of all living composers. His rare melodic gift and captivating harmonic flair have combined in a series of unforgettable choral gems that have touched the hearts of millions around the globe.

Rutter was only 18 when he composed what would become one of his signature pieces, the Shepherd’s Pipe Carol. Little did he know at the time, but this was just the first in a series of classic carol settings he was destined to compose and arrange. Rutter went on to coedit several volumes of the classic Carols For Choirs series and his name is now virtually synonymous with Christmas time!

The Maesbury Singers will be

The Maesbury Singers will perform at All Saints Church Castle Cary on Saturday 15th December.

performing a selection of Rutter’s best-loved Christmas gems alongside other works by those composers who have

Wishing all our customers a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

32 THE VISITOR December 2018

worked with Rutter, his musical contemporaries, and his pupils.

As the Maesbury Singers’ Christmas concert tradition dictates, the choral pieces will be interspersed with readings that range from the serious to the hilarious, as well as carols for the audience.

‘I love Christmas’, John Rutter told CBS News in 2003. ‘It’s the child in me. Maybe I’ve never quite grown up. I still feel just for those few magic days a year, that we have the world as it might be.’

The concert is on Saturday 15th December in All Saints Church, Castle Cary. Tickets are

£10 (free for under-16s) and are available from 01761 232042 or on the door. www.themaesbury singers.org.uk.

Three Counties Landscape and Tree Services and The Market Garden

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

Julian and his team can supply you with an appropriate

C H R I S TM A S I N CA S TL E C A RY planting scheme for your garden and are able to source rare plants. Three Counties offer a complete service for commercial customers.

The Market Garden in Castle Cary supplies the town and surrounding area with fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, house plants, planted pots, fruit baskets, gardening gifts and more.

The shop is open 9am to 5pm and is now taking orders for locally grown Christmas trees, wreaths, holly and festive floral

arrangements, logs and kindling. A delivery service is available. Pop in and pick up an order form or call 01963 350650.

Highfield House

If you are considering a move to a residential home for care, company and support, Highfield House is situated in Castle Cary and is a home for 22 elderly residents which has been rated Outstanding by CQC. The accommodation has a homely feel, benefiting from tranquil gardens, a relaxing sun

lounge, home cooking, and social activities as well as access to the local amenities and established links with local GP surgery teams.

The greatest asset is the experienced, skilled team of kind hearted staff who all deserve the accolades recently achieved. On 20th October we were extremely proud to attend the Care & Support West Awards Ceremony at Ashton Gate Stadium and won 2 Awards that night. One

for Residential Home of the Year 2018 and the other for Specialist Care - End Of Life Care & Dementia. This was a huge achievement and reflects the standard of excellence, respect and care that is to be expected within our home.

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

RICH’S AUTO SERVICES N N

TYRES — EXHAUSTS — BATTERIES Saturday mornings by appointment

Unit 4, Torbay Road Trading Estate Torbay Road, CASTLE CARY, BA7 7DT Beautiful flowers for any occasion including Christmas available from Daisy Valentine Flowers, Castle Cary.

The Market

Garden

01963 350568

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

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

Three Counties Landscape & Tree Services Ltd

£1 DISCOUNT ON A CHRISTMAS TREE WITH PRESENTATION OF THIS ADVERT

Hart House, Fore Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BQ 01963 350650 • 07738 524254 • jshavelandscape@aol.com www.threecountieslandscaping.co.uk

THE VISITOR December 2018 33

Original Art - an ideal gift!

Wheathill Golf Club

The clubhouse is available for hire year round for social and business meetings: 01963 240667 opt 3 or visit www.wheat hillgolf.co.uk.

Christmas Gift Vouchers are available from the Pro’s shop for everything mentioned above!

Gift vouchers for lessons, rounds of golf or clothing and equipment are available at Wheathill Golf Club.

wildlife pastels are available to purchase from Martock Gallery.

Michelle’s mounted works of art (hare, badger, robin, owl etc.) are priced from £60 (unframed) and a donation from each sale will be made to the Motor Neurone Disease charity.

Just some of the original wildlife pastels by Michelle Trulock, available from Martock Gallery, Water Street, Martock.

An ideal gift at any time of year.

GLASTONBURY POST OFFICE AND CLASS CARDS

35 High Street Glastonbury BA6 9HG

Telephone 01458 831536

MONEYGRAMS • BUDGET CARDS

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

STATIONERY • ACCOUNTS • STAMPS

Wheathill Golf Club is the perfect place for golfers of every ability, whether hitting your first ever shots on our superb driving range, dipping your toe into playing on our academy course, or playing a full round on the 18 hole glorious parkland course which has matured beautifully over 25 years.

Green fees are as little as £15 for 18 holes, Tuesdays & Thursdays or as Twilight Golf from 1pm anyday during the winter months.

Coaching is available for all levels of golfer with our 3 PGA Professionals. Junior players are very welcome with coaching starting at £4 each for Saturday morning group lessons.

The friendly clubhouse offers brilliantly priced food and beverages including a Breakfast Menu open to everyone everyday 9am - 11.30am, 7 days a week.

Also, don’t miss our ever popular Christmas Carvery!

Many readers will remember advertising executive Michelle Trulock who worked here at The Visitor for over 30 years.

Since her retirement in 2017 she has been busy following her passion for painting and drawing and now her original

GREETINGS CARDS • HOLIDAY INSURANCE • FOREIGN CURRENCY • PENSION PAYMENTS

34 THE VISITOR December 2018

Floyd and Gordon are Limited Edition framed prints from the 'Galloping Gormoos' range by Mike Jackson.

Image size 10.5" x 10.5", £69.50. These and more available at Martock Gallery, Martock.

Beautiful Wildlife Wall Art

Simply the 'Perfect Gift' or transform your own home, with unique 3D cast plaster Butterflies. Hand Made in Somerset.

