The Visitor Magazine Issue 437 April 2020

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Issue 437 April 2020

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

Small Asian Hornet (vespa velutina nigrithorax) A serious threat to our honey bees and all pollinator species.

See page 9 for details

Image: Dustin Rhoades/Shutterstock.com

In Passing...

F

ew people would deny that Somerset’s present structure of district and county councils is confusing and costly and contains considerable duplication of effort and buck-passing. There is, however, no consensus on what to do about it. A couple of years ago county council leader David Fothergill resurrected an old idea, first mooted back in the 1990s, of scrapping the county and five district councils and replacing them with one new unitary authority. It didn’t find favour with a majority of local residents then, nor in 2007 when it was again proposed.

Since Fothergill’s latest proposal, two of Somerset’s district councils have merged (Taunton Deane and West Somerset), and what an organisational and financial fiasco that has proved to be. But it has not deterred him from pressing on with the production of a business case for public consultation and submission to the Government later this year. In response the district councils are having to devote time and money to producing alternative proposals – resources that could be better used to improve local services.

Their proposals are awaited with interest to see if they are more acceptable than Fothergill’s preferred cost-saving option.

Single unitary authorities responsible for most local services make much more sense than the present two-tier structure, but not if they end up the size of Somerset or Wiltshire. A single unitary authority for Somerset would serve a population of around 500,000 people in an area of more that 1,330 square miles. This extends from Frome in the east to beyond Dulverton and Porlock in the west, a distance by road of around 70 miles (the equivalent of London to Portsmouth!), and contains more than 320 town and parish councils. Fothergill will be hard pressed to convince anyone that this is local!

Ideally local government should be government by local people, for local people, accessible to local people, accountable to local people. Each council’s area should be

small enough to reflect the identity and particular needs of its local communities but large enough for strategic issues to be dealt with cost-effectively. Decisions about local services and issues should be made by local councillors who know their area well and listen to local views. It wouldn’t be the cheapest form of local government, but cheapest isn’t necessarily the best.

Remoteness discourages people’s participation in local democracy, whether as a community activist, an election candidate or simply as a voter. The upshot is disinterested, complaining electors who perceive their councillors and council officers as inaccessible and aloof.

Last year two unitary authorities replaced Dorset’s county and district councils. North Somerset and Bath & North-East Somerset unitary authorities were created a decade or more ago to serve the local government needs of the northern part of Somerset. Would two unitaries be the answer for the southern part served by Somerset County Council, or would the reorganisation costs and democratic deficits outweigh the desired benefits? What is your view?

NN.

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk facebook.com/thevisitormagazine twitter.com/thevisitormag Editor Max Dunion Advertising/Features Editor Sara Danesh-Pour Managing Director Helen Dunion © The Visitor Ltd. 2020 (Items marked ©GT are the copyright of Geoff Thompson)

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Advertising Deadlines May Issue published Thursday 30th April Deadline Friday 17th April

ANTIQUES ‑ 15 CROSSWORD ‑ 30 GARDENING ‑ 26 HOUSE & HOME ‑ 16 LEISURE ‑ 11 LETTERS ‑ 4 LOOKING GOOD ‑ 12 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES ‑ 4 NATIONAL PET MONTH ‑ 19 MOTORING ‑ 22 NOTICE BOARD ‑ 11 PHONE‑A‑FIRM ‑ 28 PUBS ‑ 24 REMEMBER WHEN ‑ 28 SHERBORNE ‑ 20

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

SUDOKU ‑ 11 THEY SAY ‑ 25 WINE & DINE ‑ 23

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR April 2020 3

Mentioned

Letters to the Editor

in

Dispatches Response to funding secured

by Dorset Police for tasers

Sir, I write in relation to multiple articles referring to funding secured by Dorset Police for tasers.

I read with great interest that Dorset Police have received extra funding for more tasers. I know from 14 years as a policeman (and six of those authorised to carry firearms and a taser) that tasers will play a vital role in keeping both our officers, and the people of Dorset, safe.

Nearly 10% of Dorset police officers are considering leaving the Force, so I wholeheartedly support anything that improves their ability to protect themselves, the public and detain offenders.

However, piecemeal funding for essential kit cannot fix the wider problem of police funding. On top of 10 years of Conservative cuts, the current police grant model means Dorset receives the lowest police funding per capita of any county in the UK. This should deeply concern all Dorset residents. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I would lobby as strongly as I can for this to change. A strong, independent Commissioner not connected to any political party is the only way to ensure that Dorset Police has a strong voice arguing for its fair slice of the pie without external political influence that can divide communities and cause distrust.

It is experience, not party politics, which will make Dorset the safest county in the UK. You can read more about my pledges on my website: www.danhardypccfordorset.co.uk.

Dan Hardy Independent PCC Candidate

Alzheimer's Society South West comments on the Budget 2020

Sir, In the Spring Budget Chancellor Rishi Sunak gave no mention of any spending increase for social care.

While the money outlined for NHS and local authorities to deal with Coronavirus is good news, it’s astonishing funding for social care appears to have been completely ignored. This is crushing for people with dementia – including more than 92,500 people across the South West.

4 THE VISITOR April 2020

Alzheimer’s Society’s Fix Dementia Care Campaign hears of people with dementia trapped in unacceptable conditions every day, of families struggling to cover the astronomical cost of dementia care. Coronavirus risks making this crisis into a catastrophe.

There is no excuse. If we do not fix our broken social care system, the most vulnerable in our society will continue to bear the brunt. Cross-party talks must produce a long term, sustainable solution for social care that delivers quality care, and they absolutely have to be backed by investment now to keep the system afloat.

To show your support, join our Fix Dementia Campaign now at alzheimers.org.uk/fix.

Marion Child Head of Region South West Local Services Alzheimer's Society

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St Andrew’s celebrates with 75th anniversary of VE Day

Compton Dundon will be holding a VE Day themed Flower Festival between Friday May 8th and Sunday May 10th.

The church is open for viewing the flower arrangements from 10am until 6pm, with tea and cakes available. There will also be plants, produce and books for sale. The fund-raising is going to the restoration of the bells.

There is a Community Sing scheduled for 6pm on Friday 8th followed by the ringing of the bells at 7pm with refreshments afterwards.

The VE Service is at 10pm on Sunday May 10th with a collection for S.S.A.F.A., followed by a barbecue at 12noon. Parking is on Peak Lane in Dundon with some disabled parking by the church gate.

If anyone would like to have a stall on Sunday please contact Angie Castle on 01458 272371.

Rural Life Museum Celebrates Two Iconic Somerset Events

Two of Somerset’s best-known institutions will be celebrated at Somerset Rural Life Museum this year. In April the museum will open an exhibition of photographs documenting 20 years of the Glastonbury Festival. In July it will highlight the work of the Royal Bath and West Society, the oldest agricultural society in the country, and the annual show that is synonymous with it.

‘Music, Mud, Mayhem: Photographing Glastonbury Festival’ brings together images of the iconic festival during the years from 1997 to the present day. The images have been captured by the Somerset-based photographer Jason Bryant who has chosen his personal favourites for this special exhibition marking the festival’s 50th anniversary. It runs from Saturday 4 April to Sunday 28 June, ending on the same weekend as the Glastonbury Festival itself.

Jason Bryant said: ‘The images capture the crowds and the spectacle as well as the generosity and positivity which are so characteristic of the festival.’

Mentioned in

Dispatches ‘The Bath and West: A Celebration’ has been created in partnership with the Royal Bath and West Society. It will showcase the remarkable contribution the society has made

to the development of farming and the rural economy. It will also provide an insight into the society’s wide-ranging history and the challenges it has faced over more than two centuries of existence. The exhibition runs Saturday 25 July to Saturday 7 November.

Rupert Cox from the Bath and West Society said: ‘We are delighted to be working with the museum to raise awareness of the important work the society does to promote a broad range of

economic, social, educational and cultural improvements to rural life today.’

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

The South West Heritage Trust is a charity supported by Somerset and Devon County Councils and other generous funders.

Oborne Easter Egg Hunt and Duck Race

Oborne will come alive on Easter Monday with children, family, friends and newcomers enjoying Oborne hospitality.

Kicking off at 12 noon from the Playing Field with the Easter Egg

Hunt, children up to and including 12 years may enjoy hunting for treats all over the village. The cost is only £4, and the bags are provided.

The Duck Race follows the Egg Hunt and all ages are welcome to try their luck at the cost of £1.50 each.

It is a special day when people of all ages and generations enjoy themselves and take in the friendliness of this wonderful village.

The residents of Oborne kindly share their gardens and time with you all. Throughout the day there will be a hot sizzling barbeque, tea, coffee, soft drinks and an ice cream van.

For further information contact Nikki Ayres on loul21 @tiscali.co.uk.

Stormzy photographed by Jason Bryant at Glastonbury Festival 2019.

THE VISITOR April 2020 5

Mentioned in

Dispatches The Sherborne Area Directory for Health and Care An update of the successful local directory of health and care services in the Sherborne area that helps people find the right support when they need it for themselves or for their family has been produced by members of The Grove Medical Centre PPG (Patient Participation Group).

The Sherborne Area Directory for Health and Care lists almost one hundred and fifty local providers of advice and support from day activities to dental care, healthcare services to help in the home, not only in Sherborne but the local villages in the area.

The updated directory has grown from its previous fourpages to sixteen pages with additional information that not only contains telephone contact details, but a short description of what each group or organisation can offer.

10,000 copies of the new directory have been produced with funding by Sherborne Town Council and the committee of the Sherborne Summer Festival, both of whom were delighted to be involved with this excellent and much-needed local community project.

