The Visitor Magazine Issue 426 May 2019

Eco From e e r Fairly F tradedVegan Organic Natural Specialists in:

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 01963 351256 www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Issue 426 May 2019

FREE copy Your

9 – 11 Princes Street, YEOVIL, BA20 1EN Tel: 01935 428791

www.ceresfoods.com

18th Specialist Plant Fair at Yarlington House Saturday 11th May See page 5 for details

In Passing ...

Y

et again I return to a concern that I’ve aired before in this column – Visitorland’s inadequate public transport. If you want to go to London you have a choice of two direct rail routes as well as express coaches, but if you live at the eastern end of Somerset it’s barely possible to get to your county town and back by public transport on the same day. Driving in and out of Taunton is a long, slow process at the best of times and at peak hours it’s horrendous. Add the time it takes to find somewhere to park and the 30-plus miles from Castle Cary can take well over an hour and a half. The train from Castle Cary to Taunton takes around 20 minutes, but the current timetable shows only one train on a weekday morning and that’s not until 10.26am. Then try getting home again! If you can’t make Taunton station by four o’clock you will have to wait till 6.30pm for the next train that stops at Castle Cary.

Readers with long memories will recall that back in 2000 Somerset County Council called for a new rail service between Westbury and Taunton calling at Frome, Bruton and Castle Cary and at re-opened stations at Somerton and Langport. It commissioned a survey into the commercial viability of the proposed service, the level of funding required, and the social and environmental benefits – which concluded that the service would open up Taunton to easy access for residents of east Somerset and could provide a spine for an integrated transport network across the centre of the county. But nothing came of it.

In late March an aspiring open-access train operator revealed plans to establish regular services from 2020 to complement the franchised services run mainly by Great Western Railway through Somerset and Wiltshire. Four return trips from Taunton and two from Yeovil would run via Castle Cary, Bruton, Frome and Westbury to Swindon, with onward connections to Oxford, Coventry and Nuneaton. The train operator – a not-for-profit co-operative called GO-OP – points out that carefully-

timed connections at Castle Cary would create several options each day for journeys of less than an hour between Yeovil and Taunton.

But don’t bank on it happening. The cooperative was launched in 2009 to develop a new service of four trains a day between Yeovil and Birmingham via Castle Cary, Swindon and Oxford, but although this proposal generated significant local support, nothing came of it. Then in June 2016 it revealed fresh proposals to run a two-hourly service between Taunton and Swindon from December 2017, with stops at Castle Cary, Bruton and Frome in Somerset, and to extend the service to Oxford and beyond from the following May. Opening a new station in Langport was also proposed. Again nothing came of it.

Hopefully the latest proposals will meet with greater success, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines June Issue published Thursday 30th May - Deadline Friday 17th May

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BP

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

Proprietor Helen Dunion Editor Max Dunion Advertising Julie Crowe

© The Visitor Ltd. 2019

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

CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 34 ANTIQUES - 21

CROSSWORD - 34 GARDENING - 29

GILLINGHAM - 24

HOUSE & HOME - 12 LEISURE - 11

LOOKING GOOD - 22

MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 4 MOTORING - 17 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.

MUSIC for the MONTH - 29 NOTICE BOARD - 11 PAPERCHASE - 32

PHONE-A-FIRM - 32 PUBS - 25

SUDOKU - 11

TEA FOR TWO - 22 THEY SAY - 27

WINE & DINE - 28

YEOVIL TRADERS - 18 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR May 2019 3

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Dispatches

Yarlington Fringe Music and Arts Festival 2019 Friday May 3rd – Sunday May 5th

THE FAMILY FRIENDLY Yarlington Fringe, a free festival of music, arts and crafts, is back again on the first bank holiday in May (May 3rd – 5th).

Yarlington Fringe founder Dave Braybon enjoyed attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for many years and thought ‘If Edinburgh can put on such a

brilliant event, why not have one in Yarlington?’ So the first Yarlington Fringe took place in 2003 and it was such a roaring success that it has been held every other year since. This will be the ninth event.

The weekend opens at the village hall at 6pm on Friday evening with an exhibition of works by established local artists.

The exhibition will run all weekend and most exhibits are for sale at very reasonable prices.

Then just come down to the field next to the church in the centre of the village with all the family and enjoy The Lime Blues Trio on Friday, old friends Kangaroo Moon, who start Saturday evening with a barn dance, and soak up the eclectic mix of the West Camel Acoustic

YARLINGTON FRINGE

Friday UG 0D\ – Sunday th 0D\ A Festival of Art, Music, Drama, Dancing & Beer “Top family entertainment in a bucolic setting” LIVE MUSIC ★ Craft & Music Workshops Demonstrations ★ Children’s Entertainment

All events are free and funded solely by our food & drinks sales

www.yarlington-somerset.co.uk &RQWDFW Jane 01963 44

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Crowds watch a performance at the 8th Yarlington Fringe.

Experience through Saturday and Sunday daytime.

Other events include drumming, digital workshop, handbell and stained glass workshops and you can learn ballroom dancing. The Langport Mummers will perform a traditional play with contemporary twists (not always suitable for those with a nervous disposition!) Not to be missed is the beer and cider festival and the world-famous Duck Race which takes place in the River Cam.

Anyone aged 7 upwards should join up for the community opera ‘The Magic Flute’ directed by musical magician Karen Gillingham who grew up in Yarlington, and be part of its creation, evolution and eventual presentation (in substantially reduced form!) The opera will be performed in the Church at 5pm on Sunday.

Delicious food and drink will be on offer throughout the weekend. This is the best value you can get, in or out of the EU, because all events are FREE, but

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Dispatches please note that the Fringe is entirely funded by our sales of food and drink (and they're a bargain!)

Contact: janebraybon @uwclub.net. Tel 01963 440660.

More information available at www.yarlington-somerset.co.uk.

Alpaca picnic for the North Somerset Show!

This year's North Somerset Show on Bank Holiday Monday May 6 will feature a wide array of animal attractions from alpacas to guinea pigs as well as the usual livestock and equestrian classes.

Keeping alpacas has become increasingly popular with smallholders in recent years they are inexpensive to keep and don’t require large paddocks.

They generally make very good pets especially if they are kept in a small group.

Alpacas provide luxurious fleeces which can be used to make wool and craft products – one of the reasons they have earned

Alpacas provide luxurious fleeces which can be used to make wool and craft products – one of the reasons they have earned their place in the North Somerset Show’s livestock schedule.

their place in the North Somerset Show’s livestock schedule.

Located in the Countryside Area at this year’s show, the Alpaca section has been organised

by Gary Naish from Oakview Alpacas near Rangeworthy in South Gloucestershire.

His wife Andrea said: ‘We have been keeping alpacas for about 15 years – back then they were not as commonly kept as they are now and we had to travel to Cumbria to pick up our first ones.

We now have about 34 breeding stock with seven alpacas born last year.’

Gary Naish learnt how to shear alpacas and now travels all over

Europe to shear other people’s animals.

In addition, the couple provide fleeces for crafts people locally.

Depending on grade, the rest of the wool is sent to a farm in Devon where it is processed to create a variety of items.

Andrea said: ‘They are not difficult to keep and help keep the grass down. It has been a real adventure keeping them, but they are lovely.’

And what about the difference between alpacas and llamas?

‘The principle difference is they are much smaller. They have totally different ears and a

YARLINGTON HOUSE

By kind permission of The Count & Countess de Salis

18TH SPECIALIST PLANT FAIR & OPEN GARDEN Saturday 11th May • 10am – 4pm

An opportunity to buy plants from specialist growers from all over the South West. Plus a selection of unusual annuals on the Yarlington House Stall

A special day out for gardeners to enjoy the beautiful italiante flower gardens and huge walled kitchen gardens Refreshments available all day. Raffle with plants for prizes

Entrance Fee £3 (under 16s free) • FREE PARKING Proceeds to St. Luke and St. Teresa’s Church, Wincanton Yarlington House, Yarlington, nr. Wincanton, BA9 8DY

THE VISITOR May 2019 5

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Dispatches different temperament to llamas.’

The livestock classes will feature cattle, pigs, sheep, llamas and alpacas coming from all over the South West. The equestrian programme, includes Showjumping, Royal International Horse Show qualifiers, heavy horses, hunters, Shetland ponies and more.

Arena events are being finalised with a full day’s

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programme for all the family.

Details of competitions and how to enter can be found at www.nsas.org.uk or phone 01934 837285 for ticket sales and 01934 837283 for general enquiries.

Made in Somerset - Saturday 4th May - Somerton

Made in Somerset returns to Somerton on Saturday 4th May with a fresh new mix of talented stallholders for its fifth consecutive year. Started in 2015, each year Made in Somerset has grown and this year is no exception with two venues: the top floor of ACEarts Gallery, and for the first time, The Parish Rooms, just across Somerton’s historic Market Place.

Made in Somerset offers a unique selection of stallholders as all are handpicked and individually invited by the organisers, and all must be based in Somerset.

Somerset is famous for its creative industries and the breadth of stallholders on show demonstrates this. This year’s event includes the makers of exquisite handmade jewellery, stylish ceramics, interesting stationery and prints, luxury candles, and indulgent treats, as well as a number of outstanding artisan food producers.

Made in Somerset returns to Somerton on Saturday 4th May.

Visitors to Made in Somerset will also for the first time be able to enjoy morning tea, coffee and homemade cakes, and a choice of delicious soups at lunchtime at the event, as well as browsing amongst all the stalls.

Made in Somerset is the main fundraising event for charity Etatu, which is based in Somerset but aims to improve the lives of children in Kenya through a focus on education. Etatu helps children go to school through a number of practical initiatives, such as by paying school fees, providing uniforms, shoes and school supplies.

This year for the first time, two

girls sponsored by Etatu will go on to University, whilst a further five will attend College where they will pursue professional rather than academic studies (such as teaching, nursing, or civil service administrator etc.) These are girls who without Etatu’s support would have been unable to attend secondary school.

Founder of Etatu, Jacquie Lindgren, who grew up in Kenya and now lives in Street, says, ‘Etatu sponsors girls through secondary school who, because of extreme hardship or family circumstances, would otherwise not be able to stay in education.

Secondary school education is not

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Dispatches free in Kenya and the school fees as well as the required uniform and other expenses are beyond the means of these children and their families. This is where Etatu helps. By ensuring girls stay in school longer, we can significantly improve their prospects and quality of life, as well as have a strong positive impact on their families and indeed the wider community.

