The Visitor Magazine Issue 445 December 2020

Your local independent monthly journal  01963 351256 www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Issue 445 December 2020

Woodland wildlife at risk due to Ash Dieback in The Mendips See page 4 for details Photo: Danny Green.

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ockdown again! So common has the word ‘lockdown’ become that it has just been named Word of the Year 2020 by Collins Dictionary. More than a quarter of million usages had been recorded by its lexicographers during the year, compared with only 4,000 in the previous year, and the word doesn’t even appear in the Oxford English Reference Dictionary published a quarter of a century ago.

For many people the disruption of daily life caused by the first lockdown was made more bearable by the weather. For who could have predicted that April would turn out to be unseasonably warm and sunny with rain on only five days – little sign of the proverbial April showers – and May would be the driest in parts of Visitorland since records here began in 1959. Ideal weather for a daily hour of gentle outdoor exercise, or for sitting in the garden with a good book and a bottle of wine, or for chatting with neighbours over the garden fence. The November lockdown is turning out to be very different with cold, wet days and darkness by teatime at the start of long evenings indoors.

Although the Covid-19 infection rate has been very low in Visitorland, the latest lockdown has again forced the closure of many local shops, businesses and attractions and the cancellation of events and entertainments. In the first lockdown many businesses lost all their early season trade and people who worked in them saw their incomes substantially reduced. They worried that their jobs would be lost when furlough payments ended, and that the lockdown would prove fatal for some businesses. Some didn’t re-open. Others struggled to earn enough over the summer to make up for the losses in the lockdown, and the prospect of losing much of the pre-Christmas trade could be the last straw for some that managed to survive the summer.

It’s also the uncertainty that is making the current lockdown less bearable. Will it really end at the beginning of December as the Government has indicated, or will it be

replaced by other restrictive measures?

What steps will the Government urge us to take in an attempt to revive our ailing economy? Will we be allowed to celebrate Christmas with family and friends in some semblance of normality? And if we’re not, how many people will flout the rules? At the time of writing the Government clearly shares the uncertainty.

Meanwhile the main beneficiaries of the lockdown appear to be internet and mail order traders and delivery van companies as more and more people do their shopping on the internet. I may seem old-fashioned, but if it’s possible I will scour our local shops and markets for festive fare and for unusual and appropriate Christmas gifts. I’m confident that, as in previous years, I’ll be pleasantly surprised by the choice, the quality and the prices, and that I will enjoy the human contact and personal service that these retailers provide.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines Christmas/January Issue published: Thursday 17th December Deadline: Monday 7th Decemberr

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 ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED ‑ 30 ANTIQUES ‑ 10 BOOK REVIEW ‑ 13 BRAMLEY CARE ‑ Business Profile ‑ 14 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE ‑ 15 CROSSWORD ‑ 30 FESTIVE MENUS & VENUES ‑ 24 GARDENING ‑ 26 HOUSE & HOME ‑ 20 LEISURE ‑ 13 LOOKING GOOD ‑ 14 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES ‑ 4 MOTORING ‑ 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.

PHONE‑A‑FIRM ‑ 29 PUBS ‑ 22 REMEMBER WHEN ‑ 28 SUDOKU ‑ 13 THEY SAY ‑ 23 WINE & DINE ‑ 11

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR December 2020 3

Mentioned in

Dispatches Road closure through Cheddar Gorge as Somerset Wildlife Trust deals with Roadside Ash Dieback on their reserves SOMERSET WILDLIFE Trust has announced that due to advanced Ash Dieback on its Black Rock reserve, the road through Cheddar Gorge will be closed whilst vital tree safety work is carried out.

Due to the advanced nature of Ash Dieback within this area, Somerset Wildlife Trust will be felling all ash trees within striking distance of the highway and public rights of way, as these trees will pose a significant and ever increasing risk to public safety if left standing.

The road closure will last until 14th December on Cliff Road/B3135 (the road running through Cheddar Gorge) from the edge of the village up until where the road splits to become the B3371 and Plummer’s Lane.

Work will also be carried out

along the bridleway running through Black Rock reserve itself until 7th December. Walkers and visitors are reminded to stick to paths, follow diversions and other signs and not visit this reserve at all during high winds, as this can be dangerous.

Ash Dieback tree safety work must be carried out by specialist contractors who are experienced at working on sensitive sites. Due to the extent of the disease and unpredictability of trees which are infected, this work often requires specialist machinery such as tree shears and high lift platforms to reduce the risks.

Somerset Wildlife Trust has carried out their own specialist assessment, which has detailed the extent of the problem and highlighted the scale of the work that is needed to bring the situation under some form of control on their reserves.

Estimates for just the most urgent safety work that needs to be done to ensure that the public are kept safe on roads and Public Rights of Way across their reserves stand at £600,000.

This is just the start of what will be a long-term emergency response and recovery plan for these woodlands, the habitats they provide, their wildlife and for the people and communities

Black Rock Bridleway with dying Ash trees. Photo: Chris Eyles.

around them.

It has launched an Ash Dieback Fund to help secure funding for the work and welcomes donations here: www.somersetwildlife .org/ashdiebackfund.

Comedian Jo Brand urges people in the South West to express themsELVES for Elf Day

It’s been a tough year for many, but Alzheimer’s Society supporter and stand-up comedian Jo Brand is determined to help spread some festive cheer.

Jo wants people across the South West – where more than 92,510 people are living with dementia – to pop on a pair of elf ears, pull up their festive tights and shake a leg in some jolly jingle-bell slippers on Elf Day to raise some much-needed smiles and funds, helping Alzheimer’s Society reach as many people as possible affected by dementia, now more than ever.

The charity’s Elf Day falls on Friday 4 December – but you can hold your own dress up day and

let your elf out to play at any time through the month. Need some elf-spiration? Here are Jo’s five ways to get involved: Get your thinking (elf) cap on and host a Christmas Quiz online Being in lockdown can test the best of us! Why not be a brainy elf and host a virtual festive quiz with family and friends? Ask all participants to dress as elves and pay a fee to take part.

Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia, but the pandemic has hit the charity hard financially. By taking part in Elf Day and raising money, you will be helping people affected by dementia who need support now more than ever.

Jingle your way through a Zoom team meeting – making sure your boss wears the ‘head elf’ badge Snowed under? Forget any workplace woes and get your colleagues to suit up in elf hats on your next conference call.

People with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus -

Care Home, Yeovil • 24hr personal care • Own ensuite basin & toilet • Large accessible gardens • Medication managed if required • Full social activities programme

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 4 THE VISITOR December 2020

Mentioned in

Dispatches devastatingly, thousands have died and many more have been badly affected by the isolation of lockdown. If your kind-hearted co-worker elves donate to Elf Day,

Jo Brand urges people in the South West to express themsELVES for Elf Day.

they’ll be helping pay for Alzheimer’s Society’s vital support services, which have been used over 2.7 million times since March, showing people need us more than ever.

Swap a chef’s hat for an elf hat and have a Christmas bake-off Candy, cakes, cookies! Every elf has a sweet tooth to satisfy.

Conjure up some jolly gingerbread with the family – in person or virtually – and see who can win the title of ‘head chef elf’.

If you have a family member with dementia, include them in the festive fun, helping to reduce social isolation that many are experiencing.

Pull up your (stripy) socks and get sponsored to do some ‘elfy’ exercise Jingle-bell jog anyone? Getting daily exercise – whether a sponsored walk or setting a goal to run several miles - can keep you fit and ‘elfy’ and improve mental health too.

Physical activity can help boost feel-good hormones, reduce anxiety and depression and when you’re wearing ‘athletic’ elf attire while you exert yourself, you’ll be raising smiles as well as your spirits. So beat those winter blues!

Join us for Alzheimer’s Society’s Virtual Carols at Christmas celebration Fill your day with festive fun on Thursday 17 December, then join Alzheimer’s Society in the evening as the charity hosts a live virtual carol concert. Elf-up in the day with activities, then come together with BAFTA awardwinning actor and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador, Carey Mulligan, from 6.30pm, to sing along to well-known carols with some special guests, all from the comfort of your home.

Tickets are free and can be found at alzheimers.org.uk/carols, but we ask that audiences consider making a donation in return for their ticket. Singing can improve brain activity,

wellbeing and mood, so this is a perfect event to share with and make memories for loved ones living with dementia.

