The Visitor Magazine Issue 464 July 2022

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Issue 464 July 2022

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Wine for Fish & Chips?

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In Passing...

H

aving a domestic garden in rural Visitorland brings pain as well as pleasure. Much of the pleasure comes from sitting in the garden amidst banks of colourful scented flowers, from enjoying the flavours of home-grown fruit, vegetables and herbs, from watching the birds in the trees and hedges and perhaps from leaving some uncultivated space for other wildlife to live. Pottering in the garden and finally flopping into a deckchair with a book and a glass of wine and nodding off in the warmth of the sun is a pastime I heartily recommend. The pain starts with sitting there and trying to avoid looking at all the gardening jobs waiting to be done.

My garden is quite small with flowering shrubs, roses, lavenders and perennials to provide the colour and with a few bedding annuals to brighten up the tubs. But there is always something that needs doing to keep the garden tidy. Given half a chance the ivy, brambles, bindweed and nettles will invade the hedges and borders. The dandelions, daisies, buttercups, clover and moss will take over the lawn. Aphids, caterpillars, slugs, snails and mice will make many a meal of tender plants. The shrubs and bushes will spread their branches to claim more space. I’m not a keen gardener but I have no choice but to get my hands dirty from time to time with digging, hoeing, weeding, dead-heading, pruning and mulching. Thank goodness I haven’t got acres of farmland to care for.

But the pleasures often outweigh this pain. Even reluctant gardeners like me know that now is the time to harvest the soft fruit and start making wine. The hot sunshine of June after the wet Spring has resulted in a bumper crop of redcurrants, loganberries and gooseberries, so I will have no shortage of fruit wines for Christmas and next year. Knowing exactly what has gone into the wine and where it has come from adds reassurance and pleasure to the production process, and the sense of achievement when the first

bottle is brought out for consumption more than compensates for the efforts involved.

Wine-making is interesting, inexpensive and fun with something to enjoy at the end of it.

And few pleasures are greater than strolling round a beautiful garden where someone else has done all the hard work!

Gardening has flourished in Visitorland since Elizabethan times, and tucked away in the peaceful countryside are countless gardens to visit. Some, like the formal gardens at Montacute House, the landscaped estates at Stourhead and Sherborne Castle and the gardens of the medieval Forde Abbey, are widely known, but something of the essence of the classic English garden can be found at smaller locations. I particularly like the gardens at East Lambrook Manor, Tintinhull House and Lytes Cary, but you probably have your own favourites.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines August Issue Deadline: 18th July August Issue Published: 28th July

PO Box 5522, Castle Cary Somerset BA9 0BP 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 Julie Horn Managing Director Helen Dunion © The Visitor Ltd. 2022

(Items marked ©GT are the copyright of Geoff Thompson)

CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED ‑ 34 ANTIQUES ‑ 15 BOOK REVIEW ‑ 13 CROSSWORD ‑ 34 GARDENING ‑ 28 HOUSE & HOME Summer Homes ‑ 24 LEISURE ‑ 13 LETTERS ‑ 4 LOOKING GOOD ‑ 22 MARTOCK Business Focus ‑ 20 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES ‑ 7 MOTORING ‑ 31 PHONE‑A‑FIRM ‑ 33 PUBS ‑ 26 REMEMBER WHEN ‑ 32

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.

SOMERTON Business Focus ‑ 16 SPIRIT OF GLASTONBURY® ‑ 18 SUDOKU ‑ 13 THEY SAY ‑ 27 VILLAGE LIFE ... In Somerset ‑ 14 WINE & DINE ‑ 12

Cartoons by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR July 2022 3

Dementia Action Week strikes a chord in Somerset

Sir, This year’s Dementia Action Week’s theme of diagnosis will have struck a chord with many people. Hopefully more people will now recognise the symptoms of dementia and the importance of seeking a timely diagnosis.

I want to thank everyone in Somerset who got involved, whether it was by publicly sharing their own personal experience of a dementia diagnosis, engaging with events, social media activity or just talking with family and friends.

On the first day of Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society recorded a 70 percent increase in calls to its Dementia Connect support line (0333 150 3456), compared to the same timeframe the previous week.

We know diagnosis rates are at a five-year low due to the pandemic, and tens of thousands of people are living with undiagnosed dementia. In Somerset there are 10,300 people

estimated to be living with dementia. Some people are putting off a diagnosis because they think memory loss is a normal part of ageing, they don’t recognise the signs, or are just too afraid.

A new survey by Alzheimer’s Society, found in the South West, 23 percent of people are more likely to visit their GP if they found a lump than if they experienced dementia symptoms.

I would encourage anyone who has concerns for themselves or that of a loved one, to visit Alzheimer’s Society’s website, alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss, where they have a new symptoms checklist that can be printed off, filled in and taken with you to help discussions with a GP. A diagnosis can be daunting but it’s better to know, and crucial to help people manage symptoms and avoid ending up in crisis. A diagnosis can allow more time to plan for the future and unlock the door to treatment, care and support.

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For more information visit alzheimers.org.uk.

Sir Tony Robinson Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador

Jubilee Celebratory Party at The Shambles

Sir, Some weeks ago some close friends of my wife and I decided to hold a Jubilee Celebration Party at The Shambles in Castle Cary Town Centre.

We all invited numerous friends to the event requesting that they should bring some 'finger food' and drinks along with them. We, in turn, provided the facilities, a film show featuring the Queen's Coronation, suitable music and a small 'live' performance by yours truly. To say that the event proved to be a tremendous success would be an understatement.

Have your say:

I know that my colleagues – Gabby & Vi Hayes, Christine Davidson, Jenny Martin and my wife, Emma, would wish to join me in expressing our enormous gratitude to all those wonderful friends and neighbours who contributed so generously and in so many ways in order to ensure a happy time was had by all. It would be grossly unfair to name individuals because every participant went to the most exceptional levels of effort, kindness and generosity – leaving it almost impossible to express our appreciation sufficiently.

Needless to say many old and new friendships were made and forged and a collective spirit of joyous celebration united us all.

So, may I, again, on behalf of my colleagues and friends say a very big 'Thank You!' to everybody who made the day so very, very special.

A R Middleton Snead Castle Cary

August Issue deadline: 18th July

THE VISITOR July 2022 5

offers a delicious home-cooked meal and the chance to meet other older people for a friendly chat. Meals are £5 each for 2 courses, and there are no membership fees.

Transport is available for Sherborne residents by contacting John Miller on 01935 873784. If you are interested in finding out more or would like to enquire about volunteering, please phone Rabiah on 07502130241 or Marjorie on 01935 593539.

Mentioned in

Dispatches RVS Lunch Club Sherborne – special Jubilee Lunch

THE RVS Lunch Club in Sherborne treated its members to an extra special Jubilee Lunch on Tuesday 7th June. Members arrived to find the Digby Hall transformed with bunting and beautifully decorated tables, with a shiny crown, ‘royal’ shortbread biscuits and chocolates at each place setting.

All enjoyed a delicious two course lunch of Coronation Chicken and Eton Mess, both significantly Royal and English dishes, and the customary warm and friendly atmosphere provided by local coordinator Rabiah Jackson and her team of volunteers.

Sherborne Mayor Cllr Juliet Pentolfe made the event extra special by attending and providing a large celebration cake to share, showing a picture of HM The Queen.

Maria Jacobson, RVS Service Manager for Dorset Home

Sherborne Jubilee Lunch Club.

Library Service, also attended and thanked Rabiah and her team for the wonderful service they provide to the community, and their exemplary kindness and support to all their members, particularly during the many months of lockdown.

Rabiah Jackson has been honoured by Royal Voluntary Service by being chosen as a Platinum Champion, out of over 3,000 nominations nationwide.

She will receive a specially designed, official Platinum Champions’ pin and a signed certificate from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, who is Royal Voluntary Service’s president. Ms Jacobson congratulated Rabiah by

presenting her with a bouquet of flowers, and chocolates for her team of volunteers.

The RVS Lunch Club takes place every second Tuesday at the Digby Hall from 11 to 1.30 and is open to those over 65. It

Bruton Choral Society raise £865 for Ukraine Appeal

After two and a half years, Bruton Choral Society is back!

The choir gave a concert for Peace and Hope at St Mary’s Church, Bruton on Saturday 21st May. A total of £865 was raised for DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Bruton Choral Society. Photo: Andrew Washington Photography.

THE VISITOR July 2022

7

Mentioned in

Dispatches Multi-award-winning Dorset Arts Festival returns for summer 2022 The popular Dorset Arts Festival makes a welcome return to Sculpture by the Lakes this month, bringing more than 60 inspirational artists and makers together to showcase their skills live.