Hand Painted in Nicola’s studio (£35), or available to buy in bare form so you can paint your own (£15). UK signed for Postage £5 (card payments taken).

Call Nicola - 07547 662393 Start your unique 3D Butterfly Wall Art Collection today!

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

Highland Bull sculpture

£52.00

Complete Framing Service Available

Make someone smile this festive season with a floral Scented Christmas Hat Box, available from Andrea’s of Yeovil.

martock Gallery open: monday - friday 9.00 - 5.00, Saturday 9.30 - 4.30

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

Flowers say so much!

“Merry Christmas”  “Happy New Year”  “Thank You”...

BOUQUETS • ARRANGEMENTS • PLANTS

Andrea’s of yeovil

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

78 middle Street yEoVIl • BA20 1lT  01935 706526

WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil

ESTABLISHED OVER 70 YEARS

Christmas all wrapped up!

Customer parking at rear of shop

Individual pieces of jewellery and exquisite gifts to suit all tastes and budgets

THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065

“ Where customer care comes first”

THE VISITOR December 2018 35

Five quick checks to keep you cosy and safe this winter!

THE CLOCKS have gone back, the days are shorter and we’ve already had a few frosty mornings to cope with.

If you haven’t already prepared for the colder, wetter weather that is to come, are you confident that your home will stand up to the winter battering

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

that it is likely to get? There are five important things that should be on your ‘to do’ list.

1. Gutters and Drains

With so many leaves on the ground at this time of year it’s important to make sure gutters are cleared of leaves and debris, to prevent them overflowing and saturating the walls of your property.

Keep pathways and patios free from leaves, a heavy frost will make them dangerous to walk on. Just like gutters, drains can become clogged with leaves, dirt and mud. Clear them to prevent the flooding of paths and pavements.

2. Lag Pipes

Whilst you’re outside attending to your drains, check that any outside tap you may have has sufficient lagging to prevent it from freezing in sub zero temperatures. Likewise, check indoor pipes and those in the loft for sufficient lagging.

3. Boiler Service

This is a busy time of year for boiler servicemen, so you may have to wait a while if you haven’t had your boiler serviced already.

Being without hot water or central heating when the temperature drops below zero is no joke.

Always use a registered Gas Safe engineer.

If you have oil central heating, check the level of oil in the tank regularly to prevent running out.

The waiting time always seems to be longer during a cold snap!

4. Have the Chimney Swept

There’s nothing more welcoming than an open fire, or a woodburner when it’s miserable outside. But the chimney or flue does need to be swept regularly not only for safety reasons but for efficiency too.

Don’t forget to check that your carbon monoxide detector is working properly also.

5. Insulation

An uninsulated property loses 35% of its energy through the walls; 25% through the roof and a massive 40% through its windows, doors and floor.

When it comes to insulation in

the roof a few years ago the recommended depth of insulation was 200mm. Nowadays the recommended depth of blanket style insulation (glass or mineral wool) for a loft is 250 to 270mm.

Double glazing your windows and doors could save you between £170 and £300 per year on an average-sized property. Thermallined curtains are an added bonus and draught excluders by doors can help to keep the cold outside, where it belongs.

Frank Schrijver Damp Control

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

Richard Smith from Bridgwater has organised hundreds of installations in the Somerset area and has numerous satisfied customers.

They are a friendly, family based company employing twelve fully trained engineers.

Their system will dry out cold wet walls, reducing the humidity and condensation which will subsequently reduce your heating bills too. The process will be effective on terraced, detached or any sort of building, whether they be solid, cavity brick or stone walls.

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

All works completed by our experienced and reliable team

TEL: 01823 729564 Showroom at: Blackdown Garden Centre, A38, West Buckland, Nr. Wellington, TA21 9HY

36 THE VISITOR December 2018

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

Please check out the website: www.southwest-damp.co.uk or call 01278 652766 or 07785 731623.

MMS Soft Furnishings

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,

Damian Hoddinott PLUMBING SERVICES

Competitive rates for all your plumbing needs

01963 441232 07971 676111

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

ALL MUST GO

R A WICKS FLUES & FIRES 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.

Visit our extensive showroom for a wide choice of woodburning & multi-fuel stoves ...

ConTURA • WooDWARm ToWn & CoUnTRy + mAny moRE Supply and Installation Service

fIRESIDE ACCESSoRIES

Est. Since 1976



Log Baskets – Companion Sets Gloves – Fans – Logs etc.

BOOK A FREE HOME SURVEY AND GET £125 OFF ANY STOVE FOR INSTALLATION IN JANUARY

R A WICKS LTD

fIREPlACES – SToVES – flUES

Tail mill lane • mERRIoTT nr CREWkERnE • TA16 5Pf  01460 74612 • www.wicksheating.co.uk

THE VISITOR December 2018 37

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, Venetian and

Vertical blinds). Orders now being taken for the New Year, please telephone for appointments and opening times.

Contact Melody on 07883 089333 or via email at salesmms softfurnishings@aol.co.uk. MMS Soft Furnishings would like to wish all their customers and Visitor readers a very Merry Christmas and happy, healthy New Year!

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, Venetian & 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 ON LABOU Visit: www.mmssoftfurnishings.co.uk

AP Kitchen Solutions

Contact MELODY on: 07883 089333

or email:

salesmmssoftfurnishings@aol.co.uk

NEW YEAR NEW KITCHEN

n KITCHENS REPLACED for a FRESH NEW LOOK at REASONABLE PRICES n COMPLETE NEW KITCHENS designed to SUIT YOU

n Replacement doors – “DON’T REPLACE IT, REFACE IT” n HUGE CHOICE of granite and quartz WORKSURFACES

 01935 849559

To discuss your personal requirements contact Adam

38 THE VISITOR December 2018

n FULL RANGE of accessories and APPLIANCES n We offer an EXPERT and FRIENDLY SERVICE n FULL PROJECT MANAGEMENT n QUALIFIED local installers or call at our showroom at

Northover, ILCHESTER, BA22 8LD

www.apkitchens.co.uk

Antiques Bazaar, Crewkerne

Well, the Festive Season fast approaches. Are you beginning to look for those very important gifts? Where better to start your search than Antiques Bazaar, Crewkerne? Home to around 100 independent businesses, all offering their own unusual take on antiques, vintage and retro.

