The Visitor Magazine Issue 433 December 2019

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE

Everything for your hearth and home

Your local independent monthly journal

 01963 351256 www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Issue 433 December 2019

Become a wildlife guardian this winter!

See page 9 for details. Photo: Liz Mitchell (rspb-images.com)

FREE copy Your

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Over 200 appliances on display Multifuel stoves and cookers Full installation service Weekly promotions Chimneys relined – cowls fitted Fireplaces created Home accessories Logs Chimney sweeping

Also: LIVING PRETTY Tea Rooms & Interiors

Stockists of Clearview Stoves

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport,TA10 0ES

 01458 251476 • www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk

In Passing ...

D

ON’T FORGET to smile when you appear on television this Christmas. For most of us, it won’t be on the screen in the corner of our living room, but on the close circuit TV guarding the aisles of Visitorland’s supermarkets and stores. Or on the CCTV monitors watching the town centre streets. Or on the speed cameras spying on our driving practices.

CCTV is peddled as the answer to shoplifting, street crime and speeding. A candid camera on every street seems to be the intention, but is their purpose to deter or to detect? I have seen precious little evidence to suggest that they are particularly successful in doing either.

People with no guilty secret to hide have nothing to fear from being watched, goes the argument. But those with criminal or anti-social intent continue to act as if they have little to fear either, while we taxpayers fork out substantial sums to erect, operate and monitor cameras in exchange for sacrificing our privacy.

Meanwhile the supermarkets, through their loyalty cards and home delivery services, are building up detailed records of our spending habits – of exactly what we buy, in what quantities and how often.

And the banks are scrutinising our accounts to identify and question any out-of-theordinary transactions. And mail-order companies, knowing what we have bought, are selling our names and addresses so that we can be bombarded with more junk mail.

And telephone salespeople, many with fraudulent intent, are constantly intruding uninvited into our homes.

The brave new world of electronic communications is bringing a lot more of the same, collecting records of the web sites we visit, the addresses we e.mail, the purchases we make. And the personal thoughts we commit to the privacy of our hard disks can be uncovered by computer repairers and police hackers. It all makes the weekly religious ritual of going to confession seem terribly outdated and inefficient.

For a different Big Brother is watching us now – and that should worry us.

Remember what George Orwell wrote way back in 1949. ‘How often, and on what system, the Thought Police plugged in on any individual wire was guesswork. It was conceivable that they watched everybody all the time ... you had to live – did live, from habit that became instinct – in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard and, except in darkness, every movement scrutinised.’

Orwell was imagining what England could be like 35 years hence, in his novel ‘1984’. Worth pondering on as we approach 2020 and elect a new government on 12th December. Let’s hope it turns out to be relatively benign in the ways it controls our lives, and pray that the new year will bring us something to smile about when we appear on the screen.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines

January Issue published Thursday 19th December Deadline Monday 9th December

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 - 38 ANTIQUES - 26

CASTLE CARY’S BIG CHRISTMAS - 15 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE - 26 CROSSWORD - 38

FESTIVE MENUS & VENUES - 32 GARDENING - 35

HOUSE & HOME - 28 LANGPORT - 21 LEISURE - 11

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - 4 LOOKING GOOD - 25

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 - 30

NOTICE BOARD - 11 PHONE-A-FIRM - 36 PUBS - 33

REMEMBER WHEN - 36

SEASONAL SHERBORNE - 22 SOMERTON - 18 SUDOKU - 11

THEY SAY - 34

WINCANTON - 12

WINE & DINE - 31

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR December 2019 3

Letters to the Editor

A Big Thank You

Sir, I have been associated with The Visitor with Patrick Dunion and a man whose name I cannot remember who ran an antique curio and bookshop opposite my newsagent shop in Princes Street in Yeovil since 1983. The man in the Bookshop edited it and Patrick did everything else from advertising to proof reading and at publication day drove around and delivered bundles to my shops. A great man and a great sadness to me when he passed away, we always planned two rocking chairs and a bottle of malt and reflection together in retirement. Anyway the point of this letter to you is to say a big thank you to Chronicler your columnist who has been writing for you since November 1991.

May be because I am in the trade I felt a stronger connection to him but he had an amazing grasp of newspapers and that industry.

He may not have always said

4 THE VISITOR December 2019

what they wanted to hear but he was usually right and gave praise where it was due. If they had listened in both ways they would probably not be in such dire straights as they are now. No names mentioned!

Anyway although I do not know you, and we have never spoken, thanks “Chronicler” from me and thanks for helping to keep The Visitor strides ahead of the others on content and quality for 28 years.

Barrie Sheridan The Visitor was started in 1983

by Patrick Dunion, who was the sole editor until his death in 1991.

In those early days Roger Otton sold the advertising space (whilst running his electrical shop and business in Castle Cary). The Visitor grew in popularity and a full time advertisement manager, Michelle Trulock, joined the team in 1986.

Patrick wrote the majority of the articles and features during that time, including ‘Badger News’, a precursor of Paperchase.

Mentioned in

Dispatches

No one should have to choose between heating and eating

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) has launched this year’s Surviving Winter campaign, which encourages people who can afford it to donate some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment to help local people who are unable to afford to heat their homes.

Based on the most recent available data, SCF can estimate that around 6,500 of our pensioner neighbours in Somerset face a stark decision between heating and eating. Shockingly, in Somerset, almost 11% of households live in fuel poverty, and cold weather is a prime cause of over 500 preventable deaths a year - often worsened by living in older or isolated rural homes.

Last year over 500 elderly people living in Somerset were helped to stay warm and well through the cold winter months, thanks to the generosity of local donors who donated over £100,000 to Surviving Winter.

Long-time Surviving Winter supporter Michael Eavis CBE.

Mentioned in

Dispatches SCF hopes to build on the fantastic support they received last year to help even more older people in the county this winter.

Thanks to support from a generous funder and The Big Give, online donations to the campaign that are made during the week-long Big Give Christmas Challenge - midday Tuesday 3 December to midday Tuesday 10 December - will be doubled! So, not only will your donation be worth twice as much, but SCF will also be able to help even more older and isolated people across Somerset feel warm, safe and well this winter.

SCF is delighted to announce that Glastonbury Festival organiser and long-time Surviving Winter supporter Michael Eavis CBE has endorsed the campaign for another year.

Michael goes on to say: ‘The Surviving Winter campaign appealed to me right from the start. If everyone who can afford

it gave their Winter Fuel Payment to Somerset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter appeal, hundreds of our pensioners across Somerset would have a more comfortable winter.

I’m very happy to donate my Winter Fuel Payment to Somerset Community Foundation again this year.’

Help Somerset Community Foundation to help more isolated and vulnerable older people this year.

If you would like to donate to Surviving Winter, visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter or call 01749 344949. Don’t forget that all donations made online between midday Tuesday 3 December and midday Tuesday 10 December will be doubled. A donation form is also available to download from the Somerset Community Foundation website or you can fill in the Surviving Winter Gift Aid Declaration Form (right) when you send your cheque.

For information on how to apply for a Surviving Winter grant, please contact either Community Council for Somerset on 01823 331222 or Age UK Somerset on 01823 345610 or visit: www.somersetcf. org.uk/winter.

THE VISITOR December 2019 5

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Christmas at Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury

This winter Somerset Rural Life Museum will be stepping back in time for ‘A Very Victorian Christmas’ on Saturday 7 December.

This seasonal celebration includes Christmas carols, mince pies, arts and crafts and, of course, a visit from Father Christmas.

Museum Manager Susie Simmons said: ‘From Christmas cards and crackers, to decorating trees, many of our best-loved Christmas traditions are from the Victorian era.

‘We hope our visitors will enjoy this seasonal celebration within the historic setting of Abbey Farm.’

There are more events taking place at the museum over the festive season. On Friday 29 November the museum’s Curator of Social History, Bethan Murray, will be giving a ‘Christmas

6 THE VISITOR December 2019

Traditions’ talk exploring the traditions that are so much a part of this special time of year.

On Saturday 30 November the museum is hosting a ‘Wooden Reindeer Making’ workshop with ‘Explore the Great Outdoors.’

These workshops are specially designed for adults and children to work together to create a unique Christmas decoration or a gift for family or friends.

A Very Victorian Christmas: Saturday 7 December, 10.00am – 5.00pm. Drop-in, usual admission applies/free with the Museum Unlimited annual pass.

Booking is essential for Santa’s Grotto (£5 to include a present) on 01458 831197.

Christmas Traditions Talk: Friday 29 November, 2.30pm.

Booking advisable, £5, on 01458 831197.

Wooden Reindeer Making Workshops: Saturday 30 November, 10.30am – 12.30pm, one adult and one child aged 5-8 years, £40. 1.30pm – 4.00pm, one adult and one child aged 8-16 years, £50. Booking required on 01458 831197.

Somerset Rural Life Museum is part of The South West Heritage Trust, an independent charity that protects and celebrates our rich heritage.

Somerset Rural Life Museum - Christmas Tree in the Abbey Barn.

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Crossroads Pet Supplies

After 26 years serving the local community with all their pet requirements, Isabelle Kimber is retiring from Crossroads Pet Supplies on the A30 at Babylon Hill.

The shop is due to close just before Christmas so there is still time for you to stock up on all those pet essentials whilst the closing down sale is on.

Isabelle would like to make it clear that it is only the shop that is closing, the wholesale side of the business, run by her son, will continue as usual.

Isabelle would like to take this opportunity to thank all her customers for their loyal support over the years.

£61,000 donated to charity from Classic and Supercar Show

Rotary Clubs distributed a total of £61,000 to one national and 18 local charities at Sherborne Castle on 8th November.

Nigel Young, Chairman of Trustees for the Sherborne Classic Cars CIO, said: ‘This was a truly astonishing result following 12 months of work by the Organising Committee from members of the Yeo Vale, Sherborne Castles and Brue Valley Rotary Clubs. They are to be congratulated on raising this fantastic sum of money which means a total of £232,000 has been distributed over the past six years.’

SHOP CLOSING DOWN SALE

Rotary Clubs distributed a total of £61,000 to one national and 18 local charities at Sherborne Castle on 8th November.

Suttons Stairlifts

Suttons Stairlifts is a family-run business dedicated to providing a fair and ethical service with a no-pressure selling policy. They offer a range of new or refurbished Handicare stairlifts, either straight or curved throughout the West Country.

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

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

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

They will visit you to survey the staircase and conduct a user assessment leaving you the

leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time.

With their inclusive and comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty and 365-day coverage you can be assured of a first-class and personal service.

The Weight is Over!

Two local Slimming World groups have both seen new consultants take over in recent months – both of which are also members and have had fantastic weight loss results.

Vicky Welton, aged 48 and from Crewkerne, lost over 3 stone in 9 months with Slimming World. She relaunched the 5pm and 7pm groups at The George Reynolds Centre at the beginning of September and then the 9.30am group at the beginning of November. She has seen numbers steadily increase ever since.

Doreen Hillier, aged 50, relaunched the Martock groups

Could a Stairlift from Suttons Stairlifts help you get about this winter?

8 THE VISITOR December 2019

Mentioned in

Dispatches at the Martock Christian Fellowship at 5 & 7pm on Tuesday 19th November. She too has lost almost 3 stone in just 10 months.

Vicky Welton, before and after.

Both ladies agree that the groups they joined were so supportive. They loved going each and every week and staying to IMAGE therapy became a part of their social life.

mean garden birds will struggle for food and shelter - and the RSPB is appealing to people to help our garden birds survive the winter.

