The Visitor Magazine Issue 447 February 2021

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

Issue 447 February 2021

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In Passing...

F

ebruary is my least-favourite month. When I was younger, Valentine’s Day would kindle within me a spark of enthusiasm, but those days are long past. Nowadays the first three months of the year promise little apart from short, cold days and long, dark, even-colder evenings. Fortunately those evenings have their compensations, providing time for snuggling down in front of the fire and getting engrossed in the books that I was given at Christmas. As Joan Bakewell put it so succinctly, ‘there is pleasure to be had in the habits of Winter, cosying ourselves into nooks of comfort, resolute against the dark outside . . . it’s a long time until Spring, but the year has turned the corner’.

There’s no denying that we are getting a few more minutes of daylight as each day passes, but the lights still have to go on at teatime. We are entrenched in that drab post-Christmas period before the clocks go forward in late March, with little to look forward to. Even Easter seems a long way off, and it’s hard to ward off thoughts of all the garden tasks that should have been done last Autumn and will now have to be tackled in the Spring.

One consequence of Coved-19 is that the usual measures for relieving the drabness can’t be used in 2021. No getting together with friends at home for a coffee and chat, for a few hands of bridge or for discussing and planning a summer holiday. No wrapping up well and strolling along to the village hall for a club meeting or event or to the warmth of the local pub to catch up with the village news and gossip. Indeed, no social contact at all.

A survey undertaken by the Church of England a few years ago revealed that loneliness is a more common problem than unemployment, poor housing or homelessness in rural communities like much of Visitorland. And that this social isolation particularly affects old people, regardless of their income or social class.

The current national lockdown, although necessary, means that many old people who

live alone are facing weeks – possibly months – of total isolation. While the rollout of vaccination provides a glimmer of hope for the future, the current social isolation and resulting loneliness poses a big threat to the mental health of many of our elderly.

Cosying themselves into nooks of comfort is no antidote.

Computer and smartphone technology have undoubtedly made it much easier and quicker for many people to contact each other, but the cost of buying the necessary equipment and the intricacies of learning to use it are beyond many of the elderly. If you have a neighbour or acquaintance in this situation, why not speak to them on their landline from time to time or drop an occasional chatty note through their letterbox. It could help to alleviate the loneliness of their drab February as our thoughts turn to Spring.

NN.

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk facebook.com/thevisitormagazine twitter.com/thevisitormag Editor Max Dunion Advertising/Features Editor Sara Danesh-Pour Managing Director Helen Dunion © The Visitor Ltd. 2021 (Items marked ©GT are the copyright of Geoff Thompson)

Advertising Deadlines March Issue published: Thursday 25th February Deadline: Monday 15th February

CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED ‑ 26 ANTIQUES ‑ 13 BOOK REVIEW ‑ 12 CROSSWORD ‑ 26 GARDENING ‑ 22 HOUSE & HOME ‑ 16 LEISURE ‑ 12 LOOKING GOOD ‑ 14 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES ‑ 5 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 ‑ 24 PUBS ‑ 20 REMEMBER WHEN ‑ 24 SUDOKU ‑ 12 THEY SAY ‑ 21

Cartoons by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR February 2021 3

Mentioned in

Dispatches Grants from The Somerset Fund available for local charities thanks to generous local donors

GRANTS up to £2,500 are now available for smaller charities and grassroots groups based in Somerset. Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) manages The Somerset Fund and is encouraging smaller charities and community groups that run on less than £100,000 per year to apply now for funding. The grants are ‘unrestricted’, which means they can be used to pay for ongoing running costs, also known as ‘core costs’. Applications to the Fund can be made through SCF’s website and the deadline to apply is Monday 22 February, 2021.

The Somerset Fund has supported a wide range of local charities since its launch in 2018 thanks to generous local donors.

Laura Blake, Development Director at SCF explains: ‘We’re hugely grateful to the local

The Blue School,Wells, received £1,500 to improve a conservation area.

businesses and individuals who have chosen to give through The Somerset Fund so far; The Somerset Fund has already supported 84 good causes in the county and awarded more than £120,000 in grants to local grassroots charities.

‘It's a great way for local people to give to local good causes, helping to strengthen our charities and communities and change lives across Somerset.

Another great reason to get behind The Somerset Fund is that all donations are matched by 50% thanks to funding from Somerset County Council, meaning your donation has an even greater impact.

The Friends of the Blue Association Trust, in association

with the Blue School in Wells, received a grant from The Somerset Fund in the autumn of 2020 for £1,500 to improve their conservation area, enhancing the students' experience at the school both now and for future generations to come. The Somerset Fund supports local people of all ages and a wide range of causes, including: •giving the best start in life to the most disadvantaged children •growing the life skills of young people •improving the mental health of people of all ages •increasing opportunities for better physical health •supporting people with disabilities and life-limiting

illnesses, and their carers •combatting loneliness and isolation Leader of Somerset County Council David Fothergill said: ‘Congratulations to all the community groups who have been successful in receiving a grant.

I’d also like to thank the many businesses who have donated to The Somerset Fund so far. As can be seen, donations all go a long way and to very worthy causes.

‘The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the wonderful work that grassroots charities and community groups do every day.

Support is vital and donations will reach charities and groups who would otherwise struggle to raise funds of their own and for whom small grants make a huge difference.’

If you run a business and would like to find out more about giving through The Somerset Fund visit: www.somersetcf .org.uk/tsf or you can call Laura Blake on 01749 344949, or email: laura.blake@somersetcf.org.uk.

If you are involved in a local, grassroots community project and would like to find out more about how to apply for funding, please visit: www.somersetcf.org.uk/ somersetfund or call Somerset Community Foundation on: 01749 344949.

THE VISITOR February 2021 5

charity Snowdrop Open Day is on Sunday 14th February. Free entry to the nursery. Visitors are advised to check the website www.eastlambrook.com for the latest information and to book tickets.

East Lambrook Manor Gardens, Silver Street, East Lambrook, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5HH.

Mentioned in

Dispatches Find mindful moments at East Lambrook Manor Gardens Festival of Snowdrops

Somerset’s famous cottage garden is celebrating the snowdrop season once again with its third Festival of Snowdrops, running throughout February. In addition to the many snowdrops growing in the garden, the festival will focus on special displays of unusual varieties so that they can be appreciated at close quarters.

Sculptor Chris Kampf will also be exhibiting his popular steel snowdrops.

Galanthus, better known as snowdrops, have long been a feature of the garden, ever since the celebrated plantswoman Margery Fish created the iconic cottage garden at East Lambrook Manor, her home from 1938 to 1969. She planted her snowdrops in an area she named The Ditch, which was originally a drainage channel between orchards. She and husband Walter, a former

Mendip residents urged to go greener with the Big Community Switch

Chris Kampf’s steel snowdrops. Image: Mike Werkmeister.

editor of the Daily Mail, landscaped it to create a water feature but the water famously disappered once they finished the work, although in wet weather water still flows.

‘The Ditch looks fabulous when the sides are carpeted with snowdrops,’ explains owner Mike Werkmeister, ‘so what better way to relieve the stresses of lockdown than to enjoy a peaceful walk

round the gardens here during the February snowdrop season.

Other gardens have carpets of the common snowdrop G. nivalis but we have a collection of around 150 varieties so our aim is to demonstrate the diversity of the genus in our displays. Visitors are often surprised to discover some snowdrops have yellow in the flowers and can cost over £100 for a single bulb!’

Gardens are permitted to remain open during lockdown therefore East Lambrook has decided to allow a limited number of visitors to come every day provided they book online via its website or Facebook page and observe strict social distancing rules at all times. Around 70 varieties will be on sale in the nursery but there will be no guided tours this year.