Sign up for your free fundraising pack at alzheimers .org.uk/elfday where you’ll find lots of other ideas and support.

Volunteer, donate, campaign for change - whatever you do, unite against dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society relies on voluntary donations, you can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers .org.uk.

Follow Alzheimer’s Society on Twitter and Instagram @Alzheimerssoc and Like us on FacebookAlzheimer’s Society YouTube channel www.youtube .com/AlzheimersSociety.

Mere remembers: Sunday 8th November, 2020 at 11am, St. Michael’s Church, Mere. A socially distanced Remembrance service in St Michael's churchyard. The service was live streamed to the local facebook group, the wreaths were then taken to Mere War Memorial.

Photo: George Jeans.

THE VISITOR December 2020 5

ANDREW BARCLAY TRADITIONAL FAMILY BUTCHERS 45 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU Tel: 01963 34880 • Email: andrewbarclaybutchers@gmail.com www.andrewbarclaybutcher.com

CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR OUR FESTIVE FARE THE FINEST GEESE, DUCKS, CHICKENS & TURKEYS FROM OUR LOCAL WEST COUNTRY SUPPLIERS OWN MADE SAUSAGES & OWN CURED CUT BACON DELICIOUS LOCAL BEEF, PORK, LAMB, GAMMON & SEASONAL GAME PRIZE WINNING LOCAL CHEESES, MILK & CREAM, COLD MEATS, COOKED HAMS, PIES, DESSERTS, CAKES, A WIDE RANGE OF CONDIMENTS & BISCUITS, FREE RANGE EGGS & MUCH MORE ORDERS TAKEN FOR OUR MEAT ETC. FROM NORTH CADBURY VILLAGE SHOP WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

Mentioned in

Dispatches Panto’s behind you?

Oh no it isn’t!

One of Somerset’s most successful amateur dramatic groups is bringing pantomime to homes across the country as the theatre industry continues to struggle with the coronavirus pandemic.

The Glastonbury and Street Musical Comedy Society (GSMCS) will stream online, for free, recordings of three of its recent pantomimes so families do not miss out on this festive treat.

While plans for this year’s GSMCS Cinderella panto were at full steam earlier in the year, ongoing restrictions and the temporary closure of its home at Strode Theatre in Street, meant it would be impossible to stage what would have been its last panto.

But not to be outdone by coronavirus, and with the blessing of film production company Flying Tiger Productions and pantomime script writer Matthew Maisey,

the society is excited to still bring some festive cheer in the comfort of living rooms.

Throughout December it will be premiering on its YouTube channel Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (December 2), Jack and the Beanstalk (December 16) and Goldilocks and the Three Amazing Bears (December 30).

All the shows start at 4.45pm, and will feature a 10 minute break before act two gets underway from 6.15pm.

Matthew Maisey, who wrote the premiering pantomimes, said: ‘Our yearly treat of the delight of pantomime has been denied us this year, so it's a great idea to take pantomime to the homes of people who love it. Fabulous dances, familiar characters and stories, and most of all the jokes to make us laugh cringe and smile! We deserve that, so I hope

everyone enjoys revisiting these wonderful productions.’

This year was expected to be the last in a decade of pantomime performances for GSMCS at Strode Theatre, after managers there announced earlier this year they were shaking up their Autumn programme as it looked for a more sustainable financial footing, with professional live arts joining community shows and independent cinema.

Laura Vernoum, Chairman of the Glastonbury and Street Musical Comedy Society, said: ‘The performing arts industry has been so badly affected this year, and we have felt it like so many others; we’ve had to cancel shows, fundraising activities and social events.

‘And while this year was set to be our last performing pantomimes, we weren’t going to

let this pandemic get in the way.

Over the past decade we have been supported by hundreds of families, and we want to make sure this little bit of traditional magic is sprinkled over their homes this Christmas.

‘I’m personally grateful to both Flying Tiger Productions and Matthew Maisey for generously offering their support for free so we’re able to premiere these wonderful productions.

‘This Christmas we want mums and dads to give the kids their tea, grab the popcorn, snuggle on the sofa and boo and hiss from the comfort of their living rooms.’

While the pantomimes are free to watch, the society is always grateful to receive support and donations, especially during this difficult year. You can offer your support on the website at www. gsmcs.co.uk/support-us.

The GSMCS will stream online, recordings of three of its recent pantomimes.

THE VISITOR December 2020 7

Mentioned in

Dispatches Radio Ninesprings DJ wins national recognition An 18-year-old young man from Yeovil who was given his first break into broadcasting on Radio Ninesprings has been shortlisted for a national broadcasting award.

Jake Hunter, a former pupil of Preston School in Yeovil, is one

of five nominees to win through to the finals in the ‘Young Person of the Year’ category in the annual Community Media Awards.

Jake was just 17 years old when he began hosting the daily Drive Show on Radio Ninesprings while studying creative media production at Exeter College.

After two highly successful years, Jake departed from the Yeovil local station in September to work as a Presenter/DJ with a national radio station based in Manchester.

Radio Ninesprings Station Manager, Steve Haigh, said ‘Not everyone is cut out to work in

broadcasting but Jake showed from day one that he had the potential to make it with our listeners. His nomination for this national award reflects well on the quality of the media training that we provide at Radio Ninesprings and everyone at the radio station wishes him continued success with his career.’

Here to help - free bereavement support in Somerset

Jake Hunter, a former pupil of Preston School in Yeovil, has been nominated for the Young Person of the Year’ category in the annual Community Media Awards.

8 THE VISITOR December 2020

So many of us are finding new ways to support people who have not only been bereaved, but who have often not been able to say goodbye to their loved one in a way that offers them comfort as they adjust to life without them.

The Somerset Bereavement Support Partnership want to reach out and remind you that their service is continuing to operate online, offering

information and advice, 1-2-1 support, and Peer Support Groups.

Support is available to anyone in Somerset who has been bereaved, or affected by suicide either personally, or professionally.

They are also continuing their partnership with Marie Curie Companions, offering support to those who've been bereaved, whatever the cause, since the pandemic began, details below.

The Somerset Bereavement Support Partnership offers: 3 telephone support calls through Marie Curie Companions, 6 further bereavement support sessions through Mind in Somerset (their team and external support workers) if desired.

This support is available to anyone in Somerset who has been bereaved since the pandemic began. The number to contact is: 0800 3047 412 between 9am-5pm.

Professional referrals will be accepted.

If you are a professional who has been affected by COVID-19 deaths within your role, the service is there for you too. Please share this information, so people know who they can call to get support if they need it. Take care and stay safe.

Feeding Somerset’s Communities

The Somerset Food Resilience Taskforce, CCS (Community Council for Somerset) and Somerset County Council have been working together to increase food security for residents in Somerset.

CCS Village Agents and volunteers have delivered nearly 1,000 meals to families in need to help prevent holiday hunger, and have also recently delivered nearly a tonne of donated potatoes to people in need, distributed through 10 community groups.

Now they are on the hunt for anyone in their local community providing meals or access to food.

Is this YOU? Do you want to start helping those locally in need?

Help is here, with funding, advice, equipment and ingredients!

Smart Communities could provide you with the tools to set up a food bank, collection services or funds to purchase Fridges, Freezers and other equipment to help you store food safely, and help stock them for the people in your local area.

Raj Singh, Acting CEO of CCS said: ‘We have had full support from all of our community here in Somerset helping us feed individuals and families throughout the pandemic.

‘Please get in touch and join our movement, you will be

warmly received.’

One volunteer said: ‘I feel for people who are struggling right now. I’m a professional person and I’ve retired now but in the early 90’s I found myself in a similar position through no fault of my own when the business I worked for collapsed suddenly after a government problem’.

So, if you are already helping your community or want to start to today and have an idea let us help it turn into a reality.

If you are interested please visit: www.ccslovesomerset.org, call 01823 331 222 or email ccssmartcomm@somersetrcc .org.uk to find out more.

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors 2 Bailey Hill Castle Cary BA7 7AD Tel: 01963 351052 Business and limited company accounts, self assessment tax returns, VAT, Payroll, Book-keeping and Training Personal and professional service

THE VISITOR December 2020 9

St. JOHNS’ HOUSE Half Moon Street, Sherborne

St Johns’ House stands at the entrance to Sherborne Abbey Close, set within the courtyard and gardens of the original Almshouse.

