The Visitor Magazine Issue 439 June 2020

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● SALES ● SERVICING ● REPAIRS ● INSTALLATIONS Your local independent monthly journal  01963 351256 www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Issue 439 June 2020

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Hope in Spring: draw like Hockney See page 4 for details Image: Hebe George

In Passing...

W

hen the sun is shining on Visitorland it looks like an idyllic place to live, work or visit. Our corner of the west country has all the ingredients to appeal to people who want to explore beautiful countryside, attractive old towns and historic houses and gardens; who want to walk, cycle, ride horses or catch fish; who enjoy museums, exhibitions and performances. And in normal times they come from afar to spend their time and money in it. Nowadays tourism is one of Visitorland’s most important industries, bringing vast amounts of cash into the local economy and supporting around 10% of jobs. It’s big business for the countless small businesses that are the industry’s backbone.

But these are not normal times.

Coronavirus, with its lockdown, social distancing and enforced closure of most visitor attractions and facilities, has brought tourism to an abrupt and painful halt.

Painful because it adds to the social decline in the countryside that has been spiralling ever faster for 40 years or more, fuelled by rising property prices, out-of-town shopping developments, planning constraints, the motor car and human greed.

Those of us who live in and appreciate Visitorland’s beautiful countryside owe a huge debt of gratitude to the agricultural community whose efforts keep it that way.

But it’s a shrinking community. Barely 5% of the area’s workforce are engaged directly on the land, and many of them receive a pittance for what they produce, a barrage of ill-informed criticism of they way they produce it and a welter of bureaucratic requirements that distract them from producing it.

One of the ways we can help to sustain our rural economy in these difficult times is by eating local food that has come directly from the land. The annual first tastes of English asparagus, new potatoes, runner beans, tomatoes and strawberries are sure signs that spring is turning into summer.

To everything there is a season, so why buy unseasonal foods that have been needlessly

transported hundreds, if not thousands, of miles at considerable environmental cost to ensure that they are on the supermarket shelf every day of the year. Here in Visitorland there is no shortage of locallyproduced wholesome natural foods – local beef, lamb and pork, free-range eggs and poultry, prize-winning cheddar cheese and butter, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Our cider apple orchards produce one of the most famous flavours of rural England.

Traditional bakeries transform local ingredients into tasty loaves and pastries.

Local milk goes into ice cream made the old-fashioned way.

Although only a small proportion of the local workforce is engaged directly in farming, a great many more people provide them with services and supplies and are, to a large extent, dependent on agriculture.

Buying local produce helps to support rural businesses – farmers, smallholders, producers and retailers. It boosts the local economy at the same time as providing the pleasure that comes from eating delicious fresh food. For as long as local businesses are bereft of tourists’ cash they will need all the support we can give them.

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)

CONTENTS

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Advertising Deadlines July Issue published Thursday 25th June Deadline Monday 15th June

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED ‑ 24 ANTIQUES ‑ 15 CROSSWORD ‑ 24 GARDENING ‑ 20 HOUSE & HOME ‑ 16 LEISURE ‑ 13 LETTERS ‑ 4 LOOKING GOOD ‑ 14 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES ‑ 4 MOTORING ‑ 17 NOTICE BOARD ‑ 11 PHONE‑A‑FIRM ‑ 22 PUBS ‑ 18 REMEMBER WHEN ‑ 22 SUDOKU ‑ 11 THEY SAY ‑ 19

NOTE TO ADVERTISERS

Advertisements are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions as printed on our rate card, available upon request. We cannot guarantee any specific page or position, but will always do our best to comply with clients’ wishes. The views expressed in articles & letters contributed to this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

WINE & DINE ‑ 21

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR June 2020 3

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Dispatches David Hockney invites artists to find joys of spring during lockdown

Isolating in France, artist David Hockney has been drawing the blossoming of spring from the garden of his home. The fruit trees, the hawthorns and blackthorns, all feature in his works, famously created on his iPad. Hockney, 82, is now the inspiration for a competition to encourage others in isolation to create an image that captures the spring season and to lift lockdown spirits.

The idea for Hope in Spring: draw like Hockney came from Ruth Mackenzie, artistic director of the Châtelet theatre in Paris, former director of Scottish Opera and the Nottingham Playhouse as well as the London 2012 Festival of the Olympic Games.

After receiving a letter from Hockney, who was sending works to his friends, Mackenzie suggested a tie-in with the competition.

‘I asked David if he would consider doing something for French people in lockdown needing a touch of solidarity and he very generously sent us one of his works exclusively and shared another nine with us and agreed to do this brilliant competition to inspire and spark some joy,’ Mackenzie said.

‘It just seemed a lovely idea to share his fantastic spirit of optimism and hope and colour.

Hopefully it will inspire people

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David Hockney “No. 153” 5th April 2020 iPad Drawing © David Hockney.

all around the world.

‘The role of culture in this difficult time is to unite us around our shared emotions and give us hope for the world to come. That’s what David is doing by offering us this exceptional gift. His letter is so clear sighted about death and he says things we all need to understand.’ she added.

Hockney moved to Normandy in 2019 saying he was attracted to a landscape that offered a broader range of blossoms.

In an interview with The Guardian, Hockney urged people to draw during the lockdown. ‘I would suggest they really look hard at something and think about what they are really seeing,’ he said.

Entries for Hope in Spring: draw like Hockney can be sent to

hockneyprintemps@sabir.paris or posted on social media with the hashtag #HockneyPrintemps.

The deadline for entries is 21 June and the 10 winning drawings will be selected from the three partner organisations in the event: the Châtelet theatre, France Inter radio and the Centre Pompidou and put on display.

Your Council is here for you: Mendip’s leader writes to residents

This week, Mendip households will receive a personal letter from the Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke. She’s writing to remind residents to reach out for support should they need it - now, and in the weeks to come. She’s urging businesses to access the many financial

packages available too.

And as Mendip moves forward, Cllr Wyke is keen to hear from communities as to where they feel their Council should focus its efforts and priorities, as we reopen our district together.

Read Cllr Wyke’s uplifting appeal to residents to reach out, and rebuild.

‘The impacts of the Coronavirus crisis have been extremely challenging. Things have changed – in some cases, forever. People are talking about the ‘new normal’. No one has been left untouched.

As we adjust to the upheaval and disruption that has affected each and every one of us, we want our communities to know that their Council is here for them, working hard to ensure they have access to all the services they need, quickly and easily.

We are not just here for the elderly or ill. We are here for everyone in need.

I have written this letter to reassure residents that their welfare is of paramount importance. And to our local businesses I say, the financial support is out there. Please come and talk to us. No one is alone.

Since the start of the crisis our staff and Ward Councillors have been linking with our town and parish councils and other community networks to understand what is happening locally, and where help might be required.

What we’ve witnessed has been communities facing the threat together, the forging of new friendships, and countless acts of kindness. Throughout this pandemic, ‘distancing’ has been the buzzword and yet ironically, the sense of closeness and community has never felt stronger. We intend to nourish that, and help it grow.

Our habits have changed too of course, with many of us walking and cycling more. There is noticeably less pollution, and our wildlife is thriving. Your Council is looking to build on those positives, and remains committed to its aim of a fairer, greener and more vibrant Mendip.

