The Visitor Magazine Issue 452 July 2021

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

Issue 452 July 2021

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Yeo Valley Organic to host guest artists of THE ROYAL BALLET in Somerset.

See page 7 for details.

In Passing...

T

he first lockdown of the pandemic, from mid-March till late June last year, turned out to be less onerous than many people feared. For who could have predicted that April and May would turn out to be ideal for sitting in the sunshine with a crossword, a good book and a bottle of wine. April was unseasonably warm and sunny with rain on only five days – little sign of the proverbial April showers – and May was the driest in parts of Visitorland since records here began. High pressure centred over the North Sea brought long sunny days and evenings with no rain until the 24th, so lockdown in the garden proved to be no great hardship.

This year’s lockdown, seemingly interminable since January, has proved to be very different. Short cold days and long dark Winter evenings were followed by an even colder April and a very wet May so for many people, especially the elderly, lockdown meant months with little social contact and almost total isolation. The weather can certainly make a huge difference to the way we experience similar circumstances, and it is notoriously unpredictable.

My great aunt Nell, who lived in the depths of Devon all her long life, used to tell me never to trust April sunshine, for it will show all the signs of Spring and then revert to a spell of late Winter weather. Nanny Fyffe, my maternal grandmother, had a store of weather sayings that she would trot out every year, and those that I can recall are all full of foreboding. Thus if she saw the hedgerows in blossom in March she would warn us to ‘beware the Blackthorn Winter’, the cold snap she was certain would soon be on its way.

According to Hutchinson’s encyclopedia, ‘the climate of Britain is notoriously variable and changeable from day to day’ although ‘occasional settled spells of weather occur at all seasons’. In bygone days in farming areas it was important

to be able to predict changes in the weather, and those predictions were based largely on previous experience, passed down the generations in memorable sayings. Prediction is still important, of course, and not just for farmers, and nowadays the mass media and the internet carry daily weather forecasts purporting to aid the process. Satellite photography in the 1970s led to longrange weather forecasting, predicting a month or more ahead, but so often it turned out to be hopelessly wrong, and it is clear that really accurate forecasting can only cover a day or two ahead.

If you’ve emerged from lockdown for a ‘staycation’ in Visitorland rather than a holiday somewhere hot and dry overseas, we welcome you to our green and pleasant corner of rural England. It’s green thanks to the frequent showers, but don’t let them spoil your holiday! There are plenty of indoor attractions here to enjoy on wet days.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines August Issue published: Wednesday 28th July Deadline: Friday 16th July

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 Kerry Edwards Managing Director Helen Dunion © The Visitor Ltd. 2021 (Items marked ©GT are the copyright of Geoff Thompson)

CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED ‑ 38 ANTIQUES ‑ 27 BOOK REVIEW ‑ 19 CROSSWORD ‑ 38 GARDENING ‑ 32 HOUSE & HOME ‑ 22 IDEAS FOR SUMMER LIVING ‑ 24 IN & AROUND SOUTH PETHERTON ‑ 13 LEISURE ‑ 19 LETTERS ‑ 4 LOOKING GOOD ‑ 21 MARTOCK ‑ BUSINESS FOCUS ‑ 16 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES ‑ 5 MOTORING ‑ 26 PHONE‑A‑FIRM ‑ 36

NOTE TO ADVERTISERS

Advertisements are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions as printed on our rate card, available upon request.

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

PUBS ‑ 28 REMEMBER WHEN ‑ 36 SUDOKU ‑ 19 THEY SAY ‑ 29 WINE & DINE ‑ 30

Cartoons by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR July 2021 3

Letters to the Editor Re: Jenna Evans article in The Visitor April 2021

Sir, I HAVE TO SAY it was a relief to find at least one news outlet that is willing to publish an opinion that was not the carbon copy of the state propaganda, the Main stream Media outlets are parroting.

Jenna Evans makes many good points in her article. While vaccines have been invaluable in the past, the covid vaccine is not through its trial phases and is still experimental. Facebook pages for those discussing the side effects they and their relatives have suffered from the vaccine have been shut down.

While all those who die within 28 days of testing positive with covid, are counted as a covid death regardless of whether they were actually run over by a bus. This level of bias is intolerable for anyone with any level of critical thinking. There are many doctors, nurses and vaccine specialists, (ie Micheal Yeadon,) who are raising concerns about the vaccine, that are immediately slandered and labelled conspiracy theorists without actually taking an honest look at their research.

The average age of death for someone with covid is a couple years off the average life expectancy. A person my age (35), is more likely to kill themselves than die of covid 19. The continued fear-mongering from the main press is reaching truly ridiculous levels. Statements such as eighty thousand more died then expected. Expected by who?

They are referencing the decline in death rate for the last hundred years or so. The truth of the matter is that the last time the death rate was as high as it was for England and Wales in 2020 was in 2007. It was progressively higher every year the further back in time you go. The life expectancy now is almost 15 years higher then it was in 1950.

Viruses historically tend to hit elderly people the worst. It is hardly surprising that this virus does too. I have worked in nursing homes with the elderly and vulnerable. The fact is that when it comes to quality verses quantity, I would rather live my last years around my family, than isolated, confused and lonely in a sterile home, where I am not allowed visitors. I also very much doubt that isolating elderly people this way has done anything but 4 THE VISITOR July 2021

harm. Friends of mine who work in the care sector have raised similar concerns, loneliness is more lethal than covid in our opinion.

Governments are notoriously untrustworthy, yet as a nation we are considering allowing them to erase our human right to refuse medical treatment.

Micheal Gove recently visited Israel to see how they have integrated their 'green pass,' system. Something that looks remarkably like the forerunner to the social credit system being used in China. It is not a conspiracy theory to point out these facts. Our freedoms and human rights have been fought for and hard won by our ancestors. We can not allow sensationalistic propaganda to convince us to allow the destruction of these human rights and freedom.

Saying ‘no’, to a medical treatment still in its experimental phase, when I have a less then 1 in 40,000 chance of dying from it, but could suffer extreme side effects from, is perfectly understandable. Being coerced and guilt tripped into it when it does not stop me getting or spreading the virus is deplorable behaviour. No to coerced or mandated medical treatments, no to fear-mongering propaganda and no to corrupt politicians, the kind that would make certain companies their families had shares in received lucrative health contracts.

Emma Pearson.

Re: Jenna Evans article in The Visitor April 2021

Sir, I read the responses to Jenna Evans article concering vaccines and vaccines passports.

It seems to me that both responses were personal decisions of the individuals who provided the criticism and not the general consensus of everyone. Jenna was being accused of the very thing these individuals were providing in their criticism.

To make an informed choice, I personally feel that is it necessary to hear both sides of the topic being considered. There are many more experts in the field of vaccines that are highly qualified to comment on the pros and cons of having the vaccine.

Unfortunately, these individual’s responses have been sensored. I am always suspicious when only

one side of the argument is provided.

Robert Redfern, who provides a magazine called Naturally Healthy News did an article recently called Follow The Money.

Three of the so-called ‘experts’ who provide the television commentary during the ‘Boris Johnson special broadcasts’ on the BBC are tied to the pharmaceutical industry. They have many stock shares and stand to benefit financially from promoting these vaccines.

One very important question to ask is why have 18 countries rejected the AstraZeneca vaccine?

Another question to ask is why has AstraZeneca changed the name of their vaccine and yet the formula remains the same?

Deception is usually a good indicator that someone is lying.

Can we really trust these socalled ‘experts’?

Joe Brown.

In response to Jenna Evans article on page 14 of the April issue of The Visitor

Sir, It was very refreshing to read Jenna's views on the covid vaccinations because quite frankly I am getting sick of the one sided narrative being rammed down our throats daily that we must have the injections, I refuse to call them vaccines because they are not vaccines.

It is important to remember that these injections are still on trial until 2023 and have emergency authorisation use only, it's also important to discuss that there have been thousands of adverse reactions and even deaths following these injections.

You can look up the yellow card report and VAERS data online.

Information on this is available on the Gov website, albeit difficult to navigate.

Jenna has simply pointed out that we should have medical freedom as this is intricately tied to our human rights and we should not be coerced, I'm well aware that many of my friends and family have had the injection simply to go on holiday this year and not because they think it will protect them from any disease.

I am also in agreement that it should be personal choice and based on informed consent and it is becoming very apparent that people are not receiving any safety information regarding these injections. My husband was

in hospital with a blood clot in 2018 and has emailed his doctor weeks ago to ask about the risks of having this covid injection and they haven't even bothered to reply to him. My husband and I are under 40 years old and as we understand it, we are more at risk from having an adverse reaction to the injection than we are from getting covid. I really think there should be more discussions on if the benefits outweigh the risks as personally I believe the cure could be worse than the disease for the under 60’s and as Jenna points out, there has been enough division in society this year, people need to remember to respect personal choice.

Introducing vaccine passports would create an even bigger division and restrict our freedom even more, ask yourself, if you've received the injections, what difference does it make to you if I choose not to have mine? The answer is it doesn't, because me having the injection doesn't protect others. People need to step away from the mainstream media and stop living in fear and do their own research, there are thousands of non-political doctors and scientists speaking out, but when they do, they get censored!

Why can we not just have the debate or discussion on this topic?

The fact is medical treatments should never be politicised, we are allowing a bunch of clowns to decide what we put in our bodies and what freedoms we are allowed to have and when we are allowed to see our own families.

Do you seriously think these politicians care about your health? I think not.

Samantha Krsmanovic.

Have your say: AUGUST ISSUE DEADLINE 16th July

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Dispatches From ‘Folksy punk’ to ‘Trad Jazz’ and Blues Brothers to Reggae at The Bath & West Country Festival NO FESTIVAL would be complete without live music, and visitors to The Bath & West Country Festival in August will be pleased to know that there will be plenty of this to entertain them.

The Festival will showcase some of the best regional musicians, who will be performing at locations across the Showground site. A new feature for this year is The Greenwood Stage, which will be located at the top of the Showground and will have live music from 2pm until 11pm on Friday & Saturday, and 12pm – 5pm on Sunday. The Leylines, a Bath & West favourite act who have previously performed at Glastonbury Festival, will be performing on Friday night. Their music, which they describe as ‘something that isn’t quite folk,

sort of punk but 100% heartpounding revelry’ is sure to have the audience on their feet.

The Headline act for Saturday is the South West's No.1 Blues Brothers tribute band Blues Others; whilst on Sunday afternoon the vibe becomes more laid-back with Irie Fire, an eightpiece reggae fusion group.

Americana band Hello Hopeville and country band Black River Sinners add to the varied lineup, which has something to appeal to everyone’s musical tastes.

Hello Hopeville.

The Main Lawn will also be full of musical entertainment, and one of the main acts here is The Jelly Roll Jazz Band. This traditional and completely acoustic jazz trio play a mixture of 1920s standards such as When You’re Smiling and Sweet Georgia Brown, classic swing tunes like Autumn Leaves and Fly Me To

Saving the skylarks at Ham Hill Country Park

The Merchant Men.

the Moon, as well as putting their own spin on more modern songs – Baby One More Time never sounded so good! You will also find them roaming around the Festival, doing performances wherever they fancy. They will be joined on the bandstand by sea shanty singers The Merchant Men, who will also be performing on The Greenwood Stage.

With a wide variety of other acts, roaming performers, and opportunities to camp onsite, a great Festival vibe is guaranteed.

Transport is sorted too, as First Buses will be providing a Shuttle Bus Service all day on Friday and Saturday (8:30am – 6pm), with pick-ups & drop offs in Wells, Shepton Mallet and the Bath & West Showground.

The Bath & West Country Festival takes place between 27th and 29th August, and tickets are available now at: www. bathandwest.com/tickets.

The beautiful song of the skylark is becoming a rare sound in the countryside these days with the species in decline nationally in the UK, but there are ways that you can help protect them when visiting the Ham Hill Country Park site.

When we think of nesting birds it’s generally assumed that birds only nest in trees and hedges, and not raising chicks tucked away down in the grass. Skylarks are ground nesting birds and a grassy meadow full of insects, grass tussocks and wildflowers is a perfect home for the species. That makes Ham Hill Country Park ideal for them to raise a family and continue to be part of our countryside. Rangers at the site are working hard to protect and provide the perfect habitat for them.