Looking for a diamond ring, vintage tin-plate or Dinky model, unusual framed print, vintage clothing? Come and

spend a few hours at Antiques Bazaar.

Also in stock - large dining tables and dressers, turkey platters, decanters, upholstery, wine glasses, lighting, signs and occasional furniture.

With a warm welcome, a wonderful atmosphere, a hint of incense, and great coffee shop, Antiques Bazaar, at The Old Textile Mill in South Street, should be at the top of YOUR Christmas shopping list!

Antiques Fairs

•

Chasty Cottage Antiques

•

Saturday 8th, 22nd, 29th December Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA 9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1

Future Dates: Saturday 19th January  01963 370986

www.chastycottageantiques.co.uk



Above left: 18th Century Italian Oil on panel ‘Madonna and Child’ & above right: 19th Century Russian Icon Oil on panel ‘Adoration of Christ’. Both pieces available at Quillon House Antiques, Bruton.

Pictured: 19th Century Russian Icon oil on panel ‘Resurrection and Descent’ Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10.00am – 5.30pm

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.

John Hamblin

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

 Bespoke Furniture made to customers specific requirements  French Polishing

 Re-Leathering of Desktops, Bureaux, etc.  Dining Table Tops Refinished

A family run business established for over 50 years

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

THE VISITOR December 2018 39

Festive Venues & Menus Christmas Party Nights

Friday 7th, 14th & Saturday 15th December

Party nights include three course meal, party poppers, Christmas crackers & DJ for £30 per person and for tables of 10/12 they will receive three free bottles of wine to get your party started.

Taittinger Champagne Evening Saturday 8th 7pm £50 per person

Champagne reception followed by four‐course meal with matching champagnes and a live band.

The Queen’s Arms Alternative Christmas Party Miss Hope Springs – Christmas Agogo Friday 21st December 7pm

Drinks reception and canapés, two‐course meal before the ‘British Screen Legend; Lionel Jeffries’ son brings his award‐winning musical comedy cabaret for an exclusive soirée at the Queens Arms!

Ty Jeffries performs as Miss Hope Springs: a ‘recovering showgirl’ who will rummage under her Christmas tree to unpack a glittering selection of all original festive songs, the evening is drawn to a close by dancing ! ! ! ! ! ! ! the' night DJ. ' ' ' ' away ' to 'our resident ' ' ' ' ' ' ticket or tables ' ' £50 per ' ' ' ' ' of ten' £450.00 ' ' ' ' ' '

'

1'

December | Entry free ' ' ' '

New Years Eve Party

' ' ' ' ' ' ' Monday 31st December '

'

'

'

'

' '

'

Three Course buffet, bubbly at midnight, DJ, Piper and Fireworks Extravaganza. £50 per ticket, or stay over for £275.00 (includes party).

!!!!!!!!!!/&)0#%&'!,7 !! ' !!!!!!!!!,8&591:5'' ' ! ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' Christmas ' ' ' ' ' ' 'Food ' '12‐3pm, ' ' 6‐9pm ' ' ' ' ' Eve' 8am‐midnight, ' Christmas ' ' ' 10am‐4pm, ' ' ' Food ' ' ' (bookings ' ' only) ' ' Day 12‐2pm ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' Boxing Day 8am‐11pm,' Food 12‐3pm, 6‐9pm

Opening times

New Years Eve 8pm – 2am, Food 12‐3pm, (Evening party tickets only) New years Day 9am‐10pm, Food 12‐8pm ! ! ' ! days ! ! ! opening ! ! ! hours. ' All other are! normal

Visit www.thequeensarms.com/christmas2018

'

01963 220317 Email: relax@thequeensarms.com www.thequeensarms.com '

''

''

' '

! ! !

40 THE VISITOR December 2018

!

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

Boxing Day

Bubble & Squeak Buffet 12pm - 4pm - £17.50

Saturday 29th December

Christmas Curry Buffet 12pm - 2pm & 7pm - 9pm - £16.50

Children under 15 half price — Booking Essential —

THE VISITOR December 2018 41

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

WHAT WOULD you like for Christmas? Now there's a question that will be asked untold millions of times across this green and pleasant land, as the season to be excessive approaches. So what will your answer be?

If you are reading this column then I am assuming you have an interest in the wonderful establishments that are our English pubs. I have several recommendations wrapped up in two answers. Firstly how about 'Played at the Pub' by Arthur

42 THE VISITOR December 2018

Taylor. Published in 2009, I give this a full 5 stars in my 'virtual reviews' when I ever mention this and I make no apology for giving it a plug yet again in this column.

It's the third of Arthur's books on the subject – the first, from 1976, being 'Pub Games' which I believe was only available in paperback and is a real collectors item, and the second 'The Guinness Book of Traditional Pub Games' from 1992. This latter tome is occasionally available in second hand book shops and eBay (other online auction sites are available).

I have a copy of each, and all signed by the author, and no; I am not parting with them. Next I would recommend a look at the large selection of pub/beer orientated books from CAMRA. Top of that list comes the 'Beer Drinkers Bible', namely 'The Good Beer Guide' which deals with a goodly number of topics within the subject as well as the pubs where one can expect a decent pint of good ale. 2019 Edition is available now. Both this and Arthur's books are around a tenner and hence should not break the bank. A revised edition of 'Britain's Best Real Heritage Pubs – Pub Interiors of Outstanding Historic Interest' is another, and this is on my wish-

list from the Great Whiskery Fat Man. I'm pleased to say there are a few pubs in this area that fit that category, although you will have to purchase it to find out which! As stated there are many books that I am sure will be of interest to the pub-goer and would certainly make a present that will last a lot longer that some silly novelty presents that will be on their way to land-fill

by Boxing Day. These can be found online from CAMRA and all good bookshops.