The worst of times has happened, but your Council is still here for you, with this simple pledge - nobody will be left behind.’

The Bishop’s Palace ReOpens Gardens to the Public

Following the updated government advice on 23rd May (Coronavirus – guidance on accessing green spaces safely’), The Bishop’s Palace Gardens

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Dispatches opened to the public for the first time in over two months at 12pm on Sunday 24th May. Sunday 24th May was reserved for Members only, in order to limit numbers, say thank you to loyal members, and to debut the new safety measures that have been put in place.

The new guidance states ‘In England you may now visit gardens and land maintained for public use as an alternative open space to spend time outdoors.

Access may be limited to members or those with tickets to ensure social distancing’.

The Gardens opened to the general public at 10am on Monday 25th May and the Palace has decided to introduce a new type of ticket, designed to encourage local people to visit the site regularly throughout the year. The new Adult ticket, which is to be known as ‘The People’s Ticket’ will be an annual return ticket costing £15 and will allow the user to return as many times

as they wish for a period of 12 months. The Child ticket (5-17 yrs) will cost £7.50.

Chief Executive Rosie Martin says “We are delighted to be able to open the famous Drawbridge gates once again, as the Gardens are looking absolutely spectacular right now, thanks to the hard work of James Cross and his much reduced team during lockdown. We know that many local people are looking for new outdoor spaces to explore at this time and we wanted to make it easier and more affordable for them to be able to enjoy the health benefits of the beauty, peace and tranquillity of this special place all year round. With over 56,500m2 of gardens here, we know that we can easily follow the guidelines for social distancing and keep people safe.”

Staff at the Palace spent two weeks preparing the site for reopening, and a new one-way system has been put in place to enable social distancing in the Gardens and upon entry. Visitors will be asked to follow the white markings on the floor and to read the signs as they make their way around the site. The new People’s ticket can be purchased online or at a distance on site, using contactless payment through a screen. Palace Staff will be

The Bishop’s Palace Gardens reopened to the general public at 10am on Monday 25th May.

actively enforcing the social distancing measures throughout the site and visitors will be politely reminded to comply at all times.

Romesh Ranganathan, A Barber, A Journalist and A Psychiatrist Get Personal in a Battle for Mental Wellbeing

South West based OneTribe TV's The Mind Shed has gone live with their first film highlighting issues that men find too tough to tackle, or too tender to talk about. The launch show, starring Romesh

Ranganathan, is filmed in a video conferencing style due to lockdown and officially launched on 23rd May on The Mind Shed YouTube channel.

The show that was spawned out of a men’s mental health panel live on stage at The Barbican during Life Lessons Festival earlier this year is getting men talking!

Men are never the best communicators and are at particular risk of mental health issues, with suicide being the single biggest killer of men under

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Dispatches the age of 45. One Tribe TV’s show features open and relaxed conversations between four men from very different backgrounds, with the aim of showing the male population that it is OK to talk – whether to mates, family members or even a health professional if needed.

The cast includes well known comic genius Romesh Ranganathan, The Lions Barbers charity founder and international barber Tom Chapman, TV Presenter and journalist Anthony

Crank and leading psychiatrist, Dr Peter Aitken.

In the film, 4 guys from very different backgrounds chat candidly about men’s inner thoughts and concerns, on issues ranging from nakedness in male changing rooms to the changing role of fathers during the lockdown.

The Mind Shed’s aim is to get men talking, to help encourage conversation, and to help men who often suffer their own personal anxieties in silence and feeling unable to chat openly. The quickest way to change the culture in our society is through the television screen and there is nothing quite like this on our screens at this moment!

Watch The Mind Shed now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =eOfpk9z9a9I.

The Mind Shed has gone live with their first film starring Romesh Ranganathan highlighting issues that men find too tough to tackle.

THE VISITOR June 2020 7

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Dispatches Lockdown leaves the UK’s ducks and swans at risk of starvation – here’s how you can help

Without intervention, many animals are being left without the food they rely on. Ark Wildlife has donated five tons of feed to charities, and is asking the public to do their bit.

Why are duck and swan populations at risk? As we have all seen, the coronavirus lockdown has impacted every aspect of life in the UK – but some of the consequences may be less obvious than others. An unintended side effect of people avoiding public spaces is that wildlife which usually relies on humans to feed it is being left to go hungry.

Natural food is limited on our inland waters, so ducks and swans which live on ponds and lakes normally rely on supplementary feeding by the general public. Many are now going hungry and some are at risk of starvation.

Mallard ducks and the three types of swan found in the UK – Mute swan, Berwick’s swan and Whooper swan – are currently listed under ‘Amber’ status in the RSPB’s list of Birds of Conservation Concern. However,

the fact that isolation has caused such widespread disruption during the breeding season could mean that we see populations dwindling in future.

As a nation, we have long proved a reliable source of food for birds from our public parks to our private gardens. According to the British Trust for Ornithology, we spend between £200 and £300 million per year on bird food, and research shows that the number of bird species observed using garden feeders has risen from 18 to 130 since the 1980s.

What can the UK public do to help? If you can safely visit your local waterside, please carry a few kitchen scraps or even some specialist duck food and scatter it on the bankside to give them a helping hand and maybe save a life.

Ducks and swans will enjoy a number of kitchen scraps so you don’t need to spend money to help. Good nutritional scraps include: Raw or cooked sweetcorn Peas Oats Cabbage Kale Lettuce Other healthy greens like those listed above Even better, you can buy nutritionally balanced duck and swan food online and this will provide a balanced diet for all the birds, particularly young growing birds at this vital time of year.

Ducks and swans which live on ponds and lakes normally rely on supplementary feeding by the general public. Many are now going hungry and some are at risk of starvation.

What trusts and charities are doing to help: The UK garden wildlife products and supplies company Ark Wildlife is giving away tonnes of Ark Duck & Swan Floating Food to animal sanctuaries and waterfowl charities during the lockdown. The company operates an Ark Charity Partners scheme to support anyone that cares for wildlife or helps with protecting and creating habitats, and has already supplied The Wildlife Trusts, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust and Wood Green Animal Shelter among others across the UK. Sean McMenemy, wildlife expert and Director at Ark Wildlife, says: ‘This lockdown has occurred during the breeding season and is the worst thing that could happen to our ducks and swans.

They’d normally be able to rely on public feeding or donations to the charities to supplement their food. All these populations are suffering due to the lack of public access to parks, nature reserves and the like.

‘The donation of five tonnes of food from Ark Wildlife made to animal sanctuaries and waterfowl charities throughout the UK will

hopefully go some way towards making up for the lost contributions, with people rightly spending increased time in isolation indoors. We would, however, implore those who are able to get outside on their daily exercise to support the duck and swan wildlife in their local park.’

Bread has been the traditional duck food for generations of park visitors, but modern white bread is not good for them. Although not harmful, it quickly bloats the birds without giving them the nutrition they need. A few scraps are fine, but balance it with better food choices and try to use seeded or wholegrain loaves rather than white bread wherever possible.

Where can people donate?

The Wildlife Trusts work hard across the UK looking after local nature reserves, and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Canal & River Trust and the RSPB do terrific work in maintaining waterways for waterfowl across the UK. If you are unable to support the breeding populations of ducks and swans in your local park, donations to local and national charities such as those listed would go a long way to help.