Nature looks beautiful in autumn and winter as summer leaves fade to a sunset palette of gold, red and orange. But as we start digging out our cosy scarves and gloves the countryside is being stripped of the food sources birds rely upon. At the same time, birds need more energy to stay warm and have less daylight time to find food.

Wildlife charity RSPB wants people to become stewards of their gardens this autumn and help protect their feathered guests. The RSPB says the key things birds will need this winter are food, water and shelter.

RSPB Wildlife Advisor, Charlotte Ambrose said: “Up until now birds have been able to feed on insects and seeds, but the cold weather means they move into our gardens to find refuge. You can make a real difference and improve their chances of survival, as well as being rewarded by great views of wildlife in your garden or outside space.”

Take it easy- kitchen scraps like mild grated cheese, bruised fruit (not mouldy), cooked rice, unsalted bits of hard fat, roast potatoes and dry porridge go down a treat with garden birds.

You can provide an excellent fullfat winter food by making your own bird cakes or fat balls. The RSPB also suggests calorie-rich foods like mixed seed, sunflower seed, nyjer seed and good quality peanuts.

No thank you! There are some foods you should avoid as they can be dangerous for birds.

Cooking fat from the roast mixes

with meat juices during cooking to make a runny, greasy mixture.

This sticks to feathers and stops them from being waterproof.

Other foods to avoid are dried coconut, cooked porridge oats, milk, and mouldy or salted food.

Keep it fresh: Another essential is fresh water for drinking and bathing. Finding sources of water can be hard with freezing temperatures, but a simple trick will help keep a patch of water ice-free. Float a small ball, such as a ping-pong ball, on the surface of the water and even a light breeze will stop it from freezing over.

Plan your planting: Providing shelter from the harsh weather is extremely important. Plant dense hedges such as privet or hawthorn, or let ivy or holly grow and you’ll be providing a great place to roost in and shelter from the elements.

Warm and cozy: Nestboxes are not just used over the summer egg-laying season – many birds will use them on a cold winter’s night. These boxes are frequently communal with many residents packing in together for extra warmth. The record number of birds found in one box is 63 wrens!

Ensuring your garden is filled

with food now will improve your chances of having a successful Big Garden Birdwatch. The RSPB’s annual event runs from Saturday 25 to Monday 27 January 2020. To take part, all you need to do is spend one hour at any time over that weekend noting the number of feathered visitors to your garden or local green space. You can sign up for this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch from December 12 at: rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

To buy high-quality bird food, feeders and other treats from the RSPB visit rspbshop.co.uk/ birdfoodgifts and save nature while you shop.

Photo: Ben Hall (rspb-images.com).

Doreen Hillier, before and after.

Doreen says ‘Staying to group means you can listen to others experiences, receive lots of friendly support and take away some great food ideas too!’

Call Vicky in Crewkerne on 07799 416255 or Doreen in Martock on 07792 984235 for further information. You can find your local Slimming World Group at www.slimmingworld.co.uk.

Become a wildlife guardian this winter

Fiery colours sweeping through parks and woodlands, complete with leaves crunching underfoot, mean winter is here. But the colder nights and bitter winds

THE VISITOR December 2019 9

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Dementia in Somerset set to soar by 43% in the next decade

● 14,300 people are estimated to have dementia in region by 2030 The number of people with dementia in Somerset is set to soar by 43%, warns a recent report, commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

The report predicts that as our population ages, a higher proportion of people with dementia will have higher care needs for longer, driving up the

average amount spent on care.

It shows more than 60% a year of social care costs in England will fall on people with dementia and their families. Previous research by Alzheimer’s Society has shown that someone with dementia will typically have to spend £100,000 on their care.

Many are forced to sell their homes to pay for it.

With the number of people living with dementia set to almost double by 2030, Alzheimer’s Society’s call ahead of the general election, from its Fix Dementia Care campaign, is for all political parties to commit to radically reform dementia care.

It should be funded like other public services, such as the NHS and education, where the cost is shared across society, protecting individuals and their families from the devastating costs of specialist dementia care.

Alzheimer’s Society released the figures as it launches its election manifesto, ‘Demanding action on dementia’.

Marion Child - Alzheimer’s Society South West Head of Region said: ‘Dementia is heart-breaking for families. It’s not right that those going through it have to battle to get the care they need on top of battling the disease.

‘From the working mum struggling to find hundreds of pounds every week to ‘top up’ her mum’s council-funded care home place, to the woman who had to sell her home of 50 years to pay for her husband’s care – families affected by dementia are already at breaking point. With costs set to treble in the next two decades, how on earth will they cope?

‘The cost of dementia care is too much for an individual to bear. It should be spread between us – just like schools,

walkin g s ick

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

home Vi i

Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Call in and ee u a

10 Falkland Square Crewkerne, TA18 7JS 01460 271172

www.regencycareandmobility.co.uk

“if you can’ come o u we will come o you”

10 THE VISITOR December 2019

the NHS and other public services. Every party must go into this election with a solid plan to radically reform dementia care. Families in crisis need action, and they need it now.’

Philip Scott’s mum Sylvia, 90, is in the late stages of dementia, and her house was sold to help pay for her care.

Philip, 59, said: ‘Mum wouldn’t survive more than 48 hours without nursing care. Why has she had to spend £160,000 to make sure that doesn’t happen?

‘The whole process of having to argue again and again why my mum needed support was really harrowing. It took three attempts before we managed to get Continuing Health Care funding for her, and even now we are afraid that the funding will be taken away.’

‘People with dementia have been sidelined and treated very differently to those with other diseases.’

The Alzheimer’s Society launched its manifesto ahead of the general election, ‘Demanding action on dementia’.

It calls for three commitments from the next government: ● Radically reform dementia care to address the specific needs of people with dementia, ending the daily injustice they, and their families, face in accessing the good quality care to which they are entitled. ● Ensure that people with dementia can participate in their communities on the same basis as everyone else. ● Close the research funding gap between dementia and other disease areas to ensure new treatments and life changing care interventions are available to everyone living with dementia, as soon as possible.

Alzheimer’s Society is calling on people to back their Fix Dementia Care campaign by signing up at alzheimers. org.uk/fixcampaign.

Philip Scott with his mum Sylvia.

The Visitor

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

December Notice Board MARTOCK

THE CWMBACH Male Choir 30th November 2019. The Choir's repertoire ranges from operatic choruses, spirituals, hymns, folk music and popular ballads.

Martock Church; Church Street; Martock TA12 6JL;19:30 hrs; 30th November 2019; Admission: £12.00 or £10.00 at 01935 829576.

CHRISTMAS MARKET, Saturday 7th December, 10am to 2.30pm at All Saints' Church, Martock. Stalls - Refreshments Entertainment. More information - 01935 824238.

YEOVIL

DANCING with Jonathan Allen, Sunday 15th December. Live music at Milford Hall, Yeovil, BA21 4QD, 7.30pm - 10.30pm. £5 per person. Bring and Share.

Funded by the Big Lottery.

Wednesday morning lessons, ring 01935 424164 for details.

Advertise your Christmas /January event here from just £5 for 20 words! (30p per additional word). Send event details by 9th December to: The Visitor Notice Board, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, BA7 7BP or email: info@ thevisitormagazine.co.uk.

Sudoku by T.M.

Spectra Musica In Concert

'The First Nowell' will be an enjoyable Christmas Concert with some well loved carols for the audience to participate in. As well as bringing you well known music such as 'Torches' by John Joubert, 'Sir Christémas' by William Mathias and 'Masters in this Hall' by David Willcocks, you may be surprised by one or two other pieces! What, no J S Bach you ask? Yes, one of his motets, 'Lobe den Herrn, alle Heiden' will be performed. This will be the first Christmas concert Spectra Musica has actually given and they are really looking forward to the evening. Oh, and will you be the person with the lucky programme?

The evening will be led by their talented Musical Director, Peter Leech and organist Harold Jackson will feature throughout the evening.

Join them on Saturday 14th December, 7.30pm at the Church of St Luke and St Teresa, Wincanton. Tickets, priced £12 (includes refreshments), are available from 01963 350160, from tickets@spectramusica.co.uk or on the door.

Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre

The time of year has arrived when Santa is ready to greet children of all ages in his Grotto at Yeovil Railway Centre. He was busy last year so the volunteers have arranged an extra day for him this year!

Before visiting Santa, visitors can enjoy a short steam train ride and after move into the carefully decorated ex-GWR Transfer Shed where snow and bubble machines provide a truly exciting experience. Santa will be ready

Spectra Musica will be performing at the Church of St Luke and St Teresa, Wincanton, on Saturday 14th December.

to talk to the children and hand them a wrapped present. Light refreshments are included.

Santa will be visiting on Sundays 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd, Saturday 14th and Monday 23rd December. So that he can come prepared, be able to spend time with the young ones and to avoid disappointing anyone, he suggests that pre-bookings are made.

This can be done through Yeovil Railway Centre’s website www.yeovilrailway.freeservers. com.

Just Somerset Introductions

The festive season is very much upon us ... and where has this year has gone!

Everyone is busy getting ready for Christmas and there is so much going on. It will soon be 2020!

Are you looking for someone special and hoping that in the New Year that might happen?

Fed up with trying dating apps

and sites, not sure who you are meeting? Would you consider a more civilised way of meeting people?

Do consider Just Somerset Introductions, a professional agency who offer one-to-ones, socials and much more. Expand your social circle! They interview all their clients in their own homes so they build up a profile of you, and all clients are ID checked. They are part of the JIG group and you can meet members from Dorset, Wiltshire, Devon and Hampshire. They put on regular events such as Sunday lunches, National Trust visits, Quiz nights, Skittles, Theatre trips and Dinner dances.

They can’t offer any guarantees in the nature of what they do, but you have to be in it to win it!

For more information please look at the website or give them a call! Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction, BA22 9UU Sun 1st, Sun 8th, Sat 14th, Sun 15th, Sun 22nd & Mon 23rd December BOOKINGS VIA WEBSITE

www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com OR TELEPHONE 07501 189065

• £11 each adult /child • £10.00 each for parties of 8 or more • £13 each on the day (subject to availability) • Babies under 12 months old free of charge

SANTA SPECIAL ***** Yeovil

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

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. Solution to November Sudoku on page 36.

THE VISITOR December 2019 11

Christmas in Floristic

Floristic opened its doors on Wincanton’s high street 5 months ago. Owner, Laura Williams, is experienced and qualified to City and Guilds level 4 in Floristry.

She was a finalist at the renowned World Skills UK competition 2017 finishing in 4th place with a highly commended.

Coming first place at her regional heat for RHS Chelsea Florist of the year 2018, she came away from the finals a bronze medal winner.

Laura achieved a first and a third place for two different entries at FleurEx 2018, also being awarded the Jimmy Nuttal Cup for innovative design for her bridal entry. She was selected to compete again in 2018 for World Skills UK at the NEC Birmingham, this time achieving the gold medal.

Floristic design stunning bridal and thoughtful funeral arrangements as well as bouquets and baskets for all occasions. A member of the British Florist Association as well as the Institute of Professional Florists, you are always guaranteed

WINCANTON

quality and value for money.

Come along and join us for one of our Christmas workshops to kick off your festive season.

Brian Wills-Pope, Chairman of the British Florist Association, presenting Laura of Floristic with her gold medal at World Skills UK 2018.

the areas of Sherborne, Wincanton & Bruton and offer a unique, personal service, where they talk through particular dishes you might like, tailoring the menu to your dietary and culinary needs.

Each menu is specifically designed to the event and budget as required. Equally, if you don't want the stress of deciding, feel

free to ask for a pre-designed menu, samples of which can be found on their Event Catering pages online.

