Major New Exhibition Set to Open at Haynes Motor Museum
A new exhibition revealing the untold stories of the individuals who designed, built and advanced some of Britain’s most iconic cars opened at Haynes Motor Museum on Monday 21st July.
“This landmark exhibition, British Icons: Driven by Innovation, is the first part of a major exhibition redevelopment
over the next five years,” says Dr Luca Hoare, Museum Curator.
“It looks beyond the cars themselves to the people who created them, bringing their stories to life in the space alongside hands-on and interactive displays.”
Interactive elements will take visitors on a journey of discovery, unlocking fascinating insights into how cars have reflected and influenced British society.
Spanning more than 40 years of British automotive history, the exhibition will spotlight four legendary marques - Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lotus and Mini - and showcase star cars including a 1993 Jaguar XJ220 and a 1981 Lotus Turbo Esprit.
Visitors can also enjoy getting
creative with the new Paint-aMini interactive experience, where they can produce and personalise their own design onto
a Rover Mini car.
The exhibition will appeal to all adults, not just enthusiasts, while sparking curiosity in younger visitors and aims to inspire them to dig deeper into STEM-related subjects and careers.
The launch of this exhibition kicks off a packed summer of activity at the Museum. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of events and displays, including the Somerset-themed Scalextric track, Museum outdoor vehicle displays and the John Haynes Classic Motor Show on Sunday 7 September.
Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, Nr. Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7LH. Open 10am daily. For more information call 01963 440804 or visit www. haynesmotormuseum.org.
Urgent call to unlock the final 9,959 hours of summer adventure for vulnerable young people in Somerset and Wiltshire
The Youth Adventure Trust is appealing to the communities of Somerset and Wiltshire to help fund the final 9,959 hours of outdoor adventure for vulnerable young people this summer, as the charity enters the final month of its Unlocking Adventure appeal.
Headquartered locally and working exclusively with young people aged 11 to 16 from across the region, the charity has already raised enough to unlock 46,041 hours of life-changing adventure. But with a total target of 56,000 hours to be delivered over the summer holidays, time is running out to ensure every child on the programme receives the full benefit of a summer designed to build resilience, boost confidence, and foster hope.
Each hour of supervised adventure supports young people facing significant challenges such as poverty, domestic abuse, bereavement, and mental health difficulties. Activities include cliff
Star cars from new British Icons Driven by Innovation exhibition.
Mentioned in Dispatches
climbing, forest bivouacs, and mountain expeditions, all carefully designed to provide safe, structured opportunities for personal development.
Mark Davey, Chief Executive of the Youth Adventure Trust, says: “This is a campaign rooted in our local community, for our local young people. We are proud of how far we’ve come, but the final 9,959 hours are critical. Without them, some of our most vulnerable young people may miss out on what could be the most empowering experience of their lives.”
The charity works with secondary schools and referral partners across Somerset and Wiltshire, providing a long-term programme of outdoor adventure and one-to-one support entirely free of charge. It is a proven model of early intervention that helps young people overcome the obstacles in their lives and fulfil their potential.
The Youth Adventure Trust is encouraging individuals, local businesses, schools, and community groups to act now by donating, sharing the appeal, or spreading the word within their networks.
To donate and help unlock the final hours of summer adventure, visit: www.youthadventuretrust .org.uk/unlocking-adventure.
Collective of local makers launch new shop on Town Street, Shepton Mallet
The Artistry, a new shop showcasing the work of over 30 local artists and makers, opened its doors on Wednesday 17 July at 4pm at 37 Town Street, Shepton Mallet.
This vibrant new venture is part of the Town Council’s popup shop initiative, aimed at boosting economic regeneration and attracting more visitors to the High Street. Following a decision last year to fund a pop-
up space, the Council has provided financial backing to cover the rent of the retail unit, along with an initial grant to help the new shop get up and running.
To deliver the project, Shepton Mallet Town Council appointed Interim Spaces, known for their successful work delivering artist studios and a retail incubator in the town. Interim Spaces has converted the formerly vacant premises into a vibrant creative retail space run collectively by local makers.
Featuring handmade homewares, artwork, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and more, The Artistry offers a fresh model of
high street trading: a regularly open retail shop with a burgeoning programme of exciting and accessible workshops for the local community.
“We are really excited to see The Artistry come to life and bring a fresh new shop front to our Town Centre,” said a spokesperson for Shepton Mallet Town Council. “This project is a key part of our wider efforts to support the local economy and breathe new life into our High Street. By investing in pop-up spaces like this, we’re creating opportunities for local makers to grow their businesses while enhancing the vibrancy and
appeal of Shepton’s town centre for residents and visitors alike.”
“The Artistry is both a shop and a platform for local talent, managed by a core group of local makers, and a way to encourage more footfall down to Town Street," said Dan Simon, Director of Interim Spaces. “We’re proud to be working with Shepton Mallet Town Council launching another project in our town that’s rooted in creativity, community and practical regeneration.”
Those interested in participating running workshops or selling products can get in touch with the shop by emailing hello@the-artistry.uk.
Family Health with
Jenna Evans
THIS one's just for the ladies (and any sympathetic menfolk)! This is part one of a little chat about Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause (GSM). GSM is a chronic, progressive condition affecting the vulva, vagina and lower urinary tract, Formerly known as atrophic vaginitis, the name was changed to more fully express the impact on the urinary system. And thankfully, lost that dreadful word 'atrophic'.
It is thought that between 40% and 90% of menopausal and post menopausal women may suffer from this condition. The estimates probably vary due to possible embarrassment and also the assumption that some of these symptoms are inevitable, untreatable and just another part of 'womanhood'. Well, bodies can produce some pretty horrifying and distressing symptoms and we should be long past any blind acceptance of suffering, especially based on gender!
Symptoms of GSM include vaginal dryness & itching, pain, decreased lubrication, bleeding and lowered libido. Vulval pain may be present and vaginal atrophy - a fancy way of saying wasting and loss of function, in this case the thinning of the tissues. In the urinary tract we may notice urinary urgency, incontinence and recurrent infections – although true infection may be more common, the symptoms may occur without any increased bacteria and may in fact be to do with tissue changes and irritation. Urine touching the vaginal tissues can also cause stinging and aggravation.
