Eco From e e r Fairly F tradedVegan Organic Natural Specialists in:
Your local independent monthly journal
01963 351256 www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk
Issue 428 July 2019
8 MILLION TONNES OF PLASTIC IS DUMPED IN OUR OCEANS YEARLY
AROUND 7 MILLION COFFEE CUPS ARE THROWN AWAY IN THE UK EVERY DAY
FREE copy
90% OF SEABIRDS HAVE PLASTIC IN THEIR STOMACHS
Your
9 – 11 Princes Street, YEOVIL, BA20 1EN Tel: 01935 428791
1 IN 2 MARINE TURTLES HAVE EATEN PLASTIC
By coming together to tackle plastic pollution, we can show that powerful, collective action to restore nature is possible. Find out more and sign the petition at: www.wwf.org.uk/fight-plastic-pollution Image: Rich Carey/Shutterstock.com
www.ceresfoods.com
In Passing ...
T
he Spring Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May marked the start of Visitorland’s major outdoor events. And they did not disappoint. The fine weather on the Monday brought the crowds out at Sherborne Castle Country Fair and the Packhorse Fair in Bruton, although continual drizzle on the Wednesday dampened the opening of the Royal Bath and West Show. But it failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands who came early to watch the livestock judging. For British farming and food are still the bedrock of the show, despite the entertainments in the main ring, the musicians in the Pilton tent, the fairground attractions for the children and the countless stalls selling seemingly everything from motor cars and jacuzzis to clothes and toys. I spent more than five hours at the show and managed to see only a small fraction of the exhibits in the vast site, but as always it was all very impressive. Smaller in scale but no less impressive are two other local agricultural shows coming up in the Summer calendar. On Wednesday 14th August the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show takes place at Motcombe Turnpike and is not to be missed. It’s one of those traditional agricultural shows that hasn’t sacrificed its original purpose and become simply another entertaining day out. It remains a show where agriculture reigns supreme even though it features countless other attractions to entertain families. Four days later, on Sunday 18th August, it’s the Mid-Somerset Show at Cannards Grave Road in Shepton Mallet which hosts the South West Cheese Awards, the Somerset Cider Championship and a flower show as well as plenty of livestock, rural crafts and vintage vehicles. It’s another show that’s not to be missed, with the added attraction of free admission (although a ticket for the car park costs £15). A big feature of these three shows is always the local food and drink, with numerous stallholders offering tasters, explaining how it’s made and selling it to eat at the show or to take home for later.
Some of them are regular attenders at Visitorland’s farmers’ markets, and some local farm shops stock their produce, so what you’ve enjoyed at the show can be obtained locally all year round. But outdoor events embrace more than just farming and food. And the biggest comes up on 13th July when the International Air Day at RNAS Yeovilton fills the skies once more. This popular military airshow features modern and historical aircraft, including some from NATO and allies from across the world, and displays the international nature of Royal Navy and UK military operations. It’s sure to attract the crowds. Along with the countless village fêtes, street fairs, open gardens and activities at Ham Hill Country Park, Visitorland offers a wide variety of things for residents and visitors to see and do in our great outdoors this Summer. Fingers crossed that the weather is warm and dry. NN.
Advertising Deadlines August Issue published Thursday 25th July - Deadline Friday 12th July
PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG
Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk facebook.com/thevisitormagazine twitter.com/thevisitormag
Editor Max Dunion Advertising Julie Crowe
Managing Director Helen Dunion
© The Visitor Ltd. 2019
(Items marked ©GT are the copyright of Geoff Thompson)
CONTENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 34 ANTIQUES - 10
BOOK REVIEW - 29 BRUTON - 12
CROSSWORD - 34 GARDENING - 30
HOUSE & HOME - 24 LANGPORT - 18 LEISURE - 9
LOOKING GOOD - 10
MARTOCK - A business focus - 20
MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 4 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.
MOTORING - 13
MUSIC for the MONTH - 29 NOTICE BOARD - 9 PAPERCHASE - 32
PHONE-A-FIRM - 32 PUBS - 27
SOMERTON - 14
SOUTH PETHERTON - A business focus - 22 SUDOKU - 9
THEY SAY - 28
WINE & DINE - 26
Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON
THE VISITOR July 2019 3
Mentioned in
Dispatches
14th Leigh Food Fair & Vintage Classic Car/Bike Display, Saturday 20th July 10am - 4pm
Taste and buy some of the best food and drink on offer from local producers at the Leigh Village Hall on the 20th July. The Stallholders will include:- Adam’s Tasty Chilli Sauces, Bakeout Café, Choc Ami, Chetnole Honey, Cornish Pasties, Devon Fishcakes, Dorset Blue Viney, Fussels Fine Foods, James’s Cheeses, Lavender Blue Food Company, Ma Bolton Gluton Free, Meat Free Martha, Oxfords’ Bakery, Reads Coffee Roasters, Percy’s Bakery, Purbeck Icecream, Simply Sprinkle,
Somerset Cider Brandy Co., Somerset Charcuterie, Sopley Salads, Unusual Pork Pie Co., Wraxall Wines, Wyld Meadow Farm, and Yarty Cordials. A variety of interesting Vintage/Classic cars & motorbikes will be on display. Barbecued hamburgers & sausages, refreshments, ice cream, beer and cider will all be available! Entertainment includes children’s activities. This is proving to be a very successful show, and will, of course, be in the amazing Village Hall. Proceeds go to Leigh Village Hall, Hidden Needs Trust, St Andrew’s Church, Leigh and other charities. The event will be opened by Richard Bromell, Director of Charterhouse Auctioneers. Adults £2, children under 15 Free. Contact: Elizabeth Turnbull on 01935 873846 or elizabeth turnbull70@btinternet.com, www.leighfoodfair.co.uk.
Open Air Theatre at Ansford Academy, Friday 5th July
Chapterhouse Theatre Company is thrilled to announce that they will be appearing at Ansford Academy with their production of Wuthering Heights on Friday 5th July. The wild and tempestuous love story of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, set on the beautiful and mysterious Yorkshire moors. This tale of passion and revenge has thrilled readers and audiences alike for generations and is now set to entrance Chapterhouse audiences for an evening of theatre beneath the stars. Can Catherine and Heathcliff’s love endure, or will the forces of nature tear them apart? Gates open 5.30pm, there will be a bar serving hot and cold drinks. Please bring your own rugs or low-backed seating. Tickets: Adult £16, Child £11. Family £46 available from Ansford Academy on 01963 350895 or www.seetickets.com.
Somerton U3A Talk with author Justin Newland on 26th July
The next meeting of the Somerton U3A will take place on Friday 26 July when Somerset author Justin Newland will give a lively, illustrated talk on ‘Why Ancient
Egypt is known as The Mother and Father of All Things.’ He'll discuss what this means and how it still impacts our lives today. Justin will also reveal how this period of history inspired his debut novel, The Genes of Isis, an epic fantasy and supernatural thriller set under Ancient Egyptian skies. The story is a weave of two threads: the Ancient Egyptian myth of Isis and Osiris and the story of the flood in the Book of Genesis. 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.
Porsche 917 and 962 to Star at Lancaster Insurance Classic and Supercars Show Sunday 21st July
The iconic Le Mans winning Porsche 917 and 962 will be the star attractions in the show Porsche Marque Feature which will include a historic line up of cars including race and road cars from 356 model to the present day. Features manager Keith
Simply Inspirational ...
Quality bathrooms & wetrooms individually designed and expertly installed
Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms Visit our Showroom
The Old Bakery, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, DT9 3LN (Through Archway by Half Moon Inn)
Tel: 01935 817111 * www.simplybathandbed.co.uk * info@simplybathandbed.co.uk
4 THE VISITOR July 2019
McGee says ‘I am indebted to the owners and National Motor Museum Beaulieu for providing these show stopping Porsches for our special display. Both cars have been raced by our celebrity guest Derek Bell who will lead the Porsche car parade at the show’.
This prestigious charity event, taking place on Sunday 21st July, is now in its 16th year and regarded as one of the premier classic and supercar shows in the South of England. More than 2,000 cars will be exhibited including vintage, classic, rally, race, supercars, American, custom
The iconic Le Mans winning Porsche 917 will be one of the star attractions at the Lancaster Insurance Classic and Supercars Show 2019 at Sherborne Castle. Pictured: The Porche 917 at Daytona 1971, looking a bit battle scarred.
THE VISITOR July 2019 5
Mentioned in
Dispatches and hot rods. There will be over 150 trade, craft and Autojumble stands plus a Charterhouse car auction, live music in the catering village, amusements for children and beautiful picnic places. The show supports national and local charities and has raised over £170,000 in recent years and aims to donate £40,000 from the 2019 show. For more information about the show visit www.classicsupercars.co.uk or email classicandsupercars@gmail.com.
Families for Children Somerset Adoption Information Sessions
Families for Children Trust is a Specialist Adoption Agency and charitable trust based in the South West. They place vulnerable children from all over the UK with new adoptive families in Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, Somerset and the Isles of Scilly. They currently have a real shortage of adopters coming forward and a growing number of children waiting for adoptive families. There is an Adoption Information Session on Wednesday 24th July, 10.00am to 12.00noon at Axminster Football Club, Devon, EX13 5HN. To book please contact Families for Children on 01271 612004 or email devon@familiesfor
Lillies Rose ● Fully Qualified Florist ● Fresh Flowers for all occasions ● Delivery available - including same day ● Bouquets, Floral Arrangements, Plants ● Eflorist available 1 High Street, Wincanton lilliesrose1@outlook.com
6 THE VISITOR July 2019
Tel: 01963 34992
Find us on Facebook & Instagram
children.org.uk, www.familiesfor children.org.uk.
Discovery awards funds to Somerset community organisations
Local learning disability support provider, Discovery, is delighted to announce the first round of grants from the Discovery Community Fund have been awarded to seven community groups, totalling almost £90,000. The fund, managed by Somerset Community Foundation, aims to support improvements to the health and independence of adults with learning disabilities and autism right across the county of Somerset. It is the result of a partnership between Discovery and Somerset County Council. Luke Joy-Smith, Managing Director at Discovery, said: ‘We
want to use this fund to help people to live a full and active life and the first seven community groups will certainly do that, with a range of exciting and valuable activities. We are looking forward to seeing what these groups can do with their funds and to launching the next round of awards in September.’ One of the groups to benefit, Calvert Trust Exmoor, was awarded £10,000 worth of bursaries so that people with learning disabilities can attend their activity centre in Exmoor National Park. Mike Gray, Chief Executive Officer at Calvert Trust Exmoor, said: ‘We’re delighted and very grateful that Discovery has made this generous grant to our bursary fund. It means that we can give more of the county’s residents with learning disabilities and autism the opportunity to visit and benefit from taking part in our challenging, adventurous activities.’ The seven groups to benefit from funding are: The Angel, run by the Langport Church Community Trust: £2,870, Calvert Trust Exmoor: £10,000, Dunster Festival, delivering classical music to the Seahorses Day Centre in Minehead: £684, Openstorytellers in Frome:
Delaware Veterinary Group Open Day on Sunday 14th July
Carriage riding is one of many activities available at Calvert Trust Exmoor for people with physical, learning, behavioural and sensory disabilities.