An elegant evening with close friends? A family reunion with all the relatives? An unexpected last minute event? Birthday parties or perhaps a more sombre affair? There is no job too big or too small!

Kitchen Sink Catering

Entertaining is supposed to be fun, but catering can be a headache! In this busy world sometimes there just isn't enough time to do it all. Cue ... Kitchen Sink Catering.

Their aim: To relieve you of hours spent planning, shopping, cooking and and washing up that can make you loathe your own kitchen sink. Entertaining can become fun again ... sit back and enjoy the occasion and leave the rest to the professionals!

Kitchen Sink Catering cover

A. J. WAKELY & SONS LTD Independent Family Funeral Directors • Gold en Charter Pre Paid Funeral Plans

• 24 Hour Service

• Private Ch apel of Rest

Golden Charter Brochure available on request Clive Wakely Dip F.D. M.B.I.E.

The Old Police Station, Carrington Way WINCANTON BA9 9JS Tel: 01963 31310

A recent buffet by Kitchen Sink Catering.

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

New Christmas stock now in ...

HALF PRICE BOOKS ✽ NATIONAL BOOK TOKENS ✽

Books to suit everyone!

Humour, Cookery, Fiction, Childrens Books + more!

Promotional Supplies Banners ★ A-Frames ★ Posters ★ And More

OPEN: Monday – Friday 6.30am – 5pm, Saturday 6.30am – 2pm, Sunday 6.30am – 12noon

33 High Street • Wincanton

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

THE VISITOR December 2019 13

Christmas in Lillies Rose

Lillies Rose will be open and available right up to 5pm on Christmas eve (later if needs be) to supply you with all your festive floral goodies, for collection or delivery.

ARS

END

CAL

WINCANTON

Gemma is busy creating the freshest possible handmade floral designs, bouquets, wreaths, holly posies and arrangements for home/parties/work or as gifts. As well as Christmas trees (orders taken with one or two in stock

Wild Cardz

DIAR

IES

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

as examples), mistletoe and moss and all those wreath making items for those do it yourselfers.

Even stocking Christmas baubles and decorations, candles, local fruit juice and honey.

It is a good idea to pop in, phone 01963 34992 or email lilliesRose1@outlook.com to order to avoid disappointment but as ever if it’s not in stock and there is time to get it in, it can be ordered in for you.

Wreaths for your door or as a tribute to someone special, made to order or choose a readymade one that can be decorated exactly as you’d like, perhaps just plain foliage or natural berries.

Deliveries will be made right up to and including Christmas Eve with deliveries within 5

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

A wreath made by Lillies Rose.

SJH Carpets

TOYS CAN BE ORDERED FROM OUR COLOUR BROCHURE Find us on Facebook

Lillies Rose ● Fully Qualified Florist ● Fresh Flowers for all occasions ● Delivery available - including same day ● Bouquets, Floral Arrangements, Plants ● Eflorist available

● Christmas Trees ● Handmade Wreaths to order plus Wreath making materials in stock

1 High Street, Wincanton lilliesRose1@outlook.com

Tel: 01963 34992

Wild Cardz, cards for all occasions and lots more!

Find us on Facebook & Instagram

■ Carpets

■ Naturals

■ Laminates

■ Vinyls

■ Woods

■ Shutters and Blinds

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year!

“Just nice people to do business with”

Wincanton

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

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

14 THE VISITOR December 2019

miles of the shop being free as usual. Eflorist is available to send flowers both nationally and internationally just ring or pop in to organise this – earlier the better as we get into the festive period.

Gemma and her family wish to thank all their customers a very merry Christmas and thank them for their loyal custom and support this far, here’s to many more Christmases!

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

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

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

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

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

Customer satisfaction means everything to SJH, and they offer their full attention from selection through to end of installation care. They have local, employed fitters and 20 years plus industry experience. For a new look in 2020 call SJH Carpets today and get your free estimate for your upcoming project.

Shops will be open on the evening of Thursday 5th December until 9pm for Castle Cary’s Big Christmas 2019. Soak up the festive atmosphere, do your Christmas shopping, browse the stalls and enjoy the hospitality of Cary businesses. A fun evening for all the family!

Three Counties Landscaping Ltd and The Market Garden

qualified team offer a range of services including walling, water features, patios, tree planting, pruning, lawn care and garden maintenance.

Julian and his team can supply you with an appropriate planting scheme for your garden and are able to source rare plants. Three Counties also offer a complete service for commercial customers.

The Market Garden supplies the town and surrounding area with fresh fruit and vegetables,

With over 30 years of experience Julian Shave and his LISS/CSCS

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

The shop is open 9am to 5pm Mon-Sat and 10am to 4pm each Sunday throughout December.

Orders are now being taken for locally grown Christmas trees, wreaths, holly, festive floral arrangements, bouquets, fruit and vegetable boxes. A delivery service is available. Pop in and pick up an order form or call 01963 350650. Julian, Toni and all the staff wish all their customers a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Castle Cary’s New Butcher: Andrew Moore of The Thoroughly Wild Meat Company.

Oxford Mill

Clothing, Accessories & Fine Toiletries

The Market Garden.

Luxurious fine merino wool poncho available at Oxford Mill.

The Market Place, Castle Cary, BA7 7AG Tel: 01963 350230 www.oxfordmillclothing.co.uk

The Market

Garden

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

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

Three Counties Landscaping Ltd

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

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

01963 350650 • 07738 524254 • julian.shave@threecountieslandscaping.co.uk www.threecountieslandscaping.co.uk

THE VISITOR December 2019 15

Castle Cary Choir 2019 Christmas Concerts

Friday 6th December at 7.30pm at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Peter St, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BL. Tickets £8 available on the door, or via the Parish Office, Peter Street Rooms, Peter Street, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BL 01749 342163. There will be refreshments during the interval.

Fundraising for the church reordering project.

Friday 13th December at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church, North Street, Castle Cary.

Programmes £8 on the door refreshments included.

Fundraising for the Methodist Church and the choir.

To find out more about fundraising, future events and to join the choir, please call John Roberts on 07970 039007 or visit www.castlecarychoir.org.

Delaware Veterinary Group

If you find you are in need of emergency veterinary treatment over the festive period, be reassured that our own vets and nurses will be providing 24 hour

emergency call out cover between Christmas and the New Year.

Please ring the normal practice number to be put through to our on call vets who can offer telephone advice or see you and your pet at our Castle Cary practice.

Cut out and keep our contact numbers in case you should need them. Delaware Veterinary Group wishes you all a safe and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Needful Things

Needful Things have excelled themselves again in this, their 21st Christmas here in Castle Cary.

Walk into this magical store at this time of year and feel instantly transported back to childhood!

20 themed trees surround you with colours and characters to warm your heart and make you smile!

Traditional reds, greens and golds fill their first room, together with all you need for stocking fillers and table settings. Then you'll find a perfectly fabulous range of gifts, gift bags, cards and wrap, ribbons and tags! Walk on further and you discover hand painted fairies, Santa's and elves; a pink section; a delightful Owl tree!; Hand blown glass baubles; a Mexican Christmas; a Jazz tree!; A traditional English Country tree and even an Enchanted Forest with humming birds and beautifully dressed woodland elves!!

For a truly magical Christmas, pay a visit to Needful Things of Castle Cary ... you'll be amazed!

Castle Cary Post Office Cards, Stationery, Diaries, Calendars, Soft Toys Medici, Ling, Caspari, Woodmansterne, Noel Tatt and many more Christmas Cards & Boxes ★ Lamy Pens

RICH’S AUTO SERVICES N N

TYRES — EXHAUSTS — BATTERIES Saturday mornings by appointment

Unit 4, Torbay Road Trading Estate Torbay Road, CASTLE CARY, BA7 7DT

01963 350568

16 THE VISITOR December 2019

★ Euros & Dollars on Site: all other currency next day ★ Travel Insurance ★ Passport Checking ★ Top-Ups ★ Banking ★ Bill Payment - Car Tax - Post Office Homephone - etc.

Bailey Hill, Castle Cary. Tel: (01963) 350237

Thank you

Needful Things have excelled themselves again for their 21st Christmas in Castle Cary.

Cary Comedians

Cary Comedians have made a fantastic impact on the world class Somerset Guy Fawkes carnivals this year despite not having a decorated towing vehicle again.

This affects competition points for a club but Cary Comedians have come consistently 5th in the Comic Class throughout the 'Somerset County' carnivals with stiff competition and at Burnham on Sea achieved 3rd! Their 'Star Trek' theme 'Klingons from Uranus' was popular with the crowds.

Cary Comedians Star Trek themed 'Klingons from Uranus'.

Castle Cary All Saints’ Church ‘Festival of Heavenly Christmas Stars’ 14th - 15th December 10.00am - 4.00pm

All Saints Church in Castle Cary is celebrating Christmas this year with an exhibition of Christmas Stars made by local shops, businesses, schools, organisations and individuals.

They will be all shapes and sizes, made of any material and on any meaning of stars - the larger and more eye catching the better - creative ideas are flowing

New Sponsor Stonewater Homes funded the attendance of Poole’s Dolphin Marching Band at Castle Cary Carnival.

Thank all the people who supported the recent British Legion Poppy Appeal Collection.

Special thanks also to Burns the Bread, McColl’s, Denela’s and everyone who offered Coffee. Also thanks to Cooper & Tanner for the shelter from the rain.

‘Fore Street Poppy Collector’.

already! Do come along and enjoy what promises to be a spectacular event.There will also be a Christmas stall for ‘pre-loved’ Christmas decorations and Christmas fare. There will be decorations in good, saleable condition, and Christmas chutney, pickles or other festive fare.

During the exhibition our wonderful catering team will be serving drinks and refreshments on both days. There will be no entry charge but we hope people will be generous with donations.

The exhibition will culminate in a Carol Service at 4pm on Sunday 15th December.

Tricks and treats galore at the Castle Cary Cygnets Majorettes ‘spooktacular’ coffee evening and Halloween dance show in October.

The Cygnets are recruiting new members now for the 2020 season.

The Christmas open evening is on Friday 13th December at Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 7.30pm.

For more info please call Jen on 01963 350603 or visit www.castlecarymajorettes.org.uk.

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd

Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors 2 Bailey Hill Castle Cary BA7 7AD Tel: 01963 351052

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

THE VISITOR December 2019 17

SOMERTON OWES its origins to geography. Sited on a flat ridge overlooking the valley of the little River Cary, it was established some time in the mid-7th century by the West Saxons as a fortified town controlling the old Roman road, the Fosse Way, as well as routes leading eastwards. In 878 the town was burnt down by the Danes following their defeat of King Alfred, but was rebuilt and refortified and remained a Royal manor, even after the Norman conquest of 1066. Although it never quite regained its former military importance it became the site of the county gaol and meeting place of the circuit and shire courts from 1278 until 1366.

Its hilltop location has, however, restricted its ability to expand. To the east and northeast the land drops steeply into the Cary valley and to the south it slopes down towards the Fosse Way and the levels around the River Yeo. In the second half of the last century the fields north of the town’s medieval core were

filled with houses as far as the edge of the ridge and now the only land that can be easily developed is to the west and north west of the town off the road to Langport. Attractive new houses are fast filling the fields beyond the sports and recreation ground and road improvements have made a safer access to the new estate. The town’s trading estate and business park are on its north-west edge off Bancombe Road and are impressive in their sheer size of employment area and in the diverse range of businesses and facilities they accommodate. A multitude of small businesses occupy the modern units, many of them like Lee Holmes Garden Machinery, Somerton Windows and Turner Windows being familiar names to regular Visitor readers.

Businesses as diverse as motor mechanics and beauticians appear to be thriving there and I saw hardly any vacant premises on the tidy well-designed estate.