The five-day Dorset Arts Festival, now in its third year, takes place from June 29 to July 3. Visitors will be able to experience some of the finest creative talents in the county working live from mini-studios set up across the grounds of this beautiful 26-acre sculpture park and gardens at Pallington, near Dorchester.

From fine artists covering canvasses in colour, to potters at the wheel, to the delicate silversmithing of jewellery makers; these inspirational individuals will bring their creations to life before your eyes.

And while you could never

8 THE VISITOR July 2022

expect to see 60 galleries in one day, at the Dorset Arts Festival you can, with a wide range of works, from sculpture to textiles to ironmongery, exhibited and available to buy.

Simon Gudgeon, acclaimed sculptor and founder of Sculpture by the Lakes and the Dorset Arts Festival, said: “Being able to see and purchase the work of such a varied array of artists and craftsmen in one place is unusual in itself, but we wanted to go even further and bring their processes to life, allowing visitors to understand the skill, craft, and creativity that goes into each unique piece.

“Seeing wood turned, metal shaped, or clay worked is quite magical, and that has always been the unique appeal of the festival.”

The exhibitors will be at work amid the gardens and sculptures, which include 30+ pieces by Simon Gudgeon along with the work of more than 30 sculptors represented by Gallery by the Lakes. And as well as feasting their eyes, festival-goers will be able to stop into Café by the Lakes for the freshly prepared lunch dishes and cakes from the seasonal menu. Picnic food from local producers and the sculpture park’s own kitchen gardens will

be available in The Artisans’ Pantry. While the new Fire and Food kitchen will also be offering delights cooked over open flames, which can be enjoyed at the fabulous riverside arena.

The Dorset Arts Festival runs from June 29 to July 3, from 10.00am - 5.00pm. With numbers capped each day tickets must be booked in advance.

Entry is £14.50. Regretfully children under 14 and dogs are not admitted.

Local creative talents at Dorset Arts Festival 2021.

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

Mentioned in

Dispatches Contemporary Meets Medieval 30 July - 28th Aug

From Saturday 30th July to Sunday 28th August, Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) provides a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s finest contemporary art set within the magnificent medieval surrounds of Wells Cathedral.

123 selected works of art will be on display in a dedicated gallery in the Cathedral cloisters.

These have been shortlisted from the 3,280 entries, from 49 different countries, that were entered into the WAC international open art competition.

In addition, there are 29 sitespecific installations studded throughout the Cathedral and its grounds. These were selected by the panel for their responses to the architectural, spatial and spiritual aspects of this unique venue.

Find out more at: www. wellsartcontemporary.co.uk.

Mendip Markets buzzing during ‘Love Your Local Market’ campaign

Mendip Markets, run by Mendip District Council, took part in the national Love Your Local Market (LYLM) campaign which celebrates our traditional markets and their dedicated traders.

Markets in Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Street, and Wells proudly displayed a LYLM banner. Photos of the moment can be seen on social media and captures the communities at the heart of these

thriving spaces.

LYLM is organised by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA).

This year's campaign ran from 13 May – 5 June 2022. The usual fortnight was extended for an additional week to allow the festivities to continue through the Jubilee weekend.

The variety of traders featured, and the quality of products on offer, is not only a reminder that these markets are a great place to go shopping, but also highlights their importance to the local economy and their

contribution to daily life in our towns and city.

Cllr Simon Carswell, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the return of this popular campaign. It’s always a great start to the summer and allows us to acknowledge how important these markets are for our communities.

“Over the course of a year, the markets provide a platform for hundreds of traders, often small, independent businesses, with hard working teams and families behind them.”

Each Mendip Market celebrating LYLM 2022.

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Mentioned in

Dispatches ‘Postcards from KENYA’ Summer exhibition 2022

by Moish Sokal open until 23rd July

Moish Sokal has brought the colour of Africa to beautiful East Lambrook Manor Gardens in his latest exhibition Postcards from KENYA which opened in June and runs until 23rd July.

Armed with a fistful of photographic prints, brushes, paints and paper, Moish landed in his hometown, Sydney, after the long absence imposed by the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.

“I was so moved to stand on Bondi Beach again, I was almost

crying!” said Moish.

In this surreal present he made his way to Northern NSW and settled in happily to a familiar routine of morning swims and painting.

“As the sunny days rolled by, my cashe of watercolours inspired by a recent trip to Kenya was growing steadily - I felt I was back on track!”

Mother and baby elephant 12x16.

But then came the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’. The rains had arrived and they grew stronger, louder.

Day and night, non-stop heavy rain. “Daylight was so poor I had to retreat into my bedroom since

Moish painting in his room.

Masai Warrior 12x16.

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it had the brightest light over my bed and paint there from the photos I had taken on a recent trip to Kenya, which all of a sudden looked more like colourful exotic postcards”, Moish adds.

It rained for 6 days solid and led to the unprecedented floods which were even threatening to flood his flat. Moish hurriedly put all the paintings on the highest shelves and left to spend a worried night at an evacuation centre.

Alongside the exotic paintings from his travels, Moish has found

inspiration in the English countryside, staying put for a while made him appreciate the changing seasons and find the magic again.

Finally, Moish could escape the floods in Australia to return to spring in Somerset, to look forward to being in the familiar surroundings of East Lambrook Manor Gardens where he is sharing these vivid memories of Africa and the floods with us all in his exhibition Postcards from KENYA.

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Wine to go with fish & chips

UNTIL RECENTLY, as a hospitality and catering lecturer and assessor, I was commuting backwards and forwards to Bath.

Not much fun at all. Although just 52 miles from home the journey is tortuous so, most of the time, I stayed over (Z Hotel, within a stone’s throw of the Theatre Royal and a bargain at £45 per night, with free cheese and wine every evening thrown in). I was usually racing against time, heading back to the other end of the county to attend council meetings, with no time to spare for a proper meal. Having succumbed to significant weight gain, I try, and fail miserably, to stay away from carbs, but on occasion I do succumb to a garage pasty in desperation.

Why is it that apart from the dreaded fast-food chains, almost everywhere only serves food between 12-2 or 7-9pm? I frequently finding myself sitting in the car with a bag of scampi; instant finger food, easy to eat without the aid of knife and fork.

I yearn for the days when it was battered rather than the breadcrumbed version served now.

This got me thinking that now that fine weather has arrived to cheer us all up, and the ‘season’ is underway, popular seaside holiday destinations have dusted off the cobwebs, stocked up on sticks of rock and buckets and spades, gearing themselves up for a roaring trade this summer.

Given recent scenes at airports, as flights are cancelled with what seems to be gay abandon, it is natural that many of us will want to stay close to home. A bit of bracing sea air can only be good for us.

Here in the South-West, we are blessed with a wide variety of delightful rural and coastal places to visit with stunning scenery, and the prospect of a ‘fish and chip supper’ at the end of the day; greedy, aggressive seagulls permitting!

Interestingly, the meal that most people associate with us Brits did not originate here.

According to the well-respected food writer Claudia Roden, the idea of fried fish was brought here

by Portuguese Marrano Jewish refugees as long ago as the 16th century. Apparently, Joseph Malin, a Jewish immigrant, was the first to sell fried fish and potatoes together in his shop in 12 THE VISITOR July 2022

London’s East End around 1860.

Modern lifestyles being what they are, long gone are the days I remember from my childhood when Friday was always ‘fish and chip’ night. They were always wrapped in newspaper, until the health and safety brigade poked their noses in. Given our new level of environmental awareness perhaps it is something that should be re-introduced.

I have never been a fan of mushy peas, but I do confess to a liking for white buttered bread, with which to make a chip butty!

The natural choice of beverage to wash it all down with is a good strong cup of builders’ tea.

Nowadays though, in addition to the local corner chippy, fish and chips, or versions of it, can be found in virtually every pub and ‘posh’ restaurant, preferably served with lovely thick, proper hand cut, triple cooked chips (check out The Scallop Shell in Bath). It is then that I want something else to tickle my taste buds; a nice glass of wine to accompany my meal.

Whilst there are no hard and fast rules, wines work best with fried foods if they are crisp, with good acidity, and refreshing on

the palate. White wine is most likely to fit the bill here, although a quality rosé will not disappoint; just avoid those cheap and cheerful ones that tend to be overly sweet.

Sparkling wine is always a good match, as it cuts nicely through the oiliness and, however humble the meal, Champagne can elevate it to the height of sophistication. If funds allow in the current economic climate, I feel strongly that we should be supporting our local industries and, although quite pricey, there are some excellent British sparklers now being made close to home.

On a budget? Well, we live in the South-West so why not a dry perry or cider to wash it all down with? If your preference is not for bubbles, then a crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc will do the job nicely; the citrus notes and its acidity provide the perfect foil that will stand up to tartare sauce too.

