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Issue 434 Christmas / January 2020
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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
Answers to: Festive Competition The Visitor, PO Box 1 Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk with subject ‘Festive Comp’. Entries by: 30th Dec 2019. Good Luck!
In Passing ...
B
y the time you read this, Visitorland could be cloaked in six inches of snow – but it’s highly unlikely. As I write this, less than three weeks before Christmas Day, the temperature in my garden is an unseasonable 10C (that’s 50F) and since the last prolonged spell of heavy snow in the winter of 1978/79 such weather has become rare. Nowadays we are so unprepared for it that road and rail transport grind to a standstill on the infrequent occasions that we experience 48 hours of snow and ice. Readers with long memories will doubtless recall the early months of 1947 when 30th January saw the worst blizzards that the country had endured since 1894. 19th century winters were usually very much colder than they are now and weeks of frost, snow and sub-zero temperatures in early 1891 froze ponds and lakes inches deep and ice-skating became the primary outdoor sport. The London and South Western Railway even ran special trains to Sherborne to bring people in to watch ice races on Castle Lake. A century earlier, 1788 saw an exceptionally cold winter – so cold that the Thames froze over – and at the time it was said to be the coldest December on record. Crop yields that year had already been very low, food prices were shooting up and Wincanton historian Puffy Bowden records that the elders of the town were faced with the problem of keeping the poor from starvation. In four weeks no fewer than 910 loaves and 1,205 lbs of beef were given away. The total recipients numbered 474, being 190 adults and 284 children from 73 families. In other words, a quarter of Wincanton’s population benefited from this charity. And in the 1891 freeze the Wincanton Poor Law Guardians were told that the number of local people receiving some form of relief during the second week of January was even higher at 905, plus 39 vagrants. Even in the 20th century, our winters could be as severe as in bygone years. Photographs of the big freeze of 1962/63,
which lasted from Christmas until March, show snowdrifts topping the hedges, and stories abound of people being marooned in trains and cars, of the enormous problems of getting the milk collected from remote farms, of village schools being closed for weeks on end, of the resurrection of the wartime spirit of community co-operation. If it snows this Christmas spare a thought for Visitorland’s farmers who still have to milk their cows, feed them and muck them out, with the added task of keeping the lanes open for the milk tanker. Yet we continue to dream of a ‘White Christmas’ and perpetuate the myth on the cards we send and in the cotton wool and silver glitter we stick on yule logs, trees and window panes. The reality is that our world is warming up, with potentially disastrous consequences. A bleak and sobering thought as we wish each other a happy new year. NN.
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© The Visitor Ltd. 2020
(Items marked ©GT are the copyright of Geoff Thompson)
CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 34 ANTIQUES - 17
CROSSWORD - 34 GARDENING - 30
GILLINGHAM - 25
HOUSE & HOME - 12
LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE - 21 LEISURE - 11
LOOKING GOOD - A Healthy New Year - 22 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 - 20
NOTICE BOARD - 11 PHONE-A-FIRM - 32 PUBS - 26
REMEMBER WHEN - 32
SEASONS GREETINGS- 18 SUDOKU - 11
THEY SAY - 28
WINE & DINE - 29
Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON
THE VISITOR January 2020 3
Mentioned in
Dispatches
Free Charity Wassail on January 18th 2020 at North Cadbury
This is a great FREE family event with dancing, raffle, free mulled cider and apple juice. There will also be a local group of Morris Men who will entertain during the evening. The Catash Pub will again provide a 2 course meal for £12. Please book as soon as possible. Burgers and bacon baps will also be on sale for those who want something lighter. All funds raised will go to Rotary charities. The Rotary Club of Brue Valley Trust Fund is a registered charity No. 1165514.
The Arts Society Mendip What’s On January 2020
‘Kicking and Screaming: a brief history of post war art’. Linda Smith’s talk to The Arts Society Mendip on 7th January at 11.00am at Strode Theatre, Street, BA16 0AB will review key moments in British art and help
us to view the work. This is our first meeting at this venue. Details: www.thearts societymendip.org.uk. Guests welcome by arrangement, tel 01934 862435.
Legendary Explorer to talk in North Barrow Village Hall
Colonel John Blashford-Snell CBE, is to present an illustrated talk in North Barrow Village Hall, BA22 7LZ, on Friday 24th January 2020. The theme of the talk will be: A Life of Adventure - From the birth of whitewater rafting, over mountains and deserts, through jungle and swamp and beneath the sea, JBS takes his audience through his adventurous life, including the quest for a giant mammoth-like elephant in Nepal. A very popular, amusing and fastmoving presentation with dramatic film and amazing archival slides, suitable for audiences of all ages. Time: 7 for 7.30pm. Tickets: £25 per person to include a welcome drink & 3 course meal (further beverages available to buy). Funds raised will be for the Six Pilgrims Benefice. To book, please contact: Peter Jackson graypub@btinternet.com, Sarah Jane Lewis - sjanelewis @yahoo.co.uk or 07817624935.
Colonel John Blashford-Snell CBE in Mongolia with a Golden Eagle.
against the best of the best of the lingerie community. ‘To have won the Personal Touch Category means the world to us and words cannot express this enough. ‘I am very proud of my lingerie department who have exceeded in customer service and given the customer an attentive and personal experience’, Shirley said. So for those 8 out of 10 ladies who are still in the wrong size bra – please pop in and take advantage of the award winning fitting and experience first-hand why they have won this prestigious award!
Another award for Shirley Allum and her team
On Thursday 14th November the Lingerie team from Shirley Allum Fashions in Shaftesbury had an amazing night at the 11th Edition of Stars: Underlines Best Shop Awards at Cafe de Paris in London. They were privileged to be nominated in the 2019 Personal Touch Category for UK and Ireland, and to their absolute astonishment they won! Put forward by Stars: Underlines international jury of brands and outlets and to reach the finals means they were up
Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie with their Best Shop Award for Personal Touch.
Carer Support Dorset has now officially launched in Dorset
Carer Support Dorset have now officially opened their service for unpaid carers of over 18s across
THE VISITOR January 2020 5
partners and local communities to enhance our early intervention and support to carers. Being a voice for carers, Carer Support Dorset will also help to make sure that health, leisure, cultural and social care in Dorset are carer aware and carer friendly.’ If you think that you are a carer, please call Carer Support Dorset on 0800 368 8349 or visit www.carersupportdorset.co.uk to find out more.
Mentioned in
Dispatches Dorset in a celebration at their new offices. The organisation will be a central point of contact for carers; whether by phone or through the website www.carersupport dorset.co.uk and the friendly team will now be able to signpost carers to services that they can benefit from, be that carers cafes, or referrals for a carers assessment. Carer Support Dorset Manager, Anna Elston comments: ‘We are delighted to officially launch Carer Support Dorset and would encourage anyone who thinks they may be a carer to get in touch with us. We can put carers in touch with organisations that can help them in their caring role, whether that’s through financial assistance, respite or simply a befriending service.’ Mathew Kendall, Executive Director for Adults & Housing at Dorset Council said: ‘I am delighted that Carer
From left to right: Tracy Rowland (Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group), Laraine Marriott (Chair of Trustees, Carer Support Dorset), Judy Walker (Chief Executive, Carer Support Dorset).
Support Dorset, following a busy period of planning with council officers and partners, are the first point of contact service for an estimated 1 in 10 people who are carers in the county. ‘This is an important new and additional resource for unpaid carers, helping them to find their way around the systems and to have someone to talk to about their caring role. We look forward to a successful and positive partnership with them, our
The Hunt’s Food Outlet new concept store opens in Sherborne
Leading Dorset wholesaler, Hunt’s Foodservice, which has been serving the South West catering industry for over 80 years has opened a new concept store to supply affordable quality wholesale products to the public, as well as the trade alongside a fantastic range of retail grocery, fresh meat and a packaging free zone. The new concept store, Hunt’s Food Outlet has opened on the old Bradford’s Building site on Digby Road, Sherborne and will be open seven days a week. The Hunt’s Food Outlet will supply wholesale products in a friendly retail environment, and unlike other local cash and carrys’, customers do not need an account to shop in the Hunt’s Food Outlet which means everyone is welcome. The Hunt’s Food Outlet will
stock a unique range of products. Alongside the range of affordable, restaurant quality cash and carry food is a range of everyday groceries and fresh meat. The Outlet also offers a more eco way to shop with a packaging free refill station for everyday essentials such as rice and pasta along with a fresh milk bottle station. Richard Hunt, Managing Director of Hunt’s Foodservice said; ‘The family business had a shop back in the 1930s and it was a key part of the community. I wanted to be able to offer a unique shopping experience again to the people of Sherborne and I think the new Hunt’s Food Outlet does just that. If it’s family value packs of meat, frozen veg, vegan mayo or zero packaging you’re after, the Hunt’s Food Outlet has it all!’ The Hunt’s Food Outlet is open seven days a week and is on Digby Road, Sherborne, DT9 3NW. Visit www.huntsfood outlet.co.uk for more information.
The Hunt’s Food Outlet - new concept store opens in Sherborne.
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6 THE VISITOR January 2020
Th e Old Police Station, Carrington Way WINCANTON BA9 9JS Tel: 01963 31310
advantage of discounted earlybird rates by going to somerstock.com.
Mentioned in
The David Hall earns support from local shoppers
Dispatches
Wells Market rounds off a fantastic year with a Christmas Eve shopper’s special!
Visitors will be delighted to discover that the final Wells Wednesday Market of the year is in fact being brought forward a day, to Tuesday, 24th December. The market will be open from 10am until 2pm in Market Place, Wells. It’s the perfect place to pitchup and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Great for any last minute gift-gathering and delicious delights for your table too. Free parking is available all day across council-owned car parks throughout Mendip on Christmas Eve, including wonderful Wells. Go along, support the city and celebrate some market magic at this most marvellous time of the year. The Wells Saturday Market is on as normal, on the 28th December.