PPG member Roger Marsh said ‘Built upon the success of last year’s edition we have developed a distribution network, not only in Sherborne, but in the local villages through both parish councils and community magazines’ More recently a weekly community health hub has been set up in Sherborne Library on Thursdays that has resulted in

L to R: David Birley (Chair - Sherborne Summer Festival Committee); Roger Marsh (Chair – The Grove Medical Centre PPG); Jon Andrews (Sherborne Town Mayor).

the opportunity to personally hand out the directories at the same time as promoting health and wellbeing.

The usefulness of the directory has enabled contact to be made with over forty relevant groups listed to offer free support at a ‘Spring Clean Your Health’ event run by the Sherborne Area Primary Care Network to be held in the Digby Hall, Sherborne on the 21st.April.

The Council will work to influence bus providers, Mendip contractors and business partners, and Somerset County Council, to inform and educate as to the health dangers of idling.

Clarification is also being sought on the legal and enforcement powers open to the Council to safeguard the public and protect air quality.

Unnecessary engine-idling can produce harmful emissions which are linked to lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

Reducing emissions from road transport is an effective way to improve air quality and protect health.

Following the unanimous decision by Full Council to take action on air quality, a detailed

Mendip move on engine-idling

Mendip District Council is to take action to reduce engine-idling to improve air quality across the district.

At a meeting of Full Council, members voted unanimously to explore a number of measures to encourage motorists to turn off their engines when parked.

They include piloting ‘No Vehicle-Idling’ campaigns outside primary schools, with a possible wider roll-out of the scheme to other popular community venues, where there is heavy traffic congestion.

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THE VISITOR April 2020 7

Mentioned in

Dispatches implementation report will be brought to Cabinet this spring.

Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, said: ‘Mendip does not experience air pollution at those levels found in major cities, but we still want to improve the health of our residents where we can.

Especially those most vulnerable to pollution.

‘Small behavioral changes can make a big difference. We must work together to improve air quality for all.’

Last year, Mendip District Council declared a Climate Emergency, pledging to work towards making Mendip carbon neutral by 2030. And in launching its recent Corporate Plan, it placed ‘delivering on our climate and ecological

commitment’ a top priority.

Information about the consultations, plus an online survey can be found here: www.mendip.gov.uk/climate survey.

Checkout the Council’s recently launched climate change webpages: www.mendip.gov.uk /climatechange.

GSMCS flies the MidSomerset flag at National Association Awards

Glastonbury and Street Musical Comedy Society (GSMCS) is waving the mid-Somerset flag at a national association awards night this Spring after being nominated for ‘best musical’.

The society, which this year celebrates its 90th birthday, has been nominated at the National Operatic and Dramatic Association’s SW awards for its production of The Addams Family.

The show, directed by West End choreographer and former Street resident Andrew Wright, wowed crowds at Strode Theatre last April, and could be crowned

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8 THE VISITOR April 2020

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Glastonbury and Street Musical Comedy Society (GSMCS) has been nominated at the National Operatic and Dramatic Association’s SW awards for its production of The Addams Family.

best musical against 16 other shows from across the south west.

Laura Hyde, Chairman of GSMCS, said: ‘This is really exciting news to be nominated among so many other great shows from across the region.

The Addams Family was a huge show for us, and it’s great to even be receiving nomination recognition; if we grab the top prize then that will just be the icing on the cake. We’re keeping everything crossed.’

The awards will be announced at a dinner in Plymouth on May 9. But before that, GSMCS is staging its next Spring show, The Full Monty, at Strode Theatre, Street, from March 31 until April 4. Tickets can be bought online: www.strode theatre.org.uk, or by calling: 01458 442846.

The Vintage Bazaar Saturday April 25th at The Cheese & Grain, Frome 9am-3pm

The Vintage Bazaar returns this Spring on Saturday April 25th at The Cheese and Grain, Frome, Somerset.

Get ready to blow away those winter cobwebs with a bit of vintage retail therapy! The event that takes place three times a year in Frome is a firm favourite with vintage and antique enthusiasts as well as makers, designers and lovers of handmade goodies.

At the event you can find stalls from carefully chosen dealers and makers selling their wares.

Expect to find stunning decorative antiques, vintage textiles and clothing, French brocante and handmade delights.

For more information and sneaky peeks at what you’ll see there

Tickets from £19 from www.barnfieldtheatre.org. uk or the Box Office on 01392 271808.

Small Asian Hornet (vespa velutina nigrithorax)

The small Asian Hornet (vespa velutina nigrithorax) was first seen in France in 2005 in the department of Lot et Garonne.

Since then it has spread throughout Europe, as far as Portugal in the west, Italy in the south and well into northern Europe, including the Channel Isles. Throughout Europe, it has devastated not only honey bees,

but all insect species. In the past two years several nests have been found and destroyed in the United Kingdom, the first being in Tetbury.

During the early spring, mated queen hornets emerge and start to build their primary nests, often low down in sheltered spots, such as under eaves, in garages and sheds. When the first workers have emerged, the colony often, but not always relocates to a permanent summer location, generally high up in a tree where they build their secondary nest.

This secondary nest can be up to

Small Asian Hornet (vespa velutina nigrithorax).

The Vintage Bazaar returns to the Cheese & Grain in Frome on Saturday 25th April.

follow them on their dedicated Instagram or Facebook pages.

Rock For Heroes: Fundraising in support of Help for Heroes - 2 May Barnfield Theatre, Exeter

Following on from their hugely successful first years of touring, building an almost cult following, the incredible ‘Rock for Heroes’ is back on the road for 2020; bringing the perfect combination of your favourite Rock & Pop artists, fundraising in support of the fantastic Help for Heroes.

They will be collecting for this amazing cause, after every show.

Their aim is to raise 2.5 million (it’s a long-term plan). Performed

by a full live rock band and superb singers, complete with brilliant personalities & comedy value this really is a night out unlike any other.

With music from artists such as Queen, The Eagles, David Bowie, Van Halen, Toto, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses, AC/DC, Dire Straits & so many more. You won’t see a bad wig here, this isn’t a tribute act this is simply paying tribute, the best way possible to the legends in music. Escape the 9 to 5 and let your hair down with the Rock For Heroes Family!

Book your tickets today & be part of Rock For Heroes. Music, Laughter & A Rockin’ Night Out for all of the Family, from 7:30pm.

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Call SANDRA BARCLAY, Manager on 01935 472793 for an informal chat 60 West Coker Road, Yeovil BA20 2JA email: info@beechwoodcarehome.co.uk • www.beechwoodcarehome.co.uk THE VISITOR April 2020 9

Mentioned in

Dispatches half a metre across, and, despite its size, can be very difficult to spot.

The Asian hornet is distinguishable from the native European hornet which is more of a reddish brown colour with black legs. The Asian hornet, which is 25 mm long, has yellow legs and a single orange-yellow band on its abdomen. These insects are a serious threat, not only to our honey bees, but to all pollinator species. We rely on pollinators for about a third of all that we eat.

If you do see one, do not attempt to catch it, as it is dangerous, but please do report it to either any bee keeper who you may know, on the internet to the Non Native Species Secretariat website (https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk),

10 THE VISITOR April 2020

or the Sherborne Beekeepers website (www.sherborne bees.org).

Alternatively, there is an app for both iPhones or Android phones: search Asian Hornet Watch.

Whatever you do, do not go anywhere near Asian hornet nests and do not provoke any individuals that you find. Remember: See it.

Identify it. Report it. Leave it alone.

Number Sixteen, Wincanton

Taking a walk along Wincanton High Street, you’ll find the newlyopened wine store, café and ‘micro-deli’ known as Number Sixteen. With a trendy, yet unpretentious exterior, it’s incredibly easy to be tempted inside. And you’ll be glad you were.

A friendly family-run business, the café is a warm and cosy place to work, chat and relax.

Enthusiastically supporting local businesses and promoting a love of all things West Country; the café really is a showcase of the tastiest artisan food and drink the area has to offer.

Taking a walk along Wincanton High Street, you’ll find the newly-opened wine store, café and ‘micro-deli’ known as Number Sixteen.

Photos: Natalie Chaffe.

Indeed, the choice of local wines is amazingly vast, with Sherborne Castle and Langham’s to name but a couple in the line-up of beautifully presented wine bottles you’ll find on the walls at Number Sixteen.

The in-house coffee is sourced from a local business, of course, and delivers a rich bespoke blend made especially for the café. There are also interesting beers, ciders and refreshing Luscombe drinks amongst others to try.

If you’re popping in for a nibble at lunchtime, you can choose from delectable homemade soups and quiches served with green leaves or perhaps select local cheese or charcuterie from the micro-deli to be enjoyed with crusty bread and a glass of wine. Cakes from the deli are lovingly made by Jenny’s Kitchen. Number Sixteen also has its own sticky cinnamon pecan buns and toffee apple buns, which you’ll be able to smell baking in the café oven on a Saturday morning.

Open a little later on a Friday night until around 8.30pm, it’s the ideal place to stop by for an enjoyable after-work drink or cosy gathering.

Castle Cary Museum announces the opening of its 2020 Season

The Castle Cary Museum are pleased to announce the opening of its 2020 Season on Wednesday 1st April.

The Exhibitions include: Did Queen Victoria really drop her knickers in Castle Cary? Believe it or not, there is a pair on display in the museum if you want to see them. They are over 100 years old and still in very good shape.

Castle Cary and Royalty: You might be thinking what has Castle Cary got to do with Royalty? Castle Cary is not Windsor or Sandringham.

You may be surprised to learn that Cary’s connections with Royalty go back to William the Conqueror and through the centuries to the present day.