I mentioned earlier that Arthur Taylor's first book is a rarity. Also of great interest to the student of pub games is the seminal work

by Timothy Finn – 'The Watney Book of Pub Games' one that was published in both hard back and soft back in a format which my non-publishing mind would guess at A5. Now we really are talking rare! (Yes I had both although I've now given the soft-back one to a good friend who lives in Australia. I wonder if it is the only edition in the Southern Hemisphere?) Timothy Finn followed this with another book in hard-back, which I would guess is slightly smaller than A4 size.

Entitled 'Pub Games of England' it is another which must be on the collectors list. Interestingly there is a game he describes here as 'Dorset Table', played exclusively as far as he knew in the Kings Arms Inn at Portesham. On contacting the pub they quite probably thought I was a candidate for the men in white coats, a van to match, and a one-way ticket for a long holiday away from the rest of society.

However, using the description provided by Finn I found some rather attractive Victorian games that seemed to fit nicely at online antique shops. Starting at around £3,000 I decided to add a couple to my Christmas list, although quite frankly I'm not holding out too much hope.

What's your opinion of children in pubs? Attitudes have changed since our children were small, when it was pretty much verboten back in those days. A recent article in the trade paper Morning Advertiser by Sophie Atherton reflected our own experiences. In fact back in the day under-14's were not allowed in the pub, although to be quite honest we were not aware of this.

However, our tactics to get our children in the pub would appear to be not dissimilar to her parents. We would firstly ask politely if we could bring in our children, and before receiving an answer added that we promised to remove them back to the car

Pub The

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if they made any noise. We were never refused, and there were indeed times when a young child was whipped out under the arm of either my wife or I to sit in the car, which relieved the pub staff of embarrassment and the other customers of unpleasant noise.

Most importantly it also taught our children a lesson. Quite frankly, our experiences of how the next generation of children behave in pubs appears to be getting worse, and recent events would seem to reinforce this view, for apart from running around out of control, we have seen kids kicking a football around at one large pub, and a child of six or seven playing loud rock music on an iPad in direct competition to the gentle background music in another! What did the staff do?

What did the parents do? Go on; take a wild guess! As Ms Atherton suggests, before there is some legal action over kids running riot and doing either themselves or others some serious damage, the pubs need to get bad behaviour stopped, and pronto.

The Morning Advertiser is one

of the licensed trades oldest publications, and whilst copyright law prevents me quoting exact passages, being a regular pubgoer it it easy to see how it reflects our opinions and happenings in the trade. If you are a Facebook user, I would recommend subscribing, as short articles appear online from time to time. Whilst this short column can only scratch the surface of any topic I am ever hopeful that anything here stimulates those with an interest in the industry would take time out to look further on a particular subject. A little while ago we attempted to point out that the non-stop programmes on the haunted fishtank telling tales of 'appalling drunkenness on the High Street' was greatly exaggerated. In fact the MA has now reported on the conclusions submitted by the 'Royal Society for Public health' that pubs and bars contributed to the 'health of the High Street' and it was further pleasing to see that both Taunton and Exeter were in the top ten 'Healthiest'.

A little aside here, I did have to say I was more than a little amused by the way it was measured. It's called the 'Richter' scale. No comment.

Those of us who listen to socalled local radio may recall 'The Rest and Welcome' pub on the A37 just 12 minutes South from Yeovil. We were bombarded with adverts about why we need to book for the re-opening etc, and then it all went quiet! Luckily it has now reopened, renamed 'The Sheaf of Arrows' after this very pub featured in a Thomas Hardy novel and was named thus.

Modernised and serving decent pub food and a couple of Butcombe beers it still has the skittle alley. Drop by on your way back from Casterbridge (sic) and let us know what you think.

As Christmas approaches I trust you have an enjoyable and peaceful time with your nearest and dearest - and if you do pay a visit to your local for that Christmas drink remember that a regular visit to the pub does a lot for many areas in society – multiple jobs, social interaction, and yes, even a combat to loneliness as well.

After all; a pub is for life; not just for Christmas. Seasons Greetings – and I do hope you get something that lasts!

P.A. Baxter. skittlealley@hotmail.com

The Lime Kiln

If you’ve paid a visit to The Lime Kiln in the last few weeks you may have seen a new face behind the bar, as Andrew Fox has recently taken the reins as the Lime Kiln Manager. Having spent many years running pubs around London, the countryside surrounding The Lime Kiln played a massive part in Andy’s decision to relocate to the area – in his own words ‘what more could you want!’.

With the festive season now upon us, whether you are looking for somewhere for the work Christmas do, or the annual meet up with friends, Andy and his team are ready to welcome you for all your festive celebrations.

The weekly specials are also worth a visit too!

Vinny was hoping his mate would lend a hand

THE VISITOR December 2018 43

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Hall & Woodhouse support 57th Badger Chase Day at Wincanton Racecourse

Hall & Woodhouse (H&W)is celebrating another successful Badger Chase Day at Wincanton Racecourse.

The annual event, which is now in its 57th year, has been well attended by Somerset residents as well as the H&W team and family members since it began in March 1962. Each year there is always a competitive field of horses competing for the Badger Ales Trophy, and this year H&W Chairman Mark Woodhouse and his wife Tessa’s horse, named Present Man, triumphed for the second year running. Ridden by Bryony Frost, Present Man scooped the prize for the second time and was trained locally at Shepton Mallet by 10 time champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

Originally called the Badger Brewery Handicap Chase, the event has become Wincanton’s flagship raceday, recognised in Somerset as one of the county’s finest sporting occasions. It is Britain’s longest-running sponsored chase and continues to draw in the crowds from near and far.