However, nesting on the ground in meadows means they are vulnerable to disturbance from dogs running off the lead.

As skylarks are camouflaged and their nests are well hidden in the long grass, people don’t often realise they are there.

Assistant Ranger Izzi says ‘Sadly, this year we are seeing high numbers of people walking their dogs off leads in our

THE VISITOR July 2021 5

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Dispatches meadows where skylarks nest at Ham Hill. With dogs dashing across meadows, our skylark’s nests are under threat of being trampled and with this disturbance the parent birds are more likely to abandon the nest’.

Dogs running in the areas where the birds nest can lead to nests being accidently run through, breaking the skylark’s eggs or squashing young chicks.

Parent birds can feel threatened by dogs as they see them as a predator in close proximity leading to abandonment, or nest failure.

At Ham Hill, the plateau fields tend to be the best place to see and hear these birds during the summer months from April to July. It is only during these couple of months in the summer that the Rangers ask members of the public walking dogs in these meadows to please put their dog on a lead. The meadows with skylarks nesting have clear signs on the entry points into the meadows. Meanwhile the woodland areas and Northern Spur remain open for dogs to be allowed off the lead but kept under close control.

Rachael Whaites, South Somerset District Council’s Countryside Manager, said: ‘We were really lucky to secure a second grant from the Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage, which has meant that we have been able to extend the contracts of our rangers, Izzi and Edd. This

has really helped the team to protect the wildlife at Ham Hill this spring and has enabled a lot more engagement with our visitors about responsible behaviour whilst visiting Ham Hill.’

Councillor Sarah Dyke, Portfolio Holder for Environment, added: ‘We want to preserve nature and the environment as much as we can and even the smallest action we take as humans to help will go a long way in the future.

Please follow the advice if you are walking your dog at the plateau fields at Ham Hill at the moment and remember to keep your dog on a lead.’

Ilchester Sportsfield Fund weekly Charity Boot Sale restarts

Yeo Valley Organic to host guest artists of The Royal Ballet in Somerset

Guest Artists of The Royal Ballet, one of the world’s greatest ballet companies will travel to Somerset in July, for two special open-air performances.

The performances will feature an impressive lineup of worldclass dancers and outstanding musicians and will include the work of some of the most celebrated choreographers – Kenneth MacMillan, Marius Petipa, Christopher Wheeldon and Wayne McGregor - in an afternoon of classical and contemporary dance.

Yeo Valley Organic will be hosting the event with Muse à Muse in the Yeo Valley Organic

Sellers: gates open 6.30am. Cars £5. Medium vans £10.

Merchant/commercial vehicles £15. Trailers additional £5.

Buyers: no access to stalls prior to 7.30am.

Car entries £1 Pedestrians 50p.

Dog friendly. Access off A37/A303 roundabout. Tel: Mobile 07967 280754 (weekends only) or Facebook: Ilchester Charity Car Boot.

Skylarks are ground-nesting birds, which can make the nests susceptible to damage from dogs and footfall.

THE VISITOR July 2021 7

Mentioned in

Dispatches Garden overlooking the picturesque Blagdon Lake at 3pm on Saturday 17th July and Sunday 18th July 2021.

‘We are really excited to bring guest artists of The Royal Ballet to the South West for two exclusive performances in our beautiful Organic Garden, as well as workshops and classes for the surrounding arts community,’ says Sarah Mead, Yeo Valley’s Creative Director.

Johanna Adams Farley, President of Muse à Muse and Senior Stage Manager of The Royal Ballet said: ‘Muse à Muse had to postpone our planned return to France, with this special group of dancers and musicians, however, what was initially a disappointing moment is now one which is extremely exciting. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to bring dance to this very stunning part of England in what is quite simply the truly perfect setting. A huge thank you to Tim

and Sarah Mead and all at Yeo Valley Organic.’

Royal Ballet supporter and joint organiser Judith Batchelar added: ‘I’m pleased to be involved with Dance in Somerset, and what is the perfect partnership.

This weekend will create a memorable cultural experience in the West Country that promotes the power of the performing arts and will inspire the next generation of performers.’

Since the initial lockdown, as we know, the arts have been heavily impacted. Proceeds will go towards supporting The Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation.

Muse à Muse is a non-profit making arts association which aims to create memorable, cultural experiences to promote the performing arts.

Sarah Mead added: ‘It’s a truly unique location for a ballet performance, rather than transporting yourself to London, you can visit locally in this oneof-a-kind open-air performance

by Blagdon Lake.’

The venue will open at 12pm for food and drink from local producers, allowing guests time to explore the garden ahead of the performance which starts at 3pm.

Yeo Valley Organic host guest artists of The Royal Ballet in Somerset.

Tickets are now on sale at £85 per person and £50 for under 16’s (plus booking fee). To find out more about events taking place at Yeo Valley visit their website: www.yeo valley.co.uk/come-andvisit-us/dance-in-somerset. All relevant covid measures will be followed. All proceeds will go towards supporting The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden Foundation - Registered Charity No. 211775.

Secret Storyteller trail launched in Wincanton

There are secret stories in Wincanton! If you look carefully, you can find 10 tales, hidden in Wincanton Town Centre shop windows. Scan the code on your phone and you can hear a story told by local schoolchildren, with the help of Storyteller Sarah Lloyd-Winder.

Sarah and the children of Year

4 at Wincanton Primary School are part of the Secret Storyteller.

Sarah said: ‘We are very excited and hope many people will find and enjoy the stories. No need to listen all at once. Listen to one and then do some shopping, or have a coffee, and come back to listen to more later. They will be there for a while so there is no need to rush. We have had a great time making these stories and we hope you have a great time listening.’

The stories were released in a small but lively event on Saturday 12th June next to Wincanton Library. A socially distanced crowd gathered outside in beautiful sunshine, with live music, and storytelling. Sue Shelbourn-Barrow, Mayor of Wincanton, opened the event and welcomed everyone: ‘The Secret Storyteller trail is an amazing project that showcases our secret

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8 THE VISITOR July 2021

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Dispatches writers who were present and a key part of the launch. This is a brilliant project for all to enjoy!’

Sarah received grants from both the Arts Council and The Wincanton Town Centre Regeneration Events and Activity Grant (South Somerset District Council), to create the project: The Secret Storyteller’s of Wincanton.

Councillor Henry Hobhouse, portfolio holder for Wincanton Town Centre Strategy at South Somerset District Council, was pleased that the council has been able to support regeneration in Wincanton, commenting: ‘The launch of the Secret Storyteller’s trail is the first of the Wincanton Town Centre Regeneration funded projects to go ahead but there are lots of other events and activities planned by local organisations and businesses for local people to encourage visits to the town centre, these will begin to happen as Covid restrictions allow.’

Wincanton is looking for innovative and creative ideas to help create a more vibrant town centre as part of their

regeneration programme. The Events and Activities Fund is still open, and we’re keen to have lots of things going on to attract people into Wincanton. If you have an idea you would like to make happen, there is more information at www.south somerset.gov.uk/wincanton regeneration or please get in touch with Susi Calder on 07395 056661 or future@wincanton towncouncil.gov.uk.

Safety first at Somerton Music and Arts Festival

Somerton’s annual music and arts festival will still go ahead, largely as planned, despite the government announcing a possible four week delay in the lifting of restrictions.

Most events are unaffected but musical entertainer Simeon Wood has now been cancelled along with an evening with classical and folk musicians Flute Cake Trio. Both events were due to take place at St Michaels & All Angels Church.

Jiving the night away is still not allowed within the current restrictions, so Jive Night with Strictly Jive and Twisted Vinyl will move to Thursday 19th August to ensure that everyone can jive to their hearts’ content without the need for any social distancing. ‘We hope that all the people who have already bought tickets will be able to come on the new date’ said festival chairman

Fred Bassett. ‘It would be pretty difficult to do a socially distanced jive, so we’re delighted that we’ve been able to move to August.’

And finally, Fun Day will lose its tug o’ war as well as any contact sports activities. But there will still be plenty on offer for children and adults alike, with the vintage car display, bouncy castles, a full programme of music and licenced bar. However, to comply with regulations, Fun Day attendees will need to download a free ticket, preferably in advance, from www.somerton artsfestival.co.uk/tickets. Tickets can also be downloaded at the

gate and stewards will be on hand to help anyone without a smart phone.

‘We are disappointed that we have had to cancel two events’ says Bassett, ‘but out first priority is to ensure that everyone is safe.

We have a robust event plan in place which complies with all the guidelines as they are currently.’

Anyone who has bought tickets for cancelled events online will automatically be refunded.

Visitors should contact the organisers at hello@somerton artsfestival.co.uk or visit the ticket office at Somerton Library to get refunds for tickets

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The Secret Storyteller Sarah Lloyd-Winder.

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Mentioned in

Dispatches purchased in person. The same goes for Jive Night tickets for anyone who is unable to attend on the new date.

Somerstock, which is also part of the festival, will also go ahead, minus the adult’s silent disco. The children’s silent disco will still take place in the morning with parents asked to ensure that all headsets are sanitised prior to use. ‘We have plans in place to ensure that we comply with the regulations which stipulate that people should not gather in groups larger than 30 and that queuing to enter and for food and drink must be socially distanced.’

explained Bassett. There will also be additional sanitisation points around the site and the toilets will be sanitised regularly.

Further updates will be published on www.somerton artsfestival.co.uk and www.somerstock.com as well as on social media.

Beavers and Hippos Cohabiting in UK Waters for First Time in 100,000 Years

In 1966 Longleat became world famous as the first drive through safari park outside Africa.

Now the Wiltshire wildlife park has created an even more unusual record as being the first place in the UK where hippopotamus and beavers are sharing the same habitat in more than 100,000 years.

It’s thought the last time hippos and beavers were found together in the UK was during the Eemian period which also saw

Beavers in the water at Longleat caught on low-light camera.

elephants and monkeys roam the country.

Mark Tye, Longleat Team Manager Lakes & Birds said: ‘I was driving home through the estate back in October last year when I spotted something in the car headlights and I did a bit of a double take.

‘At first I couldn’t quite work out what I was looking at, but it soon became very clear when I saw the huge paddle-like tail,

there was a beaver crossing the road in front of me!’

Beavers are large, semiaquatic rodents native to the northern hemisphere. They once thrived here but were heavily hunted for their fur, scent sacs and meat with the last animal thought to have been killed sometime in the middle of the 16th century.

In recent years, groups of animals have been released at sites across the country and their numbers are steadily increasing.

The news of their arrival at Longleat has been welcomed by Eva Bishop, Communications Director, Beaver Trust.

‘We were delighted to hear of the arrival of beavers in the woods around Longleat, an exciting moment for the whole team there to witness their return and activities in action’ she said.

‘Beavers are a gift in these changeable times, for their potential water and wildlife benefits, so to follow them establishing within the Longleat surroundings will be fascinating.

‘More exciting still, this will be

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Dispatches

Longleat Hippos Spot and Sonia.

the first time in over 100,000 years that beavers have coexisted alongside hippos in Britain, where they once lived together in the giant swamps of interglacial Europe.

‘It is also exciting for the many visitors to Longleat who may be seeing beaver evidence for the first time; the gnawed willow branches or classic beavergnawed tree stumps.

‘Beavers are one of the large herbivores that have been missing from our landscape for 400 years so we want to share this excitement with everyone’ she added.

The beavers are among a string of native wildlife returning to Longleat in recent years.

Alongside wild otters, red kites, owls, kingfishers and several species of deer, two giant white tailed eagles have also started visiting the estate; part of a

reintroduction programme for the species based on the Isle of Wight.

‘They were here, they should be here and, if we can get the habitat right, why shouldn’t they be here again?’ said Longleat’s Head of Animal Operations Darren Beasley.

‘For decades we’ve been renowned for our exotic wildlife, but for me the return of these amazing native species is just as exciting,’ he added.

Longleat's half-mile lake is an artificial water feature, which was dug by hand in the 18th century.

It was designed by Capability Brown, England's greatest landscape gardener. In 1804 it was further modified by garden designer Humphrey Repton, who also created the artificial island at the centre of the lake.

days from June 30 to July 4, with up to 60 incredible artists exhibiting and demonstrating their work.