I am not really a fan of Chardonnay, but a simple unoaked one, or a Chenin Blanc, will go well with the mushy peas.

I am however a huge fan of sherry, and in Spain, where deep-

fried fish may well be one of the tapas on offer, a salty, tangy, fino or manzanilla is a match made in heaven. The very special Manzanilla Sanlucar de Barrameda is well worth seeking out. The special humid maritime climate of this historic Andalucian coastal town yields a distinctive refreshing, sea-scented Manzanilla Sherry.

The use of beer in the batter for frying cod and other white fish is quite ‘on trend’, especially in those areas blessed with an independent brewery, so why not have a glass of the beer that has been used in the batter?

Last but not least, especially for the kids, a bottle of classic fizzy pop such as lemonade, or a good old-fashioned cream soda (or Irn Bru if you live north of the border), can be one of the best accompaniments to a traditional fish supper.

And finally, to dispel a myth, whilst fish and chips may not be considered ‘healthy’ food there are several studies that show that they are in fact much lower in fat and calories than those other favourite late-night take aways… burgers and pizzas.

L.P-V.

THIS MONTH’S entry of books suggests that the Covid publishing glut is over. Just two books, a very slim one and a late one which I have only part read.

The Guide to Somerset Pub Walks by Laurie Page fits easily

into a trouser pocket and covers 20 walks, totalling 76 1/2 miles.

Personally I am not a walker, and have never mastered the art of drinking and walking.

But for the cost of two pints of beer it is a must for walkers exploring Somerset.

The second book The Great Plant-based Con by Jayne Buxton, is a timely alternative view to the save-the-planet-bygoing-vegetarian. My reading focused on the issue of not eating meat and drinking milk because of bovine flatulence, and its contribution to global warming.

Global warming will only slow when we stop the indiscriminate use of fossil fuels, in power stations, cars, trucks, worst of all in my view the government subsidised kerosene used by aircraft.

Have we forgotten that before steam power, all our energy came from grass, grazed and fed as hay to horses and draught animals.

Gengis Khan conquered the whole of Central Asia on horseback. And the expression grass widow rarely arose as a result of mower husband being fatally injured by his scythe.

The statistics for domestic livestock are interesting. I have only looked at the UK and the USA. Here we have an animal head count: cattle, sheep and pigs, of 9.4, 22 and 4.8 million head respectively. This compares with in the same order 92, 5 and 72 million in the USA. This means that in either country each citizen account for just over half an animal. The difference is that in the UK a far

higher proportion are grass fed (more than 60%), which is good.

We cannot digest grass, which is why cattle and sheep do so much to sustain us. Methane is a byproduct of food consumption in all animals including human beings.

I am always wary of lighting a match in a room where vegetarians have dined.

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

By John Osborne Dating tips for summer with Alison at Just Somerset Introductions Group

HELLO EVERYONE hope you’re having a good summer, we’ve had some very warm weather so time to get out and about if you’re single and are looking for a new relationship.

It’s a lovely way to meet new people and make new friends. We are a good alternative to online dating if you’re fed up with that!

A much safer way to meet someone new. We cover all ages and younger members are welcome.

We personally meet interview and ID check everyone who joins us as a member. We have a monthly newsletter which is sent

to everyone with details of new and current members plus details of the events. You can meet members across the group.

We cover all age groups and offer one to one introductions and offer regular socials across the group.

We do all types of social events from a simple coffee meet, to picnics, nature reserves & walks, theatre trips, NT visits, gardens and houses, bowling, crazy golf, to name a few and always open for ideas – we try to find things to do of a reasonable cost, especially at the moment!

Some kind members offer to have a get together at their home with a bring and share lunch or tea. Head over to our website for more info and get in touch! www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

EMMA HOWE MYSTIC

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 Answers can be found on page 27 Can you name all the artists who turned out these albums?

We've given you the year as a clue. Good luck!

1) 'Out of The Blue' (1977) 2) 'Listen Without Prejudice' (1990) 3) 'Viva La Vida' (2008) 4) 'Revolver' (1966) 5) 'Blue and Lonesome' (2016) 6) 'Sheer Heart Attack' (1974) 7) 'I've Been Expecting You' (1998) 8) 'Come Away With Me' (2002) 9) 'All Things Must Pass' (1970) 10) 'Stadium Arcadium' (2006) 11) 'Brothers In Arms' (1985) 12) 'The Doughnut In Granny's Greenhouse' (1968) 13) 'Tapestry' (1971) 14) 'Ray of Light' (1998) 15) 'Diamantina Cocktail' (1977) 16) 'Friday's Child' (2003) 17) 'Rat in The Kitchen' (1986) 18) 'Pet Sounds' (1966) 19) 'City to City' (1978) 20) 'Happiness Not Included' (2022) Great Quotes in Music (138) “Music is the universal language of mankind.” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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 27 THE VISITOR July 2022 13

Village life in...

Somerset Wellness in Style

WHAT DO YOU get when you combine a fitness celebrity and property mogul power couple moving from London to the south Somerset countryside?

While Matt Miller and James Jeffery lovingly restore their historic Georgian manor back to its original glory, it is open for weekly wellness classes, creative workshops and events. Well worth a look.

Find out more at www. newcrossfarmhouse.com or check them out on social media: @newcrossfarmhouse.

Shepton Stores, Kitchen & Deli

New Cross Farmhouse.

A fantastic little shop with lots of lovely goodies packed in! The friendly owners welcome you with a temping array of delicious homemade cakes, bakes and savouries that you can take away

Shepton Stores, Kitchen & Deli in Shepton Beauchamp where owners Lynn & Amanda look forward to welcoming you!

or eat in with a cuppa. They stock everything from local handcrafted gifts, cards, newspapers, fresh veggies to all your essential groceries and toiletries. Grab something delicious from the deli

or they also do a light lunch made fresh from their kitchen.

Open: Monday 8.30 - 1, Tuesday 8.30 - 5, Wednesday 8.30 - 5 (post office 1.30 - 3.30), Thursday 8.30 - 5, Friday 8.30 5, Saturday 8.30 - 1, Sunday 9 12.

The Buttercross Tearooms is celebrating its 10th Anniversary

Having taken over the tearooms in 2012 (when the Queen was celebrating her Diamond Jubilee!) owner Helen McDonald has submerged herself into the Somerton community, offering help to various projects and fundraising activities. After many trials and turbulent periods, the tearooms are now busier than ever - 10 years on!

Over the years the tearooms have become the community hub; a place where people gather for company and a chat, especially for those who live on their own.

The staff make a point of knowing customers’ names, what they like to order and even where they like to sit. One customer described being in the tearooms like being in Helen’s front room as they felt so welcomed and comfortable.

The tearooms aren’t known locally as The Buttercross Tearooms but known simply as Helen’s Place!

Helen’s sense of community is also strong where she lives – at Barrington (near Ilminster).

Having lived in Barrington since

Helen McDonald with Chris Wills, the Tower Captain at Barrington.

14 THE VISITOR July 2022

Village life in...

Somerset in Glastonbury several years ago.

The soldier seems to be wearing the uniform of the Royal Artillery and would appear to have some connection with Slough. Unfortunately it is difficult to determine his campaign medals as the photograph is in black and white.

Do you know this man?

This photograph was recently discovered at the back of an antique desk bought at an auction

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2 of the 6 bells at Barrington in need of repair.

2005 and working as catering manager at Barrington Court until 2012, Helen supported numerous village activities with various culinary donations.

Now, as the owner of a busy tearooms, Helen wants to support them further. In 2018 she joined the newly formed Bell Ringing Band of Barrington where about 7 ringers meet weekly to ring the bells at either St. Michael’s Church in Shepton Beauchamp or St. Mary’s Church in Barrington. It’s here at Barrington that the bells are in serious need of repair to make them safe to ring for generations of bell ringers to come.

As a thank you to the supporters of her tearooms from both Somerton and Barrington, Helen will be donating to the Bell Restoration Fund of Barrington as part of her 10th anniversary celebrations.

Barrington Bellringers are hoping to raise around £15,000 to put the six bells in good order and to provide some soundproofing in the bell chamber.

Various activities have been

planned including an Elvis night in Barrington Village Hall that took place on 24th June and an Open Bell Tower morning in the autumn where people will be able to see how the bells work and even have a go.

Tower captain, Chris Wills said: “We want to do what we can to help keep the bells ringing so they are available for services and celebrations like weddings and the Queen’s Platinum Anniversary. We’re very grateful to Helen for choosing our project to support in her 10th year and even more pleased that she is also learning to ring!” Chris Wills (07594 553834) is the man to contact if anyone wants more information on the work that is needed and if anyone wants to donate skills or materials.