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children these life opportunities are part of the Razzamataz ethos and makes us all proud to be part of the network. Even during these very challenging times, we wanted to send out a very clear message to our students and their families that we are there for them, supporting and encouraging them to never give up on their dreams.’

To enter the scholarship or find out more about the online classes contact Claire at yeovil@ razzamataz.co.uk or visit #Razzamatazonline.

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Dispatches Yeovil theatre school continues to support talented youngsters with hundreds of pounds worth of training

Despite the closure of schools across the UK, a Dragons’ Den backed theatre school wanted to continue offering incredible opportunities to young people with a passion for the performing arts. Razzamataz Yeovil is part of a network that has been working with children for the last twenty years and has offered in excess of one million pounds in scholarships and grants to help children participate in the theatre arts.

Even during this lockdown period, they are digging deep to give children with the drive and determination to make it in the world of performing arts, a chance to achieve their dreams by attending professional performing arts training.

Razzamataz Yeovil has joined forces with The Stage newspaper to offer scholarships to children and young people to attend the school free of charge for one year, worth up to £684. The scholarship audition process has been taken completely online to adhere to social distancing measures. The deadline for entries is 19th June 2020, so there is still time to get involved.

‘We were the first part-time theatre school to work with The Stage newspaper to offer these scholarships and we have seen the amazing results across the UK,’ says Claire Walford, Principal of Razzamataz Yeovil.

‘Now, more than ever, we want to continue to be there for our families and young people in our communities and give them something to look forward to. The pandemic has taken away such a lot for children and teenagers so we were determined to keep

The 2019 Stage Scholarship winners. Photo: Alex Brenner.

this exciting partnership for them.’

When schools closed, Razzamataz laid out a very thorough plan to keep offering performing arts training online.

Not only has the school been able to continue to support families with regular classes, there have also been a host of special guest workshops and interviews. Over the last few weeks, Razzamataz students have been able to participate in interviews with West End stars Kerry Ellis (Wicked) and Jennifer Tierney (Come From Away) as well as join in commercial classes with Lizzie Gough (Strictly Come Dancing).

There have also been special interviews on social media so students can learn more about the industry with Felicity French (casting agent with Cameron Mackintosh) and actress Danielle Fiamanya (&Juliet).

To ensure as many youngsters as possible can enter The Stage scholarships, Razzamataz has created a system that is easily accessible to all. The competition is open to current and non Razzamataz students aged 6-18.

Videos do not need to be professionally filmed and can be emailed, sent via dropbox or uploaded via wetransfer.com to the child’s local Principal. They will simply need to create a short demo of no more than two minutes long showing them performing either a musical theatre song and dance, commercial or street dance, pop

song, drama improvisation or scripted drama piece. Applicants will also complete a short application form detailing why they would like to take this opportunity.

Many former Razzamataz students have gone on to work professionally in West End shows including Hamilton, & Juliet, Matilda, School of Rock and many TV shows as well as a major film franchise.

Claire explains: ‘Many of our past scholarship winners have told us that winning gave them a boost of confidence and the belief that they could achieve if they set their mind to it. Offering

Somerset Coronavirus Appeal funds innovative projects to support people with disabilities during lockdown

Two community groups based in Somerset have been helping people with disabilities adapt to a new way of life since the coronavirus outbreak, thanks to grants awarded from the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal, which was set up by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) in response to the current crisis.

Nova Sports and Coaching are using a £3,000 grant from SCF to deliver free Sports Care Packages to Somerset families who have a disabled child,

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Dispatches helping them to remain active while staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Alex Johnson, Director at the organisation, explained: ‘Many families with disabled children are staying home for 3 months as recommended by the government.

We want to provide them with more ways to have fun and keep active with sports equipment packages we personally deliver to them safely at home. Families can create their own packages from our extensive list of items, or for children with more complex sensory or physical needs, a professional can make a referral so we can create a bespoke package for them.

‘Items include standard sports equipment like tennis rackets and footballs, as well as sensory

10 THE VISITOR June 2020

Alex Johnson from Nova Sports and Coaching making a delivery of free sports equipment to a family with a disabled child.

equipment like flexi rings and adapted equipment like nest balls and beach balls.’

One parent, Alison from Frome, said of the packages: ‘Thanks so much for Ettie's delivery today.

She was so excited when she saw your van arrive and drove straight out to get her package.

We will have a lot of fun with those treats.’

Allison Ward, from Autism Somerset, explained how a £10,000 grant from the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal is helping them to move their services online: ‘We’re providing anxiety strategies and support for individuals and families, carers and professionals either with ASD, autistic traits or mental health needs, or those who are working or caring for someone with those needs.

‘The funding will go towards the cost of resources and for our trainers who will deliver autism, anxiety and relaxation sessions online, as well as delivering live autism strategy workshops, relaxation sessions and one-toone coaching sessions. Fortnightly newsletters are keeping subscribers up to date.’

The Somerset Coronavirus Appeal has grown to over £660,000 in the two months since its launch on Thursday 19 March [correct as at 21/05/2020].

The appeal is raising money to fund local charities and

community organisations supporting those in most urgent need during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and donations have come from local individuals, charitable trusts and businesses. £330,000 of grants have now been awarded to almost 140 groups across the county, including foodbanks and food delivery schemes, support services for older people, and virtual counselling, with more funding going out every week.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available for local charities, community organisations and volunteer groups helping those in most urgent need during the coronavirus outbreak, and SCF pledges to award funding within three working days. Any groups wishing to apply should visit the SCF website, where they can complete a short, simple application form: SCF is passionate about doing as much as possible to support our communities, and is encouraging local people, businesses, charitable trusts and organisations who feel able to donate to the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal by visiting the SCF website: or, if that isn’t possible, call 01749 344949.

If you have any queries you can contact SCF by email at: info@somersetcf.org.uk or, if that isn’t possible, you can call them on the number above.

Community Foundations are local champions, connecting people and organisations that want to improve their communities. They invest in local people and organisations tackling some of the biggest issues facing communities today and supporting some of society’s most disadvantaged people.

They provide help and advice to those who want to give at the heart of their communities, both now and in the long-term, by matching donors to important local causes.

popcorn and unsalted nuts and seeds. Read the food labels to identify snacks that are lower in salt. Try to cut back on the amount of salt used in cooking gradually over time and increase the amount of herbs and spices to add more flavour.

Examples of some heart healthy recipes can be found on the website, at heartresearch .org.uk/recipes. Heart Research UK Healthy tips come direct from the Heart Research UK Health Promotion team.

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Dispatches Healthy Heart Tips, by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK Heart healthy diet Over seven million people in the UK are living with heart or circulatory disease. By eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of physical activity, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, you can reduce your risk of heart disease.

A healthy diet can improve your blood pressure and cholesterol as well as helping you to manage your weight. Heart Research UK have some tips to help you reduce your risk of heart disease by improving your diet.

Increase your fibre intake A diet that is high in fibre can reduce your risk of heart disease.

Good sources of fibre include fruit and vegetables, beans and pulses and wholegrain foods, such as granary bread, brown rice and wholemeal pasta. Try choosing a wholegrain breakfast cereal, such as muesli, porridge or bran flakes and add some chopped fruit or berries.