‘The group of girls who will this year go on to further education demonstrates the life-changing difference we can make to these young people. Direct support, targeted to where it is needed, can be exactly the right help at the right time which can transform these children’s lives.’

International TV Executive Who Switched To Comedy Returns Home For Shaftesbury Fringe 5th - 7th July

Former Shaftesbury School pupil Cally Beaton, a frequent panellist

Former Shaftesbury School pupil Cally Beaton, a frequent panellist on TV’s ‘Q.I’, is appearing at Shaftesbury Fringe 2019.

on TV’s ‘Q.I’, is appearing at Shaftesbury Fringe 2019.

Cally worked as a TV executive until recently and served on the board of ITV and American media giant Viacom. ‘It’s thanks to me that you’ve been able to see ‘Spongebob’ and ‘South Park’ over here’, she said.

Cally was working with comedian Joan Rivers at the TV channel Comedy Central when the comedy legend told her to switch careers. ‘We had corporate events and my job was to keep the crowd warm until Joan came on. On the final night of the last tour, Joan told me ‘Cally, you should go and do stand up.' If

Joan Rivers tells you to do something, you do it,’ Cally explained.

During Cally’s Shaftesbury Fringe show she will recount a personal experience, which had a profound impact on her. ‘I nearly disappeared in Iceland.

The country, not the shop,’ she smiled. ‘Something extreme happened to me when I was over there on my own. It was a difficult road trip but obviously, I survived. I depict that story in a quite humorous way. It ended up being an empowering trip.’

Cally believes her show will have wide appeal.

‘I’m hoping that there won’t just be people there who want to see how I’ve turned out from school,’ she laughed.

Cally says she may include some references to growing up in Shaftesbury during her show.

‘There’s a bit about my exboyfriends. I have had to rewrite that bit several times because people who know me show up at

gigs. The first love of my life was from Shaftesbury and is still in my top three. I’m not saying who he was,’ she smiled.

Cally Beaton’s show ‘Invisible’ is on at St Peter’s Church Hall on Saturday, 6th July, starting at 8pm.

There is good news for anyone who wants to perform at Shaftesbury Fringe. The closing date for registration has been extended until 4th May, because the deadline for printing the event programme has moved.

Celebration of the Arts Glastonbury Fringe 2019

The 8th Glastonbury Fringe kicks off on 25th May until 2nd June, a celebration of the arts in Glastonbury. Over the nine days as well as promoting mainstream events the Fringe shows off what you can expect from Glastonbury town all year round, to that end you can expect exhibitions, competitions, fine food and drink, theatre, workshops and healing

THE VISITOR May 2019 7

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Dispatches and more high quality music than anywhere else on a daily basis held at pubs, café’s and other venues throughout town.

Each day also sees the Fringe Stage set up at various locations in town to include St Dunstan’s House and the Market Cross where there will be an eclectic mix of performers from 2pm (and every day thereafter throughout the Fringe).

The launch event on Friday 25th May is being held at

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Glastonbury Abbey with live music from Tankus the Henge, Port Erin, Noel & Webb and Break Beat Bandits. Doors open at 5pm and tickets are available online www.glastonbury abbeyshop.com or www. glastonbury-fringe.org.uk or in person from Stephens Butchers at the Market Cross.

Glastonbury Fringe is sponsored by: Glastonbury Spring Water, Brothers, Glastonbury Festival, gfm and Young Rascal Design Studio. #only1glasto. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Bruton Choral Society Summer Concert May 18th

Of course it will be very hard to match up to all the excitement of the Queen’s visit at the end of March but there’s still a lot lined up in Bruton town in recognition of so many important anniversaries this year.

On Saturday 18 May at 7.30pm in King’s School Memorial Hall BCS will be part of those festivities when they hold their Summer Concert as part of the Bruton 500 Celebrations. Musical director Barbara Jenkinson has chosen some wonderful music to cater for very different tastes: most will already know and love

Cheddar Arts Fringe Festival (CHAFF) 2019 takes place Mayday Bank Holiday weekend 4-6th May.

the songs from Bernstein’s West Side Story, but the St. Ursula Mass by Michael Haydn is a real gem of a discovery, both uplifting and joyful. For this performance They will be accompanied by an orchestra and they are also delighted to welcome four talented young postgraduate soloists from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

This early summer event has become a real fixture in the Bruton social calendar; come along and bring some friends!

Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door (accompanied children free), to include a glass of Pimms – served alfresco weather permitting. Available from Church Bridge Stores, Bruton Pharmacy, 01749 813161 or online at www.bruton choralsociety.org.uk.

Cheddar Artists Village Takeover!

It’s time to get excited about Cheddar Arts Fringe Festival (CHAFF) 2019, which takes place in and around Cheddar on the Mayday bank holiday weekend – 4-6th May. In its 5th year, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever with 34 Cheddar artists, and up and coming young artists from local schools, exhibiting in 20 venues around the village.

Painters, potters, sculptors, metal workers, woodworkers, jewellery-makers, textile artists, print-makers and photographers will be opening their homes and studios and taking over community venues to show you what they can do. Many artists will have work for sale and be

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Dispatches able to take commissions but there is no obligation to buy, you are welcome to just come and see what Cheddar Artists have to offer!

A number of venues will also be offering the chance to get creative yourselves with workshops to take part in. Also, for the first time this year they will be offering guided tours of all 20 venues.

They want everyone in Cheddar to know that a festival is happening for Mayday weekend and this year they are grateful to local businesses who have sponsored flags, signs and banners helping to point the way to all 20 venues.

The event, which last year attracted as many as 200 visitors per venue per day and raised over £600 for charities is unique in the way it directs Cheddar villagers and tourists alike to parts of the village visitors don’t always see.

Look out for Festival programmes around the village, which include a detailed map and act as your definitive guide to all things Cheddar Arts Fringe Festival 2019.

Book workshops or a place on the guided tour and find details of all artists, studios, workshops at www.cheddarartists.co.uk.

4-A-Side Skittles Cup raising money for Air Ambulance

Castle Cary’s White Hart Summer Skittles Knock Out Cup & Plate starts w/c 10th June, £10 team entry, £3 per player per game. Prize money for the winner & runner up of both the main knockout and the plate competition. Highest team score

and individual spot prizes also up for grabs.

Entry forms to be completed and returned by 27th May. Forms available from The White Hart, Castle Cary or by calling 01963 350077.

Cheddar Male Choir, taster evening in Axbridge

What do you do on Tuesday nights? Cheddar Male Choir are looking for new members and are holding two taster evenings on Tuesday 7th and 14th May. They will be at Axbridge C of E Church St John the Baptist just off the square, Axbridge at 7:30pm until 9:30pm. Please come along and listen or join in just so you can see how much fun it is to sing in Cheddar Male Choir.

If you are unsure then don’t be, there’s no pressure on you. Why not bring a friend or group of friends as well. Looking forward to seeing you.

Cheddar Male Choir are looking for new members.

the moment, please join the waiting list.

Parkinson’s Dance: Youth Centre, Tinney’s Lane, Sherborne, Thursdays 2.30pm4pm.

Art for Parents: Sherborne West End Hall, and St Paul’s Church Hall, Sherborne. Both on Thursdays 9.30am-11.30am (term time only).

Further details of each group can be found on the website www.sherborneartslink.org.uk.

If you are interested in joining or would like to find out more please contact Kate Osman at ArtsLink on 01935 815899 or 07483 338969 or email artslinkfizz@gmail.com ArtsLink Fizz! is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

hospital and the community in general. By inspiring the gift of voluntary service, they keep people happy, healthy and connected.

The volunteers work alongside the NHS and within communities to create more time to care. Kirsty will talk about the Royal Voluntary Service journey over the last 80 years since its inception and the work the volunteers do in South Somerset through the Home Library Service.

Somerton U3A AGM on Friday 24 May

The next meeting of the Somerton U3A will be on Friday 24 May. After the business part of the meeting, they welcome Kirsty Jenssen, who is a service manager for the Royal Voluntary Service, specifically responsible for the Home Library Service. The Royal Voluntary Service (previously WRVS) mobilises volunteers to support those in need or in

Sherborne Artslink Events May

Join artist and tutor Diane Summer on Saturday 11 May for her talk 'A Blank Canvas', from trepidation to confidence and on Saturday 1 June for a workshop 'Painting in a Day'. Talk tickets - £8 from Sherborne TIC 01935 815341. Workshop booking £50/£45 Friends at ArtsLink on 01935 815899.

ArtsLink Fizz, Free Art for Wellbeing groups: Art for Memory - Wingfield Room, Digby Hall, Sherborne DT9 3AA, Tuesdays 10am-12noon. Full at

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Sherborne. Free refreshments will be provided by The Walled Garden Restaurant.

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2019 Mere Literary Festival – Poetry Competition

Dispatches Monthly meetings normally take place on the fourth Friday of each month at the Edgar Community Hall, Somerton starting at 10am with coffee (30p) and chat. After any notices the main event begins at 10.30am and finishes by 12 noon latest. Meetings are free for members, visitors £1.50 each.

An evening with Pam Rhodes at Castle Gardens, Sherborne Saturday 25 May at 7pm

Pam Rhodes, author and BBC Songs of Praise presenter, will be visiting Sherborne in Dorset on Saturday 25 May, as part of a book tour to promote her latest release, Arthur’s Garden: Up the garden path, down memory lane.

In association with Winstone’s Books, Castle Gardens will host the special author event and book signing from 7pm in The

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd

Pam Rhodes is visiting Sherborne on Saturday 25th May.

Butterfly House.

A collection of heart-warming songs and poems, along with advice on managing an English garden, this is a gardening book with a story to tell. Told through the life of Pam’s great-uncle Arthur, the book covers the life of an ordinary English family from 1906 to the present day.

Tickets cost £5 and are available to purchase at Winstone’s Books on Cheap Street, Sherborne and at Castle Gardens on New Road in

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

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£9/£8 (concessions) Saturday performance is 2 for £15. To order online visit: www.civicplayersyeovil.com or Tel: 07593 539593 This amateur production is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH LTD a Concord Theatrical Company

Pennybank Writers of Mere announce the MLF Biennial Poetry Competition is now open for entries in support of Mere and District Linkscheme in association with Mere Literary Festival. The Festival this year runs from 7th to 13th October. The Open Poetry Competition is sponsored by Amulet Residential of Mere, email amuletresidential@gmail.com or Tel: 01747 356176 or 07543 372755.

Poems can be on any subject and of no more than 40 lines.