Sue (07890 148533) and Matthew Applegate are the people to contact for monetary donations. The donations are to be sent to the Parish Council of Barrington and will be ring fenced for the bell project.

Buttercross Tearooms are open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 – 5pm.

THE VISITOR July 2022 15

Somerton - Business Focus Tony’s Fish & Chip Shop

THERE ARE some changes happening at Tony's Fish and Chip Shop, and lots of excitement with it. They would like to announce that Chris Boyd is

going to be the new manager at the establishment, running things alongside current manager, Desmond Matravers.

Chris is Tony and Nicola’s sonin-law, and following the sad

passing of Tony in 2018, Nicola is delighted that family are going to be at the forefront of the business once again.

Nicola says: “Following much thought and deliberation over the future of the business, I am very excited that we as a family have come to the decision of making Chris the new shop manager. He has loads of experience and already knows the existing team, and I’m sure he will get to know the customers soon as well! Tony would be proud of how the business has

Des Matravers and Chris Boyd, managers at Tony’s Fish and Chip Shop of Somerton.

16 THE VISITOR July 2022

progressed since he left us and happy to see his son-in-law take the reins.”

West Country VW Camper Hire

West Country VW Camper Hire is probably the best kept secret in Somerton. Having moved to Somerton over 7 years ago, they set up a wedding vehicle service with classic VW campervans and were often asked by wedding couples if they were for hire. This led them to the fabulous service now provided, priding themselves in offering new, fully equipped, thoroughly cleaned and wellpresented campervans for hire.

Being located just off the A303 it is an ideal collection point for a trip down to the West Country or for an adventure to the North of the UK. A husband-and-wife team, they can be flexible with their service and customers often compliment them on their attention to detail. They love it when they have returning families who hire again for their fun filled adventurous holiday.

If you haven’t heard about their campervan hire service, check out the website and join them on Instagram and Facebook (Meta).

See their advert for more details.

Lee Holmes Garden Machinery - Choose your local supplier!

Lee Holmes Independent Garden Machinery are local garden machinery experts based in Somerton. Family run and fully qualified in their field, they stock a huge range of machinery, offer expert advice and can service and repair most leading industry brands. They have been serving customers for years, offering

competitively priced products and services.

Lee Holmes Independent Garden Machinery is a factory approved sales centre for leading brands such as ATCO, Hayter and Husqvarna and their competitive prices may surprise you! Find their showroom on Bancombe Road Trading Estate - they've got loads of machines in stock!

Andrew Knight D.O. Osteopathy

Andrew Knight DO MSCCO Osteopath has been serving the local community for 35 years. He runs a general practice and offers

advice and treatment for a wide range of mainly Musculo-skeletal issues.

The Practice is run to enable low wait times and good availability for immediate needs to be met.

His extensive experience and post graduate training, including Cranial Osteopathy and Applied Kinesiology (enabling the treating for diet and nutritional advice), makes for a broad range of treatment styles and knowledge to be applied to each case.

The practice is located in Keinton Mandeville with adequate parking and privacy for consultation.

Karen the proprietor at Brunel Pet Centre.

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

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

West Country VW Camper Hire -Fred II.

Andrew Knight D.O.

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

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

SALES, SERVICE AND REPAIR OF:

THE VISITOR July 2022 17

World Drink Awards announce Spirit of Glastonbury® Somerset gin ‘Best English Classic Gin’ 2022 An expert panel of international judges h a v e e v a l u a t e d t h e world’s best gins and have announced Somerset distilled Spirit of Glastonbury® to be the best classic gin in England.

Somerset Craft Distillery that produces the gin have only been going for a short while and are delighted with the award.

Managing Director, Barry Davies told us: “We were overwhelmed when we received the news – it was totally unexpected.”

Hand crafted in small batches at Barton Saint David, near Somerton, this unique dry gin is the very essence of Somerset.

Distilled using water drawn from 18 THE VISITOR July 2022

deep beneath the mystical Glastonbury Tor which towers 158m (518 feet) above the town, and containing nine botanicals including apples from Somerset’s traditional orchards, each bottle is wax sealed and handwritten with its own batch number.

Mandy Davies takes up the story: “We had the idea to make our own gin in the autumn of 2018. We obtained our licence and then began experimenting with a small 2.5 litre still. We really did start from scratch, reading books, visiting distilleries, attending seminars and finding as much as we could about the process.”

Mandy Davies bottling up a recent batch.

“We had lots of help from neighbours and friends in evaluating the results of our efforts and slowly, over a period of time Spirit of Glastonbury® was born. We now have a much bigger still we have named Guinevere, but continue to use our original small one for experimenting with new flavours.”

One of the unusual aspects of Spirit of Glastonbury® is that many people are enjoying it neat as well as with a mixer. It is popular in many local hostelries and has been sent all over the UK via the company’s website www.spiritofglastonbury.co.uk

Barry added: “We have recently teamed up with Sherborne’s local community radio station ‘Abbey 104’ and will be running a competition on the It’s the Weekend! Show on Friday 22nd and Sunday 24th July starting at 4.00pm. You could win a bottle

of Spirit of Glastonbury® – so tune into Abbey 104 on your Radio (104.7 FM), Smart Speaker or the Internet!”

Navy Strength

A Navy version has evolved which is Spirit of Glastonbury® – but stronger. “It’s basically the same recipe”, says Barry, “but at the higher ABV of 57% - Traditional Navy Strength!”

Recommended Serving

50ml Spirit of Glastonbury® poured over cubed ice, add 100ml Fever-Tree tonic, a slice of lime and a sprig of fresh mint – amazing.

Local Stockists

•Hecks Farmhouse Cider, 9 - 11 Middle Leigh, Street BA16 0LB •Glastonbury Spring Water Company, Park Corner Farm, Edgarley, Glastonbury BA6 8JY •Wookey Hole Caves (Gift Shop), Wookey Hole, Wells BA5 1BB •Premier-Stores, 10 Magdalene Street, Glastonbury BA6 9EH •Keinton Stores, High Street, Keinton Mandeville, TA11 6ED •Pen Mill Stores, 42 Lyde Road Yeovil BA21 5DN •Somerset Craft Distillery, 01458 851500 – by appointment Somerset Craft Distillery Ltd info@somersetcraftdistillery.uk

(L-R) Clive, Mandy & Barry Davies with their copper still named Guinevere.

THE VISITOR July 2022 19

MARTOCK - business focus Yandles Handmade Market on Saturday 16th July

SATURDAY 16th July brings the Summer Handmade Market to Yandles & Son Ltd, situated in the picturesque Somerset village of Martock, located less than 1 mile from the A303 London to Exeter road, on the edge of the beautiful Somerset Levels. A free, fun, family friendly day out supporting some of the best of the South West’s art and crafts people. Along with lots of lovely stalls you will find demonstrations from leading woodworkers and crafters. The Arts and Crafts shop will also have fantastic offers instore with a wide selection of art supplies, yarn, and fabrics too! The wood shop will also have amazing offers available!

The Handmade Craft Market, initially started in July 2015 offering 30 pitches to makers, artists, wood turners and designers selling all manner of quality handmade goods. The success of the first craft market has led to Yandles holding it

20 THE VISITOR July 2022

three times a year due to so much interest and demand from local crafts people, food makers and plant growers offering outdoor pitches to sell their products and now they have around 70 stalls, all selling quality handmade pieces from gifts and homeware, clothing, toys, sculptures, stained and fused glass, jewellery and much more.

They also have their own Yandles café on site serving hot and cold food and drink for the day. There is a super atmosphere to be felt from either selling your goods or attending the market to see all the wonderful items available to buy.

The event is completely free to the public, including free onsite car parking and is the perfect family day out for those who love unique and hand-crafted items.

The Old Dairy Cafe Farm Shop, Bower Hinton

Set on a rustic working farm in the heart of south Somerset countryside, a stones throw away

from the A303 is The Old Dairy Cafe Farm Shop in Bower Hinton. Turning fantastic locally sourced produce into delicious street food and brunches, cakes,

cordials, chutneys and ice creams that are all homemade!

They use coffee, eggs, organic milk, micro herbs from local suppliers and their own farmgrown flowers, mint, herbs and vegetables. They have an ethical approach with their meat so only use free range. Milk production

is also ethical. They also have gluten free and vegan menu options. With lots of outdoor seating, they are dog and wheelchair friendly. Free wifi and plenty of free parking! Find out more at www.theolddairycafe.uk.

(L&R) Fantastic street food and brunches freshly made from local produce at The Old Dairy Cafe Farm Shop, Bower Hinton.