Open 10am to 5.00pm, Tuesday to Sunday throughout February.

Garden entry £6.00, over 65s £5.50, under 16s free. NGS

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Mendip residents have until 9th February to sign-up and switch energy providers. And this year, for the first time, the Big Community Switch auction has the option of 100 per cent renewable energy tariffs from wind, biomass and solar for electricity, at really competitive market prices.

Cllr Tom Ronan, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Policy and Climate Change at Mendip District Council, said: ‘Residents will find new renewable energy sources on offer to switch to this time, such as solar and wind.

They don't emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and are kinder to our environment.

‘If you have been wanting to go greener with your energy supplier but haven’t got round to it, then this is a very easy way to register and make a change for the New Year - and potentially save some money too. Why not join more than 14,000 households who have already registered on the scheme?’

Residents who register their interest in switching will receive a personal offer, and have a month to decide whether to switch or not. For those who want to go ahead, the switching process is simple. It's all done for you.

The Big Community Switch supports Mendip's commitment to help residents and businesses work together with the Council to be carbon neutral by 2030.

For more information and to register visit the Big Community Switch website www.mendip .gov.uk/article/6739/BigCommunity-Switch. There’s just a few more days to go, so if you are interested - act now!

Somerton Music and Arts Festival Art and Photography Exhibition 2021: 23rd to 31st October

The exhibition is open to all amateur, needle workers, artists, photographers and sculptors to display their work with the opportunity to have some of the work displayed virtually on the festival website. As in previous

Mentioned in

Dispatches years they are planning to have a variety of workshops running alongside the exhibition which includes the return of some old favourites and some new taster sessions to challenge your craft skills. If you wish to enter work to the exhibition please contact Jackie on 07778006543 or visit the festival website at www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk and download the entry forms.

Please also check out the website for the latest Covid updates.

Hip Hip Wassail! Harry's Cider launches DIY Wassail kit for lockdown

Following the announcement of another national lockdown, craft cider producer Harry’s Cider Company launched a DIY Wassail kit, encouraging people to get out into their gardens this month and hold their own personal wassail ceremonies.

Traditionally held on 17 January, ‘Old Twelvey Night’, the wassail ceremony involves blessing the orchards, waking up

Members of The Langport Mummers take part in a past Harry’s Cider wassail.

the apple trees from their slumber and scaring away any evil spirits in order to ensure a healthy crop.

Originally Harry’s Cider had been planning to host a series of small bespoke wassail ceremonies in their orchards for groups of up to five people but, with Somerset moving first into Tier 4 and then a few days later into a national lockdown, these plans had to be cancelled.

Their new DIY Wassail kit enabled people to experience this ancient pagan tradition within their own gardens. The kit included a step-by-step guide to holding a wassail ceremony; printed copies of the words to the

wassail carol and shout; a bottle of Harry’s Original Cider; a flagon of Harry’s Mulled Cider; and two mulled cider glasses.

Alison Chapman from Harry’s Cider Company said, ‘In previous years our annual wassails have been well-supported and great fun. Rather than throwing in the towel altogether this year, we thought it’d be a nice opportunity to encourage even more people to get involved in this ancient tradition – something that is still

very much alive across our rural counties.

‘Whether or not you have an apple tree in your garden, it’s was an evening’s entertainment that anyone could get involved with.

Let’s face it, we’re all keen to ward off any evil spirits this year and hope that spring yields a good crop, in whatever shape or form that may be!’

More information about Harry’s Cider can be found at www.harryscidercompany.co.uk.

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THE VISITOR February 2021 7

Mentioned in

Dispatches Staying active in your home

As Lockdown across England puts an even greater emphasis on the health and wellbeing of older people in isolation, the Goldies Charity is increasing its weekly online content to include gentle chair-exercise at home.

When ‘Goldies’ were forced by Covid to cancel all their daytime sessions across England and Wales last March they then introduced online sessions through Facebook and YouTube.

These developed to become twice weekly with Tuesday sessions taken by Rachel Parry and Thursdays by Cheryl Davies who have both worked for the Charity for a number of years as daytime session leaders.

With Cheryl’s Thursday session

Rachel Parry who leads the Tuesday Goldies sessions online.

based on the popular Goldies format of singing with well-loved popular songs and onscreen words, the weekly Tuesday 11am sessions led by Rachel have developed into a more magazinestyle format.

Rachel records her sessions from her home in Thornbury near Bristol. She said: ‘We have had a fantastic response from older folk across

England and we feature different subjects each Tuesday. Many Age-Related organisations, Local Authorities and Town Councils promote the sessions. The chairbased exercises encourage people to stretch as well as sing and we hope to develop these in the weeks ahead. We know that there is an emphasis this Winter on preventing Falls in the home and our gentle chair exercises

encourage movement to those well-loved songs of the 60s and onwards.

‘Singalong to Bring Me Sunshine, Smile and Stretch.’

Dr Afroditi Stathi is Associate Professor in Physical Activity, Ageing and Health at the University of Birmingham and a Trustee of the Golden-Oldies Charity. She has been closely involved with the development of gentle Active Songs which have been introduced by Goldies, and said; ‘Evidence stresses that the barriers of having no reasons to get out and about and nothing to look forward to can be broken with the Goldies wellbeing sessions. The message is loud and clear: You can delay or reverse mobility limitations and maintain independence, and you can enjoy later life to the full. Loneliness in old age is not inevitable.’ www.goldieslive.com is easy to access and is also freely available on YouTube and through Facebook.

Goldies Founder, Grenville Jones, added; ‘When we were forced to cancel our live Goldies sessions last year this meant that our older folk could not come to us to enjoy a session in their community room, church hall or Library. As they could not come to us, through the internet, we took Goldies into their homes and sofa-singing started!’.

Councillors have agreed in principle to proceed with plans to invest £23 million in arts and entertainment in South Somerset.

On Thursday 7th of January, members of South Somerset’s District Executive committee voted unanimously in favour of an agreement in principle to proceed with the project that will transform and see major improvements at The Octagon Theatre.

8 THE VISITOR February 2021

Mentioned in

Dispatches The project, set to cost in the region of £23 million excluding VAT, would see the theatre based in Yeovil, add a fly tower and circle that would take the seating from 622 to 900 - this would mean big advances in productions that could attend the venue including touring plays and musicals. Work

would also see the venue become fully accessible throughout, add two additional boutique spaces which could potentially be a cinema/studio plus an additional cinema. The venue would also see purpose built studios created with an improved community Café Hub and separate restaurants areas.

Adam Burgan, Arts and Entertainment Venues Manager, said: ‘This was a very important day in the history of The Octagon Theatre and a momentous decision along the way to transforming the theatre. All the staff, volunteers and I are

incredibly excited about the potential to build on our success and improve the experience of visiting the theatre for all our visitors. Many of our team are currently redeployed to support the rollout of the vaccine so this has been very welcome news that when they return there is much to look forward to.’

The Octagon Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1974 and attracts many visitors from far and wide with a diverse range of artists and events from big name comedians, classical music and opera to rock and folk music, the very best in variety alongside superb plays and ballet, and not forgetting the blockbuster pantomime. The theatre is also the home to many local community groups where local talent is regularly celebrated.

Last year 125,000 people bought a ticket for an event at The Octagon Theatre whilst thousands more took part in one of the weekly classes as part of the Octagon Academy participatory programme.

Although an initial agreement in principle is in place, this is a long-term project that requires sign-off from councillors at further stages of the process, with the business plan, finance plans

and planning permission needing to be approved before building work can commence. Planning and construction is currently forecasted to take approximately three years.

Online Talks for The Arts Society Mendip

On 2nd February ‘The artist Paula Rego’: Linda Smith will talk to The Arts Society Mendip on 2nd February at 11.00am via Zoom. Links will be sent to members.