Closing dates for all poetry entries is Monday 1st July 2019. Entry details from your local Library or send a s.a.e to MLF Poetry Competition, Lawrences, Old Hollow, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6EG or log onto: www.mere literaryfestival.com.

The Senior Judge is Dr. Rosie Jackson – Award Winning Poet, *Hawthornden Fellow *Lecturer and *Author of The Light Box. Major Prizes: 1st Prize £200, 2nd Prize £100, 3rd Prize £50. Three runners-up £15 – Certificates of Distinction and Merit.

Performance Prizes: Short-listed poems will be showcased at a Festival Event – ‘Poetry in the Grove’. These poems will be judged by the audience, prior to the announcements of the competition results at ‘The Adjudication and Awards Ceremony’ on Sunday 13th October. ‘Poetry in the Grove’ is always a very popular event.

Local Awards are for poems by residents living within a ten mile radius of Mere. The short-listed poems in this section will also feature in The ‘Poetry in the Grove’ with a prize awarded in memory of Mere Poet, Peter Gillott.

Internationally renowned virtuoso concert pianist, Sam Haywood, plays Brahms 2nd Piano Concerto at The Mid-Somerset Orchestra Spring Concert, Strode Theatre, Street, Saturday 11th May. Tickets: 01458 442846.

The Gartell Light Railway

May Notice Board ASH

ASH PRIMARY SCHOOL presents Town Tree Trail Obstacle Fun Run. 6.30pm on Wednesday 15th May at Kingsbury Episcopi Recreation Ground, TA12 6BG. Childrens Fun Run (20 minute lap challenge): 6.30pm, 10K Run: 7pm. Showers, bar & refreshments available.

CASTLE CARY

ALDEN PATTERSON AND DASHWOOD. Folk/Americana trio. Saturday 18 May 18:45.

Caryford Hall. Tickets £10 from Bailey Hill Bookshop, Castle Cary or www.wegottickets. com/event/454553.

HENSTRIDGE

BLACKMORE VALE U3A QUIZ, come and join in the fun.

Henstridge Village Hall, Tuesday 7th May 2.30pm. Members £1.50, Visitors £2.50, refreshments included.

MARTOCK

BLACK CAT JAZZ AT Martock Church, 30th May, 19:30. The Black Cats perform New Orleans ‘Dance Hall’ inspired music created by musicians prominent during the 1940-1960 traditional jazz revival music with a mixture of trumpet; trombone; euphonium; clarinet; sax; strings & drums but they will also play spirituals and popular tunes from

earlier periods. Admission: £9 or £8 at 01935 829576. www. martockonline.co.uk/events, www.blackcatjazz.co.uk.

NORTH BARROW

ATTIC ART AUCTION and Sale 18th May 2019. North Barrow Hall BA22 7LZ from 2-5pm. Free entry. Cash/cheques only.

SOMERTON

SATURDAY 4th MAY, 10am 4pm at ACEarts and The Parish Rooms, Somerton ‘Made in Somerset’ over 35 unique artisan stalls - contemporary crafts & gifts for local charity Etatu. Tea, coffee, cakes, lunch & raffle.

YEOVIL

50/50 SEQUENCE/Ballroom Dance with Ray Denning. 7.30pm - 10.30pm, Sunday 19th May at Milford Hall, Yeovil, BA21 4QD. Entry £5. Bring and share. Tel 01935 424164. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund via a grant from Awards for All (England).

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

Restarting on 24th April. Milford Hall, Yeovil, BA21 4QD. Entry £2. Tel 01935 424164. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund via a grant from Awards for All (England).

Two Bank holidays in the month of May means two Open Days on the Gartell Light Railway.

Whether you have visited before or never, come along and enjoy a ride on the narrow-gauge trains through the Somerset countryside along part of the route of the old Somerset and Dorset Railway, which closed in 1966.

Three trains will be operating at 25 minute intervals between 10.30am and 4.20pm on both Bank Holiday Mondays, 6th and 27th of May. It is planned to run both steam locomotives, ‘Mr G’ and ‘Jean’, as well as Class 33 replica diesel ‘Amanda’.

Two of the trains, the red and green sets, have accommodation for wheelchair users and the friendly staff will assist to ensure that all visitors have an enjoyable visit and journey. Because of the restricted size of the trains, unfortunately large dogs cannot be accommodated on the trains.

There is a large free parking area and snacks are available in the Pines Suite together with the usual facilities. There is also a shop selling books, models and souvenirs.

Look out for signs on the A357 between Henstridge and Templecombe. The railway is open from 10.00am.

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

Successful Spring Coffee Morning for Castle Cary Museum

Castle Cary Museum held its Spring Coffee Morning on Saturday 6th April. Although the town was quiet, £152 was made.

Thank you to all the Museum Volunteers who gave up their time to help make it so successful and the good people of Castle Cary who supported the event.

Special thanks to Barbara and Chris Dickins who donated so many Cakes and Biscuits.

Two Bank holidays in May means two Open Days on the Gartell Light Railway.

Advertise your June event here from just £5 for 20 words! (30p per additional word). Send details by 15th May to: The Visitor, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, BA7 7BP or email: info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk.

Sudoku by

T. M.

Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9.

Answers to last month’s Sudoku on page 27.

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Turner Windows of Somerton

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

Now members of Check-ATrade, you can be certain of receiving a quality-assured service. Further to this, Turner Windows website is full of positive feedback from very happy customers.

Craig takes pride in being an active member of the community locally. Turner Windows are delighted to be the main sponsors for Somerton Rugby Club.

As well as offering installations of windows, doors and conservatories, they also carry out repairs to windows,

12 THE VISITOR May 2019

doors and conservatories as it may not need replacing!!!

Straight honest advice with no false discounts.

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

Turner Windows are Approved LEKA Warm Roof installers, a

high-quality product which can transform your conservatory into a space to be enjoyed all year around. Craig noted it as one of the best warm roof conservatory products on the market currently.

We are very pleased to announce that their professional and honest services in the industry are here to stay since they have recently bought the

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

So why not visit www.

Thinking of buying a conservatory this spring? Turner Windows of Somerton will provide a free no obligation quote. Visit them at Bancombe Trading Estate, Somerton.

turnerwindows.co.uk to see for yourself. For trustworthy and expert advice, visit Turner Windows at Bancombe Trading Estate, Somerton or call 01458 272555.

Clean House, Clean Mind: Two fifths of Britons clean more often thanks to online cleaning influencers, and it’s helping their mental health

Brand new research has revealed that two fifths of Britons say they now clean more thanks to online influencers, with one in five claiming it has helped with their mental health.

Cleaning hacks have been around for many years, but since the recent craze of online cleaning influencers, such as Mrs Hinch and Marie Condo, it seems everyone is going cleaning crazy in their homes.

Home interiors specialists www.Hillarys.co.uk conducted a survey of more than 2,000 homeowners, with results revealing that two fifths of

Britons are now hooked on following and learning from cleaning influencers online (41%), cleaning more often than they did before discovering them.

When asked what new habits they now do thanks to online cleaning influencers, it was found that 69% are buying products they’ve never purchased before, 46% of Britons are doing more detailed cleans of appliances and a further 36% are decluttering and throwing away items they no longer want or need.

Whilst 38% of respondents said that taking tips from cleaning influencers have made them feel good about themselves and their home, 19% admitted that their mental health has improved since taking tips from these influencers.

When asked to state how cleaning influencers have helped with their mental health the top reasons cited were ‘it keeps my mind occupied and distracts me from other things’ (56%), ‘it’s nice to have the online support

network of other people going through the same issues with the same cleaning interest that can help you through and give you guidance’ (44%) and ‘It helps me to relax’ (32%).

More specifically, just over a third (32%) stated that they feel they are more in control of their lives since jumping on the cleaning bandwagon, and a further 24% admitted that they now run their own social media accounts helping others with tips and tricks for cleaning. It was found that of respondents who stated that they feel more in control of their lives, 18% also said they had also seen an improvement of planning day to day activities.

Tara Hall, spokesperson from www.Hillarys.co.uk, said: ‘Social media is a great place to share ideas and form communities of like-minded people, and the astronomical success of Mrs Hinch is proof of how powerful it can be. It’s great to see that these accounts are

genuinely helping people and encouraging people to take more care of their home.’

Researchers find the 'true cost' of moving property

Home buyers can expect to spend almost £4,000 on top of the cost of their new property – for legal fees, surveying costs and other removal bills, it has emerged.

Researchers found that while the price of the average home is now £230,776, additional costs leaves the purchaser having to spend far more.

A study carried out among 2,000 adults who have moved in the last ten years found the average bill for unexpected costs is £3,823.88.

More than 40 per cent of those who took part said the cost exceeded their expectations.

Tom Newbould, a spokesman from online lender MYJAR, which commissioned the research, said: ‘The study shows just how much goes into moving house, from the task of cleaning the current home, to surveying the new house.

THE VISITOR May 2019 13

‘Every pound adds up, resulting in what is clearly an unanticipated extra amount for homeowners to pay, showing perhaps a lack of knowledge around the true cost of moving.

‘Not every buyer will find this extra cost easy to fund so it’s important to plan ahead and ensure you’re not left in a difficult position money-wise. It can already be such a hectic time.’

The research also revealed one third had to borrow money to cover the unforeseen costs.

On average £948.74 was the amount borrowed, with 21 per cent even requiring more than £2,000 in order to afford the extra costs.

Over half turned to friends and family for the unexpected charges, while one third relied on their credit card. A further 27 per cent took out a bank loan.

In preparation to sell, homeowners spent on average £331.28 decorating their previous nest, with one in 10 spending over £1,000 and one in five forking out over £2,000.

Legal fees alone came to a grand total of £1,614.27, almost half of the total price of moving house.

New furniture cost on average £991.58, with a further 46 per cent spending over £1,000 on furnishings from cushions to dishwashers.

However, cost saving tips from respondents included ‘buy second hand furniture’, ‘accept furniture offered by the seller’ and ‘buy furniture one by one’.

Another popular hack was revealed as ‘do as much as you can yourself’, which explains why 30 per cent didn’t spend anything on removal companies.

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

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■ Carpets

■ Naturals

■ Laminates

Before even moving into a new property, further costs include a mortgage valuation at an average of £209.44 and £25.09 on an energy performance certificate.

Those in the North West were most caught out, with 47 per cent of homeowners forking out more than expected.

While on the other hand, 38 per cent of Londoners were pleasantly surprised at their seemingly cheap cost of moving, the OnePoll study found.