This outdoor event brings together the very best artists and makers from across Dorset taking full advantage of the sculpture park’s stunning 26-acres lakes, woodland, and gardens, nestled in the countryside just east of Dorchester.

And while arts lovers can never normally expect to see 60 galleries in one day, at the Dorset Arts Festival they can, with works

of art from pottery to jewellery, sculpture to textiles, exhibited and available to buy. Visitors can also get a rare insight into how these artists create their work, with all exhibitors demonstrating their skills and techniques live.

Simon Gudgeon, acclaimed sculptor and founder of Sculpture by the Lakes and the Dorset Arts Festival said: ‘Last year’s Dorset Arts Festival was an incredibly joyous event which seemed to capture the imagination and mood of so many people as we emerged from the

Multi-award-winning Dorset Arts Festival returns this summer!

Dorset Arts Festival, the smashhit event of summer 2020, makes a welcome return to Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset in June 2021 - even bigger and better than before.

Following the sell-out success of last year’s inaugural event Sculpture by the Lakes is launching Dorset Arts Festival 2021, which will extend over five

Dorset Arts Festival 2020 took place from 3 - 5 July 2020, with approximately 1800 visitors attending, and more than 40 artists and crafters.

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Dispatches first lockdown. We were proud to be one of the only large-scale festivals to safely go ahead, as hundreds across the country were cancelled, and see the event recognised with three prestigious awards.

‘This year, as we emerge from hopefully the last lockdown, we’re offering something even more exciting and we expect that jubilant atmosphere to return tenfold!’

Visitors will be able to watch as paintings are created, pots are thrown, jewellery is made and a whole range of other arts and crafts disciplines are demonstrated with exhibitors spread across an even larger area of the sculpture park, where more than 30 of Simon’s large-scale sculptures are installed.

There will also be sculptures by more than 20 other artists on display around the park – a new addition for this year’s event.

And as well as feasting their eye, visitors will be able to choose

from a range of takeaway food options, from coffees to paella, as well as range of delicious choices at the park’s own Café by the Lakes.

As in 2020, the event is being run with Covid safety in mind with ticket numbers capped each day and sold in advance and exhibits spaced across a wide area to support social distancing.

The event is open from June 30 - July 4 from 10.00 am - 5.00 pm. Tickets are available now for £12.50 - the same cost as standard entry to the park.

No Children under 14 or dogs can be permitted.

To find out more, or to book tickets to Dorset Arts Festival, visit: www.sculpturebythe lakes.co.uk/dorset-arts-festival.

No quick fix for waste collection problems say Somerset Waste Partnership

Delays and disruption to waste collections are likely to continue for some time, say Somerset Waste Partnership.

SWP and its collections contractor SUEZ apologise and are asking for the public to be

patient, warning that there is ‘no quick fix’ in the face of an escalating nationwide shortage of truck drivers.

SWP is responsible for more than 350,000 collections every week, the vast majority of which have gone smoothly despite the pandemic.

But in recent weeks staffing shortages have caused significant delays to some recycling and garden waste collections.

Recycling collections missed from last week will be picked up on this week’s scheduled collection day, not before. Crews will return as soon as possible for any collections missed this week, within two days if they can. SWP is monitoring collections closely and will consider further steps if needed. Residents can help ease the pressure by: · Doing as much as possible online - use the My Waste Services feature on the SWP homepage to order replacement containers, report a missed collection, request an assisted collection etc. · Only reporting a missed collection if it is urgent crews will be back as soon as they can. · Crushing, squashing and flattening waste if it is safe to

do so - this saves space and speeds up collections. · Making use of recycling sites if a collection is delayed but you have urgent needs.

Covid-19 has worsened the well-documented national shortage of LGV drivers by delaying the training and testing of new recruits.

At the same time, the UK has seen a significant number of EU drivers leave and the recent reopening of non-essential retail has added to the demand for drivers.

With lots of distribution centres in the county, driver recruitment is especially difficult in Somerset - as is recruitment of collection crews and securing a reliable supply of agency cover when needed.

Updates on collections can be found on the SWP website, however full details are often not known until late into the afternoon or evening.

Qualified HGV drivers from the area, including anyone recently retired, are urged to consider driver and crew vacancies in Bridgwater, Evercreech, and Taunton.

For driver/loader and loader vacancy details, please check SWP's website for updates at www.somersetwaste.gov.uk.

Looking for someone special?

Get out and meet people this summer with Alison at Just Somerset Introductions

be lifted hopefully mid-July. We hope to have a great rest of the summer! We welcome ideas from members too and hope we can broaden what we do in the weeks to come.

I think in the last year many of us have come to realise how important human contact is and we have missed that especially if one doesn’t have a partner. I have heard that some have decided that it’s time to find a committed relationship, if that’s you why not consider Just Somerset Introductions.

If you don’t want to try dating apps or online dating websites, think about joining us, where you can meet real people! There are too many stories in the media lately on the rise of romance scams during the last year.

Everyone is interviewed and checked in their own homes in a covid safe way. This is very much a more personal and confidential way to get out there dating. For details of how we work and testimonials please see our website www.justintroductions group.co.uk and then please get in touch!

WE HAVE had some great weather recently to get out and about in the countryside. People have been able to get out and meet at socials plus on one to one introductions too.

We do all sorts of events throughout the year normally , but have tried to adapt as best we can with limited numbers sometimes and indoors or out as the guidelines allow. It’s certainly been much better weather in June and hope it lasts going into July! We know we have to wait a bit longer for the restrictions to

The Visitor

CAN BE READ ONLINE: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk 12 THE VISITOR July 2021

In and around South

Petherton

Beautiful Kitchens & Furniture at Eternal Kitchens

‘KITCHENS ARE becoming more design led, more multifunctional, more sociable and more luxurious,’ says Jayne Elswood, director at Eternal Kitchens.

‘In my opinion the kitchen is the most important room in the home and in recent years it has become not only a place to prepare meals, but also used for so many other purposes; dining, a family social area, home office, home schooling, even a home work-out.’

Eternal Kitchens were founded in 1993 and from humble beginnings are now a renowned manufacturer of bespoke kitchens, furniture, bathrooms and boot rooms, all designed and manufactured in their own workshop in South Petherton, Somerset.

All the kitchens and furniture are made by them on site, using traditional time- honoured methods. Each kitchen is designed and made with the customer’s specifications closely in mind. They work with you to ensure that your kitchen provides you with all your daily requirements and can help you source appliances, sinks, taps etc.

Their goal is to ensure that you achieve your perfect kitchen and it provides you with years of pleasure.

A new kitchen studio was opened in March 2016, which features examples of their kitchens, along with appliances and built-in storage methods etc.

You are welcome to call in for a coffee and a chat and they hope that the studio will provide you with some inspiration for your own kitchen.

Eternal Kitchens are open Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm. Weekend visits can be happily accommodated, please give them a call first to arrange. Find out more at www.erternal kitchens.co.uk.

A full music programme returns to the David Hall in July

All being well, Petherton Arts Trust (PAT) will present a full programme of music at The David Hall in July and audiences will not be socially distanced.

However, if Covid restrictions are re-introduced, PAT will modify arrangements accordingly.

Elegant Kitchens and furniture made in Somerset by Eternal Kitchens.

Martin Harley Saturday July 3, 8:00pm

Following the success of the Roll With The Punches band tour across the UK and Europe, Martin Harley takes to the road for a run of intimate solo Acoustic shows. Slide guitar is always at the root of Martin’s sound, mirroring his whisky-soaked Northern breeze vocals.

If success can be measured by a growing global demand to attend Martin’s dynamic live performances, then perhaps his touring schedule is proof of that.

He has appeared at Edmonton, Vancouver, Canmore and Calgary Folk festivals in Canada; UK festivals Glastonbury, Bestival, Beautiful Days; numerous European and US tours and events including the AMAs, The Bluebird in Nashville and Tønder in Denmark. Things are looking good for the wandering Bluesman.

Tickets: £17.50/£16.50 concessions.

Good disabled parking and access to terrace. A 10-minute walk from the centre of South Petherton.

Old Herbaceous

Sunday 4 July @ 6pm at Barcroft Hall, North Street, South Petherton produced by Kick in the Head, written by Alfred

Shaughnessy, directed by Simon Downing, with Giles Shenton as Herbert Pinnegar Described as ‘Downton Abbey with gardening tips’, Old Herbaceous is the humorous love story of a single-minded yet gentle man with a passion for plants’.

Open Gardens at Barcroft Hall July 4, 2:30pm-5:00pm

With the generous permission of the owners, people can visit one of the most spectacular and photogenic gardens in the area.

Enjoy tea on the raised terrace, with its beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Wander around the ponds and lakes, admiring the varied water plants and wildlife. Amble among the vines and fruit and a wealth of native and exotic tree shrubs.

Children can play on the board lawns and grassy slopes.

Entry: £6. Wheelchair users and children up to 16 years: £2.

THE VISITOR July 2021 13

In and around South Grants of Somerset

Opened in October 2019, independent retailer Grants of Somerset is a boutique-style village shop specialising in home decor and gifts, with products ranging from gorgeous lamps and vases to luxurious cushions and candles, right through to fine

drinkware and sustainable greetings cards. One of their more exclusive product ranges features innovative lamps and clocks with a little magic thrown in (seriously, check out their floating moon lamp!).

On offer across all products is a fantastic mix of hand-selected

Petherton

items with some notably high quality local brands on the books, including Make Skincare, Home of Maybird, Somerset Toiletry Company, Dandelion & Peacock, and Sally Kent Glass from Somerset along with The Recycled Candle Company and Amanda West sourced just over the border in Devon.

So, whether you’re looking to make your home more homely, or want to put a smile on someone else’s face with a fantastic gift, make sure you drop into Grants of Somerset on Market Square in South Petherton or visit them online at www.grants ofsomerset.co.uk.

H R Hodge

H R Hodge is an independent Authorised Panasonic dealer in Somerset providing customers with trusted, local expertise and offering the latest products for home entertainment.

‘We pride ourselves on

providing comprehensive customer service and product support, from purchase through to installation and have a reputation for QUALITY SERVICE that can be relied upon.

‘Our reputation is based on more than 50 years of trading and today, we are totally committed to providing a personal service that not only exceeds expectations but also keeps pace with the rapid development of technology in both sound and vision.’

See the very latest range of products including TVs, Recorders, Blu-ray and Audio Systems.

They also stock the British brand, Mitchell & Brown TV’S that come with a 7-year warranty as standard and are official dealers of SONOS wireless hifi.

Please feel free to call in to our South Petherton showroom for any more information on our range of products and services.

Inside Grants of Somerset.

A new TV for the Euro’s? H R Hodge have a wide range in stock.

14 THE VISITOR July 2021

In and around South Petherton

Looking across to St Peter & St Paul's Church from St James’s Street.

Yeabridge Farm

Yeabridge Farm is the home of Joe and Victoria Broughton.

Farming is at the heart of what they do, however having such a lovely setting is a fantastic part of its charm. Add to this the great location, only 2 hours from London and ½ mile from the A303 you would think you were in the middle of no-where!

Great for 2 things that don’t usually go together … Glamping and storage!

The Hideaway offers a real camping experience with luxury.

No kitchen sink required when packing the car - everything is set up for you. Just unpack and relax … ... while Barn Store selfstorage, is located in one of the modern farm buildings, where

you can enter 7 days a week/24 hours a day without any additional charges. The perfect place for storage in Somerset whether you are looking for house moving storage, extra space to store collectibles, or storage for commercial purposes they have a range of different size secure units available to accommodate your needs with CCTV and temperature controlled environment.

The Barn Store can also store vehicles and machinery, so if you have a classic car that needs winter storage or a collection of motorcycles that only get ridden on sunny days then please get in contact.

So whether you are a local or a guest, Yeabridge Farm looks forward to welcoming you!

Barn Store self-storage, where you can enter 24/7.

THE VISITOR July 2021 15

MARTOCK - a business focus Bakery Roy-al

Bakery Roy-al is an awardwinning traditional bakery situated in the village of Martock.

They make and bake a variety of bread, cakes and savouries on the premises, still using the oldfashioned and original methods.

This is what gives their products that authentic, delicious flavour.

They always produce seasonal specials, as well as their usual

wide variety, including a Glutenfree range and a Wheat-free range for those with special dietary needs.