There’s even a cannon ball involved in the Castle Cary and Royalty story! There is lots to find out which will be of interest to both adults and children.

Castle Cary Firefighters in the museum: Meet local firefighting heroes and learn about the history of firefighting in Castle Cary since 1764 to the present day. The changes, the equipment, female fire fighters, historic fires and recent dramatic rescues.

The crews that rescue and protect also play a big part with fund raising, carnival and memorials for the local community. Castle Cary values it’s fire service.

Opening Hours: Weekdays: 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2.00pm 4.00pm, Saturday: 10.30am 12.30pm. Open Bank Holidays.

Free Admission.

outbreak. Gartell do not wish visitors to contract or pass on the virus whilst visiting the railway.

Please look out for further announcements about future

open days, either in The Visitor or online at facebook.com /groups/gartell. Rest assured, The Gartell Light Railway will be back!

What Does Dating Mean?

April Notice Board EXETER

ROCK FOR HEROES, Fundraising in support of Help for Heroes. Music, Laughter & A Rockin’ Night Out for all of the Family! Barnfield Theatre, Exeter, 2nd May 2020, 7:30pm.

Tickets £19. www.barnfield theatre.org.uk. 01392 271808.

KINGTON MAGNA

KINGTON MAGNA STREET FAYRE, Saturday 6th June 11am - 4pm. Stalls still available. Ring Alma Floyd 01747 838669.

KINGTON MAGNA CHURCH Artisan Coffee & Crafts. Saturday 18th April, 10am - 12pm. Crafts, art, plants, cakes. Stalls still available. Ring Alma on 01747 838669.

MARTOCK

THE LYRA SINGERS on 30th April 2020. Graduates of the St Petersburg Conservatoire, their repertoire consists of traditional Russian Orthodox religious songs and Russian Folk Songs. 19:30 at Martock Church; Church Street; MARTOCK; TA12 6JL. Tickets: £10 or £9 at Martock Gallery/Newsagent or 01935 829576. www.martockonline .co.uk/events, www.facebook .com/Lyra.UK. ADVERTISE YOUR MAY event here from just £5 for 20 words!

(30p per additional word). Send event details by 20th April to: The Visitor Notice Board, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, BA7 7BP or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk.

It means when you are seeing somebody specific with purpose and on a regular basis.

It was called courting many years ago, but courting couples intend to become engaged and get married. When dating, a couple may not have any specific expectations from the relationship, but they are just having fun and see where it goes.

You like that person and you are trying to get to know them better in the hope you’ll find a committed relationship. You spend time doing things together.

You can see yourself settling down with the person you see regularly. Dating comes down to intention and because you are interested in a future there, you are dating them.

It’s not exclusivity, being exclusive requires a frank conversation about what each party wants. Regardless of how much time has passed, two people being committed to each other requires that awkward conversation always.

You must be honest with the other person about what you want and what you are looking for in your relationship. Good communication is the key to any good relationship.

Hope this helps. For those of you that have started dating someone good luck! However, if you are single and would like to be dating someone why not consider Just Somerset Introductions, details on their advert and on the website.

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

By John Osborne  Answers can be found on page 25 

1) Name the band consisted of Jim, Caroline, Sharon and Andrea?

2) Which Beatles song starts: ‘How Does It Feel to Be, One of the Beautiful People?’

3) ‘Deacon Blue’ come from which city?

4) Who said 'Hold My Hand' in the charts of April 2015?

5) Twenty years ago this month Madonna was singing what song?

(Clue: cover of a classic) 6) Who sang lead on the Doobie Brothers classic ‘What a Fool Believes’?

7) What rockers sang about ‘My Brother Jake’?

8) Name the female who has trouble with 'Stupid Love' at the moment.

9) Which afternoon of the week did the 'Moody Blues' once sing about?

10) Who sang about the ‘Wichita Lineman’?

Bonus question Name the band formed in 1968 initially as the 'Polka Tulk Blues Band'.

Great Quotes in Music (119) “Music is a language that doesn’t speak in particular words. It speaks in emotions, and if it’s in the bones, it’s in the bones.” ― Keith Richards

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 March Sudoku on page 28.

Gartell Light Railway

It is with much regret that the first two open days of 2020, namely Easter Monday, 13th of April and Sunday 3rd of May are cancelled due to the coronavirus

Rock For Heroes, Fundraising in support of Help for Heroes at Barnfield Theatre, Exeter, 2nd May 2020, 7:30pm.

THE VISITOR April 2020 11

The Mom Jean vs. The Skinny Jean

For most of last two decades, the ‘skinny’ has been our wardrobe staple and go to style of jeans.

This fashion wave was undeniably helped along by the iconic Kate Moss, who wore her faded black skinnies with such effortless style and cool in the mid to late nineties, that we just had to jump on the bandwagon.

Kate Moss as the face of Mango rocking a more straight leg skinny of late. Image: Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock.com.

Since the noughties, we simply haven’t been able to get enough of the skinny jean vibe. And it’s not just the fashion set strutting around in skin tight unforgiving denims; the best-selling style of jeans in M&S over the last few years has been -you guessed itthe skinny.

Paired with ballet pumps, stilettos, cute ankle boots or long sexy leather boots, time and time again, our skinnies have been our faithful friend. Versatile beyond all expectation.

That was until the last few seasons when, awash the catwalks of various Fashion Weeks, something new and unexpected emerged; the bootcut, the flared, the flared bootcut, the boyfriend, the girlfriend, patchwork jeans (seriously?), slouchy comfy jeans. Baggy jeans just like the ones I wore a couple of decades ago, desperately trying to look like an extra member of All Saints.

Possibly one of the biggest surprises of all has been the rise of the Mom Jean - or Mum Jean 12 THE VISITOR April 2020

if you’re not keen on Americanisms.

The cousin to a pair of faded blue, high wasted Levi 501’s my own mother wore till they fell apart in the 80’s, mom jeans are just that – something your mum would wear. Except most mums these days are wearing skinnies.

So with a wardrobe full of 17 pairs of skinny jeans in every colour of the rainbow, how do we keep ourselves fashion forward in 2020?

Faced with this prospect coupled with a long-standing passion for all things thrifty, I decided to take on the mom jean challenge. On a mission to embrace this fashion trend without breaking the bank, just in case it doesn’t catch on, I took myself off to the local Charity Shop and bought a lovely pair of straight leg Zara jeans. Armed with a pair of blunt scissors, 2 to 3 inches of denim were hacked off the bottom, which left the jeans slightly higher than ankle grazers.

Now to loosen up the bottoms.

Snipping of a stich or two either side made the bottoms slightly looser and gave the desired look; a pair of jeans I wouldn’t have been seen dead in a few years ago.

Therefore, for the cost of a fiver and a bit of fun putting your own creative mark on them, a preloved pair of charity shop jeans have been transformed into an item worthy of the catwalk.

Well, almost.

SD-P.

Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie, Shaftesbury

The new season’s Spring fashions are arriving daily. The trouser and jean department is brimming with new styles and colours in sizes 4 - 28. With over 2,500 pairs in stock from Brax, Robell, NYDJ, and many more, the choice is endless.

Designs from Frank Lyman in lime and black are perfect for that special occasion and there’s an enormous selection of hats and fascinators in an array of styles and colours to compliment any outfit. The new collections from Joules, Seasalt and White Stuff are now in.

In the shoe department you’ll find summer sandals are arriving, but you can still pick up a bargain with £20 off winter boots, while stocks last.

Sorting out your lingerie

The Triumph ‘Fit Smart’ range is available at Shirley Allum of Shaftesbury.

drawer? Don’t forget to bring your old bras in to the shop. They have collected over 30,000 so far, in aid of the Dorset Air Ambulance.

8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra. Are you one

of them? Take advantage of their free bra fitting service by trained staff, winners of the Personal Touch category for the UK and Ireland 2019. Do pop in, they look forward to assisting you.

Preview, Wincanton

With warmer weather and wedding season fast approaching, finding the perfect outfit has never been more at the forefront of our minds.

Whether you’re attending a wedding, Ladies Day at the Races, a Royal Garden Party or indeed any special occasion, Preview of Wincanton have a superb range of beautiful attire so you can feel wonderful on the big day.

Designers such as Allison featuring 100% silk in their collection priced around £349 and Veni Infantino from Ronald Joyce at £599 are amongst the exquisite ensembles in stock.

To complement your outfit, you’ll find a wide range of fascinators and hats. They hold Failsworth and Jane Anne Designs hats, and can order styles and colours in for you if they don’t have what you’re looking for when you pop in.

Royal Ascot’s Style Guide advises that hats should be worn, but that a headpiece which has

a solid base of 4 inches or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Preview holds beautiful fascinators on bands in a rainbow of colours.

Fascinators from just £19, hats from £49.

When it comes to matching shoes and bags, Preview have a gorgeous collection, offering comfort and style in a wide range of sizes and colours, with Lunar shoes starting from £59 and bags from £35.

Preview now stock Aqua Blu - an iconic Australian swimwear brand.

New to the UK, Preview now hold Aqua Blu, an iconic Australian swimwear brand of undeniable quality. With on-trend styles and prints, the fit is comfortable and flattering. The collection is designed so that you can feel confident and empowered whilst looking your absolute best.

Anna and her friendly team at Preview offer a warm and professional welcome in a relaxed environment for you to browse and try on their extensive range of special occasion outfits, day to evening wear and swimwear.

Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

Ward & Sibley of Yeovil - Jewellers with a personal service.