£20,320, Orchard Vale Trust, county-wide: £15,651, People First Dorset in Crewkerne and Chard: £29,985, The Pod in Frome: £7,500. If you run a local community
project and would like to find out more about grant funding in general, please call Somerset Community Foundation on: 01749 344949 or visit: www. somersetcf.org.uk.
The Delaware Veterinary Group are looking forward to welcoming you to their Open Day on Sunday 14th July at the Castle Cary practice between 11am and 4pm. They are celebrating 20 years at the Fulford House practice, although many of you will know that Delaware Veterinary Group has been a part of the local community for well over 100 years! The team at Delaware have been working hard to make 14th July 2019 a day to remember. They have Cary Alpacas, Brookbarn Canine Rehabilitation and Canine Companion Fly Ball
attending, plus many more. There will be lots of competitions and prizes to be won on the day, not to mention the tours of the practice and talks from special guests throughout the day. There will be something for all age groups, so keep an eye out on their Facebook page for more updates!
Council Chair welcomes ‘Sen.se-Sational’ shop that has popped up in Mendip
A new pop-up shop has opened in Mendip, the ‘Sen.se-Sational’ shop gives young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities work experience and a chance to showcase the quality range of enterprise products they
PURELY BOOKS BOOKKEEPING SERVICE Experienced bookkeeper available to help with your accounts, getting them in order for your accountant. Whether on an adhoc or regular basis, be it an hour a week, a month, or on a more permanent basis, I am here to help. Services are available for Sole Traders, and small businesses to larger businesses. Other office adminIstration also carried out, for example typing quotations, invoices, sending out brochures, and the like. No job too small. Based in South Somerset. For more information please contact Rachel on 07817 614810 or rachel.purelybooks@gmail.com
THE VISITOR July 2019 7
Mentioned in
Dispatches make. The shop aims to demonstrate the skills and qualities of these young people and the potential they have to be very employable members of the community in the future. The ‘Sen.se-Sational’ pop-up shop is the latest venture of a collaborative project run by the Somerset Special Schools (SEN.SE) The latest venture is
MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd
Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors 26 Lower Woodcock Street Castle Cary BA7 7BH Tel: 01963 351052
Business and limited company accounts, self assessment tax returns, VAT, Payroll, Book-keeping and Training
supported by Mendip District Council and Frome Town Council. Critchill School in Frome also have been very proud to help facilitate bringing the shop to their local community. In her first official engagement as Mendip District Council Chair, Cllr Helen Sprawson-White officially opened the shop on Bath Street, Frome with Frome Mayor, Cllr Mark Dorrington. Cllr Sprawson-White, said: ‘I am thrilled to have been invited to support the opening of the Sen.se-Sational shop in Frome. The shop is a great addition to our community and will offer the students a chance to showcase their employability.’
The new shop in Frome is the third ‘Sen.se-Sational’ pop-up to open this year, back in April the team opened a shop in Yeovil’s Quedam Centre and had previously opened for a time in Taunton. The shop is open from 10am – 2.30pm weekdays, 9am – 5pm Saturdays and will be open from 10am – 3pm on the Sunday of the Independent Market in the town. The shop is open until 13th July. To find out more about the project and take a look at some of the products on offer, follow @Sen.se_sational on Instagram.
Park Yoga has come to Yeovil
Park Yoga has come to Yeovil this summer following its success in various locations across the South West over the last two years. Organisers have decided to expand Park Yoga and open a new location at Yeovil Country Park for people in and around Yeovil to enjoy. If you are looking to experience yoga for the first time, try a new class or just enjoy practicing in natural surroundings then Park Yoga is for you. Park Yoga is held every Sunday morning from 9.30am to 10.30am. The free
sessions started on 19th May and will continue throughout the summer until September. Rachael Whaites, Countryside Manager at South Somerset District Council, said: ‘We are very excited to be a new host for Park Yoga. Connecting people to their local greenspace, whether through education, volunteering, events or fitness has always been an important aim of the countryside team. The benefits of yoga are already well documented but when you couple that with a connection to the natural environment, surrounded by birds singing and the trees rustling, the benefits are doubled. I would highly recommend coming to the country park and giving it a go.’ Sibyl King, Director at the Fine Family Foundation, said: ‘Everyone is invited, including children, and all abilities are welcome. There’s no need to book; just bring your mat, towel or just yourself, and be part of something great.’ To find out more information, please visit www.parkyoga.co where you can subscribe to the Park Yoga newsletter and see the full list of venues for 2019.
Personal and professional service
Park Yoga at Yeovil Country Park is a great way to exercise and feel the benefits that are experienced by the body and mind.
St. JOHNS’ HOUSE Residential Home, Sherborne, Dorset St Johns’ is a beautiful house in the centre of an historical town, for persons above pension age to live. All of our rooms are ensuite and unfurnished. A monthly contribution is payable to include all meals, housekeeping and laundry. We are not a care or nursing home, but promote independent living for all residents who are in good health with good mobility. Residents from all areas accepted. You are welcome to visit to have a look around or to have a short stay in our Guest Room, just give us a call.
● Please contact: 01935 813245 or email: assistantmanagers@hotmail.co.uk We currently have two rooms available 8 THE VISITOR July 2019
July Notice Board BARTON ST DAVID
BARTON ST DAVID Carnival and Evening Entertainment (TA11 6BS) Sat 20, July 2019. 1.00pm - 11.30pm. Free entry. Family Fun, Live Music, Bars, Food, Dog Show.
HASELBURY MILL
SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST 6.30pm, Sherborne U3A Choirs Celebratory Concert, Haselbury Mill. Tickets £7.50 contact bnewcombe.48@rosa37.plus.com, 01935 389375. Proceeds to Friends of Yeatman Hospital.
HENSTRIDGE
BLACKMORE VALE U3A, a presentation by The Cats Protection Society. Henstridge Village Hall, Tuesday 2nd July at 2.30pm. Members £1.50, Visitors £2.50, refreshments included.
HINTON ST GEORGE
THE 19 SIXTIES, Live Classic 60s Band, 7pm to midnight, Saturday 20 July, St Georges Hall, Hinton St George. Enjoy a candlelit 3-course dinner, and
dance to this exciting band plus Baz's Disco. Tickets £30 available from Our Shop, Hinton St George, or phone 07500532543.
WINCANTON
WINCANTON FREEMASONS OPEN Day: Saturday 29th June 2019 10am-3pm. Entry & refreshments are free. Everyone is welcome @ Masonic Hall, Church Street, Wincanton.
YEOVIL
50/50 SEQUENCE/Ballroom Dance with Mike Thackrell. 7.30pm - 10.30pm, Sunday 16th June 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 now started on Wednesday mornings at 9.30am. Milford Hall, Yeovil, BA21 4QD. Entry £2. Tel 01935 4 2 4 1 6 4 . F und ed b y t he B i g Lottery Fund via a grant from Awards for All (England).
Advertise your August event here from just £5 for 20 words! (30p per additional word). Send details by 15th July to: The Visitor Notice Board, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, BA7 7BP or email: info@ thevisitormagazine.co.uk.
The Gartell Light Railway is enjoying a busy 2019 and its next Open Day is on Sunday 28th of July.
The Gartell Light Railway
The Gartell Light Railway is enjoying a busy 2019 and its next Open Day is on Sunday 28th of July. There is free parking and the buffet will be serving breakfasts from 09.30. The first train leaves Common Lane at 10.30 with subsequent departures at 25-minute intervals until the last one at 16.30. Three trains will be running, the green, blue and red sets, with 2 steam locos and one diesel. The intense timetable includes reversals at the ends of the line at Park Lane and Tower View, with two simultaneous departures at Pinesway Junction on every 35 minute trip. Two of the trains can accommodate wheelchairs - just ask the friendly staff and they will help. As the trains are half full-size they are regrettably unable to carry large dogs. As well as breakfasts, 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 09.30am. Be prepared to stop if you see flashing red lights at the Common Lane level crossing-a train is coming! Please see the advertisement for details or go online at newglr.weebly.com.
So, you think you know your Pop music, do you? By John Osborne ★ Answers can be found on page 32
1) Name the former lead singer of 'The Smiths' whose new album is called 'California Son'. 2) Who was the girl that Dion accused of being a 'Runaround'? 3) Which one of the Beatles wrote 'Something'? 4) Who made the 1973 album 'Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Player'? 5) Pharrell Williams was experiencing which emotion in 2013? 6) Who had a hit with her 1987 version of the classic song 'Love Letters'? 7) 'Kansas' said 'Carry On My … ' what or who? 8) 'Rocky Mountain High' became the anthem for its writer – who was it? 9) In which year did Mark Morrison hit the charts with 'Return of the Mack'? 10) Who is known for his long and energetic stage performances and is nicknamed 'The Boss'? Bonus question Who produced the album named in Q:4?
Question impossible 'Reminiscing' was a 1978 single from which Australian band? (It failed to chart in the U.K. but has been documented as being played over one million times on American radio)
Great Quotes in Music (114) The important thing for any young singer or musician is to keep focused on becoming a better musician as opposed to become a bigger celebrity - Gerry Rafferty
Sudoku
by
T. M.
Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9.
THE VISITOR July 2019 9
Family Health with Jenna Evans JET LAG
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.