So what causes these issues?
In the genitourinary tissues, we have receptors for oestrogens and androgens and it is thought that as levels drop during menopause, structural and functional changes occur. Collagen is lost and the tissues become thinner and more vulnerable to trauma. Local glands reduce secretions leading to dryness and the PH rises. It is interesting to note that the prevalence of Lactobacilli (friendly) bacteria drop off. This seems to be due to the lowered hormones reducing their food source (glycogen). This creates an
environment more suited to the other bacteria and also raises the PH.
This all sounds super fun! - but is there anything that can help?
As a first port of call, it's always wise to look at everything this area is exposed to. Switch to natural fibre underwear (I recommend bamboo and organic cotton), change your washing powders and of course all the products you use 'down there'. You really don't need anything foamy & fragranced, plain water is just fine! Soaps can be really harsh. There are two products that I have had consistently good feedback from. First is colloidal silver. This can be great for inflamed, sore, cut tissues. It can really speed the healing and is a useful antimicrobial. The other is coconut oil. This is soothing, nourishing and lubricating. Although the PH is higher than our pre-menopausal vaginas, it contains lauric acid which is useful for keeping unwanted bacteria and yeasts at bay. Oestrogen therapy is one route people may choose such as targeted hormone therapy, in a cream or ring. Targeted hormones in this area are also considered less risky than systemic HRT so that may appeal to a lot of
women. Of course, many would prefer not to go down the hormonal route at all if they can help it and that's exactly what I'll be looking at next month –including a probiotic pessary recipe!
If you have any of the symptoms we've been looking at, it is important to get checked out by your GP. Other conditions such as lichen sclerosis & interstitial cystitis may present with a similar picture. See you next month!
•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.
Plaza Viva awning.
areas, the expansion will address longstanding connectivity challenges that have affected everything from remote working capabilities to access to digital services. Currently, 85% of all UK premises have gigabit-broadband and the government’s target is to reach 99% coverage nationwide by 2030.
Voiceover artist Natalie Cooper moved to her dream home near Shaftesbury in Dorset, with her own studio, but with barely any mobile signal and broadband under 1Mb, running her business felt impossible as the connection was too slow.
She said: “I was relieved when Wessex Internet provided a lineof-sight service around six months after we moved in. I knew I’d need more to keep pace with evolving technology. Now that we have full fibre direct to the property, I can confidently deliver a consistent, high-quality service to my voiceover clients around the world”.
The Big Yellow Bus Garden Project , a volunteer-run community garden in Shillingstone, Dorset, could not afford broadband access until Wessex Internet stepped in to sponsor the project.
Lizzie Price
Shading Solutions
If the recent heatwave has not yet prompted you to think about how you are going to shade your home during the summer months, then now is the time! Join their customers who have
Damian
Hoddinott PLUMBING SERVICES
already invested in creating shade to their homes and gardens with their extensive range of shading solutions and are already reaping the benefits of cooler living spaces. At LPSS they offer top quality products, reliable and honest advice, and a first-class installation service.
The most effective way of keeping your home cool is by shading from the outside before the sun reaches the glass. They offer a variety of retractable Patio Awnings with optional drop-down valances, side screens, lighting, sun and wind sensors and the Weinor Plaza Viva Pergola awning.
Their external roller blinds with screen fabrics allow you to enjoy your view whilst reducing heat gain considerably.
Don’t delay, give them a call to arrange a no obligation site survey to discuss your requirements and get shaded for the summer. Say yes to LPSS.
Visit the website to see the full range of products at www.lizziepriceshadingsolutions .co.uk.
Harts of Stur Main Ring
THIS year a medieval and modern horsepower are joining to bring two spectacular acts to the Harts of Stur Main Ring!
Making their first ever appearance in Dorset, one of the country’s most thrilling theatrical horse show spectaculars will thrill you with mounted medieval knights battling each other in an incredible jousting tournament. Expect breath taking stunt displays, original storylines and movie-quality armour and vibrant costumes.
If that’s not enough for one day, there’s also modern horsepower roaring into the ring. Featuring children aged 5 to 16, the Tigers Motorcycle Display Team will take to the stage as they jump through fire, negotiate tricky chicanes at top speed and carry out daring stunts.
Other Harts of Stur Main Ring attractions will include, the Grand Parade of Livestock at 3:15pm on both days. They will also have parades from Steam and Vintage Vehicles.
On Thursday the Shetland Pony Display Team will return to the Harts of Stur Main Ring.
Craft & Countryside Area Turnpike Ring
Celebrating the countryside –Turnpike Countryside Ring will entertain you with a full timetable of rural demonstrations, including terrier racing and gun dog displays. The Craft & Countryside Area also supports local craft people.
Heavy Horse Village
Meet the magnificent animals that built British agriculture. This area will feature harness and plaiting demonstrations. It’s your chance to ask any questions you may have about these beautiful creatures.
Livestock
Meet the finest farm animals the region has to offer! Watch Cattle & Sheep being judged, as the finest animals go up against each other to win rosettes and trophies! Don’t forget to find a
spot ringside to watch the Cornish Mutual Grand Parade of winners in the Harts of Stur Main Ring at 3:15pm!
BSJA Show Jumping
Watch a range of competitive fast paced jumping action in the Harts of Stur Main Ring at the 2025 Show – as Showjumpers compete for £1,000 prize pots.
Agriculture
The Show where business gets done! The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show is proud to be a showcase for agriculture, welcoming over 70 agricultural stands of which 15 are machinery allows them to not just be a fun day out but also a networking event, offering you the chance to meet with fellow farmers and farm workers but also with the dealers, buyers and suppliers the region.
Food & Drink Area
Try, buy and enjoy the delights of local Food & Drink producers. Find locally-produced cheese,
sausages, cake, cider, pastries, coffee, fudge, flapjacks, gin and so much more in the Food & Drink Area. This Area will feature any array of local producers outside, surrounding two picnic marquees.