WARD & SIBLEY Fashion Boutique Market Place • Wincanton  01963 31676

www.previewwincanton.co.uk

The Jewellers of Yeovil

AS GOOD AS NEW! Our repair section of the business is pleased to offer:

 Complete refurbishment of jewellery –

Specialist in Mother of the Bride & Groom

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

 Jewellery handmade to your own design  Seal, hand, and machine engraving  Pearl and bead re-threading  Watch repairs –

including battery replacement

Exclusive to Wincanton.

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

A warm & friendly welcome awaits you.

VALUATIONS

for insurance and probate FOR A PROMPT, RELIABLE & FRIENDLY SERVICE THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065 Car Park at Rear for customers while visiting the shop THE VISITOR April 2020 13

Family Health with Jenna Evans Family Health Virus Busters

I’M TAKING A BREAK from the herbal a-z this month.

Considering the current viral outbreak, I thought it would be good to refresh ourselves on the myriad remedies that can help boost our immunity.

The novel Coronavirus Covid19 is of course far too new for us to have any evidence of substances that can specifically target the strain. We do however know what nutrients can help increase our immunity and have general anti-viral activities. Like all infectious disease, the health of the individual’s biological terrain will play a big role in how we can fight off the invaders.

The physicians of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service and the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine urge a nutrient-based method to prevent or minimize symptoms for future viral infection. The following supplemental levels are recommended for adults – Vitamin C: 3,000 milligrams (or more) daily, in divided doses; Vitamin D3: 2,000IU daily.

(Start with 5,000IU for two weeks, then reduce to 2,000IU); Magnesium: 400mg daily (in citrate, malate, chelate or chloride form); Zinc: 20mg daily; Selenium: 100mcg daily.

Vitamin C - At the first sign of feeling low, I Vitamin C load. You know the tell-tale tickle in the throat or that feeling in your chest when a bug is brewing? I take 1g of Vitamin C every couple of hours for as many doses as I feel is doing the trick. This has saved me more times than I can remember.

You’ll know if you have too much as you’ll reach what's called bowel tolerance -i.e.

Diarrhoea! I’ve found when I’m fighting off the beginning of a cold I can tolerate many more grams than is usual, showing how the body’s needs increase during infection. I also like to mix a cheap high strength tablet with the top of the range liquid liposomal C. This interesting form of Vitamin C is thought to have a greater effect in the body tissues and be as close to taking large doses of intravenous C as you can get from a supplement.

Vitamin D - Make sure you’re getting plenty of Vitamin D. Our levels can plummet during the Winter and there’s good research to suggest that even the sun worshippers among us don't make enough D to store through the cold months. Although most famous for bone health, Vitamin D helps modulate the immune system, helping prevent infection.

Evidence also suggests Vitamin D may help reduce asthma attacks.

Magnesium - There is evidence that low magnesium levels may impair immune function.

Magnesium is also involved with relaxation of bronchial spasm and has been studied in relation to asthma.

Zinc - An essential mineral for the immune system, Zinc may be helpful in preventing common viral infections. A popular way to take the supplement is in the form of a lozenge or suckable tablet to coat the throat.

Selenium - Helps support antioxidant activity and may reduce oxidative stress and viral load.

Beta Glucans - Specifically Beta 1,3 1,6 Glucans. Found in mushrooms and the cell walls of yeasts this family of Beta Glucans has a very interesting effect on our immune systems. When ingested the 1,3 1,6 Glucans make their way through the stomach and on to our small intestines where special areas of lymphatic tissue known as Peyer’s patches take them in.

Cells such as macrophages that are part of our immune system can be found in these tissues.

Macrophages sweep about the body, ‘eating’ invaders, making them a very useful part of our defences.

Macrophages actually have receptors or ports on them that allow these Glucans to attach.

Once present 1,3 1,6 Glucans seem to have a strong immune priming effect, switching our macrophages onto a higher level of alert and making them more effective enemy scavengers. A Beta Glucans supplement is one of my staples throughout the winter months or when lurgies are doing the rounds. Look for a tablet that also contains immune helpers such as the Vitamins C&D and Zinc.

Colloidal Silver - I always have Colloidal Silver on hand too. In a spray bottle, this antimicrobial makes a useful remedy for sore throats, ear infections and sinus conditions. A small dose can be used daily as prevention. Silver has shown some promise when studied in relation to a similar coronavirus.

Echinacea - An immune staple, hugely popular through the winter months. Echinacea is best when used as an ongoing prevention and ‘primer’ for the immune system when bugs are doing the rounds.

Elderberry - A veritable medicine chest all by itself - the

14 THE VISITOR April 2020

leaves, flowers, berries and bark have all been used as medicines.

The elderberries are anti-viral, anti-catarrhal, anti-allergic and immune boosting. I keep a bottle of Lamberts Imuno-strength to hand all through the Winter. I find this blend of Elderberry, Rosehip & Blackcurrant is really helpful for preventing infections, makes a feel-good healing tea when mixed with hot water and a pinch of cinnamon, and tastes pretty good to boot.

Liquorice - Glycyrrhizin, an active constituent of liquorice roots, has been shown to exhibit potent inhibitory activity against viral replication. Liquorice is also wonderfully soothing for the respiratory tract and I will certainly be starting to include regular liquorice teas in my immunity toolbox. Make sure you use the herb though and not the sweet which is mostly sugar!

Olive Leaf - Has demonstrated antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial and cardioprotective effects.

There are many other herbs of note including andrographis, garlic and oregano so this list is by no means exhaustive. Be sensible, stay safe and if you have any underlying health conditions always consult with a health professional before taking supplements.

I do hope you are all staying healthy and that however this plays out we can come together, look after each other and express only the best parts of our human nature.  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.

The Visitor CAN BE READ ONLINE

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

The Antique Tourist A very handy guide!

TV SHOWS featuring antiques have helped to ‘spread the word’ that getting out and hunting for bargains is a pleasant pastime.

A trip down memory lane is a great way to explore towns and villages you may not have previously found. Browsing around shops, warehouses and markets provide opportunities to buy that odd curiosity, birthday gift, or even something cheap enough to sell on! After all, that is what antiques dealers do in real life!

‘The Antiques Tourist’ publication is a very handy guide to appropriate businesses and venues around the counties of Dorset, Devon and Somerset, where antiques, vintage, retro and reclamation will be found.

In convenient A5 format, the publication fits easily into a pocket, handbag, glove-box or rucksack. Produced annually, the 5th edition, for 2020 is about to be distributed.

The cover features an

Edwardian lady touring on her (‘Hercules’?) cycle. The contents are classified by county, and this year the first county is Devon.

To assist you on your tour of Devon, the editorial team provide an in-depth 3-page ‘road-trip’ around Devon, visiting all the advertisers in this year’s Devon section.

Exploring the publication further, take a look at the centrespread. This is an indexed map of all the advertisers across the 3 counties. And a quick count-up reveals 97 venues! So that’s a lot of antiquing to get done!

What a great publication – 56 pages of really useful information. Pick up your copy soon. Available at all good antiques, vintage, retro and reclamation establishments or online at www.theantiques tourist.com.

The Teddy Bear

Teddy Bears are often a firm favourite with children from tiny tots right up until the teen years, with many adults being fans too.

Considering how popular teddy bears are, it’s surprising how few know the interesting history behind the teddy.

The first teddies were produced in the early 1900s by two toy makers: Morris Mitchom and Richard Steiff in the US and Germany respectively. It’s widely recognised that the name ‘Teddy’ given to the bears was in honour of the president of the US at the time - Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt - after a bear hunting trip in Mississippi in 1902.

Since the very first teddy bear came to life following that eventful trip, there have been hundreds and thousands of bears bringing joy and happiness to children and adults alike.

Rupert Bear in his red jumper with checked scarf, Paddington with his brown suitcase and many, many more.

Going back to how it all began, the earliest produced bears were made to resemble real bears and as such featured quite beady eyes and long snouts; not quite

as cute and cuddly as today’s bears. The fur or fabric and the stuffing, in addition to the eyes and snout, provide useful clues when trying to determine the age of a bear and its maker.

As antique and interesting as they are, bears from the beginning of the last century weren’t viewed as collectors’ items until the 1970s. Depending on the origin and production number of the particular bear in question, today vintage Teddy Bears can be highly sought after and command a high price.

Indeed the oldest surviving teddy bear is a Steiff bear made in 1904. In 2000, this wise old teddy was sold in Germany, fetching in the region of £80,000£90,000.

SD-P.

SOMERSET COINS COIN & BANKNOTE SPECIALIST

I am keen to buy all coins, banknotes & tokens DAVID AYLING

07799 880312

Please call me, or use the ‘contact me’ page on the website

EMAIL: DAVE@DWJAYLING.COM WWW.SOMERSETCOINS.COM THE VISITOR April 2020 15

Homemaker, Shaftesbury and Warminster

THE KITCHEN is the heart of the home, so creating an attractive, comfortable and particularly welcoming space is paramount.

Your Kitchen can be a hub and a haven; a place to cook for family and friends, chat over coffee, relax with an evening glass of

wine, and for children to do their homework after a busy day at school.

Established in 1992, Homemaker are a family run independent kitchen designer, offering outstanding customer service and competitive prices.

From contemporary and bold colours to the more traditional painted finishes, they are here to

Homemaker stock Smeg products including range cookers and fridges in the iconic 50s style.

16 THE VISITOR April 2020

help you choose the kitchen that best suits your requirements and style.

A personal and bespoke service is offered by the highly skilled and experienced in-house team who love helping you create your perfect kitchen, from the initial vision to the installation.

Soon to arrive in Shaftesbury is the brand-new showroom featuring the latest concepts in kitchen design, with elegant units balancing practicality and beauty.