Their sour-dough is also popular and the spelt has surprising health benefits! If you have a special occasion coming up, they can create some wonderful celebration cakes for you. Bakery Roy-al has three shops located in Martock, South

Petherton and Ilminster and would like to thank all of their customers for their support over the years and they look forward to seeing you all soon.

Roy of Bakery Roy-al.

Sweet tooth? Roy bakes traditional favourites fresh every day.

Bakery Roy-al’s delicious Sourdough.

16 THE VISITOR July 2021

Special order celebration cakes are also available.

Moorlands Shopping Centre and Martock Library.

MARTOCK - a business focus Saturday 17th July 2021 brings the Handmade Craft Market to Yandles & Son

Free family friendly day out, supporting some of the best crafters from the South West.

Offering quality handmade items of gifts, clothing, toys, sculptures, stained glass, jewellery and much

more. The event is completely free to the public, including free onsite parking and is the perfect family day out for those who love unique, hand crafted items. Along with lots of lovely stalls you can find demonstrations in the woodworking centre as part of their Record power road show.

The Arts & Crafts shop provides a wealth of fabric, knitting and art materials with some great offers in store. There is also an onsite café serving food throughout the day and home and gift shop offering a broad range of gift ideas. Find them just off the A303 at Martock.

Lots of lovely stalls to browse.

Some of the best crafters from across the South West will be attending.

Not just stalls - there’s also demonstrations in the Woodworking Centre.

It really is a family day out with something for everyone.

Richard Read of Gould and Sons Family Butchers.

THE VISITOR July 2021 17

MARTOCK - a business focus Amicus Law encourage everyone to make a will

You owe it to your family to make a will. Amicus Law encourage everyone, no matter their age, to consider how their loved ones would cope if the worst should happen. By planning ahead with the guidance of a properly qualified and regulated solicitor, you ensure that more of the wealth accumulated during your life goes to those you choose, in the way that you want.

Stephen Forsey of Amicus Law.

18 THE VISITOR July 2021

Minimise tax, administer your estate, help executors, apply for probate, it is vital you select a specialist private lawyer with the expertise and experience to manage your affairs efficiently and smoothly, with a personal and sensitive touch.

Amicus Law are amongst the best private lawyers in Somerset for wills, probate and trusts, with offices in Bridgwater, Minehead, Wellington, Martock, Yeovil and Exeter. For more information or to make an appointment contact Stephen Forsey on 01935 822572 or stephen.forsey@amicuslaw .co.uk.

13th Century Grade I listed Church of All Saints, Martock.

From Church Street: North Street left, East Street right.

BOOK REVIEW With Philip George

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

Diary of a Young Naturalist

by Dara McAnulty Little Toller Books

By John Osborne  Answers can be found on page 36  1) Which member of ‘The Who’ was ‘Giving It All Away’ in 1973?

2) In which year did ‘Wet, Wet, Wet’ declare that ‘Love is all Around’?

3) ‘Jordi’ is the new album from which band?

4) Name the song recorded by ‘Steam’ and ‘Bananarama’ but 13 years apart?

5) ‘Mrs Robinson’ from the film ‘The Graduate’ was a single by which duo?

6) Who sang about the ‘Wichita Lineman’?

7) ‘Fire’ and ‘Gloria’, both released in1981, were the first two hits for which band?

8) We associate the late Errol Brown with which group?

9) ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ comes from which Beatles album?

10) Lyrics: ‘A man walks down the street, He says ‘Why am I soft in the middle now’...’

Worth-a-Guess-Bonus Question: ‘Emotional Rescue’ was the 1980 studio album released by the Rolling Stones. Where did it come, numerically?

Anorak Bonus Question: Who was the co-writer of the song in Q:1 who released a version in 1974?

Great Quotes in Music (129) ‘Who hears music feels his solitude peopled at once' – Robert Browning

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 June Sudoku on page 29.

AUTISM IS like looking in a mirror and wondering why the people stood behind you looking in the same direction think you are strange.

A qualification for reading this book should be that the wouldbe reader has already read one of Simon Baron-Cohen’s books, for example ‘Zero Degrees of Empathy’, which includes the test that shows where on the spectrum one might be. And yes, Simon is Ali G’s cousin.

Baron-Cohen’s test is an interesting experience.

The ‘Dairy of a Young Naturalist’ like ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime’ by Mark Haddon, greatly helps the understanding of the perceived difficulties that Dara and his family face - through the looking glass perhaps.

Dara has been recognised for his work by the RSPB for whom he is now an ambassador. He has written a lovely book on nature in Northern Ireland which reminds me of my own childhood growing up on a farm in Somerset

in the 1950s. The main difference that strikes me is that our exposure to wild life today is becoming an ever more curated experience, the beginnings of which perhaps was Slimbridge which was opened by Peter Scott with the able support of Eunice Overend two months after I was born.

Eunice later taught us at Selwood Secondary School in Frome, and imparted to us her enormous love and hands-onapproach to nature. Dara would have been a favoured pupil had he been around then. Miss Overend's participation in the socalled ‘education system’ then was unique, as she saw the main ‘special need’ as the environment in which we were growing up. She devoted her life to the environment and she was particularly well-known for her efforts to protect badgers, a campaign which she orchestrated from her caravan home in a field near Frome. (https://working memoriesfrome.co.uk/schoolingmemories/eunice-overend).

Greta Thunberg’s move into environmental politics, shows up the political system for what it is. Like Dara she is similarly afflicted with autism.

The Paris Agreement does not come close to what is required, and its cost in politicians' salaries and fancy dinners alone would buy thousands of acres of sustainable nature reserve.

I recommend Dara’s book, not only for his delicate understanding of nature and its importance, but for the insight it gives the reader into his way of thinking and his inherent and natural intelligence. I am sure there is a bell curve where autistic testing occupies its centre. If we were all as caring and cared for as Dara, the world would be a better place.

Greener Playtimes with Geomagworld

THIS GREAT educational toy from leading brand Geomag is made with 100% recycled plastic.

Their toys are STEM.org certified which means they all embrace Science, technology, engineering, and maths, which are all key to a child’s development.

Enjoy a greener playtime with the Geomag 42 Piece Eco Classic Colour set. Their unique magnetic construction set just got environmentally friendly. It is made from 100% recycled plastic and using eco-friendly manufacturing methods, you can enjoy the same fun with less impact on the earth. This set has 42 pieces inside, which all come

in amazing bright colours. You'll find a mix of rods, side pieces, and magnetic balls. What will you engineer with yours? Build whatever your imagination says and enjoy playing and learning at the same time. It is packed to the brim of STEM, embracing science, technology engineering and maths.

The Geomag 42 Piece Eco Classic Colour Set costs £27 from TheToyShop.com and is suitable for ages 3+.

THE VISITOR July 2021 19

Healthy Heart Tips

by Dr Helen Flaherty Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK Improving Your Cholesterol

THERE ARE two main types of cholesterol, LDL, sometimes termed ‘bad’ cholesterol, and HDL, sometimes termed as ‘good cholesterol’. The reality is that we do need some of both types of cholesterol, but the incorrect

balance can be harmful. When LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can contribute to plaque formation, whilst HDL cholesterol removes harmful cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Here are some tips for creating a healthy cholesterol profile.

Increase Fibre Intake

Fibre, particularly the type found in porridge oats and wholegrains, known as beta-glucan, helps to reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

Go Plant-Based

Diets higher in vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and pulses are healthier for the heart than animal-derived alternatives that are high in saturated fats such as meats, cheeses and processed snacks such as biscuits.

Eat Good Fats

Unsaturated fats, particularly when swapped for saturated fats, can help to increase your HDL cholesterol levels. Excellent 20 THE VISITOR July 2021

sources of good fats include oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, extra virgin olive oil and avocados.

Exercise Regularly

Aerobic exercise such as running or cycling will help to increase levels of HDL in the blood, especially when performed for more than 150 minutes each week.

Avoid high Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can increase the amount of fat in the blood and lower HDL cholesterol, therefore drinking less than 14 units per week is recommended.

Family Health with Jenna Evans

Plastic Free July!

THIS MONTH, in honour of Plastic Free July, we’re taking a break of our tour of the body. This global movement to highlight plastic waste and pollution was started in Australia. You can check out a resource website here – plasticfreejuly.org.

No doubt like many of you, I’ve been aware of the terrible damage our processed and packaged lives do to our environment. The recent documentary Seaspiracy also made a great impact, shining a light on all of the plastic waste in our oceans from commercial fishing (much more than created by the plastic straw which seems to have received much more attention). And speaking of our oceans I’m sick of seeing disposable masks everywhere – they are becoming one of the biggest threats to our seas and hazards to wildlife.

Luckily awareness of sustainability has increased massively and companies are now

being beautifully innovative in response. Properly home compostable packaging is coming in thick and fast in the shop.

Many brands are also returning to glass and refill schemes are everywhere.

Being in the health food industry, many of our suppliers have been using recyclable and sustainable packaging for many years and we of course recycle as much as possible. We are also partly solar powdered – check out the panel in our window to see this in action. All of our own label bags are either biodegradable cellulose or recyclable polypropylene (you can return packaging to us for recycling). We have plenty of refill options for toiletries and household cleaning.

We have a good selection of organic fruit and veg, sold loose – minimizing both packing and food waste. Any leftovers come home for composting. We sell apple juice from Tinker’s Bubble and the bottles are returned to them for reuse. This is also true of our local honey. We also stock a Greek olive oil in bulk for refills.

Foods aside, our bathrooms are one of the key places we can make significant changes. As well as the aforementioned refill scheme for toiletries we have unwrapped soaps, toothbrushes, floss, mouthwash, toothpowder,

cotton buds, loo rolls and deodorants. Feminine hygiene products can also be massively wasteful. Look into reusable pads or menstrual cups. There are also disposable brands such as Natracare which are actually home compostable – fantastic! I also want to mention Patch plasters. These little gems are made from 100% compostable, hypoallergenic bamboo. A must for every first aid kit.

In the supplements sector one of our main supplement brands, Viridian, has been running a recycling incentive for years – return empty jars to us for a 25p refund. Another brand Good Health Naturally has recently launched a refill bag for its multivitamin in a compostable pouch. Many others are working towards compostable packs and most are already in glass. It’s worth mentioning that not all plastic packaging is a bad thing – one brand, BetterYou is using a mixture of post-consumer waste and really interestingly – ocean plastics. Recovering and recycling plastic that would otherwise be polluting our seas.

Lastly, we also stock basic home essentials such as lunchboxes, straws, travel cups, ceramic tea containers (we also sell tea loose), bamboo cutlery, wax wraps, loofah cleaning range, soapnuts and probably many other things I’ve missed! We’re always open to your suggestions - if you can think of anything else you’d like us to stock or recycle, do pop in and let us know!

Like most things in life, simple changes make a big difference and much like our bodies we only have one beautiful Earth. Let’s look after her.

Jenna Evans ©2021 •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.

THE VISITOR July 2021 21

Five Ways To Add A Middle Eastern Flair To Your Home

WE MAY NOT be able to travel abroad just yet, but we can still explore the wonders of the Middle East at the V&A’s latest exhibition Epic Iran.

The region has long provided inspiration for interior designers, from the opulence of Iran to the riads of Morocco, interiors are undeniably luxurious, full of richly layered textures and equally sumptuous colours.

Interior designer, Benji Lewis founder of Zoom That Room, is an expert on making contemporary trends your own.

Here, he shares his tips on how to easily capture an essence of Middle Eastern style in your home.

Pretty Tiles

Hand painted tiles with strong colours and scrolling designs are a fantastic way of bringing some Middle Eastern drama into any room. Don’t assume that tiles are only confined to kitchens and bathrooms - they’re a fantastic way to liven up a chimney too.

Coloured tiles provide a plethora of opportunity for a rich and exciting tonal scheme - let the colours in the tiles take centre stage, combine them with gentle tones such as ivory, tan, soft blues and mocha to create an impact.

If the colours in your ‘tiled’ scheme are calmer, that doesn’t mean you should hold back on pattern; geometric designs, stripes or a small motif work well.

magic is with a wall mounted textile. These not only provide additional textural interest but are a fabulous talking point due to the unconventional nature of them as a piece.