Mark Woodhouse, Chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, said: ‘We are so proud to have backed this tremendous event for over half a century, making us the longest current sponsor in racing. It is the county’s most historic race and it is only fitting that we continue to support the race due to our own vast heritage across the south.’

‘It is a fantastic opportunity for our team members, business partners, and the family to come together each year. Everyone travels from far and wide including Richard and Denise Bell, who run the Silent Woman Inn at Wareham in Dorset. Richard and Denise have been running pubs for us for more than 21 years and have come to the Badger Chase Day every year since joining the H&W family.’ Please visit www.hallwoodhouse.co.uk for more information.

44 THE VISITOR December 2018

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

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL

Oh look out world, take a good look What comes down here You must learn this lesson fast and learn it well The firST perSon to tell me the song gets a free drink.

Last month nigel Mcbay correctly guessed that it was the song made famous by The Animals, We gotta get out of this place.

Can anybody tell me what is going on with these roads in Yeovil?

We were supposed to see great improvements and shorter commuting times, well that is something we simply have not got.

All i can say is that whoever designed this lot must cycle to work  Last month we had a celebration with James Tazzyman who came to the pub with his friends and family for his 40th Birthday - a splendid time was had by all and we had some great singers on the Karaoke which made for an brilliant evening, well done James!

We have quite a bit going on in the next few weeks on the last friday of november we have the fabulous Mutter Slater band music starts around 9pm and it is a free gig in the bar. on the 7th of December to help me celebrate my birthday we have Mr D’arcy come along and join the fun music starts at about 9pm. on the 14th we have live in the bar Greg Agar, the piano wizard will start playing just after 9pm. on the 15th in the function room we have the fabulous Sarah Jory. one of the finest pedal / Steel players in the world. The week before she comes to The Quicksilver she is appearing in nashville Check her out on YouTube and you will see why this show will quickly sell out. Tickets are £10 and are available from the pub. on new Year’s eve this year we have the fantastic SNAKEBYTE this is a ticket only function and they are selling well, you can get yours from the pub. priced at £15 which includes supper.

And finally “i have with been diagnosed with kleptomania, when it gets bad, i just take something for it.’’

Toot Toot!!! 

BOOKINGS

 01935 424721

AROUND THE

H O U S E S IN YEOVIL ... birthday wishes for December go to Pete at The Quicksilver Mail who will be celebrating with music from Mr D’Arcy ... if you’re visiting the area over the festive period there are 15 spacious bedrooms at The Kings Arms, Montacute ... a good selection of cask ales offered at The Crown & Victoria, Tintinhull ... you can be sure of a well-kept pint at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock ... cosy atmosphere at The Hollies, Bower Hinton ... and for every party of 12 (or more) booking a Christmas party at The White Hart Hotel, Martock, one cracker will hide a £5 drink voucher.

Cruising on to Curry Rivel where The Firehouse festive feast includes a complimentary Festive Fizz Cocktail ... welcome to new host Andy at The Lime Kiln, Knole ... don’t miss live music with The Painkillers at The Old Pound Inn, Aller on 30th November ... discounts for festive parties of 20 or more at The Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi ... and Sunday carvery a popular choice at The Cross Keys Inn, Lydford on Fosse.

Winding our way to Wincanton we find good old fashioned pub fayre offered at The Dolphin Hotel ... if you like your burgers you’ll find a good choice at The Nog Inn ... great cider served at Uncle Tom’s Cabin ... Sunday carvery served from noon until 5pm at The Hunters Lodge, Leigh Common ... Chocolate & Hazelnut Pavlova with chocolate sauce and honeycombe cream from the festive menu sounds divine at The White Lion Inn, Bourton ... and don’t miss the Food & Drink market taking place at The Queens Arms Corton Denham on 1st December.

Shuffling on to Shepton Montague where traditional Somerset ciders from local independent breweries are served at The Montague Inn ... Mini Baked Camembert with bacon breadsticks and wild cranberry sauce sounds a delicious starter from the festive menu at The George Hotel, Castle Cary ... and finally, top marks go to The Orchard Inn, Galhampton who are inviting people over 65 living on their own to join them for Christmas Day Lunch, absolutely free. What a wonderful gesture.

They Say That a Zonkey has been born in South Barrow.

That Somerton butcher, Bernard Stacey, will go to extraordinary lengths to satisfy his customers desire for faggots.

That Yeovil Cash Generator is being watched by a wealthy entrepreneur.

That due to an unfortunatelytimed breakdown, holidaymakers travelling to Morecambe with South West Coaches were offered a free drink for their inconvenience.

Looking forward to an alcoholic beverage in the bar of the hotel on their arrival, some were a little disappointed to find they were offered tea, coffee, hot chocolate or water, on board the replacement coach.

That Dilli Dilli to the King - Mark Hopkins of Bradford Abbas became a true friend of the King when he indulged heavily in Bud Light during his skittle team’s cruise of France and Spain.

That since a close encounter with a spotlight, a certain Chiselborough gentleman has perfected the art of catching falling glass in his trouser pocket.

That Steve Atwell (The New Adonis) from Yeovil Market is in a bit of a pickle - since his 20 year old fresh look, he has had 23 offers of marriage and an offer of a free holiday with a famous mystery woman.

That it has been known for trendsetter and fashion icon Anita Spalding from the 94 Club in Yeovil, to have gone to work with her trousers on back to front.

That Castle Cary’s Big Christmas is due to take place on Thursday 6th December, but at time of print we have no details.

Boozy Gifts

WITH THE festive season just a few weeks away, many of us will be turning our thoughts to the thorny subject of how best to show appreciation for our friends and loved ones, with one eye on the budget.