Tom Newbould added: ‘Finances always need careful consideration and planning.

‘When it comes to something like moving house or preparing to have a baby, individuals should take some time to sit down and look at their current income and expenditure, and the likely amounts further down the line.

‘Big costs and commitments like these most certainly require a degree of financial education as a background, and people may lack this.

‘However, just like any costs, big or small, they should be thought through and meaningful.

‘We don’t want to start unnecessary spending.’

For money saving tips go to the blog at myjar.com.

SJH Carpets, Wincanton

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

■ Vinyls

■ Woods

■ Shutters and Blinds

■ LVTs: Karndean, Moduleo,

Wincanton

Harvey Maria and many other manufacturers

ROLL STOCK Vinyls & Carpets now available

★ Free Estimate ★ Free Measuring ★ Professional Fitting by our own Expert Fitters ★ Friendly and Personal Service ★ Bespoke Floor Runners, Fully Fitted Carpets and Rugs ★ Competitive Prices

“Just nice people to do business with”

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

Also at... Malvern House, High Street, Tisbury, SP3 6LD  01747 871178 The Old Post Office, 38 North Street, Langport, Somerset, TA10 9RH  01458 887301

14 THE VISITOR May 2019

They offer a free measuring and fitting service on bespoke curtains, shutters and blinds, and work with Luxaflex to provide the latest designs, technology and safest window coverings available.

The fabric department in Wincanton has an extensive fabric library stocking Prestigious Textiles and Chatsworth Fabrics.

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

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.

For a new look in 2019 call SJH Carpets today and get your free estimate for your upcoming project.

Homemaker, Shaftesbury and Warminster

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it makes sense that you want to love it. It can be a hub and a haven: a place for cooking for family and friends, chatting over coffee or an evening glass of wine, and for children to do their homework after a busy day at school.

Homemaker knows that not everyone is the same, so they are there to help you choose the kitchen that best suits your requirements. There is a style to suit all tastes, from contemporary styles and bold colours to the more traditional painted finishes.

They offer a personal service and have years of experience.

Homemaker’s showroom in Shaftesbury will inspire you, and their custom kitchen design service will ensure that the end result is a truly beautiful kitchen that is also completely practical and user-friendly. Their specialist team will work with you to design a kitchen that is beautiful not just to look at but to be in. You will get value for money and a quality product.

In order to make room for the latest Range cookers,

Homemaker are having a clearance sale on their existing in-store cookers. Homemaker also supply a wide range of kitchen appliances from leading manufacturers, see the new website to view all the latest deals and products available in-store at myhomemaker.co.uk.

So, whether you want a new kitchen designed and installed or a new appliance, look no further than Homemaker. Contact 01747 851476 for the Shaftesbury branch, or 01985 219200 for the Warminster branch.

A man’s home is his castle but Brits’ dream garden is 48 feet long, south facing – and contains a vegetable plot and a hot tub

The average Brits’ dream garden is 48 feet long, south facing – and contains a vegetable plot and a hot tub, it has emerged.

Researchers who carried out a detailed study also found a cosy seating area, a barbecue and a lush, green, well-kept lawn are also essential.

Other must-have elements include decking or a patio and a summer house.

Entertaining throughout summer proved important, as 41 per cent required a socialising space, which explains why a drinks bar and a pizza oven also made the top 20.

When not hosting, 45 per cent described their dream garden as being ‘tranquil’ and over half felt it must look tidy and organised.

On average, Brits reckon it will cost a whopping £1,770 to achieve their ultimate garden.

Steve Guy, market director for Outdoor at B&Q, which commissioned the research, said: ‘With Brits spending a significant amount of time enjoying their outdoor spaces during the warmer months, it makes sense they’d want to create a space to be truly proud of.

‘Whether it’s a fun area for entertaining or a tranquil spot with lots of greenery, Brits need to remember that to have their ‘dream garden’ come summer, the groundwork needs to start in spring.

‘The research shows that almost half of us worry the journey to a dream garden would take a serious toll on their wallet and believe it will set them back

by an average of £1,770.’

The research also found one in three begin prepping for the spring and summer months in March - and spend on average 10 hours getting the outdoor space ready.

Brits spend five and a half hours in their garden during the average summer week leading to one in 10 revealing it is the ‘most important’ aspect of their home.

Four in five said they would spend more time outside if they had their dream garden and almost one third admitted their current garden makes them 'sad'

at how unkempt it looks.

Over half want plants and flowers in their backyard with the most popular including

lavender, daffodils and roses.

A further six in 10 said having colourful flowers makes them feel happier while 57 per cent

Smeg Victoria Range with 5 year warranty available at Homemaker, Shaftesbury.

Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury, SP7 8PL  01747 851476 5 – 6 George Street, Warminster, BA12 8QA  01985 219200

myhomemaker.co.uk

THE VISITOR May 2019 15

enjoy their outdoor space more when plants are present.

Three in 10 also want their own vegetable patch, with over half wanting to grow their own strawberries, followed by tomatoes, apples and blueberries.

Of those who do grow their own produce, 45 per cent said it gives them a sense of achievement and over one third find it makes them enjoy their garden more.

When it comes to seeking inspiration for outdoor space, the majority go to garden centres, while one quarter feel influenced by television shows and one in 10 even take ideas from their neighbours.

The top reasons holding Brits back from achieving their ideal outdoors include: not having enough space and not knowing where to start.

Almost half said they think they can’t afford their dream garden, while one sixth admitted they don’t have the creative vision to bring it to life, according to the OnePoll study.

Somerton Door Self Store

Based in Somerton, Somerset, Somerton Door Self Store are experts in self-storage. It is their mission to deliver the best service every time.

They go above and beyond for their customers, basing

16 THE VISITOR May 2019

Do you need to store something this spring? Somerton Door Self Store are experts in self-storage.

themselves on the site where the containers are. This ensures that your belongings are completely protected. Choose them to give your possessions the very best protection.

As well as being on site with them at all times, the units themselves have added layers of protection. This includes CCTV monitoring, electric gates, and padlocks. Each one is also completely wind and waterproof, and has vents to ensure that your property doesn’t get damp. The 27mm marine plywood floor guarantees that your unit is secure from the ground up.

They know how frustrating it is when you need something, and it’s out of your reach. Their facilities are open for most of the day, and you’re welcome to come and view, move, or remove property during that time. You’re also able to make an appointment with them, if you’d

According to the Property Care Association (PCA), the larvae of woodworm start to bore through timber at this time of year.

prefer to attend to your unit outside of normal hours.

Call them today to enquire further about their self-storage solutions.

Somerton Door Self Store, Somerton Door Farm, Somerton Door Drove, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 6JN. Tel: 01458 272091.

Business Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30am – 6:00pm, Saturday 7:30am – 2:00pm.

Email: info@somerton doorselfstore.co.uk.

Trade body urges householders to be alert to woodworm this spring

A national trade body is issuing a timely message to householders to be vigilant to the presence of woodworm.

According to the Property Care Association (PCA), the larvae of woodworm start to bore through timber at this time of year.

Tell-tale signs of an infestation include the appearance of new emergence holes and the dust – known as frass - which falls from them.

The presence of adult beetles around the home is another indicator.

A spokesperson from the PCA, said: ‘This is the time of year to be vigilant, as adult beetles emerge from timber in the spring and summer.

‘Left unchecked, woodworm can damage structural building timbers, furniture and even wooden ornaments.

‘Infestations, given time, can even cause structural weakening and, in extreme cases, lead to collapsing timbers within a building.

‘If householders think they may have a woodworm problem, the first, important step is to ensure it is correctly identified, and then treated accordingly.

‘Such works should be highly targeted and carried out by experts. There are a variety of modern methods of treatment, which are very specialised and should only be undertaken by people who are trained and competent.

‘If in doubt, contact a member of the PCA to deal with the issue.’

More details on insect infestation, treatment measures and other associated advice can be found at www.propertycare.org/lookoutforwoodworm.

VINTAGE Motorcycling I START THIS MONTH with no apology for my love of the very early machines and my picture this month could hardly be of an earlier vehicle. The photograph shows an 1897 Leon Bollee. Made in Le Mans, France, (long before the famous racing circuit was built). Leon Bollee was one of three brothers who were all engineers and built vehicles of different types. Leon set about building threewheeled models which were known as Voiturette's.

He started production of these machines in 1895 and so successful were they that he took 1st and 2nd places in the following years London to Brighton race. That race became the London to Brighton Car Run which takes place annually in November and also the motorcycle equivalent event known as The Pioneer Run. These machines used a 3hp engine of their own manufacture and had a flat belt drive.

Leon Bollee made several hundred of these machines and they sold well before he turned his attention to building cars.

The Voiturette is a forecar with the rider sat quite high fiddling with the controls whilst his passengers (either one or two) were sat in front of the rider.

The passengers were ahead of the fumes and noise created by the engine but were prone to collect the road muck thrown up by preceding vehicles, but worse for them was the fact that if there were an impending accident the passengers were always the first to receive the impact.

It is May now and perhaps better and more settled weather will allow more usage of our old vehicles. The Somerset Section have a guest speaker at their club night at Cossington on the 2nd and the 16th sees an Evening Meet at Catcott. On the 26th they have the All Day Breakfast Run from Spaxton Village Hall and the 30th sees the monthly Breakfast Meet at Wedmore (two breakfasts in a few days - how lovely). For the

MOTORING

1897 Leon Bollee. Made in Le Mans, France.

Wessex Veteran and Vintage Sections club night at East Stour on the 13th members are invited to bring an interesting object. On the 16th they then have a Picnic Run from the Ansty Farm Shop just east of Donhead St Andrew. The Dorset Section start on the 1st with their Lunch Meet at Henstridge.

This is followed on the 5th with the Bluebell Run which starts at Okeford Fitzpaine recreation Field. Next comes club night on the 8th at Henstridge which is an Evening Run. On the 19th will be The Giants Run which also starts at Henstridge and on the 25th will be the Breakfast Meet at the same location. As usual ring 01935-872528 for full details of these happenings.

The Westlands Classic Motor cycle Club also have a busy month with several events the major of which is The Spirit of the Sixties Run on the 19th.

Starting from the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton the route heads westwards for a lunch stop at the Tiverton Canal Basin before returning to Yeovilton, this is a well established and well supported event which always raises lots of funds for local charities. The Wells Classic Motor Cycle Club also have a busy May but their major event is on the 2nd June and is

the Tortoise and Hare Run which starts at the Wells Football club, again this is a large event raising money for charity. Both events are well worth supporting. Both clubs have web sites to gain further details.