8 THE VISITOR January 2020
The final Wells Wednesday Market of the year is being brought forward a day, to Tuesday, 24th December. Photo: Shannon D’Arcy.
Somerstock 2020 Line-Up Announced!
After the success in July 2019 of Somerton’s first music festival in a day, Somerstock, the line-up for next year has now been announced. This up and coming, familyfriendly, festival will feature 17 bands, 3 stages and 12 hours of music and is already attracting some top-class musical talent. Next year’s headliners are Triple Platinum band, The Christians. With a string of melodic, soulful hits in the 80s and 90s including Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Harvest for the World, Hooverville and many more, The Christians are also renowned for
their live performance. Chris Evans rated them as playing ‘the best gig I’ve ever been to’. Still headed by enigmatic lead singer Garry Christian with ‘one of the finest voices in pop' (Daily Mirror), the band are currently enjoying a major revival and touring the UK and Europe. The festival will also feature local bands Cover All Bases, Al O’Kane and SnakeSnakeSnake and will see the return of some of last year’s most popular bands – Black Friday, Area 52 and Talisman. For a full listing of bands, look out for posters or go to somertonartsfestival.co.uk or somerstock.com Most ticket prices are being held at the same rates as last year and accompanied children under 12 go free of charge. Grab your tickets now to take
Customers at Tesco in Ilminster and Co-op shops across the region are being given the opportunity to provide financial support to The David Hall arts centre in South Petherton. Owned and run by Petherton Arts Trust, which is a charity, The David Hall is renowned for its folk, blues and acoustic music gigs, plus theatre and film; and, more recently, entertainment for children. Tesco has selected The David Hall as one of three projects customers can help by voting for them in store using a blue token. Called Tesco Bags of Help, the scheme gives £2,000 to the winner, £1,000 to the second placed and £500 to the third. The David Hall will be one of the candidates eligible for these prizes in January, February and March, 2020. Whichever amount The David Hall receives will be used to support theatre and dance projects programmed for next year. Meanwhile, members of the Co-op can support the South Petherton venue through The Big Co-op Payout, which aims to donate millions of pounds to local causes. To ensure that The David Hall benefits from this
Mentioned in
Dispatches programme, Co-op customers use their membership card to support cause number 38947. They do this by signing into their Co-op account, which can also be accessed via The David Hall’s website https:// www.thedavidhall.com/co-opmembers-raise-funds-for-free/. The David Hall is part of The Big Co-op Payout from now until the end of October 2020 and using the funds donated, Petherton Arts Trust plans to buy more sturdy, stackable chairs to replace worn out ones, plus storage racking to make the best use of limited space. In the past, the Co-op in South Petherton has donated more than £2,000 to The David Hall, which was used to provide a new screen for Petherton Picture Show and to subsidise theatre events. ‘As a charity, we are grateful for any funds given to The David Hall,’ said Emma Westerman, who is The Hall’s Administrator. ‘Maintaining our iconic building
is an ongoing challenge, so donations which help us with our programmed events – especially those for kids and young people – are a great benefit. We have just launched our extensive programme for 2020 and once again, have included new attractions, not just music; so we have another exciting season ahead!’
Somerton U3A January Meeting 24th January
The next meeting of Somerton U3A will be on Friday 24 January when the speaker will be David Boag, wildlife photographer. David lectures regularly throughout the country to a wide variety of natural history, photographic and general interest audiences. On numerous occasions he has spoken at major conferences for organisations such as the National Trust, the RSPB, British Trust for Ornithology and the Royal Photographic Society. Members will remember that he came to Somerton some time ago and spoke about kingfishers and showed us his wonderful photographs. The group look forward to seeing what he will wow with this time. Monthly meetings normally take place on the fourth Friday
THE VISITOR January 2020 9
Mentioned in
Dispatches of each month at the Edgar Community Hall, Somerton starting at 10am with coffee (50p) and chat. After any notices the main event begins at 10.30am and finishes by 12 noon latest. Meetings are free for members, visitors £2 each.
Our Shop runner-up in National Awards
At a ceremony in Burlington House in London on 27th November, Our Shop in Hinton St. George was for the second time named as Runner-up in a national award scheme to re co g ni se som e of t he m ost inspiring community businesses in the UK. Our Shop was one of three finalists in the Horace Plunkett ‘Better Business’ category which recognises communities that find solutions to their needs through
cooperation and enterprise and the award is sponsored by the Co-op. The shop has been an important part of village life for more than 150 years and was acquired by the community in 2011. Since then it has grown steadily and is now widely recognised for its range of products and the warm welcome it gives to its customers. Chairman David Clements said: ‘We are pleased that once again our lovely shop has been recognised as one of the very best in the country’.
Free 8-week Learn To Sing Course - The Rivertones
Everyone knows singing is good for both health and happiness, so we are trying to ask magazines if they could feature something in either their January (if there is one) or February issue as maybe a New Year's resolution? It will take place every Thursday evening, 7pm to 9pm, from 13 February to 2 April, 2020 in the large modern hall of the Oakwood Church Centre, Obridge Road, Taunton. We welcome men of all ages -
St. JOHNS’ HOUSE Residential Home, Sherborne, Dorset St Johns’ is a beautiful house in the centre of an historical town, for persons above pension age to live. All of our rooms are ensuite and unfurnished. A monthly contribution is payable to include all meals, housekeeping and laundry. We are not a care or nursing home, but promote independent living for all residents who are in good health with good mobility. Residents from all areas accepted. You are welcome to visit to have a look around or to have a short stay in our Guest Room, just give us a call.
● Please contact: 01935 813245 or email: assistantmanagers@hotmail.co.uk We currently have one room available
10 THE VISITOR January 2020
Jillian Fawcett, manager of Our Shop in Hinton St. George with the Horace Plunkett ‘Better Business’ Runner-up award.
young and old. Why not encourage a friend or two to register also? New to singing? There are many men who would love to sing. Most of them never get around to it, don’t have the opportunity or maybe are too self-conscious to give it a go. The simple fact is that just about everyone can sing. This free course will help them discover their voice and gain confidence. Also, there’s no need to worry about reading music, the simple teaching methods will help you to learn a song quickly. Sung before? Maybe it’s a few years since they've sung, if so, this course is the perfect way to ease vocal chords back into action. Regular singers may find the course useful to learn different
voice parts in a relaxed and friendly environment. Everyone will be given access to professional teach tracks and course booklets. The course is completely free and is a nationally recognised singing course which in fact was proudly originated some years ago by The Rivertones whose base is in Taunton, but who have members throughout Somerset and parts of Devon. Anyone interested can contact Peter Elliston 01823 256656 or email peterelliston2@btinternet.com. Further details on our website: www.therivertones.org.uk.
A Somerset Wassail Evening at Somerset Rural Life Museum on Saturday 18 January, 7.30 pm - 10.00 pm
On Saturday 18 January Somerset Rural Life Museum will once more be opening its doors for a wassailing evening where guests can enjoy music and dancing and participate in the Wassail ceremony. Wassail is an ancient tradition observed on Old Twelfth Night. The event will take place in the museum’s 14th-century Abbey Barn and around the oldest apple tree in the orchard. The purpose is to promote a good apple crop for the following year. Site Manager Sue Leask said: ‘We’re very much looking forward to wassailing this year. We will again be crowning our Wassail King or Queen, and we are delighted to welcome back local ceilidh band, Rapscallion, for merrymaking.’ Master of Ceremonies Les
Davies MBE will run the event and Rapscallion will provide the musical entertainment. Doors open at 6.45 pm and the Wassail takes place between 7.30 pm and 10.00 pm. Tickets are £12 for adults and £8 for children (under-5s free) and include a seasonal drink and a piece of apple cake. Booking is essential via SRLM.org.uk or on 01458 831197. Hot refreshments are available to purchase on the night provided by The Grain Store Café and Hecks Farmhouse Cider. The event has been generously sponsored by Hecks Farmhouse Cider of Street. Somerset Rural Life Museum is part of The South West Heritage Trust, an independent charity that protects and celebrates our rich heritage.
January Notice Board HENSTRIDGE
BLACKMORE VALE U3A, Sailing Oceans - Richard & Susan Kidd talk about their adventures sailing around the world. Henstridge Village Hall, Tuesday 7th January 2.30pm. Members £1.50, Visitors £2.50, refreshments included.
introductions and socials throughout the Just Introduction Group. They cover all ages from 20 – 95, and have many new members including younger ones too this year. Every potential client gets an interview in their own home and is ID checked. As a member you get a monthly newsletter. Their socials are varied from NT properties to pub lunches and dinners, dinner dances, walks, coffee mornings and to places of interest. They are also in Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and
now moving into Devon. For more information about Just Somerset Introductions please visit the website or give them a call! They look forward to hearing from you!
SHERBORNE
SATURDAY 4 January 2020: Who really was George Bernard Shaw? A talk by Susan Vincent Digby Hall, Hound St, Sherborne DT9 3AA. 2.30pm. Organised by the Blackmore Vale & Yeovil Association (NT). Non-members £5.
At 6pm on Friday 6th December The Mere Carnival Royals switched on the town lights. Father Christmas was in his grotto at Mere Town Clock, the event was organised by The Carnival Committee. Photo: George Jeans.
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
Advertise your February event here from just £5 for 20 words! (30p per additional word). Send event details by 17th January to: The Visitor Notice Board, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, BA7 7BP or email: info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk.