When it comes to wine lovers, aside from the easy option of a bottle or two to tickle their fancy, there have been some interesting innovations this year; as I discovered when attending the London Wine Fair.

Holidays can also be a time for a little over-indulgence, hence my interest in a new product on sale from RR Elite Wines called ‘Indulge’ and on sale at ÂŁ14.99 for 30 pills (Tel.01747 597 003. www. rrelitewines.co.uk) Hailed as a supplement to ‘protect the day before, prevent the morning after’ it is specifically intended for those who drink alcohol responsibly, but want to without the unpleasant side effects. The tablets are a natural blend of specialised ingredients to prevent symptoms associated with excess indulgence. The antioxidants help neutralise free radicals, protecting the brain and liver, while the vitamins and sugars help re-balance the body.

It does however come with the warning that it does NOT reduce blood alcohol levels.

Mindful of the mishaps that can happen over the holiday season when we get a little merry, Wine Away will save the day. This organic spray, which is nonflammable and is pet and children safe, will remove red wine stains in a jiffy, allowing the party to carry on. Available in several sizes, and ideal as a stocking filler, from around ÂŁ12.

If you are trying to prevent others in the household from getting their hands on your favourite bottle of booze, then a Wine Lock may be just the thing.

This is basically a rather snazzy bottle top with a combination lock. There are several versions available, including one from www. whiskhampers.co.uk for just ÂŁ9.50.

This humorous book, ‘The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert’ by Richard Betts, also caught my eye. A master sommelier, the author introduces the basic components of wine (fruits, earth,

wood) through 16 different scents, to enable anyone to tell their Syrah from their Sangiovese.

Available through various online companies for around ÂŁ11.50.

For those wanting to invite a crowd over to host their own wine tasting (something I do regularly), contact one of our local independent wine shops, all of which will host tastings in your own home, and generally have a much more interesting selection of wines on offer than those found in supermarkets.

Drew Belobaba, owner of the Ilminster Bookshop (which also sells wine!), can be contacted at info@ilminsterbookshop. co.uk or 10 Silver St, Ilminster TA19 0DJ, Tel. 01460 55611.

Tim’s Wines South Petherton, TA13 5BS. Tel. 01460 242094, offers a two-hour home tasting of four red wines and four whites, for a minimum of 12 people, from £12 per person, email info@timswines.co.uk.

Wine World at 33 Silver St, Ilminster, TA19 0DW Tel: 01460 55512 will also host wine tastings to help raise funds for charity too.

Vinophiles who take their wines seriously, or are thinking of going into the hospitality industry, will find that the perfect gift may be a place on an accredited Wine & Spirit Education Trust course. A WSET qualification is recognised worldwide and as the only accredited tutor in Somerset (with a 100% pass rate for my students!), I run weekend examination classes several times per year. The next one will be early in the New Year. Prices range from ÂŁ250 - ÂŁ450, dependent on how many are in the class, linda vijeh@ hotmail.com Finally, a pet gripe of mine. In the course of researching information for articles to entertain and educate readers I often access online websites. Most infuriatingly, companies now all require those accessing their sites to confirm that they are over 18 years of age. This is absolute nonsense. As a licence holder, I fully understand the need to limit the exposure of young people to the evils of the consumption of alcohol, but to just read about?!

Does this then mean that the thought police should be monitoring the footfall of young people past the aisles teeming with alcoholic beverages in our supermarkets, lest they stop and read the labels? Heaven forbid.

This is the nanny state at its worst.

LP-V.

Pub of the Year - left to right: Phil de Glanville, Cross Keys Inn owners Jane West and David Grindley and sponsor Carla Hough of Porter and Dodson.

Somerset Pub is A Gold Award Winner

The Cross Keys Inn at Lydfordon-Fosse is celebrating in style after winning a Gold award for Tourism Pub of the Year 2018/2019. Pub owner David Grindley said ‘I’m honoured to receive this award on behalf of our hardworking staff and customers who make the pub such a great place to visit. Pubs are at the heart of our community, it’s a difficult business to make work.

We hope visitors and locals will continue to give us their support which is very much appreciated.’ There were a record number of winners announced at Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards Ceremony at the Apex Hotel in Bath. Nearly 300 guests from the best tourism businesses across Bristol, Bath and Somerset attended a black tie dinner and awards ceremony at the Apex Hotel in Bath. Laura Rawlings, from BBC Radio Bristol, hosted the evening alongside Phil de Glanville, former Bath Rugby player, with sponsors presenting 86 hand crafted awards made by Shakspeare Glass.

Somerset based organiser Nell Barrington said ‘last night I was just so excited and proud to be celebrating with these amazing tourism businesses.

The numbers of entries this year has increased by nearly a third so the competition was really tough and it was great to see so many turn out in force to celebrate their achievements. My congratulations goes out to them all.’ Nigel Scott, Business Development Director at Bristol Airport, said: ‘This year’s Awards were a fantastic showcase for Bristol, Bath and Somerset. From small independents to major attractions, the range and quality of experiences on offer to visitors is impressive’.

Godminster brings home Gold!

On the 2nd November 3,472 cheeses from over 40 countries and more than 230 judges, visited the city of Bergen, Norway for the annual World Cheese Awards.

As the scent of delicious cheese filled the air, the judges went about determining which cheese producers were worthy of a prestigious medal ‌ and Godminster won Gold!

Godminster are so excited to announce that their fabulous Oak-Smoked Vintage Organic Cheddar won Gold! They have always thought it was one of the best in the world and now they’re certain. đ&#x;?• However, Godminster are not the only ones who love it - you do too! Godminster absolutely love seeing pictures of your delicious creations. If you have any photos that you'd like to share, you can send them to marketing @god minster.com or alternatively, tag them on social media!

Give the gift of gold: Did you know their delicious (awardwinning!) Oak-Smoked Vintage Organic Cheddar is included in a variety of their fantastic gift sets?