At the far end of the business

park is Edgar Hall, Somerton’s modern community hall and offices of the town council and the Somerset Association of Local Councils. It’s an ideal venue purpose-built for meetings, receptions, events and stage productions and although its edge-of-town location doubtless makes it inconvenient for people without cars, the hall has a large car park which could not be provided cheaply, if at all, at a town centre site. The hall is a large, well-equipped, attractive asset for the town.

Somerton’s dry position above

Edgar Hall, Somerton’s modern community hall and town council offices, is located on Bancombe Road business park.

the levels and moors led to its growth in importance as a market town and administrative centre in medieval times. The Georgian facade of the 17th century Old Hall on Cow Square is thought

Lots of Christmas Gift ideas at Stationery House.

18 THE VISITOR December 2019

by some historians to conceal remnants of the medieval courthouse, although there appears to be some doubt as to whether this really was the site – a commemorative plaque on the south wall of the Old Hall merely states that ‘near this site once stood the county court’. The county gaol is thought to have stood on the site of the Globe and White Hart inns on the Market Place and to have been erected in the ruins of Somerton’s castle.

The Reverend G H Cossins studied these buildings in December 1873 and concluded that ‘the long wall between the White Hart and the Globe formed, I have no doubt, the outer wall of the gaol if not the castle’.

And the gatehouse of the castle reputedly survived and stood at the front of the Globe until around 1838. However, another contender for the site of the castle is on Kirkham Street, where the 19th century Monteclefe House now stands.

The White Hart, a former coaching inn, is certainly of medieval origin although

Two adjacent ancient inns on the Market Place offer attractive menus to hungry visitors.

refronted in the 19th century, and reputedly it incorporates some of the walls of the ancient castle.

This has never been substantiated, nor has the legend of the little window high on the building’s east wall. Known as King John’s Window, it is allegedly where King John II of France was imprisoned in the 14th century. The interior of the pub certainly retains a pleasant ‘historic’ aura and has recently been extensively refurbished and extended at the back. The pub next door, The Globe, is similarly ancient and interesting. It was originally called The Angel and

is mentioned in the parish records as long ago as 1616. Apparently the stone for the exterior walls was excavated from within the site, which is why there are steps down into the main bar area and more steps down into the beer garden.

Indeed, the entire Market Place is steeped in interest. Take a stroll round and you’ll see buildings that appear to date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, but sometimes their facades conceal structures going back as far as the early years of the 16th century. The Market Place shops are also worth a look, especially the long-established M J Carpets which carries more than a thousand carpet and vinyl samples to choose from and offers prompt delivery and fitting. The Old Courthouse on the right of the White Hart is, by comparison, not very old at all. It was built around 1878 as an addition to the police station, the magistrates having previously sat in the Town Hall in the middle of the Market Place. Nowadays it has been redeveloped as Courthouse Mews luxury retirement apartments,

M

MJ Carpets, Market Place.

J

Carpets Proprietor: Roger Willis

“Over 55 years experience in the carpet trade”

with the three adjacent former shops on West Street being refurbished to provide a health suite, a boutique and additional premises for ACEArts which runs

The Buttercross Tearooms, Market Place.

THE BUTTERCROSS TEAROOMS

Market Place, Somerton (01458) 273168

Homemade Cakes & Scones Morning Coffee, Cream Teas Lunch Served 12 – 3pm

Open: Tue – Sat 9am – 4pm

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

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

THE VISITOR December 2019 19

an art and craft shop and creative activities and projects in the Old Town Hall. A few yards further along West Street the Full of Beans licensed cafĂŠ has been reborn as the Etsome Arms bistro, open from 11.00am on Thursdays to Sundays. So it was closed on the Wednesday of my visit to Somerton, but judging by the notices in the window it is clearly aimed at people who like craft beers with their food.

Like most Visitorland towns,

20 THE VISITOR December 2019

Somerton will be celebrating Christmas, and information about its programme of festive events and carol services can be found on its website www. somerton.co.uk.

The atmosphere in the town centre will be enhanced with decorations, lights, carol services and events, and on selected dates many of the shops will be staying open late for Christmas shopping.

As well as a diverse range of businesses, shopping in Somerton has the attraction that it is usually quite easy to find somewhere to park. There are free car parks on West Street – behind the Brunel Centre (best approached and signposted from Behind Berry), behind the Unicorn Hotel, and alongside the former Half Moon public house.

Roadside parking is permitted round the Market Place and on Broad Street, and most of the businesses off Bancombe Road have ample parking spaces. But for browsing for Christmas gifts I usually find it better to visit early in the week when the shops

are quieter. I saw much more of Somerton shops on the quiet damp November afternoon of my latest visit than I ever would have done at a special Christmas event. I wish I had remembered my shopping list.

Roger Richards.

Needles & Pins UK Ltd

Making bespoke exterior covers for garden furniture, motorbikes, cars and have been known to

cover the odd helicopter or two.

Now expanding their services to include clothing alterations and repairs, help with soft furnishings and light upholstery.

Their promise to you is honest advice and a great quote.

They are based at Somerton Business Park, Units 2-3 Wessex Buildings and are open Mondays to Thursdays, 7.30am to 4.30pm.

Please feel free to call us on 01458 272057 with any of your sewing requirements.

The crew at Needles & Pins UK Ltd on Somerton Business Park, your friendly, local sewing company.

Festive

LANGPORT

Muchelney Abbey: Origins to Dissolution: Langport & District History Society Talk Report November 2019

The Society’s November meeting featured an illustrated talk on Muchelney Abbey, from its origins through to it dissolution in the 16th century, by Stephen Honey, who has worked for English Heritage there for over 15 years, and is currently its site manager.

Stephen began with a short video to introduce the Abbey’s ‘pre-history’, when this country had various religions, and he then described how the Roman period saw a gradual assimilation of Roman religions, with its many deities, with the local ones, and then with the adoption over time by the Empire of Christianity from the 4th century. As Christianity took a more structured form in ‘England’ over the next two centuries, especially through the growth and influence of monasteries, the Saxon Church developed, and the earliest reference to Muchelney is said to be a grant of land to its first Abbot by King Ine of Wessex in 692.

The Abbey was gradually given more lands around the upper Ile and Parrett near Ilminster, but mysteriously then disappeared from the written record for nearly 180 years, possibly through destruction or appropriation by the invading Danes. The creation of the Saxon Kingdom of England

by Athelstan in the early 10th century marked the Abbey’s

revival, and he gave it more lands around Curry Rivel. This was a period of general monastic revival and reform and also the replacement of wooden church structures by more robust and ambitious stone buildings.

The Norman Conquest marked the next and very important development of the Church in England and at Muchelney Abbey (Muchelney was even mentioned in the Bayeux Tapestry). Muchelney’s Domesday Book entry showed it to be a fairly wealthy property of 480 acres, valued at 720d (around £150,000-300,000 in today’s money). The Normans greatly expanded the Abbey in size and architectural grandeur.

Over the coming centuries, there were periods when there were criticisms of the Abbey’s lifestyle and lack of a true monastic spirit. As with the rest of the country (and Europe generally), it was badly affected by the Black Death in 1349, despite its apparent remoteness, even losing 2 abbots in one month. As the Abbey grew even more architecturally impressive, changes in the monastic structure were apparent with the creation of a separate residence for the Abbot.

The Abbey’s demise came with Henry VIII’s battles with the Pope and his Church. Though Abbot Thomas Ynde subscribed to Henry’s position in this mighty struggle in 1535, it only delayed the inevitable, and it was shut down on 4 January 1538 and destroyed.

High Ham Church of England Primary School is supporting Samaritan’s Purse again this year by taking part in Operation Christmas Child. The children have been busy packing shoeboxes and decorating them so that they can bring some happiness to children less fortunate than themselves this Christmas.

A small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is eternal. Be a part of changing children's lives all over the world in Jesus' Name through the power of a simple gift with Operation Christmas Child.

The Society’s next meeting will be its annual Christmas Social, which will be at Hurd’s Hill on 2 Dec. A finger buffet, tours of the house and a display of items from the Bagehot collection will be available. Members £10, nonmembers £15. Places must be booked in advance by contacting

Anne Michell (01458 250863).

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

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

THE VISITOR December 2019 21

WINDOW-SHOPPING in Sherborne is always a pleasure thanks to the large number of small independent shops (more than 100, I’m told) offering an amazing variety of interesting and unusual products. Thanks, too, to the pedestrianised Cheap Street which makes browsing there such a safe pastime. So it’s no wonder that the town always seems bustling whatever time of year I visit, and the coming Christmas promises to be no exception. With the shops stocked up for the Christmas trade there is plenty to see, and an open air

Sherborne Shoe Repairs ★ Shoe Repairs ★ Key C ing ... while you wait

★ L ggage

2 Swan Yard Sherborne Tel: 01935 817978

22 THE VISITOR December 2019

market every Thursday and Saturday by the Conduit on Cheap Street certainly creates a lively atmosphere.

Looking back at my Sherborne scribblings for previous December Visitors I see that they have amounted to little more than lists of the countless gift ideas in the shops and the many and varied events taking place in the town in the run-up to Christmas. I will resist the temptation to repeat them again this year, apart from mentioning the Tourist Information Centre on Digby Road where the helpful staff are a mine of information about things to do and places to visit in and around Sherborne and can also sell you charity Christmas cards, books and gifts of local interest. And mentioning the town’s renowned Festive Shopping Day which takes place this year on Sunday 1st December from 10.00am until 4.00pm and is sure to attract families into the town. With music in the streets to create a festive atmosphere, a Christmas

Every Thursday and Saturday the open-air market at the bottom of Cheap Street creates a lively atmosphere.

Tree Festival, a Farmers’ Market for stocking up with seasonal food and Father Christmas to keep the kids happy, the day promises to be a highly enjoyable occasion for doing a bit of Christmas shopping.

If you’re browsing round Sherborne’s shops you’ll notice that many are in interesting old buildings, so don’t let the fine array of goods distract you from looking above the shop windows, for it is there that some of the history of the town can be seen

in the architecture. While some of the buildings date from as early as the 16th century and others are distinctly 20th century, those of the Georgian period are particularly pleasing for their symmetry, simple decoration and perfectly-proportioned bay windows. In the narrow lanes and streets away from the shops it is Georgian architecture that predominates and gives the town its air of 18th century elegance, and above the fronts of some of

the shops and cafés on The Parade at the bottom of Cheap Street is some fine Victorian ironwork.

To the right of and above the arch leading to Swan Yard is the former Swan Hotel, once an important Sherborne coaching inn dating back to the mid-18th century. It developed into a substantial hotel in the 19th century with rooms fronting Cheap Street and the archway leading to more accommodation on the south side of the yard and extensive stabling for horses on the north. Eventually the frontage was converted into a shop, the stables were redeveloped as a shopping arcade and The Swan pub occupied just the buildings on the south side of the yard. This was renamed The Arch and relaunched as a café, bistro and bar in 2011 but is now closed and in the midst of extensive alterations and conversion. Don’t be deterred by all the building work – the arcade shops are all still open for business.

historians disagree about its historic value with Rodney Legg describing it merely as a ‘pastiche version of a 16th century house’, Jim Gibb convinced it really does date from the early 16th century, and Nicola Darling-Finan calling it a Tudor building ‘largely altered in the 1960s’. It seems that much of its medieval origins survives, for it is now a Grade II listed building. Before the bank acquired and altered the premises in 1963 it was a double-fronted The imposing Grade II listed building on the corner of Cheap Street and Abbey Road, pictured in 2016 when still occupied by the NatWest Bank.