Homemaker supply a wide range of cookers and appliances from leading manufacturers such as Bosch, Hoover, Belling, Smeg and Samsung amongst many others and also offer a fast and efficient delivery service, usually within 24 hours from stock. You can find further details in-store and on their website at myhomemaker.co.uk.

You can also call 01747 851 476 for the Shaftesbury branch or 01985 219200 for the Warminster branch. The Shaftesbury branch has a large free car park.

Get your house ready for Spring

Now that the worst of winter is behind us HaMuch.com has highlighted eight areas where paying out a few hundred pounds for DIY materials or a skilled tradesperson could save you big compared to the worst-case scenarios of calling in professional help if the problem is left neglected for months on end.

Checking the pipes

The cold winter months can cause damage and blockages within our pipes and as the weather thaws it’s important to check everything is still in working order.

It can be relatively cheap to pick up pipe cleaning kits and solutions but it’s even worth the cost to have them professionally cleaned.

Why? Even the most basic of blockage removals can cost as much as ÂŁ100 and the cost of a brand new system can spiral even further!

Fencing

Fencing can often take a battering during the winter, particularly with the strong winds seen in recent weeks.

Fence panels can cost as little as £20 a piece, with posts coming in at around the same price so if you have a hole in your fence it pays to fix it quickly. The longer you leave it the more likely it is that the damage will spread due to the weak link.

The Roof

Much like a fence, a little damage to the roof can be quick and cost next to nothing to repair. A minor roof repair could come in at around £100, but leave it and let the damage spread and you’re looking at a lot more for a substantial repair.

Gutters and Downpipes

These are easily damaged or blocked when the weather is poor and leaves are falling from the trees. Having them cleaned professionally is a good shout and costs as little as £5 a metre. Leave it until the damage is done and you’re looking at £30 per metre for a replacement gutter and £25 for a new downpipe, which can soon spiral into hundreds of pounds.

Patio and Decking

Patio and decking is usually pretty durable stuff but it still needs some TLC. Cleaning materials can cost as little as £15 or a few hundred pounds to either hire a professional cleaner or to buy your own machine. A completely new patio, however, will set you back £1,500 while new decking comes in at £800 on average.

Brickwork

Brickwork is your primary defense against the seasons and just like your roof it can take a battering during the winter. The freeze and thaw process can cause the pointing between bricks to degrade and this can cause major problems if left as it is.

In this instance, it’s best to get the help of a professional and repointing will cost between £20£30 per square metre from a good tradesperson.

Paint Protection

It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about the inside or outside of your home, paint is your property’s first line of defense against the elements and the rigors of day to day life. Cracks may seem like a small problem but they soon spread causing the paint to flake, in turn leaving the soft underbelly of your home exposed.

Keeping on top of the job yourself can mean forking out for paint and materials for as little as £35. Caving in and hiring a professional because your home has passed the point of DIY return could cost you a lot more.

The Garden

Last but not least, the garden is another area that gets woefully neglected over the winter months. It can seem a mammoth task but rolling up your sleeves with £50 worth of maintenance materials is far cheaper than leaving it until it requires a professional gardener, which usually comes in at £50 an hour with a minimum of two to three hours work required.

Conclusion

With these tips, you should find a good balance between DIY jobs you can handle yourself and the smaller jobs that require a bit of budget for a skilled tradesperson.

But by keeping on top of them and catching them in the early stages, you’ll end up spending a few hundred pounds, rather than thousands.

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.

Sustainability, recyclability and modularity combine to indicate medium-term growth prospects for flooring

Interior design trends, sustainability and recycling are the key drivers that have seen the value of the UK modular floorcoverings market increase by 18% between 2014-19 according to a new report by AMA Research. However, the growth rates in 2018-19 have been modest as both consumer and business confidence levels have been eroded by the uncertainties created in the wider economy by the ongoing Brexit saga.

Encompassing carpet tile, vinyl tile, floor tiles (including ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles) and other niche products, the market for modular flooring products is highly competitive and increasingly price sensitive.

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

Reg. No. 700

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

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

All works completed by our experienced and reliable team

SERVICES INCLUDE but not limited to: Project Management ★ New Build Planning ★ Loft Conversions Carpentry ★ Roofing Ground Works ★ Refurbishment Renovation ★ Commercial Property Maintenance ★ Joinery All aspects of Building and Maintenance All Insurance Works Undertaken

Contact us for a free estimate

(01935) 808456

www.countrybuild.co.uk • info@countrybuild.co.uk

THE VISITOR April 2020 17

Modular flooring is utilised in both the domestic and contract end-use sectors, with the contract sector holding the largest share estimated at around 64% in 2018-

19. The trend for integrating different flooring materials within a single installation has also driven uptake of modular products.

SJH Carpets, Wincanton

SJH Carpets in Wincanton offers a full measuring and fitting service on shutters and blinds, and work with Luxaflex to provide the latest designs, technology and safest window coverings available.

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

■ Carpets

■ Vinyls

■ Naturals

■ Woods

■ Laminates ■ Shutters and Blinds ■ LVTs: Karndean, Moduleo,

Wincanton

Harvey Maria and many other manufacturers ROLL STOCK Vinyls & Carpets now available ★ Free Estimate ★ Free Measuring ★ Professional Fitting by our own Expert Fitters ★ Friendly and Personal Service ★ Competitive Prices “Just nice people to do business with”

Tythings Commercial Centre, Southgate Road, Wincanton, BA9 9RZ  01963 824418 wincanton@sjhcarpets.co.uk ● www.sjhcarpets.co.uk Also at... Malvern House, High Street, Tisbury, SP3 6LD  01747 871178 The Old Post Office, 38 North Street, Langport, Somerset, TA10 9RH  01458 887301

They also have a wonderful selection of carpets and flooring for domestic and commercial projects including naturals, vinyls, woods, laminate and luxury vinyl tiles (including Karndean, Moduleo and Harvey Maria). They supply and fit Roger Oates runners, Crucial Trading floorcoverings, Rubber Flooring and all traditional carpets.

Their knowledgeable staff can assist you through the difficult selection process and help you choose the right product that best suits your needs.

They deliver and install at a price that competes with all the national chains.

Customer satisfaction means everything to SJH, and they offer their full attention from selection through to end of installation care.

Call SJH Carpets in Wincanton on 01963 824418 and get your free estimate for your upcoming project. Find the window dressings or flooring that perfectly matches your needs and unique personal style.

Also at High Street, Tisbury and The Old Post Office, North Street, Langport.

CURTAIN CIRCUIT Curtain Circuit Secondhand Secondhand Curtains Curtains We take-in and We take-in andsell sell top quality curtains! top quality curtains!

The Old Cycle Shop

The OldLong Cycle Shop Street LongSherborne Street DT9 3BS Phone: 01935 815155 Sherb-1.00

Open: Tues to Fri 10-4.00 Saturday 10-1.00

S FR UP PEC wi EE TO IA th L an Siem£150 OF y p a 0 FE ur ns wo R: ch ap rth as pl ed ian of kit ce ch s en 18 THE VISITOR April 2020

www.dreamscapekitchens.com Dreamscape Kitchens, Unit 5, Lydford Business Park East Lydford, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 7HA 01963 240000 Serving up memories since 2004

Bespoke Kitchens • Libraries • Studies • Bedrooms • Architectural Joinery

1 April - 10 May 2020

Sound Hound Mobile Dog Grooming offer a professional and friendly service.

Sound Hound Mobile Dog Grooming

Whether you’re booking your dog in for some essential grooming for their general health and wellbeing or looking to give your pet pooch a pampering treat, they will receive the highest level of care and attention from Sound Hound.

The environment is calm, relaxing and safe and all dog types, breeds and temperaments

are given a very friendly welcome from Amy, a City & Guilds Qualified and highly experienced groomer. And as the service is mobile, having a sparkly clean and happy dog is convenient too!

Techniques include: Full groom Wash and brush De-shedding Hair cut Nail Trimming Hand StrippingTeeth Cleaning Puppy Intro’s With teeth cleaning starting at only £25, services are competitively priced and excellent value, which means it’s even easier to bring out the best in your four-legged best friend.

Brunel Pet Centre 5a Brunel Shopping Precinct — SOMERTON — Tel: 01458 274980 Email: info@brunel-pets.com Website: www.brunel-pets.com

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

A pet portrait from C.A. Adlington could be an ideal gift for a loved one.

Pet Portraits

Specialist and qualified mobile dog groomer offering a caring, professional and friendly service

Contact C. A. Adlington

Full groom Bubble bath Nail clipping Teeth cleaning De-shedding Hand stripping Puppy introʼs

pasteldogportraits.co.uk

www.soundhoundgrooming.co.uk

A portrait of your dog in pastels

01749 813524

07834 633837

Many Brands of Dog & Cat Food Stocked Dog & Cat Treats, Toys & Beds Small Animal Foods, Treats Hay and Straw Wide Selection of Wild Bird Food & Feeders ORDERS WELCOME

If there is something you require which we don’t stock, we will endeavour to order it for you

THE VISITOR April 2020 19

Sherborne Town THE CLOCKS GO forward an hour on Sunday 29th March, confirming that Spring (or British Summer Time, as it’s still misleadingly called) is almost here and Sherborne will be ready for an influx of visitors to browse its fine assortment of interesting shops, enjoy its many cafés and pubs, admire its handsome Abbey and explore its two castles. It’s a town best explored on foot because almost every building on the old streets displays something of interest, perhaps a small architectural detail or a reminder of a former use.