Martock Gallery

After 30 years in the same families, Martock Gallery is now under new ownership, with ongoing support from the previous proprietors.

Mandy and Jim will continue to provide a complete framing service, varying from framing original art and prints, to medals, ballet shoes and sports shirts.

They have also taken the opportunity to introduce crafts and gifts to the Gallery.

In addition to the wide range of fine art and prints from nationally acclaimed and local artists, they now stock a range of glass, ceramics, candles, wood and other gifts and cards, lovingly hand-crafted from artisans based in the South-West of England.

Beautiful scents and unique gifts greet you in this friendly, relaxing Gallery, which really does put the “Art” in Martock!

There is lots to discover inside the recently re-vamped Martock Gallery - lots of gift ideas from national and local artists including glass, ceramics, candles, prints and wood. They still offer a complete framing service - putting the ‘Art’ in Martock!

THE VISITOR July 2022 21

Family Health with

Jenna Evans LAST MONTH we had a little tour of our eyes, so now we'll take a peek at a few of the most helpful supplements to support our precious peepers.

Carotenoids – Colourful pigments found in fruit and veg with noted antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. There are hundreds of different carotenoids but only two are found in the retina – lutein and zeaxanthin. They concentrate in the macula, an area rich in photoreceptive cells and responsible for out central vision.

These nutrients, especially lutein, can be found in pretty much every eye formula and may be helpful for macular degeneration, cataracts and even glaucoma.

These anti-oxidants help protect our eyes from damage including from the blue light from digital devices. Green leafy vegetables, bilberries/blueberries, pumpkins, squash and sweet potatoes are useful food sources of these eye loving carotenoids. Goji berries also contain lutein and zeaxanthin and have positioned themselves as a veritable superfood over the years. A small study earlier this year highlighted the protective effects of goji berry consumption against macular degeneration and sight loss.

Men’s mental health

In England, around 1 in 4 men will have a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) during their lifetime. Statistics show that three times as many men as women die by suicide and that men aged 45-49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50. Men are less likely to access mental health services than women: only 36% of referrals to the NHS are for men.

Some men find it difficult to seek help for any kind of emotional distress, and those who don’t feel able to talk openly about their emotions might be less able to recognise the signs 22 THE VISITOR July 2022

Herbal helpers – Eyebright & Ginkgo are two powerful herbs for eye health. Ginkgo helps improve blood flow to the periphery e.g. our heads and therefore eyes. For this reason it may help promote removal of waste, give antioxidant protection and be involved in the regulation of eye pressure. Eyebright on the other hand really comes into its own where there is eye irritation and inflammation – think hayfever, styes and conjunctivitis.

You can take Eyebright as a herbal tincture and homeopathic remedy but one of my favourite ways to use it would be in a compress or eyebath. You could blend it with other great eye soothers such as chamomile and black tea.

Minerals – Two important minerals for eye health are zinc and selenium. There are enzymatic reactions in the eye essential for sight that involve zinc and selenium provides more antioxidant protection.

Vitamins – Some research has associated raised homocysteine levels with an increased risk of eye disease (as well as cancer, heart disease and dementia).

Certain members of the B Complex such as B6, B12 and folate can help lower these levels.

Vitamins A, C & E provide yet more antioxidant protection.

Drops & Sprays – We have a little collection of topical eye products instore, from super soothers for dry eyes, through anti-histamine hayfever sprays to my favourite multi purpose

MSM and zinc drops. MSM increases the permeability of the cells, improving nutrient flow. It may help with intraocular pressure (glaucoma) and floaters.

Natural Vision Therapy/The Bates Method – Named after an ophthalmologist who stopped prescribing glasses to his patients when he noticed their vision was just getting progressively worse.

His decades of experience and research culminated in the book Perfect Sight Without Glasses published in 1912. This method includes exercises and special pinhole glasses to help prevent the deterioration - and promote the reversal - of common sight problems such as short sightedness, long sightedness and astigmatism. Check out www.thebatesmethod.com for

more information.

Lastly, I have some ebooks on eye health. If you would like a copy emailed to you, do let me know! As always, please pop into Ceres for more information and support. © Jenna Evans 2022

and to reach out for support or talk to friends and family, sometimes using harmful coping methods such as drugs or alcohol.

However, men will access help that is meaningful and engaging and easy to access. Sometimes men’s sheds provide a great space for men to get together, doing and making something practical and finding companionship. There are Sheds across the area – to find your local one go to https:// menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed/ or call 0300 772 9626.

Stepladder is a part of Open Mental Health Somerset and works with communities, groups and organisations across Somerset to find new ways for men to connect, support each other and get help when they need it. To find out more go to

the website www.secondstep.co.uk/stepladder or email stepladdersomerset@secondstep.co.uk or call Somerset Mindline which is available 24/7 for more information or if you need to talk on 0800 138 1692 The Open Mental Health Alliance brings together all the mental health support services in Somerset – you can visit the website here - https://open mentalhealth.org.uk/ or call the Somerset Mindline number above.

If you are in crisis and need

immediate support, please dial 999 or call the free Samaritans Helpline on 116123.

For more information about Wellbeing in South Somerset visit www.wellbeingsouthsomerset.org.

•Jenna is a Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’.

Jenna is also a multi-award winning Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil. To make an appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.

5 steps to prevent hayfever ruining a good night sleep

fibres and aggravate your allergies further. According to experts, there are a few simple steps you can take to improve symptoms.

Silentnight’s resident Sleep Expert, Hannah Shore, said: “Choosing hypoallergenic bedding is the first step hayfever sufferers looking to improve their sleep should take. This is because it is specially designed to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction at night.

“It’s important to also be

Why do some suffer regular pain while others stay well?

“People come and see us for all sorts of body pain and problems, not just back pain. We work hard to resolve the causes, rather than treat the symptom. Wrist pain for example is often given the name carpal tunnel syndrome – but the cause might come from a neck problem. Solving the cause can be more effective than treating the symptoms” Dr Ben Gait DC BSc MChiro, Doctor of Chiropractic and Afferentology specialist. Mendip Chiropractic, Shepton Mallet.

With warmer weather on the horizon and the pollen count set to increase, hayfever sufferers across the nation are struggling to get a good night’s sleep.

Hayfever symptoms tend to be worse at night and can be triggered by dust mites and mould found in your bedding or mattress, which makes sleeping that little bit harder. Not only that, but if you dry your bedding outside, pollen can seep into the

What is the difference? An unresolved, old injury? A combination of current circumstances? Mendip Chiropractic have found all sorts of reasons. Specialising in identifying the issues that prevent you returning to normal, pain-free happiness. Because once identified, these can very often be resolved, so that you can enjoy things again rather than just ‘get by’.

mindful of your sleeping position.

When nasal passages become inflamed and your sinuses don’t drain properly, it becomes difficult to breathe through your nose and can cause nasal congestion, sneezing and watery eyes which will keep you awake.

By using a high pillow to prop your head up, your sinuses will be kept more open through the night.

“Closing doors and windows

before you go to bed will also help keep allergens outside and at bay.

Showering before bed also helps wash away the pollen, so be sure to do this each night before hitting the hay.

“For those sufferers looking to invest in their sleep, an air purifier may be the answer.

Clearing your bedroom of common household allergies, they’re a sure-fire win for a better night’s sleep.”

Take advantage of the July promotion at Ward & Sibley of Yeovil, to have your precious rings checked.

WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil

Covid Safe: We are still taking all precautions to protect our clients

Our repair section of the business is pleased to offer

JULY PROMOTION

FREE clean & setting check on gemstone rings

(ends 31/ 07/2022)

 Complete refurbishment of jewellery –

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

 Watch repairs including battery replacements  Jewellery handmade to your own design  Seal, hand, and machine engraving  Valuations for insurance and probate  Pearl and bead re-threading THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065 Car Park at Rear for customers while visiting the shop THE VISITOR July 2022 23

Woolley & Wallis Property Market Update The Property & Land Specialists Since 1884

THE HOUSING market remains strong and the return of the base rate to 1.25% is another step closer to normality for the UK property market. However, further increases to interest rates, combined with the strong price growth we have recently

experienced and the cost-of-living squeeze, will potentially limit the capacity for growth over the next few years.”

Latest market forecast projects that price growth in the next four years (2023-2026) will average a total of 5.1% across the UK as a whole. This may be of some relief to many would-be buyers, many of whom will feel they have been chasing the market.

But for now, demand is resilient, supply is still short in many areas and competitive bidding means properties are frequently selling for over the asking price. Barnaby Gower, Partner at Woolley & Wallis, commented, “I am not persuaded that house prices will fall but there may be a slowdown in house price inflation."