A minor health issue has meant a few changes in the Hann household. A more healthy diet was called for and greater physical activity and a need to lose some weight. What you may ask is this to do with a motoring column. Well when the new regime started I jokingly said to friends that my machines would be so much quicker this year with less weight to carry. And to my surprise it has actually happened. The bikes do seem to have a bit more pep about them, akin to a slight power boost. To date I have lost a stone and a half (about 10kg) with a lot more to come so watch out

during the summer, my bikes will be flying.

This has led me to further thoughts. When togging up for a recent ride I realised that boots, overtrousers, coat, scarf, helmet and gloves all seem to weigh an absolute ton. All very necessary of course to keep me warm and to protect me. So I set the scales and found that all this kit together weighed in at an astonishing 9kg. With the exception of the overtrousers in the summer none of this kit can be reduced but I now realise that with my wife and I, both fully kitted out, the poor old bikes do have a lot to carry along.

I can also understand why Rollie Free when setting world records on his Vincent only wore a helmet and his swimming trunks. The consequences if he had fallen off do not bear contemplation.

Rod Hann.

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

THE VISITOR May 2019 17

Battens Charitable Trust Makes an ‘Egg-cellent’ Donation

Yeovil Traders

The Battens Charitable Trust have made their way around the South West, delivering Easter eggs to five food banks in Somerset and Dorset and contributed towards Wessex FM’s Easter Egg Appeal for local charities and good causes.

Over 250 chocolate eggs were donated in time for the spring holiday, meaning some of those who are less fortunate received a small Easter treat.

The work of the local food banks is very prominent in the community. Volunteer Liz Murray explains; ‘Sherborne Food Bank, a registered charity, is crucial to the town and provides more than 1000 food deliveries each year to individuals and families in need.

The food bank has seen an increase in demand of some 30% in the past twelve months, so the support of donors and local businesses such as Battens is invaluable. We provide basic food

supplies, baby food, nappies and toiletries but families are often excluded from the seasonal treats the rest of us take for granted.

This is why the donation of Easter Eggs will mean such a lot to local families, and especially children, who are managing on so little.’

Lynn Crabb from the Wareham food bank added, ‘The foodbank supports local families and those living alone. We work with health care and social professionals as well as the Citizens Advice Centre, this ensures the food goes to those in need. We are very fortunate to be supported by the local community and I would like to thank the Battens Charitable Trust for their continued support of Wareham foodbank.’

Naomi Dyer, a Trustee of The Battens Charitable Trust said: ‘We are delighted to be able to make a contribution again this year. It’s great to see that the generosity of people’s donations to the trust help with the important work the food banks

The Battens Charitable Trust made their way around the South West, delivering Easter eggs to five food banks in Somerset and Dorset and contributed towards Wessex FM’s Easter Egg Appeal for local charities and good causes.

carry out in the community.’

Battens Charitable Trust, which was established by Battens Solicitors, has donated more than £500,000 to charities and causes in and around Somerset and Dorset since it was first founded in 1985. Groups to have benefitted from its funding include schools, hospitals, children and youth sports groups,

disability groups and hospices.

If you would like to make a donation or leave a legacy to Battens Charitable Trust, please contact the Trust team by emailing bct@battens.co.uk or by calling 01935 811304.

Norris Body Repairs Ltd

Norris Body Repairs is a familyrun business near the town

NORRIS BODY REPAIRS LTD ■ Insurance Claims ■ Private Jobs ■ Restorations ■ Resprays ■ Welding Work

South Street • YEOVIL • BA20 1QQ Tel: 01935 411095

Email: norrisbodyrepairs@gmail.com • Fax: 01935 473119

HIDER HEATING

Specialists in Installation & Service

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

18 THE VISITOR May 2019

Reg. No. 700

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

Yeovil Traders centre which carries out car body repairs and re-sprays.

If you have an insurance claim, you can choose where your car is repaired and Norris Body Repairs offer a friendly alternative to the larger body shops. Richard Norris has over 23 years’ experience in the industry and will ensure you receive individual attention together with a free estimate and highly skilled repair.

They also specialise in vehicle restorations, offering a chance for the customer to inspect and instruct as the restoration is carried out. Norris Body Repairs also carry out welding work on vehicles that may have failed their MOT. Call Mary Norris to book your car in for repair today!

Hider Heating

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

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

Their Gas Safe registration number is 700 so you can see that they have been in the business a long time, giving you confidence that only the highest standard of workmanship is offered as standard - they also have great testimonials.

SES Alarms Ltd, Yeovil

Security & Electrical Services (Yeovil) Limited (SES alarms) is a private company engaged in the installation and maintenance of security systems.

Michael and Maxine Muxlow started a family business in 1984 that has developed a long standing reputation for an

efficient and local service and this ethos has been continued by their son and daughter, Steven and Louise, who now run the business. They have further developed the company into a multi-discipline business offering bespoke security integration solutions ensuring a seamless service to all customers. They

Appleby and Childs

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

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

Specialising in bespoke memorials, they also offer a cleaning, renovation and memorial insurance service.

A free brochure is available on request. Their motto is ‘Let our Family look after yours’.

Ward & Sibley - Independent Jewellers of Yeovil offer customers a wide range of services.

WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil

Our repair section of the business is pleased to offer

MAY PROMOTION FREE clean & setting check on gemstone rings

(ends 31/ 05/2019)

 Complete refurbishment of jewellery –

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

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

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

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

THE VISITOR May 2019 19

Yeovil Traders

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

have a wealth of experience with most of their staff having worked with them for many years and are committed to providing a professional, dependable and local service to all customers. They provide Intruder Alarms, Fire alarms, CCTV Systems, Access Control systems and Home Audio visual solutions covering approximately a 30 mile radius from Yeovil in Somerset.

Whatever work we undertake for a client we ensure disruption is kept to a minimum during installation and the customer is given a full demonstration of the system on completion. Having outgrown their Preston Road premises, SES Alarms are now located at Security House, 3 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 5HR.

Crossroads Pet Supplies

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

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

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

Focalflames Fireplaces

Focalflames Fireplaces are a small, personal, family run

business specialising in wood burning stoves and fireplaces, with more than 15 years’ experience in the industry they pride themselves on providing high quality, great value services, with free home consultations, advice and even their very own showroom to browse a huge range of makes and models!

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

Text them today for a free no obligation quote on 07931 918947.

Yeovil Auto Tuning

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

Yeovil Auto Tuning are now pleased to offer repairs to classic cars to their full range of services. The services offered include repairs, servicing, engine tuning and MOT testing incorporating class IV, and Class VII light vans. A collection and delivery service is available.

Yeovil Auto Tuning is a family run business, established for 34 years. Proprietor Colin Frost runs the business with his wife Anita and their experienced mechanic.

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

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

Yeovil Auto Tuning  

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

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

9 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, YEOVIL

20 THE VISITOR May 2019



Tel: 01935 426515 / 01935 411946

A Charles I East Anglian spoon by Arthur Haslewood of Norwich (1635) was recently bought for £11,250 at Lawrences Auctioneers, Crewkerne.

More than just furniture at Fit & Furnish on Market Street.

Fit & Furnish, Yeovil Fit and Furnish are pleased to introduce their range of Goodwood Rise and Recline Chairs which come with a 10 year guarantee on frames, springs and general construction and a 5 year guarantee on action, motors, electrics and handsets.

These quality crafted chairs come in a range of colours with Aqua Clean Technology fabrics and are available in widths from

Petite to Grand with a choice of 5 back styles. The Premier Rise Recline Chair features power adjustable headrest, lumbar support and extending foot rest plus many other comfort features.

Fit & Furnish stock furniture for any room of the house and are now a partner of Acorn Stairlifts.

Check out the website at www.fitandfurnish.co.uk.

RISE AND RECLINE Premier Electric Lift & Rise Recliner Chairs

Shop floor display of sofas, furniture, beds & mattresses Beverly lift & rise recliner

£50 off with this advert

Goodwood Snuggle Back

Official medical letters accepted for VAT relief

FREE delivery on ALL orders 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.

Rare spoon serves up the top price in £340,000 sale

Over 800 lots of silver and vertu went under the hammer on April 9th to commence Lawrences’ week of Spring Fine Art sales.

The day was a remarkable success with very little unsold and there were many strong prices throughout the 7-hour event.

Highlights included £3250 for an early portrait miniature by the celebrated master George Engleheart (1750-1829) and £8500 paid for a superb pair of George III cast silvergilt candlesticks by Thomas Pitts (1806), which were of exceptional quality and in fine condition.

Two very scarce items of flatware met with keen bidding.

A George II Irish provincial marrow scoop, made in Kinsale in c.1730, took the top honours in a small collection of similar scoops and was bought for £10,000. A Charles I East Anglian spoon by Arthur Haslewood of Norwich (1635)

ATTIC ART Auction and Sale

was bought for £11,250. A £72,000 private collection of small silver concluded the day: not only were buyers eager for every single one of the 134 lots on offer but a snuff box of Arctic interest, awarded by Captain James Clark Ross to Captain Richard Wallace in 1833, made £6875. A tiny Victorian vinaigrette in the form of a flower upon a stalk, weighing just 1/3rd of an ounce, was just 4.5cm long and quadrupled hopes to make £2000.

Fittingly, the sale ended on another high note as a further snuff box depicting a hunting scene (1828) was chased to £3750 to bring the day’s total to just under £340,000.

Antiques Fairs

•

Chasty Cottage Antiques

•

18th May 2019

Saturday 25th May Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA

(07966-173277)

www.chastycottageantiques.co.uk

2 -5 p.m. North Barrow Hall BA22 7LZ Cash/cheques only Free entry, Refreshments available In aid of Six Pilgrims Parishes

9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1

Future Dates: Saturday 15th & 29th June  01963 370986

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 May 2019 21

Tea for two

Family Health with

Jenna Evans Family Health Q&A

Dining alfresco at The Buttercross Tearooms, Somerton.

THE BUTTERCROSS TEAROOMS

Market Place, Somerton (01458) 273168

Kate of Living Pretty Tea Rooms, serving delicious homemade fayre.

22 THE VISITOR May 2019

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

Q. I HAVE suffered with Migraines for years. Although I have used medication, I would like to find alternatives and ideally prevent them. I have heard certain nutrients can be helpful. What can you suggest?