St. Johns’ offers one of the most historically interesting and comfortable Independent Living homes in the area, with a chance to live close to shops, facilities and places of interest.

We offer an opportunity to enjoy new friendships in a safe, warm and manageable home.

All of our rooms are ensuite and unfurnished for residents to make it their own home. Within the Monthly Maintenance Contribution are all meals, housekeeping, laundry and other essentials.

With some current room availability, we are able to invite prospective residents to view the facilities and chat to a member of our management team.

Just give us a call or email for more information.

Tel: 01935 813245 Email: stjohnsalmshouse@hotmail.co.uk

Automobilia Sale 15th & 16th December - Online Now In partnership with Transport Collector Auctions. Viewings: 14th December 09:00-16:30, 15th December 09:00-14:00 16th December 09:00-12:00. Find out more at www.lawrences.co.uk.

INSTANT CASH FOR YOUR OLD TOYS! ANY TOYS CONSIDERED Established business paying BEST prices for old toys in any condition  Dinky  Britains  Corgi  Meccano  Hornby  Lego Sets  Matchbox  Scalextric  Action Men  Star Wars Home visits or shop valuations

www.stjohnshouse.org • Registered charity No. 202499

SOMERSET COINS COIN & BANKNOTE SPECIALIST

I am keen to buy all coins, banknotes & tokens No lot considered too small, including unwanted foreign money and out-of-date UK currency Please call me, or use the ‘contact me’ page on my website DAVID AYLING Mobile: 07799 880312 Email: dave@dwjayling.com Website: www.somersetcoins.com 10 THE VISITOR December 2020

PRODUCT REVIEW

WANT SOMETHING quick and tasty for lunch? The following recipes from UK and Ireland Mushroom Producers are ideal.

Quantities quoted are for one serving.

Aldi launches its most premium range of wines yet - and they’re up to 75% cheaper than comparable wines

Mushroom & Cheese Tart Ingredients 20cm x 30cm pre-rolled puff pastry sheet 75g grated cheddar Splash of single cream Handful sliced mushrooms A few sprigs if thyme 1 egg, beaten Method Take some pre-rolled puff pastry and cut it to about 20cm x 30cm. Score a 1cm border and use a fork to prick the puff pastry everywhere except the border.

Grate about 75g of cheddar into a bowl using a fine grater, add a splash of cream and mix to create a paste. Spread it on the pastry then top with a handful of sliced mushrooms and a few sprigs of thyme.

Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.

Tip For an extra luxurious finish to the pastry brush the edges with beaten egg.

Mushroom Meatballs Ingredients 1 large potato Splash of milk Handful of mushrooms 1 pinch oregano 1 tbsp gravy granules 50ml single cream Handful chopped parsley 1 tbsp strawberry jam Salt & pepper Olive oil Method Peel and roughly chop a large potato into chunks. Boil in salted water for about 20 minutes until soft, then drain and mash with a splash of milk and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, pan fry a handful of mushrooms for about 10 minutes over a medium to high heat in a splash of olive oil along with a pinch or oregano and salt & pepper.

Mix about 50ml of boiling water with a tablespoon of gravy granules (or as the instructions state on the packet). Remove the pan with the mushrooms from the heat and then add to the gravy, along with a splash of cream.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with the mashed potato and a dollop of jam.

Mushroom Gyros Ingredients Handful of sliced mushrooms 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp paprika 1 flatbread (or pitta bread) Salad (lettuce, cabbage, tomato & onion) 1 tbsp yogurt 1 pinch oregano Olive oil Salt & pepper

The Cosy Den, a new bookshop opening soon in Wincanton

The Cosy Den isn’t just a bookshop. It certainly houses a vast and exciting selection of children’s and adult books, old and new.

However, amongst Dickens, The Brontë’s, Julia Donaldson

Method Lightly coat a handful of sliced mushrooms in olive oil, cumin, paprika and salt, then cook in the oven at 180c for about 15 mins.

Wrap the mushrooms in a warm flatbread or tortilla along with salad and a dollop of yogurt mixed with oregano.

Tip Wraps are great for using up any leftover salad or veg you’ve got to hand.

and Roald Dahl, you’ll find inspiring and beautiful gifts and stationary; the perfect present or an ideal treat for you.

Opening in the New Year at the Applegarth in Wincanton, The Cosy Den will be online from 1st December. Further information can be found on their Facebook and Instagram (instagram.com/thecosyden).

Find us on Facebook and Instagram

thecosyden@gmail.com 07494 159159

A NEW RANGE OF wines from Aldi includes some of the world’s most prestigious regions including: Margaux, Barolo, Pomerol ... all wines you’d expect to see on the finest wine lists.

This season, Aldi will be making these and other top names available to shoppers at a fraction of the usual price tag in the online exclusive Classic Icons collection.

From a Châteauneuf-du-Pape to a Vintage Champagne, the collection of 29 stand-out wines range from just £5.49 to £24.99, making them up to 75% cheaper than competitor wines – most definitely a ‘Riesling’ to celebrate!

The new launch forms part of Aldi’s continued commitment to opening up the world of wine to its customers, with this Classic Icons range satisfying the growing demand from wine enthusiasts who are turning to Aldi’s website for their wine.

The stellar line-up includes wines from some of the most highly regarded regions and admired appellations. Wine lovers can treat themselves to classic Bordeaux Margaux and Pomerol wines or discover fine Burgundies such as Gevrey-Chambertin or Pouilly-Fuissé, alongside standout wines from the New World including Argentina and California.

There’s also cause for celebration for fans of Champagne. Shoppers will be able to enjoy a vintage 2012 version of Aldi’s hugely successful Veuve Monsigny champagne.

2012 is a year regarded as being one of the four great vintages of Champagne so far this century.

Aldi sold 1.9m bottles of bubbly last Christmas, this is sure to be a hit this festive season!

THE VISITOR December 2020 11

Garden visiting rooms a blessing at care homes WHEN face-to-face care home visits were banned back in the Spring, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of our loved ones living in care homes, especially those living with dementia, were left feeling bewildered and abandoned.

Despite the constant kindness of the tireless care assistants, many older residents simply couldn’t understand why their families and friends were no longer popping in to say hello, give them a hug or sit down for a cuppa and a chat.

Garden Visiting Room at The Old Rectory.

Visiting our loved ones.

For those of us watching the daily news bulletins at the time, the reasons were obvious. It seemed as though the only option for care homes was to pull up the drawbridges, cancel all nonessential visits, don the PPE, introduce even more stringent hygiene procedures and try their very best to explain to residents why all these measures were for their own good.

Despite many of the residents having lived through World War II, it was such a challenging time for everyone concerned, not only for the residents, but for their friends and families as well.

But tough times call for ingenuity. It’s times like these that can bring out the best in us all, not just our compassion and our determination, but our creativity as well.

At residential care homes such as Bramley House in Mere and The Old Rectory in Stalbridge, both owned by Dorset-based care business Bramley Care, managers could instantly see the dilemma.

Vicki Collins, Registered Manager at The Old Rectory, and Caroline Nicholson, Registered Manager at Bramley House, both spoke on the one hand of the overwhelming urge to keep their precious residents safe from harm, but on the other hand, they

Vicki Collins, Registered Manager at The Old Rectory.

The Old Rectory.

12 THE VISITOR December 2020

both knew just how vital it was for the residents to have regular contact with their loved ones.

While battling with the daily frustrations caused by lockdown, such as sourcing PPE and toilet rolls (yes, even care homes were struggling to get hold of them), Caroline and Vicki put their heads together ... via Zoom of course!

Vicki explained how they quickly realised that the solution was going to be special visiting rooms in the gardens, so that visitors wouldn’t have to enter the homes at all.

‘Building them at the height of the pandemic was definitely a challenge, but we’re both really pleased with the end result. The wooden cabins look lovely, and they’re fully heated, with comfy furniture, so our residents and their visitors can really enjoy their time together. There’s a glass panel running from floor to ceiling across the middle of the room, so it’s safe for our residents and their families, but they can feel really close to their loved ones.’

‘We’ve installed a microphone system that means chatting through the glass is really simple,’ added Caroline, ‘and the room gets fogged (professionally cleaned) after every visit.’

‘Our residents and their families have been really overjoyed with their new visiting rooms. They’ve been a lifeline for so many during the bleak months of lockdown and they’re still in constant use, while we all of us wait for life once again to return to normal.’