Representing the owners of some of the finest homes in the region and in the market, Woolley & Wallis endeavour to deliver a

faultless service and their forensic approach returns the very best outcomes for clients - evidenced by their loyal following, recommendations, testimonials, Google Reviews and repeat business.

If you are considering moving, they would welcome a discussion on how they can help find the right buyers that can be a part of your moving solution.

Contact: Barnaby Gower Partner, Residential & Professional Agency, Woolley & Wallis on 01747 852242.

Back2Market, Removals & Clearance Specialists

Barnaby Gower, Partner at Woolley & Wallis.

24 THE VISITOR July 2022

Back2Market are local, familyrun Removals & Clearance Specialists with husband and wife Paul and Claire Beddow at the helm.

With a great team behind them, they pride themselves on providing quality, efficient and yet friendly and flexible services.

Paul primarily takes care of clearance quotes, while Claire

undertakes removal and storage surveys. They provide a wide range of services including; • Home removals • Office and commercial removals • Packing service – full and partial packing • Boxes and packing materials for people packing themselves • Short and long-term storage • House, garden, garage/ outbuilding clearances • Office, industrial/other commercial clearance auctions • Add-on interior and exterior cleaning services • Probate clearance service – that can include valuations for probate and transportation of items to auction Back2Market are Which

Trusted Traders, plus members of Move Assured and Check-atrade. You can contact Paul on 07853 275379, 01935 509057 or 0800 2425012. For Removals, contact Claire on 07845 231488 or email: enquiries@back2 market.com.

GeorgeJames introduce Gray’s at Home

At GeorgeJames Properties, they feel helping people move into their dream home is something very special and by putting their clients needs first, having their staff being local helps them to sell your property in the best way.

By setting up their own interior company Gray’s at Home, they are able to extend their support with Tracey’s love of interiors helping people to select beautiful

hand-picked items to put in their new home, and they also offer lifestyle ideas on how to style the items on social media. Why not grab a cup of tea and take a look at www.graysathome.co.uk.

Above: Tracey’s inspiration for setting up Gray’s at Home was her passion of interiors.

The sun setting after another busy day for the Back2Market fleet.

THE VISITOR July 2022 25

The

Pub Pages

BE E R & SK ITTLE S P. A. BAXTER WELL I REALLY don't know what you good people think, but as I tap at the keyboard I see the longest day is looming and I'm still waiting for the summer to begin! In last month’s column I took the liberty of mentioning how my better half and myself spent our first date, although I didn't say that it was 1976, the year of that summer. Co-incidentally, a television programme of just a couple days ago brought back

26 THE VISITOR July 2022

many memories of how the summer of '76 unfolded, with shrinking reservoirs, stand-pipes, gazillions of ladybirds and beer at 25p for a pint. (I thought it was about 70p, but that was for a gallon of petrol) By the way, we could not help but notice that there were very few over-weight people in the footage from back then. (Further comment on that particular topic, I feel, is superfluous).

The programme reported how people were encouraged to drink a beer each day for their fluid intake, accompanied by a packet of crisps to replace salt lost in the scorching weather. We were also encouraged to drink those ultrasweet soft drinks laced with sugar, although in those days where they were purchased, almost inevitably the retailers didn't have the huge fridges we see today. Hot weather and tepid drinks, not nice.

Something that had become part of everyday life, and in my humble opinion one of the biggest cons foisted on society was the now ubiquitous bottled water – and back then there were no signs of it. It was also noted how lager had made massive inroads into the British psyche, and I recall downing plenty of the stuff during that summer. However bearing in mind that whilst some of us

were drinking real ale by then if it was available (although we may not have known it was referred to as that) CAMRA was still in its infancy, and still a ‘toddler’, its influence was small and the Big Brewers were still well and truly in command. Finding a consumer organisation consisting of ‘old-fashioned, long-haired, sandal-wearing middle-aged beardies’ was just something to be laughed at. (My interpretation of their description, by the way, culled from being around the peripheries of CAMRA for some time).

Reports that the hospitality trade is picking up after the enforced shut-downs are encouraging, and again I salute those at the sharp end of the game who inevitably bear the brunt of all the challenges thrown at them.

The trade also reports on the lack of suitable staff which puts those working under more stress. (Note my picture). Our own local in Bradford Abbas was recently taken over yet again after the two managers who had promised to ‘get it back on its feet in the next six weeks’ simply disappeared and shoved new landlady Lisa in right at the deep end. As locals we support her where we can and are proving that support is there aplenty. Our summer skittles

Notice outside the Walnut Tree in West Camel.

continue at the pub too, with Lisa - and our team, still awaiting the promised new set of pins.

We continue to do our bit in supporting other local establishments and recently took another trip to ‘The Walnut Tree’ at West Camel for an evening meal. The staff are friendly and helpful, and good for a laugh as well. The fare has a distinctly Caribbean influence and when one meets the chef Izzie it soon becomes apparent why! I also met Izzie at a local wake where he and his team proved their versatility.

Service in the resteurant is unhurried but worth waiting for, and at our last two visits I went for curried goat, which was a favourite of mine at the muchmissed ‘Old Stagecoach’ at Crewkerne. The Walnut Tree is

They Say That Anita Spoilding from the 94 Club Yeovil has just been voted Bingo Queen of the South West due to her lovely smile and dedication to the club.

Bat and trap at Bradford Abbas Sports and Recreational Club, Sullivans v. Williams / Dorset v. Somerset!

certainly far different from when I was introduced to it many moons ago (then known as ‘The Globe’).

Changes are extensive both internally and externally, although sad to say it has lost its skittle alley. To be fair I think it was only by the fact that the wood-worm were holding hands that it didn't collapse into a pile of dust. There are now a dozen or so en-suite bedrooms which can make it an ideal and pleasant place for an overnight stay, particularly if one is travelling some distance, it being situated conveniently but away from the A303, enough to not be disturbed by the drone of traffic. Other than the ubiquitous lagers, ales are from the local ‘Fine Tuned’ Brewery of Somerton where the ‘Sunshine Reggae’ American Pale Ale is produced at 4.2%ABV, and ‘Exmoor Stag’ at 5.2%ABV from the Exmoor Brewery at Wiveliscombe. Being a bit of a wuss and not wanting to start drinking a strong beer before my food arrived, I plumped for the former which to my surprise was far more palatable than I expected. My great mate Phil, being far more manly than I, opted for the ‘Stag’ and a small sip did make me wish I wasn't the driver that night.

How did your interpretation of the mystery photograph go from last month? I've taken many a long look at it and decided that it may be of German origin. My conclusion came after noting that there is a ‘runway’ leading to the front pin. Referred to as ‘kegels’ it it still played in Germany (I

Scott Sullivan in action as Williams family field.

was told this by a German gentleman recently who was surprised to hear that our skittle game was extremely similar) and somewhat incredibly, the original version is still played in Adelaide, South Australia. This is at the Tanunda Kegal Club where German immigrants brought the game with them and of course their descendants continue with the tradition today. I've just been given information about another site not far from Melbourne, which in Australian terms is ‘nearby’, although these cities are actually 450 miles from each other! Here, the Sovereign Hill Museum has its own multiple lanes for visitors to have a crack, supervised by those dressed in period costume. I've yet to find out more, so apologies if mistakes have crept in of that brief description.

We recently reported on the action by our honourable Prime Minister to return the Crown mark to the beer glasses.

Meanwhile, CAMRA is asking government to use the return of the crown mark and changes to weights and measures legislation to ensure consumers always get a full pint of beer. Those who have had the dubious pleasure of reading this column over the years will know that the topic has come up more than once. While the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy acknowledges “the Crown stamp gave customers confidence that they were not being sold a short

measure of beer,” CAMRA wants government to make sure pubgoers have a legal right to receive a 100 per cent liquid pint.

Paradoxically, if one buys a bottle of beer without the requisite quantity then it is an offence, but at the moment a pint of beer in a pub isn’t defined in law as 100 per cent liquid. This inevitably means consumers could be shortchanged, although on request, a top-up ‘should be carried out with good grace’(!) ‘Weights and Measures’ have taken pubs to task and landlords to court and proved that serving short measures are indeed illegal – and rightly so. With conflicting reports like this, it is of little wonder we could be seen off at the bar very easily! Frankly, this is about time, as CAMRA has treated this in a perfunctory way and never beaten the drum hard enough on the topic. Let's hope this is not a glib statement; particularly when beer is now hitting eight quid a pint in parts of the country (true, that) and at that price – it even makes petrol seem 'cheap'!

Meanwhile I'm off to the local club for another game of Bat and Trap – it's the perfect outdoor summer game, and the weather is on the up. I know this because the forecasters have promised! © P.A. Baxter 2022. skittlealley@hotmail.com

Solution to June Sudoku

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 13

That since having his hair dyed red - Richard (Swampy), 94 Club’s resident DJ, is not so much a mobile DJ - he’s more of a mobile toffee apple.