The site will open at 10.30am.

Guests welcome, get the link on request with by emailing: tasmendip.comm@gmail.com. A guest donation of £3 will be requested.

On 2nd March ‘The Gillows’ story and its furniture’: Janusz Karczewski-Slowikowski will talk to The Arts Society Mendip on 2nd March at 11.00am via Zoom on these quality furniture makers of the 18th and 19th Century.

Links will be sent to members prior to the talk.

The application will open at 10.30am. Guests welcome, the link will be forwarded with instructions on request by tasmendip.comm@gmail.com. A guest donation of £3 will be requested.

Artists impression: The possible exterior of the Octagon Theatre, Yeovil.

THE VISITOR February 2021 9

about the creative process through an accompanying event programme including demonstrations, workshops, talks and visiting residencies, to inspire, educate and delight.

For more information and to register please see the Somerset Art Works website somersetart works.org.uk or contact Paul Newman via email: paul.newman @somersetartworks.org.uk.

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Local BBC radio’s Make a Difference: Give a Laptop campaign has seen £30,000 donated in its first week

Waterlands, Liz Somerville.

Call to artists: Somerset Open Studios Venue Registrations Deadline 31 March 2021

Somerset-based artists are invited to register for SOMERSET OPEN STUDIOS (18 Sept- 3 Oct 2021). Now one of the country’s largest Open Studios events, it showcases the work of Somerset Art Works Members in a range of private and pop up workspaces across the county – celebrating the source

of art, making, design and craft in Somerset.

Between 18 September and 3 October 2021, artists demonstrate how they make their work; their process, practice and inspiration. The event allows a rare opportunity for visitors to engage with artists in person and to see inside their studios, temporary working spaces and other locations to find out what goes on behind the scenes.

Artists’ Open Studios can be

found in unusual and unexpected locations and the event is an ideal opportunity to explore the different and distinct regions of the county and make some surprising discoveries.

Since its inception in 1994, Somerset Art Weeks has become an important event in Somerset's calendar delighting art lovers and collectors from near and far.

Drawing Art Weeks back to its roots, Open Studios focuses on artists in their working environment as they make and share new work and ideas in a social act of collaboration with inquisitive visitors.

Open Studios encourages cultural exploration, discovery and dialogue in an atmosphere of creativity, experimentation and inclusivity. Building on last year’s Digital Open Studios, this year’s event will continue to include appropriate planning and information to enable visitors to engage safely with the event.

Somerset Open Studios showcases established names as well as introducing new and emerging artists. Visitors will also be able to find out first-hand

Since the launch of the BBC’s Make A Difference: Give A Laptop campaign, local radio stations across England have been inundated with calls, emails, texts and donations.

On 7 January, all 39 local radio stations launched the campaign by providing details of specialist charities across the country that will safely wipe donated devices before distributing them to local schools.

Just a week after its launch the charities had received nearly 5,000 devices and a total of £30,000 in financial donations.

Chris Burns, Head of Local Radio comments: ‘It’s great to see our listeners responding to our call to action. We are committed to doing everything we can do to help support the great work of our teachers and schools during the pandemic.

‘We’ve received an incredible £30,000 in financial donations in one week and know that the figure is probably much higher as many people have been donating directly to their local schools and charities as a result of our on air campaign. At least another 20,000 devices are also being pledged by businesses in the coming weeks across the UK. ‘At this challenging time, our listeners are once again showing that community spirit is alive and well.’

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10 THE VISITOR February 2021

Mentioned in

Dispatches To donate a device you can visit www.bbc.co.uk/programmes /articles/5SqHJ MTKZx5sYh lltXJvB1Q/give-a-laptop or listen to your local BBC Radio station via your radio, smart device or using the BBC Sounds app.

The joys of journaling: 3 key ways that writing can better your life

With nearly 1 million Brits putting pen to paper over the past year, why has it become so popular?

The pandemic has allowed many of us to uptake new hobbies and pursue existing interests but there seems to be one activity in particular which the nation is taking increasing interest in.

Research from leading biographer StoryTerrace reveals how nearly 1 million Brits penned their own books during lockdown last year, and it seems the incentive for doing so is creating traction outside of the literary world, now widely appealing to the everyday consumer.

So, why is this? Rutger Bruining, the CEO of StoryTerrace, sheds light on why writing and journaling have become so popular:

1. Nostalgia increases our happiness

Looking back at past memories and life moments has become commonplace over the course of the past year, offering us a form of escapism from the pandemic.

And while reflecting on the past can be an intellectual activity, nostalgia is also an emotional one.

Memory is about recalling the facts of a past event; nostalgia is about recalling how it felt to be there. A 2013 study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that

engaging in nostalgia led people to feel more optimistic about the future. Nostalgia is also related to higher self-esteem, happiness, and feelings of closeness to loved ones - engaging in past memories evoke these feelings for us, boosting our overall mood.

2. The impact of journaling on our mental health

The act of writing in a journal to record your innermost thoughts yields a whole host of benefits when it comes to our mental health. It can better our mood, increase our sense of wellbeing, and even lead to better working memory.

In some cases, journaling is ‘prescribed’ as a way to reduce PTSD symptoms or to help people suffering from depression and anxiety. However, you don't have to be suffering to benefit from journaling - any time spent writing your thoughts helps your brain to get better at regulating your emotions. And a biography is like a journal on steroids!

3. Self-reflection is key to personal growth

If there's one overarching condition of modern life - and one we can all relate to - it's busyness. We move from email to email or meeting to meeting with little time to pause and think about our lives and their meaning — a situation that's only been made worse by the distractions of smartphones.

Yet Harvard researchers have found that making time for selfreflection is a crucial component of learning. Writing a biography is the ultimate exercise of selfreflection, as you aren't just thinking about a day's work, but your life as a whole.

Personal biography writing service StoryTerrace spent 2020 working with hundreds of people in lockdown, helping them to write their life stories with the help of a professional biographer.

Rutger Bruining, CEO of biography writing service StoryTerrace, discusses the secret behind journaling and the reasons why it has become a

popular pastime: ‘It is no news that many of us have been looking for new activities to do during lockdown - but lots of these provide us with short-term gratification, or eventually become dull or repetitive. However, most people who have taken an interest in journaling as a pastime have actually maintained it, which comes as little surprise when you start to do it yourself as you feel the personal benefits which derive from it. With writing, the potential for new ideas is also endless, and whether the basis of your writing is fact or fiction, you'll never run out of ideas because of its creative nature.

‘During lockdown in 2020, I saw a lot of people turn their initial interest in journaling into biography writing - and it was so pleasing to see. Though it comes as no surprise when you look at all the benefits which come from writing a biography, it was great to see hundreds of people begin the process of writing their own life stories with

StoryTerrace. We had the pleasure of hearing such a vast variety of inspiring stories and experiences, alongside how they came about the decision to write their own story.’

The Cosy Den, opening soon in Wincanton

The Cosy Den houses a wondrous literary selection of children’s and adult books - both old and new to be inspired by. Whilst getting immersed in the best of the Brontë Sisters, Julia Donaldson and Louis Sachar, you’ll also find quirky, beautiful gifts and stationery to browse. Priced incredibly competitively, there are top reads and gifts for every budget.

The Cosy Den will be opening soon, in a wink in fact. You’ll find the Den in Coles Yard, Wincanton, near Wincanton Fruit & Veg and opposite The Whole.

Further information can be found on Instagram and Facebook (Instagram.com /thecosyden).

They look forward to welcoming you soon!