A. Migraine is a very common condition in the UK. Around 6 million people are known to suffer, with women more affected than men. You’re right, there are some wonderful herbs and nutrients that can really make a difference but before we look at those let's discuss a few common triggers that will be key to preventing this debilitating condition.

Foods, environmental influences and stress can play a big role in triggering migraines. The usual food suspects include cheese,

chocolate, coffee, red wine, peanuts and citrus. Keep a food and lifestyle diary to see if you can pinpoint your triggers. A food intolerance test could be helpful, ask instore for details.

As causes of migraine can be complex and still poorly understood, most holistic treatments will focus on vascular health, brain nutrition and calming inflammation.

Magnesium, a calming mineral, can be low in migraine sufferers.

Magnesium supports the nervous system, soothes vascular cramping and is involved in messenger signals in the brain. A key nutrient in many migraine formulae, magnesium can also be supplemented on its own – I recommend using it topically as an oil or lotion for enhanced effects.

Vitamin B2 had a great deal of attention a few years ago when it was shown to help prevent migraines. We certainly have had a few customers over the years who have found this to be the case.

B2 is involved in energy metabolism, including in the brain and this is why it is thought to be effective.

Vitamin B6 can aid vascular function and act as an antiinflammatory making it another

Michaela Louisa Spring-Summer 2019 Collection now in stock at Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie, Shaftesbury.

useful nutrient.

CoQ10 plays an essential role in the mitochondria, the ‘powerhouses’ within our cells. It is getting increasing attention for providing relief and much like B2 may be due to increasing energy metabolism in the brain.

Probiotics have been the subject of some interesting research. They may be particularly helpful for those who suffer with food intolerances and leaky gut which can trigger inflammation in the body. There is one product on the market combining specifically chosen strains of probiotics with B6 and magnesium that shows a lot of promise for this condition.

Herbal helpers include feverfew, ginger and turmeric – all antiinflammatories. Feverfew has been used for years as a migraine prevention and is very effective for some people. Fresh ginger tea at the onset of migraine can sometimes work and turmeric could also be used as a daily preventative.

If you’re a female sufferer, it is important to note if there is a menstrual component at work with your migraines. This opens up other means of treatment and I would definitely include a herbal hormonal regulator if that seems

to be the case. Other things to look out for are keeping your blood sugar stable, staying hydrated and taking regular exercise. Seeing a good bodyworker may also be beneficial to unlock any tension and trauma trapped in the body – consider this paramount if you carry tension in your head and jaw or grind your teeth.

As always, I hope this has been helpful for some people out there!

Join me for more Q&A next month.

Jenna Evans © 2019.

 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 Fashion Boutique, Wincanton

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

Spring Weddings, Garden Parties and Luxury Cruises.

New to Preview this spring is the Miracle Swim Suit.

Miraclesuit has been recognised as the leader in fashion shaping swimwear. Developed in a unique proprietary fabric Miratex, Miraclesuits have almost twice the Lycra content of most swimwear and three times the holding power providing a shaping and slendering fit with full comfort control. Sun Hats, Sandals starting from £29 and Kaftans starting from £59 makes Preview your perfect one-stopshop for all your beach essentials.

Exclusive labels to Preview are; Micha, a Danish brand producing quality knitwear with a range of skirts, blouses, dresses for dressing for work at home and at parties. The Zenia collection from Spain, uses neutral tones to create stunning pieces in sizes 10-18 with prices from £45.

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

Open from 10am – 5pm Monday to Saturday.

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

The Miraclesuit Marrakech Escape Criss Cross swimsuit available at Preview Fashion Boutique, Wincanton.

For large quantities collections can be arranged

4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY  01458 273485

Fashion Boutique Market Place • Wincanton  01963 31676

www.previewwincanton.co.uk

Stockists of

Adini Pomodoro Micha Rebell Tina Taylor in sizes 10 -18 Exclusive to Wincanton.

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

A warm & friendly welcome awaits you.

THE VISITOR May 2019 23

THE CARD SHOP

● Balloons ● Partyware ● Banners ● Gifts ● Wrapping ● Bags ● Stamps ● Bath luxuries ● Jewellery

GILLINGHAM TOWN

3 The Centre, High St, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4AB Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 4pm

01747 833712

The Card Shop stocks a wide range of cards and gifts including toys, bath luxuries and jewellery.

Right: Scenes of Gillingham is your go-to art shop, established in 1988.

Offering a variety of art and craft materials with a bespoke framing service available to suit all your needs - they can frame virtually anything!

They stock most leading makes of artist materials and, trinkets of delight that you can not do without.

CRAFT CREATIONS

BLANK CARDS

With or without apertures

and

3 PACKS FOR THE PRICE OF 2 LOWEST PRICE PACK FREE

24 THE VISITOR May 2019

High St, GILLINGHAM 01747 824050 email: scenes2@aol.com

Pub The

Pages

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

WE ALL KNOW that the only constant in life is change; a change that is easily seen from the massive amount of transformations the humble pub has seen. From alehouses, beer houses and taverns to what we traditionally know as a pub.

Fashions come and go and of course of late we can see how the fashion for gin has come round again. Soon after the arrival of William and Mary in 1688 from Holland gin hit the streets of the capital. Control over its distillation was very relaxed and it became very popular to the detriment of the population. A few years ago we covered this is some detail but do look up the drawing 'Gin Street'

by William Hogarth, a famous print showing the devastation that can be caused when too much drink gets hold of the population at large. Who has not heard of the ‘sign of the times’ – ‘Drunk for a Penny, Dead drunk for Two pence’?

The diarist Daniel Defoe was a great defender of the gin industry at the start – after all it kept the prices of grain high and it was all good for trade. He later changed his mind. Things were so free and easy that all one had to do to be able to distill was to apply for a license – there was no quality control and with the proliferation of gin houses in the London parish of St Giles (as depicted in Hogarth’s drawing) one in four of the residences sold the drink.

Crime became rife as people stole to feed their habit and these houses became places to sell stolen goods as well as a place of prostitution. It has been said that the picture as depicted by Hogarth was barely exaggerated. The pawnbroker thrives; the honest businessman hangs himself; dead bodies lie in the street or are being taken away (to hell in a hand-cart!) and the undertaker flourishes,

whilst in the back-ground a derelict building crumbles. It certainly is a picture worth studying in great detail, although the part which jumps out at you is the drunken pox-ridden woman who loses her child over the edge of a balcony. This too is barely an exaggeration. In 1734 one Judith Dufour retrieved her child from the workhouse where it had been clothed and looked after, strangled the infant, threw the body in a ditch and sold its clothes for a shilling and fourpence (less than 7p) to buy more gin.

However, take a look at ‘Beer Street’ drawn by Hogarth at the same time. All around there are symbols of good education,

business and prosperity. It's generally a picture of happiness, contentment and conviviality with everybody having a jolly good time.

Men smoke their pipes whilst being attended by buxom wenches, and naturally everybody is enjoying beer! This time it is the pawn-brokers shop that is crumbling (a barman seems to be serving a pint to the pawn-broker through a small opening in his door!)

As for gin, regulation was eventually brought in and consumption plummeted.

Interestingly one thing that the fashion for gin did bring us was the 'bar' and as the gin-houses vied with each other to get those

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

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL

Put me to the test Things on your chest You need to confess I will deliver You know I'm a forgiver

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

Last month Carole Woodworth of Bower Hinton was first to tell me that it was Man in the Mirror  Nice spell of weather we are having at the moment, we should be in for lovely warm spell over the Bank Holiday weekend which should be good for all of us.

Got to say hello and welcome to Kelly and Ian who have taken over The Railway Hotel. They have hit the ground running, putting on lots of music and karaoke while Kelly has got the kitchen up and running. Go in and say hello, we need to keep ALL pubs open as there are still 18 per week closing across the country. Have a little think about that, nearly 1000 per year gone for good. Think of the Picketty, Fleur, and Dragon, think of The Somerset, Nelson and White Horse. I could go on and on and that’s just in this town.

Next month on the 10th we have Hells Bells the AC/DC tribute show playing in the function room tickets are available from the pub.

On the 24th we have the fabulous Greg Agar playing in the Bar music should start just after 9pm.

On the Bank Holiday weekend 25th we are having A Duke of York re-union party. Those of you who remember The Duke are all welcome to come along, there is a Facebook page dealing with all the info with loads of photos and memories from way back when  Our chef Tony has a new assistant and she has been very creative with the desserts. Danni has come up with a Crème Egg Cheesecake, Strawberry and Prosecco Trifle and Hot Cross Bun Bread & Butter pudding to name a few.

Welcome Danni Keep up the good work!!

See you all next month!

Toot Toot!!! 

BOOKINGS

 01935 424721

THE VISITOR May 2019 25

Pub The

Pages

customers in, we were blessed with some fine interior decoration. On that subject I would endorse the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) book 'Britain's Best Real Heritage Pubs: Pub Interiors of Outstanding Historic Interest'.

A recent report by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association states that growth of gin sales in the 12 months from 2017 to 2018 was 751% which is frankly, staggering! Chief Executive Mike Beale believes this is down to pink and flavoured gins, and judging by the amount I have seen in pubs now, I can only think that he's right. So; is gin about to make a come-back, big

time, or is it just another fashion drink? Well it looks like it has made that come-back with sales now exceeding whisky and liqueurs in licensed premises.

Will sales tail off in the same way as nitro-keg pseudo-beer and alco-pops? Well not yet it seems, although a publication I was reading the other day thinks that rum will be 'the next big thing’. We'll see!

Recent years has seen the rise of 'craft' ales. How does one define this? Well it appears that there are many definitions, although to blur them all together seems a reasonable idea. Bars, both trendy and basic in appearance have made their debut, serving often very strong keg beers, and also often in halfpints. They can also be very expensive. £5/pint is normal and whilst these may be trendy and fashionable, we all know what happens when there is amazingly fast growth. When will the bubble burst? I've sampled many of these but how many do we even see for a second time? In my experience very few, and quite frankly a beer 'flavoured with coriander with

Vinny displays his observational skills...

26 THE VISITOR May 2019

the essence of cowslips and winter greens' is all a bit too much of a novelty for me and indeed some of my contemporaries agree. I even joined a CAMRA recommended club 'BEER52' (which is a bit strange for an organization that commits itself to promoting real ale) Each month one gets a selection of beers from around the world, along with a (very interesting) magazine entitled 'Ferment' and a pub-type snack.