There’s no reason why a textile can’t be showcased alongside more traditional wall art but they also work really well by themselves. A personal favourite, says Benji, is an antique textile mounted in a perspex frame. This cleverly combines the suggestion of a contemporary take on something traditional.

If you are interested in antique textiles, you can opt for an antique textile in the form of a footstool or a couple of cushions.

If you are keen for an ethnic injection but after something more contemporary, it is worth exploring the rich minefield of the textile houses in Chelsea Harbour.

The textile shown in this image is a 1920’s Middle Eastern bridal modesty curtain; it would likely have been a rich red when it was woven but is now faded to an old rose which complements the floral and foliate design.

Conventional norm suggests using only sofas and armchairs when it comes to soft seating in reception rooms. However, if the space allows for it, a window seat finished with long cushion pads is an ideal place for an additional comfortable perch and gives a nod to nomadic style.

When choosing fabrics with an ethnic feel, think not only pattern but texture too. If you use a simple small printed motif as the predominant textile, this allows for use of stronger patterns with cushions and other fabrics.

Linen is a go-to safe option for upholstery as it feels so good to sink into, but as a counterfoil to this why not shake things up and include textures like silk, velvet and wool through cushions and throws.

Furniture Finishes

Textiles

Iranian décor often includes inlay detail. Materials like mother of pearl and marble can be used to embellish tables and mirrors.

Similarly, this works with

Rugs are synonymous with Iranian interiors and whilst these are lovely, an alternative option to add some Middle Eastern

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

All works completed by our experienced and reliable team

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

Contact us for a free estimate

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www.countrybuild.co.uk • info@countrybuild.co.uk 22 THE VISITOR July 2021

Conventional Norm

ornate carved wooden fretwork as seen on the table in the image below. Try to balance these intricate details with shapes that are simpler in their form, like this glass pear and spun table lamp.

Lampshade bases

Carved bone is a material long associated with Middle Eastern décor. For a lamp base these provide textural interest as well as a plethora of tonal options and are perfect for those who veer more towards a palette of neutrals.

A lovely contrast to the creamy/soft grey tones of a carved bone lamp base is a colourful patterned gathered lampshade.

Consider going the extra mile and giving your lamp base additional ‘ooh la la’ by putting it on a carved pedestal.

Being a natural material, accessorise a tabletop around your carved bone lamp with other earthy textures. For example, a raffia basket filled with dried gourds or an antique glass candlestick to create a big impact.

Islands can be the signature feature of a new kitchen.

Planning a new kitchen?

Here are a few tips to help you on your way

NOW, more than ever, kitchens are the beating heart of the home.

They continue to adapt to be a multi-use space, from the practicalities of rustling up a meal, a temporary workplace, to somewhere to study or to just catch up with family and friends.

It’s often the first room you decorate in a new property and one that sways your decision when buying a home.

Colour Factor

Previously kitchens were a blanket of white or pine, but consumer demand has resulted in a range of colours that match the style and characteristics of homeowners.

Olive Green is a key colour trend this year while funky pinks and pastels add that fun factor.

On the monochrome spectrum rich dark kitchens can be

achieved by selecting complementary floors and dark painted cabinets and for those who love the simplicity of white, the ability to pair with colourful accessories brings this look right up to date.

Island Escape

The much-coveted kitchen island is not just a practical element but is often the signature feature that sets the tone and style.

Level Up The Luxury

Avoiding a clinical look when adding chic clean lines to your contemporary home can be softened with the addition of textiles. Rugs can add both colour and luxury and help to define areas in open-plan designs.

Open Plan

Creating unity within open-plan kitchen and dining areas can be problematic. Choosing the same floor throughout adds a cohesive

Kitchens are often the heart of the home.

look, with accessories and styling providing identity to each zone.

The Space Factor

Galley and small kitchens can be both beautiful and practical with a little preparation and thoughtful design. Integrated appliances and a great use of light makes it easy to tackle the common problems associated with compact kitchens.

Updated Classics

Think of traditional floors and you’d probably conjure up slate tiles or solid timber spaces.

These classic floor finishes are given an updated edge in modern vinyl materials such as this contemporary twist on a slate floor and chic look light timber floors.

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Richards Chimney Sweeping & Stove Installations • Chimney Sweeping • Stove Installations • Fitting/Replacement of Cowls • Chimney Rebuilds/Maintenance • CCTV Inspections HETAS Registered and fully insured

Tel Luke: 07984 371757/ 01305 319721

THE VISITOR July 2021 23

Ideas for Summer Living Staycation essential - the Snuggy

WITH THE WARMER weather now here and the Government's overseas travel list in place, staycations are expected to be even more popular than ever before.

If you're heading on one yourself, or pulling together an essentials list, we introduce to you to the Snuggy - a perfect addition to your staycation wardrobe.

Adored by celebrities such as Chloe Ferry and Alex and Olivia Bowen, the Snuggy is an oversized hoodie that's super cosy and warm.

It's ideal for throwing on when the temperature drops in the evening or for those pesky nighttime trips to the loo!

Available in five different

Filter Tap Water and Help the Environment with Zerowater

colours at www.snuggy.shop, and with options for adults (£59.99), children (£34.99) and even your canine companions (£22.99), its soft flannel fleece exterior and sherpa fleece interior make it the ultimate in campsite cosy comfort.

Find out more and see the full range at www.snuggy.shop.

Water. An essential part of life with estimations suggesting that an average person uses over 100 litres of the stuff a day. Providing bountiful health benefits, we are told to drink at least 2 litres a day (around 8-10 cups). Many people buy endless amounts of plastic bottled water because it is from the finest mountain ranges in the world, the Zerowater 12 cup/2.8 litre Jug should make you think again.

To get scientific for one moment, TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids and is essentially a measure of substances present in the water aside from H2O. This could include organic substances like silt, dead leaves and regrettably even sewage or inorganic substances like fluoride, chlorides, sulphates, and equally as worrying, metals such as lead and copper. Some cities in the UK have TDS readings of above 300, by using Zerowater they reduce to Zero. Hence, the name Zerowater.

Zerowater aims to move the score to zero. Zerowater features an unrivaled 5-stage 'ionexchange filtration system, its filter Jug removes those nasty

24 THE VISITOR July 2021

bits. The ion-exchange technology inside Zerowater means they can proudly boast to be the only water filtration system to remove 99.6% of TDS. Most others only contain a 2-stage filter, thereby removing a lot less of those TDS and simple carbon-only water filters remove less. Removing 99.6% of TDS means it provides the equivalent levels of TDS as you would find in any purified bottled water (a microscopic 0.04%). Great news for the vast number of households up and down the country who live in areas with high TDS levels.

You might be wondering how you can prove this? To reassure you and to allow you to monitor the ongoing effectiveness of your Jug, Zerowater comes with a free 'laboratory grade' water quality reader. The reader measures the total dissolved solids we discussed earlier to determine and ensure you are drinking the purest tasting water.

The Zerowater 12 cup/2.8 litre capacity Jug has been uniquely designed with a sealed lid and the reservoir even allows you to dispense filtered water whist the water which has not yet been filtered remains in the reservoir.

The only Filter Jug in its class to provide this technological feature lends a further 2 cups of water to its capacity.

At only £39.99 it won't be long before you harvest the benefits of your investment. Its compact design means it will fit neatly into your fridge door.

Furthermore, think of the reduction in your plastic consumption, the positive impact on the planet, and your pocket.

For more information visit Zerowater.co.uk.

New water bottle warrantied to last a lifetime and planetfriendly launches in UK

AN EYE-CATCHING new range of eco-friendly stainless steel and glass water bottles marrying top functional performance with great aesthetics, and a lifetime warranty was launched recently in the UK by Bluewater, a Swedish company acclaimed for its innovative water purifying solutions and anti-single-use plastic stance.

Designed to keep drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for 24, the Bluewater bottles are being launched for direct sale to fashion-conscious, environmentalminded British consumers on the Bluewater UK website, www.bluewatergroup.com/uk/ product-category/bottles.

In a world where around 20,000 polluting plastic bottles are produced every second, the Bluewater bottles have been designed and crafted to deliver really good green credentials. Not only do Bluewater stainless steel bottles come with a lifetime warranty, but plastic liners and loops have been replaced with silicone.

In addition, Bluewater is turning its pro-sustainability

Bluewater bottles were sold to the general public who could refill their bottle free-of-charge from Bluewater hydration stations in a successful effort to replace the need for single use plastic bottles.

The bottles will be on sale again at upcoming golf events this summer, including The Open and The Women’s Open, assuming the covid outbreak doesn’t interfere.

words into action by collecting one kilo of plastic waste from beaches and seashores around the world for every single Bluewater bottle sold. This is achieved by using a platform that helps take plastic out of the environment using a blockchain alternative to recycling where people are basically paid to return plastic waste to certified recycling centres.

Sustainability is all

Head turning stainless steel

Available in four contemporary head-turning color options – Deep Blue, Powder White, Just Black and Chilled Steel – at a pocketfriendly price of £35, the new range of insulated stainless steel water bottles are visually stunning with classic form follows function Swedish design.The bottles will keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for 12 hours and are designed and made to last a lifetime.

The urban sleek, rural rugged bottles boast a slightly larger than normal rounded lip to make it easy to sip from or add fruit to enhance taste – and to clean afterwards. The eco-friendly powder coating ensures a scratchresistant, condensation-free, low-slip finish.

Premium glass for a premium drinking experience

Proving not all glass bottles are equal, the new Bluewater range offers one delivering amazing quality and value, and designed to complement any individual sense of style. The crystal-clear bottle is crafted from premium Duragrade™ borosilicate glass, which is able to withstand temperatures from -20 up to a boiling 100C. Versatile and durable, all Bluewater bottles are ideal for trekking, beach life, family picnics, workouts and overall hydration. The bottles deliver odor-free, great tasting water sip after sip, while the BPA-free lid is leakproof, so the contents of your bag will stay dry. A protective no-slip silicone sleeve is complemented by a range of sensitively hued silicon carry loops.

40,000 sold in four days

Bottles with Nordic noir looks – and also in white, blue and stainless and designed to last a lifetime – from Bluewater of Sweden are now available across the UK.

Bluewater bottles made a first debut at The Open 2019 golf tournament in Portrush, Northern Ireland, where they were used by all the participating global elite players such as Rory McIlroy. Around a further 40,000

Bluewater founder and CEO Bengt Rittri, a Swedish environmental entrepreneur who has put sustainability at the heart of the brand, said Bluewater wants to convince customers to switch to reuseable bottles to help eliminate the hundreds of millions of plastic bottles produced every year. Most single-use plastic bottles end up in the oceans or landfill and can take hundreds to years to decompose while leaking potentially harmful chemicals into the environment.

‘The Bluewater water bottle successfully marries practicality with uber cool Swedish design to make it a must-have BPA-free accessory that is a natural complement to your smart phone and yoga mat,’ Bengt Rittri says.

‘The leak-proof designer bottle not only offers bags of street cred but is also crafted from food-grade stainless steel, gently brushed for a slip-free grip. The screw cap has an eco-friendly silicone seal to halt leaks and there’s even multiple coloured silicone loops for the athletically inclined, from runners and climbers to hikers… and, yes, even window shoppers!’

Bluewater bottles are available now and can be purchased directly from the Bluewater website at www.bluewater group.com/uk/productcategory/bottles.

THE VISITOR July 2021 25

MOTORING VINTAGE Motorcycling with Rod Hann THE LATEST Coronavirus relaxation of restrictions has given us a bit more freedom to enjoy our old vehicles. Some club life has now returned and the social side of our hobby is very welcome for me.

At the time of writing we are allowed to meet in groups of thirty outside and groups of six inside, providing they come from two households. What a difference this has made and with the likelihood of the lifting of further restrictions during July, then by the August issue much of our freedom will have been restored. We will still need to exercise common sense and take care for our own safety.

It has meant though that some riding events have been able to proceed as planned. My own Section of the VMCC has just been able to have its Weymouth Week when people from all over the country assembled at Chickerell and as one group we rode around Dorset and some of the surrounding counties and had a thoroughly good time.

The entry was restricted to around 25 bikes and great care was taken over refreshment stops. The weather was rather unkind to us with only one fine day and the others very wet and windy and cold. Everyone seemed to enjoy the event in spite of the

weather and all are keen to attend next year.