Choose healthier fats and oils Fats and oils are high in calories and it is important not to consume too much. Different types of fat are present in foods.

Saturated and trans fats can increase your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. It is recommended that saturated and trans fats are swapped for small amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

If you eat meat, you could swap fatty meats for fish.

Saturated fats Eating too much can increase your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease.

Monounsaturated fats Small amounts are recommended for healthy cholesterol levels.

Proud to stand out from the crowd, Heart Research UK is the charity dedicated to your heart.

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Examples include: Fatty meats Hard cheeses Butter Cream Coconut oil Polyunsaturated fats Small amounts are recommended for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and providing essential fatty acids.

Examples: Oily fish (e.g. salmon) Walnuts Seeds (e.g. flaxseeds and sesame seeds) Trans fats Eating too much can increase your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease.

Examples: Hard margarines Fried food Biscuits and cakes

Good sources of fibre include fruit and vegetables.

Avocados are well known to be good for our health.

Examples: Avocados Nuts Olives and olive oil Rapeseed oil If you eat meat, you could swap fatty meats for fish and lean meats, such as chicken (without skin), as well as cutting away visible fat from fatty meats, such as bacon.

Coconut oil is often promoted as a health food, however, it is high in saturated fat and can increase your cholesterol. If you currently cook with coconut oil, you could try switching to rapeseed oil.

Reduce your salt consumption Too much salt in your diet can increase your blood pressure and your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Try swapping snacks that are high in salt, such as crisps and salted nuts, for healthier snacks, such as fruit, carrot sticks and hummus,

ground-breaking training and education, and in communities to improve their heart health for themselves.

For over 50 years they have driven advancements in the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease to benefit patients as soon as possible.

In the last 10 years, Heart Research UK has funded over £10.2m in medical research in hospitals and universities across the UK, as well as £2.2m on innovative community-based lifestyle projects to improve the heart health of the nation.

They like a personal approach, so if they want to contact you they do it themselves, and certainly don’t pay anyone to do it. They treat people how they would like to be treated themselves.

If you’d like to support Heart Research UK’s vital work into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, please visit www.heartresearch.org.uk for inspiration on how you could help.

THE VISITOR June 2020 11

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Dispatches Somerset Open Studios 2020 goes digital

This year’s Somerset Open Studios (September 19th- October 4th) will be a digital extravaganza. Through an interactive brochure, visitors will be able to curate their own tours of artists’ works, see into studios and hear how they develop their work through films. Audiences will be invited to get hands on and interact with artists through a programme of talks, workshops, demonstrations and artists films hosted on Somerset Art Work’s website.

Somerset Art Works are working hard behind the scenes to transform Open Studios 2020 into a digital event, developing skills and resources as well as supporting artist members to showcase their work. Much of what is developed for this year’s event will inform how future Open Studios events are produced.

The decision to go digital has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Somerset Art Works continue to put the safety of participating artists, audiences and staff at the centre of their decision-making. For this reason, the difficult decision was taken to not invite people to visit artists’ studios in person this year, but instead develop the event digitally. As a board and team, Somerset Art Works are determined not to leave a gap in the county’s cultural calendar in 2020, maintaining its annual offer to showcase the creative breadth and talent of Somerset’s artists.

Please join Somerset Art Works for what promises to be an exciting programme to celebrate and share Somerset’s artistic talent.

For more details, please see: somersetartworks.org.uk/whatwe-do/art-weeks/ or contact Somerset Art Works via email: paul.newman@somersetartworks. org.uk. www.somersetartworks .org.uk, #somersetartworks #somersetopenstudios #openstudios2020.

About Somerset Art Works (SAW) Somerset Art Works is part of the Arts Council England’s National Portfolio of funded organisations 12 THE VISITOR June 2020

Elisabeth Barry. Photo: Fiona Murray.

for 2018-2022.

As Somerset's only countywide agency dedicated to developing the visual arts, Somerset Art Works initiates a wide range of projects in a variety of settings, working in partnership with other arts and non-arts organisations. Somerset Art Works aim to increase public engagement, weaving together communities and raising the profile of the vibrant contemporary visual, digital and applied arts in Somerset.

Twitter: @SAW_Somerset | Instagram: @somerset_art_works Facebook: @somersetartworks .page Somerset Art Weeks Since its inception in 1994, Somerset Art Weeks has become an important event in Somerset’s calendar, delighting art lovers near and far. The event alternates each year between Somerset Open Studios and Somerset Art Weeks Festival.

Fabulous Farm Shops directory helps you find local services and supports farming charity

If you’re having trouble getting groceries, finding fresh produce or just want to avoid crowds and long queues, Fabulous Farm Shops online directory of farm shops could be just what you’re looking for: www.fabulous farmshops.co.uk.

More people are turning to local farm shops, and Fabulous Farm Shops are seeing a huge increase in users of their directory. This comprehensive online directory lists every farm shop in England and is updating the site daily to show you which farm shops in your community are able to offer delivery, contactless collection or even drive-thru services to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Wanting to give back, and help aid the financial and mental wellbeing of the incredible

farming network, Fabulous Farm Shops have pledged to donate 100% their annual enhanced farm shop listing fees, received before 5/7/20, to The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I.), a wonderful charity who can help keep your local farming community happy, healthy, and there for you.

R.A.B.I. has an experienced team of welfare officers that provide a caring, human link to tailored support for the farming community. One of the key things R.A.B.I. provide is financial assistance which can help ease stress and anxiety, as well as organising free business appraisals and debt advice.

So, if you’re looking for local supplies from a farm shop near you, and want to find them through a company that gives back, head to fabulous farmshops.co.uk for a free and easy helping hand.

This includes The Lord’s Larder, which has 29 years’ of experience helping people in need, as its expertise which was vital in helping establish the Hub which is based in the ballroom at Westlands at Yeovil.

They have received trolleys, crates and numerous donations of essential food and supplies, many of them ongoing. And to top it off there have been wonderful gifts of chocolate to go in the parcels to bring a smile to people’s faces.

They are continuing to thank each and every one of those who have helped by giving them a big shout out on their social media pages. It is sincerely hoped they know how much everything they have done or given is appreciated.

This includes Protexin, Crofton Stores, Friends of Yeovil Country Park, Hunts, Bidfoods, Brakes, Farm Foods, Co-op Yeovil, Co-op Martock, Tesco, Somerset Waste Partnership, Lord’s Larder, Glastonbury Festival, Lovefields, Yeo Valley, Somerset Waste Partnership, Hunt’s Dairies, Farm Foods, LED Leisure and Oscar Mayer.

They would also like to thank their own dedicated staff who have been redeployed from other parts of the Council to all come together to form the Wellbeing Hub team. They have become a very close unit in a very short time working together as one to deliver everything asked of them.

SSDC are lucky to have these superstars in their organisation alongside support from staff at Yeovil Town Council.

To date they have supplied more than 500 food parcels across shielded, vulnerable and those facing financial hardship. They are also providing hot meal and breakfast bags to the homeless.

If you need support or know someone who does please visit https://www.southsomerset.gov.u k/news/2020/4/coronavirus-covid19-how-to-get-support-from-the-ss dc-wellbeing-hub.