Some of the beer was in our opinion, completely undrinkable as they had flavours that were frankly far too bizarre. How about 'beer' flavoured beer for heavens sake? I spoke to one of the chaps running this show and they appear very genuine in their mission to get people educated and away from perhaps their usual tipples of bland Eurofizz lager or bitter. Did it work for me? Well not really, although the whole deal means the longer you stay in the club the better the monthly offer becomes, as a metaphorical carrot is dangled with each delivery, promising something extra the following month!

The explosion of new breweries has been something of a phenomenon, and looking at London alone, twenty years ago there were but three brewers.

Now? In excess of 120! The great paradox is of course that there there are many fewer pubs ... so how long will this continue? Well I guess an economist would say the market would find its own level. So no matter what happens, I'm sure that someone, somewhere, knew that it would.

Scanning through my bookshelf I found a copy of 'Death of the English Pub' by the late Christopher Hutt. The title gives away what the topic is, although he goes into great detail about the brewing industry as well. The first publication was made in 1973 and it is amazing just how much is still relevant today. A great read, indeed. My copy went missing and so I purchased another from the internet.

However in a recent house move, somewhat strangely the first copy turned up! If you fancy owning it please drop me an email and state why you want a copy, and the writer of the best reasons will get the book in the post. Remember your name and address!

Next month: Shock, Horror 'Ten pin skittle alleys - they exist'! © P.A. Baxter 2019. skittlealley@hotmail.com

AROUND THE

H O U S E S IN GILLINGHAM ... food is served from 11am until 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays at The Red Lion ... unlimited carvery every Sunday from noon until 3pm at The Grill House ... tasty steaks from Lagan Farm served at The Dolphin, Peacemarsh ... comfortable en-suite rooms available at The Kings Arms, East Stour ... visiting Stourhead? treat yourself to a meal at The Walnut Tree Inn, Mere ... you’ll find live music on Friday nights at The White Lion Inn, Bourton ... whatever your choice in wine, all wines are the same price at The Hunters Lodge, Leigh C om m on ... a nd reliv e t ha t Spanish holiday with the Tapas Night at The Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse.

Cruising on to Castle Cary where after a major refurbishment and being open for just a few months, The Horsepond Inn has closed ... the skittle alley is available for hire at The White Hart Inn ... special occasion? book a room at The George Hotel and sleep in a romantic 4-poster bed ... small weddings catered for at The Bay Tree, South Cary ... groups of up to 50 catered for at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton ... crispy duck nuts are a snack special at The Catash Inn, North Cadbury ... enjoy far-reaching views across Somerset and Dorset from The White Post Inn, Rimpton ... and delicious dishes and attentive service at The Royal Thai Orchid in Sherborne.

Making our way to Yeovil we find that if you’re in a hurry, you can telephone ahead and place your order for lunch at The Quicksilver Mail ... enjoy live sport coverage at The Coopers Mill ... there are four meeting rooms at The Manor Hotel ... d ine in Y eov il’ s only cella r restaurant at The Green Room ... the family friendly Crown & Victoria at Tintinhull has a special menu for children under twelve … and finally, if you’re taking part in the 10km Chinnocks Chase (or the 5km or the 2km) taking place on 18th May to raise funds for a muchneeded library for West Chinnock Primary School, make a note that there will be a party and entertainment from 7pm at The Muddled Man in West Chinnock. For more information visit: www.chinnockschase.co.uk.

They Say That Wincanton’s John JR Richards likes to keep his feet firmly on the ground (maybe).

That congratulations go to newlyweds Mike and Ruth Pitman on their recent nuptials.

That due to the attentive service at The Royal Thai Orchid in Sherborne, one happy customer received his cappuccino, served with its chocolate sprinkles ‘on the side’.

That Nikki Hinchliffe of Wincanton may have some spare pillow cases.

That WDR Gardens can recommend a tasty line in almond biscuits.

That chicken-pox has done the rounds once again in North and South Cadbury.

That the flower beds in Yeovil are a credit to the town with their display of colourful tulips.

That for a certain lady in Combe St. Nicholas, a sigh of relief went up at the end of Lent.

That Des Chant of Wincanton likes to keep abreast of the times, especially when away.

MAY...

3rd, 4th, 5th BLUE GRASS FESTIVAL, The Cross Keys, Lydford-on-Fosse Friday 10th HELLS BELLS AC/DC TRIBUTE, Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil

RURAL MUSIC NETWORK, The Cross Keys, Lydford-on-Fosse

Wednesday 15th ACOUSTIC JAMMING SESSION, The Cross Keys, Lydford-on-Fosse Friday 24th GREG AGAR, Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil

24th - 27th MULTIPLE BANDS, The Cross Keys, Lydford-on-Fosse

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

Celebrating 20 years

The MUDDLED

MAN

Your hosts, Mick, Jean and Garry welcome you to

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

THE CHINNOCKS CHASE 18TH MAY

The Chinnocks Chase 10km, 5km and 2km fun run for kids. Set up to help raise funds for West Chinnock Primary School PFA to help build a much needed library.

Register online at www.chinnockschase.co.uk. After party & entertainment from 7pm.

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

FRESH FISH Day Friday With home-made beer batter

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

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

Tel: 01935 881235

That Lewesdon Hill in Dorset (the highest point in Dorset) is the place to go in May to see bluebells.

That contributions to this column are always welcome.

Anonymous entries will not be published however.

Solution to April

Sudoku

THE VISITOR May 2019 27

Spice up your life

TAKING CERTAIN DECISIONS in life can really focus the mind.

During Lent, in the face of incredulity from friends, I gave up alcohol and swearing; a double whammy, as I swear like a trooper. The hardest part was the absence of alcohol. I am used to enjoying a wide variety of flavours and, to be frank, my taste buds were bored.

ginger beer, with a peppery punch delivered by the chilli.

Franklin & Sons Ginger Beer - £2.69 (750ml.)

Originally a Victorian family business, their ginger is fermented with malted barley for five days, halting the process before the sugar turns to alcohol.

With a distinct brown bread smell, the barley flavours are quite prominent.

Time for some exploration

With this year’s Ilminster Literary Festival in mind, (28 May – 6 June) I have been considering the part that nonalcoholic drinks play in popular children’s literature.

Once spring arrives, I start to think of picnics. Enid Blyton’s ‘Famous Five’ picnics to be precise. Written during post-war austerity, the picnics are simple, but delicious nonetheless; cold ham, crusty bread, hard-boiled eggs, cucumber sandwiches, and of course, ginger beer.

The origins of ginger beer go back to the colonial spice trade, using spices from the East and sugar cane from the Caribbean.

A naturally fermented product, ginger beer originally contained up to 11%abv., until the 1855 excise tax laws.

Here are some favourite brands on offer, which are vegan friendly and gluten free.

Cawston Press Ginger Beer £1.40 (330ml.)

A cloudy ginger beer, mixed with apple juice, giving a mellowing effect on the ginger, adding clean, sharp acidity.

Dalston’s Ginger Beer - £1 (330ml.)

The initial citrus and a slight bitterness from the lime gives way to an intense ginger spiciness.

The ginger hit in this is intense and long lasting, complementing the initial twang of orange peel and lemon citrus.

A well-balanced beverage with a fragrant aroma and warming spices.

Old Jamaica Ginger Beer – 40p (330ml.)

Shamelessly sweet and fizzy, with a long, spicy finish.

This family owned business produces a subtly spicy, classic

A traditional botanical drink with fermented herbal extracts. Fiery and packed full of flavour.

Luscombe Hot Ginger Beer £1.45 (270ml.)

Fever Tree Ginger Beer £1.19 (200ml.)

Breckland Orchard Ginger Beer with chilli - £1.60 (275ml.)

Fentimann’s Ginger Beer £1.25 (275ml.)

Belvoir Organic Ginger Beer - £2.56 (750ml.)

Another cloudy version, less fizzy than some, with forward citrus and herbal notes layered with warming ginger spices.

Many of the available ‘branded’ ginger beers are too sweet for me, but old-fashioned homemade ginger beer is inexpensive and easy to make, taking just 3 days from start to finish. The yeast consumes the sugar as it ferments, so although it tastes sweet, it is low in sugar. As it is full of antioxidants, ginger is known for cleansing the body of toxic chemicals and has been used as a natural remedy for upset stomach and nausea, and as an anti-inflammatory, for centuries.

Studies have also shown that fresh ginger fights several types of cancer cells.

Make your own

28 THE VISITOR May 2019

1. Peel and grate 50g. of fresh ginger and place into a large saucepan.

2. Add ½ tsp. cream of tartar, 60ml. fresh lemon juice and 1 litre of water.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Turn the heat down, add 7oz. granulated sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

5. Add a further 1 litre of cold water and allow it to cool to around 75’F (23’C).

6. Add 1tsp. active dried yeast and stir well.

7. Cover the saucepan with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm, dark place for 3 hours; it will smell gingery and yeasty.

8. Using a fine strainer, strain the liquid into a large jug to remove the ginger.

9. Pour the liquid into a clean 2litre plastic bottle (this is important as a glass bottle is likely to shatter as the pressure builds up) with a screw top. Do not fill the bottle up to the top – you need to allow room for fermentation to take place.

10. Place the ginger beer in a warm dark place for 2 to 3 days (for a sweeter drink, ferment the ginger beer for 1 to 2 days only, or use more sugar). It is important at this stage to carefully loosen the top (without fully opening the bottle) to relieve some of the pressure, several times a day.

After 24 hours, you will notice yeast bubbling on top of the liquid and settling at the bottom, which is normal.

11. Once it has finished fermenting, you can drink the ginger beer as it is or add fruit, syrup, juice, or your favourite spirit to create your own mix.

12. If bottling the ginger beer in glass bottles, allow it to lose most of its fizz first; it will continue to carbonate in the bottle, and this could result in an explosion if there is too much pressure.

Over the holidays, what better way to entertain children than to read a favourite book and then enact the scene?

LP-V.

Garden Spring into the

Moggs of Wells

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

They believe they stock the best quality machines available which will give you reliable and faithful service for many years.

All new machines are fully assembled by them, including petrol and oil, and are properly tested before they leave their workshop.

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

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

It is their prime objective to keep your garden machinery

properly serviced so that it is a pleasure to use and will work to the best of its ability.

Their workshop is filled with an array of tools and specialist equipment to keep your machine in top condition. Moggs have direct access to manufacturers’ Service & Parts Manuals, Service Bulletins and all the latest technical information – in addition, they regularly attend various Service Courses and Dealer Days to ensure that they know the best ways to service and repair your machinery.