John Hamblin
Bespoke Furniture Makers Furniture Restorers French Polishers
Fine furniture made to your personal requirements and specifications, including bookcases and libraries 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 01935 471154 • jhamblin101@gmail.com
10 THE VISITOR July 2019
I KNOW THE SUMMER must be rolling in when I start getting more questions about Jet Lag! This disturbance of the sleepwake cycle, also called desynchronosis, is triggered by air travel across time zones. Changes in magnetic fields, radiation, dehydration and breathing all that recycled air doesn’t help matters. As well as difficulty falling asleep in the new time zone, symptoms can include digestive disturbances, fatigue, poor concentration and headaches. Let’s take a look at a few helpful remedies. Adaptogens – The adaptogenic herbs help our bodies adapt to stress. They are popular choices for people wishing to minimise Jet Lag. Rhodiola & Ashwagandha would be two of my favourites for this. Rhodiola can be a great energy giver, improving concentration and immunity. It can also help with depression. Ashwagandha would be my choice if somebody was already feeling quite depleted or was carrying a lot of anxiety, such as about the flight. Ashwagandha is wonderfully nourishing to the nervous system. They could also be used together – Ashwagandha for several days before the flight and during travelling and Rhodiola to be taken in the mornings of your new time zone to help you settle in to the new rhythm. 5HTP – 5 HydroxyTryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, which is converted to melatonin, the sleep hormone, when levels of light drop. 5HTP can therefore help promote sleep when taken in the evenings. Eating foods rich in tryptophan such as seeds, oats, eggs, dates and pulses can also be helpful. Pycnogenol – From pine bark extract, this supplement has been studied as a means of decreasing Jet Lag. The study used 150mg of pycnogenol, split into three doses taken from 2 days before until 5 days after flying. Found to significantly reduce the symptoms of Jet Lag
and speed adjustment to the new time zone, Pycnogenol has the added benefit of being a great anti-oxidant and supportive of vascular health - helping prevent oedema and thrombosis. When flying, remember to stay well hydrated (just say no to the booze!) and eat little and often as destabilised blood sugar will disrupt sleep. Get as much sunlight as you can in the new time zone as it is the light and dark cycle with which we fall into sync. Vitamin C with added electrolytes (you can buy these in handy sachets) can help keep you hydrated and boost immunity during and after your flight. Nervous travellers may also like to look into taking Bach Rescue Remedy and the amino acid Theanine to calm those anxieties. Happy travelling everyone! Jenna Evans © 2019. ● Jenna is a 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 summer attire. You will receive a warm welcome in a relaxed environment to browse and try on their extensive ranges of hats, shoes, dresses and jackets for your summer wardrobe. New to Preview this summer is the Miracle Swim Suit. Miraclesuit have 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-
stop-shop for all your beach essentials. Preview are stockists of many sought-after labels such as Rabe from Germany. Rabe fully washable knitwear is especially kind to your skin due to the exclusive use of non-wool fabric. The Zenia collection from Spain uses neutral tones to create stunning pieces in sizes 10-18 with prices from £45. Amazing Woman Jeans create fabulous fitting jeans in comfortable denims in a variety of styles and a choice of 10 colours suitable for all ages and shapes. An exclusive label to Preview is Micha, a Danish brand producing quality knitwear with a range of skirts, blouses, dresses and knitwear for work or at home and at parties. Preview also stock labels such as Condici, Luis Civit, Lizabella, Tina Taylor, Olsen, Michaele 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.
Fashion Boutique Market Place • Wincanton 01963 31676
www.previewwincanton.co.uk
DAYWEAR Includes:
WARD & SIBLEY
Yeovil’s reputable and long-established jewellers Ward & Sibley.
The Jewellers of Yeovil
CLOSED Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout July and August 2019
AS GOOD AS NEW! Our repair section of the business is pleased to offer:
Complete refurbishment of jewellery –
soldering charms onto bracelets, sizing rings, repairing chains, jewellery cleaning
Watch repairs including battery replacements Jewellery handmade to your own design Seal, hand, and machine engraving
Valuations for insurance and probate
In sizes 10-18
Pearl and bead re-threading
For a prompt, reliable & friendly service THE CASKET 103 MIDDLE STREET YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065
Car park at rear for customers while visiting the shop
THE VISITOR July 2019 11
Bruton Country Centre
Bruton Country Centre really is a one stop shop for all your pet needs. They stock a wide range of dog foods such as Burns, James Well Beloved, Autarky and Forth Glade to name a few. The Burns Loyalty scheme is really popular where customers buy 7 bags and receive their 8th Free! They also have 6 Aviaries full of Aviary/cage birds such as
BRUTON
Finches, Cockatiels, Lovebirds and Budgies with all the equipment and supplies needed to keep these beautiful animals successfully. With pond season upon us why not pop along and see all the beautiful pond and marginal water plants and outdoor goldfish and koi. They also stock an increasing range of pond equipment and supplies. If they
haven't got what you need the staff are always more than happy to find an alternative or order in what you require.
Bruton Motor Services
Established for over 23 years, Rob Mahoney and his experienced staff at Bruton Motor Services offer a full servicing and repair service on all makes of cars, vans and light commercials.
There is a fully equipped, purpose built, MOT bay complete with all the latest diagnostic computer equipment for testing emissions etc. Other services offered include tyres, batteries and exhausts at competitive prices, and the prompt acquisition of spares. Before you go on holiday make sure your car is roadworthy. Book in for a service today.
Flags fly on Bruton High St.
The Grade II Listed Bruton Dovecote that overlooks the town.
A selection of various 19th Century cut and etched glass decanters with Waterford Crystal Wine Glasses, available at Quillon House Antiques.
● General Hardware ● Home DIY
● Timber & Aggregates ● Animal Supplies
● Pond Fish & Equipment ● Pets & Accessories ● Garden Supplies ● Garden Plants Wisteria Yard, Bruton BA10 0AR
12 THE VISITOR July 2019
Extremely large 20th Century Chinese Cloisonne Vase and cover in Millefleur Pattern. 50cm high. Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10.00am – 5.30pm
MOTOR
VINTAGE Motorcycling
I START THIS MONTH with the forthcoming events planned for the month of July. Starting with the Somerset Section they have a guest speaker at their club night at Cossington on the 4th, next comes The Veteran and Vintage and Anniversary Run which takes place on the 7th from Cossington Village Hall. On the 18th they have an Evening Meet at Gurney Slade and the 25th sees the Morning Meet at Wedmore. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have a Midweek Sundae Run on July 3rd (note the sundae as in ice-cream) and club night on the 8th will be a Barbecue at Shaftesbury. The Dorset Section commence with the Lunch Meet at Henstridge on the 3rd and on the 7th will be the Two In One Run also from Henstridge. Club night at Henstridge on the 10th is the Car and Bike Meet. The 14th will see the 41st running of the Veteran and Vintage Run from Leigh Village Hall. They have a Mid Week Run from Sturminster Newton on the 17th (note the 2pm start) and this is followed on the 27th by the Breakfast Meet back at Henstridge and lastly on the 28th by the Jeff Clew Memorial Run held at the Haynes International Motor Museum. In all a pretty busy month by any standard.
In addition to the above on Saturday 20th July there will be the Leigh Food Fair held in the village hall. Always a popular event with a few old bikes (why not bring your old bike along) attending and lots of classic cars. This is always a well attended event and with lots of fine foods to sample and purchase, plus the old vehicles, plus a dram or two for those wishing to partake, what is there not to like I ask. And all done in the knowledge that all proceeds will be going to local charities. Make a note in your diary. For further details of any of the above please ring me on 01935 872528. Another date worth noting in your diary is the 13th and 14th of July. On those days the VMCC will be holding the Festival of a Thousand Bikes at the Mallory Park Race Circuit in Leicestershire. I appreciate it is a long distance to travel but most attendees think it worth the effort. Nowhere else in the country will you see at least 1000 old motorcycles parading around the circuit. Some will be road machines of all ages while others will be proper old race bikes being given a fair old gallop. In addition there will be displays, sprint and trials demonstrations plus a large autojumble. For more information visit www.vmcc.net. My picture this month proves the fact I am getting too old and feeble, probably both in body and mind. Over recent years I have sold several machines which had
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.
1963 Honda CB250.
become too heavy for me to handle safely. Lighter machines have become the order of the day and with increased ease of riding I suspect that trend will continue. The machine shown here dates from 1963 and is a Honda CB250. It is light in weight, quite small physically, has superb brakes and handles beautifully. When new everyone assumed that these high revving and high performance machines would not last five minutes before blowing up under the stress given them by zestful youngsters. Nobody seemed to notice how beautifully engineered these machines were and now here we are some 60 years on we realise just how good they were and everyone wants one. They gave stunning performance and have proved reliable and are now very sought after. Honda and their Japanese rivals have been proved right and they nearly destroyed the British motorcycle industry in the process. Now our motorcycle manufacturers have risen to the challenge and are the equal of any to be found in the world. I have written before of the exemption to have an MOT
Certificate for vehicles over 40 years old. I can see the governments reasoning for this decision and felt it to be correct but recently a few doubts have crept into my mind. The decision was made because very few vehicles over this age show up in the accident figures and fewer still show in the accident figures because the collision was caused by some mechanical malfunction. Because old vehicles are therefore loved and cherished it was assumed that the degree of maintenance was high. It is therefore incumbent upon us all to ensure that our vehicles are kept in tiptop condition. My recent concerns have arisen as a result of noticing that several old bikes, some very powerful machines, have been seen with bald tyres. This is not only illegal but also very foolish. Our safety is surely our biggest concern. Why have a machine worth thousands of pounds and then skimp on a tyre worth £150? Anyone noticing such a defect will immediately assume that the rest of the machine will probably be suffering from a similar lack of maintenance. If and maybe when these machines start to show up in the accident statistics do not be surprised to see our concession withdrawn. Please check your own machines over and if you see defective machines being used then I see no reason why the owners should not be told of their foolhardiness. Rod Hann.
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
G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414
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 ★
Tel: 01935 426515 / 01935 411946
THE VISITOR July 2019 13
SOMERTON AT THIS TIME of year you cannot fail to miss the banner strung across the street advertising the Somerton Music and Arts Festival. Now in its 32nd year, it is one of the most popular and most successful celebrations in an area extending far beyond Visitorland, and this year the organising committee has given the format and content
The Dress Circle Dress Agency
QualITY FashIOn ITEMs WanTEd TO sEll On a COMMIssIOn BasIs Wedding hats, wedding outfits, cruise wear and good quality casual wear and accessories, accepted every day ... 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm Saturday
For large quantities collections can be arranged
4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY 01458 273485
14 THE VISITOR July 2019
an imaginative revamp. Instead of trying to shoehorn between 25 and 30 events into the nine days of the festival – which this year runs from Friday 5th July to Saturday 13th – the focus is on quality rather than quantity. The first Friday sees a concert with a cappella singing group Sons of Pitches; on Saturday it’s flamenco guitarist Samuel Moore; on Tuesday the Woodwose quartet perform a concert of medieval music on traditional instruments; and on Thursday the HMS Heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band entertain with their wide and varied repertoire of popular music. These concerts are all being staged in St Michael’s Church. On Wednesday there’s a gig for folk music
This stretch of narrow West Street could become a one-way street if county council proposals come to fruition.
enthusiasts in the White Hart and on the second Friday the allgirl trio Bluebird Cabaret take to the stage in the Parish Rooms. Undeniably it’s an interesting variety of musical styles seldom heard in Somerton, with not a ‘tribute’ band in sight! The ever-popular Festival Quiz
has been retained in the programme and is on Monday in Somerton Sports Club, but this year the art and photography exhibition has already been staged as a separate event at the end of May. Also retained is the Family Fun Day from noon till 5.00pm on Somerton Recreation Ground but it has been moved from the second to the first Saturday to make space for an ambitious innovation catering for fans of most styles of pop music. Dubbed Somerstock, it’s an allday non-stop music extravaganza from 11.00am until midnight with 18 bands on three stages at
SOMERTON the Recreation Ground. Headline acts are Toploader who have had several hit singles and albums since their launch in 1997 and are proven crowd-pleasers, and boogie pianist Ben Waters who has worked with many of the top names in rock music including The Rolling Stones, Jools Holland and Ray Davies. Among the other acts are Chris Jagger and his trio, Talisman and Area 52, several up-and-coming groups from the south west and a couple of ‘tribute’ bands, Abba’s Angels and Mangledwurzels. Details of this and all the other festival events can be found in the free programme that can be picked up from many places in the town. They have also been posted on the www. somertonartsfestival.co.uk website and on the festival committee’s Facebook and Twitter sites. Tickets for Somerstock can be obtained from www.somerstock.com and for all other events from the festival office in Overt Locke’s shop on West Street on Mondays,
Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10.00am till 1.00pm, or by telephoning 07928 508700. The festival is organised by a committee of local residents, all of whom are volunteers, supported by many other individuals and businesses who help to make it such a success. Looking to the future, the committee always welcomes anyone with new ideas and enthusiasm to join them. And the town always welcomes visitors, not just for the festival. Somerton is well worth a visit at any time of year, whether for shopping, admiring the architecture or simply imbibing the atmosphere. Walk the length of West Street to see the wide variety of retailers between the Market Square and The Triangle – including traditional butchers, gift shops, florist, cafés, antiques and collectables shops and Overt Locke’s department store full of house and home products of every description. Midway along the street is the little covered Brunel
Somerton’s supermarket is in the centre of town and attracts a lot of carborne shoppers onto its narrow streets.