A thank you from South Somerset District Council to all those helping get essential supplies to residents in need

South Somerset District Council would like to say a HUGE thank you to every local business and organisation which has selflessly given up its time, donated food or equipment and shared expertise to support the Wellbeing Hub. The council was able to start distributing vital supplies within days of the Government announcing social distancing measures in March thanks to this support and is continuing to do so.

The Hub team social distancing at Westlands which is the new Wellbeing Hub for the distribution of essential supplies.

Mentioned in

Dispatches More than 100 businesses sign up to be part of SSDC’s new food directory to show where you find huge range of local produce

More than 100 local businesses have already signed up to be part of a online directory of food and drink businesses during the Covid 19 period.

It will list producers who are growing and processing local food and drink, and independent retailers who sell food.

Local producers, bakers, butchers, pizza makers, farm shops are among the suppliers offering an extraordinarily huge variety of produce as they continue to safely operate at this time.

Encouraging as many businesses as possible to get involved: If you’ve been missed and you wish to be included, please complete the survey below as the guides will be continually updated during the pandemic.

Cllr John Clark, portfolio holder for economy, said: ‘The Coronavirus pandemic has placed a number of restrictions on businesses to protect public safety and reduce the risk of infection.

Many businesses have had to turn to online sales or takeaway deliveries following the closure of pubs, restaurants and shops.

‘As such, they really are still providing a positive service to customers and we should be proud of them. The aim of our directory is to provide a guide for residents to where they can find excellent local produce and support local businesses.’

Councillor Sarah Dyke, portfolio holder for the environment who spearheaded the creation of the directory, said: “This is a brilliant guide to the local produce which is available and it plays an important environmental role too.

‘As well as stimulating the local economy, the directory will help to reduce the amount of food bought into the region reducing traffic and food miles, helping to reduce our environmental impact which is one of the key ambitions of South Somerset District Council.

‘There are some absolutely brilliant and skilled foodmakers across our district and we will do all we can to promote them not

only during the Coronavirus pandemic – where they’re performing an important service - but also after the crisis.

‘We want to help connect some of these outstanding artisan businesses with residents who may not even have known they existed and create a lasting relationship where communities realise they can get great food right on their doorstep.’

Directories have been split into our four areas – West, East, North and South.

Home-cooked breakfasts, cupcakes, Indian meals, edible flowers, cider, cheese, mushrooms, pub grub and so much more is all on the menu in our guide to the produce on offer across the district.

To see the directories and the map, please visit https://www.southsomerset .gov.uk/life-events/coronavirussupport/south-somerset-fooddrink-directory-during-covid-19.

SSDC are also encouraging all those involved to continue to operate safely and we’ve produced these simple guidelines to help: Food and drink retailers need to avoid crowding and create adequate spacing between individuals. Effective measures to support this will vary by store and location but could include: • monitoring the number of customers within store and limiting access to avoid congestion • implementing queue management systems to limit crowds gathering at entrances and maintain the 2 metres distance • reminding customers to only buy what they need • Public Health England (PHE) supports measures to allow safe privileged access to elderly and essential workers such as NHS and Social Care staff.

Customers should be encouraged to order online, by app, or by phone.

Customers waiting to order or collect should wait in a designated area where a 2-metre distance from other people can be maintained. If this is not possible, customers should enter the premises one at a time and only when their order is ready to be made or collected.

Collection times should be staggered to discourage crowding outside the premises. Where queuing is taking place, you should use queue management systems to maintain a 2-metre distance between people.

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 May Sudoku on page 28.

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

By John Osborne  Answers can be found on page 19 

This month it's all about the girls!

1) What was the name of the girl who put Barry Manilow on the map?

2) Name either of the young ladies sung about by The Cufflinks in 1969 and 1970 3) The Eurythmics, Chris Rea and The Beatles all sang about a different girl with the same name – what was that girls name?

4) Who was the girl Dolly Parton sang about?

5) Name of the girl sung about by Donovan and a different one, by the Hollies 6) John Fred and the Playboy Band, and another by Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel 7) The Monkees, Stevie Winwood, The Zutons and Amy Winehouse 8) Pink Floyd 9) Wings 10) Kool and the Gang, and Scott Walker

THE VISITOR June 2020 13

Family Health with Jenna Evans Continuing our A-Z of medicinal herbs this month with a little look at Rosehips, Skullcap, Spearmint & Valerian Rosehips (Rosa canina) The fruit (hips) of the Dog Rose are nutrient as well as mildly diuretic, laxative and astringent.

Rosehips are also an excellent source of bioavailable vitamin C and bioflavonoids – compounds thought to work in a complimentary way with vitamin C, especially in immune, skin and joint conditions. You will often find rosehips added to ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) supplement preparations for this reason.

Rosehips make a useful ‘spring tonic’, bringing a boost to the system and allaying general debility. Rosehips can be helpful in brews to aid immunity at the first sign of infection. As a gentle diuretic and laxative, rosehips may provide kidney, bladder and bowel support. Rosehips have also become popular as a treatment for osteoarthritis, easing pain and stiffness. Use 2

½ teaspoons to 1 cup of water, bring the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Drink 3 times a day.

Combines well with Hibiscus for urinary tract infections and colds.

Skullcap (Sculletaria lateriflora) The dried aerial parts of this pretty plant have anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, central nervous relaxant, mild sedative and restorative properties. Skullcap is a wonderful tonic for the nervous system.

In cases of nervous tension and exhaustion it can both relax and revive. Skullcap is even used to treat hysterical states and as an anticonvulsant has been used in seizures and epilepsy.

Exhaustion, depression, insomnia and premenstrual tension may all be helped. Infuse 1-2 teaspoons in a mug of hot water for 10-15 minutes, drink 3 times a day. Combines well with valerian.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) The aerial parts of this plant contain antibacterial, antiemetic, antifungal, antiviral, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, hypnotic and sedative properties. Spearmint shares many qualities with peppermint, although it is a little sweeter and milder.

As an intestinal antispasmodic, spearmint is useful for flatulence and colic. It can also relieve nausea and

prevent vomiting. Spearmint is a common additive to things like mouthwash but it’s not there just for its refreshing flavour, it is also an antimicrobial.

Spearmint may be useful as part of a treatment plan for women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This condition is associated with raised androgen hormones, leading to symptoms such as menstrual irregularity, excessive hair growth, cystic acne and weight gain. Spearmint has demonstrated antiandrogen activity and its regular use over time may bring some relief. As a hypnotic and sedative, spearmint can be useful in sleep blends. Infuse 1-2 teaspoons for 10-15 minutes and drink 3 times a day.

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) The roots and rhizome possess antispasmodic, mild anodyne, carminative, hypnotic, hypotensive, relaxant and sedative properties. Valerian is perhaps most famous as a sedative herb for treating insomnia. It is also a wonderful nervine for times of tension and stress. Generally you can use a lower dose throughout the day to calm the nerves and a larger dose before bed to promote restful slumber.

Valerian is also very useful where there is pain associated with tension or spasm in the body – think IBS, menstrual cramps, headaches and migraine.

1-2 teaspoons, infused for 10-15 minutes sipped as needed through the day or a mugful in the late evening before bed.

Combines well with skullcap for tension; passiflora & hops for insomnia; cramp bark for spasm and cramps. High doses can cause side effects such as palpitations, dizziness and headaches. Valerian should not be taken with sedative drugs.