Caroline Nicholson, Registered Manager at Bramley House.

For those residents for whom the short journey to the visiting rooms is simply too arduous, maybe for those nearing the end of their lives, arrangements can also be made at both homes for relatives to visit loved ones in their own rooms, though strict precautions are taken in these circumstances.

While government guidelines have at times been unclear, Registered Managers such as Caroline and Vicki have had to shoulder the unenviable task of deciding what is best for their residents.

Both homes have remained Covid-free throughout the pandemic, and their residents are happy in the knowledge that their loved ones can visit whenever they choose, so it looks as though they’re both doing a pretty amazing job!

For more information or a friendly chat, call Caroline at Bramley House (01747 860192), Vicki at The Old Rectory (01963 362624), email info@bramley care.com or visit the website www.bramleycare.com.

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

By John Osborne

Sudoku by T.M. Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9.

Solution to November Sudoku on page 29.

 Answers can be found on page 23 

This month we take a different tack - you have to work out what the questions are about as well as the answers! Not only that, but one of the questions doesn't quite fit in with the others, so which one is it?

Get thinking folks, get thinking! Best of luck!

1. Supremes and Danni Minogue 2. Level 42 and Jamilia 3. Patsy Cline and Gnarls Barkley 4. Roxy Music and The Crusaders 5. Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Bruce Springsteen 6. Billy Joel and Barry White 7. Heaven 17 and Pink 8. Telly Savalas and Janet Jackson 9. Racey and Rachel Stevens 10. Public Image Ltd and Gabrielle

BOOK REVIEW With

Phillip George Between Heaven and Earth

by Robert Nurden Paperback 321 pages Robert Nurden Books ISBN: 979 8 66616 002 2 RRP: £10.00

I HAVE JUST read Between Heaven and Earth by Robert N u r d e n , a b i og raphy of his maternal grandfather Stanley James (1869-1951).

Stanley was the son of a Welsh Congregationalist minister who, at the time of Stanley’s birth, was pastor at the Castle Green Congregational Church in Bristol.

The family moved to Croydon where Stanley proved to be a good scholar at the Whitgift School. Although tempted then to go into the ministry, he could not commit to it, moving from teaching to acting and then journalism, but he did not gather ‘moss’ in the process. It is interesting to note that his nonconformist upbringing and lifestyle would have put him in the way of the Charterist G J Hartney, and socialist Friedrich Engels, both of whom were in London at that time.

It is not clear from the history, but it appears that his father ‘encouraged’ him and his younger brother to emigrate to Canada, a circumstance he described as, ‘no convict on the point being transported to Van Diemen’s Land could have felt more hopeless than I’.

I find it surprising that a middle-class pastor could afford to send his two sons to North America as what were then known as ‘remittance men’. That is they received a monthly allowance from home until they found their feet which, in Stanley's case, took some time. He variously worked on ranches and in journalism, attaining the eventual status of hobo, a term used there to describe an itinerant worker [aka hoe boy].

He eventually joined the US Army at the time of the Spanish

American war which represented the McKinley/Roosevelt late move to become a Colonial power.

He saw service in Cuba and Puerto Rico. On his way south from Buffalo, where he had enlisted, his troop stopped over in Atlanta, Georgia, the colony set up by James Oglethorpe as a place to send ‘the unemployed and the unemployable’.

During Stanley’s short stay in Atlanta he was shocked to witness an incident, almost identical to one I encountered there 73 years later. In my case, it was a black man being intimidated by a coffee stall proprietor with a loaded rifle he kept above the counter.

Stanley returned to England after falling quite seriously ill as a result of the Caribbean campaign and his fascinating story continued. Initially he followed in his father’s footsteps into the non-conformist church becoming a successful preacher in the East End of London.

However, his over-zealous socialist/pacifist leanings brought an end to this part of his religious career in 1916, at the height of the Great War. Having lost his well-paid minister’s salary, Stanley eventually took editorship of the pacifist newspaper ‘The Crusader’ on an almost non-existent wage.

Stanley remained in London while his wife Jess, a country girl at heart, moved herself and their

seven handsome children to a variety of modest rural homes outside London, including Rodney Stoke in Somerset, in order to find affordable rented accommodation.

Stanley’s admission that his faith was, to a large extent, ‘a professional rather than a personal one’, in other words a minister first and a Christian second, is telling. This remained the case until he came into contact with William Orchard at the King’s Weigh House Congregational Church, and ‘Free Catholicism’: the Congregationalist Oxford Movement. This meeting of minds took Stanley’s faith a long way from its origins to the point where he was received into the Catholic Church and eventually became editor of the Catholic Herald.

This is a well written and researched story told by a journalist which delves into his grandfather’s not always savoury past, and uncovers aspects of his life which were kept hidden by Stanley’s two autobiographies.

He was a very good looking but self-centred man whose life is worth absorbing if only to get the flavour of that period of history, where the church in all its forms was a significant source of entertainment, particularly for women who were largely excluded from other social outlets at that time.

An interesting read.

THE VISITOR December 2020 13

Family Health with Jenna Evans SO HERE WE ARE in December (hopefully out of the lockdown) and I think we can all agree it has been quite a year. I’ll talk about a couple of supplements (as usual!) to help us through these winter months, but before that let’s pause to take a breath. This month as we approach the Solstice, one of the still points in the year, let’s take a moment to be mindful, not mind-full.

Remember dear reader you are a human being, not a human doing!

You hear a lot about practices such as mindfulness and meditation and it’s important to remember there’s no one-size-fitsall approach to these things.

Here’s a simple meditation that can be helpful for beginners, especially people who may find it hard to switch off the constant brain chatter. It brings us firmly into our bodies, no effort or determination to ‘think’ positively required. Sit or lie (though you may nod off, but hey perhaps a good snooze will do you good) comfortably. We’re simply going to work our way through all of our senses, immersing fully in each one. Start by simply softening your gaze and taking everything in. Every colour, shape, shadow, movement.

Quietly observe and let them be.

You may want to close your eyes now as we begin to listen, to hear all that is around us. Traffic in the distance, birdsong, the beating of our own beautiful hearts. Next, what can you smell?

Fabric softener, the flowers in the vase or maybe a subtle remnant of a perfume. See how many scents you can differentiate. Now for your sense of taste. Have you recently eaten or drunk something that’s still on your

palate? Feel your thousands of taste buds, detecting all those different flavours. Lastly sink deeply into every cell of your amazing body. Feel completely.

You can work from your toes up giving every body part a little wiggle. Say hello and be thankful to every tissue, organ and system.

Simply breathe and be as long as feels good.

That was a little bit of soul food and I hope you enjoyed it! As we’re in the cold season now here’s a little run down of my favourite winter remedies. I have to mention Vitamin D, something I think we all need to be taking at this time of year. Vitamin D has been getting a lot of attention again as it is showing promise with Covid, unsurprising to anyone who is already aware of this vitamin-hormone’s powerful effect on immunity.

Low Vitamin D status is also associated with depression. I think there’s a link here with Vitamin D and sunshine. Lack of sunshine and low vitamin D could then contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder. We can often feel a little low at this time of year and adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha, Rhodiola and Ginseng can be very helpful. A good B complex and theanine (useful for panic attacks and anxiety) provide extra support during stressful periods. To strengthen the immune system look to old favourites such as Echinacea and Elderberry.

On a final note, anyone following these articles may have picked up that I have great contempt for the lockdowns, social isolation and wearing of masks.

I am seeing first hand how damaging these things can be and

I urge anyone who is feeling lonely, depressed or anxious to please seek help. Talk to your families, friends and GP – it’s what they’re there for! Maybe we can help at Ceres too – this time more than ever we need to come together in our communities to support and empower each other.

See you next month in the Christmas edition.

•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, 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 wth any existing health conditions.

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Needful Things

NEEDFUL THINGS' magical Christmas Display was put on hold during November, which was a real shame but, all being equal they'll be back open and raring to go from the start of December, once the lockdown is lifted.

They are hopeful that demand will be high, so remember to socially distance in their store.