My picture this month was taken on the above event and shows some of our bikes parked on the pier at Swanage. There was a good variety of machines present and all from the Post War Classic period. This is quite understandable when doing up to one hundred miles per day.

The sunny conditions show that this was our one and only dry day.

The following Sunday the Dorset Section held its Jeff Clew Memorial Run and an entry of 23 riders attended and seemed to enjoy the ride. Other Sections and clubs are doing likewise.

Friends not seen for many months have met again and brought fresh life into what has been a rather lacklustre period in all our lives.

Here is some news of forthcoming events which are known to be happening in July, others will join them I am sure.

The Somerset Section have their club night at Cossington on the 1st and on the 4th will be the Veteran and Vintage and Anniversary Run, again from Cossington. The Dorset Section start the month with the Giants Run on the 4th. On the 11th will be the Veteran and Vintage Run which starts from Leigh Village Hall. Next will be the club night on the 14th. On the 21st (Wednesday) there will be a Mid Week Run followed on the 1st August by The Long Run.

GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS All garage doors are different, so as a roller door specialist, (I don’t replace windows, etc.) I can survey, quote and install to your requirements and make the most of your garage opening, as generally no frame is necessary. With the option of automated operation with remote control, a top quality garage door need only be a phone call away.

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26 THE VISITOR July 2021

A good variety of machines all from the Post War Classic period parked on the pier at Swanage.

The location for many of these events is unknown at present so keep a check on the websites nearer the time. The Wells Classic Club have their club night at Wells on the 6th and on the weekend of the 16th/17th and 18th they will be holding their Tortoise and Hare event. Further details can be obtained from me by ringing 01935-872528.

The weather has been very poor of late and not conducive to enjoying oneself on old motorbikes, but if the long range weather forecasters have got it right then we may well have a hot and dry summer ahead of us.

I urge everyone to make good use of the months ahead.

A lot of work has gone into organising these events and how nice it is to support the people involved as well as meeting old friends and acquaintances and just chatting and socialising.

Long may it continue.

Shows and similar events are also making a comeback. My first outing will be to the Classic Bike Show at Stafford in early July.

For many years I have volunteered to help on the VMCC's main club stand. I will

also exhibit a bike on the stand.

I enjoy these shows and between manning the stand I can also wander off and see the other exhibits and tour some of the Autojumble. I say ‘some’ because I think it would be impossible to see everything within the two days. By helping on the stand it means I have a base to return to when the legs and back get tired.

Old age does not come without a few problems.

With much more riding activities comes a need for more servicing and cleaning which has meant little restoration work is going on. With the autumn and winter ahead I hope to make further progress with the ‘Special’ I am building.

I am determined to finish the project and get it on the road by next spring. Potentially the biggest delay might well be the registration process with the DVLA but nothing can be done until the machine is complete.

As with everything else we can only take one step at a time but as completion gets near a certain anticipation grows and I will be eager to give it a go. Patience is a real virtue.

NORRIS BODY REPAIRS LTD ■ Insurance Claims ■ Private Jobs ■ Restorations ■ Resprays ■ Welding Work

South Street • YEOVIL • BA20 1QQ Tel: 01935 411095 Email: norrisbodyrepairs@gmail.com • Fax: 01935 473119

He’s had to wait five years until he was old enough - but now 26-year-old Phil’s a classic car dealer

WITH A £350,000 business and car sales since January in the tens of thousands of pounds, Phil Mires shares his secrets for success after taking just six years to turn his car boot passion into big profits.

He took less than five years to go from a minimum-wage deadend job at 20 to building a £350,000 art and antiques dealership. Now, at just 26, Phil Mires has taken just five months to become a successful classic car dealer, with sales worth tens of thousands of pounds under his belt.

Working tirelessly through the pandemic to reach his goal, Phil, from Chertsey in Surrey, has already netted £50,000 from his cars business alone, and is now offering two rare Italian classic Alfa Romeos, with a combined retail value of £40,000 among retro and classic marques via his PM Antiques & Collectables website: a 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud 1.5 Ti Green Cloverleaf and a 1983 Alfasud 1.5 Gold Cloverleaf.

‘The Alfasud is considered one of Alfa Romeo’s most successful models with over a million examples manufactured between 1972-1989, yet it is believed fewer than 100 registered ‘Suds are left in the UK,’ says Phil. ‘I sold another Alfasud only last month and these current models are in amazing condition. The Gold Cloverleaf has had no MoT advisories recorded in the past 15 years and featured in the February 2000 issue of Auto Italia magazine.’

He also has a 1988 Monza Red Lancia Delta HF Integrale 8v.

‘The Lancia Delta is best known for its World Rally Championship career in the late

’80s and early ’90s when it became an icon of the Group A era, winning the WRC constructors’ championship a record six times successively from 1987 to 1992,’ says Phil.

‘The unrivalled performance and durability of the four-wheel drive Delta HF Integrale made it a cult classic in an instant. My original UK-supplied Integrale is of low mileage and has been cherished all of its life.’

It comes with a documented timeline of service, maintenance and ownership records dating back to the point of registration, something every purist craves to see.

Phil, who prefers to buy his cars privately, has tapped into his father’s expertise as a classic car collector when it comes to assessing the merits of potential purchases. ‘My father is now retired and knows a lot about classic cars and he would do them up as a young man. He’s owned many classic Italian cars and he still loves them.’

Too young to set up as a classic car dealer until this year: Having caught the classic car bug himself, Phil had to wait until the end of last year to branch out into dealing because he was just too young.

‘I turned 26 in November and that finally opened the door. Up till then, I just couldn’t get the trade insurance to deal in cars because of my age, but I have been making up for lost time ever since.’

Having already had considerable success dealing in a

wide range of art, antiques and collectables, Phil was able to plough some of his profits into the car side of the business rather than borrowing to fund his expansion.

Now though, as success has increased, he has been able to pay himself a decent salary.

He says he gained the work ethic, along with the focus, from his grandad.

‘He grew up during the Second World War and told me all about what it was like to live off rations, with only an orange for Christmas. When you think about it, we haven’t got it half as tough, and if you don’t waste what you have, it’s amazing what you can build.

‘I’m not saying it’s been a bed of roses, but I knew I had to do something to get out of the rut and turn my life around and the answer turned out to be right in front of me.’

‘I suppose I have learnt that it’s no good waiting around for something to turn up; if you want to change your life you have to

Phil Mires.

do it yourself. You have to be prepared to put the work in, but if you are focused, you will find that you can make a go of it.’

The lockdowns of the past two years have had a major impact on young people trying to find work, so Phil has decided to share his story to inspire other people like him who are wondering how to kickstart their careers.

‘When you consider what I have been able to do over the past few years without any help from anyone else, I can’t see why I shouldn’t go all the way. And that goes for a lot of other young people like me too. A lot of the most successful dealers started as auction house porters or by selling from stalls in local markets. It’s a bit like doing an apprenticeship and is definitely the best way to learn’.

INSTANT CASH FOR YOUR OLD TOYS!

PASTIMES Of Sherborne (near the Abbey) • Over thirty years of dealing in antique and Collectible Toys • Established business paying BEST prices for old toys in any condition

ANY TOYS CONSIDERED

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Covid Safe Home Visits • Tel: 01935 816072 / 07527 074343 Email: info@pastimes-toys.co.uk THE VISITOR July 2021 27

The

Pub Pages

BEER & SK ITTLE S P. A. BAXTER PLAYING SKITTLES makes one put on weight – true! I have first hand experience of this phenomena, for since this covid nonsense, I have lost a whole twelve pounds. Of course, the reduction in beer intake and the lack of late night suppers may have something to do with it as well, but nevertheless ... weight loss may be welcomed in most cases - I certainly no longer have

28 THE VISITOR July 2021

the body of a racing snake, but frankly I would gladly have sacrificed this by being able to continue visiting pubs in our area, putting money across the counter for their beers and having our fun nights out with the lads.

Things are back to some semblance of normal for the time being anyway, but with the government continually shifting the goal posts, who knows what will be happening in the next few months. (Next lock-down in August, anyone?!) Meanwhile we've made the most of it and had some excellent meals and beers in pubs around the area.

We paid our first visit in 49 years to the Podimore Inn, just off the large Podymore roundabout on the A303 (Yes, I know they're spelt differently – welcome to England!) All those years ago it was much like a locals pub but the times they have changed somewhat, and the pub, now owned by Butcombe is much more food orientated along with some excellent pints from said brewery.

We were served by two charming ladies – Lucy being the landlady, clearly keeping things moving, and even early in the evening the pub was beginning to buzz.

Portion sizes were generous but not so ridiculous that it would result in waste from anyone with

a small appetite, although having said that, both female members of the party were clearly fed enough to not warrant a sweet!

Prices were good too. Lucy tells me that the previous owners had sacrificed the skittle alley to enlarge the dining area so sadly it looks like it could be gone forever, but with many function rooms being able to change depending on the party then perhaps those beautiful strips of maple wood are still there under the carpet. One can always hope.

Definitely worth a visit and easy to find, this pub has been added to the Baxter itinerary.

I have confessed in previous editions of this column that I enjoy the antiques shows that appear around tea-time on the not-so-small screen. I'm always scanning the background in the shots to see if there any puborientated games in the background as well as what goes on in shot. A ring-board and Devils (table skittles) are among those that have been purchased over the years, but more recently expert Tim Medhurst visited a skittle alley as part of the backstory when travelling the country.

The pub was the ‘Ring O' Bells’ at Ashcott, where the alley looked extremely smart, and the gentleman who gave Tim instructions on how to play the 'beautiful game' came over very well indeed. Foolishly I failed to add his name to my notes, and also the chap who described ‘the Wiltshire version of the game where you have to hit the front pin first’. My apologies to them if they read this – do pop me a line! There followed some staged play, with Tim pleading a prior ignorance of the game, which surprised me as I thought, as a Dorset boy, he would know all about it. Ho-hum, perhaps it was just for the cameras.

It doesn't seem very long ago that anyone drinking beer that came from a can would be labelled a ‘lager lout’. These days even the Campaign for Real Ale send promotional material out with their correspondence for ‘craft beers’ which more often than not are delivered in tins. It would appear therefore that those days are well behind us, but can 'real ale' be kept in tins? I prefer not to be dragged into the argument. Would CAMRA even have been formed of the quality beers one can obtain in tins these days been available fifty years ago? Who knows or even cares; the fact is there are some superb ‘craft’ beers around and I've been privileged to sample some of them. True, there's some crazy

ones that really do not float my boat. For example I find the citrussy type loaded with herbs and spices are a real turn-off, but when a local brewer such as Cerne Abbas Brewery present their ‘Gurt Stout’ in tins one has to give it a go (I believe they have now reduced the ABV to just over 6% and it's now in bottles).

Believe me it's beyond gorgeous!

I was recently delighted to share a tin (pictured below) of ‘King Crow’ from Little Critters Brewery (yes, you read that right – 8.2%). So why share, you ask?

Well when a great friend gives you half, it becomes a shared experience and also one can continue to share other beers as the evening goes on and we compare flavours. Frankly, at this ABV the number of beers one can enjoy is radically reduced, so it makes sense to us!

The last couple months we've concentrated on games at pubs that are played outside. Have you ever played skittles outside? Well me neither, other than at the summer fetes so loved by us English, although not at the moment, sadly. However, there is a skittle league that has many if not all of the alleys outside, and that is in the Dover area. Whilst there is much information about the league itself on the ‘net, pictures of the pubs with their alleys are scarce and even Mark Shirley has yet to investigate it first hand and post on his excellent blog ‘Shove it, chuck it toss it’. I'll continue to surf the 'net - clearly the most easterly league in the country, and if anyone can pop me some links, I'd be most grateful.

Another game I have failed to mention which is huge in the U.S.A., is ‘Cornhole’, but as far as I know it has yet to make a big impact on the English scene.

We first stumbled across it whilst in Bryson City, North Carolina, (population about 1,500) where it was played indoors at the

The

They Say

Pages

That Wincanton’s Chloe Pugsley’s waist measurement at 36 weeks was 2" less than her father-in-law Tony Pugsley.

Pub

That Tony Pugsley is still waiting for the delivery of his bump.