Shopping Centre containing a selection of independent shops and leading to Williams, the town’s sole supermarket. There are clear benefits from having the supermarket in the centre rather than on the outskirts in that it
M
J
Carpets Proprietor: Roger Willis
“Over 55 years experience in the carpet trade”
attracts a lot of car-borne shoppers into the town, but it can cause problems on the narrow streets. Towards the end of April Somerset County Council announced officially its intention
For a reliable & personal service ■ Select from over 1000 Carpet and Vinyl samples ■ All leading makes supplied ■ Prompt Delivery
■ Professional Fitting
■ FREE Estimates and Planning
Market Place, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 7LZ
Email: sales@mjcarpets.co.uk • Tel: (01458) 273042
THE VISITOR July 2019 15
SOMERTON
St Michael and All Angels' Church is the venue for four of the Music Festival concerts as well as the Festival Service on Sunday 7th July.
16 THE VISITOR July 2019
to make a short length of West Street a one-way street. The stretch between the Market Place and the Pesters Lane junction is so narrow that wide vehicles have difficulties passing each other and sometimes endanger pedestrians by mounting the narrow pavement, and often the carriageway is partially blocked by delivery lorries. The council proposes to close the road to eastbound traffic, so all vehicles emerging from the car parks by Williams supermarket and behind The Unicorn Hotel will have to turn right on to West Street and travel via Langport Road and Behind Berry to reach the Market Place and the eastern side of town. Other Visitorland towns including Wincanton, Bruton, Castle Cary, Crewkerne and Ilminster have had similar traffic restrictions for many years and have found that they certainly ease the flow of traffic. At the time of writing it seems that there are no major objections to
the Somerton proposal, so perhaps it will be implemented during the summer. Roger Richards.
Exclusive Retirement Development in Somerton is completed
Retirees looking for a new home in Somerton are delighted that the apartments at Courthouse Mews in West Street have been completed. The select development of just 8 apartments and a 2-bedroom house has been created from the former Courthouse building, which had been used as a gallery and shop selling artwork; and the adjoining buildings in West Street, which had been neglected for many years. The site has now been transformed and includes a Wellness Suite run by the acclaimed Zoisa Holder, and artisan and boutique shops. The first of these, Belles Boutique, opened on 8th June; and more are to follow. Apartment owners also have their own social space as well as a courtyard garden.
SOMERTON There has been a great deal of interest in the properties, with several selling off-plan and the new owners already moving in. The developers of Courthouse Mews, Close Care Homes, and GeorgeJames Properties, are delighted to invite local people to an Open Day on Saturday 6th July between 10am and 1pm, where they can present the finished development. Alyson Martin, Director of Close Care Homes, said, ‘We hope that the people of Somerton agree that Courthouse Mews has vastly improved the look of West Street. Our apartment owners are delighted with their new homes and we can’t wait to show everyone how beautiful it looks.’ For more information or to secure your preferred apartment contact GeorgeJames Properties on 01458 274153.
Somerton Windows
Established in 1991, Somerton Windows Ltd is a family run business that prides itself on providing a professional and caring service. They provide all things glass from picture glass, to orangeries and everything in between, including windows, doors, conservatories, balustrading, double glazing and wood burner stove glass. UPVC and aluminium options are available as well as warm roofs. If you have any projects involving glass in any guise, Somerton Windows will be pleased to discuss these and offer competitive quotations which are both free of charge and obligation. All members of staff are highly qualified, trustworthy and obliging. You can visit their office at 1 Wessex Buildings, Somerton Business Park, Somerton TA11 6SB. Telephone 01458 273779.
Email enquiries@somerton windows.com or visit the website www.somertonwindows.co.uk. They look forward to hearing from you.
Wine Wize
Wine Wize is run by Stuart Avison from his home in Somerton. Stuart has been in the wine trade for around 20 years. If you know your wines or just
want to learn more, Stuart will come to your home or office so you and your family, friends or colleagues can sample a selection of unique wines from around the world. The wines are selected by taste and are of the finest quality. The wines Stuart sells have no additional allegiants added and are mainly exclusive to Wine
Wize. Wine Wize also promotes a Somerset Gin which will be available to taste and purchace along with the wines. If you are interested in arranging an informal, entertaining and relaxed tasting for up to 10 people, then please contact Stuart on 07889532954 or email stuart@winewize.co.uk.
Just some of the wines Stuart at Wine Wize has in stock available for tasting.
THE BUTTERCROSS TEAROOMS
Market Place, Somerton (01458) 273168 Homemade Cakes & Scones Morning Coffee, Cream Teas Lunch Served 12 – 3pm Open: Mon – Sat: 9am - 5pm Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Brunel Pet Centre 5a Brunel Shopping Precinct — SOMERTON — Tel: 01458 274980 Email: info@brunel-pets.com Website: www.brunel-pets.com
Many Brands of Dog & Cat Food Stocked Dog & Cat Treats, Toys & Beds Small Animal Foods, Treats Hay and Straw Wide Selection of Wild Bird Food & Feeders ORDERS WELCOME
If there is something you require which we don’t stock, we will endeavour to order it for you
THE VISITOR July 2019 17
LANGPORT
TOWARDS THE END of 2010 moves were afoot to resurrect a business group to help raise awareness of what Langport can offer and to increase footfall in the shops. The Langport Area Business Group was formally launched in 2011 and one of its first ventures was the production of a map and directory for local residents. Since then the group has achieved much and nowadays they are actively promoting the town through advertisements and leaflets to attract more visitors. There is certainly plenty for the group to publicise for, as they say
in their adverts, ‘there’s a lot more to Langport than meets the eye’. Although it is far out on the western fringe of Visitorland, Langport never fails to repay a visit, whether it be to soak up a bit of its long and fascinating history as a trading town on the river Parrett, to hire a bicycle and explore the levels, or to browse the town’s many interesting shops. Parking is easy – there’s a large free car park at Cocklemoor in the town centre – and there are no hills to climb unless you want to see the imposing 15th century parish
church, alas no longer in use, and the famous Hanging Chapel above the road to Huish Episcopi, or visit Kelways plant nursery on the eastern edge of town, but there’s a free car park there too! Langport still retains much of its old world charm and the bridge over the River Parrett makes a good starting point for exploring it. Bow Bridge at the western end of the causeway leading from the
town to the river was where, for centuries, barges brought commodities in from the Bristol Channel. Even as recently as the early 19th century the river was still used for conveying coal, timber, building materials and other heavy goods. The threearched stone bridge was built in the early 1840s to a design by William Gravatt, one of Brunel’s assistants, to replace a medieval
SUTTON UPHOLSTERERS Re-upholstery Specialists Antique, Modern and Contract
✽ Curtains ✽ Roman Blinds ✽ Loose Covers ✽ Re-upholstery ✽ Bed Spreads & Cushions ✽ Tracks & Poles ✽ Window Blinds ✽ D.I.Y. Supplies
Large selection of fabrics, modern & traditional including ... Sanderson, Romo, Linwood and Villa Nova Expert advice from over 30 years experience
Picts Hill, LANGPORT • Tel: 01458 252492
18 THE VISITOR July 2019
The straight Bow Street links the town centre to the river and former wharf building at Bow Bridge.
bridge which, having nine small arches, was a major obstacle to large boats bringing freight upstream to wharves further inland serving Ilchester, Thorney and Westport. Before the new bridge was built, cargoes had to be manhandled into smaller boats at Langport bridge. But don’t be deceived into thinking that’s the explanation of the town’s name. The ‘port’ here means ‘market’, not ‘harbour’, and the causeway was probably the source of ‘long market’. On the eastern bank of the river stood the warehouses of Great Bow Wharf. Only one remains and this prominent historic building has been sympathetically renovated, incorporating sustainable building materials and techniques to make it energyefficient. It now provides offices, space for community activities, and an excellent café at the back with a pleasant sheltered terrace alongside the river. This is run by the owners of Kitchen, the bakery at the entrance to Town Square, and serves reasonablypriced home-cooked dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients. Cross Bow Bridge and on the western bank is the Westover industrial estate covering the site of Langport’s first railway station. The line, built originally to
Brunel’s broad gauge, opened in 1853 but passenger trains between Taunton and Yeovil were withdrawn from 15th June 1964, and goods trains three weeks later. At the start of Westover is a cycle shop where visitors can hire bikes for leisurely rides along the trackbed of the former railway through the surrounding flat countryside to Muchelney, Thorney and other delightful villages – ideal for families with young children. Next door is an old warehouse on the river bank which is now the workshop and studio of Shakespeare Glass and Arts. If you time it right you can watch craftsmen blowing the hot glass, otherwise you will have to be content with admiring the beautiful glassware (and perhaps buying some) and viewing the display of paintings, jewellery and other artworks by various British
The workshop, studio and gallery of Shakespeare Glass occupy a former warehouse on the river bank.