A
highstreet like no other Outdoor Shopping Experience. Browse over 500 outdoor trade stands and 20 trade stands in the Wessex Shopping Pavilion. Garden Furniture, Clothing, Big Brands to local producers – the Show is like the perfect high street located in a field!
Fun, Food & Farming
Hands on interactive learning experiences on everything Food & Farming! The UK food and farming sector is worth over £112 billion employing over 4 million people. You can learn all about
agriculture and the process of farm to food through hands on activities – you can even watch sheep being shorn!
Art & Photography Exhibition
See all the creations at the Show. The Art Exhibition will host up to 200 stunning pieces of work created by local artists.
Steam, Vintage & Classic Vehicles
View over 80 classic vehicles at the Show. Come and see the static display of Vintage & Classic Tractors & Cars along with the magnificent sight and smell of the Steam Engines. The Steam Engines will even parade in the Harts of Stur Main Ring!
Horticulture
The Horticulture Section welcomes over 1,000 entries including flowers, vegetables and cookery! The Horticulture Marquee is a showcase of talent, featuring 1,000 entries from vegetables to cookery, felt to flowers and even 28 lemon drizzle cakes!
Poultry
Located within the Countryside Area, there is a range of classes
displaying a wide variety of poultry. You can even hold a chick yourself!
Wessex Internet
Wessex Internet is excited to be supporting the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show once again. Situated on stand A61, the team will be on hand to answer any planning and access questions you have, and their machineryincluding the mighty mole plough - will be on display.
This area is the heartland of their ultrafast broadband network, with customer support teams based near Blandford. Over the next few months, they’ll also be available in new communities including Piddlehinton, Corscombe and Glanvilles Wootton. Speak to their friendly team at the show to see if they can connect your home or business.
They’d also love to meet people with existing telecoms, agriculture or construction experience who would be interested in joining their growing company. They offer great pay, benefits and promotion opportunities.
September Issue deadline: 18th August
North Dorset Cat Care
DO you hate taking your cat to the cattery and are worried about the price of cat sitters?
Well now you can have your cats looked after in the comfort of your own home by a fully insured DBS checked confirmed cat lover.
As cats remain in their own
homes keeping them at ease, cat lover Carol will only look after 6 cats at a time so they can get full attention, including any medicinal needs.
Carol charges per visit rather than per pet, and it’s not just cats as she will also look after rabbits, guinea pigs, and hens too. You can be assured your pets are in
If there is something you require which we don’t stock, we will endeavour to order it for you
safe caring hands as she is a fully insured animal lover. To get your pet care booked please call 07917
612233 or email catzarewow @gmail.com. Find out more at www.northdorsetcatcare.co.uk.
Bretts (C Brett & Son), Pet & Wildlife Supplies in Sherborne
Bretts (C Brett & Son) Pet and Wildlife supplies is situated in the Old Market Car park in Sherborne and is a long established business.
They have a large range of wild bird food and feeders to cater for all types of birds. They have an extensive range of dog and cat toys, plus all the usual pet foods,
beds, leads and accessories, hedgehog and wildlife foods and supplies etc.
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5.15pm, Sat 9am-4.45pm. Tel 01935 812107.
Dorset Dog Togs Wins South West Pet Retailer of the Year at The Prestige Awards
Dorset Dog Togs, a standout name in handmade dog coats, has been awarded South West Pet Retailer of the Year 2024/25 by The Prestige Awards— a respected recognition celebrating small and independent businesses across the UK.
Based in Dorset, the business is known for its high-quality, handcrafted dog coats, available from their workshop and at a variety of outdoor events throughout the region. Their reputation for exceptional customer service played a key role in earning this prestigious title.
In addition to their own designs of dog coat, Dorset Dog Togs offers lots of useful accessories as well as Perfect Fit harness fittings to ensure a safe and comfortable fit for dogs of all shapes and sizes. They also stock Innopet dog strollers, providing practical mobility solutions for senior or less mobile pets.
This award marks a significant milestone for Dorset Dog Togs, highlighting their commitment to quality, care, and customer satisfaction in the world of pet retail.
You can find them at Workshop 1, Shearstock Estate, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9PT or find them online at Dorsetdogtogs.co.uk
Bretts Pet & Wildlife Supplies in Old Market Car park, Sherborne.
Karen the proprietor at Brunel Pet Centre in Somerton.
North Dorset Cat Care look after your cat in your own home.
Dorset Dog Togs, were awarded South West Pet Retailer of the Year 2024/25 by The Prestige Awards.
The Bigger Picture With Bridget Sudworth
THE nature of Countryfile every Sunday evening has changed so much in recent years. As I remember, it used to be a sort-of glossy travelogue of lovely places in the UK but has since become something of a conservation programme highlighting the efforts of local people who nurture rare breeds, conserve wildlife flora and fauna, demonstrate huge changes in farming practices and spotlight celebrations of successful campaigns, educational programmes and strategies that make changes to benefit every aspect of work, productivity and the well being of those who work the land including those with health issues.
Thus it was that recently, the team were in far off Caithness interviewing an extraordinary couple, Alan and Dorcas Sinclair, at Dunnet Beach who are the founders of Caithness Beach Cleans. Their tasks, aided by volunteers, deal with clearing the beaches of plastic rubbish which up there, beset with really rough seas and stormy winters, lands loads of indestructible junk on the seashore. They have collected 42 tons of plastic rubbish since 2018 when they first started which includes 10 miles of plastic strapping and 75 mangled lobster creels to mention just a few items. Getting it off the beach is no easy task either as they need to reel it up from the shoreline over high
rough sand dunes to load it onto small trailers for disposal. Huge tangles of rope are turned into very hard wearing mats, power cleaned after being woven which can then be purchased, the funds going towards more equipment to aid the collecting process. Volunteers work at it when it suits them and people relish the opportunity to be out in the fresh, sometimes stormy air, happy to be doing something very useful and companionable as well.
Just down the road lies St John’s Pool Nature Reserve created by Julian and Rosemary Smith in 1989 - a small private project which has blossomed into a highly valued bird reserve where data from 4 hides has been collected over the years covering more than 200 species of wild bird activity. It boasts the largest Black-headed gull colony in Northern Scotland with over 600 nesting pairs and is boosted with help from volunteers and High Life Highland Countryside Rangers helping with maintenance and offering educational programmes for children as well as being open for birders to visit and enjoy.
It’s pretty amazing what can be achieved when small unofficial groups put their minds to it; no paperwork, no rules and regs other than common sense and no busybody officials overseeing procedure.
On the subject of water, I have just read that oxygen is thought to be produced by phytoplankton in our oceans which, for you scientists out there, have only 1% of the photosynthetic biomass of their terrestrial relatives (plants) and we can breathe because the oceans are filled with algae which are superb at oxygen generation. Phew! That’s a quote and a half! I am absolutely no scientist so am on very thin ice here but I do have a childlike understanding of the essence and vitality of the sea having been practically brought up in a beach hut and having my pants bored off by sailing about with my lovely but boat-mad father - I was very good at tying on fenders. Thus clearing up rubbish from beaches really does make total sense over and above the obviousness of doing such a thing while the knowledge of those vast pools of pure plastic junk in the oceans fills one with dread when thinking of the consequences. When you read
that the ocean is keeping you alive, you need to take this very seriously.
On a slightly more cheerful note, I have observed when walking our little trooper Wilfred that some ash trees are looking remarkably healthy even when they have neighbours who are clearly suffering from the effects of ash dieback. Lush foliage and bunches of keys dangle above the route through our local wood and research undertaken by Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and Queen Mary University of London (our younger son’s alma mater), is revealing that partly due to the fecundity of ash reproduction, with so many seedlings growing, natural selection can act while they are still young.
How many ash seedlings have you pulled out of your flower beds?? Hundreds no doubt especially if you have mature ash trees as neighbours like us. They are simply everywhere and you
Image: Martin Fowler.
Black headed gull. Image: Antony Robinson/Shutterstock.com.
The Bigger Picture
With Bridget Sudworth
often don’t see them before they suddenly loom up above everything else by which time a well developed root network has formed making them even more tricky to get out. Which reminds me that there is a horse chestnut tree growing very nicely in the middle of the daphne bush, the conker presumably put there by a passing squirrel! Must get it out!
Two new reservoirs are being built in the UK - in East Anglia and Lincolnshire - the first in 30 years. Hurrah, Hurrah! Our clever government is demonstrating very joined-up thinking by making this matter urgent, connecting such a project with all the house building going on - as nothing can be released for occupation if there is no water supply. Similarly, of course, the same thing applies if that water, used, can’t be taken away. Maybe we need a few more sewage plants too? And not discharging into our rivers either.
My parents, having lived
through two wars but both long dead now, used to syphon their bath water into the veggie plot. They lived in the South East and my mother was always complaining about the lack of reservoirs even then! Pity the EA didn’t listen to her!
How naughtily compulsive is Wimbledon! One only has to sit down for five minutes, flick on the telly by mistake (as it were) and Wham! You’re done for the afternoon. Though I am not a particular fan, simply watching those balls zing about at 133 mph on service, is quite staggering. Even the ladies have big biceps! You wouldn’t want to meet any of them on a dark night!
We’ve all been flattened by the recent heat, Wilfred out on the hill at dawn and sleeping off the rest of the day so cooler climes are very welcome. Though I can’t complain about the blackcurrant harvest - we have picked masses! Rain is what we all need so fingers crossed for useful downpours with no floods!
Tennis legend Roger Federer serving on Centre Court Wimbledon Centre Court in June 2006. Image: Lucy Clark/Shutterstock.com.
Colourful beach huts on the Solent at Calshot. Image: Helen Hotson/shutterstock.com.
VINTAGE Motorcycling with Rod Hann
I REFERRED earlier in the year to the many interesting and alternative machines I had seen at the Bristol Classic Bike Show back in February. One make of machine has always fascinated me and there were several on display at the show so I took some photos in the certain knowledge they would make an interesting subject for this column.
The machines in question are those made by Difazio Motorcycles in Frome, Somerset. The photo I have chosen for this month is of a Laverda engined machine. Resplendent in the traditional Laverda orange paintwork it would appear that this particular bike has been prepared for endurance racing. I believe the engine is a three cylinder 1000cc unit taken from a Jota model. The most intriguing aspect of this machine is the hub centre steering mechanism which incorporates suspension movement and braking facilities, but more on this item later.
Difazio the business has an interesting history. An Italian called Pascal Difazio came to England in the early part of the 20th century, and came to settle in Frome. In 1914 he opened a cycle repair shop which became very successful. In that same year his son John was born. As the business grew so they took on work repairing motorcycles and became agents for several marques. John also starting a long and successful racing career riding on race circuits as well as grass tracking. He took over the business in 1947.
During his grass tracking days John, for reasons unknown, became better known as Jack. His machines were always
MOTORING
beautifully prepared and always seem to carry some innovative feature. It was during his racing career that Jack, and many other clever engineers, sought a better front suspension and steering system than that offered by the conventional telescopic fork.
After much experimentation Jack invented a form of hub steering which allowed suspension and good braking qualities. It meant making a new frame to accommodate this fitting. The whole system gave great rigidity to the front end thus improving handling, suspension and steering. It perhaps looked a little cumbersome but the benefits outweighed those views and perhaps the only drawback to this system was a lack of steering lock.
Many of the motorcycling press tried this new arrangement and
Yeovil Auto Tuning
heaped praise upon the designer. Around 50 complete machines were built in the Difazio workshop and they used many different engines, presumably to the choice of the first owner. Only one of the major manufacturers took on this same challenge and many years later Kawasaki produced a machine with a form of hub steering.
John/Jack's son Richard joined the family firm in 1957. During the early 1960's they took on dealerships for several of the Japanese factories and this became the mainstay of the business. Later in the 1980's they became an agent for BMW bikes and concentration has been spent on these machines ever since. As far as I am aware the business is still flourishing and still based in the same spot in Frome.
at Chilton Polden.
The Dorset Section commence on the 10th with the Border Run from Shaftesbury. Club night on the 13th will be a Bring and Buy sale. Next on the 17th will be the Tiddlers and Larger Friends Run which starts at Kingstag and on the 24th will be the August Run from Henstridge. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section will hold their Woodshed Run on the 3rd and this goes from Silton Village Hall and on the 11th the club afternoon will be an auction of Motorcycle Related Items. As always further details can be had by ringing 07813 248377.
The Wells and Westlands Classic Clubs also have a full calendar of events so check out the websites for details.
August of course being the height of summer brings with it a proliferation of events for us to enjoy. Starting with the Somerset Section they kick things off with their Tiddler Run from Bere on the 3rd. Next will be the club night at Cossington on the 7th and this will be a guest speaker. The 8th to the 10th they put on a display of bikes at the Thruxton circuit for the round of the British Superbike races. On the 17th will be the Codgers and Dodgers Run from Watchfield and lastly on the 21st they have an Evening Meet
It is essential, even in the height of summer, to still wear full protective clothing. I moan about this every year when I see people on bikes wearing shorts, a tee shirt, and flip-flop shoes. This is utter madness. I have seen severe gravel rash and would not wish that on anyone specially these days when suitable lightweight clothing designed for the job is readily available.
Well that is my rant for the month so I shall climb back in my box and appear again next month. Good riding in the meantime.
Laverda engined Difazio Motorcycle finished in traditional Laverda orange paint.
Keeping it local WHILST I have always been keen to champion English wines, something of an uphill struggle when I first started out over 40 years ago, so far I have failed in my attempts to fully get to grips with the offerings from Lyme Bay winery.
However, that is about to change.
I was interested to read recently that at this year’s International Wine Challenge (IWC) the winery, based in the Axe Valley in East Devon, won an impressive four trophies, and two golds, for their red and white still wines; the first time an English winery has ever won trophies for red and white wines in the same year. It wasn’t the high quality of the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that stunned the expert judges – it was the fact that the top English red and white wines came from the same producer. Quite a surprise for all involved. Whilst wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs tend to laud those who grow, pick and distil their own grapes, these wines were all produced from grapes grown by others.
So, what is the secret of Lyme Bay’s success? Many feel that it is all down to Clem Yates MW, who joined Lyme Bay as winemaker consultant earlier this year.
Lyme Bay Winery, despite no longer owning any vineyards itself, has grown from a cider and fruit wine business to a prestigious wine producer achieving its stated goal of making ‘the best wines from the best fruit grown by the best growers in the best locations’.
Clem freely admits that she is not a grape-growing expert and never has been:
“I studied winemaking and I can make wine, but I can’t grow grapes. I don’t claim to have that skill. And I think in the marginal grape-growing climate that we are, you really need that expertise. And so, I’ll leave the experts to grow the grapes and I will make the wine.”
Lyme Bay does however have long-term contracts (ten plus years) with 14 growers across southern England (mostly in Essex, but also in Kent, Herefordshire, Devon and Oxfordshire).
The Chardonnay, which won trophies for Best English
Chardonnay and Best English White Wine, comes from a single parcel in Martin’s Lane, in Essex’s revered Crouch Valley region. After blind-tasting the Chardonnay, the judges at the IWC exclaimed: “Burgundy, eat your heart out!”
The Pinot Noir, which won trophies for Best English Pinot Noir and Best English Red, comes from five parcels, including Martin’s Lane.
As a former WSET wine tutor, I have always believed passionately that success in the wine business, whether as a producer or retailer, the knowledge that the WSET qualification provides is second to none, benefitting everyone, including customers. Sadly, once the recession hit, companies stopped investing in their employees’ education; I was impressed to discover that, unlike many businesses, those staff at Lyme Bay who did not have a wine qualification were all taking their Level 2 qualifications.
Lyme Bay Winery produces a range of 12 wines – seven still and five sparkling. About 20% of its business is contract, and clients include Devon’s prestigious Lympstone Manor Estate.
When Lyme Bay switched the focus from orchards to vineyards – planting their first vines in Devon and Dorset in 2009 and 2010 – the aim was to produce world-class still wines. A key part of their success has been the careful selection and propagation of individual vines with specific characteristics (e.g., disease resistance, yield, fruit quality), along with site selection, and grower relationships. Hence Lyme Bay has been able to craft still wines of balance and finesse, shifting the perception of English still wine from a curiosity into a serious contender.
They have since sold their vineyards, but the focus remains on putting still wines centre stage; and the awards keep on coming.
In a recent interview Clem Yates MW said:
“We won’t be changing anything. We are going to keep our focus on the quality and keep more of those single-vineyard plots separate.”
When asked if she was aiming for Burgundian style wines here, she responded:
“Every winemaker of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir probably wants to emulate that Burgundian style because it’s so famous around the world. For me, the hallmark of English wines is the acidity. We have naturally higher acidity than they do in France. But I love the savouriness and the elegance and the kind of persistence of flavour which are some of the characteristics you find in Burgundian wines.”
Those of us involved in the wine industry will recall our first efforts with sparkling wine many years ago, attempting to emulate Champagne, but as time has progressed and experience gained, English sparkling wines, with their own style, are now coming out top against the most formidable competition.
Clem feels that the same thing will happen with these still wines; although we may be trying to emulate Burgundy now, an English style will slowly emerge.
“There will be an evolution as we learn and as the vines get older, and we get some more complexity into the wines. I think you’ve always got to set out a direction you want to go in. So, absolutely, our direction is an icon level Chardonnay wine. Where
we end up hopefully is producing a wine that someone really enjoys drinking and actually champions the characteristics that you get from English-grown grapes. For still wines, I absolutely believe in sourcing grapes from around the UK as you need a much higher ripeness level in the grapes – because you have to really temper the acidity. Sourcing grapes from all over the UK gives us that flexibility. In great years, you can probably make still wines from a much wider region. But in the bad years, you need to be in the regions that have the climate that can ripen grapes to the required level for still wines.”
Personally, I can’t wait for the next chapter in this amazing success story.
Sadly both of these gold award winning wines (see below) are currently sold out but if you go to their website there are plenty of other delicious and interesting wines to be had on their websitewww.lymebaywinery.co.uk.
Martin’s Lane Vineyard Chardonnay, 2020 - £35, 12.5%abv
Pinot Noir 2021 - £29.99, 13%abv
With L.P-V
Outdoor Lighting
With Julie Haylock of Sandhurst Garden
Design
THIS month’s garden design note looks at Outdoor Lighting and how it will enhance your garden to a new level, as well as extending the amount of time you spend outside.
It is not cheap to install, but if you have the budget, it will be worth the expense, especially if you are considering a new garden design project. So here are some practical notes to help you choose the right lighting system for you.
Firstly, any lighting you use in your garden needs to be subtle, use a warm hue that is inviting and does not resemble a
fairground that dazzles you in the face.
Use lighting to highlight a feature in your garden, for example a statue or an architectural tree using uplighters to illuminate the stems providing a focal point after dark using the shadows created to enhance the subject.
Use lighting to safely guide people around the garden in the form of recessed lighting to define pathways or to draw attention to steps or changes in levels.
And finally, the use of festoon lights suspended from a pergola above a seating or dining area will add a holiday feel to the space.
It is particularly important to consider the effect any lighting you install will have on wildlife and your neighbours. Limit the amount of time that it is on and consider installing a timer to ensure it is not left on all night
disturbing the animal’s routine and your neighbour’s sleep.
Speak to a qualified electrician for advice, and to install your system for you using armored cabling and a safe connection to the mains power supply and choose fittings that have a 65 plus IP rating (Ingress Protection) guaranteeing the best protection from the elements.
Consider installing more than one lighting circuit, this will allow flexibility when deciding which areas of the garden you want to use and avoid having to
illuminate the whole garden when it is not in use.
But if your budget does not stretch or warrant this type of installation, solar lights have come along with companies supplying good quality lights available at your local garden centre that will last for years and do just the job you want them to do.
Finally, on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd August we will be exhibiting a show garden at Taunton Flower Show . The garden celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, one of our most influential and beloved English writers.
This formal garden has a high hedge on two sides with flower borders of blue, white and silver planting that mingles with topiary and statues to complete the scene.
So, if you plan to visit the show, be sure to come and say hello.
Until next time, Happy Gardening.
Full ground preparation and laying service available
Enhance your garden to a new level with some outdoor lighting.
Stiga PR 100e Kit Battery pruning shear and saw
Are you looking for an effective tool for light pruning of trees and shrubs? The STIGA PR 100e Kit battery pruning saw is the perfect solution.
Specifically designed for light pruning tasks, it easily trims 120 branches up to 50 mm thick on a single charge. Its lightweight and user -friendly design makes it perfect for ground-level pruning.
Powered by a 20V 2Ah ePower battery, the saw is perfect for a variety of light pruning tasks on trees, shrubs, and wood-based DIY projects.
Smooth cutting is guaranteed thanks to the integrated oil pump for easier chain lubrication.
Capable of pruning branches 100mm in diameter, with an extension pole (available separately) it can reach heights of up to 1.8 meters.
It includes a 20V 2Ah battery and charger, compatible with the STIGA 1 Series range.
Currently on sale directly from Stiga priced at £129.00 (-13% off) - find out more at www.stiga.com/uk.
250 years of Jane Austen with the National Trust in Bath NATIONAL Trust properties
Bath Assembly Rooms and Prior Park Landscape Garden have teamed together to put on a special set of Jane Austen inspired events from 15 – 21 September to tie in with the Jane Austen Festival.
Jane Austen lived in Bath for four years and often visited the city before moving there in 1801. One of her favourite places in the city was Bath Assembly Rooms, as she wrote to her sister Cassandra about her love of
dancing. Her novels have many scenes set in Bath, both in the ballrooms and in gardens, mentioning wildernesses and many a picnic. Visit: www.nationaltrust .org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/priorpark-landscape-garden/events for more details.
PASTIMES
• Over thirty years of dealing in antique and Collectible Toys
• Established business paying BEST prices for old toys in any condition
The Stiga PR100e can cut up to 100mm in diameter, and can easily trim 120 branches up to 50mm thick with one charge.
The Pub Pages
BEER & SKITTLES
I'VE always felt it my duty to use this fine organ to project the facts about our wonderful hostelries to you lovely people out there in Visitorland. In particular, I have always encouraged everyone to ‘use your local’ particularly if it is an easy stagger home. However, even I like to make a change now and again in my quest to see what other peoples locals are like, and report back. I have passed, innumerable times, the White Hart in Yetminster as I was reminded of this delightful watering hole when scrolling though scans of photographs I had taken whilst a drone for that wonderful organisation, BT. It was of the late Ron Gosney, master thatcher, busy at work on the roof, and it couldn't have been taken less than 33 years ago, and possibly it was quite a lot longer. Tempus fugit and all that.
A friend and I popped in one evening to find we had picked 'Quiz night' and the pub was fair heaving, and clearly everyone was having a great time. It certainly is a way to ‘get them in’ as the late Arthur Taylor in his book Played at the Pub states, these days it is a true ‘Pub Game’! A fine selection of well-kept ales by bar manager Craig were on show, and he served us a delicious pint of London Pride. There was even a real cider on a pump as
well. We had the pleasure of briefly meeting the owner, David, whose approach is very handsoff, entrusting the staff to run things at the pointy end. Later, when things had quietened down, Craig was able to show me the skittle alley. Situated in its own stone-built building, it's light and inviting with fab décor, consisting of tin signs and innumerable bottles of beer! It's also quite possibly one of the shortest alleys in our local leagues, which didn't assist in my few deliveries for which Craig had kindly invited me to partake in. Oh well; back to the bar. As a footnote, I am pleased to hear that the local sports club has reopened and even with a new alley – is this all true? Over to you!
Speaking of pubs rarely visited, I popped in to see the delightful Hannah at The Britannia Inn, Sherborne, recently. It was more by luck than judgement to be honest, but I had the chance to see the function room and the redecoration of the pub interior. Wow; it's something tasteful and special, the menu is varied and interesting, and I was drawn to some very appropriate pictures of steam loco 'BRITANNIA' in the corridor, taken a couple years ago when the loco visited the Swanage Railway. Do drop by and take a look whilst sipping
your pint. (Y'know, Hannah, there's plenty of room for a popup skittle alley in that function room. Sherborne needs them! )
Have you ever heard of the game Table a toupé?
I have to admit to seeing it just
once, and that was in a hotel reception area, Bryson City, in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina, USA! Having examined said game I took a seat when a group of Americans came in – clearly tourists in their own country – who then spent some time examining the game, when one rather loud member of the party explained to his followers that ‘it was found in every English pub’. No comment. Anyway, James Masters of Masters Games describes it thus: ‘Table Toupie is a game primarily popular in America, France, Belgium, Holland although it probably first originated in England or France. The correct name for the game has not been ascertained. In North America is often just called "Skittles" which confuses matters since that is the name of the much older European ancestor.’ Some time ago I purchased a ‘limited edition’
P. A. BAXTER
Hannah at the Britannia, Sherborne.
White Hart, Yetminster.
White Hart Skittle Alley.
The Function Room at the Britannia, Sherborne.
version labelled ‘Harpers Skittles’ simply because it was cheap, and in my opinion it's a pathetic game, with so little skill and 99.9% luck. One has to send a spinning top through various gates to knock over skittles, so once the top is on its way there is nothing to do apart from look at it as it does its job. Frankly, not the most gripping way to spend an evening. Incidentally, Bryson City (population about 1500 by the way) was also the first place I tried ‘grits’. Strangely, I tried it again in New Orleans on our next trip, Stateside. Some people really never learn do they?
A trip to the States has always been an exciting event for us. Sadly it is unlikely that we will be able to do so now due to ongoing issues, but we have some great memories. Travel certainly broadens the mind, as they say. It's somewhat amusing that friends who took a trip to Indianapolis found a bar with the Charles Wells ale Bombadier on draught, yet I cannot recall seeing it here for some considerable time. Speaking of another rarity seen on draught, I think Old Speckled Hen falls into that category – unless someone out there can point me in the direction of some. My great mate Phil came home from a supermarket with Old Midnight Hen The label declares it ‘A Delicious English Stout’ at 4.2% ABV so we were expecting great things. Sadly it didn't live up to what we had experienced from Morlands with their flag ship brew in the past. I purchased the attractive branded glass many years ago from Chris Abrahamsen whilst he and his wife Jenny were mine hosts at the now late-lamented White Post at Rimpton. A good 50p worth I'm sure you will agree, and I felt it an appropriate time to should show it off!
Speaking of another loss, I
heard that the Cat Head at Chiselborough has closed. I do hope this is only temporary. On the up is the Podimore Inn which had quite a few mentions in this column within the last few years. I had feared for its future as there was talk of it undergoing change of use to a private house, but now having been taken over by a proficient team, and turned it into a thriving steak house. We wish them all good fortune!
How has your summer skittles gone? Better than ours I hope! We've been able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory a few times, although hopefully our team will not be relegated as the season end comes in sight. Yes, the nights are drawing in, the lights go on earlier and the fires will be lit. Many a landlord and landlady has blessed the winter leagues for keeping them going, for whatever the weather, those skittlers will be at their local
giving it their all. There's a lot of us too, and a glance at the ‘Map of UK skittles leagues’ will show just how many of us there are – Somerset having the largest number.
Including summer leagues, our statistician on the Facebook ‘Pub Games’ group, tells me there are in excess of 1,000 teams in our county alone – and that's a lot of people out there supporting their local pub.
Anorak Bonus Question: ‘The Fleet’ - the stretch of water behind the Chesil Bank
Solution to July Sudoku
They Say
That the Bye Gone Days theme at the recent Chiselborough Flower Festival had some very diverse entries this year, from Dodos and stocks through to medical memorabilia and milk maid yokes.
That moving house was a bruising experience for Ms Laura Dunn of Dereham - next time she’ll use the door.
That noted as one of the top 500 traditional pubs in the country, Mick, landlord of the Muddled Man in West Chinnock, is a spritely 90 years old.
That in the words of the late celebrity Cilla Black, it was a case of Surprise Surprise, for Mrs Carol Brunsden of Yeovil, during a recent family reunion.
That if you want to know how to lunge with style, just ask Alison, envy of the Tone and Fit class at Crewkerne Aqua Centre.
That 6th Wedding Anniversary wishes go to Rob & Rebecca Mitchell of Street.
That when it comes to enjoying a tasty dip with an aperitif, former Weymouth resident Tony Hawkins knows exactly where to dip his crisps.
That controversy surrounds the decision by Dorset Council to make Shaftesbury Recycling Centre an ‘appointment only’ tip with effect from this autumn - more paperwork and more fly-tipping no doubt - time will tell!
Vinny is lost for words
Changing faces
THE Summer of 1995 saw some new (and not so new) faces running several long-established Visitorland businesses. Perhaps their names will rekindle memories of some of them. Among those mentioned in the August Visitor were Chris and Jill Grey who, along with their son Jerry and daughter-in-law Nicci, had taken over the Seymour Arms, a Wadworth’s pub at East Knoyle.
Not newcomers to Visitorland, they had previously run the Red Lion in Cerne Abbas and the Quarry Inn at Keinton Mandeviile. And in Keinton Mandeville the village bakery had new owners – Tim and Wendy Bassett – who also acquired the bakery’s shop in Castle Cary. Tim came with over 12 years’ experience in the bakery trade, and Wendy specialised ‘in the art of decorating with chocolate’. In Street Richard and Maggie Pearce had become landlords of the pub on Leigh Road and promptly renamed it the Two Brewers because they were already ‘mine hosts’ at the Two Brewers at the foot of Gold Hill in Shaftesbury.
Their stated aim was to make the two Two Brewers renowned as traditional country pubs in historic towns.
A town of change
How rapidly things changed in Visitorland’s towns 30 years ago!
A ‘Focus on Wincanton’ in the August 1995 issue provided some evidence in its opening sentences. ‘Since our last visit to Wincanton in December the Safeways supermarket and filling station has opened at the western end of the by-pass. This has not resulted in the closure of the supermarket in the centre of the town which is now run by Bees and helps to maintain Wincanton town as a viable shopping centre.’
The report noted that Bees’ former premises didn’t stay empty for long, they now being occupied by the ‘newest shop in town, Mail Order Lines’ which opened on 20th July and dealt in ‘discontinued lines, customer returns etc from mail order houses, in many cases at a third of the original catalogue price’.
Nuts on board
A report in the August 1995 Visitor will have surely delighted vegetarians accustomed to being offered the dismal choice of a cheese omelette or a nondescript nut rissole when dining at many of Visitorland’s pubs, cafés and restaurants.
According to the report the landlady of the Ship Inn in Shaftesbury, herself a vegetarian, has just introduced a vegan and vegetarian menu in addition to the many meat and fish options on offer, with home-made dishes including nut roast, apricot and cashew couscous, Greek salad, peanut risotto, lentil and tomato savoury and sweet and sour stir fry’. Perhaps enough to tempt carnivores once in a while.
Heatwaves in the garden
The weather in the first half of 1995 appears to have been much the same as in 2025. Gardening columnist Richard Cumming wrote in the August magazine that ‘December ’94 and January were both horribly wet, and we’ve certainly had a few wet days since then, not to mention cool days when nothing seems to grow, but over the past two to three months the ground has had little rainfall and high temperatures’, adding that ‘the net result is a relatively high soil moisture deficit’.
This, he explained, is the difference between what rainfall we’ve had and what we need to keep the soil moist. Noting that it’s unrealistic to irrigate every part of the garden to keep the soil moist, he advised readers to always water plants under stress and newly-planted ones, and that it is ‘better to water well at less frequent intervals than to apply a cupful every day as this is unlikely to reach the roots where it is needed’. And
‘maintain the moisture you have by mulching the surface of the soil with a cover of organic material – bark, compost etc’. Good advice that holds true in this Summer’s heatwaves.
Harold’s has-beens
Production Manager Harold Mewes revealed one of his personal preferences in the ‘In Passing’ column he wrote for the August 1995 Visitor. ‘Whatever happened to Crosse & Blackwells’s baked beans?’ he asked, describing them as ‘a baked bean for connoisseurs and one to be sought out in preference to all others’.
Thinking that they had been banished from supermarket shelves to make space for their own-brand alternatives, he asked Crosse & Blackwell how they felt about it – and was dumbfounded by the answer. ‘Crosse & Blackwell baked beans are no more! A victim of market forces and unable to compete with cheaper beans from places such as Spain without compromising on quality, Crosse & Blackwell have pulled the plug,’ Harold commented. ‘Their baked bean is a has-been. What next?’ he wondered.
Roger Richards
Groundworks
Cl ass ified Ads
Send details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 5522, Castle Cary, 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.
Storage
STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles. Lock-up garages to let. Tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692
COLLECTIONS CDS and Vinyl LPs - must be excellent condition, most genres considered. Tel: 01458 834102/ 07704229979 or email: tonyartony @aol.com
OLD BOOKS WANTED at Antiques & Interiors, 2 Market Place, Castle Cary, BA7 7AL. Tel 01963 351014
Personal
WIDOWER , retired civil servant (HM Treasury), professional pianist, owns detatched house, drives, WLTM well educated, intelligent lady for outings and companionship 07485 200653
RETIRED Man varied interests seeks woman 40s/50s, Dorset 07715 235623
Say you saw it in The Visitor
To advertise call 01963 351256
Prize Crossword No. 465 Set
by Frank Butler
SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO:
The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 5522, Castle Cary, Somerset BA9 0BP – to arrive by Monday 18th August.
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:
7. Running together, spent twothirds of influenza in small bed [9]
8. Part of totem pole at speed [5]
10. Mayor Lee with one of the Muraenidae [5, 3]
11. Force to cope: about 1000 with 50 to follow [6]
12. Part of circle, whole circle, bowing [4]
13. Number article with attempt. They pay rent [8]
16. Some rope now free [4]
18. LA dance gives luminous intensity [7]
20. Dear family of Peter Pan [7]
22. Expense of firm saint [4]
24. Certain in the field: Got it taped? [8]
26. A large volume towards myself [4]
29. Cur, sir, in a cloud [6]
30. Root around in the mist for driver [8]
31. Light dawns briefly as Alf returns: Quiet! [5]
32. Take advice with Ann beforehand [2, 7]
Clues Down:
1. Thus: Panamanian city [5]
2. Notes, just after an event [6]
3. Our owl takes PE in sheep’s clothing [4, 4]
4. Blow up aft line [7]
5. ¹/³ - year with bent nail in the end! [8]
6. I pan grape coming into sight [9]
9. Read Sunday tin [4]
14. Aims to send confusion [4]
15. Den comes up, surrounded by pals with fabrics [9]
17. Speed Father Church [4]
19. Stride drunkenly toward ship in a worried state [8]
21. Edit taut stance [8]
23. Uneven troops on the square with left-over [7]
25. Bloomer got up [4]
27. Malt or mixture cannot live for ever [6]
28. It’s very good, that is, holding bag [2, 3]
Solution to Crossword 464
Winner of the July Crossword is Julian Waldron of Higher Odcombe who chose to spend the £15 voucher at The Buttercross Tearooms, Somerton.