Hand sanitizer at the entrance and face masks will stll be important too. However, if people are patient and considerate they hope to give you another magical Christmas experience in this lovely store. Expect to see all the traditional characters on display from Fairies & Elves to Santas and Angels ‌ and this year they also have flying pigs! ballerina and trapeze pigs, plus a menagerie of felt and woolly animal baubles to bring a smile to your face. Their gifts are intriguing and desirable too, such as Wrendale mugs, scarves and water bottles, and exquisite lotions and potions, plus men's

gifts too: Whskey Tumbers in etched glass and countless desktop items for his study. To cope with anticipated demand this year, Needful Things will remain open 7 days a week during December! Plus you can still book a private evening shopping slot by calling 01963 351352 for upto 6 people and have the shop to yourselves for half an hour private shopping sessions!

THE VISITOR December 2020 15

Savvy Christmas shopper?

Give the Gift that keeps on Giving

Looking for inspiration for Christmas presents? If classy, delicious gifts delivered to the door of the wine/spirits/beer/food lover in your life is what you need, then look no further than the world’s oldest wine club -The Wine Society.

The arrival of a box in The Wine Society’s smart livery is sure to bring festive cheer to any lucky recipient - these are gifts that look good, taste great, have the stamp of quality of the experts’ go-to wine merchant and one more thing – they are incredibly good value! Join and you will experience a whole new way of enjoying wine…

Membership of The Wine Society is often described as the

‘golden key to a treasure trove of wine’ and for anyone who enjoys wine, membership really is a nobrainer. The one-off joining fee of £40 (which comes with a £20 credit towards your first purchase) will very soon be repaid as the prices are just SO good – more often than not cheaper than the high street.

Join The Wine Society (easy online process) and start shopping for your Christmas gifts straight away and while you’re at it, why not stock up on some Christmas wines for yourself?

Christmas Gifts 2020 range from £22 to £145. This year’s lineup covers all budgets and tastes and you can rest assured that each gift has been carefully sourced by Wine Society Buyers for its superb taste, authenticity and provenance – a sure-fire way

to impress family and friends!

From the elegant ‘Bellini Case’ to the ‘Champagne and Chocolates Case’ to sumptuous hampers to wine selections such as ‘Six of the Best’ and the

‘Christmas Tidings Case’, there is truly something for everyone.

The entire range of 34 gifts went live on 2nd November at www.thewinesociety.com so go and see what you might discover!

Gift yourself, then gift others: Beautifully packaged, it includes The Wine Society’s own excellent quality, family-produced Prosecco, together with a choice of two exquisite fruit nectars from the gourmet Van Nahmen range - rhubarb and white peach.

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

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

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16 THE VISITOR December 2020

Castle Cary Post Office Cards, Stationery, Diaries, Calendars, Soft Toys Medici, Ling, Caspari, Woodmansterne, Noel Tatt and many more Christmas Cards & Boxes  Lamy Pens  Euros & Dollars on Site: all other currency next day  Travel Insurance  Passport Checking  Top-Ups  Banking  Bill Payment - Car Tax - Post Office Homephone - etc.

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

Ward & Sibley The Jewellers of Yeovil

When you visit a jewellers shop it is more often than not for a special occasion.

At Ward & Sibley jewellers of Y e o v i l , t h e f r i e n d l y a n d knowledgeable staff ensure that you receive a personal service whether you are buying a small thank you gift - or an elegant diamond ring. Being an independent retailer they offer a very individual choice of jewellery.

There is something to suit all tastes and budgets from contemporary costume jewellery through to bespoke pieces. Whilst diamonds are always a firm favourite as are gemstones, at Ward & Sibley you will find a comprehensive range of precious and semi-precious stones. If you are seeking a particular stone please ask. Why not call in - a free gift wrap service is available to ensure your gift looks extra special.

Ward & Sibley take customer well being very seriously and are

following all government guidelines to provide a Covid-19 safe shopping experience. If you have any questions before visiting the store you can give them a call on 01935 474065.

Osborne’s Christmas Trees, Wickhams Cross, Butleigh

Visit Osborne’s Christmas Trees whose friendly staff will help you to select your tree and then pack it into your car for you. All things are possible, they have put a 6ft tree on a moped which was ridden home like a broomstick and have put a 14ft tree in a Porsche and in 2018 put a 12ft tree on the roof of a Maserati!

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

They are open from 9am daily until dark right through until Christmas and look forward to seeing you.

Osborne’s Christmas Trees - A Family Business Est. 1982.

Wickhams Cross, Butleigh, BA6 8TP OPEN DAILY from 2nd December 9am until dark

O Fresh from the Forest O ✴ Traditional Trees ✴ Nordman Fir ✴ Mistletoe and Holly ✴ Potted Trees ✴ Fraser Fir ✴ Logs in Bags ✴ Large Trees ✴ Wreaths ✴ FREE REINDEER DUST Delivery service available see website for details

www.o-christmas.co.uk  07870 466179

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Christmas all wrapped up!

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

Looking forward to seeing you all soon Customer parking at rear of shop

THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065

“ Where customer care comes first”

THE VISITOR December 2020 17

MOTORING VINTAGE Motorcycling with Rod Hann AS I WRITE this article it is late October and the clocks have just changed giving us lighter mornings but darker evenings.

Add to that the frequent heavy showers and blustery winds and with a long winter ahead things do not look promising on the classic motorcycles and car front.

Christmas is coming though so may I take this opportunity to wish all readers, and the staff at The Visitor, a very Happy Christmas all in the hope that your celebrations are as good as they can be made in the present circumstances.

I was trying not to mention the dreaded virus but it still dominates our lives at the moment. With conditions changing almost daily I am afraid I have grown weary of all matters virus. I still make sure my wife and I keep ourselves to ourselves in an effort to stay safe but the constant news coverage and the bickering between politicians and media personnel has become rather tiresome. You never hear about the good news, about people getting better, and improvements in treatment, and the possibility of a vaccine sometime in the future. I would like to think I am a positive person and all this negativity is abhorrent to me.

Very little is happening within clubs in the way of riding events or club nights and everything is being changed so fast as needs dictate. All I can suggest is that

we all keep up with the club websites etc. and deal accordingly.

The dark evenings and thoughts of filling club nights next year set me thinking of past evenings I have attended and enjoyed. I always like to hear a good speaker and film shows and quizzes are always good fun but I wanted to think of something completely different, that would be joyful to all participants and perhaps even make a pound or two for the club concerned.

I immediately thought of a couple of evenings spent with our Cornish friends. They taught me all about pig racing. See the accompanying photograph. They made a track about 8 feet long (that is about 2 ½ meters for our younger readers) and divided it into 6 lanes with strips of timber.

At the start line there are boxes into which the runners are placed. The runners are fluffy toy pigs which are battery operated, each pig has a different coloured sash for identification purposes.

The pigs are set working before the starting gate is lifted.

The pigs run along the track but occasionally stop and wag their tails and wiggle their noses in the air before resuming their running duties. The pig which is first to fall off the end of the track is deemed to be the winner.

To raise funds for the club they run a book with fixed odds so that no-one can win or lose a fortune.

A suggested maximum bid of 20p per race would mean that no-one would lose more than £1-60p for an evening of fun. Half the stakes go to the club and the other half

The pig which is first to fall off the end of the track is the winner.

goes to the ticket holders for the winning piglet.

The pig racing is all properly organised and well conducted.

That is more than can be said about the punters. Never have I seen so many grown adults shouting encouragement to their favourite piglet. Adult people all hollering, shouting and gesticulating all over a fluffy toy pig. The pigs are comical enough but watching the onlookers is much more entertaining. So there we have it another idea how your club could have a fun evening and perhaps boost club funds a little.

If you or your club have done silly things to fill an evening then do please let me know. Essential is an element of fun and laughter.

For my own part I am still busy working in the garage on the ‘Special’ I am building. Lots of work being done but of late there

is very little to show for the hours spent. A rebuilt and renewed clutch has been added and I have made the engine sprocket which incorporates a belt drive to the new alternator I have also purchased. My intention is to do a complete dry build of the working section of the bike before I pull it apart again and get everything blasted and painted so that the next build up will be the last. Then I can add all the other bits and pieces and appendages to the basic bike.

My additional work comprises servicing the bikes I am using on the road and the constant need for cleaning which is inevitable at this time of year. I am enjoying my motorcycling and the freedom of the road even when it's raining these days. Proof enough, if any were needed, that I am going soft in the head.