Cocklemoor, the grassy raised bank alongside the Parrett, is an ideal spot to spend a lazy afternoon in the sunshine.
makers in the extensive gallery. From here a level footbridge across the river gives access to Cocklemoor, another Langport gem. This grassy raised bank alongside the Parrett stretches all the way back to the town centre car park and is well provided with seats, so it’s an ideal spot to spend a lazy afternoon in the sunshine. Or set off for a cruise on the river on Langport’s community boat, The Duchess of Cocklemoor. This timber ferryboat dating from 1908 was purchased and restored by local resident Ian Mcnab who now organises cruises up to Muchelney Abbey and downstream to Oath to view the scenery, wildlife and historic buildings. The boat can take 12 passengers so advance booking is essential – phone Mr
Sandpits Heating Centre
Mcnab on 07880 528413 or email ian@duchessofcocklemoor.co.uk. Cocklemoor car park is close to most of the town’s shops. The Business Group claims that ‘for the keen shopper the town is made up of fine independent shops and businesses you will not find on any other high street’, adding that ‘butchers, bakers and delicatessen offer locally sourced meats, vegetables and cheeses, brandies, ciders and wines too’. On a brief stroll from the car park, along Parrett Close (as the Town Square is properly known), Bow Street, Cheapside, and North Street, I saw plenty to substantiate their claim. The town seems to be regaining much of its hustle and bustle of yesteryear. A couple of years ago the town
Stockists of
Enticing Summer deals on stoves, cookers & fireplaces
Stockists of
- A big hit with our customers
Pictured: One of our best selling stoves
• Free home surveys • Full installation service by own Hetas engineers • Chimneys relined, fireplaces & chimneys created, twinwall flues • Chimneys swept
Visit Our Showrooms - Open Six Days A Week Summer Opening (From 1st May) Saturday 8am - 1pm Over 200 appliances on display Full installation service available High Street • Curry Rivel • Langport • TA10 0ES Tel: 01458 251476 • Fax: 01458 253505 www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk Large Car Park at Rear of Premises
THE VISITOR July 2019 19
LANGPORT
council published five free ‘Langport Area Guide’ leaflets covering services and facilities, food and drink, places to stay and things to see and do. These are still available from Langport Information Centre which has recently moved from Bow Street into the public library on Town Square. The centre is a mine of useful information about the surrounding area too – they were
able to tell me that the current exhibition at the John Leach Gallery at Muchelney until 6th August is of paintings by Angie Rooke and metal sculpture by Chris Kampf, and that this year’s Steam and Country Fair at Low Ham runs from 19th to 21st July. Both are worth a visit if you’re in the area and can tear yourself away from Langport itself. Roger Richards.
MARTOCK
Chirpy Cottage Café
Chirpy Cottage Café is at the top of North Street in Martock. They offer Specials, Breakfasts, Toasties, Paninis, Jackets and Omelettes etc. to eat in or take away. They also have healthy Smoothies, Shakes and delicious coffee. Roast day is Tuesday. There is also plenty of free-from options and have freezers full of them! They stock a variety of artisan crafts from local producers and they welcome new sellers in the café, so if you fancy it, please pop in.
The Café can be hired out for private functions, and they can even do the catering. If you would like to sell your products or hire the café for a private function, contact Debbie on 07762 735071/email info@chirpycottage.co.uk.
White Hart Hotel
Peter and Isabelle have celebrated their 16th year at the White Hart Hotel in Martock. The excellent reputation of this independent business is going strong. The food is superb and the atmosphere always
The businesses on Cheapside occupy buildings of an attractive mix of architectural styles.
They say it’s difficult to find a
GOOd GaraGE
River Parrett
so here is a map to help you ... Westover Trading Estate
l MC
a378
langport
Chirpy Cottage Café is at the top of North Street in Martock.
Curry rivel
NEW aIr COndITIOnInG sErvICInG
servicing & repairs on all Makes of Car Citroën and Peugeot Specialists
Collection & Delivery Service • Courtesy Car Available Full Electronic diagnostics
Pre -M.O.T. Preparation Work Undertaken NEED A CAR WASH OR A VACUUM?
Our Car Washes & Car Vacuum are the most powerful for miles! Open 24 hours 7 days a week
Batteries ★ Tyres ★ Exhausts
Open Monday – Friday 8am – 5.30pm • Saturday Appointments Only
lanGPOrT MOTOr COMPanY Prop. richard White
WEsTOvEr TradInG EsTaTE lanGPOrT, sOMErsET, Ta10 9rB
Tel: 01458 251100 • Email: langportmotors@btconnect.com 20 THE VISITOR July 2019
WHITE HART HOTEL Renowned for High Quality Food, Inventive Cuisine & Fresh Fish ... Peter and Isabelle Halkyard welcome you to the FREEHOUSE
East Street, Martock • 01935 822005
◆ ◆ ◆ Accommodation - Function Room / Skittle Alley
Bistro Lunches - £ 7.50 A La Carte Restaurant Menu / Children’s Menu Evening Bar Meals - £ 8.95 ✳ SUNDAY LUNCHES From £ 8.95 ✳ En-suite bedrooms from £57
www.whiteharthotelmartock.co.uk
MARTOCK - a business focus welcoming. The French/English cuisine reflects the chefs’ passion in creating classic and inventive dishes, using the freshest of ingredients. The choice between light snacks, the £7.50 bistro board, the restaurant menu and the childrens menu can suit any preferences. Sunday lunches are
very popular, early booking is advisable. The White Hart is in the Good Beer guide and promotes local real ales and ciders. Definitely the place to go for food lovers and those who like relaxing with a drink in a friendly village pub.
Left: Antony Spencer, 'Heart of Somerset', 29.5" x 19.5" print on canvas: £95.00. Below: Antony Spencer, 'Ham Hill Sunset', 47" x 22" print on canvas: £125.00. Both available now at Martock Gallery, also available on paper.
Complete Framing Service Available
'sheep on Burrow hill' Print on canvas by Rob Smith Size 28" x 19" Framed Price £95:00
Martock Gallery Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00, Saturday 9.30 - 4.30
Water Street • Martock • Tel: (01935) 823254 • www.martockgallery.com
Richard of Gould & Sons Family Butchers on North Street.
GOULD & SONS FAMILY BUTCHER
NORTH STREET, MARTOCK, SOMERSET TA12 6EH. TEL: 01935 822671
Pork, Lamb, Beef & Chickens from farms in the local area. Good selections of sausages & burgers. Home cooked meats, pies, faggots, award winning cheeses. Fresh fruit and vegetables from locally sourced suppliers.
Open: Tue - Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm, Sat: 8.30am - 12.30pm
FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION With over 30 years of building experience — NO HIDDEN EXTRAS —
All works completed by our experienced and reliable team
SERVICES INCLUDE but not limited to: Project Management ★ New Build Planning ★ Loft Conversions Carpentry ★ Roofing Ground Works ★ Refurbishment Renovation ★ Commercial Property Maintenance ★ Joinery
All aspects of Building and Maintenance All Insurance Works Undertaken
Contact us for a free estimate
(01935) 808456
www.countrybuild.co.uk • info@countrybuild.co.uk
THE VISITOR July 2019 21
In and around South H R Hodge
H R Hodge is an independent Authorised Panasonic dealer in Somerset providing customers with trusted, local expertise and offering the latest products for home entertainment. They pride themselves on providing comprehensive customer service and product support, from purchase through
Petherton
to installation and have a reputation for quality service that can be relied upon. Their reputation is based on more than 40 years of trading and today, they are totally committed to providing a personal service that not only exceeds expectations but also keeps pace with the rapid development of technology in both sound and vision.
See the very latest range of Panasonic products including TVs, Recorders, Blu-ray and Audio Systems. In March 2018 they were appointed official dealers of Loewe TV’s and SONOS wireless hifi. Please feel free to call in to the South Petherton showroom for any more information on their range of products and services.
Just some of the items on display at H R Hodge.
H R Hodge are also official dealers of Loewe TV’s.
22 THE VISITOR July 2019
The Trading Post Farm Shop
The Trading Post Farm Shop is nestled away in the Somerset countryside on an organic farm just outside South Petherton in Lopenhead and are currently celebrating being awarded the Muddy Stiletto Award for best Farm Shop & Deli in Somerset for the second year running. Honest to its humble beginnings - a roadside organic fruit & veg shop - it has grown over the past 20 years to something very special in the heart of its local community. The ethos is local, organic and delicious and each and every item they sell falls into one, if not all, of those categories – but most of all what makes them different is our customers, without whom owning the fabulous farm shop wouldn’t be half so much fun! As you enter the shop you are hit by the scent of their beautiful cut flowers that can be skilfully woven into a beautiful bouquet while you wait. The delicious smell of locally baked artisan loaves is the next to hit your senses and then as you take steps into the shop the glistening bottles of locally crafted gins will catch your eye - drawing you toward the lure of the pie counter full of all the fantastic locally produced pies and pasties; an amazing array of
meat, veggie, vegan & gluten free delights. Further in you will find an amazing selection of pickles, chutneys and condiments, oils and vinegars, alongside a newly renovated home corner full of toiletries and household goods, essential oils, locally made soaps, shampoo bars, bath bombs and sugar scrubs…and then as you turn the corner to the organic ‘Refill Room’ full of loose nuts, seeds, dried, fruit, rice, pulses, herb, spices and tea. Heading through to the back shop you will pass by locally crafted ales and ciders. As you step into the back shop you are welcomed by a cheery hello and a sample of the cheese of the day from their West Country cheese counter – this resides alongside the antipasti counter and the new chocolate counter full of the best Belgian and finest English chocolates & truffles. Here you can also find locally made gelato, ice cream and sorbets which sit alongside delicious home cooked ready meals – that you can pretend you spent all day cooking! The next two fridges are chock full of home grown organic fruit and veg, locally sourced dairy produce, meat, fish, pate’s and charcuterie.
There is an entire wall created from reused apple crates each one brimming with jams, marmalades, nut butters, tea and coffee. In front – a cacophony of dessert and after dinner treats, meringues, biscuits, cakes, nougat, Turkish delight, and if you want to do a touch of home baking they have all the baking ingredients you could possible want from selfraising flour to Xanthum gum! Further round is the speciality foreign foods section where Italian pasta meets Moroccan falafel, authentic curry sauces alongside everything you could ever need to create your own sushi and then finally all the day to day store cupboard staples from tinned tomatoes & soup to stock cubes and yeast flakes. If you haven’t found what you are looking for – someone is always on hand to point you in the right direction and if they haven’t got what you need, they can order it in!
Character and charm define this beautiful traditional farmhouse kitchen designed and manufactured by Eternal Kitchens of South Petherton. The design of this kitchen is both sympathetic and practical to the original features of the period property. Using soft calming greens with warm natural tones and incorporating a beautiful glazed dresser and oak topped sideboard, add charm and an eclectic free standing feel to this space. www.eternalkitchens.co.uk
Kate Forbes (along with husband Andy) run the award-winning Trading Post Farm Shop.
THE VISITOR July 2019 23
Do festivals hurt house prices?