Find us on Facebook and Instagram

thecosyden@gmail.com

07494 159159

THE VISITOR February 2021 11

BOOK REVIEW With

Philip George King’s Counsellor Abdication and War: The Diaries of Sir Alan ‘Tommy’ Lascelles Edited by Duff Hart-Davis Weidenfeld and Nicolson.

2020. RRP: £11.99

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

By John Osborne  Answers can be found on page 21  1) Who were ‘Tired of Waiting for You’ in 1965?

2) Who made the rock album ‘Voodoo Lounge’? (1994) 3) With which ‘Supremes’ song did Phil Collins have a hit?

4) Name the hit and band behind this lyric: ‘I'm nothing special, in fact I'm a bit of a bore’ 5) What does Harry Styles wish you to do right now?

6) Which of the Beatles sings lead on ‘Act Naturally’?

7) ‘Sweet Caroline’ was a hit for which male singer in 1971?

8) Richard Tandy is best known as keyboardist with which band?

9) Who sang about ‘Cowboys and kisses’ in 2001?

10) Who was at in the charts exactly 10 years ago in February 2011 with ‘Grenade’?

Question impossible: On the Lynsey de Paul record ‘Won't Somebody Dance With Me’ (1974), who is the male voice that says: ‘Excuse me, may I have the pleasure of this dance?’

Great Quotes in Music (124) ‘Without music, life would be a blank to me.’ Jane Austen

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 January Sudoku on page 21.

12 THE VISITOR February 2021

This paperback second edition of the third volume of Tommy Lascelles’ diaries, originally published in 2006, has been wellreceived. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the royal family and the politicians and events of the first half of the twentieth century. At the same time it conveys its author’s engaging, humorous and perceptive personality which the popular Netflix series ‘The Crown’ fails to capture. This book only differs from the 2006 edition in its inclusion of the 1947 letters to his wife Joan when Lascelles was touring South Africa with the royal family. During that tour the then Princess Elizabeth celebrated her 21st birthday and he reflected that she ‘rapidly metamorphosed from a shy girl into a potential monarch’.

The most controversial part of the book is the ten or so pages which were written in 1943 in response to The Times newspaper’s ‘cold-storage’ obituary notice for the Duke of Windsor. Lascelles wrote in his diary the most scorching indictment of the future king which I have ever read. He even remarked to prime minister Stanley Baldwin in 1927 ‘You know, sometimes when I sit in York House waiting to get the result of some point-to-point in which he is riding, I can’t help thinking that the best thing that could happen to him and to the country would be for him to break his neck’. Baldwin agreed and undertook to talk ‘straightly’ to the Prince at the earliest opportunity but unfortunately

this did not happen until October 1936 - in Lascelles words ‘too late, too late’.

Hart-Daves had wanted to include these pages in the second volume of the diaries entitled ‘In Royal Service’ published in 1989 as they related to the period covered by that book. However, he was prevented from doing so by royal censors in the form of the royal archivists.

No-one was better placed to comment on Edward VIII than Lascelles. He was born in Dorset at Sutton Waldron, the youngest of six children. He fought in the Great War and, like his old school colleague at Marlborough, Siegfried ‘Mad Jack’ Sassoon, was awarded a Military Cross for bravery in France. After the war, as it was for many young men, finding a job was difficult, but his sister came to the rescue and he was taken on as ADC to her husband, George Lloyd who was governor of Bombay. During the year he was in India he met and married Joan Thesiger, the daughter of the Viceroy, Lord Chelmsford, and cousin to Wilfred Thesiger of ‘Crossing the Sands’ and ‘The Marsh Arabs’ fame.

In 1921, through other good connections, he was appointed Assistant Private Secretary to the then Prince of Wales. He spent eight years closer to the future king than anyone and resigned his post in 1929 totally frustrated by the poor character of his boss.

Furthermore, during the period he worked for the Prince of Wales, his cousin Henry, Earl Harwood, had married King George V and Queen Mary’s only daughter Mary, the Princess Royal. And this only scratched the surface of his extensive network of contacts.

Lascelles is a terrific writer.

The relatively short diary entries give a picture of the time which is colourful, insightful and humorous. He had wanted to be an author and journalist but had never succeeded in doing so, which is a pity as his written record of the period, and in particular WWII is one of the best I have read, all set against a backdrop of ‘luncheons’ and dinners with friends at his various clubs in St James.

Amongst these, Pratts was a frequent favourite, a club which I could possibly have joined as a servant as they are all known as ‘George’.

A birdwatcher, fly fisherman and a user of clear unadorned English not often heard today. I delight in his use of the word ‘don’t’: not so much as an abbreviation of two words, but as a word in its own right.

Thousands expected to flock to major new sculpture exhibition

FORM – The Sculpture Exhibition at Sculpture by the Lakes near Dorchester, will feature some 200 pieces of both indoor and outdoor sculpture from some of the country’s top sculptors – making it one of the biggest sculpture exhibitions in the UK. This impressive new event will feature more than 100 large-scale outdoor sculptures which will be installed across the sculpture park’s stunning 26-acres of lakes, rivers, gardens, and woodlands.

Among the breathtaking works to be displayed will be pieces by globally celebrated artist Philip Jackson, known in particular for his many public commissions such as the Bomber Command Memorial in London’s Green Park and the statue of Bobby Moore at Wembley Stadium.

Also featuring will be Adam Binder, a previous winner of the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year and a Member of the Society of Wildlife Artists, and Gill Parker celebrated for her equine and wildlife sculptures, which form part of many public, private and Royal collections.

Bronze sculpture artist Nicola Godden will be adding another exciting element to the festival.

Her most recent large bronze sculpture ‘Icarus’ was created for the Olympic village for London 2012, and she is now working on a new large-scale Falling Icarus sculpture for FORM - The Sculpture Exhibition, where the finished piece will be displayed publically for the first time.

As the grounds play host to large outdoor works, the Sculpture by the Lakes’ indoor exhibition spaces The Gallery by the Lakes and The Retreat will come alive with a wide variety of gallery sculptures, including

pieces by Paul Harvey, celebrated for his sought after sculptures of birds, the subtle, pared-back animal sculptures of Stephen Page, and the abstract works of Mark Beattie.

The park and botanic gardens will offer visitors wonderful woodland and garden walks around the lakes and alongside the River Frome, the opportunity to explore the indoor exhibition areas, which combined make up the largest gallery space in the county, and to stop in for drinks, lunch or dinner at the awardwinning Café.

Alongside FORM – The Sculpture Exhibition, which runs from 30th March - 16th May, will be The Garden Festival, taking place in the final week from 12th - 16th May. A five-day event with more than 30 exhibitors,

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Tickets for FORM – The Sculpture Exhibition will be priced at £12.50 – which is the standard price of entry to Sculpture By The Lakes.

For more information visit https://www.sculpturebythelakes. co.uk/Form.

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limiting things such as sugar and alcohol consumption. And don’t push your body! How often do we think something is better and then overdo things, putting our true healing back. I know it can be frustrating but try to be patient and kind to your body!

Family Health with Jenna Evans THIS MONTH we’ll continue our little tour of our bodies with a look at our legs. Like most of our body, we probably take for granted what our legs endure until they play up of course!

Bending, twisting, squatting, kneeling, walking, running, jumping, dancing, prancing, hopping and skipping (ok it may be a while since most have us have done those last two!). Legs do a lot for us in any given day and many of us either sit too much or stand too much – a common occupational hazard.

The legs each have four main bones. The femur or thigh bone; the patella or kneecap and the fibula and tibula (shinbone) that make up the lower leg. The femur is the longest and strongest bone in your body and the patella is the largest sesamoid bone – a bone incorporated into the tendon of a muscle where the tendon crosses the joint.

They act as pulleys, providing a smooth surface for tendons to slide across. The word sesamoid comes from sesamum for sesame seed due to the usually small nature of these bones which are generally found in the hands, feet and ear.