Further up Cheap Street the shops at 36 and 38 with the exposed timber framework occupy an 18th century building that was originally one house. And the attractive group of buildings facing the top of Cheap Street has its origins in the 16th century but each has been substantially altered or rebuilt since then.

Beyond them are The Julian, in bygone days a hospice and almshouse, and Sherborne’s

oldest pub, the George, dating from the early 16th century. The other hostelry at the top of Cheap Street, the White Hart, was originally a dwellinghouse but has been a pub since the 1830s or thereabouts.

The imposing half-timbered building on the corner of Cheap Street and Abbey Road was occupied by the NatWest Bank until it fell victim to the cull of bank branches in 2018. Local

North Dorset & South Somerset

PREMIER ART SHOP

Gifts to the budding and professional artists this Christmas

Liquitex Stockist * Picture Framing Greeting Cards * Craft Materials

12 Cheap Street, Sherborne

Tel: 01935 817100

THE VISITOR December 2019 23

shop, latterly selling DIY materials, facing on to Cheap Street. Older readers might remember the steep step up to the door. For some years in the late-1940s it was a snack bar and for much of the first half of the 20th century was a shop selling dairy produce. Early photos show the half-timbered frontage of the first and second storeys, much as it is today. Plans have recently been submitted to restore the building as a shop with three flats above, in a way that will enhance its heritage assets.

The town’s abundance of tea shops, cafés and pubs provides enough choice to cater for almost all tastes and pockets and you will quickly find your particular favourites. I thoroughly enjoyed a light lunch in the Pear Tree delicatessen on Half Moon Street, and judging by the crowds in Olivers at the top of Cheap Street, that is a very popular coffee shop.

Real ale drinkers will certainly like the Digby Tap on Cooks Lane and the George on Higher Cheap Street, both offering a good range of interesting brews and tasty

food. And if the occasion demands something a little grander, I’m told that the Eastbury Hotel on Long Street fits the bill admirably.

Roger Richards.

The pedestrianised Cheap Street makes browsing round Sherborne’s shops such a safe pastime.

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

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

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

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

If your electrical equipment is in need of some TLC, look no further. Godden & Curtis also offer audio visual repair and servicing including televisions, video recorders, hi-fi systems and even vintage guitars amps.

They have been offering a wide range of services for over 49 years and have been at their current premises in Greenhill, Sherborne since 1972. Visit the shop or send them an online message via their website to find out how they can bring memories, music and entertainment into your life this Christmas!

St. JOHNS’ HOUSE Established 1968

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.

TV & AUDIO SALES & REPAIRS IN SHERBORNE ● Televisions from Panasonic, Avtex and Mitchell & Brown ● Installation & Instruction Service ● Audio from Revo and Roberts ● HiFi Repairs and Servicing ● Vogel’s Wall Brackets ● Video and Audio Copying Service

● Sennheiser Headphones ● Pro-Ject Turntables ● Record Bought and Sold ● Vinyl Record Cleaning Service ● Cartridges & Styli Available ● Cable Sorting / Tidying Service ...and much more!

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

24 THE VISITOR December 2019

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

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

We currently have rooms available ● Please contact: 01935 813245 or email: assistantmanagers@hotmail.co.uk

Family Health with Jenna Evans Family Health Herbal

Continuing our A-Z this month, we start with a look at corn silk, followed by cramp bark, dandelion and black elder.

Corn Silk (Zea mays) is a urinary demulcent and soothing diuretic. These fine threads are the stigmas of the female plants - soft fibres you may have noticed when peeling a corn on the cob.

Corn Silk can be found in formulas for treating all kinds of urinary discomfort. Soothing irritation in cases of cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis. Corn Silk combines well with herbs such as couchgrass, bearberry and yarrow. To use infuse 2 teaspoons in a mug of hot water for 10-15 minutes.

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) The bark of this plant, also commonly known as Guelder Rose is an antispasmodic, astringent, sedative and uterine relaxant. Cramp Bark is definitely a herb that lives up to its name! It can be considered of particular use in muscular tension and uterine cramps.

Those prone to muscular spasm may find it helpful. It is a great female remedy, finding use in easing painful menstruation as a uterine tonic and curbing excessive blood loss as an astringent. For menopause it may also be helpful for bleeds. Cramp Bark has also been employed to help prevent threatened miscarriage. Migraine and high blood pressure are two other areas of potential use. Combines well with valerian for muscular spasm; skullcap for tension headaches and Agnus castus for menstrual problems. Use 2 teaspoons of dried root per mug, bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes before drinking.

Take 3 times a day.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Both the leaves and the roots of the humble dandelion have a rich tradition of medicinal use. The leaves are an excellent diuretic and choleretic. Diuretic drugs can strip away the mineral potassium which can aggravate underlying cardiovascular issues.

Dandelion however is a rich source of this important mineral making it an ideal diuretic. Think of dandelion in cases of fluid retention and urinary gravel.

Dandelion root is a bitter, mild laxative, digestive and liver tonic.

Brew up some root for dyspepsia, sluggish liver and constipation.

It is a classic, especially in combination with burdock, to treat chronic skin and joint issues.

The leaves can be eaten raw and added to salads. Make a tea from a handful of the fresh leaves or 1-2 teaspoons of the dried, infused for 15 minutes. Drink 3 times a day. To use the dried root add 23 teaspoons to a mug of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes. You can drink 3 a day. The roasted root also makes quite a tasty alternative but arguably the unroasted would have the edge for medicinal benefits so stick to that if you’re trying to treat something. Never dismiss the powers of this little yellow wonder weed!

Black Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a veritable medicine chest with the bark, flowers, berries and leaves all used. The bark is a diuretic, emetic and purgative; the flowers have anticatarrhal and diaphoretic properties; the berries are diaphoretic, diuretic and laxative and the leaves have been used internally as a diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant and purgative and externally as an emollient and vulnerary. The berries have probably been the break out star from the elder tree.

You will find all manner of elderberry products gracing the shelves in winter, valued for their anti-viral ability. If you’ve never used it before, I would recommend that at the next sign of a sniffle you give it a go. Pretty tasty for a herbal remedy too! The leaves may be used in external application for bruising, sprains, wounds and chilblains. The elder flowers make a useful tea for colds and ‘flu as well as any kind of catarrhal irritation in the upper respiratory tract such as hayfever, ear congestion and sinusitis. They combine well with yarrow, peppermint and hyssop for infections and golden rod for catarrh. To infuse the flowers use 2 teaspoons of the fresh or dried blossom and infuse for 10 minutes. Drink hot three times a day. You can buy elderberry syrup easily enough but here’s a

little recipe if you fancy giving it a whirl.

Ingredients - 1 part fresh elderberries (1/2 part for dried remove stems), 2 parts water and 1 part raw honey.

Bring the berries and water to a simmer on a medium heat.

Keep on a low simmer for around half an hour, smashing the berries with a fork every now and then. Strain juice into a glass jar, discarding the pulp. When cooled a little add an equal amount of raw honey and stir through. In the fridge, this should last for a couple of months. Alcohol can be added to extend that (add 1 part per 4 parts of syrup). Can also be frozen. You can take up to a couple of tablespoons, 4 times a day. Less for prevention, more to

treat a lurgy!

We should be in the middle of the winter festivities by the time you read this, so may I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year!

● 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 multiaward 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.

Christmas Gifts available at Preview Fashion Boutique, Wincanton.

Fashion Boutique Market Place • Wincanton  01963 31676

www.previewwincanton.co.uk

hi ea on Collection include :

Available in ize 10-18

THE VISITOR December 2019 25

Antiques Bazaar, Crewkerne

THERE ARE numerous ‘impulse purchases’ at Antiques Bazaar every week. They can take the form of incense sticks, jewellery, advertising signs, small pieces of furniture, even large pieces of furniture!

With the Christmas season soon to be upon us, browsers and shoppers are on the look out for those ‘impulse purchases’, and

they are there to oblige.

A very clean 8 drawer Edwardian mahogany music cabinet for £145; brass fire irons £28; mosaic swan-neck table lamp £45; fishing reel £22; restored Pratts fuel can £78; sapphire and diamond 18ct gold ring £375; gents Donegal tweed jacket £80.

Antiques Bazaar is a very popular destination for shoppers, browsers, and for those who just like to soak up the atmosphere of their 1940’s industrial building, complete with quirky café The Home Bakery.

Antiques Bazaar, South Street, Crewkerne, TA18 8AG. Open 7 days a week www.antiques bazaar.co.uk.

Antiques Fairs

•

Chasty Cottage Antiques

•

Saturday 30th November Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA Trade & Public from 9.00am • Admission £1

Future Dates: Saturday 21st & 28th December 01963 370986 www.chastycottageantiques.co.uk

Osborne’s Christmas Trees

John Osborne started growing Christmas trees in 1982 as a hobby along side his full time job as a forester.

To maintain a continuous supply, trees are planted every year for a minimum of 6 years to reach a popular sized tree of 6ft.

During that time the trees are regularly weeded and pruned annually to achieve the desirable Christmas tree shape.

Today the hobby has extended to include his wife Elizabeth and sons James and Alex, they also employ other staff as required.

The Osborne’s now have 60,000 trees growing including 5 different species of all sizes up to at least 10ft with some larger individual trees also supplied.

The quality freshly cut trees are available from their retail sites at Rode near Frome, Butleigh near Glastonbury and on the Fosseway near Colerne 7 miles north east of Bath. They have a wide range of species and sizes up to 12ft.

Go and visit their friendly staff who will help you to select your tree and then pack it into you car for you. All things are possible, they have put a 6ft tree on a

moped which was ridden home like a broomstick!

They have put a 14ft tree in a Porsche and last year put a 12ft tree on the roof of a Maserati!

They also supply tree stands, wreaths, holly and mistletoe - in fact everything you need to make your house full of Christmas cheer. They even provide free Reindeer dust to sparkle in the night and attract Santa’s Reindeer to your home.

Open from 9am daily until dark at Butleigh and Colerne and until 5.30pm at the Rode depot right through until Christmas. They look forward to seeing you.

John Osborne has been growing Christmas trees since 1982.

Wickhams Cross, Butleigh, BA6 8TP OPEN DAILY from 30th November 9am until dark

O Fresh from the Forest O

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

BRIGHTS

www.o-christmas.co.uk

07870 466179

Gold & Silver Bought and Sold also coins and collectables Jewellery – repairs, alterations, cleaning Watch Repairs Rhodium Batteries fitted – from £4 Plating Watch Pressure Testing Next Day Service Key Cutting Service

NEW Extensive Range of QUALITY GIFTS ✶ Vintage and Modern Jewellery & Watches ✶ On-site Engraving Service ✶ Glassware

26 THE VISITOR December 2019

10a Farm Road, STREET, Somerset, BA16 0BJ Tel: 07510 926304

Scenes of Gillingham stock a wide range of artist materials and accessories, as well as tuition books and an extensive range of prints.

An on-the-premises framing service is also available.

AN IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFT ...

Artist Materials • Tuition Books • Accessories Extensive Range of Prints, framed & unframed, wide choice of topics ✱ On-the-premises Framing Service ✱

High Street, Gillingham Tel / Fax 01747 824050

email: scenesol@aol.com • www.scenes-online.co.uk

STATIONERY • ACCOUNTS • STAMPS

GLASTONBURY POST OFFICE AND CLASS CARDS

35 High Street Glastonbury BA6 9HG

WARD & SIBLEY

Telephone 01458 831536

MONEYGRAMS • BUDGET CARDS

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

GREETINGS CARDS • HOLIDAY INSURANCE • FOREIGN CURRENCY • PENSION PAYMENTS

The Jewellers of Yeovil

ESTABLISHED OVER 70 YEARS

Christmas all wrapped up!