14 THE VISITOR June 2020

That’s all for this month, see you next time! © Jenna Evans 2020.

• Jenna is a Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’. Jenna is also a multiaward winning Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil.

To make an appointment, 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.

Mental Health awareness week: Advice from Dr Michael Barnish, MBChB

Social isolation, not seeing your usual friends, family and colleagues, will mean that the release of several neurotransmitters, including dopamine and oxytocin are not released when we get face to face interactions. This will not keep the stress hormone, cortisol in check at times of stress and therefore stress and its clinical manifestation of anxiety can occur.

Being outside can improve short-term memory and focus, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, fight against anxiety and depression, and boost our overall immune systems.

Therefore, when we are unable to venture outside as much as we could before then we can become more distracted, less motivated and more stressed.

If we exercise outdoors we get the benefits of the ‘feel good’ endorphin release as well. As humans, we are spending more and more time indoors and this is one reason thought to contribute to increasing depression, anxiety and reduced immunity levels.

Cooking from scratch is essential for boosting both mood and health as fresh, nonprocessed foods are the best for your health. It is a fantastic way to learn, laugh and create.

Tired looking vegetables can be easily boiled up to make a soup with some stock, very easily done, good for the environment and tasty. Freezing leftovers will make sure that you stay well stocked up.

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Which Interior Design Style Adds the Most Value to Your Home?

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Bankrate.uk were eager to help people add some value to their home before selling! They analysed 10 of the most popular décor designs and hundreds of house prices on Zoopla to determine which interior design style adds the most value to your home - so if you’re thinking of redecorating, the following could be of interest.

After analysing hundreds of house prices in England, they found that Scandinavian styled homes are valued at £340,224 more than the average UK house! It seems that IKEA’s influence on Britain is no understatement as the Scandinavian décor style comes out on top!

The average price listed is £572,079; that’s £340,224 higher than the current average UK house price (£231,855).

In second place is farmhouse style - at an average of £521,398 on Zoopla, it is £289,543 more than the average.

Rustic interior décor claims third place with an average of £516,952 - £285,097 above the country’s average. It’s true to say that a no-fuss aesthetic can showcase not only a natural and subdued atmosphere but also a

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hefty increase in value!

In third, fourth and fifth place are bohemian, vintage and contemporary, with average house prices of £515,674, £505,828 and £501,147 respectively – that’s a rise of £283,819, £273,973 and £269,292 above the UK’s average.

Celebrities Kim and Kanye West will also be happy to know their interior décor adds value to their home. Minimalist-style homes are listed at an average value of £452,449 – a rise of £220,594. Check out the image below for a run-down of how much each interior style could add to your house’s value.

Bankrate also looked at less popular décor styles and found that a home with Gothic interiors can pay off handsomely with an added value of £114,141.

Interestingly, the increasing influence of Asia in the West (think K-pop and cherry blossom trees) can also translate to interior design, as houses with ‘Japanese’ styles are selling for an average of £329,790 - £97,935 above the UK’s average.

Bankrate entered the ten biggest interior design styles into the keyword section of a property search and calculated the average prices for houses in England containing each interior décor, ranking them from the most valuable to the least as of May 2020.

According to House Price Index (HPI) and correct as of March 2020, the average house price in the UK is £231,855.

Please see the full blog post for more information here: https://www.bankrate.com/uk.

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THE VISITOR June 2020 17

MOTORING VINTAGE Motorcycling THE DEVASTATION caused by the Coronavirus continues and our sympathies go to anyone who has caught the virus or has a relative or friend who has had it or anyone who has suffered a loss resulting from the virus. The lockdown continues but it does appear to be lessening the severity which might have been expected without the restrictions. All club life is on hold and the Wells Classic Motor Cycle Club have asked me to make specific mention that their popular Tortoise and Hare Run has been cancelled for this year.

Keen though I am to get out and about on my bikes I cannot imagine that we will be seeing much motorcycling activity this year. A shame when so many people have put a lot of work and planning into this year's events.

All is not lost though as many of these plans could well be held over to next year, so continue working for the good of all members in the hope that 2021 will be a bumper year. Betwixt me writing this column and you reading it should the Government decide to alter

the lockdown restrictions then you can always call me on 01935872528 to enquire if any riding events are taking place. I have mentioned before that I was restoring a 1919 Humber motorcycle and I often get remarks that few people even knew that Humber had made motorcycles. I therefore decided that a little investigation was called for.

Humber were made in Coventry and were one of the earliest manufacturers of motorcycles. As early as May 1896 Humber attended the 'International Horseless Carriage Exhibition' (what a lovely name that is) where they displayed two versions of their machines which were powered by Pennington engines and were available for the public to purchase. This makes Humber the earliest known manufacturer offering their products for general sale. They were always known for the quality of their engineering.

As well as motorcycles Humber also made threewheelers and motor cars. Such was the popularity of their tricars and motor cars that bike production was suspended from 1906 to 1909 to concentrate on the more lucrative end of the market.

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Better times - what could be better than a sunny day by the seaside with lots of bikes and friends to chat with. A happy thought that such good times will return again soon.

Humber always made a wide range of models and so produced a machine suitable for everyone's needs.

Just at the outbreak of World War One Humber introduced a new model in the range which had either a 600cc or 750cc flat twin engine (some were air cooled and some had water cooling with a radiator) and for the first time a three speed countershaft gearbox.

This would have been quite revolutionary at that time. My bike is one of these models. They started being made in 1915 and continued into 1916 but by then more urgent war effort engineering was called for. Very few were made after 1916 but for some reason my machine was not registered until 1919. A few more slightly different machines were made after hostilities had ceased and production lasted until 1922 but few were ever sold. More modern models were then introduced and continued until 1930 after which only cars were made. Like all companies Humber were swallowed up by larger companies and eventually became part of the Rootes Group.

My machine came in a very rough dismantled state but mostly all there. Restoration started three years ago and with about two more days work it will be finished at last. Much of the tinware was in a sorry state but served as a pattern for me to make replicas.

Mechanically it was fairly sound and it continues with the original

crank, conrods and pistons but all bearings have been replaced as a precautionary measure. I have deliberately not done a concours type restoration as I intended to use it as a working motorcycle. I have slightly deviated from standard spec in that I have remanufactured some drum brakes to replace the original bicycle type stirrup brakes. This is done for safety reasons to cope with modern traffic but I have done nothing which could not be returned to standard spec should anyone in the future wish to do so. The VMCC Machine Register only lists 5 of the 600cc model and just one of the 750cc ones so these machines are now very rare.

After all that work will I ever get out and use it? I doubt it as I have other machines to ride so I expect it will adorn the garage as an ornament I can sit and look at.

So what next? Well I have another old machine to be rebuilt which will be just as big a job as this one. Another three years of hard work does not look so appealing right now, so I may turn my attentions to a 'Special' which should take less time and give me a different interest.

For my picture this month I thought we could look back to better times. What could be better than a sunny day by the seaside with lots of bikes and friends to chat with. A happy thought that such good times will return again soon.

Rod Hann.