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Claverton Manor near Bath set to receive lifeline grant for essential restoration from the Historic Houses Foundation

CLAVERTON MANOR near Bath is set to receive a lifeline grant towards essential restoration from the Historic Houses Foundation.

The Historic Houses Foundation is a major beneficiary of the Heritage Stimulus Fund, recently announced by the UK Government and Historic England, which will provide invaluable support for restoration work on some of England’s most important and vulnerable historic buildings.

The Historic Houses Foundation will now be able to set in place a programme of urgent work that would not otherwise have been possible.

Over the past 17 years the

Foundation has distributed over £11 million in grant aid to nearly 250 vital restoration projects in England and Wales.

The Historic Houses Foundation is one of the leading funders of architectural conservation and one of the only bodies able to support buildings in private ownership.

The nationally recognised expertise of its eight volunteer Trustees makes it ideally suited to identifying those projects most in need of support and after careful consideration, 18 nationally important properties across England were selected to benefit from these funds – of which Claverton Manor is one.

Claverton Manor is a fine Regency mansion, today home to the only American Museum of Decorative and Folk Art outside the United States and the place

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Claverton Manor. Photo: R Bernstein.

where Winston Churchill made his first political speech. Repairs to the roof are required immediately to prevent further damage to the interiors of the museum and its special exhibitions. The current exhibition, ‘Night & Day: 1930s Fashion and Photographs’ features a range of glamorous eveningwear, particularly vulnerable to a leaking roof.

Work will begin immediately and continue over the winter months before the start of the new tourist season in Spring 2021 and is expected to provide welcome employment to a wide range of traditional craftsmen and building professionals in addition to other local employment opportunities.

Museum Director Richard Wendorf has said that: ‘We are thrilled to have been awarded a major grant from the Historic Houses Foundation to pay for urgent roof repairs to Claverton Manor. This funding is part of the Government's Cultural Recovery Fund in collaboration with Historic England.

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‘This will not only help us to preserve our distinctive Grade-1listed building, set in unique gardens and parkland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but will also protect our unique museum collection from damage caused by the elements. We are immensely grateful to the Foundation for helping us to preserve our unique building and institution for future generations to enjoy. This project will make a significant contribution to our organisational sustainability and protect jobs in the culture and heritage sector at this unprecedented, critical time.’

Norman Hudson OBE, Chairman of the Historic Houses Foundation says ‘Our grants go to historic buildings in all categories of ownership, so range far wider than the National Trust. That we have been selected as a Delivery Partner for this money indicates that the Government likes what we do and recognises the exceptionally cost efficient way in which we achieve it. It is good news for historic buildings and good news for jobs and the local community’.

For more information about the Historic Houses Foundation, please visitwww.historichouses foundation.org.uk.

For more information about Claverton Manor, please visit www.americanmuseum.org.

Council’s letter to landlords urges improved energy efficiency ratings

Landlords with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of less than 'E' will receive a letter from Mendip District Council over the next few weeks urging them to ensure their property has an EPC rating of E or above.

They will asked to confirm if works specified in their EPC have been addressed to improve the energy rating otherwise they may be committing an offence of letting a property that does not meet the minimum energy efficiency standards.

Since 1st April, 2020 the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) legislation states that all private rented properties, not just new tenancies, with an EPC rating of F or G may be committing an offence by letting a property that does not meet the minimum energy efficiency rating of E. Landlords could risk a financial penalty of up to £4,000.

The Private Sector Housing team are encouraging landlords to contact the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), an independent charity, commissioned by the District Council. The CSE will explain what the EPC rating means to the owner and provide free home energy advice and information on financial assistance available to make improvements. Landlords can also contact the team direct to access Council grants.

The call to action is part of the Council's plan to deliver on its climate and ecological commitment and also reduce energy bills for Mendip tenants, ensuring they have warmer homes.

Cllr Richard Pinnock, Portfolio Holder for Housing Services and Governance, said:

‘We want residents to work with us to make Mendip carbon neutral by 2030. Domestic heat and power consumption accounts for 25% of the district’s total emissions. So along with improving living conditions for people who rent, there are very sound reasons for improving the rental housing stock to save energy and help us achieve our carbon neutral target.

‘There is financial assistance available from the Government, and the Council, for all residents to improve the energy efficiency ratings of their homes’. For information on grants and loans visit: www.mendip.gov.uk /financialassistance. The Private Sector Housing Team can be contacted on 0300 303 8588 or email: privatesectorhousing @mendip.gov.uk.

One third of property viewings were still conducted virtually during October - figures from south of england estate agency Andrews A large number of property viewings were still conducted virtually last month, even though estate agents have been able to resume in-person viewings since the mid-May, according to data collected by estate agency Andrews Property Group, Buyer appetite is also proving to be Covid-19 and lockdown proof, driven by the stamp duty holiday carrot being dangled in front of buyers. Viewing numbers in October were up 6.5%

compared to September, the highest level of viewings in any single month this year.

Figures published by Andrews, which has 48 offices across the south of England, showed that a third of viewings conducted in October were virtual. And the number of virtual viewings is likely to increase this November, with the country in lockdown once again.

Unlike the first lockdown when agents were asked to close their branches, the property market has been able to remain open during the second lockdown. Inperson viewings, valuations and surveys are able to take place in line with Covid-secure guidelines, although the Government has advised that initial viewings are done virtually wherever possible.

Seller numbers were steady in October, with instructions at a similar level to September. This suggests there are still plenty of sellers around who are keen to secure a sale before the end of the year, and take advantage of a wealth of motivated buyers with the funds to progress.

David Westgate, Group Chief Executive, Andrews Property Group, commented: “The distraction of rising Covid-19 cases, regional lockdowns and the Government announcing a second lockdown, didn’t dissuade buyers last month keen to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday.

‘Buyer activity remained at healthy levels in October, and

with the Government announcing that the property market can remain open during November, buyer levels should remain strong this month.

‘We would normally expect to see market activity slowing during November as we head into December and the Christmas break. But this year is likely to be different.

‘I can’t see activity dropping noticeably when we come out of lockdown on December 2nd. If anything we could see activity pick up as focussed buyers and sellers take the small window of opportunity before Christmas to agree sales and purchases, particularly with the Brexit transition period coming to an end on 31st December.

‘Buyers will also be fully aware that transactions, from an offer being accepted through to completion, are taking longer than normal and they won’t want to miss out on the stamp duty saving. The motivation to get it done will be high’.

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The

Pub Pages

BE E R & SK ITTLE S P. A. BAXTER ‘I THINK I'LL JUST pop down the pub and wet my whistle’. It's an expression we don't hear so often these days, not just because we can't go to the pubs at the time of writing but it's one of those sayings from days of yore that disappear with the previous generations. I was reminded of this when watching one of the excellent Michael Portaloo (sic) series on Great Continental Railway Journeys and he happened to be in Prague at the time of uttering it.

The expression goes back to the Middle Ages when the ceramic mugs in which ales were served had moulded into their construction a small whistle, so one could give a quick blast to alert the staff that someone needed a refill, and a serving wench would attend to the needs of the drinker and indeed ‘wet his whistle’, thus the drinker would not need to leave his seat. I have seen these mugs appearing on some of the innumerable antique

programmes that infest our screens these days, although not very frequently I have to say.

Some of the more sophisticated establishments of the Victorian era had levers and later even bellpushes connected to an annunciator that could alert the staff for refills.

The customers may have even been secreted in snugs that were a little way from the other drinkers. Some pubs even had rows of compartments looking like a bizarre train, complete with doors! Those multi-roomed pubs of old may have even charged a few pence more per pint, and those serving would expect a small tip.

This type of establishment was still continuing, according to the CAMRA book ‘Britain's Best Real Heritage Pubs’ particularly in the North West, Liverpool and West Yorkshire, they claim. Recently more changes to the laws meant that everyone was forced to wear that damn gag, so all those expensive screens fitted on the bars became superfluous as we returned to table service yet again.

As ‘that time of year’ approaches I sense that there are more board games being played than normal, certainly this is so amongst my contemporaries which will be excellent for the manufacturers. (I learn that jigsaw puzzles are selling well but I can't see that as a true family game, although I could be wrong). There are the occasional board games that make it into pubs, and I have also heard of Crokinole and Carrom making it into bars in parts of the country (look them up – they look fun!)