That when out dining ‘Posh’, the Burgundy Boys (aka Kevan Davis of Castle Cary and Dave Hoddinott of North Cadbury) like to make a good impression with their matching attire.

BE E R & SK ITTLE S P. A. BAXTER Nantahala Brewery and bar. It's best to just take a look at the photos as I describe the basic idea of the method of play, and that is to toss what we might call ‘bean bags’ toward a board with a hole in it! (Youtube has videos of course). Searching the website cornhole.co.uk there is much information about the game, rules etc, as well as a list of pubs where it can be played, although at present there are only a handful in the West Country.

If the weather takes a nasty turn there is no reason why it should not be taken inside the pub (even into the skittle alley, dare I say it!). The equipment is readily available and for anyone handy at some basic woodbutchery the equipment could be constructed at a reasonable price.

The simplicity of the game is deceptive because like all simple games it can take some mastering, as I found out when we were at the Red Hare Brewery, Marietta, Atlanta, Georgia.

There, my Godson Richard (pictured above) - who lives in Georgia - and I, were well and

Solution to June Sudoku

That when the Lovegroves of Wincanton chill out they snuggle up on the settee. truly thrashed by a couple of locals Joe and Marty (pictured below)! The game appears to be played right across the States as the photo of the two red cornhole boards was taken on the waterfront at Savannah, Georgia, an equivalent distance away from Marietta as Bristol is to Carlisle.

That would be a long way for a game of skittles on a Friday night, but wouldn't it be great if the game as we know it was played nationwide.

What a dream ... Cheers! © P.A. Baxter 2021. skittlealley@hotmail.com

That after a personal greeting to the fauna in ‘amber’ Portugal, Mrs Raquel Bouquet along with friends and other diners were entertained by an exuberant and frollicking donkey, at a restaurant in Arao.

PUB PEOPLE

That Lynne Penny of Bradford Abbas lays claim to a tropical rain forest - in her garden, although the ‘Ell-ah-wee’ tribe has not yet been seen.

That James Billing of Wincanton is not a pigeon fancier.

That Andy and Val Hill of Templecombe like to be very early for gatherings.

Having taken over the Castlebrook Inn in March 2020, Hannah and Tony provided a shop in the restaurant area offerering food and drinks to takeaway or for delivery throughout all three lockdowns.

This year, they won the South West England Prestige Awards Traditional Pub of the Year.

Hannah and Tony are pictured receiving their certificate at the presentation ceramony on Thursday 10th June at The Escot Estate near Exeter and are now awaiting delivery of their engraved trophy!

Vinny won’t change

THE VISITOR July 2021 29

Fossil Coast Gin launches new London Dry Gin inspired by the Jurassic Coast of Devon and Dorset

CREATING AN organisation that has a positive social, economic and environmental impact on the southwest, that enhances a sense of belonging and purpose, Fossil Coast Gin, a small batch premium gin brand has launched two new recipes. A London Dry Gin called Lime Stone, and a berry flavoured gin called Red Bed that celebrates Devon and Dorset’s 95 miles of Jurassic Coast.

Each gin is named after a fossiliferous rock type found along the coastline marking the geological eras whereby the preserved remains, impressions or traces of any fossil are found.

Fossil Coast Gin is a business partner to Jurassic Coast Trust and is a member of Food and Drink Devon.

Accompanying these new gins is a choice of garnishes and Ammonite shaped Belgian Chocolates. Apart from having an online Gin Shop the Fossil Coast Gin website also provides a GinXtra section to make the consumer experience extra special by providing additional recommendations and services from the Jurassic Coastline.

Fossil Coast Gin was founded by father and son venture building duo Wayne and Jack Munday. Distilled in the South West of England the inspiration came from a childhood enjoyment and University field trips hunting for fossils along the Jurassic Coast.

‘Both Jack and I appreciate that the spirits market is a very busy sector and that the number of distilleries in the UK has significantly grown over the last eight years. However, the drinks marketplace is always evolving and calls for innovative and creative growth approaches that influence the forces that impact price, choice and the behaviour of both producers, intermediaries and consumers’ says Wayne Munday.

Jack Munday adds, ‘We believe that artisan small batch distilling can still do a lot to positively contribute towards increasing the scope of British geographic 30 THE VISITOR July 2021

indication and by focussing on finding an authentic brand origin or discovering genuine local stories in a bottle for distilled products for many familiar, overlooked or underrated geographic localities is a very interesting aspect of economic development. In short, we want to create an organisation that builds brands that have a positive social, economic and environmental impact on placeidentity and enhances a sense of belonging and purpose’.

Fossil Coast Gin is building the brand where sustainability and traceability are core values in forging stronger bonds that help all of us to collectively feel more connected with the world. For example, the base alcohol for each gin is derived from sugar beet that acts a ‘break crop’ from more intensively farmed arable rotations of cereal crops. Sugar beet contributes to reducing disease, pest and weed levels as well as improving soil health, plus the packaging we use is 100% recyclable.

Serendipitously, 2021 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Jurassic Coast designation as an UNESCO World Heritage Site; the 100th anniversary for the Lyme Regis Museum and the release of the film Ammonite starring Kate Winslet about Mary Anning an acclaimed but previously overlooked fossil hunter who still 200 years later increasingly fuels public interest in geology and palaeontology.

Fossil Coast Gin is now available to buy via www.fossilcoastgin.com and from July it will be available from selected independent retailers, farms shops, hotels and restaurants connected with the Jurassic Coast.

Fancy a drop? Get 10% off at: www.fossilcoastgin.com using discount code VISITORFCG10 until the 31st of August 2021.

Screw Top Wines blame the fashionistas!

WHEN IT COMES to wine closures, I have always been a bit of a wine snob. Somehow, I just cannot share the enthusiasm of those who buy bulk wines shrouded by plastic in cardboard boxes, resort to screw tops, or heaven forbid, wine in cans!

Traditionally it has been what are considered ‘New World’ wines, those from the USA, South America, South Africa, and the Antipodes that have resorted to packaging their wines in such a way.

For me, there is nothing like the feel of drawing the cork from the bottle, the satisfying ‘plop’ it gives, and as the aroma is released the anticipation of what is to follow on the tongue.

Besides, surely it is far better for my wine, a natural product, to be in contact with an organic cork?

Sadly, this is no longer quite the case. I am slowly but surely being won over, if for no other reason than that it means I do not run the risk of having my corkscrew confiscated, as a potentially lethal weapon, when passing through customs.

It is easy, in the name of wine snobbery, to fall into the trap of thinking that screw top wines are inferior. Times have changed.

Today, more and more winemakers are converting to this manner of sealing their bottles, and there is good reason for this.

We have only ourselves, and my generation of baby boomers, to blame. The push for an alternative method to seal bottles was largely driven by the fact that by the 1980’s demand for cork outpaced supply. In the heady days of the 1970’s and early 1980’s the fashion world went wild for cork sandals (yes, I did own a pair). As designers, willing to pay a premium price, snapped up all available resources there was precious little left for the wine industry.

Cork is a limited natural resource. There are only a few countries that grow cork trees, which need to be well into their twenties before the bark can be harvested. In addition to this, cork can only be harvested once every 9 years, with just 60% being of a quality that can be used to make wine corks; the residue is used to make other

cork products. This scarcity has seen prices rocket, putting it well beyond the reach of those trying to produce modestly priced wines in an increasingly competitive market. One solution, that had disastrous results, was to use cork that was of a lower quality.

Result, corked wines that were undrinkable and reputations ruined.

Reluctantly the industry was forced to look at alternatives, including composite corks, rubber corks, and screw tops. The most impressive development for me was the glass stopper, which I first came across on a wine visit to Germany; expensive to produce but re-usable and doing away with the need for a corkscrew.

Collector’s tip – corkscrews have always been a popular collectable, but as we move more towards these modern closures, the traditional corkscrew will become a thing of the past and old versions will gain in value, so hang onto them.

The use of cork to seal wine containers is a practice that has been in use for several thousand years. It was only when, in the 18th century, as glass bottles were introduced, that cork became the favoured method of sealing a wine bottle. Fine winemakers will stand by their assertion of the beneficial part that cork plays in ageing their wines. However, the negatives are increasingly outweighing the advantages.

Gradually the screw top has become the primary replacement for the standard cork, despite its drawbacks; screw tops are recyclable but not biodegradable, largely composed of nonrenewable resources, and lack the satisfying ‘pop’ associated with a cork.

As consumers we continue to perpetuate the myth that screw tops are associated with inferior wine. Some winemakers also cling to the popular belief that the wine will not age properly,

as screw tops do not allow the wine to ‘breathe’ in the way that traditional corks do.

An increasing number of respected winemakers are now choosing to challenge tradition.

With a continued commitment and focus on quality, along with the inconsistent nature of cork, due to its variable quality, a screw top provides a measure of predictability at a time when the challenging economic environment of the wine industry has forced a new approach.

Certainly, when it comes to New World wines the vast majority are now using screw tops as the preferred alternative to corks.

When magazines like Decanter feel confident in recommending screw top wines, as they did in their April edition, then we know it is time to take notice. Read the article at: www.decanter.com /decanter-best/screwcap-wine-10top-choices-371124.

LP-V.

Corkscrews may be a thing of the past - my French neighbour, Gilbert Ballieul (sadly now dead), using a 19th century corkscrew that belonged to his grandfather.

THE VISITOR July 2021 31

Luca's New Garden with Bridget Sudworth WE GARDNERS are very focused on the soil and what it may yield as a result of our endeavours but it seems, to quote an article in Country Life by Paula Lester (May 19th issue), that ‘As a proxy for ecosystem health, bird life isn’t a bad measure’. With that in mind, taking note of what has been flying about has produced some hopeful sights.

There are many swallows, house martins and swifts (the little black bombers) filling the skies over Luca’s garden with their joyful cries and a huge bonus has been the ghostly local barn owl fluttering over the orchard behind our garden, searching for voles. The local robin is almost tame now, often only inches away and ever present when the ground is being dug, almost falling out of the hedge to grab a mouthful or waiting patiently to pick over the roots in the compost bin, his scarred neck so obvious that it always makes identification easy.

He has taught himself to hang onto the fat ball container so gets his share of the goodies too. The woodpecker is a constant there as well and the blue tits fledged their family and after a quick introduction of their young to the bird table, were gone for the year.

We feel curiously bereft without them flying in and out of their nesting box and have been able to pull up the blind that was keeping any night light from disturbing them.

The purring night jar lives somewhere about and Luca’s last night call down the lane always seems to get a reaction with the sound following us up and down the hedgerows as Luca looks for a suitable place to deposit the

Hollyhocks.

final peemail of the day.

Cotoneaster hedges have been alive with the bees and many insects are benefitting from the longer grass and clover that is blooming.

July is often the hottest month of the year so much watering is required. Make sure every pot stands in a tray to conserve as much as possible and watering last thing at night reduces evaporation loss to give maximum effectiveness. If you haven’t already got a pond in your garden, of any size, then this is possibly the time to make one. The benefits of water are immense to wildlife as well as giving pleasure to humans should there be a tinkling waterfall or small fountain.

The herbaceous border is shaping up at this time of year; now is the time to take careful photographs with good location points while things are blooming then you won’t make the mistake I made last year by hoofing out what I thought were clumps of crocosmia to distribute elsewhere whereas in fact, they were clumps of the graceful gladiolus communis byzantium which are now scattered rather mindlessly all over the place. They look so much better as a fine clump and altogether, have great visual impact.

Luca isn’t able to take off his fur coat (ever!) so on hot days has to content himself with standing aimlessly in the little river nearby - for a dog who is not attracted to water, he has even been known to actually lie down in it like a recumbent Anubis, the Golden Wolf (or even sometimes called a jackal), the Egyptian god of death and mummification! Even the familiar comfort of his shady den doesn’t hold any attractions and walking has to be early or late in the day. Deadheading is continuous and so is tying in. Odd branches of shrubs need removing

Chard with Red Admiral.

and there are many things to harvest, eat or freeze. The net tunnels are still keeping the cabbage white at bay from the brassicas (though we’ll have to devise a taller frame ‘ere long), and sweet peas need daily picking to encourage more flowers.