Long Street has long been one of Sherborne’s most important streets. It runs from the Conduit at the bottom of Cheap Street to Pinford Lane and is an ancient thoroughfare, the original road eastwards from the town and the direct route between the first castle, completed around 1137, and the Abbey. Archaeological finds suggest that people lived alongside parts of the road as far back as the 13th century, and a manorial map shows more than 30 dwellings

Cheap Street.

there in the 1570s. In the 18th century it became home to the Sherborne Mercury, produced from Sherborne Printing House (subsequently rebuilt and now called Bute House), the Sherborne Brewery (now converted into luxury flats and called The Maltings), and the Sherborne and Dorsetshire Bank (in what is now called The Old Bank House). The street was originally called Eastbury, a name perpetuated by the Eastbury Hotel in a building dating from 1740 and which remained a private residence until converted into a hotel in the 1930s.

Sherborne’s first castle was largely destroyed following a siege in 1645 during the Civil War. Queen Elizabeth I had granted it to Sir Walter Raleigh in 1592 but

he quickly found it impossible to convert the medieval castle into a modern home so in 1595 he started to build a new castle on the site of a hunting lodge on the opposite side of the river. After Elizabeth’s death in 1603 Raleigh was convicted of conspiracy against her successor, James I, and had to forfeit his Sherborne estate, which was bought by Sir John Digby in 1617. The ruins of the ‘old’ castle are cared for nowadays by English Heritage and are open to the public from April till October – for opening days, times and entry charges phone the custodian on 01935 812730. And if you’re wondering what the castle looked like before the siege, take a look at the fine model in Sherborne Museum.

By the castle gates stands the church of St Mary Magdalene, built there in 1601 by Raleigh to replace a medieval church on the other side of his ‘old’ castle. Some rebuilding took place in 1714 but the church still contains some items brought from the original medieval church. It’s well worth a look. Across the road from the church is a terrace of delightful old cottages including Lattice House, reputedly the most haunted in Sherborne.

Castleton was created as a borough below the castle walls. At

the time of the 1801 census it had a population of 704 living in 128 properties, so it must surely have been one of the smallest boroughs in England. The route of the railway, constructed in the 1850s, required the demolition of many village properties and by the time of the 1861 census the population had dropped to 405 in 75 properties. The main street had to be realigned in order to bridge the railway – the stub end of the original main street, now called Castleton, can be seen on right of New Road just before the present one, Castleton Road, which leads up to the church and castle.

Another nearby feature not to be missed is the Castleton Waterwheel, thought to be the largest working waterwheel in Dorset. In the mid-19th century the local Board of Health decided that a clean water supply was Sherborne’s main health priority and it initiated a scheme to feed water from three large springs in the hills north of the town into a covered brick-lined reservoir alongside what is nowadays Bristol Road, from which it would be piped by gravity down to individual properties. But this soon proved to be inadequate, and in 1859 it was decided to pump water from a bore-hole at Castleton up to the reservoir. This proved to be easier

St. JOHNS’ HOUSE

Residential Home, Sherborne, Dorset

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

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

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

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

We currently have rooms available  Please contact: 01935 813245 or email: assistantmanagers@hotmail.co.uk 20 THE VISITOR April 2020

said than done, with turbine and then steam-driven pumps both being unsatisfactory, so in 1868 the Board decided to install a large waterwheel to pump the water.

Subsequently in 1876 a steam engine was installed to augment to waterwheel.

For well over half a century the water has been electricallypumped but in 1975 the founder members of the Castleton Waterwheel Restoration Society succeeded in saving the old pumphouse and wheel from demolition. The Society has turned the pumphouse into an industrial archaeological museum with a pump set and steam engine acquired from elsewhere, and on open days the waterwheel and steam engine can be seen working.

The pumphouse is off Oborne Road about 100 yards east of the junction with Newland, Long Street and New Road, and the next open day is Sunday 12th April from 11.30am till 3.30pm. For subsequent dates call the tourist information centre on Digby Road on 01935 815341 where the helpful staff can also give you information about other things to do and places to visit in and around Sherborne – including, of course, Raleigh’s ‘new’ castle.

The railway that cut through Castleton was the London and

miss the newly-opened Hunt’s Food Outlet on Digby Road which is actively encouraging shoppers to be more eco-friendly by reducing packaging and plastic waste.

Roger Richards.

Sherborne Station.

South Western Railway. Although promoted by an independent company, the Salisbury & Yeovil Railway, the line was closely associated with the L&SW, running from that company’s station in Salisbury. By 1859 it had been opened as far as Gillingham, and on 7th May 1860 the first public train steamed into Sherborne station, so this year marks the 160th anniversary of the coming of the railway. The station was almost certainly designed by Sir William Tite, the man best-known for designing the rebuilt Royal Exchange on Threadneedle Street in the City of London in 1844. It’s served by plenty of trains and is just a short level stroll to the Abbey and town centre shops, so if you’re planning to visit Sherborne from Gillingham, Templecombe, Yeovil or Crewkerne it provides a quick and easy way to travel with no worries about car parking. And on your walk into the centre don’t

Winstone’s Books - offering Winstone Post!

In self-isolation? Bracing yourself for lock-down? Or simply taking the opportunity to cosy-up at home until it all blows over?

Throughout the coming weeks, Winstone’s will be providing a home delivery service. If you live within a 2 mile radius of the shop, we will deliver your books to your door.* Deliveries will be made between 5-6pm the same day if the book’s in stock or the day after if they need to order it in.

For those who live a little further afield, they will happily

pop your book in the post using Gardners Home Delivery service.

They can take secure payment over the phone, so just call them with your requirements and they will be very happy to help. Contact them on 01935 816128 or email winstonebooks1@gmail.com. For a list of titles worth locking yourself away with, visit: www.winstonebooks .co.uk/Sherborne or follow them online: Instagram - @winstones sherborne, Twitter - @winstone books, Facebook - @winstone books. *All efforts will be made to keep this service running throughout this uncertain period, staff health permitting. Winstone’s reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time.

THE VISITOR April 2020 21

MOTORING VINTAGE Motorcycling AS I WRITE these words at the end of February the wind is blowing strongly and heavy rain is lashing the windows, and here am I considering the possibility of April traditionally bringing yet more showers. Having had a very wet winter perhaps it is now time for the weather gods to allow a bit more sunshine and dry roads so we can get those ancient wheels rolling again.

There are plenty of events coming up in April to tempt us out and about. The Somerset Section start with their club night on the 2nd and this will be a guest speaker. Next on the 4th and 5th will be the 55th running of the Cheddar Weekend and the 18th/21st sees them touring up in Wales for the Twin Dragon Run. They round off the month with their Breakfast Meet at Wedmore on the 30th. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section will hold their club night at East Stour on the 13th and this will be a guest speaker and on the 19th will be the Hinton St Mary Run from the Village Hall.

The Dorset Section commence with the Lunch Meet on the 1st at Henstridge followed on the 5th by the Blandford Run which starts in the Market Place. Club

night is on the 8th at Henstridge and at the same place the Breakfast Meet is on the 25th.

As always ring 01935-872528 for more details.

You will also find that both the Westlands and Wells Classic Motorcycle Clubs have a busy month so look on their respective web sites for full details.

My picture this month shows a very smart motocross bike, an aspect of motorcycle sport I have seldom covered. This machine is owned by Andy Sharp from Yeovil who has recently completed a full restoration. The machine is an American made ATK and is very rare in this country.

Manufactured in 1987 the bike has a nickel plated frame and uses an Austrian made Rotax engine of 560cc. Long travel suspension helps rider control over the large bumps. Designed and built specially to be raced across country this was a very competitive machine in its day.

This particular bike has recently been taken to the Off-Road Motorcycle Show at Telford where it won the award for the Best Motocross Machine. Many congratulations to Andy the lucky owner.

Motocross is a relatively modern term dating from around the 1970's era. Before that the sport was known as 'Scrambling'.

Since the motorcycle has been invented there have been men

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wanting to race against each other or to thoroughly test their machines to the limit. Early competitions were called 'Reliability Trials'. These were a test of the rider but more so a test of the reliability and useability of the machines.

Sometimes run over hundreds of miles these events became very popular and manufacturers quickly noted that good results meant further sales of their machines. ‘Win on Sunday and Sell on Monday’ became a well known phrase.

As machines became more reliable then the 'Reliability' element became of lesser importance. More speed would mean that riders could test their own ability against fellow riders.

Road racing became to be racing on a hard surface, and not always tarmacadam. Racing on grass on a flatish surface became known a Grass Track, and when done over rough terrain it became Scrambling. Racing on a cinder

track lead to the modern Speedway. Trials is not a speed event but a test of machine and rider over the roughest terrain or man-made obstacles that can be found.

Whatever type of sport was chosen it allowed the motorcyclists competitive nature to be satisfied and pitted man against man. I say ‘man’ cautiously because all this was predominately male oriented, but there were a few brave female faces amongst them, and in some cases they did pretty well.

Thankfully today it is possible for male and female riders to compete against each other on equal terms.

Why the term Scrambling had to be changed for the Americanism of Motocross is anyone's guess. I rather like the older version.

Some forms of motorcycle sport are definitely done better by the younger generation where fitness and strength play a big part. But

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22 THE VISITOR April 2020

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MOTOR there are so many variations of our sport that the older generation, such as myself, can still take part. I must therefore sit down and study form to see what I could take part in. The first problem to overcome is the fitment of my old leather suit. I wonder if my wife could stitch a large gusset in the back?

Rod Hann.