Backgammon took off in an area of which I am familiar but sadly tailed off. My own set (pictured) was made by my sonin-law for a ‘significant’ birthday but hasn't got the outings it

Sjoelbak, or 'Dutch shuffleboard'. Pieces are slid toward the bar with the intention of passing through the gates into the rear. Scoring is doubled if pieces can be put through in order.

22 THE VISITOR December 2020

Backgammon. Players move their pieces either clockwise or anticlockwise from pre-determined places by the throw of the dice.

A 'taken' piece is placed on the middle and has to start over.

deserves, particularly of late. The pub in question does retain two sets for general use along with cards and crib boards.

I've never been a chess player and I feel it's a bit too heavy for a pub game whereas backgammon – one of the world's oldest games – has a good feel and unlike chess never ends in a draw. The concept is pretty simple; get your men round the board one way whilst your opponant comes round the other, with the first one ‘bearing off’ the pieces being the winner. You can, tact and guile, take the opponants pieces off and lessen his chances of victory.

Personally, I feel I need to be well and truly trashed by a few classy players to get to grips with the real tactics involved. Omar Sharif was a great fan I seem to recall, and big money was involved! A great game that takes a half-hour to learn and a lifetime etc, although there is always going to be someone better out there!

The other game pictured is ‘Sjoelbak’ or ‘Dutch shuffle board’.

The model pictured was at the ‘Rose & Portcullis’ at Butleigh, well inside the area covered by this magazine. Players basically shove the pieces through the numbered gates, great fun and it can get very competitive!

Since visiting this pub only a handful of years ago, the pub has been sold so I know not of the existance of the game now. Also present was a ring board, along with the non-standard ‘London’ dart board. All these were purchased from ‘Masters Games’ of St Albans, the town also is the location for CAMRA – not a coincidence some might think! I give this games company a plug simply because of the huge support they give to pub-

orientated games. Check them out online, you may find a good present or two - as you may well also do from the CAMRA site.

I read how Wetherspoon's have effectively adapted the ‘whistle’ to the market of today in the form of an app so a ‘server’ (I hate that Americanism) can deliver directly to your table, perhaps proof that things do go round in circles - and rather appropriate for the situation we find ourselves in today.

However I wouldn't recommend addressing the person as a ‘serving wench’ as you could end up wearing your lunch! You've been warned! Cheers! © P.A. Baxter 2020. skittlealley@hotmail.com

Harry’s Cider boosts consumer sales in a difficult year

Somerset craft cider producer Harry’s Cider Company has turned the tables on what could have been a devastating year for the family-run business, attracting a host of new customers since the first Covid19 lockdown earlier this year.

Despite losing around 70% of its trade sales overnight when the first lockdown forced the closure of pubs, bars and restaurants, Harry’s Cider has seen an impressive boost in consumer sales since the end of March, lifting overall figures back up to almost 75% of where they were before.

This has meant the business was able to go ahead with plans to recruit an apprentice cider maker, and 20-year-old Jack from Curry Rivel has just completed his first harvest.

Founding cider maker Harry Fry said, ‘When the first lockdown came in, everything was turned upside down and we

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had no real idea of how long it would last. May to September is normally our busiest time of the year, yet the pubs and restaurants were all closed, and we couldn’t visit most of our customers, or attend the many shows and events we would normally take part in. It was a challenging time but we turned our attention to selling cider via our website instead, as well as supporting our retailers and food service distributors, and it’s gone surprisingly well, all things considered.

‘As a result, we were able to go ahead with plans to recruit our first apprentice cider maker.

After interviewing a number of enthusiastic applicants, Jack started with us just in time to help pick this year’s apples. We completed the harvest at the end of October and were able to utilise the vast majority of our crop, although we did have a lower yield than usual this year, possibly due to the extremely wet autumn last year. That said, the quality of the apples is excellent so we know we can maintain the high standards of cidermaking that we’ve become known for.’

Harry’s partner Alison Chapman, who oversees finance and marketing at Harry’s Cider Company, added, ‘Consumer sales via our website have increased threefold since March, and farm gate sales have more than doubled, with our sparkling ciders and three litre traditional cider pouches proving particularly popular.

‘We are extremely grateful to the many customers who have visited our farm and website this year to buy their cider, as well as to the retailers, farm shops, village shops and off licences that stock our products as they have helped us to maintain sales of our bottled ciders almost pound for pound against last year. We’re also delighted to have recently started supplying the Morrisons supermarkets in Taunton, Glastonbury and Wincanton, making it even easier for many local people to get their hands on our cider!

‘Now, as we find ourselves in this second national lockdown, we remain positive in our outlook.

We continue to prioritise

L-R: Jack, Harry and Toby from Harry’s Cider in the orchards.

deliveries to our customers across the county, as well as maintaining our farm gate presence, all the while observing any social distancing measures that are in place.’

Harry’s Cider Company is taking part in this year’s Virtual Bath Christmas Market and is offering free nationwide delivery on online orders over £30 between now and the end of the year.

Although its cider tours are temporarily suspended, the Harry’s Cider Farm in Long Sutton remains open to the public between 10am and 5pm from Monday to Friday and between 10am and 4pm on Saturdays,

with all visitors asked to wear face coverings and follow social distancing guidelines.

More information can be found at www.harryscidercompany .co.uk.

They Say That many congratulations go to former Weymouth residents, Mr & Mrs P. Hawkins now residing in Portugal, on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 5th December. Phew!

That between the first and second lockdown, an unfortunate butter-fingered fumble left four Castle Cary golfers eating carpet-flavoured crisps during a trip to Devon.

That it has been a case of Wallace & Gromit’s Wrong Trousers for North Cadbury’s David Hoddinott and his shorts this November, on more than one occasion.

Founding cider maker Harry Fry of Harry’s Cider.

Vinny does look slimmer...

Solution to November

Sudoku

That congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy life together go to Georgie Higgins and Harry Seviour of Castle Cary who are tying the knot on 12th December.

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 13 The answers are all 'Same title-different song'!

Here are those song titles, shared between those artists.

The red herring is Q:6 as they were both versions of the Billy Joel composition.

Strangely both were released in 1979.

1. ‘Baby Love’ 2. ‘Something About You’ 3. ‘Crazy' 4. ‘Street Life' 5. ‘Fire’ 6. ‘Just The Way You Are’ 7. ‘Trouble’ 8. ‘If’ 9. ‘Some Girls’ 10. ‘Rise’

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24 THE VISITOR December 2020

THE VISITOR December 2020 25

Luca's New Garden with Bridget Sudworth MY ADVICE in November was to sit back and relax but that was a bit casual if you think through all the opportunities that the winter months provide for doing so many of those jobs that get put off at other times of the year.

Perhaps, though, one can take a slightly more leisurely approach to things especially if the rain is chucking it down and you simply can’t get out.

There are always hard pruning jobs to be done - it seems endless in Luca’s garden and he has been

tremendously helpful by easing himself off the sofa all crumpled and warm to come and roll about on the lawn which tends to highlight the rubbish that has been left behind by previous clearing exercises, the worst of those being the savage berberis stems with long spikes. Although easy to grow and immensely useful in any garden, those cuttings need to be cleared up if there are pets wandering about.

Blackcurrants can be pruned cutting out about 1/4 of old stems and raspberries need weeding, mulching and tying in. Brassicas need yellowing leaves removed and staking if tall especially those Brussels sprouts if earmarked for a Christmas meal and others need protecting with netting from

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pigeons and in our case, a sleek fat pheasant who has decided our bird table offers pickings as well as the poor beleaguered purple sprouting! Indeed, the cheeky fellow thought popping into the greenhouse was good news too and there was earth all over the floor. The geraniums are planted in there now so although it isn’t cold at the moment, the door remains open with a guard in place. They have done brilliantly this last summer and masses of cuttings have been taken - if they make the grade, there will be more plants for the mythical forthcoming plant sales should we ever get back to normal.

Plan your large fruit tree pruning carefully - this month you can plod round inspecting what needs to go - crossed branches, damaged or rotten stems and shaping, then you will be prepared for January, the best month for doing these particular jobs. Straw round parsnips makes lifting easier if the ground is frozen hard though frosts have been a bit of a rarity during previous winters.

Of course, none of us knows what winter will bring as far as the weather is concerned but it’s best to be prepared. Likewise, protect your terracotta pots from frost damage; either wrap them

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

up in bubble wrap which looks disgusting or drag them if possible into a more sheltered position.