RESEARCH by national fast sale estate agent, Springbok Properties, has looked at the cost of living near to one of the UK’s top 20 festivals for those who can’t face glamping let alone a weekend in a festival campsite and how house prices have performed since last year’s festival season. Springbok Properties looked at the current average house price in each festival area, before looking at the change in property values since the curtain last closed on each festival last year. If you’re looking to get on the ladder within close proximity of a major UK festival, TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow offers the most affordable foot, with an average
24 THE VISITOR July 2019
house price of just £129,764. Fusion in Liverpool is the second most affordable at £131,276 with Creamfields in Daresbury, Download in Derby and Parklife in Manchester also amongst the cheapest where house prices are concerned. But while cheaper property prices are great for buyers, it would seem the presence of an annual major festival isn’t that positive for existing homeowners. In the last year, and despite slower market conditions, UK house prices have increased by 1.4%. However, while areas home to a major UK festival still fetch above the UK average, price growth has slumped with an average fall of -2.1%. The largest of these has been in
Tower Hamlets, home to All Points East, where prices have fallen by -5.8%, closely followed by a -5.5% drop in Wandsworth home to South West Four. Camp Bestival in Lulworth, We Are FSTVL in Upminster, TRNSMT in Glasgow, Reading and Leeds, Latitude in Southwold and Fusion in Liverpool have all seen house prices drop since they last closed their doors. Of the rest, house price growth has been marginal with Glastonbury in Pilton, Mendip managing the largest increase at 1.5% - the only area to outgrow the UK average.
Is it better to rent or buy?
Leading lettings platform, Bunk, has looked at the comparative cost when it comes to remaining in the rental market or taking that step on the ladder, and how this differs across the UK. Bunk looked at the cost of a rental deposit and the cost of renting for a decade. Bunk then compared this cost to the financial barrier of a mortgage deposit, and the cost of monthly mortgage payments over a 10-year fixed term at a rate of 2.58%. Across the UK the average monthly rent is £676. With the newly introduced five-week cap, that means a rental deposit costs
an average of £845 and renting at this average monthly rate over a 10-year period would cost a total £81,120 – a total cost of £81,965 when including the deposit. The current average UK house price is £226,798 and so a 10% deposit would set you back £22,680. This leaves a loan amount of £204,118 and at a 10year fixed rate of 2.58% would mean a total repayment of £231,798, a total of £254,478 including the deposit. This means, that renting is £172,513 cheaper than owning a home over a 10-year period when it comes to the upfront and monthly costs, with the one big difference being the bricks and mortar investment secured at the end. This saving is most notable in Cambridge with a difference of £341,090 over 10-years between renting and buying, with the saving in London also topping £316,247. In Bournemouth, renting over 10-years is £183,376 cheaper than buying, with Bristol (£177,613), Edinburgh (£166,547), Cardiff (£143,984), Southampton (£138,617), Portsmouth (£137,240) and Plymouth (£128,480) all home to some of the biggest savings. The lowest saving is in Glasgow where renting for 10-years is just
£43,145 cheaper than buying in the city. Co-founder of Bunk, Tom Woolard, commented: ‘Of course the big difference between renting and buying is that one leaves you with a sizable financial asset as a reward for your years of hard work making mortgage payments. However, more and more of us are opting to rent long-term and what we wanted to highlight is that while the rental market is generally viewed in a negative light due to high rental costs, it is actually a considerably cheaper option when compared to homeownership, even with almost record low-interest rates. Not only this but those that feel resigned to renting due to the high financial barrier of buying actually have a much better opportunity to save compared to those paying a mortgage. Whether they choose to use this for a deposit further down the road or simply to enjoy a better quality of life is up to them.’
SJH Carpets
SJH Carpets in Wincanton offers a full measuring and fitting service on shutters and blinds, and work with Luxaflex to provide the latest designs, technology and safest window coverings available. Their fabric department in
Wincanton has an extensive fabric library stocking Prestigious Textiles and Chatsworth Fabrics, and they offer a bespoke curtain and blind service, a free measuring and estimating service and professional and helpful advice. They also have a wonderful selection of carpets and flooring including naturals, vinyls, woods, laminates, tiles and luxury vinyl tiles (including Karndean, Moduleo and Harvey Maria). They supply and fit Roger Oates runners, Crucial Trading floorcoverings, Rubber Flooring and all traditional carpets. Their 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. Call SJH Carpets in Wincanton on 01963 824418 and get your free estimate for your upcoming project. Find the window dressings or flooring that perfectly matches your needs and unique personal style. Also at High Street, Tisbury and The Old Post Office, North Street, Langport.
Stylish and versatile shutters &
J2 Tiles offer a bespoke service , these taps and basin waste from a recent installation were copper-plated and lacquered.
blinds
... by
Control light and privacy with ease
Powerview Motorisation Remote Control
A wide choice of designs to suit your needs • Bespoke Curtain & Blind Service • Poles and Tracks MADE TO MEASURE FULL INSTALLATION SERVICE
Visit our showroom and discuss your requirements with our experienced staff Southgate Road, Wincanton 01963 824418 High Street, Tisbury 01747 871178
Wincanton
North Street, Langport 01458 887301
THE VISITOR July 2019 25
Health benefits of wine
THE PHRASE, ‘Lies, damned lies, and statistics’, popularized by Mark Twain, appropriately supports the view that when it comes to certain behaviours, those who choose to indulge in habits which can be detrimental to their health will research the subject in question until, eventually, they find evidence that will enable them to justify the choices they make. When it comes to drinking alcohol and especially wine, I have to admit that this theory is of particular interest to me. On a recent visit to Berlin I was privileged to accompany, amongst others, a local RAF veteran, Bill Lawson, who, at the age of 98, was sponsored by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans to make the journey to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Soviet blockade of Berlin. Known to us as the ‘Berlin Airlift’, over a period of 15 months the allied forces made over 300,000 flights to deliver 2.3 million tons of cargo to relieve the suffering of Berliners who, if our experience is anything to go by, remain profoundly grateful to this day. During our three-day visit, not only were we ferried out and about by the elite of London Black Cab drivers (all volunteers) but attracted an awful lot of attention ourselves, not least because of the array of medals displayed by our motley crew; all babe magnets to a man, despite their wobbly pins. In addition to tea at the British Embassy, we were royally hosted by the German government for what proved to be a momentous, and to be honest, overwhelming occasion, which naturally called for a glass, or two, of wine in celebration. This got me thinking about this group of nonagenarians and their enjoyment of a tipple; late at night in our hotel bar they certainly seemed to have more stamina than the rest of us and could easily drink me under the table. The theory relating to the health benefits of red wine in
particular are well known. Research carried out by a number of highly respected institutions does go some way towards substantiating this, with some studies more wide-reaching and more comprehensive than others, often carried out over a period of many years. One recent report concluded that drinking wine, rather than beer or spirits, can indeed promote longevity, reducing mortality rates by up to 34%. The tannins in red wine contain procyanidins which help to protect against heart disease, and apparently wines from Sardinia and South West France are said to contain more of these flavonoids than other wines. A further investigation also indicates that moderate drinkers who suffer from high blood pressure are 30% less likely to be at risk of having a heart attack than non-drinkers and, in addition to this, are equally less prone to be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It all sounds good so far, but one cannot help but wonder if the studies are carried out by the wine industry. Yet another report states that the likelihood of suffering a blood clot–related stroke drops by up to 50% in people who consume moderate amounts of alcohol. And, bad news for teetotallers, moderate wine drinkers are 32% less likely to get cataracts, and when it comes to beer drinkers, those who consume wine are 43% less likely to develop the condition. If you fear colon cancer, then red wine could help to save the day by cutting the risk of developing the disease by 45%, and finally, brain function seems to decline at a markedly faster rate in non-drinkers. As at times I seem to be showing the early signs of memory loss, I am clearly not imbibing sufficient quantities of wine. Of course, I can hardly claim to be a medical expert when it comes to health matters, but I have always lived by the maxim,
Chill-Out Somerset
For all your refrigerated trailer requirements, outside events, etc. CONTACT : Martyn Jones 07973 433586 EMAIL : chilloutsomerset@yahoo.com
26 THE VISITOR July 2019
‘Everything in moderation (whatever that means) and a little of what you fancy does you good.’ Apparently, devotees of the RAF adage, ‘Press on regardless and carry on’, if Bill Lawson and his ilk are anything to go by, you are never too old to enjoy a glass of wine…I’ll drink to that!
Wine to go with fish & chips
Now that the fine weather is here and the ‘season’ has started, popular seaside holiday destinations will have been dusting off the cobwebs, stocking up on sticks of rock and buckets and spades, and generally gearing themselves up for a roaring trade this summer. With the remaining uncertainty over Brexit and our country’s leadership, it is natural that many of us will want to stay close to home. Here in the South West we are blessed with a wide variety of delightful rural and coastal places to visit with some stunning scenery, and the prospect of a ‘fish and chip supper’ at the end of the day; greedy, aggressive seagulls permitting! Interestingly, the meal that most people worldwide associate with us Brits did not originate here at all. According to the wellrespected food writer Claudia Roden, the idea of fried fish was brought here by Portuguese Marrano Jewish refugees in the 16th century and apparently Jospeh Malin, a Jewish immigrant, was the first to sell fried fish and potatoes together in his shop in London’s East End around 1860. Modern lifestyles being what they are, long gone are the days I remember from my childhood when Friday was always ‘fish and chips’ night. One of the things I recall from my childhood is that fish and chips was always wrapped in newspaper, until the health and safety brigade poked their noses in. Given our new level of environmental awareness perhaps it is something that should be re-introduced. I have never been much of a fan of mushy peas, but I do confess to a liking for a slice of thick white buttered bread, with which to make a chip butty! The natural choice of beverage to wash it all down with is a good strong cup of ‘builder’s’ tea. Nowadays though, in addition to the local corner chippy, fish and chips, or versions of it, can be found in virtually every pub and ‘posh’ restaurant, preferably served with lovely thick, proper hand cut, triple cooked chips (check out The Scallop Shell in Bath). It is then that I want
something else to tickle my taste buds, a nice glass of wine, or two, to accompany my meal. Whilst there are no hard and fast rules, wines work best with fried foods if they are crisp, with good acidity, and refreshing on the palate. White wine is most likely to fit the bill here, although a quality rosé will not disappoint; just avoid those cheap and cheerful ones on the market that tend to be overly sweet. Sparkling wine is always a good match, as it cuts nicely through the oiliness and, however humble the meal, Champagne seems to elevate it to the height of sophistication. If funds allow, I do feel strongly that we should be supporting our local industries and, although quite pricey, there are some stunning sparkling wines now being made close to home. On a budget? Well, we live in the South West so why not a dry perry or cider to wash it all down with. If your preference is not for bubbles, then a crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc will do the job nicely; the citrus notes and its acidity provide the perfect foil that will stand up to tartare sauce too. I am not really a fan of Chardonnay, but a simple unoaked one, or a Chenin Blanc, will go well with the mushy peas. I am however a huge fan of sherry and in Spain, where deepfried fish may well be one of the tapas on offer, a salty, tangy, fino or manzanilla is a match made in heaven. The very special Manzanilla Sanlucar de Barrameda is well worth seeking out. The special humid maritime climate of this historic Andalucian coastal town yields a distinctive refreshing, sea-scented Manzanilla Sherry. The use of beer in the batter for frying cod and other white fish is quite ‘on trend’, especially in those areas blessed with an independent brewery, so why not have a glass of the beer that has been used in the batter? Last but not least, especially for the kids, a bottle of classic fizzy pop such as lemonade or a good old-fashioned cream soda (or Irn Bru if you live north of the border), can be one of the best accompaniments to a traditional fish supper. And finally, to dispel a myth, whilst fish and chips may not be considered ‘healthy’ food there are several studies that show that they are in fact much lower in fat and calories than those other favourite late night take aways … burgers and pizzas. L.P-V.