Common problems with the legs include varicose veins, sprains, breaks, arthritis and

Arthritis

bursitis. Here are a few suggestions for supporting the healing of these conditions.

Varicose Veins

Obesity, sitting or standing for long periods, trauma and pregnancy can be some of the causes of varicose veins. We need to look to strengthening these blood vessels, taking the pressure off and getting that crucial exercise and rest balance right.

Long days on our feet can be a particular problem and lead to heavy, aching legs prone to varicosities.

The veins of the lower body have to fight gravity to get the blood pumping up and can be prone to weakened valves which are visible in the superficial veins as a gnarled, twisted appearance.

Good amounts of vitamin C and bioflavonoids can support tissue strength, pycnogenol (an extract from pine bark) is another favourite for this and can also be very helpful for those prone to deep vein thrombosis.

The herb horse chestnut is a primary remedy and preparations for both internal and external application are available. It can be very soothing to give those tired pins a bit of TLC with a cooling gel at the end of a long day.

Getting the feet above the head for instance, lying on your back with your legs up a wall, or sticking a pillow under your ankles when lying down (or inverted yoga postures for the bendy among us) can help get the blood flowing back to the heart, taking the pressure off those veins.

There are several different forms of arthritis, the most common being osteo (think wear and tear) and rheumatoid (auto-immune).

All the anti-inflammatories listed above can be used. For osteoarthritis I would also add nutrients such as glucosamine and msm (sulphur) to provide the building blocks for our joints.

As rheumatoid arthritis has an auto-immune component, there is a school of thought that the body overreacting to certain foods or environmental triggers, primes it to accidentally attack itself. It is definitely worth keeping a food diary to see if anything makes the symptoms worse.

Sprains, Bursitis

Broken Bones

I’m going to look at these together as they share a common thread – inflammation. I think most of us have suffered a sprain or strain at some point, caused by overstretching a ligament or tendon, respectively. Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, a fluid filled sac that cushion the joints.

Bursitis of the knee, or housemaids knee being a common form.

For both of these conditions I tend to use a blend of turmeric, bromelain and ginger. Wonderful anti-inflammatories. Naturally, rest coupled with gentle, targeted movements is important. A trip to a bodyworker such as a chiropractor or bowen therapist can be helpful, especially as when we are injured and in pain we tend to change how we move, ‘throwing out’ the rest of our musculo-skeletal system.

Other supplements to consider include serrapeptase & vitamin C. Regular massage with comfrey, arnica and CBD creams can be helpful. It’s good to up all those colourful fruits and veg while

Minimising inflammation is important here too. I generally recommend people take a good bone formula to provide key nutrition for bone healing. Also, staying on top of fluid retention under casts can be an issue.

Herbs such as dandelion and nettle can help here.

Homeopathic help may come from Symphytum (comfrey), Ruta Grav and Arnica.

That’s all for this month.

Remember to give your legs a really big thankyou, today and everyday.

•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.

Hooper’s Hat Hire YEOVIL 01935 706555 • www.hoopershats.co.uk 14 THE VISITOR February 2021

Leading nutritionist says ‘Happy Apple Plan’ could be the easiest way to shift those extra Covid and Christmas pounds

Leading nutritionist Rob Hobson says eating an apple before a meal can play a valuable part of a weight loss plan As we head into the New Year and those resolutions are fast upon us, health is riding high on the consumer agenda. Leading nutritionist Rob Hobson has partnered with British Apples and Pears to promote the ‘Happy Apple Plan', reaping the benefits of eating an apple before a meal as part of a healthy diet. Hobson says the ‘Happy Apple Plan’ is a simple way to lose those extra Covid and Christmas pounds this winter.

Healthy eating pledges often trip up when major changes are required. The Happy Apple Plan simply suggests eating an apple before you start your evening meal.

Hobson explains, ‘Consuming an apple before a meal will help

to increase the overall fibre content of that meal, and help you feel full and satisfied for longer. It’s so easy too. Just snack on a fresh and crunchy British apple as you’re preparing a meal, and then you’ll not only benefit from being less likely to eat as much of the meal, you’ll also benefit from the apples’ healthy flavonoids and fibres that can help to burn belly fat and promote satiety.’

Apples contain 1.2g dietary fibre per 100g, keeping us feeling full and satisfied when hunger strikes, particularly when consumed before meals.

Research has shown that apples are three times more filling than a chocolate bar due to their high fibre content. Pectin, the fibre found in apples, also helps to regulate bacteria in the gut which in turn may help to supress weight gain and fat accumulation in the body.

There is no need for concern about a ‘sugar rush’ when you eat an apple before a meal. Although they taste sweet, apples release

energy much more slowly than refined sugary treats helping to supply a more sustained level of energy while not inducing energy slumps after eating.

What’s more, numerous studies have demonstrated that high water density foods are effective in helping weight loss.

Apples are made up of 86% water, so keep us feeling fuller on fewer calories, meaning we are naturally less likely to mindless

snack or binge.

Hobson adds: ‘Apples are rich in polyphenol compounds that act as antioxidants, helping to protect the body from damage caused by excess free radicals and reducing inflammation in the body.

‘Consuming an apple before a meal can help to increase the overall antioxidant content of your meal, making apples the goto healthy eating addition’.

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The Jewellers of Yeovil STAY SAFE, STAY WELL AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS PAST AND PRESENT AS SOON AS WE ARE ABLE TO OPEN AGAIN FROM STEVE & SALLY THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065 “ Where customer care comes first” THE VISITOR February 2021 15

Can you afford to make your home safer?

IF YOUR HOME isn’t working for you, you can get the help you need with advice from Simon Symcox, founder of AHM Installations.

‘Home has become central to everyone’s lives during the pandemic, but for older or less abled people the suitability of their home is particularly important.

‘Being able to get in and out of the house, move around safely, access the bathroom, cook and go to bed all affect our dignity and wellbeing. If you’re starting to recognise that you can’t do all of these things safely, it’s time to make some improvements. I’ve seen that people often don’t know where to start and, understandably, they worry about cost.

‘There is financial help available for people with a qualifying condition. It’s called the Disabled Facilities Grant

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(DFG) – a means-tested grant to make changes in the home to help less able people lead more independent lives. The maximum payment is £30,000. Search ‘DFG gov uk’ on the internet or call your local council for more details.

‘Grants aside, if you’re not sure what you need there’s a wonderful website I came across recently called Ask Sara (https://asksara.livingmadeeasy. org.uk). You select what you have difficulty with and it gives you advice and solutions to make life easier. Of course, a reputable supplier could also do the same.

You may have noticed some advertised in this magazine.

‘When it comes to the allimportant bathroom, that’s my area of expertise. You might only need grab rails by your toilet, for example, or a bath that’s easier to get out of. Sometimes people worry that they need a full wet room, but often a less expensive low-level access shower will suffice.

‘There are all sorts of options to suit your budget. Find a

Simon Symcox, founder of AHM Installations.

supplier you trust who will help you understand what’s available.

And it’s not only the big, recognised brands you see advertised in the national newspapers that can help. In fact, they’re usually the most expensive. Smaller, specialist companies will take time to understand your needs and do what they can to help, whatever your budget.

‘That’s what I pride myself in doing. My wife Julie and I set up AHM Installations following her

experiences in nursing and caring and my previous experience in the mobility industry. We guide our customers carefully through the installation of new bathroom equipment in their home. We hate to see people struggle and have learnt that no matter the budget or the situation, we can always find a solution.

‘Call our family-run team anytime on 07494 665844. We offer discounts for military veterans and, as part of our link with Alzheimer’s Society, for those with dementia.’