Just Somerset Introductions, covering Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and now Devon
A Very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year ... here’s to New Beginnings! The festive season is upon us and 2019 is nearly over. Looking forward to the New Year, some of you may have a resolution to meet someone special or make new friends. You may wonder where do I start? You could try to join a walking group, or U3A or friendship group, join an evening class or volunteer or try an online dating site, but they are very different to what they do at Just Somerset Introductions. They have several happy couples paired together this year! On the other hand, if you want to take the worry out of wondering what to do, you could give Just Somerset Introductions agency a call. They offer one to one
Sudoku by T. M.
Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9. Solution to November Sudoku on page 36.
THE VISITOR January 2020 11
How to safeguard your home this Christmas
The new 2020 range of Vispring mattresses and divan beds at The Bed Specialist in Yeovil. which are all lovingly hand made to order in Plymouth. 100% natural breathable upholstery laid on top of pocket springs create the feeling of complete weightlessness and total support.
The Bed Specialist, Yeovil
Vispring are simply the very best quality divans and mattresses on the market and come with a leading 30 year full guarantee. Prices start from as little as £949 for a double mattress in their sale and they will also upgrade the size for free during January with free delivery and old mattress recycling. With 10 Vispring beds to try in
store plus over 55 years’ experience they are confident they can help customers find the perfect sleep. Their biggest mattress and bed frame sale of the year starts from the 27th December until the end of January. Visit them online at www.thebedspecialist.co.uk or in store at 106 Huish, Yeovil, BA20 1AQ for the very best service, advice and prices.
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord or tenant, Christmas often means travelling to see loved ones while leaving your home unattended, so leading lettings and sale agent, Benham and Reeves, have provided their top tips to make sure your property is safe this Christmas. Don’t hide a key This applies all year round but the temptation seems to be even greater at Christmas and many of us stash a key in case of emergencies. While you’re away visiting family potential thieves will conduct a thorough search and often find it. Give a key to your neighbours, family or friends instead.
Up your security Again an obvious one all year round but if you are leaving for a prolonged period of time, upgrading your security system and alarms is money well spent. Today there is a range of products that can bring added peace of mind including video doorbells and security cameras accessible via your smartphone.
WINCANTON SALE
Outdoor security lights Even the presence of security lights with motion sensors can be
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12 THE VISITOR January 2020
enough to discourage potential break-ins so make sure yours are in working order and if you don’t have them, they can be an affordable addition to your home security set up. Don’t forget the garage There’s no point in keeping your home tighter than Fort Knox if your garage is letting the side down. It’s often the first place a burglar will try and many people neglect to secure it, providing an easy route into your home, or at the least, the items stored within it. Keep your tree out of sight It’s tempting to place your tree and the presents beneath it right by the window so all can see your festive setup, but doing so will broadcast to potential thieves that there are valuable goods easily accessible from the front window of your house. Try to keep your tree and presents under wraps and out of sight from public view.
Other valuables If you are going away, don’t leave other valuable items on show or out in the house. Also try to avoid obvious hiding places such as your sock draw as if you are broken into, these are the first places a burglar will look. If you don’t have a safe or place to lock them away, hide the most valuable items separately in hard to find places. Don’t broadcast your absence Traditionally you might have boasted to a neighbour in the street about your Christmas plans or getaway, but today many of us take to social media to broadcast them to the world. Doing so can alert people that you are away from home and leave you open to a break-in. Save the photo uploads for later and enjoy a day.
account. Meanwhile conducting an all-over redecoration adds £4,765 to the house price after costs.
Create the impression you are still home You might not go the full Kevin McAllister and set up a fake Christmas party but creating the impression you are home can deter a break-in. Timed switches for lighting are a good place to start although ensure they come on sporadically not at the same point every day. Keep curtains closed, hide any washing racks or other indicators you’ve not been home for a while. Tidy the garden before you leave and cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries as these are clear signs you’re not home if they start to build up. Even keeping a car parked in the drive can help. Locks and keys Before you go away double-check every window and door is locked and that no keys can be reached from outside of the house - usually through the letterbox.
Check your plugs and pipes It’s not just criminals that can ruin Christmas. Reduce the risk of fires by turning off everything other than the fridge freezer if necessary. We know it’s one of the most complicated things on earth, but utilising your boiler’s timer feature while you’re away can ensure that pipes benefit from circulation in colder conditions and can avoid any burst pipes or flooding when you return. While you’re at it, check that they are insulated and you have no cracks that can be made worse by the freezing conditions.
Check your insurance Double-check your home insurance and make sure you are covered for every eventuality. Christmas is expensive but a few extra pounds on upgrading your policy can save you a lot in a worst-case scenario. Having an adequate level of cover for contents and possessions seems obvious, but check if there are any exclusions in your policy that could render it void if, for instance, you are away for more than a certain number of days. Indeed other variables could influence your policy, such as allowing someone access to look after pets or a non-family member staying in your home while you are away Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, adds:
‘You’re statistically more likely to be a victim of water damage from a burst pipe than you are to be burgled so while the chances are slim, there are a few simple steps you can take to minimise the risk even further. No one wants to be broken in to but it can be particularly devastating in the lead up to Christmas or while you are away, whether it be for the whole holiday, or just the day itself. With opportunist thieves looking for any indication of an easy job, it’s worth spending that little bit extra money and time to make sure you have done all you can to deter them.’
Kitchen and all-over redecoration - good options Other value-for-money home improvements you can make are installing a kitchen, adding £4,890 of value after taking costs into
Landscaped gardens - a negligible difference Landscaping your garden makes little difference to the value of your home. It only increases the value by £3,281 but the landscaping costs £3,000 - so you only gain £281.
Which home improvements add the most value to your home this Christmas
Adding a conservatory is the most cost-effective way of adding value to your property, research from tradespeople comparison site HaMuch.com has revealed. Christmas can be a tough time to sell in a quieter market and ensuring your property stands out from the crowd can cost money. HaMuch.com looked at the percentage value added by a number of home improvements on the average house once you’ve accounted for the cost of the work and found that installing a conservatory costs £6,675 but increases the price by £14,062, or 6.0%. This means you increase the property value by £7,387 after factoring in the money spent on the installation.
THE VISITOR January 2020 13
Loft conversions - a big difference Converting your loft into a living area increases the property value by 10.8%, or £25,312, but it’s an expensive affair. It’s estimated to cost £21,000 to carry out and you may need to gain planning permission, while there are practical barriers, as you may have to alter the roof
structure, add windows and/or a staircase.
Solar panels - a slow burn While solar panels may be environmentally friendly, it’s very much a slow burn in terms of getting value from them. They cost £4,000 to install and only increase a property’s value by £1,172, or 0.5%. Therefore
FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION With over 30 years of building experience — NO HIDDEN EXTRAS —
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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
savings with solar panels are generally limited to lowering your electricity bills. Founder and CEO of HaMuch.com, Tarquin Purdie, commented: ‘Revamping your property is a viable alternative to moving to a bigger home and you don’t have to worry about associated costs above and beyond the price of a job while moving will include other costs such as stamp duty. Improving your home can also help increase its value in the event that you are looking to sell and adding a conservatory is the most cost-effective way of increasing your property’s value. However, not every improvement will add value so it’s worth researching first, although if you want to make a guaranteed difference to your home’s value, a loft conversion is the way to go despite the high up-front costs. Solar panels are the only improvement where you lose money in terms of adding immediate value, but if you aren’t
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(01935) 808456
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looking to sell, you should be able to profit from lower electricity bills on a longer-term basis, and that’s not to mention the obvious environmental benefits’.
Hider Heating
Hider Heating, established since 1973, is an expert in the plumbing and heating sector, working with estate agents, letting agents and the general public in the Somerset area. They offer their customers all aspects of plumbing and heating including: full central heating installation; boiler repairs and servicing; bathrooms; landlord gas safety certificates and general plumbing. Their Gas Safe registration number is 700 so you can see that they have been in the business a long time, giving you confidence that only the highest standard of workmanship is offered as standard - they also have great testimonials.
Somerset gets ready for a heavyweight Christmas
Somerset’s kerbside collections and recycling sites are expecting festive fun to lead to around 2,700 more tonnes of extra recycling and rubbish in January than in December. That’s a 17% rise, equivalent to 6,000 polar bears let loose or 100 rubbish trucks stacked on top of each other. Christmas cheer is set to bring an extra 720 tonnes of glass, 110 tonnes of cans and 125 tonnes of plastic bottles, 560 tonnes of paper and card from wrapping, gift boxes and Christmas cards, and 650 tonnes of rubbish, but leftover eating leaves only an extra 230 tonnes of food waste. With a total of 18,500 tonnes of recycling and rubbish to shift, not counting garden waste, residents are reminded that festive waste collections will be two days later after Christmas, including Friday
HIDER HEATING
Specialists in Installation & Service
ALL TYPES OF PLUMBING Central Heating Systems, Boiler Replacement Landlord Safety Checks and Servicing Gas and Oil Established Over 40 Years Rely on us for all Plumbing & Heating Needs Specialist in Bathroom Designs including all Tiling & Electrics
14 THE VISITOR January 2020
Reg. No. 700
www.hiderheating.co.uk Tel: 01935 426209 • Mobile: 07836 773152 41a West Coker Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2LY
collections on Sunday, and one day later after New Year: Prioritising all that recycling and rubbish means that, as usual, garden waste collections are suspended over Christmas – with the last garden waste collection on Friday 20 December and collections resuming on Monday 6 January. A SWP spokesman said: ‘Thousands of tonnes of extra recycling and rubbish is tough to handle, but our hard working collection crews and recycling site staff do a great job. Please help them by sorting everything carefully before you put it in your recycling box, and taking large amounts of any materials – especially cardboard – to your local recycling centre.’ January sales and Christmas presents result in more items taken to recycling sites in January, including an extra 53 tonnes of fridges and freezers, 52 tonnes of cookers and washing machines, 17 tonnes of kettles, toasters and other small electricals, and 13 tonnes of
televisions replaced to better see all the repeats. Somerset residents are reminded that many retailers offer take-back schemes when you are purchasing a new electrical
item, and many reuse organisations and other charities welcome white goods and other electricals in good condition. All recycling sites will be open 9am to 4pm on Saturdays and
Sundays on 21-22 and 28-29 December, and 4-5 January. All sites are closed on Christmas, Boxing and New Year days – check when your local site is open at www.somersetwaste.gov.uk.
r a e Y w e N n e h c t i K w e N
myhomemaker.co.uk
THE VISITOR January 2020 15
‘The best things you can do with your Christmas tree is to compost it at home, take it to any recycling site, use a local council drop-off or chipping point, or book a charity collection where available. Garden waste subscribers only can add their undecorated tree under 6ft to their garden waste collection from 7 January.’