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G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414 18 THE VISITOR June 2020

The

Pub

Vinny is dreaming of the good old days

Pages

BE E R & SK ITTLE S P. A. BAXTER THEY SAY it's 'An ill wind that does nobody any good' and sure enough, in all this hideous confusion and media-induced fear, the good people of this fair and pleasant land are coming together to help each other. This is not an exaggeration as I have many personal experiences of it.

I was also delighted to see village shops really coming into their own and serving their communities in such a way that they did in the past, with many going far beyond the norm to ensure the wants of the customers were met. This is something the big shops were unable to do, although even they have been more than helpful and that, of course, was down to the staff working so long and hard in difficult circumstances.

We have been lucky that our village store in Bradford Abbas has been amongst those that have risen to the challenge and served the needs of their customers both old and new. I am pleased to say that we have always done our bit to support them as well, but with the range of items in the 'wet' area increasing (if you catch my drift) I was delighted to purchase a few favourite ales, and even some previously untried – purely in the interest of research you understand. Whilst most would agree that the bottled versions of real ales normally found in our pubs do not match up with their draught brothers, some are pretty good – 'Old Speckled Hen' is one that springs to mind and even 'Doom Bar' has joined my list, to the surprise of my contemporaries as well as your writer! As one who drinks at home very rarely

– and although not exactly frequently now, a drink with a mate now involves an on-line 'Messenger' and holding a pint glass to a 'Cheers!' on camera.

It is most distressing to hear about so many businesses in trouble as well as our wonderful pubs. I shan't quote any figures at this juncture simply because many are obviously guesswork and horribly negative, but we can only hope that the glorious establishment that is our wonderful pubs will shine again.

I'll continue to promote all aspects of the pub trade in any

way I can, and right now I suggest one takes a look at the Facebook site 'Pub Games' and as we are on-line, one should be able to access it here where there has been the 'World's First International On-Line Spoof'.

That's quite a claim! The distance between the spoofers was about 12,000 miles as Great Britain played Perth, Australia.

Any pub-goer will know all about the game of spoof (if not; do find out) but my reader will be delighted to know that the result was a 3-2 win to Great Britain. A recent addition to the

activity was the Aussie version of (table) skittles/ Daddlums /Drubbers (take your pick) which is becoming popular in the Perth area thanks to the good offices of the Church brothers, Simon and Paul, social distancing not withstanding at the moment! They are certainly 'getting into it' and are learning all about the fun and frustrations of a great game that could easily be brought into any social situation be it pub or home. Take a look!

I've never been one to take things at face-value and I tend to question everything. What is the source of information; is it reliable, unbiased, up to date?

All these things I ask, many times over. As this ghastly business drags on with its controversies and contradictions I checked the ONS site (Office for National Statistics) where I read that for a period in April just 0.24% of the population had this virus and only just over 3% of those tested actually had it when they believed they had some of the symptoms! I'm left wondering what one of our great leaders such as Winston Churchill would've made of it all, and frankly I'd think he'd have just said 'KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON'! Cheers! © P.A. Baxter 2020. skittlealley@hotmail.com

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 13

1) Mandy 2) Tracy and Julie 3) Julia 4) Jolene 5) Jennifer 6) Judy 7) Valerie / Valleri 8) Emily 9) Helen 10) Joanna Spoofing coins' (author's collection).

THE VISITOR June 2020 19

to produce new flowers.

Watering needs to be done regularly according to the climate but don’t let them get waterlogged – so if planting into containers or window boxes make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom. It’s also worth thinking about using compost that contains slow release fertiliser as this will provide a constant supply of essential nutrients during the growing season.

With these simple geranium growing guidelines you can make sure these summer favourites continue flowering well into the autumn.

Get into the garden centre and grab a geranium!

IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE a summer garden or patio without geraniums. Not only are they easy to grow and look after, but they also flower throughout the whole of the season making them the perfect choice for novice or young gardeners.

Children love being outside and getting their hands – and everything else – dirty so introducing them to their first steps on the gardening journey isn’t too difficult. Most experts agree that for kids to get into gardening a space of their own is crucial – whether that’s a small bed, a grow bag or a terracotta pot. And, one of the best plants for them to start with is a geranium. Geraniums come in an array of colours from vibrant red and bright pink through to soft lilac and white with fabulous flower heads, and are robust enough to thrive being cared for by even the most untrained of little green fingers.

The growers from Pelargonium for Europe have some simple tips on how to make sure any geranium is a summer success

Geraniums are good for indoors.

story. In general, geraniums can be planted outside May time once the last frosts have gone. Native to South Africa, they do best in full sun or partial shade - in fact the more hours of sun they get, the more flowers they produce.

They need a bit of space to grow – so don’t crowd them into one pot. Planting them 20 cm apart

works well and gives room to water. Or, plant individual plants in individual pots.

Once planted aftercare is simple – deadhead (removing dead and spent flowers) on a regular basis and take off any yellow or damaged leaves. This not only keeps geraniums looking good, it also stimulates the plants

A geranium in full bloom is a magnificent eye-catcher that adds colour accents. Originally a native of South Africa, this plant prefers a sunny spot, but partial shade will do as well.

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PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660 20 THE VISITOR June 2020

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

Is there anything more wonderful than a relaxing summer day on the balcony? And brightlycoloured geraniums ensure the right feel-good ambience. This beautiful South African comes in many different colour shades with a convincing array of proliferous and lasting blooms and is very easy-care.

Aldi's watermelon tipples are the ultimate taste of summer

WATERMELON IS CERTAINLY having a moment right now, set to be the drink of the summer its Instagram-perfect pink hue and refreshing taste makes it a summer cocktail must-have.

From Beyoncé to most recently Harry Styles, we’re all crushing on watermelon and Aldi has a choice of delicious summery tipples from just £9.99.

Please find more information below and let me know if these might work for any summer drink round-ups?

watermelon, this refreshing vodka crush at only £11.99 rivals high-end brands on both taste and style.

the perfect present. These deliciously cheesy gift sets can be delivered directly to his door with a personalised note to let him know just how much you care.

There is something for every kind of Dad in the guide, from

Raspberry & Watermelon Gin Liqueur (£9.99) – Crafted to perfection in only small batches, this Raspberry and Watermelon Gin Liqueur has fresh flavours of sweet raspberry and juicy fresh watermelon, with fragrant juniper undertones.

Strawberry & Watermelon Vodka Crush (£11.99) – A delicious blend of strawberry and

the new Godminster Limited Edition Cheese Party Gift Set to the Bloody Good Mary Gift Set, making his Father's Day truly delicious!

Check out the guide online at https://www.godminster .com/product-category/gifts.

For a refreshing cocktail that’s ‘one in a melon’, simply mix a single measure of either the gin liqueur or vodka crush with mint, pour over crushed ice and top with lemonade – add a wedge of watermelon on the side for added style. Or, if you want something really special, spoon the insides of a watermelon out and pour a healthy measure of the delicious spirit inside. Simply top with soda and fresh lime for the ultimate summer sipping cocktail!

The Godminster Father's Day Gift Guide

Father's Day will be here before you know it (on the 21st June in fact) and to help pick the best Godminster gift ever, the Godminster team created a handy gift guide, giving you that much-needed inspiration to find

Chill-Out Somerset For all your refrigerated trailer requirements, outside events, etc.

CONTACT : Martyn Jones 07973 433586 EMAIL : chilloutsomerset@yahoo.com THE VISITOR June 2020 21

Remember

when...