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

Three Counties Landscape and Tree Services and The Market Garden

With 30 years of experience, Julian Shave and his NVQ certified team offer a range of services including walling, water features, patios, tree planting, pruning and lawn care. Julian and his team can supply you with an appropriate

Three Counties Landscape and Tree Services

Project Design & Advice

 Soft Landscaping – Turfing, Flower Beds, etc.  Hard Landscaping – Patios, Driveways, etc.  Garden & Estate Management  One-Offs or Regular Maintenance Lawncare, Beds, Borders, Trees, Shrubs  Now incorporating Three Counties Tree Services Ltd. Tree Removal, Coppicing, Pruning, Planting, etc.  New Builds and Garden Design  Commercial Floral Displays  Plant Search & Supply

The Market Garden Delicious Fresh Fruit & Vegetables

 Veg’ Box Delivery Scheme Within 5 mile radius of Castle Cary and Wincanton  Bedding Plants / Hanging Baskets

 Floristry Bouquets, Weddings, Funerals, FREE Local Delivery  Fruit Baskets to Order ...and much more!

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

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

THE VISITOR May 2019 29

Spring into the Garden planting scheme for your garden and are also able to source rare plants.

The Market Garden in Castle Cary supplies the town and surrounding area with fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers,

house plants, planted pots, fruit baskets and gardening gifts.

The shop is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, pop in and pick up an order form or call 01963 350650 to make your order or inquiry over the phone.

Below: Take the away the hassle.

For sales, service and maintenance contracts visit Lee Holmes Garden Machinery of Somerton. Now installing Stiga and Husqvarna Robotic Mowers. Please call 01458 274261 for further details.

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

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

Ride-on mowers LARGE or small ... we have them all!

Rider 27M Compact Lawn Rider

£ 1649

Suitable for gardens of up to 7½ acres.

Pictured above and right: The charm and quality of traditional English timber craftsmanship is embodied in all that Sparkford Timber Buildings and Gates create in their Somerset workshops.

Automower 535AWD

Briggs & Stratton engine.

150 litre grass collection capacity.

 5 YEAR WARRANTY 

Autoclip M7

“BBC Gardeners’ World Best Value Ride-On”

LEE HOLMES Garden Machinery

15 Cary Court, Bancombe Business Park, SOMERTON Tel: 01458 274261 • www.holmesmowerpro.co.uk 30 THE VISITOR May 2019

Thinking of a purchasing a new building for your garden this spring?

Galhampton Country Store has an offer on their multi-purpose compost – ideal now that Spring has sprung and there’s planting to be done!

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

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

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

Most ‘ride-on mowers’ rely on the air flow caused by the cutting blades to throw lawn clippings into the grass catcher. This system can be noisy and inefficient. Damp grass will often get clogged in the deck and discharge chute, requiring regular unblocking and an unacceptable nish on your lawn.

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

The Westwood ‘system’ means that even wet grass can be cut and

collected fully, with little risk of clogging. Leaves and other garden debris can be quickly cleared from the lawn. Simply drive over the material with the collector engaged.

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

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

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

THE VISITOR May 2019 31

the en d bi t . . .

PAPERCHASE

A MONTH or so ago the Audit Bureau of Circulation released its figures for 2018 showing the average number of copies of each issue of paid-for newspapers purchased during the year. They don’t make happy reading for the newspaper proprietors or for those of us who think local papers are important. Here in Visitorland the circulation of the Western Gazette has continued its decline to a low of 10,531. If I remember rightly, 20 years ago it was selling around 45,000 of each issue. It was J B Priestley who wrote in his ‘English Journey’ that people ought to read local newspapers because ‘England, even now, is still the country of local government, local politics, strong local interest, and only the newspaper written and published in the immediate neighbourhood can deal adequately with such government, politics and interests’. He felt it important that people should realise what is happening in their own district.

‘Gossip and chatter from Fleet Street is a poor substitute for such information about and criticism of local affairs’, he wrote, and if he were writing today he would no doubt add the internet and social media as poor substitutes.

‘Any decent provincial newspaper ought to be able to give its reader a much saner picture of the world than the popular national papers with their hysteria and stunts and comic antics’, he concluded.

So it’s sad to see our provincial Western Gazette in such sorry decline.

While Christmas shopping I came across a free magazine that I hadn’t seen before. Called Mendip Living, it’s published in alternate months and circulates in Shepton Mallet, Wells, Glastonbury and Street in the northern part of Visitorland, and in Frome. Unlike most freebies

32 THE VISITOR May 2019

it’s an unusual octavo size (a little over 9 x 6 inches) and the pages are perfect bound rather than stapled so that it has a spine. It feels good and looks good, and the content is pretty good too. The December/January issue had interviews with Alan Titchmarsh and chef Theo Randall, a feature on independent traders in Shepton Mallet, lots of ideas for Christmas shopping, dining and drinking, advice for homebuyers and much more. The February/March issue was similarly varied and full, providing a long and easy read, so I shall certainly look out for future issues.

Many people will, I feel sure, have shared my sadness on reading of the death of singer/songwriter Scott Walker, he of Walker Brothers fame. The 26th March issue of the Western Daily Press carried a lengthy page 3 report running to well over 500 words describing his career and quoting tributes from several luminaries of the pop music business, together with a photograph from his younger days which is how many of us remember him. The editor clearly thought Scott had been sufficiently important to deserve an entry in the obituary pages of the 30th March issue, and this appeared under the headline ‘Star of the ’60s went on to shun limelight’. This turned out to mean ‘we couldn’t find anything more to say about him’, for the ‘obituary’ was simply a word-forword re-run of the news report the paper had carried five days earlier, accompanied by the same photo.

The property supplement of the 30th March issue of the Western Daily Press carried a two-page feature on a Grade II Listed Building in Langport and included a factbox, pictured below, to attract potential purchasers to the town. It could well attract famous people who shun the limelight, for the paper chooses to allow all the famous former residents to remain anonymous.

Chronicler.

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

Clean Ovens Domestic Ltd Covering Somerset and Dorset

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

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

DEADLINE for June Issue is Friday 17th May

Caricatures for Special Gifts

PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM

Plumbing

Damian Hoddinott PLUMBING SERVICES

Competitive rates for all your plumbing needs

01963 441232 07971 676111

Denture Repairs

Are you a denture wearer?

Fires / Chimneys / Stoves

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE

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

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

Denture repairs while you wait ...

Terry New Denture Clinic

01458 210039

Home visits a speciality

HETAS • OFTEC • GAS SAFE

✴ Chimney Sweeping Service ✴

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

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport  01458 251476

Fuel Storage Tanks

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd

Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

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

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

Transport & Storage

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

Framing

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery

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

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

Logs

Building

Dave Hoddinott Fully QualiFied Builder estaBlished 1973

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

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

Tel: (01963) 440256

Roofing

For all your roofing requirements

Roofing

Flat Roofing • Tiling Slating • GRP Roofing

Bourton Roofing Co.

For further information & estimates contact allan Carey

 01747 840064

All New Work Fully Guaranteed

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

Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing.

UPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE ES T I M AT ES

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

Logs

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

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

THE VISITOR May 2019 33

Classified Ads

Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk 30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential. Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit / Debit Card.

Personal

www.country-link.org.uk COuNtry liNK sOCial GrOuP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. tel: andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918 Just sOMerset iNtrOduCtiONs. Bringing people together. Call alison tel: 07584 250285, www.justintro ductionsgroup.co.uk

Services

hOusehOld & GardeN ruBBish Cleared, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. tel: 01460 77844 irONiNG. let me do your ironing. Can collect and deliver. Phone:- 01747 861254

For Sale

rOOF ladder 18’ £50, awning, green/white stripe, 2.5m wide, protrudes 2m, bolts x4 to wall, £40. large pop up type gazebo, 4.5m x 3m, with sides and bag, £40. tel: 07956 485116

The Visitor CAN BE READ ONLINE:

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Storage

stOraGe for furniture in locked cubicles. lock-up garages to let. tel: sparkford storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692

Wanted

Prize Crossword No. 391 Set by Frank Butler

19

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BP – to arrive by Friday 17th May

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.

daVe Buys all tyPes OF tOOls, salvage, bygones and collectables. daves tools, est. 1989. tel: 01935 428975 r e d u N d a N t M O t O r M O W e r s , rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. tel: 01460 77844 ClassiCal aNd Jazz lP records. tel: 01458 834102 / 07704229979 email: tonyartony@aol.com

autOMOBilia, autOJuMBle, woodworking and engineering tools. tel: 01747 850474

GuNs WaNted FOr Cash, any size, any condition, make or model. We collect in any area. registered Firearms dealer. tel: 07970 742471

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

all sPOrts PrOGraMMes and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. large collections welcome. Cash paid. tel: Clive 01749 675456

Across:

7. Sing about wait in paying. [8] 8. A Roman in a rowing-boat? [6] 10. Reef broken without charge. [4] 11. Danger! Fault (non-u) arranged for apartment. [6-4] 12. Dog set to find dense sticky matter. [6] 14. Vote Ronald in! He’s quite small but charged! [8] 15. Say ‘I won’t’ concerning melt. [6] 17. Bleats about accommodation for a horse. [6] 20. Grassland ascent with insect. [8] 22. Yatter about covenant. [6] 23. Scar Lesley got accidentally. [10] 24. Spartan hiding a bit! [4] 25. Secure arrangement gives release.

[6] 26. Main gang running! [8]

Down:

1. Turandot perhaps by peak gets things done. [8] 2. Cone broken, not twice! [4] 3. Carol the french, just one! [6] 4. Fiasco: odd t. [8] 5. Fair BT pole supports business!

[10] 6. Ado about cap from the beginning! [2-4] 8. Ranger ordered to collect. [6] 13. Fence fried to show this! [10] 16. Fred arranged with fuse to put up with. [8]

34 THE VISITOR May 2019

18. Exalt hen with tenor arrangement.

[8] 19. My pig’s arranged with as calcium sulphate. [6] 21. PE in the back, with one who gathers. [6] 22. Attempting New York grit. [6] 24. Silver in gym lesson with a young attendant. [4]

Solution to Crossword 390

The Winner of our April Crossword is Mrs Moira Wiltshire of Hardington Mandeville who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Crispin Crafts & Haberdashery, Street.

WDR GARDENS GARDENING LANDSCAPING TURFING PLANTING STRIMMING FENCING HEDGING SHEDS PONDS WATER FEATURES STONEWORK POINTING PAVING SLABBING GUTTERING MAINTENANCE

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Tel: 07711233063