Festive choice: residents are urged to choose recycled and recyclable materials.
Ilminster Painter and Decorator wins national prize
An Ilminister painter and decorator has been announced as Best Newcomer at the national Dulux Select Decorators Awards. Jason Whitehead was shortlisted in the category in recognition of his decorating expertise and professionalism, in particular his approach to customer satisfaction, combined with his willingness to get involved in all aspects of the Dulux Select Decorators scheme. He was revealed as the winner at the Dulux Select Decorators Awards 2019 on Tuesday 26th November at the National Painting and Decorating Show. Winners of all the categories, as well as an overall Grand Winner, were recognised at a newlook gala dinner championing decorating professionals from around the UK. The Dulux Select Decorators scheme enrols professional decorators who undergo rigorous assessments to become members - they must have at least three years’ experience in the trade and
SALE ON NOW Visit our website: www.fitandfurnish.co.uk
The Old Vincent’s Showroom, Market Street, YEOVIL, BA20 1HZ 01935 412811 Email: info@fitandfurnish.co.uk DIRECTIONS: from Marks & Spencer head towards Court Ash Car Park and past The Pall Tavern. Showrooms 100 yards on the right.
16 THE VISITOR January 2020
Best Newcomer at the national Dulux Select Decorators Awards. Jason Whitehead of Ilminster.
have run their own business for a minimum of 12 months. Jason said: ‘I am so proud to be named as the Best Newcomer. My entry was the result of lots of hard work and it’s great to have it recognised officially. I’m looking forward to showing my customer that we won an award!’ Jason was also a Shortlisted Finalist in the Interior Project over £2,500 category. Vickie Mather, Dulux Select Decorators Lead said: ‘It was fantastic to recognise Jason for his excellent workmanship and dedication to the scheme at the awards ceremony. ‘Being a professional decorator can often be quite isolating as we know many work alone or as part of a small team, so to see Jason get involved so actively in the scheme is brilliant. He embodies why being a Dulux Select Decorator has such benefits bringing those in the trade together so they can learn and support one another. ‘The awards ceremony was a great opportunity to reflect on the hard work and dedication all our Dulux Select Decorators give the painting and decorating trade - as well as recognising those that go above and beyond in providing exceptional workmanship for their clients.’
For more information on Dulux Select Decorators, or to join the scheme, visit: www.duluxselect decorators.co.uk.
Twig’s Woodworking
Twig’s Woodworking is a local joinery company based in the Somerset village of Babcary. With over 30 years’ experience their joiners are as passionate about your projects as you are. Making sure they consistently deliver good quality workmanship, putting bespoke craftmanship at the heart of everything they do. They enjoy working direct with customers, builders or architects alike on listed, restoration and new buildings. No two projects are the same. Their skilled joiners are there to bring your vision to life, whether that’s bespoke windows, doors, staircases, vanity units, bookcases or any other bespoke joinery – they’re happy to discuss your project. All their work is manufactured using traditional joinery methods and a variety of timbers, both modern and traditional. Contact them today for your free estimate on 07590460789 or drop them an email at info@twigswoodworking.co.uk. Find them on Facebook @twigswoodworking or online at twigswoodworking.co.uk.
Bath Decorative Antiques Fair 2020 - Save the date!
After more than 30 successful years at The Pavilion, Bath Decorative Antiques Fair still occupies its own rarified position in the decorative antiques trade – a regional event which enjoys an international audience, and a unique atmosphere, almost clublike, amongst its many loyal exhibitors and clients. Positioned at the beginning of the Spring season, Bath Decorative Antiques Fair 2020 celebrates the garden as gallery with antiques to adorn the home and garden from around 45
premier decorative dealers who convene in the Georgian City of Bath once a year to reveal stock saved for this unique event. The 31st Bath Decorative Antiques Fair takes place on the 6-8 March 2020 at The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath, BA2 4EU. Trade Preview: Thursday 5 March 12noon – 5pm, admission with Trade Invite or Business Card, otherwise £10.00. Open to the public: Friday 6 – Sunday 8 March 11am – 5pm, admission £5.00. Instagram: @bathdecfair Pinterest: BathDecFair.
Left: Bath Decorative Antiques Fair 2020. Garden as Gallery: Rustic Adornments for Homes of Good Taste Shirley Hibberd – 1895.
Fine quality 19th Century London made Bronze Saluting Cannon available at Quillon House Antiques, Bruton.
John Hamblin, Master Cabinet Makers and Antique Furniture Restorers, are a family-run business. Find them at Unit 6, 15 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil, BA21 5HR.
John Hamblin
19th Century Naive School Oil on Canvas. Study of three children. Available at Quillon House Antiques, Bruton.
Bespoke Furniture Makers Furniture Restorers French Polishers
Fine furniture made to your personal requirements and specifications, including bookcases and libraries Re-leathering of desktops, bureaux etc. Dining table tops refinished — A family run business established for over 50 years —
Unit 6, 15 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate YEOVIL, BA21 5HR A collection of 18th Century Gentlemans Silver and Gilt Hilted Small Swords
Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10.00am – 5.30pm
01935 471154 • jhamblin101@gmail.com
Wishing all our customers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
THE VISITOR January 2020 17
Compliments of the season to all advertisers, newsagents, delivery people, readers & contributers and best wishes for a healthy & prosperous New Year!
18 THE VISITOR January 2020
Dawn & Staff wish all their clients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ...
HAIR SALON
45a High Street WINCANTON  01963 34321
SPECIALISTS IN.
★ Tyres ★ Batteries ★ Wheels ★ Exhausts ★ Laser Wheel Alignments ★ Computerised Wheel Balance
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Wishing all our customers compliments of the season and looking foward to seeing you in 2020
The Centre Garage CASTLE CARY Tel: 01963 350243
THE BUTTERCROSS TEAROOMS
Market Place, Somerton (01458) 273168
Homemade Cakes & Scones Morning Coffee, Cream Teas Lunch Served 12 – 3pm
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our customers
Open: Tue – Sat 9am – 4pm
Greenhill • Sherborne • Dorset • DT9 4EW 01935 813451
SALES – SERVICE – REPAIRS
On-the-Premises Workshop Cinefilm etc. Transferred to DVD /Bluray Simon and his team would like to thank their customers for their continued support and wish them all a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
THE VISITOR January 2020 19
MOTORING
VINTAGE Motorcycling
ON THE PRESUMPTION that this issue of The Visitor Magazine reaches you before or over Christmas then may I repeat from last month my good wishes for a Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. May we all have good fun with our old vehicles throughout 2020. I have reported before of my routine over Christmas and the New Year of planning my riding events for the coming year. With the latest magazines published and armed with a calendar I can plot my entire years riding doing my favourite events and introducing a few new ones. Always nice to see new places and new faces and a fresh assortment of machinery. With planning for next year I thought my picture this month should perhaps reflect the golden days of summer we might expect. The picture was taken in the Isle of Man and shows the electric tram crossing the main road at The Bungalow, so called because years ago a wooden bungalow stood right on the corner of the road and tramway. The picture has a mixture of old and new bikes and shows the baron countryside on the top of the Snaefell Mountain. But look at
those blue skies with fluffy clouds drifting by, just perfect motorcycling weather. The Isle of Man is a magical place. I think all motorcyclists should visit there at least once, is it on your bucket list? In some ways it is rather old fashioned but all the better for that. There is an electric railway which runs from Douglas and winds its way along the lovely coast up to Ramsey. Half way along you can depart that train and climb aboard the electric tram and go from sea level to the top of Snaefell, a rise of around 2,000 feet. Exceptional views abound from that vantage as you can see Ireland, Scotland and England. I shall be visiting the island in 2020 and will certainly visit this very spot. Events next and although sparse in the winter they can be just as enjoyable, weather permitting. The Somerset Section start the new year with a meet on the 1st and the following day's club night at Cossington will be a film night. Next on the 12th will be their Frostbite Run. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have their club night at East Stour on the 13th and this will be the Annual General Meeting followed by a quiz. The Dorset Section also have a New Years Day Meet at Sturminster Newton and on the 8th there will be a club night at Henstridge. The Winter Run from Stalbridge
A mixture of old and new bikes in the Isle of Man with Snaefell Mountain in the background.
is scheduled for the 19th and lastly the Breakfast Meet at Henstridge will be on the 25th. For more details please ring 01935-872528. All local Sections will be settingup on the 31st for the Bristol Classic Bike Show which takes place on the 1st and 2nd of February. Always a popular event with thousands of people attending. This event has not been at Bristol for many years now and it seems illogical to continue calling it the Bristol Classic Bike Show. Anyway it takes place at the Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet. Should it not be re-named the Shepton Mallet Classic Bike Show? This is a super couple of days and always very sociable, so a firm favourite on my calendar. Another favourite of mine has always been the twice yearly Autojumbles organised by the Somerset Section of the VMCC. This also takes place at the Bath and West Showground and the recent holding of this event
seemed to have attracted ever more stallholders and public alike. Where does all this rusty stock come from? There must be many more hoarders than myself storing all this stuff. I really must have a good clearout and get rid of the many things I have accumulated over the years but will probably never use. Autojumbles are funny things because we all fervently search through other peoples items in search of the vital part missing from our current or next project. If you find nothing we go home despondent but go home having had a thoroughly pleasant day in the company of friends and like minded people. But if you spot that sought after piece you have been wanting for so long then you go home elated and satisfied. Whatever the outcome you can be assured that in six months time we will all be back as eager as ever to do it all again. Watch this space for next year's dates and do not miss it. Good hunting. Rod Hann.
GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS
All garage doors are different, so as a roller door specialist, (I don’t replace windows, etc.) I can survey, quote and install to your requirements and make the most of your garage opening, as generally no frame is necessary. With the option of automated operation with remote control, a top quality garage door need only be a phone call away.
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
20 THE VISITOR January 2020
G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414
NORRIS BODY REPAIRS LTD ■ Insurance Claims ■ Private Jobs ■ Restorations ■ Resprays ■ Welding Work
Season’s Greetings to customers old & new
South Street • YEOVIL • BA20 1QQ Tel: 01935 411095 Email: norrisbodyrepairs@gmail.com
e t u n i M Last
Brits set to spend £33.3 BILLION on gifts this Christmas
As Christmas preparations reach fever pitch, new data from money.co.uk reveals that the UK is set to spend over £33.3 billion on Christmas gifts this year, with children receiving the largest average spend per gift (£129.79) and work colleagues the least (£20.34). For example, the average Brit earning £28,000 and looking to purchase the average nine presents for Christmas 2020, would need to budget £50.85 a month, based on the UK’s average gift spends. Whilst children may receive the largest total spend on average, that amount differs drastically depending on where in the UK you live, with parents in Belfast spending 70% more (£228.62) than those in Plymouth (£67.73). Across the UK, those living in Plymouth also spend the least on their partner’s gifts too
(£90.85), £15.14 less than the UK average. The data also revealed Brits do in fact have a favourite parent, with people on average spending £63.51 on their mums, 18% more than they spend on their dad (£51.81).
Love Hemp, the UK’s leading range of premium and trusted CBD products, has launched its own vegan and sugar free CBD infused Jelly Domes. Each 60g tin of Jelly Domes contains 40mg of CBD and flavours include Orange, Strawberry and Lemon. Take 14 Jelly Domes when needed and do not exceed 20 sweets per day. Price £4.99. Love Hemp is 100% THC free, every product has been third party tested under strict laboratory conditions and comes with a guaranteed CBD concentration. The brand has a 5-star rating on Trustpilot.
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Best green gift – vegan CBD infused Jelly Domes
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
35 High Street Glastonbury BA6 9HG
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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
Ward & Sibley Jewellers of Yeovil have a wonderful choice of jewellery (including costume) to delight this Christmas.
Christmas all wrapped up at ...
WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil
EST. OVER70 YEARS
Individual pieces of jewellery and exquisite gifts to suit all tastes and budgets We would like to thank all of our customers and wish them a
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
THE CASKET 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065 Car park at rear of shop for customer parking
THE VISITOR January 2020 21
Family Health with Jenna Evans Family Health Herbal
Happy Christmas and 2020 everyone! Hope you all have a frazzle free festive season. This month we’ll be taking a look at 3 more herbs and a clay.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) possesses anticatarrhal, astringent and anti-inflammatory effects. The leaves of this pretty flower are a good example of the ‘Doctrine of Signatures’. The idea that plants that bear a resemblance to a body part can be used to heal that area. Eyebright is indeed a classic remedy for the eyes. Conjunctivitis, irritation, blepharitis, weeping, stinging, sensitivity to light and soreness may all benefit from the use of eyebright – internally and externally. Eyebright is also a prime remedy for conditions of the mucus membranes and as an anticatarrhal can benefit sinusitis, nasal congestion and hayfever. Brew 1 teaspoon in a mug of water, steep for 10-15 minutes. Take up to 3 times a day. This
A healthy new year
infusion can also be cooled and used topically as a compress. The simplest way to do this is to soak an organic cotton ball or cloth in the tea and lay across the eyes for 15 minutes. It combines well with elderflower for catarrh and chamomile for the eye compress.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has antiinflammatory, anthelmintic, antirheumatic, digestive bitter, febrifuge, uterine stimulant and vasodilatory properties. Feverfew is a helpful remedy for the prevention of migraine headaches. This may be due to its vasodilatory and antiinflammatory effects but some research also suggests it can reduce the abnormal release of serotonin and may be useful in the treatment of depression. Feverfew has long been used to treat painful, inflamed arthritis states. As the name suggests it was once used to bring down fevers, although you rarely see it used in this way these days. Feverfew may also benefit dizziness, tinnitus, Meniere’s disease and nausea. As a uterine stimulant it is a useful women’s remedy for sluggish menstrual flow and period pains. Use 1 teaspoon per mug, steep in hot water for 10-15 minutes and drink up to three times a day. A traditional way of treating migraine is to eat 1 fresh leaf a day. Fresh feverfew can
cause mouth ulcers in sensitive individuals. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Fuller’s Earth – So not technically a herb but I have included it here as it is a popular home remedy. Fuller’s earth takes its name from the wool industry as it was used for cleaning or ‘fulling’ wool. Historically ‘fullers’ would knead this clay through wool cloth to absorb greasy impurities such as lanolin and oils. The composition of Fuller’s earth may vary but it consists primarily of hydrous aluminium silicates with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and silica. Amongst other things Fuller’s earth is used commercially in cat litter, for decontamination and industrial cleaning processes and in the movie industry for special effects involving pyrotechnics. What we’re interested in are its skin healing properties such as pore reduction, sebum reduction and the cleansing of bacteria and dirt. Fuller’s earth is used externally as a face or hair pack. It blends well with rosewater or a herbal infusion such as chamomile or elderflower to make a face pack to treat oily or acne prone skin or to firm ageing skin. Essential oils can also be added to suit. To turn a face mask into a scrub simply apply the mask, let it dry and then apply a little moisturiser or oil and begin to gently massage
the skin. This will act as an exfoliator. Rinse well. As a hair mask it can be used to treat dandruff, split ends and greasy scalps. Here’s a basic hair mask recipe – 4 tablespoons Fullers, 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Apply to hair for half an hour and wash out.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) This gorgeous ruby flower has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, hypotensive and mild laxative properties. There has been a resurgence of interest in this herb recently as it has been used in studies to help reduce blood pressure. A few cups of tea a day can work wonders for those looking to manage their hypertension. Hibiscus may also help lower cholesterol, a double whammy for promoting heart health. Hibiscus has also been used to treat coughs, colds and sore throats. It is a sour tasting herb and certainly packs a punch in herbal bug busting brews! Hibiscus can also lower blood sugar and improve weight loss making it a useful remedy for those with prediabetes. To make a tea, steep 1 teaspoon in a mug of boiling water for 510 minutes and drink 3 times a day. I like to combine it with rosehip, cinnamon and ginger for upper respiratory infections. The cooled tea could be mixed with beetroot juice in the management of high blood pressure. Contraindicated in pregnancy. More A-Z next month! ● Jenna is a Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’. Jenna is also a multi-award winning Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil. To make an appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.
Nine Springs Natural Health Centre - celebrating 4 decades in Yeovil!
22 THE VISITOR January 2020
Nine Springs Natural Health Centre in Yeovil provides over 50 complementary therapies. It is well known for its ‘multi-bed’ traditional acupuncture clinic, providing low-cost treatments to
all. They offer a professional, caring and individual service allowing you to take control of your own health and well-being. In 2020 it continues to provide daytime and evening classes in Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Meditation, and Pre-Natal classes. The website gives details of classes and workshops including nutrition, managing anxiety and First Aid for children.
Your Step-By-Step Guide To Better Sleep
You’ll find everything you need for a restful sleep below. Our experts explain how these acts of self-care can help you get your best night’s sleep yet with handy tips to relax and restore you so you’re ready for anything. ● Magic Magnesium Magnesium is known as nature’s tranquiliser, Nutritionist Alix Woods explains, ‘It can help your body to unwind as magnesium works on muscle relaxation and calcium works on muscle contraction. Magnesium blocks and binds up calcium after a muscle contraction and promotes muscle relaxation. ‘It also relays signals from the brain to the body and nerves which helps our muscles relax and body unwind. You may take it as part of your morning supplement routine with breakfast as taking magnesium with food enhances bioavailability and assimilation into the cells. ‘If you’re using magnesium as a sleep support, it’s best to take
A healthy new year
30 minutes prior to bedtime to ensure a good night’s sleep. The effect of magnesium is almost immediate as magnesium is essential for cellular energy. When it is utilised for sleep support the effect is within an hour of taking it.’ ‘I recommend Natures Plus KalmAssure Magnesium Capsules (£11.75, www. amazon.co.uk), which is made from the most bioavailable form of magnesium making it easier for your body to absorb and retain’. ● Think Well Sleep Well The new mindfulness toolkit from ThinkWell-LiveWell (www.thinkwell-livewell.com) has numerous programmes to help support a healthier and happier you – including their Well in Body category which focuses on physical wellbeing and healthy habits. Within the Well in Body category you will find 4 different programmes that help support sleep! Founder of TWLW Mick Cassell says: ‘Babies, lucky things, have almost nothing to worry about, nothing even to think about … so clear your mind, dream sweet dreams and sleep like a baby’. Explore the ‘Sleep Like a Baby’ programme to encourage a deep sound sleep. It takes 21 days to form a new habit so why not sign up to ThinkWell-LiveWell for a month for £8.00 and see how much self-development could help you on your journey to a great nights sleep and beyond!’