Pub The
Pages
B EER & S KI TT L ES P. A. BAXTER
KEEN AS ALWAYS to expand our knowledge and spread our favours far and wide, a couple of the Baxter team decided to search out any local micro-pubs, and after scanning the local area to see if there are such premises in the 'Visitor' area, we found, sadly, that disappointment reigned. They are clearly luckier in Bridport, Wells and Lyme Regis but the larger centres of population – Yeovil, for instance, are neglected! The whole concept of the micropub is pretty much self-explanatory, where decent beer plus bar snacks are the order of the day, plus a good relaxed convivial atmosphere, and just as importantly as far as yours truly is concerned – pub games. Our fruitless search thus led us to let the train take the strain and head off to find what we believed to be our nearest micro-pub, the 'Convivial Rabbit', in Dorchester. Situated just a few hundred yards from Dorchester West station, it's a pleasant enough walk along 'Bowling Alley Walk' (yes, there really was one here several hundred years ago) take a left into Trinity Street, and along to the drongway* where this
pleasant little establishment lies. Having a small menu, food-wise, as these establishments tend to do, we first proceeded further and taken lunch at the Wetherspoons along the main drag, High Street West, still named 'The Royal Oak', for ample sufficient fare and a pint of Ruddles Bitter. As always at this 'Spoons, it was, frankly, a perfect pint! So, by early afternoon we made our way back up town to the 'Rabbit' where we were greeted by the friendly owner Nigel - and an array of casks all seeking our attention. Checking a few of them out we found them all in tip-top condition, and whilst I am tempted to name them, (I even took a photo of the boards with them on) at our next visit they will undoubtedly be different – such is the joy of the real ale scene and an independent pub. (However as I write this I learn that they have a 'Dark Soul Porter' on that is brewed in Somerton which looks to be gorgeous!) Overall the general ambiance was basic but comfortable with an array of miss-matched tables and chairs and some interesting lighting all contributing to the type of feeling one would want. Why; I was almost as comfy there as I am sat in my workshop with a cup of tea and the latest Tool Station catalogue! Other wares on sale were in the shape of real cider, Dorset gin, wine and a fridge of bottled beers, cans and soft drinks. You can check the venue in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, or more easily, on the CAMRA site 'WhatPub' where members of said organisation can give an unbiased view on the premises, as well as a few photographs. Did Nigel have some pub games though? Well yes, there were board games such as Backgammon, cards, cribbage and more, although the skittles game looked somewhat disturbing – perhaps an ancient
Dorset game will appear sometime soon; who knows? Somewhat replete, we found our way back to the station, for a swift trip back home. Readers may be interested to know that the possession of a bus pass gives a discount on the line from Westbury to Weymouth, amounting to a third off (a few T&C's apply). This dove-tails very nicely into the 'Visitor' area, as it also encompasses stations at Frome, Bruton, Castle Cary,
Yeovil Pen Mill etc., making a day trip very affordable – and more pleasant now that the newer trains are in operation. (Yeovil Pen Mill to Dorchester return was under £7!) Speaking of pubs and trains awakens a memory of an attempt by the Southern Railway in the 1930's to get an 'Olde Worlde Pubbe' atmosphere on their trains by the introduction of the Tavern Car ('Car' being an Americanism for a railway coach). They had
Bowling Alley Walk, Dorchester.
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
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
THE VISITOR July 2019 27
Pub The
Pages
B EER & S KI TT L ES P. A. BAXTER
effectively created a fake English pub inside a railway coach, complete with fake beams, settles, bar, fake leaded lights and even brick and stucco (all fake of course) on the outside! They attracted a lot of criticism for as far as I understand it, the 'toplights' were so small that one could not see the passing scenery.
Well I guess it was worth a try, although after the war (and Nationalisation) British Railways set about converting them for other similar uses. Clearly the marketing me had nothing to do then but set about destroying the 'real' English pubs with fake interiors whilst all the old Victorian and Edwardian décor ended up either in skips or sold to France as 'genuine English pub interiors' (satirical and cynical remark all in one, by the way). Luckily today, whilst a main line service will mostly consist of a trolley, at least the multitude of Heritage Railway lines do go some way to recreate the Golden Age of train travel with ownbrand beers and dining trains. (Locally we can personally recommend the West Somerset Railway – many others are available!) Summer skittles is now going strong, that is, stronger for some than for others. Our team is battling on and recently even had a win! This was at the 'Bee Hive Inn' Yeovil, a rare, true 'locals local' – a type of pub that used to
Vinny shows his caring side
proliferate but now has become harder to find. Landlord Kevin has been the incumbent for under two years but keeps a cosy house where one can enjoy a range of beers from the Wadworths brewery. He also has eight skittle teams, two pool teams and two crib teams keeping the place lively during the winter months. They even have a summer inhouse crib league. Built in 1841 the pub has an extensive record of activities over the years – do ensure you get to see them. All power to Kevin and his team, and may the pub continue in this fashion for a long time yet. At one time many people thought that running a pub was a notion that appealed. Y'know – pull a pint now and again whilst chatting to the locals. The reality is very different of course and sadly it's so easy to come unstuck, particularly after looking at the business through rose-coloured glasses. The sector that is experiencing growth, slow it might be, is the community pub, something that we do mention now and again. With the first community-owned pub opening in 1982, by 2017 (the last figures I have access to) there were 85, with many thanks to the Plunkett foundation that has advice for those who like the idea. About three-quarters of the finance come from the community itself but everyone has to be dedicated in their commitment. Interesting too that no such pub has closed either. CAMRA too are free with advice so if anyone out there in Visitorland feels like taking over a pub with the help of their neighbours, fear not; help is at hand! However if running a fullsize pub is a little on the daunting side, perhaps a micro-pub appeals? Terms and conditions are easier to adhere too – and if one has not been taking an enforced rest at Her Majesty's pleasure, then an empty shop in your area could be just what the prospective landlord wants! Cheers! *Drongway – Dorset dialect word meaning 'narrow passage between two buildings, fields etc'. © P.A. Baxter 2019. skittlealley@hotmail.com
28 THE VISITOR July 2019
AROUND THE
H O U S E S IN ILMINSTER ... tea and coffee is served at The Dolphin ... the mid-week fixed price menu at The Barrington Boar includes a pint of ale or a glass of wine ... The George Hotel, Crewkerne has been providing accommodation for travellers for over 400 years ... the function room/skittle alley is available to hire at The White Hart, Martock and is suitable for any occasion, accommodating up to 60 people ... you’ll find a large walled garden at The Nags Head ... and a traditional roast Sunday Lunch with a choice of three locally sourced meats is available at The Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil, between noon and 3pm. Racing on to Aller we find Happy Hour Sunday to Friday 4pm - 6pm at The Old Pound Inn ... roast potatoes to die for at The Black Swan, Langport ... they’re vegetarian friendly and offer gluten free options on the menu at The Devonshire Arms, Long Sutton ... The White Hart has been trading as a pub in Somerton’s Market Square since the 16th century and offers eight en-suite letting rooms ... traditional home-cooked food served at The Quarry Inn, Keinton Mandeville where there is a terrace for dining alfresco and a large enclosed garden with play area and Wendy House ... camping field with electric hookups, showers and toilets provided at The Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-On-Fosse ... the Golden Years Menu for the over 60s is available at The Bay Tree, South Cary ... and the floral arrangements are a delight at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton. Winding our way to Wincanton we find The Holbrook Manor offers an exclusive wedding venue in the Somerset ountryside ... a continental or buffet breakfast is served at The Dolphin Hotel ... a warm and friendly welcome awaits at The Unicorn Inn, Bayford ... food is served all day, everyday from 8am until 9pm at The Hunters Lodge, Leigh Common ... and finally, an imaginative and varied menu to suit all tastes is served at The White Lion Inn, Bourton.
The Visitor
CAN BE READ ONLINE: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk
They Say That Chloe Pugsley of Wincanton loves to skip. That a skittle game at 'Inn the Square' West Coker experienced a 'rain stopped play'.
That medical information regarding current viral infections sometimes accompanies coffee and toast in Ilminster. That after a long and illustrious service to the Yeovil community and the surrounding area, Mabbs, the renowned gentlemen’s outfitters of Princes Street, has finally shut its door after a 'closing down sale' lasting in excess of 17 months. They will be sadly missed.
That certain recyclable items ... from biscuit wrappers (any brand) to toothbrushes (any brand) … can be turned into money for Stalbridge Church of England Primary School. That Yeovil’s John Hamblin has had to put Pamela on the backburner whilst he looks after his Sylvia. That £7,000 was raised at the 18th Specialist Plant Fair held at Yarlington House on 11th May. That after an unfortunate sports injury left Castle Cary Cricket Team one man down, Kevan Davis came to the rescue and saved the day by volunteering as twelfth man, catching a man out and helping the home team to victory.
That the bank of wild flowers on the eastbound A303 between the North Cadbury and Yarlington turn-offs look spectacular - and particularly poignant interspersed with poppies on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. That Wincanton’s Chloe Pugsley learnt some new words on a Spanish holiday recently. That Gillingham’s Mike Kendall is only an apprentice Bus driver.
JULY..
Wed 10th Acoustic Jamming Session Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse
Fri 19th Charity Beer and Cider Festival Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil Fri 26th HELLS BELLS Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil
Fri 26th Swift Pint Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse
AN ADVERT IN THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE MENTION HERE!
Pete Lambden & Staff welcome you to .....