That John Penny of Bradford Abbas always gets his skittle team to turn up early for games, although they think seven days is a bit too early.

That congratulations go to Mrs Bev Whitehead of Galhampton who won first prize for her Jubilee Pudding at the Yarlington Beer Festival.

That it’s a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for past pupils of Countess Gytha Primary School, when visiting Cam’s Kitchen at The Old School, Queen Camel.

That the talented Gill Mills of Chiselborough can turn a coat hanger and chicken wire in to a jubilant horse and rider.

That with the purchase of a windup gramophone and a series of music boxes, Ron Penn of Shepton Mallet is showing us all the way to save money on our electricity bills.

That South Petherton's Terry Cutler recently had a Verywe, Verywe, happy birthday.

That the cider tasting at The Bath and West Show was a firm favourite with over 400 ciders entered this year, together with a lovely display of cider cups.

That after a promising start, ‘rain stopped play’ for Castle Cary Cricket Club on their away match at Bridgwater.

Typical Vinny response!

1. Electric Light Orchestra 2. George Michael 3. Coldplay 4. Beatles 5. Rolling Stones 6. Queen 7. Robbie Williams 8. Norah Jones 9. George Harrison 10. Red Hot Chili Peppers

11.

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15.

16.

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Dire Straits Bonzo Dog Do-Da Band Carole King Madonna Little River Band Will Young UB40 Beach Boys Gerry Rafferty Soft Cell

THE VISITOR July 2022 27

Luca's Garden

with Bridget Sudworth OUR VILLAGE WENT mad over the Jubilee weekend and events piled in one after the other.

Whether Monarchists or Republicans, there were plenty of people to support them regardless of affiliations - it was much more to do with socialising and the spirit of community among neighbours! The Dog Show brought a rosette for Lukie, who behaved impeccably and

really enjoyed the company of about 100 dogs.

But back to business. After the national excitement of the Chelsea Flower Show which I was not able to comment on last month as results had not come in, there was much to think about with regard to gardens once the dust had settled. For those of us not able to go, the television programme provided much food for thought, not least the overall winner which was a rewilding garden including a beaver dam, which raised the issue among critics of ‘What is a Garden?’ ergo what elements should be rewarded with gold acclaim.

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Capanula ‘Elizabeth’.

Inevitably, the answer has to be that a garden is something that is managed rather than left to the vagaries of nature but rewilding, whatever one may think of it, seems to be raising awareness among those of us who grow and tend things (as if we didn’t already know) that taking care of our world is becoming an urgent business and rewilding is allowing nature to get back to normal and contribute to repairing biodiversity Thus the judges, with their choice, were obviously making a very strong point.

During the lush month of July, something of a climax in growing is reached and gardens will be burgeoned with magnificent growth. I read about a suggestion that June/July was a good time to plant lots of seeds to provide more annual blooms for late summer which, though a great idea, only gave rise to a hollow laugh from me as every space seems to be taken up round here and not an inch to spare for more flowering. Plus, of course, it means more to look after while the goose grass, bindweed and ground elder take over completely elsewhere!

Keep up the watering (gray water and water butts) - the recent hot spell has really dried out the soil not helped by the mean little wind and plants will battle on till suddenly they give up the ghost so don’t be caught out. Loads of dried out bulb leaves can be removed from the underbrush allowing new growth of other species to emerge with

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more space. I hoof out most of the vetch which, though loved by insects, tends to smother other plants and gives headroom for goosegrass and bindweed to add to the dodder-like effect of green blankets.

Monty Don, talking at the Chelsea Flower Show, had some lovely comments to make about the mystical world of trees below ground with their web of essential fungi and a means of communicating between themselves through myriad hexagon shapes between roots.

‘Look after your trees and they will look after you’. My rant b uc ke t is pr e tt y f u l l a t t h e moment (gotta keep the lid on tight) as we keep being reminded about the urgency to do things to improve the planet but still, nothing happens from ‘on high’.

More occurs to further damage or ignore a world that is sick. I still maintain that hedgerows are every bit as important as trees and quicker to grow and could be an immediate answer to increasing biodiversity while the trees come along behind at a slower pace. Jake Fiennes, a conservation manager on a Norlfolk estate, lucidly argues that hedgerows are helping to reverse so many losses in the natural world - it’s the wild

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL

TREE PLANTING

PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660 28 THE VISITOR July 2022

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

Nigella.

Fuchsia.

tumbled hedgerows bordering wide headlands round a ploughed field that make all the difference to the survival of creatures who live off the benefits of such essential ‘corridors’. Last Autumn, I photographed the wonder of our local hedgerows in nearby Haddon Wood that were burdened with berries, hips and haws - this summer, there are many butterflies about and the hedges tower above the path in gentle profusion throwing out prickly arms of briar rose and bramble that will yield fruit for

the Autumn jellies. Right now we are enjoying Bramble Jelly on toast at breakfast which is unbeatable for flavour.

It was enormously sad to hear on the news about a man who had all his beehives stolen from his garden, bees and all. Surely only another apiarist would have wanted them and it seems hard to imagine such an act being perpetrated by somebody who knows what that loss must feel like and to harbour that degree of criminality relating to that sort of commodity. The price of a

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To top it off these robotic lawnmowers are made in the UK, so give Ben a call on 01747 851021 if you want a perfect lawn with minimal effort this summer.

If a well-kept lawn is at the top of your wish list and lawn mowing is close to the bottom, then a robotic lawn mower will give you the best solution. In fact, unless you are a really skilled lawn care specialist, you’ll hardly be able to beat this robot when it comes to producing an excellent result. On especially demanding lawns, you can rely on the hard working robotic mower Automower® AWD, where the excellent all-wheel-drive easily handles slopes of up to 70%, around the clock, day in day out.

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Nemesia.

swarm is high, however, so whoever stole those hives will perhaps sell them on by which time, of course, if not treated right, the bees will have died.

What a stupid, wasteful thing to do.

One does tend to feel that anyone who keeps bees must be someone passionately interested in the natural balance of the

environment and who cares about their own bees - our daughter-inlaw who has bees knows a lot about hers; their characteristics are well known to her which allows her to treat them as only she thinks best.

In the meantime, keep at it and don’t forget to take the secateurs with you if you go strolling round the garden.

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THE VISITOR July 2022 29

Local garden designer exhibiting at Taunton Flower Show 2022

Award Winning Garden Designer Julie Haylock of Sandhurst Garden Design www.sandhurst gardendesign.co.uk will be exhibiting her show garden, ‘Time to Reflect’ at Taunton Flower Show on 5th and 6th August at Vivary Park, Taunton.

The inspiration for the garden is in memory of Julie’s mum Margaret Griffiths and her friend and ex-work colleague Stewart Anning, who both sadly passed away with leukemia.

Julie says, “the theme of my garden at this year’s show will resonate with many people who have sadly lost loved ones in the

last 2 years and who have turned to their gardens as a place of solace, to reflect and heal surrounded by nature’.

For more information about the show and to purchase tickets visit the website at www.taunton tfs.co.uk.

Award Winning Garden Designer Julie Haylock will be exhibiting at Taunton Flower Show 2022 on 5th & 6th August.

30 THE VISITOR July 2022

MOTORING VINTAGE Motorcycling with Rod Hann

RECENTLY I HAVE been involved with the running of the South Dorset Section of the VMCC's Weymouth Week. This year we had the privilege and pleasure of having a visitor from the USA join us. The event consists of taking members from all over England on daily conducted tours around Dorset and the adjoining counties. We go to the best scenery on offer and visit places of interest along the way.

Our American friend flew over and collected one of our club bikes in London. He travelled to Somerset and enjoyed an event with them on the Saturday, came to us on the Sunday for the week before travelling on to the home counties for events there. He later returned the bike and flew home once more. He enjoyed every second of his trip and the hospitality shown to him. On flying home his intention was to immediately book up for a return visit next year, accompanied by his wife.

It just shows what a little help and kindness can do to foster relations around the globe. He is now likely to tell his friends in the States and who knows what this might lead too. My picture this month shows a group photo of the participants standing in the scenic village of Milton Abbas.

You can guess which is the American guy by the Harley Davidson emblazoned across his chest. If your club has the chance to entertain such a visit I recommend you take it to promote the good things that club

Group photo in the scenic village of Milton Abbas.

life can bring.

Leading on to future events the month of July seems as busy as ever. Of major interest will be the Westland's club Coast to Coast Run on the 11th. A good long run with large numbers taking part so something of interest for everyone and all done for charitable causes. The Somerset Section start off on the 4th with their club night at Cossington.