Bennetts Field Garage

With a fully equipped workshop, Shane and his team of highly qualified vehicle technicians at Bennetts Field Garage in Wincanton always strive to achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

From carrying out full engine overhauls to routine maintenance works, all types of jobs are welcomed, no matter how big or small.

Located on Bennetts Field Trading Estate, there’s ample space to park outside the purposebuilt office and waiting area adjoining the workshop. And with friendly, highly skilled and experienced staff on hand whatever your requirements, Bennetts Field Garage well exceed expectations.

Indeed, when The Visitor’s Advertising & Features Editor got stuck in the mud on Horsington’s infamous soggy Marsh, Shane arrived in minutes and proceeded to pull the little mini out of the sticky mud with ease!

Somerset & Dorset Branch of the Royal Enfield Owners Club

Brian Laitt called an inaugural meeting in March 2004 at the Brook House Inn, Castle Cary.

This was their meeting place until 2008 when the move to the Village Hall at Lydford took place. (what a lovely village to enter on club nights).

Brian and Jen retired from their post of Chairman and Treasurer at the A.G.M. meeting Monday 9th March, but they remain attending members and probably sounding board to the new management team. The branch would like to express publicly, their heartfelt thanks for the founding and continued organising on the clubs future.

So, Mr. and Mrs. Laitt ‘Thank you’. Branch contact: Robin Gillingham 01963 251406 robin.gillingham@btinternet.com.

MY INTEREST IN all things alcoholic is well known, as is my passion for the written word.

Notwithstanding the current crisis caused by the Coronavirus, I love nothing more than a cosy night at home on my own, curled up with a good book and a glass of wine.

With plans for the 5th Ilminster Literary Festival now well under way, we once again have a great line up of authors, both local and from further afield, to stimulate our minds and entertain us.

There is plenty of evidence that some of our most prodigious and famous authors had, shall we say, a little drink problem.

Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tennessee Williams, Dylan Thomas, Edgar Allan Poe, James Joyce, the list is endless. It has not escaped my attention that the key protagonists tend to be men!

There is of course the argument that alcohol, in moderation, helps to oil the wheels when it comes to mental activity and unleashing that creative genius we all so admire. According to one study, alcohol can actually increase creative cognition and improves problem-solving skills too. Many writers say that alcohol helps to rid them of inhibitions, enabling them to write more freely, and to survive the solitary life of a writer.

I have an enquiring mind and sometimes all it takes is one simple question to gather the most interesting information, so this month I asked a number of our authors what their favourite tipple is. Here is a taste of what is to come.

Melanie Branton, who is hosting Poetry Corner in the library at Dillington House, had this to say – ‘In my last collection, I included a paean to my favourite drink.

As I am Somerset-bred, the choice was a no-brainer.’

I'm optimally placed when embroiled and encased in the ambit of cider's pure amber embrace.

I'd rather drink cider than soda or juices, its sedulous sedative soothes and seduces, so don't be sadistic and suddenly say I have to drink soda, not cider, today.

Crossword setter for The Times, Tim Moorey, who I am delighted to be sponsoring for his lighthearted talk in the Minster, whilst hoping for some tips on

solving cryptic crosswords, tells me that he believes in everything in moderation and survives on a morning cup of Twinings Decaf Breakfast Tea, with a Cointreau in the evening; just the one mind, and not every night.

Professional Opera singer Tim Mirfin, who is speaking on the history and techniques of opera, focusing on the vocal chords, was keen to expand on his favourite tipple: ‘After brief reflection I am going to plum for a big, fat, round red wine, a Barolo. This is not a particularly well-reasoned choice but one based on happy memories. It conjures up long, blissfully unrushed, multi-coursed meals in large groups basking in Italian sunshine and wallowing in the feeling that this is how we should all be living. Drinking it in cold, dark, rain-sodden British winters still can't dim the association. It also feels, to me at least, a treat drink, the prospect of an indulgence of tragic rarity.

Heavy Italian reds are the sort of thing professional singers need to allow themselves only once they've checked in their diary that the succeeding day is reasonably clear - especially if you have finally acquired enough selfknowledge to be sure that it won't just be the one glass...’

The Noir Collective, who will provide us with a rare visit to Nyanza Lodge, is a group of three award-winning writers of psychological fiction, who will discuss what it is that causes us to be ‘making bad choices’ in our lives.

Katharine Johnson prefers an Aperol spritz, ‘Because it reminds me of happy times in Italy where two of my books are set.’

G D Harper, a man after my own heart, plumped for an Underberg, a quirky German herbal digestif which is sold in little 20ml. bottles. Devotees of the drink collect bottle tops which they send to the company, receiving exclusive merchandise in return. He is the proud owner of a leather Underberg bullet belt which holds 12 bottles. Ideal party wear!

Finally, Helen Matthews gets us thinking beyond the miserable weather we have been experiencing. ‘On a summer evening it has to be gin and tonic, preferably with Bombay Sapphire gin, unflavoured tonic and a slice of lime. The distillery, at Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire, close to where I live, is mentioned in the Domesday Book and was a paper mill from 1719 before it was converted into a distillery.’

And as for me, I am rather partial to a Negroni, made with equal measures of gin, red vermouth and Campari, garnished with orange peel.

Incidentally, if you happen to be in Bath, my favourite cocktail bar is The Dark Horse in Kingsmead Square; highly skilled bar staff and the atmosphere of a bordello.

With such a diverse group of writers we are sure to be in for a treat. Tickets for the Ilminster Literary Festival will be available from mid-April.

LP-V.

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THE VISITOR April 2020 23

The

Pub

Vinny is still at the pub with his friends

Pages

B EE R & S K I T T L ES P. A. BAXTER SO ARE WE ALL going to get paranoid? Well not me, despite what the media is constantly churning out, each reporter trying to sound more dramatic than their colleagues. News of pubs being forced to shut is circulating as I write this which would undoubtedly spell the end for many – thousands even, just when the trade looks like being on the turn.

Right now the Baxter crew are still at two minds as to what we should do. Our local pub is determined to continue and I'm sure they are not alone, so yet again I wish all those wonderful landlords and landladies the very best of good fortune.

Recently the Baxter crew have ‘struck out West’ and headed off to South Petherton where we had an excellent meal and pints to match in the ‘Brewers Arms’.

Situated in the centre of the village it really is the centre of the community supporting local events and charities. It has featured in twenty consecutive years in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, and deservedly so. Four beers are usually available and in that 20 years over 3,000 different ales have featured.

Beer festivals, live music and quiz nights feature, and I'm pleased to say there's a wellused (and very long) skittle alley too. The restaurant was formerly The Old Bakehouse next door, and this has been nicely dovetailed in to make one large, but at the same time, separate venue. You won't be disappointed I'm sure.

The following week we again headed West, this time rocking up at the Kings Head Merriott, somewhere I've wanted to visit 24 THE VISITOR April 2020

for some time, as word had reached me that they have two skittle alleys – bliss! The sight of a roaring fire welcomed us on what was a chilly night, and the staff, we thought, were exceptionally helpful and polite.

We had a good meal and some quality ale in the bar, although there is an adjacent restaurant area should one wish to dine there. I met landlord Mike who was keen to impart some of his philosophy and it's clear that

this makes it a happy and popular pub. It didn't go unnoticed that there was a lack of swearing in the bar. Anyway, Mike was delighted to show me the alleys – and there they were in what appeared to your writer to be a former barn, a pitch-faced version downstairs, and upstairs, a wooden one! If this is not unique it must be pretty rare. Resident teams keep it busy on Thursdays and Fridays but Mike is open for teams on

The

Pub Pages

Due to the current unprecedented circumstances AROUND THE

H O U S E S has been cancelled this month

other nights. I managed to resist the temptation to have a few hands and retired to the bar.

Sadly we were unable to stay long into the evening but I hope that we can return in the near future to find out more about the pub and Mike's long-term plans. Meanwhile do pay a visit to their web-site and more importantly, to the pub itself.

Our beloved Editor has asked for a shorter version this month, so I will leave you with the thought that as Brits we have to re-kindle that 'Dunkirk spirit' in times like this – a phrase I have still yet to hear on the media. 'KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON'! Cheers! © P.A. Baxter 2020. skittlealley@hotmail.com

Urgent clarity needed over UK government's unofficial shutdown of live events

Cross-sector lobbying group UK Music has called for ‘urgent clarity’ from the British government after Prime Minister 'Boris' Johnson put the live entertainment sector in an incredibly difficult position, by urging the public to stop attending clubs, bars, venues and theatres but not demanding that those businesses cease operations.

Johnson's policy basically puts the live entertainment sector in unofficial shutdown, which could prevent affected businesses from claiming on insurance policies or seeking other support.

The UK government ramped up its efforts to restrict and delay the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, mirroring some but not all of the policies employed in many other European countries. The public was told to avoid all unnecessary travel and social contact and to work from home if possible, while those who are in at-risk groups - for whom

contracting the virus has potentially very serious and possibly fatal consequences - have been urged to stay at home for up to twelve weeks from 21 March.

However, there is still no official ban on mass gatherings.

Such bans have now been instigated in multiple countries, with some governments also greatly reducing the number of

people that constitutes a mass gathering. The lack of such a ban in the UK - at the same time as Johnson's urging that people cease social contact - creates the urgent problem. The PM has advised people to avoid mass events such as concerts, pubs, clubs and theatres, but he stopped short of an official ban which means insurers could avoid paying out on losses.

They Say That during these troubled times, it’s important to keep an eye out for those in need. Check with elderly neighbours or relatives to see if you can be of any help.

That congratulations go to Mike and Ruth Pitman of Castle Cary who will be celebrating their ‘paper’ anniversary on 20th April.