An outfit from the Zenia Winter Collection. Your local Zenia Stockist is Preview Fashion Boutique, Wincanton.
Fashion Boutique Market Place • Wincanton 01963 31676
www.previewwincanton.co.uk
WINTER SALE STARTS 10am on 27th DECEMBER
UP TO 50% OFF
THE VISITOR January 2020 23
● Enjoy a herbal tea Start your unwinding process with a comforting herbal tea. The warm snuggly feeling you get from herbal tea is great for encouraging relaxation. Alix explains, ‘Herbal teas certainly help you unwind especially cinnamon herbal tea. Studies show that cinnamon mimics insulin, the hormone that utilizes sugars from the carbohydrates we eat. This process protects the body and prevents the mood-altering highs and lows of sugar on blood sugar. Blood sugar, mood and energy is thereby kept stable, which allows you to gently unwind and relax after a busy day’.
Revealed: The number of calories we'll eat on Christmas Day
● Brits will consume an average of 2 days’ worth of calories on Christmas Day this year ● Brits would need to complete a four hour run or five hour swim to reverse this ● 35% don’t intend to take part in sports or exercise in the seven days following
With the festivities on the horizon, new research has revealed that Christmas really tis the season to indulge. A survey of more than 7,600 UK adults published by
A healthy new year
Decathlon in the Decathlon Activity Index 2018 shows that Brits will consume on average a whopping 4,027 calories on Christmas Day this year. This is nearly twice as many calories than men should consume in a day and more than twice the number of calories women should eat in a typical day, according to NHS advice. The research shows that in order to reverse this, Brits would need to complete a four hour run or swim for five hours. In fact, more than 1 in 4 (27%) said they can’t even estimate how many calories they will intake on Christmas Day. A staggering 86% said they would eat more than they normally would on Christmas Day and a similar number (65%) confessed they eat what they like on this day without giving it much thought. Despite this indulgence, more than a third (35%) said they don’t plan to participate in sports or exercise during the seven days following Christmas Day. Nicola Barnabo, fitness sports manager at Decathlon commented: ‘Whether it’s eggnog, turkey, roast potatoes or Christmas pudding, everyone knows part of the fun of Christmas Day is being able to indulge and enjoy lots of different foods. But it is a little surprising when you consider not just how
many calories we are consuming, but how sedentary our lifestyles tend to become over Christmas. ‘It’s not necessarily a case of needing to spend Christmas in the gym or training relentlessly, but I think this research shows that even something that you might naturally do with family anyway while you’re all together over the Christmas period - such as a Boxing Day walk, a game of football or even playing tag with the kids could be beneficial for quite a few of us in the days between Christmas and new year. And if you find yourself with the time and inclination to enjoy your usual workout or try a new form of exercise, that will be hugely beneficial too! After all, there’s no harm in getting ahead of new year goals!’ The Decathlon Activity Index tracks rates of participation in sport and other physical activities across the year through a monthly, national survey. Decathlon has 45 stores in the UK and sells a variety of sports equipment, clothing and accessories perfect for those who want to get active or excel their performance.
For more information, visit www.decathlon.co.uk
Revolutionary new pillowcase from nanu
Getting your beauty sleep has never been easier with the launch of a revolutionary new moisterising pillowcase. The yunu pillowcase by nanu features a luxury fabric that is enriched with carotenoid-producing probiotics, that are clinically proven to rejuvinate skin and reduce wrinkle depth. Featuring the same antioxidants found in fresh fruit and vegetables, the pillowcase is made of 100% pure cotton and costs £35 for a pack of two from www.nanusleep.co.uk.
The revolutionary new yu-nu moisterising pillowcase from nanu.
Bridge Street Barber Shop Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8.30am – 5.30pm Wednesday Appointments Only Friday 8.30am – 7pm • Saturday 8.30am – 12.30pm
Retsel House, Bridge Street, STURMINSTER NEWTON Tel: 01258 472615 • Mobile: 07782 222590
Bellitudo At The Barn is conveniently based in Barton St. David.
24 THE VISITOR January 2020
Gillingham
David Ayling, Somerset Coins
David has been in the coin and banknote business for over 35 years, buying, selling and valuing for private individuals, as well as helping charities, schools, churches and projects raise funds by collecting in unwanted foreign currencies and out-of-date coins and notes. So, if you have a collection of coins, or simply a box or tin tucked away, David would be happy to make you an offer; and if you are needing to raise funds for your charity or project please do contact him. He has helped to raise some incredible sums locally and will be pleased to talk through, and help you set up and manage any such plan.
AJS Computing, Gillingham
AJS Computing of Gillingham have over 30 years experience of information technology and stock hardware including: PC’s, laptops, tablets, netbooks, Ipods, digital cameras, printers, scanners, computer parts, cables
and accessories. They provide repairs and upgrades for PC, Mac, laptops, tablets and mobile phones. They offer Windows and MacOS installation and troubleshooting. Backup solutions, virus removal, software installation, expert tests, diagnostics and advice. Find them at 18 Broad Robin, Gillingham. Visit the website www. ajscomputing.co.uk or give them a call on 01747 821063.
Station Road Garage 1912
Station Road Garage 1912 are a long established family business in Gillingham, offering competitive pricing and a friendly, trustworthy service for all your vehicle maintenance requirements; MOT Testing, Servicing, Tyres, with the latest vehicle diagnostic technology and air conditioning servicing tools. Equipped for general repairs including exhausts, clutches, brakes and timing belt replacements. Whilst specialising in Peugeot/Citroen,
SOMERSET COINS
they are also able to look after most makes of vehicle, offering genuine part replacement where required. Number plates, puncture repairs, bulbs, wiper blades, batteries, can often be attended to whilst you wait.
Situated within walking distance of local amenities, with a large customer car park on site and comfortable waiting area. Find them on Facebook or www.tyresin gillingham.co.uk for more information.
It’s not just fencing available from Bourton Fencing, near Gillingham. You’ll also find a wide range of hand-made products.
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
Seasons Greetings to all our customers
COIN & BANKNOTE SPECIALIST
DAVID AYLING
07799 880312
EMAIL: DAVE@DWJAYLING.COM WWW.SOMERSETCOINS.COM THE VISITOR January 2020 25
Pete Lambden & Staff welcome you to .....
168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL
And the peal of a bell and that Christmas tree smell And their eyes full of tinsel and fire
THE FIRST PERSON to tell me the song above gets a free drink. Last month Jimmy Criddle of Barwick was first to tell me it was The Eagles and Lyin’ Eyes. Seasons greetings to you all. I have to say thank you to all of you who remembered it was my birthday and sent me best wishes. I am told that 60 is the new 40, we shall see! ☺ We had a great fundraiser for Alzheimer ’s here last month with a fantastic band called ALIBI, with over £900 raised - which is great! We a l s o h a d o u r f i r s t comedy night for a while and it went down very well, so we are having a repeat performance in February. Acts to be announced. Also, in February we have our Charity Gin Night, tickets are available from the pub. Don’t forget our:
New Years Eve Party featuring SNAKEBYTE Tickets are £15 and includes Supper.