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, saying thank you to a loved one or possibly getting ahead of the Christmas crowd, their Oak-Smoked is the perfect way to show that you care.

Godminster’s delicious Oak-Smoked Vintage Organic Cheddar won a Gold Award at the World Cheese Awards 2018.

THE VISITOR December 2018 45

GARDENING MONTHLY

National Tree Week 24th November until the 2nd December 2018

FIRST INITIATED in 1975, National Tree Week is the UK's largest tree celebration annually, launching the start of the winter tree planting season.

National Tree Week is a great chance for communities to do something positive for their local treescape. Each year, The Tree Council's member organisations such as voluntary bodies and local authorities, up to 200 schools and community groups, 8,000 Tree Wardens and many others,

support the initiative by setting up fun, worthwhile and accessible events, inspiring upward of a quarter of a million people to get their hands dirty and together plant around a million trees.

Plants for Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching and it wouldn’t be the same without a plant to brighten the dull days and bring a bit of colour into the home.

Poinsettias are one of the most popular indoor plants at this time of year and looked after they will flower from December through to January. They need bright, but filtered light, away from strong sun and draughts, with a minimum temperature of 13-15°C (55-59°F).

Care needs to be taken when

Full ground preparation and laying service available

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

WDR GARDENS

transporting Poinsettias from the shop to your home in the winter, as the cold outdoor temperatures can damage the foliage. Always ask if the shop can wrap the plant in paper right around the top of the foliage, or put it in a plastic bag so that it is completely protected.

Sometimes a Poinsettia will start wilting once you get it home, and continue to deteriorate, no matter what you do. This could be due to the plant having been stored in cold conditions in the shop before you bought it.

Unfortunately, there is little you can do about this. Buying plants from reputable suppliers is therefore recommended.

Water Poinsettias sparingly as overwatering can damage plants.

As a rule of thumb, only water when the surface of the compost has begun to dry out. The flowering life of plants is extended

by humidity, so mist plants regularly.

Plants make great gifts at this time of year particularly Azaleas and Phalaenopsis. There are also some flowering bulbs that can fill the room with scent and colour.

Potted Hyacinths that have made some growth will flower in approximately three weeks of being brought into the house.

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are beginning to appear in the shops and nurseries and if you plan on buying yours early to make sure you have the pick of the crop, the following tips should be observed to keep it healthy:

1. Stand it in a bucket of water in a cool place (shed or garage) until you are ready to take it indoors for decoration.

All types of Fencing

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

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

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

TELEPHONE 01747 840752

GARDENING STRIMMING LANDSCAPING PLANTING PONDS WATER FEATURES

STONEWORK POINTING PAVING SLABBING ANY OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

07711233063

46 THE VISITOR December 2018

Wickhams Cross, Butleigh, BA6 8TP OPEN DAILY from 1st December 9am until dark

O Fresh from the Forest O

This bespoke garage / stable from Sparkford Timber Buildings and Gates is perfect for your car and horses (or visiting reindeer).

2. Before taking it indoors, cut off at least 2.5cm (1 inch) from the bottom of the trunk and gently shake the tree to remove any loose needles.

3. Pot the tree in a stand with the trunk immersed in water.

Do not use soil or sand as they restrict water from being drawn up the trunk.

4. Place the tree in the coolest part of the room (away from radiators or fires) and top up with water daily.

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

www.o-christmas.co.uk  07870 466179

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

QUALIFIED ARBORIST

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL

TR EE PLA N TIN G

PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660

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

Early deadline for Christmas / January issue: Monday 3rd December

Don’t be beaten by winter!

You’ll find a huge selection of garden machinery at Ben Johnson in Shaftesbury Comprehensive choice of machinery and tools including ...  Chainsaws  Leafblowers  Strimmers  Hedgetrimmers  Mowers

... from manufacturers such as Webb, Echo Husqvarna, Greenworks and Cub Cadet Plus

at

BOOK YOUR

Ben Johnson now

 All makes and models serviced  Don’t leave it until the last minute

BenJohnson GARDEN MACHINERY Ben Johnson, 17d Wincombe Business Park, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ • Tel: 01747 851021 www.benjohnsonmowers.com

THE VISITOR December 2018 47

the en d bi t . . .

YOU MIGHT HAVE noticed that last month’s Visitor was issue number 420, completing 35 years of publication. When Patrick Dunion and Roger Otton launched the Visitor at the tail end of 1983 in the aftermath of Castle Cary’s badger controversy, did they ever imagine that it would still be going strong 35 years later, I wonder. They probably never gave it a thought.

Their minds were, more likely, on getting enough articles and advertisements to fill the next issue of the 24-page magazine.

Its esteemed predecessor, The Castle Cary Visitor, survived from 1896 till 1915 and nowadays the 19 volumes provide an indispensable source of snippets about the town, its people and its social history. The ‘new’ Visitor has already lived almost twice as long and will surely be a similarly valuable source of information for future generations of local historians. It has grown over the years to more than 50 pages, thanks to its proven ability to satisfy the advertisers, and it is their advertisements as much as the news, features and gossip that remind me how much things have changed in just 35 years.

Remember the Waggon and Horses at Ansford and its new 60seater restaurant – with an extensive menu including prawn cocktail for £1.15 and sirloin steak for £4.50 – or John and Mary Bridges welcoming us to the Ilchester Arms at Milton Clevedon – dating from 1625 and offering country hospitality in the midst of beautiful Somerset countryside.

Remember Jonah at the Camelot Inn at Queen Camel with his happy hour every hour – when whisky was 50p, Toby cost 56p, and for 66p you could have Harp lager – although that’s perhaps a memory that drinkers would prefer to forget.

Remember the Glen Hotel at Evercreech – where tickets for the St Valentine’s Party with live band, supporting disco and light buffet cost £2.50. Or the Tower House Boutique and Restaurant in Bruton.