That from 20 paces, the silver beard of North Cadbury’s Pete Miller, can look very much like a protective face mask.

That the gardeners attending to the flower beds in front of St John’s Church in Yeovil have excelled themselves once again, with their colourful displays.

That for those who like to imbibe, a tasty little number has recently come out of North Brewham - a delightful Redcurrant Rose, 2017 vintage.

That a holiday to South Africa at Christmas for the Whitehead family of Galhampton turned out to be much more of an ‘experience’ than expected.

That according to Dave ‘begorra’ Hoddinott of North Cadbury, the Irish accent can be very easily mistaken for a Geordie accent - ‘whey aye man’.

That the exemplary landlording skills of former hostelry owner Charlie Anderson of Castle Cary, temporarily escaped him whilst on a recent visit to Tenerife.

That it’s going to be a ‘big one’ for Mrs Kim Rendall of East Coker this April.

That during the current pandemic, many of our local pubs and restaurants may not be open for dining but are happy to supply take-away meals.

That contributions to this column are always welcome by email, letter or telephone but anonymous entries will not be published.

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 11 1) 'The Corrs' 2) ‘Baby You're a Rich Man' 3) Glasgow 4) Jess Glynne 5) 'American Pie' 6) Michael McDonald 7) ‘Free' 8) Lady Gaga 9) 'Tuesday' 10) Glen Campbell THE VISITOR April 2020 25

Garden of the Month – April 2020 Greencombe Gardens

The setting of Greencombe Gardens is picturesque (along a sheltered hillside), with sweeping views down to Porlock Bay, and over the Bristol Channel to Wales. Walking through the Gardens in the spring is like stepping into a Himalayan valley; mossy paths weave between richly-coloured Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Camellias, beneath a canopy of oaks, hollies, conifers and chestnuts. March

and April are erythronium time, when pools of dainty elf-cap flowers embellish the humus-rich woodland floor. Greencombe's acid soil, high rainfall and sheltered position allows these plants to thrive.

Greencombe is an oganic woodland garden of international renown, with a riot of birds and butterflies all around. It’s also home to National Collections: Erythronium (small mountainlilies); Vaccinium, ‘whortleberries worldwide’; Gaultheria, ‘whortleberries for bears'; and

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Polystichum, the 'thumbs-up' fern. The Erythronium are planted in geographical order, representing their natural distribution between 35 and 50 degrees latitude. It makes for a sumptuous display, and is a magnet for keen photographers.

The Champion English Holly tree (Ilex aquifolium), is the largest and oldest in the UK. A millennium chapel hides in the wood. An ecologically constructed Green Room holds garden records, collection information, and paintings by Exmoor artist Jon Hurford.

Greencombe Gardens was acquired in 1966 by Joan Loraine, a widely-travelled and talented plantswoman. When Joan died in 1991, the garden was inherited by her nephew and his wife, who have continued to maintain and develop it. Compost making and leaf tips are on display.

NGS open days Wednesday 15 April and Wednesday 15 July from 2 to 6pm. Cream teas served on lawn with spectacular view onto Porlock Bay. Plants for Sale.

Not suitable for wheelchairs.

Admission: £7, child £1.

Discount/prepaid vouchers not valid on NGS charity days kindly donated by Greencombe Gardens, Porlock TA24 8NU. Telephone: 01643 862363, email: info@greencombe.org,

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Between Porlock and West Porlock, off road to Porlock Weir.

Follow A39 W through Porlock and fork R onto B3225 to Porlock Weir. Drive ½m and turn L at Greencombe Gardens sign. Go up drive; parking signed.

To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk.

Sandhurst Garden Design

Yeovil based garden designer Julie Haylock is pleased that spring is here at last! With the extremely wet winter we have had, it is time to cheer ourselves up and think about our plans for our own garden.

Maybe you are considering a complete garden re-design, or updating those tired borders.

Perhaps you have just moved into a new build home and faced with a blank canvas and are not sure what to do? Or maybe you are considering making your space low maintenance as you are not able to do as much in the garden as you once did?

If you need some inspiration why not give Julie a call, all the details including her portfolio and testimonials can be found on her website, and she would be happy to help.

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL

TREE PLANTING

PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660 26 THE VISITOR April 2020

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

Julie Haylock of Sandhurst Garden Design.

Remember when...

30 years ago from The Visitor archives Taxing times

INSTEAD OF domestic rates, a tax based on property values, we all started paying the community charge from 1st April 1990 – or didn’t! The April 1990 Visitor reported a meeting in Gillingham of the North Dorset Anti–Poll Tax Union and ‘its massive nonpayment and non-collection campaign’ and opined that ‘the Tories have bungled the introduction of this tax and those who can least afford it will have to pay for their bungling’. It also noted that ‘local Conservatives are horrified not only at the political repercussions of the introduction of the poll tax but also its effect on family finances already under pressure from high interest rates and rising prices. They can’t blame the loony left in the county halls of Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, can they. These are sensiblyminded Tory-run shires. So they bridle when this tax is described as a Tory tax, preferring to call it the Prime Minister’s tax, washing their hands like Pontius Pilate.’

Town centre supermarket welcomed

Can it really be 30 years since a new supermarket was opened behind the shops at the top of Sherborne’s Cheap Street? It was on 3rd April 1990 that the Gateway supermarket opened in what the Visitor described as an ‘aesthetically pleasing’ building in ‘honey-gold hamstone colours that blend so well with the old town’.

With off-street parking for 100 cars behind the building and ‘cloistered walkways and pedestrian link to Cheap Street’, it was rated as ‘a fine demonstration of what can be achieved when enlightened town and district councils work together with sympathetic developers, architects and builders’.

Nowadays the supermarket is a branch of Waitrose.

Chemist’s bicentenary

The date 1790 always appeared on the business letterheads and advertisements of a chemist’s shop on Wincanton Market Place, although it seems probable that the property became a chemist’s somewhat earlier in the 18th century. But Knight & Son (Chemists) Ltd opted for 1990 as their bicentenary year and the 28 THE VISITOR April 2020

Visitor carried a three-page celebratory feature on the business. The Knight family took over the business in 1874 and were there for the next 100 years, so when Keith and Sheila Brown acquired it in the 1970s they decided to retain the name. The business eventually closed down almost a decade ago but the building has since been beautifully renovated for a jewellery business.

PHONE - a - FIRM

Potts plants at Bourton

Plant sales at Chiffchaffs in Bourton started in April 1990.

Ken and Gudrun Potts had lived at Chaffeymoor for 11 years and cultivated plants there to sell at their Abbey Plants business in Sherborne. The start of their trading from the nursery at their home was announced in a Visitor feature which noted ‘over 500 varieties displayed for sale: flowering trees and shrubs, rhododendrons and azaleas, camellias, old-fashioned and shrub roses, conifers, herbaceous and alpines’. They also announced garden ‘open days’ on Sundays when visitors were welcome to wander round their extensive gardens, paddock and copse. ‘Until recently the copse was derelict but now it is carefully tended and planted with lime-hating shrubs, bushes, spring bulbs and a bog garden’, and I recall paying a visit about 20 years ago and being very impressed by what they had done to make it a beautiful corner of Visitorland.

A boutique for Bruton

The opening of a new boutique above the restaurant and gift shop at the Tower House in Bruton was featured in the April 1990 Visitor.

Called Casual Moods, it offered ‘casual and leisure wear for ladies of all age groups’ including ‘all-inone leisure suits, separates, a wide range of T-shirts from baggy to tight, and a big selection of culottes and dungarees’. The boutique and the restaurant closed down long ago and the building is now a private house.

Roger Richards.

Solution to March

Sudoku

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THE VISITOR April 2020 29

Classified Ads

Prize Crossword No. 401 Set by Frank Butler

19

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

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

Services

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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.

Wanted DAVE BUYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS, salvage, bygones and collectables.

Daves Tools, Est. 1989. Tel: 01935 428975 R E D U N D A N T M O T O R M O W E R S , rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844 CLASSICAL AND JAZZ LP RECORDS: CDs also considered. 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 YOUR AD HERE from £5. Tel: 01963 351256 to book or email info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Across: 1. Throw around six-footer before reaching hut [6] 4. Search follows Tory defeat [8] 9. Keep: Tear in peices [6] 10. Cromwellian radical put 45” (old measure) into mobile bar [8] 11. Characteristics of ‘with it’ revolutionary arts [6] 12. Upright to be counted, puts sand in new way [6,2] 14. In confusion, Hertford police lose car and find alternative transport [10] 18. Assembled again as Ed never came back with Connie’s half!

[10] 22. Ale demon made into soft drink [8] 23. Van Ted crashed in December [6] 24. Abel duly sent red roses for her [4,4] 25. Orange colour in can at today’s price [6] 26. Steady for us graceful children’s birthdays [8] 27. Re firs: useful for big wheels [6]

7. Join up broken lines at junction [6] 8. Insect is quiet in torn shirt [6] 13. Look around, lend broken lid brilliantly [10] 15. (See 6 down) 16. Shareholder’s first time version [8] 17. Broken into, dies for book collection [8] 19. Bath returns with the lot, or nearly so! [3,3] 20. One millimetre (one French) is not liable [6] 21. Fished crosswise [6]

Solution to Crossword 400

Down: 1.

2.

3.

5.

The crest may be elastic [8] Play, turn friend really! [8] Threefold art: Try pitch [8] Too much above the summit [4,3,3] 6 & 15: Even quince seed gives criminal a way out [6,8]

30 THE VISITOR April 2020

Winner of our March Crossword

was Mike Spencer of Cucklington who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Andrew Barclay Butcher, Wincanton.