On the 10th they have the Veteran, Vintage and Anniversary Run from Chewton Mendip. Next will be the Veteran Run on the 17th from the Haynes International Motor Museum and lastly they have an Evening Meet at Gurney Slade on the 21st.

The Dorset Section start the month with the Chairman's Challenge Run from Gillingham on the 3rd. On the 13th will be a Car and Bike Meet for their club night at Pulham followed on the 17th by the Ebble Valley Run which starts at Cranborne Garden Centre. Next on the 20th will be a Mid Week Run from Warden Hill, and this is followed on the 24th by the Jeff Clew Memorial Run from the Haynes

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Museum and lastly will be the White Horse Run on the 30th which starts at East Stour. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have a Breakfast Meet at Ansty on the 9th and club night on the 11th will be a Barbecue at Shaftesbury. As usual more details can be had by ringing 01935-872528.

I recently undertook the Dorset Sections ‘Giants Run’ as did nearly a hundred other riders.

This event caters for machines which have girder forks fitted, which in general terms means they were made prior to 1945.

This type of event just tickles my fancy as to see 100 early bikes taking to the roads is quite a spectacular sight. The start venue was the Thyme after Time cafe at Spire Hill, Stalbridge. Two routes of 40 or 70 miles were designed for the type of older bikes being used. One route of course went via Cerne Abbas to

view the famous giant. The weather was dry and not too hot which was ideal for these old machines.

Inevitably there were a few breakdowns, including myself as I suffered a rear wheel puncture.

What a shame my enforced stop was right outside the public house at Milton Abbas. The wait of about an hour for my wife to pick me up was not wasted and quite enjoyable. This is partly the joys of running old vehicles.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their day and all eager to come back next year. With beautiful scenery and quiet roads there is nothing to dislike and the comradeship amongst the devoted riders of the older bikes is always a joy.

My only concern now is finding a patch the size of a football to repair my tube or the huge expense of buying a new inner tube. Decisions always decisions.

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G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414 THE VISITOR July 2022 31

Remember when ... 30 years ago from Supply and demand, now and then

THIS YEAR saw the second worst May in 30 years for the UK’s car industry with the number of new cars registered during the month down over 20% compared with May 2021. Unsurprisingly the worst was May 2020 when the country was in the midst of the first coronavirus lockdown.

Apparently the decline is due to worldwide shortages of such components as semiconductors, microchips and wiring looms reducing the number of new cars being produced despite many dealerships having bulging orderbooks and customers waiting many months for deliveries.

The third worst May was in 1992, even though the Chancellor Norman Lamont had cut car tax in his March budget. The country was in the throes of an economic recession and people were facing threats of short-time working, unemployment and house repossessions by mortgage lenders. It was demand for new cars, not the supply, that had plummeted. In the July 1992 Visitor car dealers were advertising all manner of incentives to encourage people to buy, such as finance deals as low as 3.9%pa (that’s an APR of just 7.6%), free fully-comprehensive insurance for a year and free AA membership. The models being heavily promoted included Peugeot’s 106 Graduate and 205 Zest and the Rover Metro Quest, Seat Marbella, Mitsubishi Colt and Ford Fiesta Freestyle – names that might rekindle memories for older readers.

No expense spared or revealed

The July 1992 Visitor previewed ‘Somerset’s newest family show on a 300 acre site’. The Great 32 THE VISITOR July 2022

Somerset County Steam Fair 1992 was scheduled for 29th July till 2nd August at Brains Farm, half a mile from Wincanton just off the A303 and with free parking for more than 10,000 cars.

‘Around 75 beautifully restored traction engines have been gathered for your pleasure, many of them working hard just as they did in days gone by: threshing straw, sawing wood, crushing stone and powering old-time fairground rides are just some of the long lost sights you can witness for yourself,’ the article enthused, adding that ‘vintage tractors, horse-driven drays and vintage cars and lorries will be there in their hundreds’. Details were given of opening times, entertainments, creche and medical facilities, but no mention was made of admission prices. No mention of them either in the accompanying advert for the event.

Books battle recession

‘Gillingham residents can now benefit from the services of a good bookshop – right on their doorstep.’ So said the Visitor in reporting that ‘Castle Cary bookshop owner Peter Booth recently opened the Gillingham Bookshop at the top of Station Road near the Post Office’ – a brave move in view of the country’s economic woes.

According to the report the new shop stocks ‘a comprehensive range of children’s books, local books, maps and guides, along with new fiction paperbacks and general reference books’ and concludes that ‘a good bookshop is an asset to any town and with the response generated so far the Gillingham Bookshop is obviously a very welcome one’.

Cheap alternative to costly coolers

In the Spring of 1992 Visitorland was blessed with glorious weather.

On the gardening page of the July issue Vicky Pitman wrote that ‘the last few weeks of hot Mediterranean weather have sent me to the garden frequently in search of summer coolers.’ One of her favourite beverages is mint tea and she gives her recipe for enjoying it cold. ‘I brew a pot of tea and add a sprig of mint and also some lemon and if possible a touch of pineapple juice and some sugar. I leave it to brew only a short while else it becomes too strong, then I store it in the refrigerator and bring it out when the heat is really on.’ She adds that ‘the elder flowers this year have been spectacular, a bumper crop’ and hopes that readers have been gathering them to dry for later use. Elder Flower Cordial made with the blossoms plus

archives limes and lemons is, she claims, excellent for warding off any sign of cold or flu.

Medieval Christmas in July

Incongruous in the sweltering heat was the news in the July Visitor that the Fountain Inn at Shaftesbury was now taking bookings for Christmas.

According to the advertisement the pub’s skittle alley will be transformed with two trestle tables and a mock fireplace into ‘a traditional medieval banqueting hall’ and it is ‘available for parties of between 12 and 32 people’. The cost at £12 per head includes ‘live traditional music and a feast’ which includes soup, a whole turkey per table, jacket potatoes, fresh vegetables and traditional desserts and pies.

Apparently ‘jugs of wine and barrels of real ale can be laid on at an additional fee’. They sure knew how to enjoy themselves 30 years ago!

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THE VISITOR July 2022 33

Classified Ads Send details to: The Visitor Magazine, P.O. Box 5522, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA9 0BP or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk.

30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential. Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit/Debit Card.

Personal

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

REDUNDANT MOTOR MOWERS, rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844

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

Storage STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles.

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

AUGUST deadline 18th July

Prize Crossword No. 428 Set by Frank Butler

19 1

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 5522, Castle Cary, Somerset BA9 0BP – to arrive by Monday 18th July.

.

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.

TOOLS wanted, cash waiting. Tel: 01747 850474 PETROL OR DIESEL GENERATORS. Any make/model, we collect in any area.

Top prices paid in cash. Tel: 07970 742471

VINYL RECORDS WANTED Top prices paid for good condition items.

7” or 12”, larger collections preferred

07831 266478 No classical required

Clues Across: 1. Vagrants with street-car afterthought [6] 4. Soft baby toy chatter on [7] 9. 16: State of male staffroom [9] 10. Dodge first lady embracing poster [5] 11. Short measure with short lady: Follow? [5] 12. Mean result of state getting older [9] 13. Cart returns to the hill to make a tower [7] 15. Sound of small bell aboard is painful [6] 17. Goggled at damaged treads [6] 19. Dad settles up about a tropical fruit [7] 22. Ecclesiastical, coming round to a point about article [9] 24. Woman in car with navagational aid [5] 26. A damaged chit often dropped [5] 27. Change gearing or style of chanting [9] 28. Lo! Moons show man of wisdom [7] 29. Wrecked stiles surrounded by water [6] Clues Down: 1. Returning, met wasp, say, in storm [7] 2. Fools with turbulent sea surrounding ship [5] 3. Gift to Queen from compère [9]

4. Stacking trays where everyone is surrounded by cats and dogs [7] 5. Muddle near a stadium [5] 6. Tingle, say, tantalizingly [9] 7. Come out with note to mingle [6] 8. Business of a very loud melody [6] 14. Stake money on South African province before delivery [9] 16. Haughty pious Emir [9] 18. Figure dragon not right about city [7] 19. Rent temple valance [6] 20. Cords, 15 about right? [7] 21. Fights pieces [6] 23. Human minor prophet [5] 25. I have followed physician on impulse [5]

Solution to Crossword 427

Winner of the June Crossword is Symon Wheeler of Gurney Slade who chose to spend the £10 voucher at High Street Records, Wincanton.

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH

SOS to all air rifles and pistols any make or model. Any condition.

WE COLLECT IN ANY AREA, TOP PRICES PAID IN CASH

07970 742471 34 THE VISITOR July 2022