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

THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065 Customer parking at rear of shop

“ Where customer care comes first”

THE VISITOR December 2019 27

Will’s Walls

Will's Walls is a Somerset based business with a passion for quality creative stonework.

If you've got a broken wall that requires fixing, a garden that needs enhancing or a building you want to transform call Will on 07484339702 or email him at bwana_will@hotmail.com to

Will's Walls is a Somerset based business with a passion for quality creative stonework.

arrange a free, accurate and no obligation quote. Friendly, professional service with competitive rates.

Gov.uk: Affordable housing being driven by new builds but rental figures are still on the slide

The latest Gov stats on Affordable Housing Supply have just been released showing that 66 per cent of new affordable homes in 201819 were for rent (including social, affordable and intermediate rent), which has been decreasing since 2014-15, when it was 78 per cent.

Nearly half (49%) of all affordable homes delivered in 2018-19 were funded through section 106 (nil grant) agreements, similar to the previous year (when it was 48%).

92 per cent of affordable homes delivered in England were new build, similar to the previous two years.

There were 61,056 starts on site in England in 2018-19, a 10 per cent increase on the previous year.

Founder and CEO of Stone Real Estate, Michael Stone, commented: ‘It’s encouraging to see that despite the general perceptions of

Damian Hoddinott PLUMBING SERVICES

Competitive rates for all your plumbing needs

01963 441232 07971 676111

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

28 THE VISITOR December 2019

housebuilder land banking and hefty new build price premiums, the sector is driving the delivery of affordable homes reaching the market by a country mile.

However, we are yet to reach previous peaks at a time when we are arguably most in need and so it’s important that we don’t take our foot off the gas and continue to tackle the UK housing crisis head-on, both where stock levels and housing affordability are concerned.’

Founder and CEO of Howsy, Calum Brannan, commented: ‘The issue of affordability continues to hangover the UK rental market and with more of us either choosing to rent as a lifestyle choice or simply unable to exit due to the high cost of homeownership, there remains a huge strain on the sector caused by the imbalance between demand and supply.

While it’s great to see that more than half of the affordable housing being delivered is in the form of rental properties, it’s worrying that this level is on the slide and has been for about five years.

Those living in the rental sector are often the most vulnerable and it’s imperative that we focus our efforts on creating an adequate environment in which they can live. The provision of enough rental homes at an affordable cost is just the first step in doing this.’

31% of UK homebuyers have been gazumped in the past decade. Homeowners back government to ban gazumping

Almost a third of UK homebuyers have been a victim of gazumping in the past decade, new research

by Market Financial Solutions (MFS) has revealed.

The London-based bridging lender commissioned an independent survey of over 750 UK adults who have bought a

residential property in the last ten years. It found that 31% of UK homeowners had previously lost out on a property as a result of being gazumped.

Two fifths (39%) have had to pay fees to intermediaries – lawyers, surveyors or evaluators – despite not completing on the property purchase. Figures from Which? show that on average homebuyers lose £2,899 when a house deal falls through.

Nonetheless, 43% said they would still consider gazumping a rival buyer in the future if it meant successfully completing on a property acquisition.

Of those who said they have experienced one or more property purchases fall through in the past decade, 34% said it was due to either themselves or someone in the chain not getting their mortgage approved in time. This number rises to half (49%) for those aged between 18 and 34.

A third (33%) of those surveyed also said they encountered delays when trying to sell a house they owned, forcing them to miss out on their next purchase.

Elsewhere, MFS’ research found that two thirds (66%) of homeowners think the process of buying a property has become more difficult over recent years as a result of increased competition and a lack of housing supply.

The vast majority (80%) of respondents are in favour of the government introducing laws to prevent gazumping in England and Wales, as is currently the case in Scotland. In October, the government said it was considering the introduction of a “reservation agreement” to bind buyers and sellers to a deal, thereby reducing the chances of gazumping or gazundering.

Paresh Raja, CEO of MFS, commented: ‘With demand for UK property constantly high, the

process of buying a home has become incredibly competitive. As a result, a significant number of UK homebuyers are losing out on deals at the critical closing stages.

‘Not only is gazumping a cause for frustration and disappointment, it also can incur significant costs to the prospective buyer. Avoiding complicated chains and having immediate access to finance can reduce the chances of a prospective buyer missing out on a purchase, but it’s clear from MFS’ research that further measures are needed to prevent gazumping in England and Wales. In the aftermath of the general election, let’s hope the elected government looks at measures to stamp out gazumping as a top priority.’

Home seller hibernation hits property market according to latest Rightmove House Price Index

The latest index shows that the price of property coming to market falls by 1.3% (-£3,904) this month, and while drops are usual at this time of year it suggests opportunities for buyers to find a winter bargain.

14.9% fewer new sellers than in the same period a year ago, deterred by lacklustre price growth and political uncertainty, the largest year-on-year slump in any month since August 2009.

In contrast, the number of sales agreed falls by just 2.9% compared to this time last year:

YOUR ADVERT HERE

could be reaching an estimated 60,000 readers

Larger properties (four bedrooms or more) are the most active sector, with just 1.4% fewer sales agreed compared to 2018, as buyers benefit from prices 1.2% cheaper than last year.

The East Midlands is the only region of the UK to see a monthly increase. Prices are down -1.4% on a month to month basis in London, -0.8% annually.

Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented: ‘A seasonal slump in asking prices is always to be expected at this time of year, but the drastic reduction in the number of homes on the market indicates that many sellers have already gone into home selling hibernation’.

With next month’s election, many sellers will no doubt choose to remain there until the dust of political uncertainty has settled in the New Year, despite buyers continuing to tough it out.

As always, regional differences are apparent with the East Midlands the only area to buck the month on month trend of a fall in asking prices, while on an annual level we continue to see notable swings in growth across the nation. This is largely down to affordability in tough market conditions and the price sellers are willing to accept with the less affordable areas seeing the largest adjustments in order to secure a buyer.

A recent project completed by A P Kitchen Solutions of Ilchester.

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

THE VISITOR December 2019 29

VINTAGE Motorcycling I HAVE WRITTEN before concerning the joys of a motorcycle with a sidecar attached. To pilot they are completely different to a solo machine and very different to driving a car. A sensation which cannot be compared to any other form of transport. The sidecar as we now know it came into being around the 1910 period. Some were made of wickerwork and others were coachbuilt.

During the 1920's and up to the 1950's many novelty sidecars were built, mainly for commercial or advertising purposes, as well as the standard versions to be used as family transport. For the commercial and advertising needs there could be the box sidecar, often painted and signwritten, used to carry the goods or tools of that firm. Some were made in the shape of a bottle to advertise beers and soft drinks. Others were made in the shape of a shoe and used by the cobblers amongst us. I have even seen an old tin bath tub used as a sidecar body.

I know of a man who started a building business using a box sidecar for tools and materials and also carried his ladders strapped on top. With imagination all sorts of things were made in a multitude of shapes and put to whatever use intended.

MOTORING There were also sidecars made for recreational use and one manufacturer made a canoe body which could be detached and lifted from the sidecar chassis and then dropped in the water.

Suitably equipped the owner would then paddle up and down the river to their content and probably some amusement to any bystanders. The canoe was rather too long for the outfit and it all became rather cumbersome.

My interest in these things was reawakened at the recent Stafford Show. On our VMCC stand was a Scott motorcycle with a sidecar styled as a small boat. My picture shows this rather unique contraption. Again the boat body can be lifted from the frame and placed in the water. It is used as a proper sidecar as well. This particular unit was built in 2013 but in the traditional style. It was purposefully built with a certain competition in mind. Every year a boating competition is held on the river Thames where there is a race for boats powered by an electric drill. You will see from the photograph the propeller stuck out under the boat and also the rudder which is steered from the small ships wheel on the dashboard. A Lithium battery power drill is mounted in front of the seat and gives the motive power.

The example shown did quite well in that competition and obviously returned its owner safely back to shore. It is quite a

GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS

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

G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414

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

30 THE VISITOR December 2019

A Scott motorcycle with a sidecar styled as a small boat.

novelty and attracts much attention wherever it goes. Now use your imagination to come up with ideas which would enhance your businesses profile or give you some purpose not realised before.

It will certainly bring you some attention.

Forthcoming events now and it seems absurd to be talking about December and the end of another year. Nevertheless things still go on but with less frequency. The Somerset Section start with their club night at Cossington on the 5th. This will be a Bring and Buy evening. Next their Christmas Run and Lunch will be on the 8th, again at Cossington Hall.

Lastly on the 27th will be Ashley's Run from Evercreech.

The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have their club night at East Stour on the 9th. This will be in the form of the Annual Dinner. The Dorset Section have their Lunch Meet at Henstridge on the 4th, followed on the 8th with the Mince Pie Run. Club night at Henstridge on the 11th will be the usual Social Evening with Buffet. On the 28th we return to Henstridge for the

Breakfast Meet. A little further ahead is that both Somerset and Dorset have New Year's Day Runs and I will give more details next month.

You may receive the next issue of this magazine before Christmas but should that plan not materialise then may I take this opportunity to wish all readers and staff at The Visitor Magazine a very Happy Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

As we approach 2020 can it really be 20 years since we were threatened with a catastrophic meltdown of the world when all computers were expected to go haywire. Well we are still here and looking forward to a healthy 2020 with lots of pleasurable miles on our old bikes. I hope you all get the same.

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

Talking Turkey

WHEN IT COMES to celebrating Christmas, many of us are increasingly turning away from turkey, especially those who, conscious of the state of our planet, are leaning more towards a lifestyle where less meat is consumed.

For me, although I am not fond of turkey, Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without turkey; and come what may, it has to be a whole one. I confess to having roasted a 12lb. bird one year, just for myself. In my defence, it then gave me the opportunity to invite friends over during the following week for turkey pie, turkey soup, turkey sandwiches, turkey curry, stir fry … until I was all turkey’d out for yet another year.

With all the effort that goes into preparing the food and festivities at Christmas, it is worthwhile giving consideration to the wines you choose to serve.

Most of these suggestions can be had for around £10.

A traditional favourite since Victorian times, turkey is a lean meat, generally quite mild in flavour and with a low-fat content, making it lighter on the stomach than red meat.

On the plus side, when it comes to wine, turkey is probably the most adaptable of meats, going well with a range of wines to suit every palate.

Start by matching the weight of the meat with a full-bodied white or a medium-bodied red wine but remember that the wine must not be too tannic as the lack of fat will make the wine seem harsh. In addition to this, turkey is often roasted covered with bacon to prevent it drying out during cooking, and the salt in the bacon will clash with tannins.

When it comes to roast turkey most of us are either breast or leg people. Wines from Languedoc-Roussillon, made from the Carignan grape are full of red fruit flavours, cinnamon spice and with a distinct meaty note; great for those who prefer dark meat.

Given the less pronounced

flavour of turkey, the more dominant flavours tend to come from its accompaniments, such as cranberry or redcurrant sauce, which are best suited to young, fruity reds. It’s also worth seeking out one of the 10 Beaujolais Crus.

Made from the Gamay grape.

These wines are herbaceous with floral aromas of violet, and sour cherry and cranberry flavours on the palate. My preference would be for Fleurie.

For those who prefer the traditional English accompaniments of bread sauce, chestnut stuffing and pigs in blankets, then a full-bodied, buttery, oaked, Chardonnay from Burgundy would be a good match for white wine lovers, as would a white Côtes du Rhône.

but also ripe fruit to match the sweetness of any accompaniments.

For a curry or stir fry, a bright zippy white wine, such as Verdejo or Viognier, will add a freshness, complementing any spicy element and balancing the heat.