168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL
Well I wanna hold my girl beside me Sit by the lake 'til one or two Go for a drive in the summer moonlight Dream of a love, the whole night through
THE FIRST PERSON to tell me the name of the song gets a free drink. Toot Toot!!! ☺ Last month Ann from West Coker was the first to tell me that it was Queen and We are the Champions ☺ Some sad news to start off with this month, Alan Falconer who worked here at The Quick for quite a few years in my early days, has sadly passed away. Alan was always great fun and he always worked his socks off. Our thoughts are with his son Ben and family, R I P Alan. Last month we had a Duke of York reunion. I reckon we had close to 100 people turn up, some of the lovely guests travelled a considerable distance. Geoff came over from Spain and John from Switzerland. It was great to see all those faces from yesteryear and there are plans to do it again next year ☺ I was out on my travels this month and I popped in to say hello to the new couple at The Royal George in West Coker. Martin and Emma made us feel very welcome and the food was top class. Good luck to you two. Well worth a visit. Next month on Friday 19th we have our Charity Beer and Cider Festival run in conjunction with WASSA, this will be the 6th year that we have worked with them. Live music, Hog Roast and lots of choice Beers and Ciders and all for local causes. Be there or wear Flares. On the 26th of July we have the lead singer of HELLS BELLS appearing in the bar with his daughter Heidi. This promises to be a great show as apart from being a great front man Lee also plays a mean piano and does some really good Elton John songs. Music starts just after 9pm and is FREE in the bar. And finally I overheard a couple obviously on their first date, she said ‘Do you have any children?’ He said ‘yes I have one, that’s just under two’. She said ‘I may be blonde but I know how many one is’ ☺ Toot Toot !!
BOOKINGS
01935 424721
BOOK REVIEW Tracks Walking the Ancient Landscapes of Britain By Philip Hughes, with an introduction by Kay Syrad Thames & Hudson ISBN: 9780500295366 192pp, Paperback, £24.95
IN OVER 140 superbly reproduced artworks, Philip Hughes records eleven iconic walks across the length and breadth of Britain, from Allt Coire Pheiginn in Scotland to Zennor Head in Cornwall.
Inspired and informed by maps, aerial photographs and electronic survey techniques, Hughes’s clean, spacious artworks, with their arresting blocks of colour, make contemporary some of the most ancient and formidable landmarks of the British Isles. Often incorporating archaeological scans, contour maps and written notes -Hughes’s artworks feature important heritage sites including Stonehenge and Silbury Hill.
Complete with an enlightening introduction by writer Kay Syrad and short prefaces to each of the sections himself, this beautiful, reflective book will resonate with artists, walkers and anyone who shares a love of ancient sites in the landscape! THE VISITOR July 2019 29
The Queen at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party.
Council Staff invited to Buckingham Palace Garden Party Lee Holmes Garden Machinery of Somerton is a family run business.
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.
On 29th May 2019, Mendip Council’s Planning Policy Officer, Jo Milling was invited to attend Her Majesty The Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. The Queen’s Garden Parties take place 3 or 4 times a year and are an important way for The Queen to speak to a broad range of people from all walks of life, all of whom have made a positive impact in their community.
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
BBC Gardeners’ World Best Value Ride-On
■ Value for money ■ Comfortable
■ Easy handling ■ Easy to empty
■ Excellent cutting and finish
£ 1699 Starting
inc. VA T
From:
Robotic Mowers
■ In stock ■ Installed ■ Serviced
Automower 535AWD Autoclip M7
LEE HOLMES Garden Machinery 15 Cary Court, Bancombe Business Park, SOMERTON 01458 274261 • www.holmesmowerpro.co.uk
30 THE VISITOR July 2019
At each Garden Party, around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed! Jo Milling, Planning Policy Officer, attended the party with her husband Steve and said: ‘We really enjoyed the garden party, despite the wind and rain. It was a great privilege to be able to explore the palace gardens and to see Prince Harry, the Queen and other members of the Royal family.’ Jo was invited to this year’s Garden Party for recognition of her long standing service to the council of over 30 years. Every year, a member of staff and a councillor are invited to the Palace to enjoy the Garden Party and for chance to meet the Queen. Mendip Council’s Former Deputy Chairman, Brian Beha was also invited and attended the Garden Party. For more information about the Queen’s Garden Parties, visit www.royal.uk/garden-parties.
Presenting a gardener’s guide to climate change, Castle Gardens hosts author event with Sally Morgan - Tuesday 9 July at 6:30pm
Sally Morgan, author and trained botanist from Templecombe in Somerset, will be sharing some down-to-earth horticultural advice from her new book, The Climate Change Garden, at Castle Gardens in Sherborne on Tuesday 9 July from 6:30pm. From soil improvement and water saving measures to resilient vegetable patches and robust flower beds, this special author event in association with Winstone’s Books, will give gardeners an insight into protecting their gardens from
would be amazing – Somerset Wildlife Trust want to encourage people to get out and enjoy nature and wildlife in their own back gardens and 100% of the ticket prices go straight to them to put back into helping wildlife thrive! For information on all our open gardens please visit: https://www.somersetwildlife. org/wildlifegardens.
Badbury weeding. Photo: Helen Toon.
Sally Morgan and a herbaceous bed.
extreme rain, sunshine or snow. Acknowledging the need to adopt new gardening practices in response to changing weather patterns, this new book, written by Sally Morgan and Kim Stoddart, offers positive and practical advice to protect outdoor spaces against such extremes, with the ultimate aim of building a climate change resilient garden. Tickets cost £3 and are available to purchase at Winstone’s Books on Cheap Street, Sherborne and at Castle Gardens on New Road in Sherborne. Free refreshments
will be provided by The Walled Garden Restaurant.
Open Gardens in aid of Somerset Wildlife Trust
The Old Rectory in North Perrott on 30th June and Badbury Flower Company on 4th August. Come along and be inspired – whether you want to explore, relax or even get some ideas on how to easily bring more wildlife into your own outdoor spaces. Then finish your day with tea and cake! Perfect day out! If you would like to attend this, or any of the open gardens, that
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 July 2019 31
the en d bi t . . . PAPERCHASE
A SHORTER COLUMN than usual this month. I forgot to cancel the newspapers before setting off for Wales (as reported in last month’s column) so there was a pile of papers waiting to be read when I returned. I’m still ploughing through them but the usual depressing mixture of misspellings, grammatical errors, misused words and missing or misplaced text is enough to dampen my enthusiasm. These are all things that ‘once upon a time’ would have been picked up by a watchful proofreader or subeditor before they found their way into print, but the former no longer exists on our local papers and I’m not sure what role the latter plays in these days of direct input from the reporters’ computers. If, while I was away, I missed anything that warrants a mention in this column, no doubt some readers will let me know. Simply send the details or a press cutting from any of our local or regional newspapers or magazines, quoting the publication name, issue date and page number, to me at The Visitor, PO Box 1, Castle Cary BA7 7BG. Your contributions are always welcome. On my return from Wales I picked up a copy of the Summer issue of What’s On Somerset and as always I was impressed. This 64-page quarterly freebie certainly lives up to its title, providing a useful overview of what’s on in Somerset and fairly extensive events listings (although these rely on event organisers providing the information). It also contains a goodly number of short features
32 THE VISITOR July 2019
on topics as diverse as the Margery Fish anniversary at East Lambrook Manor Gardens, former Royal Marine Mark Ormrod’s exceptional feats since losing an arm and both legs in a landmine explosion, the multiple roles of Rob Walrond, chaplain at Somerset County Cricket Club, this autumn’s Somerset Arts Weeks and lots more. A three-page feature describes most of the county’s summer festivals and shows – totalling almost 40 – and a well-illustrated feature focuses on July’s International Air Day at Yeovilton. The magazine proved to be a good read, well written and presented, mercifully free from typographical atrocities (apart from Margery appearing as Margaret on the contents page), and packed with good colour photos. Pick up a copy if you see it around.
PHONE - a - FIRM
Chronicler.
ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 9
1) Morrissey 2) 'Runaround Sue' 3) George Harrison 4) Elton John 5) 'Happy' 6) Alison Moyet 7) 'Wayward son' 8) John Denver 9) 1996 10) Bruce Springsteen
Bonus question; Gus Dudgeon Question Impossible; 'Little River Band'
Solution to June
Sudoku
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
DEADLINE for August Issue is Friday 12th July
PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM Damian Hoddinott PLUMBING SERVICES
Competitive rates for all your plumbing needs
01963 441232 07971 676111
SANDPITS
HEATING & HOME STORE
Multifuel Stoves ... over 200 on display Chimneys Relined ★ Full Installation Service HETAS • OFTEC • GAS SAFE
✴ Chimney Sweeping Service ✴
Showrooms Open: Monday to Friday 8am – 5.30pm and Saturday 8am – 4.30pm Email: enquiries@sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk
High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport
01458 251476
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
07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com
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
For all your roofing requirements
Flat Roofing • Tiling Slating • GRP Roofing
All New Work Fully Guaranteed
For further information & estimates contact allan Carey
01963 33528 / 07885 723915 Email: allancarey541@hotmail.com
Bourton Roofing Co. Slate ✱ Tiling ✱ Flat Roofing. UPVC Fascias ✱ Guttering FREE ES T I M AT ES
01747 840064
... or 07866 296453 Email: info@bourtonroofing.co.uk
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
SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS
Small and Large Loads tel: 07973 871708 evenings: 01935 825506
THE VISITOR July 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
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. 393 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 12th July.
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. 1969. 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:
8. Total softness, including this as well [4] 9. 4y creeper [3] 10. Notice mud to idolise [6] 11. Ice vat finds acid [6] 12. Friday to Sunday, we hear, is not made as strong [8] 13. Al, clean main tray for digestive passage [10,5] 15. Bail a GI out to name a girl [7] 17. Spar, around a vegetable it seems [7] 20. Tree student at length [15] 23. Mom and co, organising a soldier [8] 25. Cane MP, setting up tents [6] 26. Colour of gold set alight [6] 27. Take article from a skin to travel on ice? [3] 28. Where else to find wrigglers. [4]
Down:
1. Ugly colour in part for chemical class? [6] 2. Got mouth around vessel found in bathroom. [5,3] 3. Ordination, icing included, leads to pleasant conditions. [3,12] 4. 365 days with female sheep brings on spectacles! [3,4] 5. Heat icy map parts in nervous system [15] 6. O, a beam yields a tiny creature [6] 7. French street after end of night is honest [4] 14. Breathable part of impairment [3] 34 THE VISITOR July 2019
16. Bargain with no profit is a stoppage [3] 18. Caesar, he arranged for painful effects [8] 19. Car, with afterthought and firstyear post mortem [7] 21. I’m, um, so confused by this metal [6] 22. Specimen puts member in selling [6] 24. The burden is on us! [4]
Solution to Crossword 392
The Winner of our June Crossword was Mrs Moira Wiltshire of Hardington Mandeville who chose to spend the £10 voucher at New Cross Fruit Farm, West Lambrook.
WDR GARDENS GARDE I G LA DSCAPI G TURFI G PLA TI G STRIMMI G FE CI G HEDGI G SHEDS PO DS WATER FEATURES STO EWORK POI TI G PAVI G SLABBI G GUTTERI G MAI TE A CE
OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIE CE
Tel: 07711233063