Mendip District Council offers help to deal with damp and mould this winter

Damp and cold homes can be really hard to deal with especially during the winter months. It is not unusual for properties in Mendip to show signs of damp, condensation and mould which are made even worse as the weather gets colder.

Mendip District Council is encouraging local residents to contact the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) for free advice on how to deal with damp

and mould, which cause indoor air pollutants that can trigger or exacerbate asthma, other respiratory issues and cardiovascular conditions.

Condensation is common and may lead to black mould on walls, ceilings and behind cupboards.

Many activities we do in the home produce moisture, such as cooking and showering. Damp may also

be caused by structural defects resulting in rising or penetrating damp, or a lack of efficient heating, insulation or ventilation.

Cllr Richard Pinnock, Portfolio Holder for Housing Services and Governance at Mendip District Council, said: ‘Having warm, decent and affordable housing is a major element of a person’s health and their wellbeing.

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At Mendip, one of our key priorities is to work with partners to address community health issues and also encourage people to make their homes more energy

efficient. We support the Centre for Sustainable Energy who provide people in Mendip with expert, free home energy advice.

Please give them a ring as soon

as you can or pick up their useful leaflet 'Condensation, damp and mould', which is packed with information and has full contact details.’

Full information on 'Preventing Damp, Mould and Condensation' can be found on Mendip’s webpages https://www.mendip .gov.uk /article/8066/PreventingDamp-Mould-and-Condensation.

The Private Sector Housing Team are also there to help. Give them a call on 0300 303 8588 or email privatesectorhousin g@mendip.gov.uk.

The CSE home energy advice line for information on condensation and mould is 0800 082 2234, email them on home.energy@cse.org.uk or visit: www.cse.org.uk/advice

Top tips to prevent condensation

Produce less moisture in your home. Don’t dry clothes on the radiators and keep those lids on the boiling pans.

Let the damp air out and the fresh air in. When you are cooking or bathing keep the door shut and open the window a little.

Insulate and draft proof your home, keep those windows and doors draft proofed as best you can.

Heat your home a little more.

The World Health Organisation recommends you keep the minimum air temperature of 20°C for people who are living with a disability or long term condition, or are considered

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MOTORING VINTAGE Motorcycling with Rod Hann I WRITE THESE words during the first few days of the new lockdown restrictions coming into force. Covid continues to control our lives and will be doing so for many months to come. Luckily we now have vaccines to help us and the mass immunisation cannot come quick enough for me.

A new ‘normal’ will come along at some stage but in the meantime we must all comply with the rules and stay safe.

This all means that there are no shows or events happening for me to report upon. As far as I am aware all clubs are planning a full calendar of events in the hope at least some of them will take place.

This does not mean that all motorcycling activities have to stop and I continue to have an occasional ride without stopping to see anyone and putting both myself and other people in peril.

I also have plenty of time to think about my hobby and the pleasure derived from it, and I am spending lots of time working in my garage.

I recently heard that the famous old British make of Ambassador was to be resurrected and applied to modern machinery. I have reported previously that Norton, Brough, James, Francis Barnet, Hesketh and probably others are all set to make a return to small volume production. Triumph of course has returned and is now a major manufacturer making a large number and range of machines, and of a very good quality.

You then wonder why so many British makes ceased production in the first place. During the period from the 1920's to the

1960's the British manufacturers ruled the world in motorcycle production. Many books have been written solely on the subject of the demise of the motorcycle industry.

We as a nation always imported a few continental machines and these European makers were similarly affected but not to the same extent as our home manufacturers.

During the period mentioned above we produced good solid machines and without serious competition the makers had little incentive to develop new products and little capital to do so. In the early 1960's along came the Japanese makers with ranges of small capacity machines, all very modern and highly developed, with new fangled gadgets like electric starters. As they were of small capacity engines the British manufacturers ignored them and saw them as no threat to our industry. Being of high revving and high performance the British boffins thought they would soon wear out and disappear from view. How wrong could they have been?

In 1969 and 1970 Honda shook the motorcycling world with the introduction of their CB750

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machine. This machine reeked of sophistication. It had four cylinders with four exhausts, a five speed gearbox, a disc brake on the front wheel and modern electrics which worked all the time. To show what I mean my picture this month shows just such a machine, a beautiful example restored to show standard. It looked very modern and was brightly painted in a range of colours, unlike our manufacturers where black was very much the dominant colour.

Now of course the British manufacturers did wake up and take notice as sales of the British products soon nosedived. But it was too late as the four major Japanese makers forged ahead and stole our market. Still our makers were complacent and thought these new machines would not catch on and that

brand loyalty would win the day.

The rest is now history of course.

How nice it is then that a few of the old names are trying to get at least a small foothold back in the market. How ironic it is that the high revving Japanese machines did hold together and performed well and have stood the test of time. Now many enthusiasts seek these machines and their desirability is reflected in the market place. An immaculate and early example of a Honda CB750 will now fetch around £20,000.

Hindsight is of course a wonderful thing and if only I had had the sense and the wherewithall to collect these machines when they were cheap then I could have been a rich man. But it seems I was just as stupid as the rest of the British industry.

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The

Pub Pages

BEER & SK ITTLE S P. A. BAXTER WE ALL KNOW what the National Sport of Wales is, don't we? It's Handball! Of course, it is now rugby, but the first national sport from the land of the leek was declared to be ‘Handball’. Is that as much news to you as it was to me?

As one who is continually surprised when these rare pub games are brought to my attention for the first time, I was even more surprised to learn about it when it received a lot of attention on the ‘Antiques Road Trip’, one of the innumerable programmes in the antique genre that infest the haunted fish tank.

I have to admit to really liking some of these programmes, irrespective if it is more than a little contrived (the cameraman always seems to have got to the shops well before the presenters – has anyone else noticed that?)

On this particular episode, antiques expert Phillip Serrell arrived in Nelson, South Wales, where the last surviving handball court in Wales is situated.

Meeting with handball historian and enthusiast Kevin Dix, Phil was given a potted look at the previous popularity of the sport whilst they stood in the court.

What do you need to play? A three-sided (outdoor) court, a ball and some tough hands! (I now raise the question; could this be a precursor to the racket sport of squash? The answer is, apparently, ‘no’!)

The sides of churches were ideal places to play, but damage to windows soon condemned it as ‘the devil's game’ by the clergy.

Hence special walls were constructed and Wales, it is claimed, had more courts back in the day than there are rugby 20 THE VISITOR February 2021

pitches today. Mr Dix believes that this game of ‘pel-law’ goes back to the ninth century, and has evidence to support this.

Pubs were soon to cash in and drinking and gambling became part of the activity, and sometimes thousands of spectators could turn up at the venues. The court in Nelson, being built by the landlord of the adjacent ‘Royal Oak’ pub in 1865, was one of these. Huge purses were up for grabs to be taken by those who had the skill and stamina, and an old hand-bill of 1786 shows it could be of hundred of guineas, a veritable fortune in those days. Kevin relates how enthusiasts from the world over still come to this spot to play on which has become the most historical of courts. Phil was offered the opportunity to have a game with Kevin - a former champion - but despite being lithe of body and having the body of a young gazelle, Phil decided the 'apres-game' was more attractive and retired to the pub. To view the relevant episode, go to ‘YouTube’ and follow this link Antiques Road Trip | Series 21, Episode 15 | Full Episode | BBC. So where did the game come from and where is it still played?

Versions of the game, also known as ‘Fives’, are played the world over and interestingly, when I first wrote about this many moons ago in these columns, I received correspondence from a visitor to the Basque region of Spain where it's known as ‘Pelota’. There is, as I'm sure you will have noticed, dear reader, more than a passing resemblance to the name given to the Welsh version. I was fortunate in being given a small booklet written and compiled by Graham White, a publication entitled ‘Fives-an old West Country Game’ which was sold with proceeds going to South Petherton Folk and Craft Festival in 1980. This brief introduction to the game also contains drawings of local fives walls and

Cheriton Hill, North Cheriton.

a list of where they can still be seen, as well as where the game was played against the church.