Gingerbread Spice with Aldi's new Gin'gerbread Cream Liqueur Poste Restante Organic Verdejo 2018.

When it comes to turkey soup, the savoury, meaty flavours of a comforting broth would pair well with the mineral notes and balanced acidity of a crisp white Gavi.

Cotes Du Rhone Blanc 2017.

If red wine is your preference, a mature Claret or Rioja would work well as aged wines have had time to softer their tannins. More mature wines will also develop secondary aromas, often beginning to take on a vegetal characteristic, perfectly echoing the flavour of our favourite Christmas vegetable, Brussels sprouts!

Red Rhône blends (traditionally Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes) are very affordable and have sufficient body and structure to match the flavours of a roast,

Goose or duck can also be popular festive choices and as both meats have more fat than turkey (great for roast potatoes!) they are best matched with red wines with good levels of tannin and acidity to balance the oiliness.

Consider serving a wine from a Right Bank Bordeaux appellation, such as St. Emilion or Pomerol, where Merlot is the dominant grape variety. If money is no object, push the board out and go for a 1982 Petrus, a mere snip at around £6,000 a bottle. For white wine I would go for a mediumsweet German wine, high in acidity to cut through the fat, such as a Spätlese Riesling.

L.P-V.

2003 Chateau Petrus.

Run, run as fast you can, you can’t catch me, but Aldi can! The festivities have started early this year as Aldi introduces their new Gin’gerbread Cream Liqueur (£9.99 70cl) to the popular Ballycastle range. This latest addition to Aldi’s festive spirit offering is the perfect ingredient to add an element of naughty or spice to any Christmas cocktail!

The new member of the Ballycastle range contains a balanced blend of gin, fresh cream, spiced ginger conjuring up the nostalgic taste of freshly baked gingerbread. Embrace the sugar and spice by adding this warming Gin’gerbread Liqueur to a festive gin cocktail, or, simply serve this new tipple neat with ice.

If Aldi’s Gin’gerbread liqueur has you eager for more, then why not complete the set with the other Ballycastle liqueurs, such as the sumptuously sweet Strawberries and Cream Liqueur (£9.99 70cl), delectable Chocolate Orange Cream Liqueur (£9.99, 70cl) or the indulgent Caramel and Hazelnut Cream Liqueur (£9.99 70cl).

Chill-Out Somerset

For all your refrigerated trailer requirements, outside events, etc.

CONTACT : Martyn Jones 07973 433586 EMAIL : chilloutsomerset@yahoo.com

THE VISITOR December 2019 31

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

Lower Street, West Chinnock Tel: 01935 881235

Boxing Day Bubble & Squeak Buffet

3 Courses + Coffee - Choice of 8 cuts of meat - £15.00pp 12.30pm - 4.00pm

Christmas Curry Night - Saturday 28th December 7 Curry Buffet - £12.50pp from 7pm

Wishing all our customers past and present a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

✶ Booking essential ✶ ✶ www.themuddledmaninn.co.uk ✶

32 THE VISITOR December 2019

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

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL

She gets up and pours herself a strong one And stares out at the stars up in the sky The first person to tell me the song above gets a free drink.

Last month Alison from East Coker was first to guess that it was I Want You Back by the Jackson 5 which incidentally was the first record I ever bought ☺ Well, we are all getting ready for a busy Christmas period lots going on up here to tell you about.

Our bookings for Christmas are just about sold out but we might have a bit of room so don’t be afraid to ring and ask.

Our Chefs are working flat out to keep you all happy and I must once again tell you about our fantastic Dessert menu which has gone from strength to strength ... Homemade Snickers Cheesecake or Baileys Bread and Butter Pudding anyone?? No good for the waistline but we can all start the diets in January.

On Saturday 30th November we have POP UP BOWIE a tribute show for all of you who liked The Thin White Duke.

Tickets are £10 and available from the pub.

On the 6th of December live in the bar we have The Disciples, music will start just after 9pm.

On the 13th, making a welcome return after gigging over in his homeland Australia, we have Greg Agar live in the bar from 9pm.

New Years Eve Party features SNAKEBYTE Tickets are £15 and includes Supper

That’s it for this month hope to be speaking to you both again in December! ☺ Toot Toot!!

BOOKINGS

01935 424721

Pub The

Pages B EER & S KI TTL ES

P. A. BAXTER

SO AS WE HEAD toward another Christmas, and a few days later, the end of another decade.

Benjamin Disraeli is credited as saying 'The only constant is change', and I wonder what he would think if he was parachuted into today's society? I also wonder if he was a pub-goer?

There's certainly many fewer pubs around than there were in his day, and thankfully those we have today are much more welcoming. Far fewer people visit pubs today than when yours truly started visiting these bastions of Britishness, a fact we know only too well. We've probably lost a third of all pubs in the last thirtyodd years despite the growth in chains like Wetherspoons – who are in the planning stage for up to another fifteen pubs, I'm pleased to say. Just nicely slotting into this story is that of a recent survey by Greene King published in the 'Morning Advertiser' revealed that 63% of people feel lonely at some point in their lives, and 39% wishing that someone would ask them out more regularly, with one in five regularly feeling lonely on Friday nights. As an organisation GK are doing their bit with 'NoOneAlone' quiz nights and also encouraging the group 'MeetUpMondays' to spread some warmth through their pubs, nationwide. I see no reason why this couldn’t be done locally in many pubs with a little initiative by the incumbent, particularly as in the afternoons there is often little going on in a pub. Over to you – does your local offer this and to what degree of success?

As a self-proclaimed pub games anorak majoring in skittles, I find myself still searching the world for the 'Beautiful Game'. This is quite fortunate for the rest of the population as I can be kept away from the rest of you sane people!

Nevertheless, as the search continues I can still be shocked and surprised by the variants within a game which is essentially the same, namely to knock down as many of the blighters as one can; or is it?

Read on dear reader, read on...

One particular surprise came when I found 'Nine-pin' being played with gusto at the town of San Antonio, Texas. Even more surprising was that the lanes appear to be the full 60 foot variety as in 10-pin and full-size bowling balls are in use to demolish the pins, so unlike our own beloved version, you 'can't miss' ('typical American game' mocked one of our team!) – unless the ball ends up in the gutter of course. To my surprise there is no auto pin-setter either, but just as we have here, youngsters do the 'sticking up', although they do call them 'pin-setters'! But wait; there's more ... the centre pin is painted red, and the idea is to leave that one standing. Now I don't know about you, but in the league in which we play, to leave the middle pin – the 'landlord' or indeed take him out on his own ('knocking the budgie out of the cage') invites a barrage of abuse from the rest of the team. How the game developed in this way is of course open to conjecture and guess-work, but the joy is that it survives and continues to be busy virtually every night of the week in San Antonio and some of the surrounding townships. In fact there are just nineteen venues in and to the North East of San Antonio. This being so close, even in American terms, I am surprised that there is not one league involving them all, as it appears

that this is so. I wonder what the players of this version would think of our game with its variable length alleys, variable quality alleys, variable 'roundness' of balls, sometime dodgy quality pins and the chance of bolting a few balls? The word 'bemusement' springs to mind!

So who would like to join me spending a few days and nights around San Antonio having a go?

I certainly would, but perhaps with around 5,000 miles as the crow flies just for a few games maybe a little extreme!

(Videos of this subject can be found on YouTube, simply by keying in a few key words, or try this as a lead-in 'Texas Niners: The last bastion of nine-pin bowling lives on in San Antonio') So far I've found three videos of clubs in the region.

Skittles in our team have been played at pubs and clubs lately where no real ale was available.

Somewhat strangely, we actually took a win at these places which maybe is not a coincidence. Beer consumption has been therefore limited to a small amount at home with somewhat run of the mill choices, although a good friend did bring home a rather pleasant stout from America, brewed by 'Great Divide'. To say it was like velvet is an understatement. I'll say no more (I'd hate to make you envious) and anyway, who else would like a beer that's a mere 11%ABV? The game of cards still has much to add to pub visits, and my own skittle team love to have a few hands when not on the alley, as do many other teams. We tend to play Pontoon (21's; similar to Blackjack as played in Casinos)

Vinny gets involved at

The Windwhistle Inn Pub Quiz

THE VISITOR December 2019 33

B EER & S KI TTL ES

They Say

as it's fast and fairly straightforward. The bank can circulate and everyone has a reasonable chance of accumulating some tens and twenties (I'm talking silver coin here, not notes) in one evening.

Is it legal? Yes as 'small stakes' are permissible and the fact there is no 'house take' does not make the pub a gambling establishment. There are some small variants in the game so before diving in it's always best to establish exactly how the particular school is playing – and what the stakes are (we have the bank set the limit, so it can vary from person to person). To say the game involves much hilarity and banter would be an understatement.

Speaking hypothetically for a moment, what would happen if, say, we were to introduce another suit of cards? I'm referring to an attempt to introduce a fifth suit, named 'Eagles'. No, it's not April 1 just yet, but imagine playing a game of poker with five aces in your hand! How about 'I'm playing the queen of Eagles'? It does sound bizarre but in the late 1930's the American Playing Card Company was one of several who introduced this fifth suit. The concept of this i s e x p l o re d o n t he we b - si t e 'mentalfloss' from where I culled the information. They credit one Walter Marseille, a Viennese psychologist who obviously thought it a good idea, according to playing card historian Andrew Ward. The intention was for this to make the game of bridge more interesting, a game which I find totally bewildering with 52 cards, let alone 65. Anyway, the concept faded out by the mid-1940's and I have yet to find a pack to add to my collection of pub-orientated games (and the answer is; no thanks, anyway!)

Now with the festive season looming, many families will undoubtedly have that pack of cards out, be it in the home or the pub, so it's time for us all to do our bit to combat the scourge of loneliness we mentioned at the start. So why not invite that old friend or neighbour round, or even take them to the pub - maybe indulge in a game of Pontoon but keep the stakes reasonable we want everyone to remain friends! Cheers! © P.A. Baxter 2019. skittlealley@hotmail.com

That the North Cadbury ‘birthday pants’ have found their way to a new home in Norfolk.

P. A. BAXTER

34 THE VISITOR December 2019

That congratulations go to Jim and Val Davis of Galhampton who will be celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 5th December.

That Mrs Lucy Putt of Chickerell has a strange fascination for model railways.

That on Saturdays in particular, caffeine is sometimes in short supply at Boots the Chemist in Castle Cary.

That Bruton Bonfire Night raised over £3,000 for Sexey’s, Upton Noble and Bruton Primary Schools, despite the inclement weather.

That when she’s not Sholleying to the shops, Sprowston’s Mrs Janet Feakins will be holding on tightly to her newly purchased walking stick.

That Long Hazel Park are overjoyed to announce that they have won the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards 2019/20 Silver Award for Camping and Holiday Park of the Year.

That best wishes for a happy retirement go to Isabelle Kimber of Crossroads Pet Supplies between Sherborne and Yeovil.

That dry weather is hoped for on the 5th of December for Castle Cary’s Big Christmas, as it promises to be a fun-filled event.

That Wyke Farms team member Daniel Botezatu, has been named as the ‘Eden Cultural Ambassador’ for 2019.

AROUND THE

H O U S E S IN WINCANTON ... the Senior Citizens menu served at The Bear is just £5.95 for 2-courses ... you’ll find a great range of real ales and ciders served at The Unicorn Inn, Bayford ... on-line table bookings can be made for The Hunters Lodge, Leigh Common ... business partners Stuart and William are celebrating their 5th anniversary at The White Lion, Bourton ... there are 8 ensuite letting rooms for hire at The George Inn, Mere ... and a range of traditional ales and ciders are served at The Red Lion, Gillingham.