This is a month to really savour all the hard work that has helped create the beautiful environment

that a garden provides and even sitting in it can provide many pleasures to the senses. Though gardeners only have to sit down for five minutes without noticing something that needs doing so keep the secateurs handy and if you suddenly leap to your feet to cut something, don’t knock over your glass of wine!

Enjoy the fruits of your labours!

Foxgloves.

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

THE VISITOR July 2021 33

Echinacea!

With Julie Haylock of Sandhurst Garden Design

I LOVE Echinacea’s! These fabulous daisy-like perennials certainly earn their place in any garden planting plan I design, and they are one of my favourite plants.

These hardy perennials, sometimes referred to as Coneflowers, come in a wide range of colours and different petal form.

They grow to about 50 cms tall on stiff upright stems, and flower from June to September/October time, making them the perfect choice for the wildlife friendly garden, as they are also loved by butterflies and bees.

Echinacea like to be in full sun or partial shade and are happy in most soil types, but do not like wet boggy conditions.

Interestingly, the yellow and

34 THE VISITOR July 2021

orange coloured varieties need better drainage than the pink and white varieties.

Deadhead flowers regularly to encourage fresh growth, but towards the end of the season leave some of the flower heads in place to create winter interest for your borders and seed for the birds.

Individual plants have a central ‘disc’ made up of 200 to 300 tiny bristles called florets, each with a pot of nectar at its base, and these combined with the wideopen flower shape, make the perfect landing spot for butterflies and bees to collect their nectar.

Echinacea look great when used in a mixed border but are perhaps most associated with prairie style planting schemes. Prairie planting is when large numbers of plants are planted in drifts and combine ornamental grasses and other perennial plants like sedums, Monarda, Rudbeckia and Aster.

If you have not already visited Hauser and Wirth at Bruton, then it is well worth a visit to see prairie style planting at its best by the Dutch Garden Designer Piet Oudolf, and mid to late summer is the perfect time to go.

A few of my favourite varieties to look out for are the pinkcoloured ‘Magnus’ with its near horizontal flower head and the delicate pale pink reflexed petals of ‘Pallida’, mostly associated with

those prairie planting schemes.

If you favour hot colours for your garden borders, why not consider the orange/pink of ‘Sundown’ or perhaps ‘Tiki Torch’.

Or maybe you favour a stylish green and white planting scheme?

If that is the case then Green Jewel, White Swan or Virgin will look perfect adding a touch of glamour to your borders.

Until next time, Julie

essential, you can just turn up and pay on the day. Admission £6, child free.

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

It’s a test of patience

The Benefits of Gardening with your Children - they’ll FINALLY eat their vegetables

Garden of the Month for July: Holland Farm South Brewham Bruton, BA10 0JZ

THE HOUSE and garden were created from a derelict farmyard 15 years ago. The garden now boasts a number of exquisite rooms, divided by hornbeam and yew hedging.

Some rooms are tranquil, with a simple water feature or trees, whilst others burst with a variety of planting. The house frames a stunning French-style courtyard where the sound of water echoes.

A hornbeam avenue leads the visitor to a swimming lake with lakeside planting.

Home-made teas served in the Garden Room, Dogs welcome, Plants for Sale. Limited wheelchair access. Open: Sunday 4 July from 2pm until 5pm. Visits to this Garden may be reserved through the NGS website: www.ngs.org.uk where tickets may be purchased. When tickets are available, select the yellow ‘Book now’ button on the Garden details page. Confirmation of purchase is by email, which is printable as proof of purchase.

But, for this garden, this is not

look after them from seed to shoot.

To help incentivise kids to get their 5 A Day, parents can also download the free Fresh Fruit & Veggie Reward Chart. It’s a wonder for sensory development.

Kids are far more inclined to eat fruit and vegetables if they can see their source.

Children often don’t entertain things they’re unfamiliar with but encouraging them to grow their own fruit and vegetables is a sure-fire way to introduce them to a lifestyle of healthy eating.

From garden to table, you will instill in your child a love of food and a curiosity to discover where other things come from too.

Learning Resources has a handy guide for growing fruit and vegetables – featuring an easyto-digest infographic showing them when to plant and how to

In today’s fast-paced, instantgratification-led world, there are some things you can’t speed up – and that’s nature. Taking your child into the garden with you will introduce them to a sense of patience, as they’ll sometimes have to wait several weeks to see the results of their work.

Not only that, but there’s a keenly felt sense of responsibility if they’re the ones who have to go out and water the plants every day. Learning Resources are experts in all things learning, and have dedicated an entire section of their blog to learning in the great outdoors. There are plenty of activities, how-to guides, and explainers for young ones – including why bees are so important.

They’ll learn as they go

There’s plenty of educational experience to be had in gardening that stretches far beyond how to dig the perfect hole.

While they’ll be gaining some valuable knowledge about the garden and how to plant things, they’ll also be learning about nature – everything from how the seasons change to how pollination works, provided you’re there to answer the many ‘why’s’ you’re likely to get.

The humble task of gardening involves most of the 5 senses.

They can see the different colours of the flowers, smell the amazing scents wafting from them and feel the texture of the petals, stems, and soil they’re planted in. You can even include taste if you want to nibble at a few planted herbs or sound from hearing the buzzing of the bees.

Find out more and inspire your children or grandchildren by visiting the blog at https:// blog.learningresources.co.uk.

A garden in a farmyard at Holland Farm.

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

QUALIFIED ARBORIST

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL

TREE PLANTING

PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660

Utilise the generous grants now available to restock neglected woodland or areas of wasteground THE VISITOR July 2021 35

Remember when ...

30 years ago from The Visitor archives Beauty contest

THE CURRENT attempts to tamper with the structure of local government in Somerset are nothing new, as is clear from the July 1991 issue of The Visitor.

After stating that ‘the Government seems determined to introduce single regional ‘unitary authorities’ to replace the current two-tier system of district and county councils’, the report quotes South Somerset District Council chief executive Mel Usher (remember him?) as saying: ‘There will be a clash between county and district councils. Let’s call a spade a spade, the county want to see us abolished and we want the county abolished. It’s like a beauty contest, seeing which of us can look the better.’

When it came to the crunch the Government decided that neither side was sufficiently beautiful to be awarded the crown.

Civil War in Somerton

An annual event that has stood the test of time and is still giving pleasure to thousands (Covidpermitting) is the Somerton Music and Arts Festival. Back in 1991 it was in its infancy – in only its fourth year – but was offering a large and varied programme spread over eight days, including the English Civil War Society setting up an army encampment in Monteclefe School’s field. The big attraction for pop music fans was the show with 1960’s rock-and-rollers Marty Wilde and the Wildcats which was staged in the ballroom of the Red Lion Hotel, and wouldbe pop attractions could be stars at the Karaoka Spectacular at the Somerton Hotel on New Street.

Both venues are, sadly, now but memories.

Cottage cost

Back in 1991 you could buy a ‘charming hamstone cottage’ in Stoke-sub-Hamdon for £67,000 (or less, if your offer was accepted).

An advert in the July Visitor described the property as being semi-detached and having ‘two double beds, bathroom, large kitchen/diner, lounge, utility room, plus 150ft garden, adjoining fields and splendid views’. All this plus ‘parking, gas central heating and carpets included’. These days the property would probably fetch five times the price, such is the effect of inflation.

36 THE VISITOR July 2021

Impoverished youth

A scathing assessment of contemporary teaching was highlighted in the July 1991 Visitor. Using his column to reflect on the previous thirty years, Laudator wrote that ‘in our school there were great changes, especially in the teaching of English and History. Classical English literature ceased to be taught and ‘contemporary relevance’ was the theme. Not surprisingly, there has been a profound intellectual, spiritual and emotional impoverishment of the past two generations of Britons.’ He added sadly that ‘many of today’s younger teachers have never read a line of Chaucer or Spenser and their acquaintance with Lamb and Bacon lies solely in the context of Tesco’s’.

Inns and outs

Scanning the pub adverts usually reveals some interesting snippets of information and the July 1991 issue was no exception. The Catash Inn at North Cadbury was taking bookings for its restaurant with ‘smoking and nosmoking areas’ while Skippers at Sherborne gave advance notice of its August Bank Holiday competition for teams of three people to find ‘Sherborne’s Spoof Kings’. The Rose and Crown at Trent was holding its 6th annual American Independence Day Party on 4th July complete with barbecued beef ‘roasted Texan style’, dixieland jazz and American beers and wines. The Bear Inn at Wincanton was celebrating the completion of the refurbishment and redecoration of its main bar, thanking customers for their forbearance while the work was carried out around them and stating that ‘we’ve welcomed all the suggestions and in most cases ignored them!’ And as an addendum to last month’s piece about pool in pubs, the Walnut Tree Inn at Mere advertised pool ‘always 10p a game’.

Roger Richards

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 19 1. Roger Daltrey 2. 1994 3. Maroon Five 4. Na, Na, Hey, Hey, Kiss Him Goodbye 5. Simon and Garfunkel 6. Glen Campbell 7. U2 8. Hot Chocolate 9. A Hard Day's Night 10. You Can Call Me Al – Paul Simon Worth-A-Guess Bonus Question: It was the fifteenth studio album Anorak Bonus Question: Leo Sayer

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Trust a Monumental Mason with many years experience and local knowledge THE VISITOR July 2021 37

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.

Clairvoyant

Situation Wanted

EMMA HOWE CLAIRVOYANT, BBC & Time Out Magazine recommended. For the reading of your life / spiritual g u i d a n c e . Te l e p h o n e o r p e r s o n a l readings available. Tel: 01458 830276 or 07881 088664

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Contact Lesley on 07884 058248

Holiday Lets WEST BAY GROUND FLOOR FLAT, yards from the beach. Tel: 01963 23456

Storage STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles.

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

Prize Crossword No. 416 Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, fP.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BP – to arrive by Monday 19th July.

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Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize is a £10 voucher to spend with any one advertiser in this issue of The Visitor.

Please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.

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2

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Wanted

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

CLASSICAL AND JAZZ LP records / Large collections of Classical/Opera CDs. Tel: 01458 834102 / 07704229979 / email: tonyartony@aol.com

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

DAVE BUYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS, salvage, bygones and collectables. Daves Tools, Est. 1989. Tel: 01935 428975

Services HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN RUBBISH CLEARED, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844 YOUR ADVERT HERE. Tel: 01963 351256

MIG WELDER for home use, must be good working order. Tel: 07833 453295 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 PETROL OR DIESEL GENERATORS. Any make/model, we collect in any area.

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Showroom open 7 days, Blackdown Garden Centre, Hockholler West Buckland TA21 9HY 38 THE VISITOR July 2021

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Across: 1. Firm company on first sighting gives silken sheaths [7] 5. Carbon whipped and met opponent noisily [7] 9. Relatives get taunts, but not first time [5] 10. Bend midge while pressing home [9] 11. CD with Prelude is kept out from the start [9] 12. Toy OK in Japan? [5] 13. Some made terrifying signs to put one off [5] 15. “Am Mobile V...”, but cannot go anywhere [9] 18. Finish irritates and puts into jeopardy [9] 19. It’s partly a guess at anything: The devil it is! [5] 21. State in aid [5] 23. Ban feet as jollification gets assembled [9] 25. Get cramp by broken tree, one of eleven [9] 26. Air Co, flying to African city [5] 27. Thin person who makes a loan with a shilling [7] 28. Carols after party lead to administration of medicines [7] Down: 1. Put up tents, about fifty, firmly fixed [7] 2. Noted cent quite happy [9] 3. Bird picking louse apart [5] 4. Give hours to use up funds and dispose of mite [5, 4]

5. Times itself twice and all cut up [5] 6. Side davit used as extras [9] 7. Jerk up one soaked in wine [5] 8. American interjection as canine is found to have departed [7] 14. Managed, and fired, left in disorder [9] 16. Mother is holy, but indiscriminately murdered. [9] 17. Flying mammal and roaring mammal surround reserves several companies! [9] 18. Venice and Son makes all clear [7] 20. Not charged atoms with ideas! [7] 22. Diver to urge along [5] 23. Tribe that takes the bait [5] 24. Looks towards loud experts [5]

Solution to Crossword 415

Winner of the June Crossword is Peter Isaacson of Horton who chose to spend the £10 voucher at George’s Greengrocer & Fruiterer of Castle Cary.

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

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