It just remains for me to thank all of my Customers, Staff and Family for all the help and support throughout the year I couldn’t have done it without you. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Toot Toot XX ☺
BOOKINGS
01935 424721
26 THE VISITOR January 2020
Pub The
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P. A. BAXTER
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Possibly I am the first to wish you thus; this fine tome being in your hands even before December 25th too, I hope. How is your local pub looking right now? Cheerful and attractive, as is our local as well as a couple of other pubs we have visited in the build-up to the festive season. I find the use of small white lights far more attractive than masses of multicoloured flashing versions. Just my opinion of course. Perhaps this fine magazine could have a competition for the most tastefully decorated pub ... just 12 months to work on that one then. Does your pub ban mobile phones? The Baxter crew have experienced several pubs that impose a fine for those who use the devices – although like so many people, I have to admit that my phone is welded to me. I do
have an excuse though; nearly fifty years in the Communications industry caused it (honest, officer). A friend and I left the women in our lives at home watching television one night and took to what we considered to be a good pub for a retired blokes night out. We were served a fine meal by friendly and helpful staff in pleasant surroundings, which were spoiled by a party who were continually on their phones, plus a child whose 'tablet' was playing rock music! When our meal was finished we cut the evening short thus depriving the pub of more beer sales. A couple of months later the pub closed. Luckily some of the old pubs prevent a signal arriving thanks to very thick stone walls but the Samuel Smith pub chain has gone a step further by banning mobile phones, laptops and tablets. A memo sent to the managers of its 300 pubs specified that customers must go outside to make and receive calls and furthermore 'to receive transmitted pictures of sport or download music apps. The brewery's policy is that our pubs are for social conversation person to person'. One would guess that neither are there 'Free Wi-fi' notices! Personally I think it's a bit extreme as a fine-box for a local charity labeled as such plus a reminder to go outside would do. However how could a fine be enforced – the rather extreme threat of a lifetime ban perhaps? Simply putting a phone on silent/vibrate would do in the even of a call so one could scoot off outside. Let's be honest though; how many of us would really need to take an urgent call in the middle of an evening? (My
Vinny sees in the New ‘Ear with his friend Spike
thanks to regular corespondent Mike Lucas for the cutting on the subject clipped from 'The Week' magazine). The outcome of the General Election will have sunk in by the time this reaches your hands. CAMRA, as the leading consumers champion in Europe has been urging us to contact our prospective M.P.'s lobbying them to look after the rights of not only the beer drinker and pubs but the drinks industry as well. Whilst we might think that society has more pressing issues, it is worth noting that beer, brewing and pubs support nearly 900,000 jobs in the U.K. and contribute £23bn to the economy each year. Anyone who has the pleasure of running a pub will tell you they have a huge tax burden, including excise duties, business rates, corporation tax, V.A.T., service charges, food hygiene regulations and inspections and a host of other pub-related challenges, and all before one customer comes through the door. By now we probably all know that tax makes up a third of the price of a pint, £12.7bn is paid in taxes across the industry, and pubs pay 2.8 per cent of all business rates, even though they account for only 0.5% of business turnover. All grossly unfair, and it really does make me wonder why there are still those who wish to take on a pub. I recently quizzed a landlord about this and all he said was 'lifestyle'! I can only admire him and all those like him who work so many hours each week (probably 80+) to keep their business afloat. As I have said before: Ladies and Gentlemen of the fine English pubs, Inns and Taverns, Landlords and Landladies; I salute you all! There are few self-proclaimed pub game enthusiasts in the world, particularly like yours truly who tends to gravitate very much toward skittles as my reader may have noticed. It was by sheer chance that I happened on a web-site with the selfexplanatory name, vintage bowling.net. Run by Kevin Hong at far away Seattle in the USA, he has an interest in old bowling alleys. Do take a look at his site. We are only early in our (correspondence) relationship at the moment which I hope will develop as he has interest in the American version of the game, obviously, including relatively ancient mechanical equipment to reset the pins, and even to where some of the much older alleys have manual pin-setters, or as we would call them; 'sticker-ups'. These places may seem to be little
Pub The
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P. A. BAXTER
more than a parachronism in this day and age, but yes, they do exist. I wonder what Kevin will make of the dual-alley 10-pin game as played at the only 'skittle' alley in Scotland in the fine old Edinburgh pub, 'The
Sheeps Heid'? Whatever; it would appear I have found a fellow enthusiast on the other side of the pond! Meanwhile word reaches me that the 10-pin venue in Yeovil has been completely refurbished following what can only be described as 'seriously run-down' at our last visit about five years ago. We also hear that the pinsetting machines have been replaced by those hideous devices where the pins are attached to strings that reset them. Yuk! We'll have to take a look although circumstances have conspired against us when visits have been planned. If anyone has witnessed these things and perhaps developed some opinions on what the entire venue is like now, I would be grateful to hear from you. Anonymity guaranteed to protect the guilty, (email below). It's always good to finish one year and start another on an optimistic note, and word reaches me that the wonderful old pub
the 'Butt of Sherry' in Mere is up for sale and that a community group has been formed to hopefully save it for everyone in the town to enjoy. At one time there were a dozen pubs in Mere, and whilst they are fortunate to have two other licensed establishments, 'The Walnut' a much liked and respected pub heavily into the food side of hospitality, and 'The George Hotel', the name being selfexplanatory. Thus it is that 'The Butt' is the last true 'pub'. Formerly the premises of a spirit trader it became the 'Butt' in 1894, a name it has retained throughout the years. It is also the last business on Castle Street! The latest CAMRA monthly paper has an article entitled 'Community pubs boom as rivals continue to struggle'. Reference
is made to the Plunkett Foundation whose mission statement and whole philosophy is to help communities take control of their challenges. There are, they report, 95 known community pubs at the end of 2018 and 148 other enquiries ongoing. More details and the reports can be found on their website. So to all those good people in Mere, all of us here at 'The Visitor' magazine send a message of good fortune for their '2020 vision'. So allow me to finish where I started by wishing you a Happy and Peaceful New Year, and when you are at your favourite pub for the New Year Celebrations, please, turn your phone off! © P.A. Baxter 2020. skittlealley@hotmail.com
DECEMBER
Tue 31st SNAKEBYTE Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil (Ticket Event)
JANUARY
Fri 25th KANGAROO MAN Cross Keys Inn, Lydford-on-Fosse Fri 25th LIVE MUSIC The Old Pound Inn, Aller
AN ADVERT IN THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE MENTION HERE!
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 - £16.50pp 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 ✶
THE VISITOR January 2020 27
Pub The
Pages
The White Lion Inn, Bourton Roars Again
The White Lion is celebrating its fifth anniversary at the end of the month as a Free house. The country Inn was bought as a free house by business partners William Smith and Stuart Knowles. As with a lot of rural pubs the business had an uncertain future. After the closure of the Red Lion the White Lion was the only pub in the village. Luckily the White Lion is happy as a Free House and is roaring with a safe future. As with many small communities, places where village life can happen are crucial to day to day living. Along with freshly prepared food and local beers and ciders the pub offers live music every Friday night and opera evenings, sometimes outside, joined by a well thought-out menu by head chef Michael Bright. A little piece of Covent Garden in this corner of Dorset! The owners try and make the most of every season, be it Halloween, Easter and all in between. With a bar full of character, open fires and stone floors, a beautiful garden and lots of village characters, the pub is continuing to be an amazing success story.
A warm fire and welcome at The White Lion in Bourton near Gillingham.
The Visitor
CAN BE READ ONLINE: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk
28 THE VISITOR January 2020
AROUND THE
H O U S E S IN SHAFTESBURY ... guests staying at The Royal Chase Hotel can enjoy the large heated indoor swimming pool ... The Grill House in Gillingham is open from 8am 7 days a week ... you’ll find live music on Fridays at The White Lion Inn, Bourton ... children always welcome at The Hunters Lodge, Leigh Common ... a Persian menu is available at The Sun Inn, Bruton ... it’s Karaoke Night at The White Hart, Castle Cary on 21st December ... and calling all haggis lovers, see the haggis traditionally piped-in on Burns Night Friday 25th January at The Cross Keys Inn, Lydfordon-Fosse. Trundling on to Trent where a warm and friendly welcome awaits you at The Rose & Crown ... a choice of afternoon teas are served at The Ilchester Arms, Ilchester ... The Lamb & Lark at Limington is a popular choice for Sunday Lunch ... and Tuesday is steak night at The Podymore Inn, Podimore from 6pm until 9pm. Yomping on to Yeovil where a tasty hot buffet is included in the ticket price of the New Year’s Eve celebrations at The Quicksilver Mail ... there’s a huge Christmas tree outside The Pen Mill Hotel ... enjoy cosy dining in the historic vaulted cellar of The Green Room ... breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea is served at The Union Street Brasserie, as well as an evening menu from 5pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays ... comfortable ensuite accommodation is available at The Crown & Victoria, Tintinhull ... always a fine selection of ales on offer at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock ... you’ll find a friendly, convivial atmosphere at The Royal Oak, Over Stratton ... in Barrington, The Barrington Boar is open for drinks only on Christams Day from noon until 2pm ... and when you’ve had your fill of turkey this festive season, try a Snowman Burger at The Stonemasons in Ilminster. Finally ... The Visitor would like to thank all the landlords and landladies mentioned in this column for their support during 2019 and wish them a very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.
They Say That after the recent demise of his trusty drinks refrigerator, acquiring a much larger replacement will ensure a very happy new year for Castle Cary’s Kevan Davis. That North Cadbury Village Store has a smart new window.
That 60 years ago, in 1959, a weeks honeymoon at the Bonnington Hotel in London cost just £28 8s 6d, a West Coker resident wonders how much a similar week would cost him nowadays.
That it is illegal to drive your car if the drivers wing mirror is missing. That Mrs Lynne Penny of Bradford Abbas has been taking punctuality to a whole new level recently. That when purchasing rugs in Yeovil, it’s very handy to know exactly where the ‘resting’ bollards are in the town. That in Queen Camel Medical Centre, the Christmas tree jumpers are very becoming.
That according to Mr Carl Feakins of Stalham, Norfolk’s answer to ‘Bob the Builder’, it’s helpful to be a little lightheaded when fixing fallen fence panels.
That the innovative Wriggling Nativity made a delightful difference to the more traditional nativity play. It was performed by the Pixies and Unicorns of North Cadbury Church of England Primary School with not an Away in a Manger or Silent Night to be heard, just a wonderful selection of songs that the little ones performed with gusto thanks to the dedication and hard work of teachers and staff - simply magical!
That some everyday ‘over the counter’ common cold medicines could get you fined, or even banned from driving, according to the RAC. That Wincanton’s Mr Schatomski has been particularly quiet of late. That in the United Kingdom there are more mobile phone subscriptions than people.
That rumour has it that a stage may be on the cards for St. Michael’s Church in North Cadbury.
That our thanks go to everybody who has contributed to this column in 2019, and we wish you all a Merry Christmas.