Easing our way to East Stour where pub classics (sometimes with a twist) and a la carte dishes are served at The Kings Arms ... the former Grade II Medlycott Centre in Milborne Port has been tastefully renovated and has recently opened as The Clockspire Restaurant ... a 2-course Sunday Lunch is £10.50 at The George in Sherborne ... a little bird tells us it’s the big Six-oh for Pete at The Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil ... traditional Sunday Roast with smaller portions for children and senior citizens are served at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock ... and don’t miss the Christmas Shopping Evening on the 3rd December at The Barrington Boar, Barrington, near Ilminster.

Calling all music fans, it’s Band Night with Peter Burns on 29th November at The Old Pound Inn, Aller ... don’t miss the Langport Mummers and Carol Night on Wednesday 18th December at The Cross Keys Inn, Lydford on Fosse ... daily specials, including a minimum of three vegetarian choices, are available at The Quarry Inn, Keinton Mandeville ... Slow Roasted Lamb Wellington, is sure to be a popular choice from the Christmas Party Menu at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction ... landlord Sean is happy to explain the complexity of wines served to his customers at The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague ... and finally, if you want to finish your meal with a dessert but don’t think you quite have the room, half portions are available if required at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton.

Leafy Love Affair: Houseplant obsession takes root in the millennial generation

● The millennial obsession with houseplants shows no signs of slowing, with three quarters (76%) of flatsharers now owning at least one houseplant - and one in five also admitting they speak to their plants1 ● In response SpareRoom, the flatshare site, has now launched the first ever book of bedtime stories for plants – this collection of short stories is designed for plant parents to read to their plants

Many people like talking to their plants, believing it aids their growth, with Prince Charles possibly the most high-profile nature natterer. Now, with new research from flatshare site SpareRoom, it seems Prince Charles isn’t the only one having a leafy love affair, with one in five (21%) Brits admitting they also speak to their plants.

In recent years houseplants have experienced a huge surge in popularity, with over 2.4million posts tagged #houseplant on Instagram. Houseplants have become especially favoured among millennial flatsharers, with 76% now owning them. According to those flatsharers surveyed by SpareRoom, a third (34%) say they take on plant parenthood so that they have something to nurture, love and take care of, while 15% actually have names for all their plants. What’s more, over a quarter (27%) care for their plants so deeply they wouldn’t trust even their housemates to look after them properly while they’re away.

With the UK continuing to experience an outright houseplant obsession, flatshare site SpareRoom has launched the first ever bedtime stories for plants – specifically designed for ‘plant parents’ to read aloud to their ‘plant babies’ to encourage botanical development.

Research has shown that the twilight hours are an important time for plant development as they use the energy they stored up during the day through photosynthesis. In addition, the darkness can also be a trigger for plants to fruit, set seed or flower.

With this in mind, and with the knowledge that one in five (21%) flatsharers already chat to their plants, SpareRoom set about creating the first ever piece of literature for the leafy, making it easier than ever for people to give their plants a daily dose of vocal encouragement.

Bedtime Stories for Plants, written by children’s author Alice Hemming and illustrated by Livi Gosling, includes a collection of three short stories entitled ‘The Three Ferns’, ‘Longing’ and ‘What Goes Around’. The stories are designed to be read aloud to plants and can be downloaded for free from SpareRoom as an eBook.

It’s not just houseplants that could benefit from having the bedtime stories read aloud to them. Communicating with nature could also improve the reader’s mental health, with some people finding that regular reading sessions with plants can help fight anxiety.

Matt Hutchinson, Director of SpareRoom adds: ‘Owning a property seems like a distant dream for many young renters but living somewhere that feels like home shouldn’t be. With so few tenancies allowing pets or letting tenants redecorate, we’re seeing more and more people are turning to houseplants as the ideal way to personalise their space.

It makes perfect sense. Plants can totally change the feel of even the most functional space, plus they’re relatively affordable and, unlike bulky furniture or colour schemes, you can take them with you when you move.’

Plant expert and gardening blogger Angela Slater comments: ‘Talking to your plants is not only beneficial to their health but also your own mental well-being. If you’re stuck for something to say and think that you’re going to feel a bit of an idiot, then these stories are just the thing to get you started.’

The Bedtime Stories for Plants book can be downloaded by proud

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

Bedtime Stories for Plants includes a collection of three short stories entitled ‘The Three Ferns’, ‘Longing’ and ‘What Goes Around’.

plant parents, for those wanting to reap the benefits without having to chat themselves, SpareRoom has also created an audiobook version of the bedtime stories which can be played to plants.

According to Angela Slater, plant expert and gardening blogger the Three Ferns is a tale about three plants with different hopes and dreams, which follows each fern’s journey after they leave the nursery. In Longing, a trailing plant sits alone, desperate for its leaves to grow long enough so it can catch the attention of a sculpture on the shelf. What Goes Around is inspired by the Chinese money plant and how happiness can come from giving luck rather than receiving it.

How common is talking to plants?

It is unclear exactly what proportion of people who keep plants do communicate with them, but committed vegetable growers have long spoken words of encouragement to their prized specimens.

How do plants develop at night?

At night plants will utilise the energy they have stored up during the day through photosynthesis.

Plants have evolved to need a period of darkness and in some plants the amount of dark/light triggers their period of fruiting, setting seed or flowering, as is the case with that iconic Christmas plant, the poinsettia.

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

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

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

THE VISITOR December 2019 35

Remember when...

30 years ago from The Visitor archives Bypassing Bourton A village appraisal being undertaken by Bourton Parish Council featured in The Visitor’s December 1989 issue. An 18page questionnaire had been delivered to every resident because the council knew that Bourton would face changes when a bypass is built to replace the A303 through the village, work on which was expected to start in May 1990. But Major Manly Bircumshaw, county councillor for Gillingham and Bourton, is quoted as claiming that village appraisals have ‘no teeth’ at County Hall and ‘district planning officers make note of them’ but that’s all!

Poll tax anxieties Also reported were the imminent changes to local taxation.

‘Business people are becoming increasingly anxious at the effect the forthcoming community charge (or poll tax) and uniform business rate (or national nondomestic rate) will have on profitability,’ it stated, although no firm figures for either charge had been revealed. District councils serving Visitorland were happy to send an officer to parish councils and chambers of trade to discuss concerns such as retailers living above their shop having to pay the community charge plus the uniform business rate on the commercially-rated part of their premises.

Eating out Christmas menus featured prominently in the adverts.

Three courses plus coffee and mince pies seemed to be the standard offering, at prices ranging from £7.95 at the Nags Head in Martock to £11.95 at the Helyar Arms at East Coker.

Some of the establishments advertised ‘extras’ included in their price – crackers, fancy hats and suchlike – but the most appealing seemed to be the Three Horseshoes at Batcombe where for £11.95 you also got a glass of sherry on arrival, an additional fish course and a fancy hat.

On the air Independent local radio came to Somerset on 26th November

36 THE VISITOR December 2019

1989 when Orchard FM started broadcasting. The Visitor noted that, like freebie papers, it needed advertising revenue in the form of client commercials, costing from £15 for a 30-second slot. ‘Orchard will, of course, be competing with BBC Somerset the fSound which along with Radio Bristol claims an audience reach of 32%,’ it stated, explaining that this meant 32% of the local adult population tuned in on average once a week over a year.

Somerset Sound’s Richard Austin was quoted as regarding BBC local radio as ‘the provider of news and information plus music’ and independent local radio as just putting out ‘music plus news’.

Get it taped DVDs were not around in 1989 – we still tangled with video tapes – and advertisers were using The Visitor to market their video recorders. Sight & Sound on Wincanton’s Church Street was offering them at prices ranging from £299 to £549, all with a four-year guarantee. And a photo of the showroom revealed television sets with large cathode ray tubes protruding behind the curved screens. The equipment that provides home entertainment has changed dramatically in the last 30 years.

Roger Richards.

PHONE - a - FIRM

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 January Issue is Monday 9th December

Solution to November

Sudoku

PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM TV & AUDIO SPECIALISTS SINCE 1968

● SALES ● SERVICING ● REPAIRS ● INSTALLATIONS

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

ANYTIME LOCKS

24-Hour Locksmith Key Cutting and Boarding up

MOBILE 07709 433922 PHONE 01458 835652

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 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

To ADVERTISE in CALL

01963 351256

MISTER CARPET

Tel: 01935 862614 Mob: 07752 695264

Independent Carpet Cleaning Specialist

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

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

THE VISITOR December 2019 37

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

Wanted

JuST SOMerSeT iNTrOduCTiONS. Bringing people together. Call Alison Tel: 07584 250285, www.justintro ductionsgroup.co.uk

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

www.country-link.org.uk COuNTry liNK SOCiAl GrOuP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. Tel: Andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918

For Sale

POrT CONNOiSSeurS Bottle of dOW'S 1960 Vintage Port £150.00. Contact dorbay85@gmail.com to arrange delivery or collection

Storage

STOrAGe for furniture in locked cubicles. lock-up garages to let. Tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692

Services

HOuSeHOld & GArdeN ruBBiSH CleAred, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844

Prize Crossword No. 397 Set by Frank Butler

19

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BP – to arrive by Monday 9th December.

Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize is a £10 voucher to spend with any one advertiser in this issue of The Visitor.

Please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.

dAVe BuyS All TyPeS OF TOOlS, salvage, bygones and collectables. daves Tools, est. 1969. Tel: 01935 428975

ClASSiCAl ANd JAzz lP records. Tel: 01458 834102 / 07704229979 email: tonyartony@aol.com

AuTOMOBiliA, AuTOJuMBle, woodworking and engineering tools. Tel: 01747 850474

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

A l l S P O rT S P r O G r A M M e S a n d books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. large collections welcome. Cash paid. Tel: Clive 01749 675456 1960/70’s PlASTiC TOy SOldierS, knights, cowboys, forts, Britain’s Garden, Jolk, farm, tractors, Timpo trains. 07823 443474 GuNS WANTed FOr CASH, any size, any condition, make or model. We collect in any area. registered Firearms dealer.

Tel: 07970 742471

Across:

1. Axes repeat to annoy [10] 6. Steering tree behind hospital [4] 9. Stopping short pair, level light ring [10] 10. See point jar [4] 12. Fag end takes bath beyond pole [4] 13. No way east, no way for bonesetter [9] 15. Initial part where best foot is put forward? [5, 3] 16. Finish in cooker is what has to be discussed [6] 18. I’m left and brought in [6] 20. A pipette causes hunger [8] 23. I rate it on causing repetition [9] 24. When surrounding record in the heights [4] 26. Sounds drippy but fries up well [4] 27. Point a pair towards ghost [10] 28. Dubious creature spotted in eye tint [4] 29. Dear stones for student’s action before test [5, 5]

8. Two scholars, king and queen with companion about junction arranging marriages [5-5] 11. See 3 14. French here, between start and battle partner, in way recognised by authority [10] 17. European has bridge over chaotic raid [8] 19. Trumped-up excuse before the script [7] 21. Stamp devil right above bent tin [7] 22. Confused lies about politician made easy [6] 25. Non-U relations with 6-legged socialites [4]

Solution to Crossword 396

Down:

1. Spot battery in part of eye [4] 2. Helper taking a chance on hill [7] 3, 11. Re bones, try page I, not caring about church or worshippers [12, 12] 4. Iron date in short supply [8] 5. First emperor in camp strongly held [6] 7. Describe once clear [7] 38 THE VISITOR December 2019

Winner of our October Crossword

was Terry Francis of Yeovil who chose to spend the £10 voucher at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton.