The Visitor Magazine Issue 472 March 2023

I n P assin g ...

oetry rarely gets a mention in this column. But when I was wondering what to write about this month a short poem by Siegfried Sassoon sprung to mind. I first encountered it in my early teens and committed it to memory. It opens with: ‘Alone, in silence, at a certain time of night, listening, and looking up from what I’m trying to write, I hear ...’

That’s me! Now! I have long believed that most people are either larks, at their most productive soon after waking in the morning, or owls who are at their creative best at the end of the day. I’m most definitely an owl, sitting in front of the dying embers of a log fire and thinking and writing long after most folk in my bit of Visitor land have gone to bed.

What the poet heard was ‘... a local train along the valley. And “There goes the one-fifty” think I to myself; aware ...’ From my cottage I can hear the trains, but never has the line had local trains in these early hours. The last local service left Bristol almost five hours ago and meandered through Visitor land around 10.00pm on its way to Weymouth. And night-time freight trains are very much a thing of the past. All I hear is the barking of a farmyard dog, perhaps disturbed by the nocturnal wanderings of a fox or badger.

Sassoon was aware ‘... that somehow its habitual travelling comforts me, making my world seem safer, homelier, sure to be the same tomorrow and the same, one hopes, next year. There’s peacetime in that train ...’ In the decade after World War II many people in Visitorland would have felt the same. When car-ownership was less widespread, petrol was still rationed and motorways had not been built, the presence of the railway must have seemed a permanent feature of local life. But not for much longer, as the residents of Shepton Mallet, Evercreech, Wincanton, Sturminster Newton, Martock, Langport and countless villages would soon discover. The railway would disappear,

but not like the poet’s train.

‘...one hears it disappear with needless warning whistle and rail-resounding wheels. “That train’s quite like an old familiar friend”, one feels.’ That might have been true 70 years ago but nowadays it’s not the train but Sassoon’s poem that’s my old familiar friend. Amidst the contemporary cacophony of techno-jargon, computer-speak and bureaucratic mumbojumbo the sound and sentiment of poetry still resonates with me and brings me great pleasure and comfort. I hope our Visitor land schools are still reminding children that the language of poetry can be beautiful and are encouraging them to recite it, learn it by heart and treasure it.

NN.

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April Issue Deadline: 20th March

April Issue Published: 30th March

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Editor Max Dunion

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Managing Director Helen Dunion

© The Visitor Ltd. 2023

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

CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED 34

ANTIQUES 25

CROSSWORD 34

GARDENING 30

ILMINSTER Business Focus 20

LEISURE 22

LETTERS 6

LOOKING GOOD 18

MENTIONED in DISPATCHES 7

MOTHERING SUNDAY 24

MOTORING 27

NOTICE BOARD 14

PHONE A FIRM 33

POP QUIZ 22

PUBS 28

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.

SHEPTON MALLET Business Focus 23

SPRING GETAWAYS 22

SPRING HOMES 16

SUDOKU 22

THEY SAY 29

WINE & DINE 26

Cartoons by GEOFF THOMPSON

Mentioned in Dispatches

Talk and signing with James Naughtie at Cheap St Church, Sherborne on March 3rd

THE THRILLING third novel from one of our most treasured BBC broadcasters, The Spy Across The Water follows Will Flemyng on a dangerous journey into his clandestine past, from conflict in Ireland to the long shadows of the Cold War. We live with our history, but it can kill us.

Faces from the past appear from nowhere at a family funeral, and Will Flemyng, spy-turnedambassador, is drawn into twin mysteries that threaten everything he holds dear.

From Washington, he’s pitched back into the Troubles in Northern Ireland and an explosive secret hidden deep in the most dangerous but fulfilling friendship he has known.

And while he confronts shadowy adversaries in American streets, and looks for solace at

home in the Scottish Highlands, he discovers that his government’s most precious Cold War agent is in mortal danger and needs his help to survive.

In an electric story of courage and betrayal, Flemyng learns the truth that his life has left him a man with many friends, but still alone.

and friends to learn more about butterflies in your garden.

Tickets include Curry Supper: £15 Adults, £8 children ten years and under. Doors open at North Barrow Community Hall at 6.30pm, Supper at 7pm. Cash bar. Proceeds in aid of St Nicholas Church, North Barrow Book via email: Butterflys113@icloud.com or tel: 07590 894455.

Events - Sherborne

Douzelage Wednesday

1st March

Acclaimed Polish Comedy/Drama film Three Colours – White at Digby Memorial Church Hall, 6.30 for 7.00. Tickets £10. Winstones Bookshop or at door. Sherborne Chojna Committee

The Somerton & Langport Area branch RNLI are holding a quiz evening on Wednesday March 15th at Long Sutton Village Hall TA10 9JU to raise some much needed funds. 6-30pm for 7pm start. Bring a team of 6 or make up a team on the night. You are invited to bring your own picnic supper/drink to eat in the interval. Raffle.

Tickets £10 a head payable to: Barclays Bank, Branch code: 20-68-95, Account number: 93032671, Account Name: RNLI Fundraising, Reference number 798565.

Local care home offers grants to help combat loneliness

‘A thoughtful and detailed novel of statecraft and spycraft, recommended for fans of Le Carre’ - Ian Rankin.

For tickets (£5) or more information please contact Winstone Books 01935 816128, winstonebooks1@gmail.com.

Butterflies of the Six Pilgrims and nearby sitesSaturday 11th March

Illustrated talk by Julian Rawlins who has been counting butterflies at Cary Moor for 10 years. Come along with family

Talk - ‘Arab Spring to Ukraine Winter’ by Richard Spencer on Wednesday 12th April at Digby Memorial Church Hall, 7pm. £12.50 from Winstones Bookshop or at door.

Quiz evening in aid of RNLI

Do you or any of your family or friends paddle board? The incidents of paddle board rescues have gone up 44% in the last 2 years. The RNLI badly need funding for this extra load on their life savers. Please consider joining in for the latest fund raising effort.

Trinity Manor Care Home, Sherborne, Dorset, is offering three grants totalling £30,000 in honour of former Barchester resident, Jeanette Gill, who generously donated part of her legacy to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. The Foundation calls for deserving local charities and community groups to apply for these special awards.

Named in her memory, the Jeanette Gill Special Awards are open to groups and individuals in need in our local community. It will be awarded to projects that enrich lives and encourage an active lifestyle through arts,

James Naughtie.

Dispatches

music, sports and culture for older people or adults with a disability, or those that may have challenges with mental health. This year marks the final awarding of grants from Jeanette Gill’s legacy.

There are three awards available:

• £15,000 GOLD AWARD (open to groups)

• £10,000 SILVER AWARD (open to groups)

• £5,000 BRONZE AWARD (open to individuals)

The Foundation is particularly interested in innovative initiatives that tackle isolation and loneliness, which bring sustained outcomes and positive changes for the people benefitting.

To find out more about how to

apply for a Jeanette Gill Award please visit www.bhcfoundation .org.uk. The closing date for applications is 26 March 2023.

Dr Pete Calveley, CEO of

Barchester Healthcare and Chairman of the Foundation, said: “We were extremely touched that one of our residents donated so generously to Barchester’s

Charitable Foundation. We thought it would be fitting to create these flagship grants in her honour and memory as a tribute to the lives she is helping. The charity does so much for local communities throughout the country to tackle and reduce loneliness for many people, and these grants will make a big difference to those in need.”

Barchester’s Charitable Foundation supports senior age citizens as well as working adults with a learning or physical disability or mental health issue by giving grants to help improve mobility and quality of life.

Parkinson’s UK in Wincanton appeal for volunteers

Parkinson UK’s Wincanton Branch has issued an appeal for volunteers. The group has been providing vital support to people living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones in the local area for many years. But it could be forced to make big changes unless new volunteers come forward.

The Parkinson UK’s Wincanton Branch runs monthly group meetings, as well as Tai Chi and gym sessions. These sessions give people the chance to come together to share experiences, support each other, keep active, and have fun. However, the group can only continue to provide this vital support, if it has sufficient volunteers.

The group is particularly interested in hearing from people who may be interested in joining the committee and anyone who may be interested in becoming Chair of the Branch or its Secretary.

These are flexible roles with a big impact. Those who volunteer will help ensure that people with Parkinson’s locally can access activities that make a real difference to them.

Mary Jane Hunter, Network Support Officer, Parkinson’s UK

Jeanette Gill Awards 2022 Gold winner - Veterans Woodcraft.

Mentioned in Dispatches

said: “The Parkinson’s UK Wincanton Branch is a lifeline for so many people in the local area who are living with Parkinson’s in this rural area, but unless new volunteers step forward people could be left without the support they need. If you can spare a few hours a month we’d love to welcome you to volunteer alongside the amazing people who are part of the Wincanton group - because with your support we really can change lives.”

Around 145,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Parkinson's UK is the UK's leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through pioneering research, information, support and campaigning.

There are around 365 Parkinson's UK local groups throughout the UK, which are run by volunteers who are trained

and supported by Parkinson's UK staff.

The Wincanton Branch of Parkinson’s UK group meets at the Charlton Musgrove Memorial Hall. For more information or to discuss please contact Mary Jane Hunter, Network Support Officer on 0344 225 3695 or email mjhunter@parkinsons.org.uk.

Singing in the Afternoon –NEW Community Choir in Wincanton

If you love to sing and have always wondered what it’s like to sing in a CHOIR, now’s the

chance to find out! The new NOAUDITION South Somerset Good Afternoon Choir starts on Monday February 27th with our conductor Ruth Jenkins from 13pm at Wincanton War Memorial Hall, Wincanton, BA9 9JF and there’s a warm welcome to go along and find out more.

Bath-based music man Grenville Jones started his Good Afternoon Choirs 12 years ago and there are now 23 across the West of England.

Ruth Jenkins graduated in Music at Birmingham University, specialising in voice and

conducting the University Chamber Choir. After training as a Music Therapist at Roehampton Institute, and conducting the Wimbledon YMCA choir, she worked in the NHS for 7 years in clinics and hospital settings. Ruth conducts our popular North Somerset GAC at Nailsea and looks forward to welcoming you to the South Somerset good afternoon choir at Wincanton War Memorial Hall.

Good Afternoon Choirs sing popular melodies in harmony and each choir raises money for a local charity selected by the members. In 2022 the choirs raised over £22,000 for local charities and organizations across the West of England.

Choir founder Grenville Jones. said:

“Come along and meet the South Somerset Good Afternoon Choir and Ruth on a Monday afternoon from 1pm at Wincanton War Memorial Hall, Wincanton. There’s no charge for attending the first rehearsal, there are NO auditions - why not bring a friend.”

“Choirs are great for meeting new friends and enjoying the best hobby in the world, I’ll see you there!”

See www.goodafternoonchoir .org for further information.

The GAC’s performing in Cornwall.

Mentioned in Dispatches

The Arts Society Mendip: Visit the Art and History of Liverpool, 5 days departing 24th September

This visit is being organised by the local Society and guests are welcome. We will be travelling by coach and staying at a Marriott 4* hotel in the city. The visits, with a Blue Badge Tour Guide will include both Cathedrals, Port Sunlight with associated galleries, the Walker Gallery, the Lowry at Salford and the Albert Dock. Cost £649 pp. For more details go to www.theartssociety mendip.org.uk/visits. Contact Carol Landman, carollandman9 @gmail.com or on 07986 029092.

Longest running band in pop is back for one final tour

When John McNally formed The Searchers in 1957, aged just 16, he could never have imagined the phenomenal success that his band would enjoy: 50 million record sales, thirteen UK chart hits - including three No.1’s - and

a sound that inspired some of the greatest artists of all time, including The Byrds, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen

This is a chance to experience a truly legendary band, possibly for the last time. Original members John McNally (guitar, vocals) and Frank Allen (bass, vocals) are joined by Spencer James (guitar, vocals – Spencer has been part of the line-up for 37 years) and the newly recruited, highly rated Richie Burns (drums).

The tour opens at the charming Wimborne Tivoli in Dorset on Thursday 13th April, culminating with a fantastic finale in their home-town, at the famous

Liverpool Philharmonic on Saturday 17th June.

The Searchers are the longest running band in pop history. They have been in constant demand for 66 years. Not even The Rolling Stones can match that: they’ve only been going for 61 years!

The Searchers Thank You Tour runs 13th April – 17th June 2023, with 43 dates across England.

‘The Ultimate Collection’ (3CD) is out now on BMG. The Searchers will be performing at Westlands Entertainment Venue on Friday 26th May. Book your tickets online at www. westlandsyeovil.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01935 422884.

South Somerset Choral Society

The South Somerset Choral Society will perform Giuseppe Verdi’s remarkable Requiem at 7.30pm on Saturday 25 March 2023 in the dramatic surroundings of the Great Tithe Barn, Haselbury Mill, near Crewkerne.

They will be joined by four brilliant young soloists and an enlarged orchestra for this, the farewell concert for Tim Donaldson, their Musical Director for the last 11 years and he will depart to the sound of trumpets. The Requiem , nominally a devotional piece, has been described as the finest opera Verdi ever wrote, with music ranging from the sublime to the terrifying.

Tickets, priced £18.00 are available from tickets@ southsomersetchoralsociety.org .uk. Other outlets are listed on the website.

Kevin Pickles

Custom Artwork

Kevin Pickles is a Somertonbased visual artist who specialises in comic book art and produces commissions for customers featuring all manner of subjects; including, but not limited to pets; cars; spaceships;

The Searchers perform in Yeovil on 26th May.

comic-book characters and sometimes painting directly on to personal effects like leather jackets and games consoles!

His commitment to drawing comic-book scenarios and stories has enabled him to hone his selftaught skills and apply them to bespoke works for whatever his customers’ needs.

Kevin works entirely in traditional methods and materials like pens, pencils and paints and welcomes commissions from all walks of life.

KEVIN PICKLES

Bespoke hand-drawn artwork in colour or black and white for any occasion From pet-portraits to comic-book-heroes Anything you desire

07763 782899

kevinpickles4@gmail.com

Web-Search: kevinpicklesart

From pet portraits to comic book heroes - Kevin Pickles Custom Art offers bespoke artwork to any specification.

Mentioned in Dispatches

Waste carriers face spotchecks in Mendip Mendip District Council have teamed up with Avon and Somerset Police to target illegal waste carriers in several stop and search exercises across the district. The operations were carried out at Wells and Glastonbury by the Council’s Community Protection team, Licensing Officers and Police Neighbourhood teams.

A total of 38 vehicles were stopped during the latest initiative. Most were compliant with regulations, however, two vehicles were found with no road tax and two waste carriers were unable to provide the correct

documentation. The teams also visited Somerset Waste Partnership’s Dulcote Waste and Recycling Centre and found that the overwhelming majority of vehicles stopped were compliant, but some waste carriers will face follow-up action and further enquiries.

The teams spoke to drivers who were potentially carrying scrap metal and gave advice on how to obtain a scrap metal license. Part of the commitment of the crackdown team involves educating households and businesses to ensure they understand the legal duty of care regarding the waste that they produce.

Details of scrap metal licenses can be found on the Council’s website here: www.mendip .gov.uk/scrapmetal.

Learn about your legal duty of care and how to obtain a waste carrier license with the Environment Agency here: www.mendip.gov.uk/streetclean.

Yarlington Author’s new title ‘A Nasty Way to Die’ published March 3rd

Revenge and retribution have struck down four violent men. Investigations into their past had shown them to have been officers in Salazar’s feared secret police. They had committed monstrous crimes against innocent people during that repressive regime.

Now was the time of reckoning and they are being systematically killed in England, Portgual, The Netherlands and Germany - but by whom?

Crime/Fiction writer Peter Coe lives in Yarlington and his new book A Nasty Way to Die is being published by Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd of London on March 3rd.

Somerton Music and Arts Festival Shapes Up

The Somerton Music and Arts Festival is gearing up for its 2023 edition this summer with tickets already up for grabs for the flagship event, Somerstock. This year, the musical extravaganza takes place over the 7th and 8th July and promises an unforgettable weekend of charttopping performances led by The Blockheads, along with delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss out on this ultimate summer music experience - grab your discounted tickets while they last at www.somerstock.com

The Festival starts on June 30th with all-female string quartet Electrica bringing a rock ’n’ roll edge to classical music at St Michael’s Church. But before then, two prelude events will take place.

First off is the Art & Photography exhibition in the Parish Rooms in Somerton from Saturday May 27th to Saturday 3rd of June (closed Sunday 28th) which is free to visit and features work from more than 100 local artists showcasing their creative talent in various media including photography, needlework, and woodwork. Then local band Twisted Vinyl, arguably the most exciting live band on the South

Mentioned in Dispatches

West circuit, is performing barnstorming covers from timeless tunes at Somerton Sports Club on Saturday May 27th.

Other things to look forward to include a History Walk, Festival Quiz, Ukulele band and a talk on Honey Bees with many more events in store too. More information about all the Festival events is available at

www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk where tickets can also be purchased.

Mere Drama Group’s Spring Production

For its Spring Production Mere Amateur Dramatic Group (MADS) has chosen A Tomb with a View by Norman Robbins. This comedy thriller will feature many of the Society’s younger members who so impressed audiences in its pantomime last November.

A Tomb with a View is a murderously funny play set in the library of Monument House, the ancient home of the dysfunctional and disturbing Tomb family, who await the reading of their late father’s will.

There’s no love lost between the Tomb siblings and the bodies are soon piling up. By Act 3 there are more corpses than live members left in the cast! The plot twists and turns like a mad March hare. Is old Mr. Tomb really dead? What has happened to his fortune? Can the family lawyer be trusted? Are the nurse and the

romantic novelist who they claim to be?

Find out how it all ends in The Lecture Hall, Mere on Thursday, Friday and Saturday March 23rd. 24th. & 25th. at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 and available in person from Mere Library or Sprout & Flower; or by telephone on 01747 861257 or 07539 329798.

WARD & SIBLEY

The Jewellers of Yeovil

Our repair section of the business is pleased to offer

 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

All-female string quartet Electrica will bring a rock ‘n’ roll edge to classical music at Somerton Music and Arts Festival.

Ward & Sibley - the jewellers of Yeovil.

Mentioned in Dispatches

Spring Jumble Sale at the Village Hall

Norton Sub Hamdon

All welcome to a Spring Jumble Sale at the Village Hall. Norton Sub Hamdon TA14 6SF on Saturday March 18th. Many preloved, and unwanted items, including clothes, shoes, bags,

household, books, bric a brac, and so much more.

Refreshments - tea/coffee and cakes. Doors open 11am. Entry 50p. Proceeds to be shared between Village Hall, and Norton Community shop. Enquiries: Jennie Harris. 01935 881718.

Luxury

Wool

Bedding

Company makes

Yeovil

its Home Southdown Duvets is delighted to announce that it has taken up residence in the Emporium, Princes Street, Yeovil. Having recently moved from Devon, founder Jessica Cross says “the busy, jazzy, creative and quirky vibe of the Emporium is perfect for us.”

Jessica goes on to say: “While many people are now aware of the joys of wool bedding, there are lots of folk out there who are seriously missing out on the health benefits of the wonderful Southdown wool duvet. So we will be in the Emporium March 2nd

ready to introduce you to a life changing experience.”

So what is it all about?

“It is about how our clever sheep can help resolve your sleep issues, especially the dreaded night sweats, to ensure you benefit from healthy, restorative sleep, night after night. It’s also about making ethical and

Muchelney Pottery ‘Seconds Sale’ Runs from 3 - 11 March. At least 50% off retail price - the perfect opportunity to visit and find a bargain! Shop open Wednesday - Saturday, 10-1, 2-4. Muchelney, Nr. Langport, TA10 0DW, www.johnleachpottery.co.uk.

Jessica Cross with baby duvet.

environmentally sound choices since our bedding is hypoallergenic, free from dust mite and fully bio-degradable. Made from 100% pure British Southdown wool, you will also be supporting our national farmers. So drop in to the Emporium and meet Anne and Jessica, the Duvet Ladies. Our lovely footstool ewe, called Mirabelle, and her two cute lambs will also be on hand to greet you. We all love bleating about our bedding! So don’t feel shy.”

one of their community offices or from home, using provided equipment and internet phones. Free training is starting soon.

If you can listen with an open mind, have strong IT skills (including typing) and you are looking for a way to help your local community, this could be an ideal opportunity for you.

To find out more visit: www.citizensadvicesouth somerset.org.uk/volunteer.

“After 12 years in the business there is nothing we haven’t already heard, seen and gone out of our way to help resolve. And after hearing us bleat, you may be up for a treat - so we will give you a £2 voucher to enjoy in the Emporium’s café.”

Southdown Duvets is a bedding range established in 2010, which makes use of 100% British wool. The products offer customers a personal and environmentally healthy choice over feather/down and synthetic bedding. A small family-run business, Southdown Duvets pay the farmers a premium for their wool and in partnership with British Wool, is a very proud supporter of the country’s wool shearing community. Southdown Duvets offer hypo-allergenic and biodegradable duvets, pillows and mattress covers and can boast 12 years of 100% 5-star TrustPilot reviews. It has also recently been short listed for an FSB Innovations Award in the South West of England. www. southdownduvets.com.

Citizens Advice South Somerset asks for more volunteers to train and join their adviser team

Like many charities Citizens Advice services are under enormous pressure as more local people are turning to them for help. The advice and support that Citizens Advice provides can be life changing; it can keep a family in their home, address unfair treatment at work or help people to manage their household costs when they are struggling to pay.

Join their friendly and supportive team of volunteer advisers. You can volunteer in

Southdown Lambs Erica and Eden.

Are you are looking for a way to help your local community, then consider volunteering with Citizens Advice South Somerset.

Moggs of Wells (Engineering) Ltd

and repairs for a wide range of garden machinery.

Featuring products actually made in the UK, a good selection from Ariens and Westwood machines are always available,

plus the renowned Hayter range which now has several battery/cordless models to offer, sharing technology with their parent company Toro which facilitates the same batteries being interchangeable throughout both ranges.

Full support is available for engines from Briggs & Stratton and Kawasaki , with a comprehensive supply of spare parts in stock at all times. Any new machines supplied are thoroughly prepared and tested by experienced staff, who take the time to explain fully how to operate them safely.

All service and warranty work is carried out on the premises in a fully equipped workshop, and a collection and delivery service is provided for the larger machines.

Lizzie Price Shading Solutions

Lizzie Price Shading Solutions is a newly launched business by husband and wife team Peter & Lizzie Price. Peter has over 40 years of experience in the window and building industry and Lizzie has over 28 years’ experience in the blinds and soft furnishing trade and you may remember Lizzie from working for a local Wincanton based company.

Based in North Cadbury, Somerset they provide a full inhome selection and measuring service.

With Summer fast approaching we need to look towards ways of reducing solar glare into our

homes during the hotter months. Lizzie Price Shading Solutions have various ways of achieving this from internal Blinds and Shutters to the more effective options of External Blinds and Awnings designed to stop the UV rays reaching your glass and stopping the heat from building in your home.

If you enjoy entertaining and spending time cooking and eating outside they can install smart louvred roof Pergolas with optional side screens to create shaded and sheltered areas either off the back of your home or stand alone in the garden. Ideal for outdoor kitchens, seating areas or hot tubs.

For free quotations contact: Tel 07879 992000, email: enquiries@ lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk or visit www.lizziepriceshading solutions.co.uk.

Eternal Kitchens

Eternal Kitchens, based in South Petherton, Somerset are passionate about kitchens and have 30 years of experience designing and making beautiful kitchens.

All the kitchens and furniture are made by them on site, using traditional time honoured methods and their joinery workshop has been awarded an A++ certification for the buildings ‘green’ status. Eternal can also help you with other projects, such as Boot rooms, dressing rooms and wine cellars to name but a few. Find out more at www.eternalkitchens.co.uk.

Rattan Hub at Fit & Furnish

Really good deals are available now at the Rattan Hub, part of Fit & Furnish Yeovil. New garden furniture at last years prices!

MOGGS OF Wells (Engineering)

Ltd is based at Beardly Batch Depot on the outskirts of Shepton Mallet providing sales, servicing

Moggs of Wells provide sales, servicing and repairs for a wide range of garden machinery.

Ryan of Eternal Kitchens working on a cabinet.

Claim your FREE winter covers, with selected stocked rattan ranges. It’s even possible to get SAME DAY delivery (within Yeovil area). Visit their showroom at 25 Market Street, Yeovil BA20 1HZ, take a seat and try before you buy. They have a wide selection of various seating and dining combinations, that is both stylish and comfy to suit all areas of outdoor living spaces. BBQ’s, Patio Heaters and other accessories, order for direct

Rattan Hub is part of Fit & Furnish, Market Street, Yeovil. delivery. In stock now. For more details go to www.rattan hub.co.uk or call 01935 412811.

Peter and Lizzie Price of Lizzie Price Shading Solutions.

Recent installation by Lizzie Price Shading Solutions.

Spring Homes

H R Hodge, South Petherton

H R Hodge are now stocking a range of domestic appliances including the new energy-efficient heat pump tumble dryers, which could save you on average £120 per year compared to traditional vented and condenser dryers. Air Fryers and Slow Cookers, Fridge Freezers and washing machines are also available.

They are still your local TV and Audio specialists, offering a range

of TV and Audio from Panasonic, Loewe, Mitchell & Brown, Sonos and Roberts radio. They also have one of the few remaining TV and Audio repair workshops in their store in South Petherton for all your repair needs.

They are with you every step of the way, from help and advice through to installation and after sales support. Give them a call or pop in store to see what they can offer.

Family Health with

“AND THE Spring arose on the garden fair, like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere; And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast, rose from the dreams of its wintry rest”, wrote Percy Bysshe Shelley in The Sensitive Plant. And as I write, it's a few degrees warmer and hopefully by the time you are reading this, Spring will have sprung! It's been a tough winter in many different ways and I know for many of us that the call to be back in nature, be that pottering in the garden or rambling through the countryside will be strong. So this month, with that in mind, I'm going to share a few recipes for homemade balms for our hard working bodies.

Before we dive in though, I want to mention a couple of important events this month.

Firstly Fairtrade Fortnight is running from 27th February to the 12th March. Look out for ways to support this cause with that all important purchasing power!

Also, from the 11th to the 25th March the Totally Locally Fiverfest is happening. This nationwide campaign is to encourage us all to use our local independent stores. Funnily enough I'm a big fan of this! Ceres will be supporting this event with some great £5 deals.

Now for our recipes. Let's start with a basic balm recipe. This can be adapted with different oils and essential oils for bruising, cuts, minor burns, bug bites (and repellent!), sore muscles, or as a nourishing hand salve. Use 1 part beeswax (or plant based alternative such as candelila or olive wax) to 4 parts oil. Good general oils include olive, hemp and sweet almond. An optional ½ measure of shea butter can be added to this mix – great for hand creams and body butters. These ingredients are simply melted

Jenna Evans

H R Hodge in South Petherton stock a wide range of domestic appliances plus are one of the few remaining TV and Audio repair workshops in the area.

together on a low heat. Simply left as it is, this can be a good general hand balm. When the mix is cool, but not yet set, it's time to add any essential oils. Depending on the essential oils used, a rough guideline is 1 drop per 2ml of base. Here are a few suggested variations -

For bruises – use comfrey oil in the base mix. Add essential oils of lavender, rosemary and helichrysum. For joint and muscle pain or injury – use comfrey, arnica and St. John's Wort as your base oils. Add essential oils such as black pepper, ginger, rosemary, marjoram, wintergreen and peppermint.

The last two will have a more cooling effect and the first two a more warming effect. See what your muscles prefer!

For cuts – The classic ‘hypercal’ combination of oils hypericum (St John's Wort) and calendula for the base oils. Small amounts of the super potent essential oils, thyme and oregano, could be added to prevent infection. Frankincense, myrrh, lavender

and helichrysum are great wound healers too. For minor burns –Lavender is the number one choice. Aloe vera which can be bought as an oil, can be added to the balm base or simply use aloe gel on it's own or with lavender added. I like to keep mine in the fridge for extra cooling and soothing. For Bugs – There are lots of oils that may help deter

bugs such as citronella, lemongrass, vanilla, rose geranium, cedarwood and peppermint. You could dilute these to use in a massage oil over your skin or as a pulse point roller. To treat bites lavender (yes again!), tea tree and neat apple cider vinegar can be great. I have always found the sooner you can get something applied the better.

I have used lavender and tea tree neat on insect bites and had them pretty much heal within a day or two – as long as they have been applied soon after the bite. If I have left it for a few hours the results haven't been nearly as dramatic.

Ceres has a pretty big selection of bases, oils, bottles, jars and emulsifiers, so do come and have a look if you feel inspired! I hope you have fun experimenting with your own hand made balms and I'd love to hear how you get on.

© Jenna Evans 2023.

•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.

Lavender - a popular choice for burns. Image: Shutterstock.com/ESstock.

ILMINSTER Business Focus

to eat products that require minimal cooking and produce an excellent meal for the family.

“This is what we have tried to do. With a range of ready meals - curries, goulashes and marinated meats. All made from our fantastic meat supplied with full cooking instructions. It's been an absolute joy to have a shop in Ilminster and I hope if you visit us you will enjoy it too”.

E & S Computers, Ilton

E & S Computers was established in 2007, and has gone from strength to strength since. In May 2022 they moved to new premises in Ilton, on the Business Park, near Merryfield Airfield. They still offer the same services as before, but with the added convenience of being able to park outside of their unit.

Bonners of Ilminster

BONNERS the butchers have been in Ilminster for over 50 years now. It was started by Mr Bonner senior, and when they opened they had three staff - and five other butchers in the town.

Now in the year 2023 they are the last remaining butchers in the town, and Clinton says he has been handed the poisoned chalice: “We now have 11 wonderful staff and a great deli making an excellent range of homemade products and award-winning pies etc.,” he says.

“Mr Bonner senior started off with the ethos of supplying quality local produce which is in great abundance around us. Why do you need to get meat from Ireland?

“We have continued this to the current day using local farmers with full provenance and the highest animal welfare. I think this produces the best meat possible,” he adds.

“Things have changed in the meat trade and you can no longer just sell pork chops and brisket, you have to diversify into ready

They have seen the demise of XP, the flop that was Vista, the birth of Windows 7, the embarrassment that was Windows 8/8.1, the emergence of Windows 10, and now the most recent OS of Windows 11. Throughout that time, there isn’t much they haven’t seen!

So, if your computer is running slow, not running at all, or in need of a clean-up and update, then look no further. Book your computer in today by calling 01460 259999.

And they don’t just do repairs - they also sell printers, ink cartridges, paper, cables, keyboards, mice, and much more. Pop out to see them in Ilton, or check out the online shop; www.enscomputers.co.uk.

No. 57

N o.57 sits at the top of East Street, Ilminster. A pub in Georgian times, then a shop, the whole of this quirky old building is now home to antique, vintage and salvaged items, books - and a great little café as well.

Owner David Gordon is passionate about old artefacts as well as old buildings. He and three friends offer a selection of genuine, useable and affordable pieces. There’s lots to discover as you explore the 8 rooms of Antique furniture, original

Bonners of Ilminster.

pictures, prints, fabrics, china and glass, and salvaged and rummage items.

There’s also a wide range of old books on architecture, countryside, vintage motoring, history … “all the things I like” laughs David. Plus ‘Marnie’s Vintage’ kitchen and vintage clothes room, often raided for Goodwood!

Meanwhile the Café offers delicious home-cooked meals, coffee and cakes, with plenty of seating in characterful rooms, an open fire in winter - and outside

Spring has sprung at Trading Post Farm Shop, Lopenhead Spring has sprung and at the Trading Post Farm Shop they are all ready for one of the most important days of the season –Mothers Day!

They have a gorgeous selection of food and drink, gifts and cards that would make the perfect present for your Mum.

They can also make up a hamper full of all your mums favourite treats or if she is more of a ‘spiritual’ mum they have a huge range of locally produced gin and rum.

They look forward to seeing you soon!

Look in the Mirrorcan you say WOW to your Hair?

Claire Hebron is running a longestablished business in Ilminster and wants her clients to feel great by giving them super hair do’s!

Quality service and fabulous colouring in a relaxed airconditioned atmosphere, where you know you are the most important person!

For all the family. They use all vegetarian and vegan products. Phone 01460 52476.

Mark Hebron Hairdressing on East Street - can you say WOW to your hair?

Beautiful gifts and original art at Jane Morgan Art, 25 East Street.

Gifts galore for all mothers at Trading Post Farm Shop!

Sudoku by T. M.

Spring Getaways

Bakers Coacheswho are they?

BAKERS COACHES are a local family run business operating out of Yeovil. Thomas Baker started with taxis then Barry Baker bought the garage in Bishops Caundle where he diversified into the coaching industry in 1972 and he gained school contracts and private hires for numerous schools and groups and thrived. He and his wife then moved into new premises in Yeovil in 1974 where they still operate from today.

In 2000 Barry retired from Bakers Coaches and the mantle was passed over to his son Shane and nephew Andrew. Having survived COVID and the fuel crisis they decided to diversify again but this time by providing day trips and holidays which it’s hoped people will join them on and really enjoy.

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 February Sudoku on page 29.

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

By

John Osborne

 Answers can be found on page 29 

This month, something a little different!

One, who performed the following songs?

Two, what's the common denominator?

Three ... there is one which does NOT actually fit – why?

1) I'm So Excited

2) The Proud One

3) Skywriter

4) My Ship Is Coming In

5) Sex On Fire

6) Mmmbop

7) Wild Honey

8) New York Mining Disaster 1941

9) Don't Take Away The Music

10) I Never Loved You Anyway

Great Quotes in Music (145)

"Jeff Beck is compelled by his inner artistic drive to keep evolving the instrument. He'll use the whammy bar with the volume knob and the tone control all at the same time - creating harmonics that no human being should be able to hit."

- Steve Vai

They are still the local family business - Shane and Andrew still work there along with Shane’s wife Maria and they have been joined in the last two years by Claire who works on the trips. For the full range of trips and tours please visit the website

Dating tips for Spring with Alison of Just Somerset Instroductions SPRING is just around the corner - hopefully! Beautiful snowdrops are out and soon so will be the lovely daffodils. We visit some lovely places on our socials - houses and gardens especially Nation Trust, walks, nature reserves, pub lunches, theatre trips, coffee meets, ten pin bowling, crazy golf, etc. Now is a great time to get out and meet new people, make new friends and maybe start a new relationship!

for over 50 years.

www.bakerscoaches-somerset .co.uk or call 01935 428401 and ask for a brochure. You know it is time to travel. See their advert on page 7.

We offer a personal, caring service and your area manager will be there to help you throughout your membership, which all starts with an interview in your own home.

Fed up with online dating and want to meet people IRL? We are part of the Just Introductions Group also in Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and going into Devon. Please see our website for more details – what are you waiting for?

Have a look and get in touch soon! I look forward to hearing from you.

Bakers Coaches - in the coaching industry

SHEPTON MALLET Business Focus

Ridgeway Garage

IF YOU ARE looking for a reliable second-hand car then pop along to Ridgeway Garage, situated on the Ridgeway Estate to the south of the town, near Mendip District Council in Kingsland Road. A family run business, established for over 50 years, you can be sure of helpful and professional service.

All cars come with a new MOT, a service, cam belt replacement (if required), and a warranty. Part exchange is welcome, and credit cards are also taken. Should you be looking for a particular make / model of car they will be happy to try to source it for you. Visit www.ridgewaygarage.com or give them a call. Stock changes regularly.

help you make the right choice at a budget you are happy with, they will not be beaten on price! So why don't you give them a call or TEXT today for a free no obligation quote on 07931 918947.

Dredge & Male

Dredge & Male is a local familyrun home hardware store that stocks just about everything! They moved into the countryside back in 1977 and have been providing a friendly local service with everything you need ever since. Pop into their shop at 10 High Street, Shepton Mallet, and see what you can find for your home and garden - they even stock plenty of gift ideas. Open Monday - Friday 9am-4pm (early closing on Wednesday 9-1pm).

BMG Accountancy

Always accessible - If you have a question that you need answering quickly, they are available at short notice to offer the help you or your business needs.

Expert knowledge - With years of accounting experience comes real business and tax expertise. BMG’s knowledge is unrivalled within the community.

Focalflames Fireplaces

At Focalflames Fireplaces they’ve always stuck to the belief that staying small and personal and specialising in their field means a much more professional and responsive service to their customers! With over 15 years’ experience in the industry they pride themselves on providing high quality, great value services, with FREE home consultations, and even their very own showroom. With expert advice to

Based deep in the Mendip Hills in the market town of Shepton Mallet, BMG Accountancy provides accessible advice, mainly but not exclusively to small businesses, high street retailers and tradespeople in Somerset. Buried beneath their relaxed exterior are four core values which permeate through the practice and influence the way in which BMG deliver their services.

Human touch - It’s a point of pride that they’re there for clients whenever needed, and really do treat them how they want to be treated themselves.

Complete trust - The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Clients who use them usually hang around because of the levels of trust they have in them and their services.

Dredge & Male at 10 High Street.

3rd generation: Rob and his son Christy at Ridgeway Garage.

THE BUT TERCROSS TEAROOMS

Beautiful Cards from Wild Cardz, Wincanton WILD CARDZ have an excellent choice of cards for every occasion. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, why not drop into the shop in Wincanton and pick up something special in time for Mothering Sunday?

There are plenty of gift ideas too including a lovely selection of cuddly toys.

Wild Cardz are now pleased to offer a quality card range from just 99p. For those who like to make their own cards there is a wide choice of craft card, ‘pick n mix’ your own selection. Fill a small box for £3.49 or large box for £6.99.

Mother’s Day Sunday 19th March

Wild Cardz Wild Cardz

Wild Cardz have balloons for all occasions – including wedding day arrangements and are a UPS

collection/delivery point for parcels. Visit their website at www.cardswithlove.net.

Beatles iconic Minis reunited THE LONDON Classic Car Show celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Mini Cooper S in charttopping style when all three surviving Minis originally owned by the Beatles reunited for the first time in 55 years over the weekend 24-26 February.

INSTANT CASH FOR YOUR

Wild Cardz of Wincanton.

The Muddled Man, West Chinnock - a pub that's not a restaurant

The Muddled Man at West Chinnock is a traditional family pub that's been run by the same family for 24 years and is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Serving 'real pub food' every day from soups to steaks. Sunday night-Thursday special of 2 x 8oz

Rump Steaks for £24, Friday night special is traditional Real Ale battered fish & chips. For Sunday Lunch they offer traditional roast beef or pork with real gravy.

Open Monday-Thursday 11am2.30pm/7pm- 11pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 12noon-10pm. Food served 122pm/7pm-9pm.

•

Give me Moorspoilt for choice

ALTHOUGH MAINLY travelling for pleasure these days, old habits die hard. As a professional hotel and restaurant inspector, I have sampled the full spectrum; eating and drinking, and staying in hotels, pubs and, on occasion, some rather dubious establishments, for as long as I can remember.

As an occasional viewer of TV programme Four in a Bed, I do get cross with the nit-picking attitude of the combatants, where a stray hair takes on a level of importance far out of proportion.

I am not easy to please and my list of must-haves is endless. In exchange for spending our hardearned cash on a few days away from our normal daily routine, we all want different things, often at different times.

Often when deciding where to stay we focus, wrongly to my mind, on an establishment’s star rating, or reviews on social media sites. Some of my most enjoyable experiences have been in the humblest of places. Having stayed and eaten in thousands of places over the best part of 30 years, those that stick in my memory are regrettably few and far between.

I have never been a sun, sea and sand kind of person, and in recent months I have been overjoyed to have the opportunity to spend a good deal of time on Dartmoor. I find the setting of the often desolate, wild and woolly landscape of Dartmoor truly stunning in all weathers; it never fails to make me gasp in and catch my breath.

On a good day, just an hour and a half from home, it makes for a splendid day trip, but having made the trek, I prefer to spend a little longer there; naturally I need somewhere to rest my weary head, and to nourish my greedy stomach, in addition to my soul.

The ancient stannary and market town of Tavistock, with a population of just 11,000, makes the perfect base for getting out and about, although do be aware that parking in town can be a nightmare.

Here are some of my favourite discoveries, all of which I have enjoyed in person over the last few months, most of which, thankfully, are open on Sunday evenings and in the early part of the week; a rare find these days.

Queen’s Head,79-80 West St, Tavistock PL19 8AQ.

Tel: 01822 612455

This is a popular Wetherspoon’s pub situated on the main street. To be honest I am not usually a fan of this type of place, BUT the rooms are very well equipped (feather pillows and duvets, bottled water, biscuits, walk in shower) and excellent value for money.

Cornish Arms, 15 West St, Tavistock PL19 8AN

Tel: 01822 612145

Just a hop and a skip from the Queen’s Head (with pricy accommodation) this pub is so named as it was the last coaching inn before Cornwall. Recommended by Michelin, I have really enjoyed all of the food I have sampled, using seasonal ingredients prepared with innovation.

For this quality I felt that the prices were reasonable. A great British pub, serving good honest food and drink in warm welcoming surroundings.

Bedford Hotel, 1 Plymouth Rd, Tavistock PL19 8BB

Tel: 01822 613221

This classic traditional hotel right in the centre of town, is the place to be seen in Tavistock (and has parking!), and along with its sister hotel, Two Bridges (see below), has become my go-to place for a comfortable night’s stay.

Overseen by Sarah Howard, who is very hands on, this is a real family enterprise, and very well run. Staff are friendly and helpful, and the food is pretty good too, especially when I can have eggs Benedict or smoked haddock for breakfast!

Two Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor PL20 6SW Tel: 01822 892300

This sister hotel to The Bedford is right in the heart of Dartmoor, on the banks of the West Dart River. With geese and ducks on the lawn, and a landscape of roaming sheep and ponies within touching distance, with a roaring log fire, award winning food, and Jail Ale from their own Dartmoor Brewery, what’s not to love?

Hotel Endsleigh, Milton

Abbot, Tavistock PL19 0PQ

Tel: 01822 870000

Set in 100 acres of fairy tale gardens, woodlands, follies and grottos created by Humphry Repton, and part of the Polizzi Collection, I could not resist a little detour to have Sunday lunch. Food is beautifully prepared and pleasingly, there is no multi-course set menu; sandwiches and salads are on offer for those with smaller appetites.

Horn of Plenty, B3362, Tavistock PL19 8JD

Tel: 01822 832528

Here is where I took a trip down memory lane. In the early 1980s, at a time when, owned by Sonia Stevenson and her eccentric husband Patrick, this was consistently gaining awards. I attended one of her residential ‘Courses for Sauces’, a wonderful experience I have never forgotten. Since then, I have been back several times, but not recently. It was like stepping back in time, as virtually nothing had changed. Although it has had several new owners over the years, the food served here continues to win awards, and their Charity Lunches at £24 for two courses are good value for money.

Taylor’s, 22 Market St, Tavistock PL19 0DD

Tel: 01822 613045

This lovely little restaurant, along with its sister establishment, Church Lane, serves imaginative food, sourcing ingredients from small, local suppliers and produce wonderful seasonal menus. Prices are moderate and the quality is consistent.

Church Lane, 1 Church Lane

Tavistock PL19 8AA Tel: 01822 610413

This has become one of my favourite go-to places. In addition to food served all day long, in this stunning Georgian property adjacent to the church, they have an extensive rum list, and authentic Italian style pizzas, all named after famous cyclists (30% off on Tuesdays). There are also salads, sharing boards and French crepes.

Peter Tavy Inn, Tavistock PL19 9NN Tel: 01822 810348

I can recall inspecting this country pub when covering the area as an AA inspector several decades ago. Clearly popular, their senior citizen lunches are available for just £8, and proved to be too much for my modest appetite.

Robertson’s, 4-8 Pepper St, Tavistock PL19 0BD

Tel: 01822 612117

A local institution since 2006, this is the place to visit for a lazy lunch, an evening meal with family, drinks with friends or for a takeaway pizza. The restaurant is family-run and offers ‘food people can feel good about’, with an emphasis on fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients.

Tavistock, Devon. Photo: Shutterstock.com/pjhpix.

VINTAGE

Motorcycling with Rod Hann

MARCH IS NOW with us and the worst of the winter is behind us once more. The promise of better weather means making more use of the bikes. I have kept riding throughout the winter but with less frequency, and as I get older I do seem to feel the cold more easily so the prospect of warmer temperatures fills me with joy and anticipation for the riding season ahead.

March does see a slight proliferation of events to enjoy. The Somerset Section start the month with their club night at Cossington on the 2nd. This will be a talk by Jacqi Furneaux on her travels with an outfit. She is always an entertaining and interesting speaker. On the 10th they have their Annual Dinner and Awards and this is followed on the 12th by the Spring Run from Nether Stowey Church Centre. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, will be the Spring Autojumble held at the Bath and West Showground on the 25th. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have their monthly meeting at Silton on the 13th.

The Dorset Section commences activities on the 4th with the March Hare Run which starts at Blandford. Next will be the club night on the 8th at Pulham and this will be a guest speaker. On the 19th they hold the Spring Run which will start from the Warden Hill Trading Post. As always more details on any of the above events can be had by ringing 01935-872528.

You may well have seen in the local press that the Wells Classic Motorcycle Club are to be

congratulated on a successful 2022 when they raised lots of money for local charities. Their main event for raising these funds is their annual Tortoise and Hare Run which this year will be held on the weekend of the 14th to 16th July. Always very enjoyable and very worthwhile in raising charitable funds. You might consider taking part and helping with their efforts as well as having a jolly good time. More details are available on the club's website.

I have always had a soft spot for Italian motorcycles. Indeed my first motorcycle was a 125cc Bianchi. The Italians always seem to design pretty bikes and the engineering side of things are well made. For example their engine cases and wheel hubs are beautifully cast in aluminium and highly polished. The Italians have always had a certain flair for style and design. A reputation for poor quality chrome work and electrical components is probably ill founded if looked after properly. My picture this month shows a typical Italian machine. It is a MV Agusta 350cc twin cylinder bike dating from 1970's. MV Agusta is a very interesting company.

Agusta were well established helicopter manufacturers and in 1946 they decided to branch out into motorcycle production. Owned by the Agusta family they first produced small capacity machines. They always made a high quality product but were always destined to be a small volume producer. They quickly gained some sporting successes and Count Agusta soon learnt that success on the track reflected in greater sales figures. Development continued and in later years this small company won many world championships in road racing. Amongst the big manufacturers the achievements of this small concern are truly

remarkable. The motorcycle business has since been sold off but they continue to make machines to this day and still of great quality and exclusitivity. Agusta of course continue to make helicopters, as witnessed at their Yeovil factory.

With spring around the corner you may have thoughts about the purchase of a new motorcycle or car. Well I have a word of caution about some news I found rather concerning. A man treated himself to a new motorcycle and it was a top of the range machine with all the whistles and flutes obtainable. He was very pleased for six months but then found that the heated handlebar grips were not working nor was some of the electronic dash displays. Back to the dealers for some warrantee work.

At the dealers he was told that everything was in order but

certain items had been switched off and could no longer be used. Unless of course he commenced to pay a monthly fee to keep them switched on. Astounded he could not believe that features he had paid good money for could be switched off by a third party. He paid the fees to keep all the features working as some, if not all, could all be implied to have safety consequences. Apparently this practice is becoming common to many motorcycle and car producers.

I could hardly believe this story so tried to contact some manufacturers for confirmation. No information has been forthcoming. So if you are in the market for a new vehicle you had better read all the small print first. If I were considering such a move then I would walk away from any deal with such conditions attached.

1970’s MV Agusta 350cc twin cylinder.

The Pub Pages

BEER & S KITTLE S P. A. BAXTER

REACTION TO our 'bit of madness' from last month was met with a mix of mirth and (slight) disbelief after a sudden flurry of new members to the 'Pub Games' site when they viewed 'The Tee', and giving publicity to the 'Shunters' skittle team in Blandford Forum. Last month's Visitor can be read online so don't miss out - and do please join my Pub Games site.

Moving in circles where there are games experts, I never fail to be surprised by little snippets that are brought to my attention by said good people. Mark Shirley, who has the site 'Shove it, chuck it, toss it' on the web, is sure that the variation in the size of the pins for bar skittles becomes obvious in the West Country, as they are more in the style of what we would see on our alleys, although a lot smaller! I have only been able to acquire one set of these quite recently, and even so they were not part of a whole game. Pictured in my hand for size comparison, one can see that there is more of a 'belly' than perhaps we may expect from sets in other parts of the country. Having seen at least two versions in this area with 'bottle-type' pins then it would appear that this theory holds no weight, but who

can say - 'the jury is still out'. As with so many aspects of pub games, when a statement of fact has been made, something will come along to put the cat amongst the pigeons. Incidentally, please do take a look at Mark's blog, at present in abeyance (and hopefully to be revived in future) during time he spends on another project. An afternoon spent on Mark's site is never an afternoon wasted.

I first met up with the late Arthur Taylor some ten years ago and had not long become owner of Played at the Pub his last in a series of three books on the subject. He'd made a profound statement regarding bar skittles (also referred to as table skittles and 'Devil among the Tailors') that there were no longer leagues played but to his surprise had just discovered 'The Mendip Table Skittles League'. This was suspended during the Covid business but now appears to be up and running again. I have tried on several occasions to contact the organiser but unfortunately have had no response to my calls and emails. I'm still hopeful, as I would love to report on their organisation, which also uses some interesting game terminology. There had been a table skittles league at Bridport, but their Facebook site is way out of date so sadly it would appear that it is no more.

Whilst I do find his presentation rather irksome at times, I can't help but be drawn to watch Drew

Pritchard as he scours the country for antiques. Being of that age where cynicism has reared its ugly head, I wonder how much is contrived, but I was interested, nevertheless, when he came across two bar skittles games. He declared them to be Victorian. One that we would likely to be familiar with in the local pub to be worth £200, and the one with a 'pull-up' knob to reset the pins to be worth £300. Perhaps the games I have moved on to pastures new were sold far too cheaply! I recently completed a refurbishment of a game that I had bought from a well-known auction site, described as 'antique'. Consequently I spent an inordinate amount of time and money to get it presentable. It did appear to be of quality, with brass ferrules at the join for the (very tall) pole and even a screw fitting into the board itself. However, 'antique' it clearly was not, as it transpired that the sides of the table were constructed of MDF, something which was not available in this country until 1979. Definitely a case of caveat emptor, then.

Tales from around the pubs we visit from time to time seem to vary with regularity. I can't help but notice how our local – Rose and Crown in Bradford Abbashas now regained that wonderful pub atmosphere that it used to have. That exact atmosphere has been prevalent at The Kings Arms in Thornford (a Good Beer Guide regular and advertiser in this fine tome, although as I write they're closed for a well-deserved holiday). Another 'Rose and Crown' (Long Burton, on the Sherborne to Dorchester road) is also a CAMRA beer guide regular and another where we've enjoyed many a great evening. Even if we are not

regulars at some pubs I do like to glean information from their Facebook posts, and a recent one at the last-mentioned it was clear that with a skittles game going on, and a full restaurant that there are plenty of good pubs out there that can attract those who want to enjoy a good night out. John and Becky have never stood still here, with a lovely outside covered area, a regular Post Office and other facilities that the village would otherwise not have had. There's even room for Bat and Trap in the garden (How about that for the summer?)

We all know the game of spoof, don't we? Of course we do! So with just a little reminder to everyone, why don't we discuss the ins and outs of this most exciting and easy to play of pub games? It is, of course, a game of bluff, counterbluff and double counter-bluff, with deception and guile an essential part of proceedings where one has to guesstimate the total number of coins in the player's hands. Four players equal a possible total of 12, and a minimum of zero. Turns are taken and the correct player drops out, and the loser at the end buys the agreed rewards. Is it luck? No! During a discussion at skittles the other evening we brought up how one player of old could systematically lose to the point

where he joked that he was going to purchase boxes of crisps wholesale to save himself money! I'll be featuring some of the 'spoof coins' from my collection in the following months, but firstly, the largest sized in my collection –Guinness, out ready and waiting for March 17th, and the smallest and most uninteresting of coins in the collection but one that included a list of shouts (calls) that had been given names.

In all the years I have played the game there was but one that I had heard of previously and that was 'SPOOF', or in other words –none! If you use these monikers in your school, or others not listed here, please get in touch. To add these to your game - and mystify the uninitiated would add more spice to this fun and exciting game, particularly when everything from a bag of crisps each to pints of beer and steak and chips could rest on the outcome! Happy St Patrick's Day!

Cheers!

© P.A. Baxter 2023. skittlealley@hotmail.com

The Etsome Arms & The Etsome Offy, Somerton

Visit the Etsome Arms, the 2x CAMRA Award winning Real Ale and Wine Micropub in Somerton.

They love local, and are proud to showcase 6 different casks of the finest local ale every week, along with delicious local gins, wines and tasty bar snacks.

They are also very happy to announce the opening of The Etsome Offy , a sister business that is home to a huge selection of bottled and canned real ale, craft beer, spirits and wine from all around the local area, Bristol, and beyond!

Find them on West Street, Somerton, TA11 7PS and follow them @TheEtsomeOffy/ @TheEtsomeArms for all the latest beer lists and updates!

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Solution to February Sudoku

They Say

That John Mathew of Charlton Horethorne has become a vegetarian and may even become a vegan.

That two donkeys are the latest members of Barb Moody's menagerie in Chiselborough, fortunately they don’t need too much to eat!

That a ‘chocka blockage’ in Castle Cary resulted in an eminently quaffable Redcurrant Rosé for North Cadbury’s Dave Hoddinott - courtesy of Pippo’s Winery

That the Rump and Sirloin Steaks proved to be extremely popular ‘Mains’ during the Marks & Spencer Valentine Dine-In offer, as anyone trying to purchase steaks on February 14th found out.

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ

on page 22

1. Pointer Sisters

2. Osmonds

3. Jacksons/Jackson 5

4. Walker Brothers

5. Kings of Leon

6. Hanson

7. Beach Boys

8. Bee Gees

9. Tavares

10. The Corrs

All of the bands consisted either exclusively or mainly siblings. The odd one out is The Walker Brothers. They were not related and neither were any born with the surname Walker, being Noel Scott Engel (Scott Walker)

John Joseph Maus (John Walker) and Gary Leeds (Gary Walker)

That a Cafeta is a special piece of surgical equipment, recently invented by East Coker’s Kim Rendall, for those patients wishing to enjoy a cup of coffee with their treatment.

That Mark Birchell of Bradford Abbas has travelled the world - just so that he can boast he's hit a flopper (at last).

That in Chiselborough the village duck pond, complete with shark, was a source of much amusement recently.

That after the so-called ‘amendments’ to the writings of Roald Dahl, surely one of the greatest children’s storytellers of our time, how long before the works of other great authors are ‘amended’ to fit in with today's woke culture.

Vinny loves a beer garden

Luca's Garden

with Bridget Sudworth

NOTHING GIVES more pleasure on a sunny afternoon in late winter than clearing out the greenhouse and getting started with the seed trays. All the plants that have been wintering over in the shelter of the greenhouse are showing signs of life and there is an inevitable sense of optimism that comes with the start of a new season.

An unexpected clutch of agapanthus seeds have emerged from dried seed heads previously forgotten about which will now

have to be planted if only out of curiosity; RHS guide lines tell me there may even be blooms in two years if they germinate. Having thought they constituted merely a black lining to the seed case, on close inspection the seed consists partly of a black wing obviously to aid dispersal with the tiny seed being a hard little lump at one end so they must be real and not just some garden flotsam! Time will reveal all - or nothing! The broad beans are all in now, planted as usual in the dirty looking old polystyrene boxes that were gleaned from the green grocer many years ago. They are started in the greenhouse which gives some protection if the weather decides that Spring is not quite on the

way and are only planted out when big enough to be unattractive to small rodents..

Thankfully, we have had a proper winter this year with multiple frosts and suitably low temperatures that will serve well for the fruit trees but the milder days are encouraging growth everywhere - not least the clematis which is sending out huge fat buds. The showy bulbs in pots are all in bloom and a fat bumble bee was sipping nectar from the Wintersweet bloomseven a butterfly flew across the garden this afternoon though too far away for identification. Curiously, it is notably dry at the moment so the hose pipe has been

commandeered from the store to water some of the transplants.

Serendipity served me well when splitting up 4 pots of totally bound-up agapanthus (from which came the resulting seeds) - they were packed so tight that they had to be sliced into several more units than anticipated. I was at first perplexed about where to plant them then realized that with the roses all moved into afternoon shaded beds, the hotspot in the herbaceous border was vacant (and with a hole already dug by my four-legged helper to make the first den of the year) and perfect for the African lily who wouldn't grumble should we have another summer like last year. With their straplike leaves and love of hot sun, they will cope with high temps if they, both the weather and the blooms, come again this year.

Talking of strap leaves, Luca loves the green ribbed sedge plants (carex binervis) that line the track through our local hilltop wood; there must be something about the leaf structure that retains the peemails left by other dogs! Carex is frankly a flipping nuisance round here growing in abundance but there are parts of the country where it doesn’t hug the lane sides and spring up

Clematis buds.

Hellebores.

annoyingly in the flower beds which must be a relief thoughno doubt there will be other things!

As well as the coatings of mosses on the tree trunks, there are also deposits of lichen growth which forced the question, partly as a result of my article last month, namely what is the difference between moss and lichen? The answer is simple for those who didn’t already knowmoss is a plant with leaves though no roots whereas lichen, though behaving as a single organism is actually a combination of fungi and algae where the algae component photosynthesises and the fungal element grows hyphae into the algae to absorb nutrient - a perfect example of symbiosis. The interesting thing about the lichen is that it’s a wonderful environmental indicator being very sensitive to air pollution. I recall seeing some amazing lichen growth in the Knoydart peninsula, Scotland (only accessible by boat or by walking) and on the Isles of Rum and Eigg. Scotland is quite incredible for amazing plant growth in remote places (of which there are so many) and in Knoydart particularly, the sundews growing along the moorland tracks are breathtaking to

observe but that’s another story.

It is still quite heartening to see lichen growth round here in various places - the further away from urbanization, the better. Painting your garden containers with a weak solution of yoghurt can aid colonisation of algae, lichens and mosses all of which will add character to the garden.

Don’t forget to prune the climbers before it’s too late - if we get a warm spell the growth will be exponential!

There have been a number of programmes on the telly recently highlighting the restoration of badly damaged lands like the Loess Plateau in China where there was enormous poverty and hardship due to massive soil erosion resulting from over exploitation. With the damage

being reversed, there has been a remarkable replacement of green growth serving as a reminder that when left to get on with things and not interfered with, Mother Nature can heal herself and of course us at the same time. So however small your garden, there will be amazing things happening as the new season gets underway.

An unexpected surprise occurred with the removal of a jar containing an amaryllis that had grown blind this year. On its way to the compost heap, I paused it with a brief stay on the window sill as the arching green leaves were very graceful to look at and it seemed worthwhile to enjoy it for a few days more.

One morning it looked like the accompanying photograph!! Obviously the fungi spores were lying in wait in the compost and somehow the time and conditions were suddenly right. We did not eat them!

Happy planting and watch out

for unexpected plants popping up!

Local wildlife, wind and birds are very good at depositing stuff where it’s least expected!

Mowing into the future

Ben Johnson Garden Machinery at Shaftesbury now has the NEW Segway Navimow in stock. It’s the truly automated robotic mower that uses a virtual boundary, eliminating the need for complicated perimeter wiring. The series has four models available that will cover a range from 500sqm to 3000sqm with an attractive price range from £1299 - £2299. The Navimow is easy to operate and manage, giving you more time to do the things you love.

It has Vision Fence as an optional extra which enables your Navimow to detect various objects and mow even more intelligently, even if the satellite loses signal. Check it out on www.ben johnsonmowers.com or pop to see Ben in store for a chat.

Read online at: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

QUALIFIED

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL TREE PLANTING

Utilise the generous grants now available to restock neglected woodland or areas of wasteground PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

ARBORIST

Lichen on dead tree.

Yellow lichen.

Mushroom garden!

The price of parking

THE COST OF car-parking in Yeovil was a controversial issue in the Spring of 1993. ‘The mandarins at Clarke Hall have been conducting their two-yearly review of charges,’ the March Visitor reported, ‘and in their report to the Area South Committee they prepared the ground for the increased charges they would like to impose’.

These amounted to a 33% rise from 15p to 20p per hour in many car parks and the introduction of charges of 30p and 40p per day in what had, until then, ‘been free car parks much favoured by those who work in Yeovil’.

The reporter pointed out that ‘to many people this is serious money, £78 to £104 in a full year’, adding that ‘if the charges raise the extra £27,000 a year that the council expects, that could conceivably be £27,000 out of the town centre’s economy’.

Recycling memories

Recycling was in its infancy 30 years ago and the March 1993 Visitor urged ‘those not yet in the habit of recycling’ to ‘start making use of the many mini recycling centres recently set up

by the local council. Each centre consists of at least four green recycling banks – one each for clear, brown and green glass and one for cans’ as well as ‘a blue igloo bank for paper’.

It added that the council had ‘recently introduced Bertie Bottle Boxes, used to recycle plastic such as washing-up liquid bottles, margarine tubs, drinks bottles etc’ which is being used to make such things as flower pots. The Bertie Boxes had been installed in ten car parks across South Somerset and were already collecting an average of two tonne of plastic per month.

A juicy scare

In early 1993 the country was in the midst of yet another ‘food scare’, this one concerning the risks involved in the consumption of apple juice. In an attempt to put readers’ minds at rest the March Visitor reported that ‘your five-year-old would have to drink 2.5 litres a day and an adult would have to drink around 120 litres a day to be at risk’.

Although this information had been given clearly to the mass media, ‘the television chaps preferred to focus on the scare

side’. The reporter admitted to becoming greatly worried by the usual response to food scares ‘as we are increasingly sterilising our food’ and it is slowly becoming tasteless. ‘If we make our food sterile. how will our bodies maintain an efficient immune system?’, he asked.

Billiards in the bar

The ‘Beer and Skittles’ column in the March 1993 issue bemoaned that ‘whilst snooker tables are virtually unknown in pubs, the dreaded pool tables are now the main space-waster in many of our establishments’.

Columnist P A Baxter added that pool ‘has also brought about the almost total demise of a most excellent game, bar billiards’ and that ‘this perfect pub game – the right mix of interest, skill and fun – is now quite a rarity, my last sighting being at the Royal George in West Coker’. Apparently the game originated in Belgium and did not spread to England until the 1930s after a Frenchman had invented a reliable coin-operated mechanism through which players paid for their game.

Newsworthy accolade

Newspaper sales have plummeted in recent years but 30 years ago local papers were much valued by local residents.

So much so that in February 1993 the Chard 2000 organisation presented an accolade award to Chard & Ilminster News editor Alison Hulls and her reporters Toby, Zena and Zetta for ‘quality of journalism and interest in the local community’.

The March Visitor noted that ‘unlike many papers, the Chard & Ilminster News credits its readers with a modicum of intelligence; it assumes they want to know in some detail what is going on in their area.

What other local paper can you name that would devote two complete pages in two consecutive issues to in-depth reports of a local plan inquiry?’

The Visitor saw this as ‘living proof indeed that a local paper can, with the right leadership and well-trained journalists, still give an indispensable service to the local community it exists to serve’.

Roger Richards.

Damian Hoddinott PLUMBING SERVICES

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Personal

www.country-link.org.uk COUNTRY LINK SOCIAL GROUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. Tel: Andy 01225 834834 or Lynda 07970 922762

COUNTRY GUY, retired, easy going, gardener, small holder. Seeks female any age for friendship, days out etc. Martock area. Box 18

RETIRED GUY, likes motorbikes, sports cars, live bands, Yeovil/Weymouth area. Seeks female to jive with and friendship. Box 19

TO REPLY TO A BOX, write or email to address above quoting box number.

For sale

CIDER APPLE TREES, cookers, eaters, juicers. Traditional varieties, locally grown, bare root. Delivery. www. ciderappletrees.co.uk. Tel: 07765 771184

ERCOL rocking chair, 1970's in good condition, some age related wear, cushions need cleaning/new covers. £40 cash. Tel: 07760 315603

Storage

STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles. Lock-up garages to let. Tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692

Services

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

CARER, Experienced in all aspects of caring. DBS, insured, excellent references. Contact Lesley on 07884 058248

Wanted

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

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

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

1950s/70s PLASTIC TOY Soldiers, knights, cowboys, loose/boxed. Britain’s Plastic Garden, Timpo Trains. Tel: 07823 443474

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DIESEL GENERATORS Any make/model. Top prices paid. Tel: 07970 742471

April deadline 20th March

Prize Crossword No. 436

Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO:

The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 5522, Castle Cary, Somerset BA9 0BP – to arrive by Monday 20th March.

Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize for winning the Crossword is a £15 voucher to spend with any advertiser in this issue of The Visitor. Please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.

Clues Across:

8. Some marker boards define pavement edge [4]

9. Fish trap free of charges [3]

10. United Nations ends life in scanties [6]

11. Account which may be loud! [6]

12. Officers make soldiers heel [4-4]

13. Auto-market chickens rent in part of Wales [15]

15. Inlet two pages used in cookery [7]

17. Currency of play about Switzerland [7]

20. Cars each tractor arranges in the theatre [9, 6]

23. Obstruct toothed opening in Wales [8]

25. Care in handling feelings, I hear, is loosely nailed [6]

26. Concerned with digestion with vigour and twitch [6]

27. Unprepared return brings fighting [3]

28. Self and alien come together [4]

Clues Down:

1. Lazy with info in Switzerland [6]

2. Sailor? No, marines take a first look - that’s not usual! [8]

3. Churn a chair unit in this place of free faith [9, 6]

4. A dry pain in this case [7]

5. One Murray, partly carrying blood to lungs [9, 6]

6. Dictator: “Ah! Plod back inside!” [6]

7. Allow us briefly to describe tenancies [4]

14. Drive into memory [3]

16. A quiet tree [3]

18. Notes before violent combat indicate place of burial [8]

19. Relations appear as quietly he comes, surrounded by recent tidings [7]

21. Distant meteor [6]

22. Midshipman with doped cigarette [6]

24. Beers with seal broken [4]

Solution to Crossword 435

Winner of the February Crossword is Mrs Joanna Canning of Crewkerne who chose to spend the £15 voucher at The David Hall, South Petherton.

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

ALSO GUNS SOLD ALSO GUNS SOLD

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