WHEN THE TEMPERATURE plummets there are few things more uplifting than wrapping your hands around a warm glass of fragrant mulled wine, or cider … there is something immensely comforting about sipping hot, spiced wine when it’s freezing outside. Mulled wine was originally designed to show off the wealth and generosity of a medieval household and recipes for it go back as far as ‘The Forme of Cury’, a cookery book published in the late 14th century; although 600 years on the pungent results are not quite to our modern-day taste buds. By the 19th century, in her recipe for mulled wine, Mrs Beeton includes cloves, grated nutmeg, cinnamon, wine and sugar, but declares "it is very difficult to give the exact proportions of ingredients like sugar and spice, as what quantity might suit one person would be to another quite distasteful". The Scandivavian version of mulled wine, glögg, which has flaked almonds and raisins added, is often laced with vodka or other neutral spirits, and tends to be more potent, unlike the glühwein on offer at the famous German Christmas markets. Working in Bath for much of this month, I have had plenty of opportunity to sample the wares of the many Christmas market stalls that have taken the town by storm (if you are not a fan of crowds then steer well clear). Sadly, when it comes to warm alcohol, these commercial offerings are often disappointing; weak and lacking in any discernable festive character; spices, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg. At home, for Christmas drinks parties mulled wine does provide a cost-effective way of pleasing a crowd, enabling you to use an inexpensive fruity red, rather than crack open a bottle of your best claret. It is also the perfect accompaniment for homemade mince pies; I have yet to come
across a shop bought one that cuts the mustard, no matter how glamorous sounding. I usually prefer to make my own mulled wine, tweaking the recipe to suit my mood, and I have found that mulled wine spice sachets can make great stocking presents. Delia Smith, who happens to be Mrs. Beeton’s great-granddaughter, adds honey along with orange and lemon to her version, allowing it to simmer before serving. The citrus is a good match with the spices, and I wholeheartedly agree with her addition of Grand Marnier to perk things up. Not to be outdone, Jamie Oliver uses a syrup base, made by putting sugar in a large pan along with some clementine juice and peel, lemon and lime peel, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaves, nutmeg and vanilla, adding enough red wine to cover it, heating it gently until the sugar has dissolved, then boiling it until thick and syrupy. Once strained, this infused syrup can be cooled and kept to use as the base for your mulled wine. For those less inclined towards mixology, supermarkets have been quick to jump on the band wagon, with virtually all of them offering their own ready-to-heat versions. These were rated highly in a recent taste test conducted by the Good Housekeeping team:
Morrisons Mulled Wine, (10% abv.) £3.75 came out top. The panel loved its Christmassy flavour and were impressed by its deep, vibrant colour and its fruity, ginger aroma. Accolades all round for the hints of cinnamon, ginger and citrus, giving a delicately sweet and spiced, smooth drink with a warming but balanced kick of alcohol.
Runner up was Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Mulled Wine, (11% abv.) £6 with its deep, dark raspberry hue, and gently spiced cinnamon and clove
Mulled Wine - a warming drink for a cold evening. Image: irina02/Shutterstock.com.
aroma, the subtle sweetness was found to be pleasant, but the sharp kick of alcohol was slightly bitter for some.
Third in line was M&S Red Mulled Wine, (12.5% abv.) £4. This festive full-bodied wine, with its sweet, smooth finish is suitable for vegans, and has an aroma of zesty oranges and comforting Christmas berry fruits with a hint of apple.
Most shop bought mulled wines are relatively low in alcohol when compared with many red wines on the market but can easily be perked up by the addition of your favourite spice or spirit. The rule of thumb is to heat the wine, but not to allow it to boil, as that would destroy the alcohol, and mix and match with the other ingredients according to your own taste. Some people like to use brown sugar or honey as an added sweetening element, but these can tend to dominate; I prefer to use plain caster sugar. As for adding any kind of spirit, brandy is my first choice, but a slug of good dark rum, cherry brandy or an orange flavoured liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier can be just as good.
MULLED WINE – serves 12 Ingredients: ● Juice of 1 large orange, plus its zest ● 1 lemon, peel only ● 5oz. caster sugar ● 5 cardamom pods, crushed ● 6 cloves ● 1 cinnamon stick ● Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg ● 2 bottles of inexpensive red wine ● 6fl. oz. Stone’s Green Ginger Wine ● To serve – orange wedges studded with cloves
Directions: 1. Add the orange juice to a large saucepan along with the zest, lemon peel, sugar and spices. 2. Add sufficient wine to just cover the ingredients and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionaly. 3. Bring to boil, cook until forms thick syrup (approx. 6 mins). 4. Turn down the heat and add the rest of the wine to the saucepan, along with the ginger wine. 5. Gently heat through and serve, adding the orange segments as a garnish. L.P-V.
Chill-Out Somerset
For all your refrigerated trailer requirements, outside events, etc. CONTACT : Martyn Jones 07973 433586 EMAIL : chilloutsomerset@yahoo.com
THE VISITOR January 2020 29
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OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIE CE 30 THE VISITOR January 2020
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Pictured above and below: Quality traditional English timber craftmanship from Sparkford Timber Buildings and Gates.
Thinking of a new outbuilding for 2020? The charm and quality of traditional English timber craftsmanship is embodied in all that Sparkford Timber Buildings and Gates create in their Somerset workshops. This bespoke approach, attention to detail and insistence on quality is reflected in all facets of Sparkford’s wide range of timber products from the first piece of wood to the final finished article. They apply these same
high standards to their customer service, with over 100 years experience in timber, and a highly valued reputation over generations. Their knowledge and dedicated team provides a worry free service from initial enquiry through to delivery and construction on site. A timber building or bridge, pergola or pavilion, timber garage or gate, workshop or field gate, shelter, stable, summer house or door... all are undertaken with the same high standards in mind.
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www.leeholmesgardenmachinery.co.uk THE VISITOR January 2020 31
Remember when... 30 years ago from The Visitor archives
Bargain-hunting The January 1990 issue of The Visitor was published a couple of days before Christmas and it was heavy with advertisements for the January Sales, most of them starting on 27th December and promising ‘genuine reductions’ and ‘stock clearance’. In those days some people queued for hours outside the shops in the hope of snapping up a genuine bargain when the shops opened, whereas today’s world is one of seemingly continuous sales touted variously as Mid-Season Sales, Black Friday Sales, Cyber Monday Sales, Pre-Christmas Sales, Christmas Sales, New Year Sales and so on. Research by Which? magazine has revealed that many of the claimed price reductions are not bargains at all, and many canny shoppers are using internet price-comparison sites to find the real bargains. Gone are the days when we looked for them on the High Street – but there are still some there waiting to be found. Panto time Another seasonal advertisement was for Yeovil’s pantomime at the Octagon Theatre. That year, commencing on 20th December for the Christmas season (until Saturday 6th January), it was ‘a new spectacular production of Peter Pan’ with ‘lovely Ruth Carr as Peter’, with seats costing from £4.25 for adults and £3.25 for children and pensioners. The current pantomime, ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’, runs from 6th December to 5th January so the Christmas season clearly starts much earlier these days.
Plaudits for the Octagon Further coverage of The Octagon came in columnist Geoff Knight’s report on his autumn visit to the theatre to see impressionist Rory Bremner. He wrote that ‘I was mightily impressed with the setup. When I booked the tickets the service was prompt and courteous. The seats were comfortable, and you could get a drink easily.’ Having not been there for several years, since the days when it was the Johnson Hall, he found it ‘transformed beyond all recognition from the dreary dump it used to be’. Gone was the
32 THE VISITOR January 2020
removable seating that allowed the hall to be used for dances, exhibitions, wrestling bouts and even rolling skating, and in its place were the tiers of fixed seating that Mr Knight found so comfortable, plus all the a c c o u t r e m e n t s o f a m o d ethe rn f theatre – an ambitious, inspiring and expensive innovation by the district council. All change at Bayford Also reported was the impending closure of the popular Southbrook Restaurant in Bayford. After running the business for six years, proprietor Neil Rhodes revealed that the ‘fun, mayhem and madness come to an end at midnight on Saturday 27th January 1990’ and ‘we have kitchen equipment and restaurant furniture for sale’. Meanwhile, just up the road (the A303 as it then was) the Unicorn Inn had been totally refurbished and redecorated by its new owner, Guy Newell of the Beer Seller, and reopened ‘to general acclaim for the reemergence of a real pub atmosphere with no jukebox and no fruit machines.’ These days I suspect the words ‘and no television screens’ would be added.
Did you go to Arthur’s? Thirty years ago Arthur’s Bridge Garage was still trading on the A371 near the turning to Ditcheat and was advertising ‘New Year New Yugo’, specifically the new Yugo Sana 5-door hatchback costing £5,500. Also available were the 45A and 55A Yugo 3-door hatchbacks from £3,700 including free radio/cassette (but exclusive of number plates, delivery and road tax) – cheap at the time for a new car albeit one with few frills and little to commend it. The garage has long gone and I can’t recall seeing a Yugo on the road in years. Roger Richards.
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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 January 2020 33
Classified Ads Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk 30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential. Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit / Debit Card.
Personal
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
IKEA STORAGE UNIT, natual finish, cube design, 8 cubes per unit. 2 units available. Hardly used, buyer collects. Tel: 07483 805766
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. 398 Set by Frank Butler
19
SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BP – to arrive by Friday 10th January.
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 SOS AIR RIFLES & AIR PISTOLS, any make or model. Any condition. Tel: 07970 742471
Across:
1. Picture what is a grim, aged, crone’s portion [5] 4. Former Cowley workers dancing? [6,3] 9. Green coat has grey tail for composer [9] 10. Smooths the way in troubled eastern seas [5] 11. Gently poke note after stirring dung [5] 12. Cast die in full and made void [9] 13. Must his neck be narrow? [7] 15. Retracts and canters around [7] 18. Learners with no faults [7] 20. Sure, man mixes dung [7] 21. Fun cigars floating [9] 23. Run away point beyond returning perch [5] 25. Cover the part which is open [5] 26. TNT menace exploded by law [9] 27. Express delivery? [4-5] 28. Journalist, after parties, took physic [5]
8. Snooped, having beak! [5] 14. Sailors take author to find innkeepers [9] 16. No descent (sic) ? Agreed! [9] 17. Cuts speed but is mistrusted [9] 19. One who houses bees has the shakes when on board [7] 20. Use fighter at speed to change abode [7] 21. Small lakes return in small ship [5] 22. A teasing desire should not be dropped [5] 24. Love writes, and begins thus... [5]
Solution to Crossword 397
Down: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Deter intervention in creation [9] I read, confused but warmed [5] As a cuticle on prime side [9] Risen, am confused with troops at sea [7] 5. Cattle thief makes error, or not, with lust [7] 6. Tribe was something of a romantic enigma [5] 7. Sin is more muddled for evangelist [9] 34 THE VISITOR January 2020
Winner of our December Crossword
was Lesley Ray of Gillingam who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Scenes of Gillingham.