While planting lovely lily bulbs and naughty tulips (the tarts knickers variety i.e. parrots) it was something of a surprise to see how many of last years pots with labels on revealed rotten bulbs once the pots were turned upside down for reorganising, It doesn’t pay to be complacent about anything in a garden as recent heavy rain has managed to rot a lot of such stuff and all need checking.

It was curiously quite thrilling while tidying up, to find two small outcrops of mistletoe growing on the crabapple tree and a lilac bush. Once germinated, it grows slowly for the first 4-5 years then races along at speed. The growth in our garden must be about 4 years old if not more but was obscured by foliage. Although the Viscum Album, the European variety that we all know, is a hemi-parasitic plant and potentially weakens though doesn’t kill its host, it has never been cast aside and the story of this plant offers epistles of some length so the discovery was touching history.

This being the time of year that we love to cut bunches down to decorate our houses (but no kissing this year unless it can be done in a bubble or by remote control!), it’s association with the Christian festival of Christmas is more or less co-incidental. The mysterious, mystical and magical association predates Christianity and has more to do with winter solstice festivals. That which grows on oak trees, though rarely

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but more likely apples, limes and poplar, is beloved by the Druids and is still used as an essential part of their ceremonies.

Indeed, the big mistletoe sale in Tenbury Wells is often prefaced with a Druid Mistletoe Ceremony although both Herefordshire and Worcestershire are the best counties in the UK for finding it adorning the many orchard apple trees.

So when you hang up a bunch this Christmas, you can reflect on the fact that you are continuing an ancient custom .

Apologies for the wintry picture but frost and snow make such seasonal photographs!

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None of us knows what winter will bring as far as the weather is concerned but it’s best to be prepared.

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THE VISITOR December 2020 27

Remember when ...

30 years ago from The Visitor archives Bollards in the Market Place

THE TAIL END of 1990 saw the closing stages of the Wincanton Town Centre Enhancement Scheme which entailed resurfacing the Market Place with York-stone setts and installing bollards, a classical Bath-stone plinth above the former well-head and some seating. Devised by the conservationists at South Somerset District Council and costing £23,500, the scheme proved to be controversial, according to a report in the December 1990 Visitor.

‘Calamitous cobbles’ in the view of two local shopkeepers who noted that a 1958 conveyance had cleared the ground for carparking, and it had been cordoned off for months like ‘a police scene of crime’. Completion of the scheme was delayed into 1991 because although the County Council had obtained the right to ban parking on the newly-laid setts it had failed to obtain a Traffic Regulation Order to prevent vehicles being driven over them. And the plinth topped with its cast-iron lamp standard was not completed until August 1991.

Rooms at the Inn

In December 1990 the first phase of a major building and refurbishment programme was completed at Thomsons on the edge of Motcombe. It was reopened by the new owners, Chris Goodings and Guy Newell, both long associated with the local licensed trade, on 12th December as the Coppleridge Inn and Country Hotel, offering full bar and restaurant facilities plus ten en-suite bedrooms. The Visitor reported that by April 1991 there would be two more bedrooms, a conservatory bar, conference and function facilities for 100 people, a children’s play area and various sporting amenities.

Tested backwards

An advance warning to learnerdrivers was contained in the December 1990 Visitor. ‘From April 1st next year the driving test for a full licence will include a reverse parking manoeuvre,’ it stated, quoting Somerset’s road safety officer as saying that ‘being able to park quickly and neatly in a small space at the kerbside is vital in today’s traffic 28 THE VISITOR December 2020

conditions’. Sceptical editor Patrick Dunion felt that ‘a reasonable bet is that the driving test, and therefore driving instructors, will incorporate a reverse parking manoeuvre only into a left-hand parking space ... and nine drivers out of ten find reversing into a right-hand space a far more difficult manoeuvre’.

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Musical gratitude

Sherborne’s classical music lovers will probably recall the Dorset Music House in the days when it was located on The Green (it didn’t move to Cheap Street until 1995). Reputedly ‘the best in the West’ for classical LPs, cassettes and, by 1990, CDs as well as for sheet music and unusual music gifts, it had been run for almost 20 years by David Webb whose sad and untimely death from cancer was reported in the December 1990 Visitor. In a personal tribute to him, John Mathew wrote that ‘my own musical life was widened simply by listening and talking to David and I must be one of many who are grateful to him for an enriched enhancement of musical knowledge’.

Names from the past

Christmas shopping featured prominently in the adverts, especially in a ‘Focus on Wincanton’, and seeing them reminded me of two of the town’s long-established businesses now no longer with us. Clementina & Co on the High Street boasted a ‘superb selection of china ornaments plus china, glass, silver and kitchenware’ as well as ‘many lines for the gardener and DIY enthusiasts’, while Sansom’s on Church Street had a ‘full range of garden and DIY products’ and in its gift showroom a ‘beautiful selection of china, ornaments, glass, cards and giftwrap plus a good range of watches’. Among the other Wincanton businesses advertising in December 1990 were Good Yarns ‘for a wide selection of wools and patterns’, Knights the Chemists which ‘will solve your problems, both before and after Christmas’, and Louisa’s Baby Bits ‘for all your baby requirements’. And the Plaza cinema which was was screening ‘Bird on a Wire’ starring Goldie Hawn and Mel Gibson. All these traders – and the cinema – are long gone.

Roger Richards.

The Visitor

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

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THIS SPACE COSTS ONLY £33.72+VAT PER MONTH THE VISITOR December 2020 29

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

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STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles.

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

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STORAGE STABLE TO LET 12FT X 12FT. Dry, secure, constant supervision.

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MARTIN, 62, would like to meet lady 4070 in Yeovil, Sherborne, Wincanton, Shaftesbury, Blandford area. Reply to Box 7, The Visitor, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG

Wanted

Services YOUR ADVERT HERE, from £5 for 20 words. Email: info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk or tel: 01963 351256 READ ONLINE: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Set by Frank Butler

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

19

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.

STORAGE STABLE TO LET 12FT X 14FT. Dry, secure, constant supervision.

Horsington, £190 per quarter. Tel: 07772086099

MAN MEET LADY: Is there any single lady out there 50-70 Aquarius, Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius. Reply with photo to: Box 6, The Visior, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG

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

Prize Crossword No. 409

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 PETROL OR DIESEL GENERATORS. Any make/model, we collect in any area.

Top prices paid in cash. Tel: 07970 742471

Across: 1. Note: Pile at small cost [5] 4. Crowfoot spread before trophy [9] 9. Urban railway, no? Myself, I find it a help to keep time [9] 10. Dye Anne returning head first! [5] 11. Some dozen nuisances produce langour [5] 12. Ruin coins going in [9] 13. Smoothing over groin in injury [7] 15. Peer, self and sovereign are not as tardy [7] 18. Note: Precipitated like wood [7] 20. Possessed by British Rail and then grilled [7] 21. An attempt after a leaf in the grand parade style [9] 23. Two under par bird, one short of a dog [5] 25. Wanderer: Yes, sane? Exactly the opposite! [5] 26. Thinks: Scorn dies in confusion [9] 27. Admit guilt and cost fines [7, 2] 28. Some conga Teddy did when confined! [5] Down: 1. Arriving, including the favourite in contention [9] 2. Consumed, fed in two directions [5] 3. What was 2, supplied by grocer [9] 4. Abuse the sovereign with reservation [7]

5. Note! Claret spreads nicely on toast [7] 6. Queen accepts article with intangible consequence [5] 7. I’d no tonic for disease [9] 8. The flat country is not pretty [5] 14. Irish protestant in sultanate out of reach [9] 16. One pinger gives fresh start [9] 17. Put right having changed [9] 19. Finds Dec. Test rearranged [7] 20. Muddled note found at the cove: that’s the point of the rifle! [7] 21. Some drop an ice cube in undue haste [5] 22. Total up the French to go bad [5] 24. Weep and acknowledge [5]

Solution to Crossword 408

Winner of the November Crossword Was Ms Y Nicholls of South Petherton who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Andrew Barclay Butchers, Wincanton.

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH SOS TO ALL AIR RIFLES AND PISTOLS, ANY MAKE OR MODEL WE COLLECT IN ANY AREA, TOP PRICES PAID IN CASH

07970 742471 30 THE VISITOR December 2020