Or Tramps Wine Bar and Delicatessen in Castle Cary. All advertising in early issues and all now long gone and sadly missed.

Even older by a whisker is the Blackmore Vale Magazine which celebrated its 40th anniversary with a well-conceived 32-page supplement in the 9th November issue. The opening articles describe

48 THE VISITOR December 2018

how Ingrid and Alan Chalcraft bought the ailing Stalbridge News, relaunched it as the four-page BVM in October 1978 and developed it into the large and indispensible source of local information that it continues to be under its present editor, Fiona Dart, her staff team and owner, Reach plc. Other articles reflect on the weather, the food, the music, the cars and the clothes of the late 1970s, along with profiles of some of the local businesses that have long been associated with the magazine. A double-page spread covers the history and processes of it printers, Blackmore Ltd of Shaftesbury, and another page is devoted to the last 40 years of the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show.

And the abundance of archive photos makes it a supplement worth keeping rather than recycling.

Congratulations on your anniversary, BVM, and ‘well done’ for the supplement.

Finally, regular readers of the Western Daily Press will doubtless have noticed that its much-promoted offer to encourage people to buy the paper via a direct debit subscription paid in advance has been extended yet again. Originally it was supposedly closing on 31st January but this was extended to 31st May, then to 31st August, to 20th October and now to 30th November. And it’s still being promoted in almost every issue with a full-page or half-page advert and sometimes both, so it seems a safe bet that the offer will still be available next year.

Chronicler.

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 23 1) ‘Rolling Stones' 2) Ronan Keeting 3) Ed Sheeran 4) 'Roses' 5) 'Your Song' – Elton John 6) Gordon Haskell 7) ‘Electric Light Orchestra’ 8) Al Stewart 9) 1995 10) ‘Rihanna' Bonus Question King Crimson

Solution to November

Sudoku

PHONE - a - FIRM

Plumbing

Domestic Appliances

Taylors Domestic

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

Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford Orcas DT9 4SE

Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

01963 220366

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

Oven Cleaning Mister Oven Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

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

Clean Ovens Domestic Ltd Covering Somerset and Dorset

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

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

DEADLINE for January Issue is Monday 3rd December

Fire & Security Alarms

PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM

Plumbing

Damian Hoddinott PLUMBING SERVICES

Competitive rates for all your plumbing needs

01963 441232 07971 676111

Locksmith

ANYTIME LOCKS

Fires / Chimneys / Stoves

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE

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

24-Hour Locksmith Key Cutting and Boarding Up

MOBILE 07709 433922 PHONE 01458 835652

HETAS • OFTEC • GAS SAFE

✴ Chimney Sweeping Service ✴

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

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport  01458 251476

Fuel Storage Tanks

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd

Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

Plastic / Metal tanks • temporary tanks leaking tanks • tank Cleaning / Moving / Disposal Above or Below Ground tanks • 24 hour Call-Out

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

Transport & Storage

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

Framing

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery

 picture framing  restoration  Large Selection of prints and paintings  Greeting Card Blanks High St. Gillingham Tel: 01747 824050 www.scenes-online.co.uk

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

Logs

Building

Dave Hoddinott FUlly QUAliFieD BUilDer estABlisheD 1973

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

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

Tel: (01963) 440256

Roofing

For all your roofing requirements

Roofing

Flat Roofing • Tiling Slating • GRP Roofing

Bourton Roofing Co.

For further information & estimates contact Allan Carey

 01747 840064

All New Work Fully Guaranteed

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

Slate  Tiling  flat roofing.

UpVC fascias  Guttering FREE ES T I M AT ES

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

Logs

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

Small and Large Loads tel: 07973 871708 evenings: 01935 825506

THE VISITOR December 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. 386 Set by Frank Butler

19

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

Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize is a £10 voucher to spend with any one advertiser in this issue of The Visitor. please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.

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

Holiday Flat to let

www.country-link.org.uk COUNtry liNK sOCiAl GrOUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. tel: Andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918

GeNUiNe hONest GUy looking to meet female age 38-48 for socialising.text: 07929 066821

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.

Services

hOUsehOlD & GArDeN rUBBish CleAreD, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. tel: 01460 77844

hOliDAy FlAt tO let, West Bay, ground floor, yards from the beach. Details 01963 23456

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. As yawl is adjusted for ever.

[6] 4. Offers to include 99 for those in charge. [8] 9. Oar tot arranged from the base. [2,4] 10. Rock-crustacean balancer oddly. [8] 11. Berthing area for yachts revised as pilot. [6] 12. Some men tranced on the way in. [8] 14. Halbert in all becomes concert venue. [6,4] 18. Sprite turn causes a break.

[10] 22. Yell about Eve after last time; easy to see here! [3-5] 23. Partly Steven Lyle showed, not oddly.[6] 24. Parachute-team member deliver’d arrangement. [3-5] 25. Stream in Frances’ clothing all finery. [6] 26. Their age yields legacy. [8] 27. Holder of a lease. [6]

6. Region changed: Take no notice! [6] 7. Ee! Once spun geological period. [6] 8. We send mixture to Scandinavian country. [6] 13. Object around beneath great noise. [10] 15. Came across inverted art with poetry. [8] 16. Spanish corners twinkles. [8] 17. Is Lea shy? Island raging after fire? [4,4] 19. Shortage: First day on this planet! [6] 20. Ale about heart of sender? A drunken spree! [6] 21. Agent to have food again. [6]

Solution to Crossword 385

Down:

1. A garden, no office, repeated as a jelly. [4-4] 2. Draw bore to store clothing.

[8] 3. Or ye many forces? [8] 5. Ann took one and a quarter yards and fled with exaggeration. [10]

50 THE VISITOR December 2018

The Winner of our November Crossword is Mr T. A. Brain of Wyke, Gillingham, who chose to spend the £10 at The Stags head inn, Yarlington.