It would appear that most, if not all, of these ‘towers’ as they are also known, are Grade II listed, but upkeep becomes the responsibility of the landlord. If the pub has been de-licenced and sold, the rap is in the hands of the new owner, although local councils have also taken responsibility for their maintenance in some cases.

Whether there are grants to help with these potentially expensive repairs I cannot say, but maintaining a 30-foot wall that could be more than a couple centuries old is not going to be paid for with shirt buttons.

To my shame over the years I have driven past several of the remaining 'towers' without even realising it. If one travels the road between Charlton Horethorne and Wincanton there is an obvious fives wall virtually right on the road at North Cheriton.

This was the former ‘Windmill’

pub, closed in the early 1950's and even though doing a telephone repair as a BT engineer in the early 1990's, I didn't realise the significance of the structure.

I guess one could say ‘hidden in plain sight’! This can be seen easily on ‘Google Earth’ as can many others. A view of the tower at the former ‘Crown Hotel’ in South Petherton can be seen from the village square whilst at the ‘Lord Poulett Arms’ in Hinton St George stands a tower referred to in old documents as ‘the Spanish wall’. At the ‘Fleur de Lis’ in Stoke Sub Hamdon there is a rather attractive tower in the grounds. (Drop by for a pint at these last two locations and take a good look as soon as you are able!).

Fives Wall at the Fleur de Lis, Stoke Sub Hamdon.

Image: Nigel Mykura.

Basque Pelota.

Incidentally, according to Mr White, the ‘Fleur de Lis’ was the site of a victory in 1855 by local pair John Palmer and Frederick Fane against a duo from Bath who claimed to be ‘Champions of England’. More than £60 was taken on the gate and

The

They Say

Pages

That for Algarve resident Mrs Sandra Hawkins, formerly of Weymouth, it’s setenta e cinco birthday congratulations on 5th February.

Pub

That Gooseberry, Loganberry & Redcurrant and Strawberry are the wines to be enjoyed this year from the North Brewham winery.

That it would appear that the most popular topic of conversation during this fourth lockdown, after enquiries about health, is ‘watched anything good on the telly lately?’

BE E R & SK ITTLE S P. A. BAXTER Fives Court Wall, South Petherton.

grandstands were built for the patrons to get a good view. I would wager that the pub also did very well that day! I've also read elsewhere that Frederick Fane went on to become ‘AllEngland Champion’. The name Fane is not that common, but it's still heard in the Stoke area. His descendants, perhaps?

Possibly the most embarrassing ‘miss’ for your scribe is at Milborne Port where there are actually two fives walls side by side, making the structure unique. Built in 1847 by Sir William C. Medlycott, the local MP, these now form the rear of other buildings but their purpose is unmistakable. I have driven through Milborne Port High Street - the A30 - so many times I could not even begin to calculate a number, so a good chastisement is clearly in order! This discovery was made online recently, and I am unable to read what is on the stone cartouche high on the left hand side, and of course at

present our movements are very restricted, so a personal visit is out of order. Perhaps someone in the town could take a look for me whilst out on their hour of exercise?

Also known as ‘Eton fives’ for obvious reasons, other schools are known to have played the game over the years. Rugby, Warminster and Winchester for instance. I recently found a very old and detailed map of Sherborne, and the boys school had ‘Fives Courts’ marked, although I have been unable to ascertain whether it is still played there. Can anyone help?

So whilst the game continues in various forms the world over, I ask ‘Could it ever reappear as a pub game in the West Country?’

The answer may be blowing in the wind according to Bob Dylan, and personally I'm not overly optimistic. However, as we have seen with the revival of other pub games, it only takes a couple of enthusiastic pub-goers, a keen

landlord or landlady and a few patrons who find that belonging to the local squash club is too expensive, and with some decent weather, the game could take off once again. Who's up for it?

Cheers! © P.A. Baxter 2021. skittlealley@hotmail.com Solution to January

Sudoku

That Chiselborough has just launched it’s own website, any old photographic contributions could be welcome.

That it was good to see old Visitor advertisements used in the ‘Old Pubs feature’ in the Yeovil Press recently.

That Mr Kevan Davis of Castle Cary may soon become a television personality. Watch this space

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 12 1. The Kinks 2. Rolling Stones 3. ‘You Can't Hurry Love’ 4. ABBA - ‘Thankyou for the Music’ 5. ‘Treat People With Kindness’ 6. Ringo 7. Neil Diamond 8. ‘Electric Light Orchestra’ 9. Anastacia 10. Bruno Mars Question impossible: Radio DJ Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart

Vinny visits his sisters and reads his neice a bedtime story

Double Fives Wall at Milborne Port.

THE VISITOR February 2021 21

Luca's New Garden with Bridget Sudworth IT PAYS TO KNOW your trees!

So busy was Luca sniffing about under the supposed oak tree with it’s two bunches of mistletoe, that the person on the end of his lead failed to notice that the so-called oak was in fact a very battered lime tree! (Somebody has to take the blame - why not him? He’s pretty relaxed about it!!) Probably a small leaf lime too.

A winter frost.

Mystery ‘Oak’ Tree (Lime).

Further research has revealed that the number of oak’s bearing mistletoe are few and far between and very much ‘noted’ trees, quite rare; it totally fits with the ideal conditions for mistletoe that the little white berries bearing their seed should be rubbed off the beak of a bird on a soft barked tree like lime and of course, apple trees, before they can germinate and grow with plenty of space around them. See attached photo of the tree in question. So, in

fairness, the lead holder has her hand smacked!

February is such a flat month but a spark of hope sits in a vase on the kitchen windowsill - two sprigs of the said lime tree picked for identification are now bursting into leaf. Alongside are two sprigs of what has turned out to be the lovely scented hamamelis (witch hazel) that was plucked from a hitherto unidentified shrub but now in flower. Such comforts exist at this time of year as well as the clever bulbs, ever optimistic opportunists, who shoot up with excitement when the cold relents briefly but then simply stop

Full ground preparation and laying service available The Farmhouse, Somerton Door, SOMERTON, TA11 6JA Tel / Fax: 01458 272091 www.evergreen-turf.co.uk • info@evergreen-turf.co.uk

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

growing until conditions improve again. Hellebores are a joy too although the best month for those wonderful open gardens of varied cultivars will not be until March.

Though, as usual in the UK, everything is totally weather dependent. Good sized plants purchased from a nursery (probably still available in spite of Lockdown) will be flowering now so worth buying to spread some flowering joy when gardens can otherwise be bleak.

This is dreaming time too if most of the necessary outside work has been accomplished in preparation for the forthcoming season. Perhaps time to plan veggie rotation for the summer or why not think about planting a small tree if garden space permits, or maybe more than one?

They can be a handsome addition to any garden especially if planted along a hedge line. There is still time to order bare root and so many to choose from - trees of modest size but great beauty all

QUALIFIED ARBORIST

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL

TREE PLANTING

PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660 22 THE VISITOR February 2021

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

the year round and very attractive to our hard pressed insect world. All bear blooms in the Spring and berries in the Autumn with good foliage colour.

My absolute favourite is Cotoneaster frigid ‘Cornubia ’ which is quite spectacular in mature state, arching bows smothered with creamy blooms in the early year and brilliant orange/red berried clusters in the late year. Spindleberry Euonymus Europaeus, a native to Britain, is another mentioned last Autumn, sporting it’s pretty pink pincushion berries that burst open to reveal bright orange seeds.