30 years ago from The Visitor archives Final whistle

CAN IT REALLY be thirty years ago that Yeovil Town Football Club played its last game at Huish? Correspondent Geoff Knight was there, along with around 4,000 other fans, and wrote in the June 1990 Visitor that ‘after 70 years of derring-do and great exploits it was perhaps fitting that the last opponents were Telford United, no mean giant-killers in their time’. He reported on the ‘short but moving’ closing ceremony at which the crowd sang ‘Abide With Me’ – but failed to mention the final score.

Presumably Telford were still giant-killers, although to describe Yeovil as giants would perhaps have been an overstatement.

A walk in the country

‘A splendid “do” was put on by South Somerset District Council for the official opening of the Leland Trail, a 28-mile country walk from Alfred’s Tower at Brewham to Ham Hill near Yeovil.’

So said Patrick Dunion’s report in the June 1990 issue. In it he explained, with some scepticism, that ‘the walk may or may not in parts trace the footsteps of John Leland jnr, “king’s antiquary” (an office in which he had neither predecessor nor successor), who in around 1540 was meandering through Somerset during his nineyear nationwide survey of ‘secret antiquities’. Preceding a free lunch at the Bull Inn, where Leland may or may not have dallied with a comely serving wench, a company of “historical interpreters” attired in more or less 16th century costume enacted an imaginary meeting between Leland and Thomas Phelips (Ham Hill landowner) before Alfred’s Tower.’

Patrick described this as ‘an amusing piece of tomfoolery’, although there’s no denying that the publicity attracted walkers from all over the country (and abroad) to visit South Somerset.

A night at the flicks

Back in 1990 Wincanton still had its cinema. Built and opened in 1934 the Plaza was still screening films on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, the other evenings being given over to bingo.

The June 1990 programme, printed in The Visitor, included ‘Tango and Cash’ starring Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell, and ‘Always’ with Richard 22 THE VISITOR June 2020

PHONE - a - FIRM

Dreyfuss. Others were Sean Connery in ‘The Hunt for Red October’ and Richard Gere in ‘Pretty Woman’. The Plaza eventually closed in 1992 and is now a Christian community church.

Oak in the family tree

June 2nd 1990 was the 150th anniversary of the birth of Dorset novelist and poet Thomas Hardy and The Visitor marked the occasion in an unusual way. It’s generally accepted that for ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ Hardy based the village of Weatherbury on the Dorset village of Puddletown, and Bathsheba Everdene’s farmhouse on Waterston House just outside Puddletown. In a long and detailed article, Geoff Thompson (who then, as now, was the magazine’s popular cartoonist) provided evidence to suggest that the basis of one of the most famous characters in the novel, bailiff Gabriel Oak, was one of his ancestors, Robert Walden. Geoff had discovered the possible Hardy connection when researching his family history, and increasingly found that incidents in his ancestor’s life were closely mirrored by those of Gabriel Oak in the novel.

Lost heart

An advertisement in the June 1990 Visitor extolled the ‘friendly atmosphere’ of the Heart & Compass pub in Castle Cary.

Younger readers might not recognise the name because the pub was renamed the Two Swans in 1996. Opened as a beerhouse in 1872, it stood on what is now called Station Road, opposite the junction with Victoria Road. It closed down in 2006 and the site is now filled with housing.

Roger Richards.

Solution to May

Sudoku

Taylors Domestic Appliances Ltd. Sales & Repairs for Dishwashers, Washing Machines, Cookers, Tumble Driers etc.

Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford Orcas DT9 4SE Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

01963 220366 Email: taylorsdomesticappliances@gmail.com Covering the areas between Wincanton Castle Cary, Sparkford, Sherborne and Yeovil

DEADLINE for July Issue is Monday 15th June

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

● SALES ● SERVICING ● REPAIRS ● INSTALLATIONS Greenhill, Sherborne, DT9 4EW Tel: 01935 813451 www.goddenandcurtis.co.uk

ANYTIME LOCKS

24-Hour Locksmith Key Cutting and Boarding Up MOBILE 07709 433922

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE Multifuel Stoves ... over 200 on display Chimneys Relined ★ Full Installation Service HETAS • OFTEC • GAS SAFE

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

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport  01458 251476

PHONE 01458 835652

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd

Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements Plastic / Metal Tanks • Temporary Tanks Leaking Tanks • Tank Cleaning / Moving / Disposal Above or Below Ground Tanks • 24 Hour Call-Out

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

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

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery A family firm in the centre of Sherborne

Flexible sizes and prices from £50 per month www.sherbornestorage.co.uk 07398624975

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

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

To ADVERTISE in CALL 01963 351256

For all your roofing requirements

Flat Roofing • Tiling Slating • GRP Roofing

All New Work Fully Guaranteed For further information & estimates contact Allan Carey

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

Bourton Roofing Co.

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

 01747 840064

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

Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing.

UPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE ES T I M AT E S

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

THE VISITOR June 2020 23

Classified Ads Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk. 30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential.

Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit/Debit Card.

Personal

Services

www.country-link.org.uk COUNTRY LINK SOCIAL GROUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. Tel: Andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN RUBBISH CLEARED, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844

JUST SOMERSET INTRODUCTIONS. Bringing people together. Call Alison Tel: 07584 250285, www.justintro ductionsgroup.co.uk MARTIN, 61, Best dressed man at party.

Find out what I look like, ladies 40-70.

Box no. 10 AN EXTRA INCOME with minimum effort.

For details please visit www.doubledeal.co.uk, if joining please quote reference 001NK

Storage STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles.

Lock-up garages to let. Tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692

COMPUTER PROBLEMS? 07483 805766

Prize Crossword No. 403 Set by Frank Butler

19

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BP – to arrive by Monday 15th June.

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: 8. Some Welsh or Norman means of warning [4] 9. Writer returns to waste place [3] 10. Fire! Result in mid-attempt is cheap and nasty [6] 11. Shooting star tore ‘em to bits [6] 12. Pale skinned person also a pure one [8] 13. To count form P, etc., may become an offence [8,2,5] 15. Real and near the kidneys [7] 17. Number of dwarfs find Thursday short on last day of first week [7] 20. Tilt chests, hoist with national emblem [8,7] 23. Wide view, or half way along canal [8] 25. Man sounds serious! [6] 26. Pleach in order to locate place of worship [6] 27. Sussex town with grass [3] 28. Neat arrangement liable to erupt [4]

16. Short physician asked ‘What’s up?’ [3] 18. Concentrates natures [8] 19. Chaotic treat, eh? Dramatic location! [7] 21. Sort around post office, come back men! [6] 22. Badness at heart of cut wood does not bring success [6] 24. Each change is painful [4]

Solution to Crossword 402

Down: 1. Dance jacket [6] 2. Upset, having lent Suet Mix [8] 3. Displace gun, collide with mat, then shortly take in charge friend using bad language [15] 4. Refuses to assent with things [7] 5. Lily seen in the east [4,2,9] 6. Pop has upset Greek poetess! [6] 7. Who first cries ‘Stop!’? [4] 14. Leaves sinking ship as sailor returns [3]

24 THE VISITOR June 2020

Winner of our May Crossword

was Linda Funston of Bath who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Galhampton Country Stores.