The tough Viburnum family offers the Wayfaring Tree (viburnum lantana) so called as it grows by paths on the way home, maybe, and the Guelder Rose (viburnum opulus), not a rose at all but a hardy grower that can make a fine display.

Then there are the Hawthorns (Crataegus monogyna) which we all know for the spectacular display in May that come in a variety of creams through rose to red and some of which have double blooms. Thorny they may be but one doesn’t need to cuddle them. The insects will thank you too and there will be drama in your garden.

Still time to prune your apples and pears and maybe drop a black bucket with no bottom over

LEE HOLMES Garden Machinery 15 Cary Court, Bancombe Business Park, SOMERTON Tel: 01458 274261 • www.leeholmesgardenmachinery.co.uk

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Snowdrops & Aconites.

your rhubarb plants to force them along if you haven't got one of those glorious earthenware forcers - again, still time to get some now though there won’t be much happening till next year.

‘Victoria’ is a reliable, easy all rounder with tasty, fat, sweet stems - there are plenty of other varieties available. Rhubarb freezes brilliantly so if you have room in your freezer, you can meanly keep it all!

This is not a happy time of year for Luca. Where he came from, street dogs are used for target practice and although he bears no scars himself, the sound of guns terrifies him. They are

ubiquitous at the moment with the shooting season underway and we try hard to find walks where they won’t bother him. If only dogs could talk.

The days are growing longer!

That at least offers hope of better things to come and gardens have never been as important as they are now while the plague still rages. And please think about our bees - they will be threatened yet again if the current EU ban on Neonicotinoid Thiamethoxam is lifted. If we can produce a vaccine for Covid so quickly, why can’t a substitute remedy be found - and fast? Quite simply, we can’t live without our bees and pollinators.

All types of Fencing

• Gates • Trellis • Fence Panels • Tool Sheds • Summer Houses • Garages • Workhouses • Greenhouses • Field Shelters

All Buildings are hand‑made at Bourton using Scandinavian Redwood Shiplap Timber.

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TELEPHONE 01747 840752

THE VISITOR February 2021 23

Remember when ...

30 years ago from The Visitor archives Not-so-software

The development of computer software was as risky in 1991 as it is today, as illustrated by a report in the February 1991 Visitor. After the tongue-in-cheek comment that ‘light relief was provided by South Somerset Systems, the computer development unit of South Somerset District Council and the only council unit with a trading account’, it went on to explain that ‘competing against suppliers in the real world, the unit bid for and won a council contract to develop specialised software’. But, ‘as development costs proved ‘higher than originally envisaged’ the contract is now described as ‘a loss leader’. The nature of the software? A financial management system.’

Amorous aspirations

It was appropriate that the February issue should devote much space to editorial copy about Valentine’s Day. ‘Last year we spent more than £7 million sending 23 million Valentine cards,’ it revealed, adding that ‘Post Office figures show that more men than women send a card in Britain, and more southerners than northerners’ and that ‘nine per cent of single people send cards as a joke’.

According to the report, ‘the newest trend is to send an anonymous message of love – by fax!’. With the subsequent demise of fax machines that was trend that didn’t last long. The magazine also reported that a recent survey had revealed that ‘Princess Diana is the woman most men would like to spend a romantic Valentine’s Day with’.

When old technology was new

Another example of how quickly ‘new technology’ has changed could be found in an

24 THE VISITOR February 2021

advertisement in the February Visitor’s feature on Spring Weddings. Amidst the numerous adverts was one headed ‘Record your special day’, offering ‘quality camcorder video camera for hire.

From only £12 per day plus insurance, record your special occasion straight on to VHS video. Simple to operate – full instruction given.’ The accompanying illustration shows a hefty camera capable of accommodating a full-size videotape, in my memory a heavy piece of equipment not to be comfortably shouldered for very long. The smartphone video is much easier to handle.

PHONE - a - FIRM

A business success story

Expansion of an enterprising local business was highlighted in a double-page spread succinctly headlined ‘New facilities at Sparkford Storage’.

The article reported that the business was ‘founded by North Cadbury builder and developer Adrian Smith three years ago’ and it has ‘now completed a new purpose-built Self-Store unit’ which ‘doubles the company’s Self-Store capacity from 4,000 to 8,000 square feet with 100 cubicles varying in size from 500 to 1,800 cubic feet’. According to the report, the site also contains ‘a secure compound for caravan storage with space for up to 250 caravans (and boats)’. Truly a local success story.

Testing times overseas

On 17th January 1991 the British, American and Saudi militia launched an air and missile attack on Iraq in an attempt to liberate Kuwait. This being uncomfortably close to the February Visitor’s press date, editor Patrick Dunion restricted himself to the observation that ‘getting up early in the morning to find Australia struggling at 140 for 5 in their first innings would in normal times be good news, but today it is no news at all. Live coverage of the Test Match cannot compete with live coverage of the war.’

Roger Richards.

Building Dave Hoddinott FULLY QUALIFIED BUILDER ESTABLISHED 1973

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Tel: 01935 862614 Mob: 07752 695264 www.misteroven.co.uk

Clean Ovens Domestic Ltd • Renovations & Extensions • Roofing + Carpentry • Plumbing & Heating • Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling • Painting & Decorating • Electrical Contracting No Job Too Big or Too Small FRIENDLY & RELIABLE SERVICE

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Tel: 0800 7076629 Mobile: 07563 693145 www.cleanovendomestics.co.uk

DEADLINE for March Issue is Monday 15th February

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

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd

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

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

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

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

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

Bourton Roofing Co.

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

 01747 840064

Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing.

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

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

BARN DRY SEASONED LOGS LARGE OR SMALL LOADS FREE DELIVERY WITHIN 20 MILE RADIUS OF SHERBORNE

Tel: 01935 815534

THIS SPACE COSTS ONLY £33.72+VAT PER MONTH THE VISITOR February 2021 25

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

Storage

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

STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles.

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

JUST SOMERSET INTRODUCTIONS. Bringing people together. Call Alison Tel: 07584 250285, www.justintro ductionsgroup.co.uk

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

Horsington, £150 per quarter. Tel: 07772086099

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

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN RUBBISH CLEARED, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844 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 15th February.

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

Services

Prize Crossword No. 411

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. Like me twice [6] 4. Clergyman with bill to settle is precise [8] 9. Pulling hard to come first, note!

[6] 10. Take advocaat and lemonade to grow quickly [8] 11. Timber is surrounding perfect aims [6] 12. Sinks originators [8] 14. Comprehend below viewpoint [10] 18. Cord about to mark, with acid getting longer [10] 22. Part of party takes right for part [8] 23. Let cat confuse kine [6] 24. Does pies in series of parts? [8] 25. Overseas, not a main route [6] 26. Amercian trams at the supermarket? [8] 27. Releases - Come on! [4, 2] Down: 1. Debris is rutted [8] 2. Unwind (pointless!), Ely is indeed awkward [8] 3. Country prince collects rent [8] 5. Prisoner originated and defeated [10] 6. Disentangle international organisation with strong breeze [6] 7. Died tucked up around a model [6]

8. Sign up as broken tile takes poles [6] 13. Paper, still sounding [10] 15. Scruple to move at an easy pace, yet take off immediately! [8] 16. If Scot in muddle, expect falsehoods [8] 17. Accepted Silver Reed Model ‘0’ [6, 2] 19. Accomplish result [6] 20. California taking a firm cotton cloth [6] 21. Street register to walk without haste [6]

Solution to Crossword 410

Winner of the January Crossword Was Terry Francis of Yeovil who chose to spend the £10 voucher at The Old Red Lion, North Brewham.

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 26 THE VISITOR February 2021