The Visitor Magazine Issue 349 December 2012

Add style and warmth to your home with a WOODBURNER

Your local independent monthly journal P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset. (01963) 351256

Issue 349 December 2012

Your

FRee copy

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inside features on: Bruton Late Night; Castle Cary’s BIG Christmas; Christmas Gift Guide; Crewkerne; Festive Food & Drink; Festive Venues & Menus; Langport; Post Offices and Village Stores; Sherborne; Somerton; Tony’s Fish & Chips, Somerton; Wincanton.

Plus regular features on: Antiques; Arts & Music; Business; Gardening; House & Home; Leisure & Travel; Looking Good; Motoring; Notice Board; Pubs; Wine & Dine.

Competitions to enter See pages 7 28 and 55 (Win a TV)

Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms 44 Princes Street, Yeovil Somerset BA20 1eQ Tel: 01935 473638 www.intoto.co.uk

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Glorious Gifts

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Jokes ~ Fancy Dress ~ Party shop

Fireworks

Indoor and Outdoor – Single Ignition

Fancy Dress to buy or hire Santa Suits – Celebrity Masks

Magic Tricks  Stocking Fillers P A R T Y Festive T I M E  Pinatas Tableware Party Blowers  Balloons  Modelling Balloons

 Streamers  Confetti Bombs

Make Christmas and New Year FUN with a visit to ...

The Mad Hatter, 40 Princes Street Yeovil, BA20 1EQ  01935 471545 www.madhattersjokeshop.com

www.taylorscoachtravel.co.uk

01935 423177 HOlidayS

Friday 11th – Monday 14th January

New Year Super Saver For only £99

3 Nights DBB at Rainbow Hotel Torquay, Devon Evening Entertainment & Dancing Indoor Pool Day excursions included

SHOWS 2013

We are taking bookings for Top Hat the Musical - London Weekend Priscilla Queen of the Desert Musical At Bristol Hippodrome Saturday 20th April

December Still Taking Bookings

Saturday 1st – Portsmouth Victorian Xmas Market entry. inc.

A £29.50 • OAP £28.50 • C £27.50 Friday 7th – Dunster by Candlelight **************** Late afternoon / evening excursion Friday 15th – Monday 18th February A £15.95 • OAP £14.95 • C £9.95 Mystery Weekend?

Saturday 8th – Clothes Show Live * £145 * @ Nec Birmingham inc. catwalk show A real favourite – a 3 day Mystery Holiday,where only we know A £39.95 • OAP £37.95 • Student £37.95 Thursday 13th – Otter Nurseries where you are going?!! & Cricket St Thomas Includes entertainment & excursions Warner Leisure Hotel **************** Includes 3 Course Dinner with We will be announcing all our 2013 Professional Pantomine & Gift from Santa Holidays & Excursions soon A £32.95 • OAP £30.95 if you wish to be on our mailing list Sunday 16th – Christmas Mystery Trip and receive brochure please give A £12.95 • OAP £11.95 • C £8.95 us a call on - 01935 423177 Over 8 holidays to choose from UK We wish everyone a very happy Xmas and Europe throughout the year. and hope to see you in 2013

Call for information or to book

01935 423177

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Tel: 01963 440414 Visit our website: www.sparkford.com to see our extensive range or call in to discuss your requirements

In Passing ...

A

n ADvERTIsEMEnT for an electric soup-maker caught my eye. Apparently it softens and browns the vegetables, cooks them in the stock and blends them to the desired consistency. All in less than half and hour. All for a penny less than £140. needless to say, I won’t be buying one.

For me, one of the comforts of the dank days of winter is the evocative smell from the large pan of soup simmering gently on the kitchen stove. Chunks of carrot, swede, parsnip, turnip, potato and onion slowly softening in a flavoursome stock to provide a hearty, healthy, warming, filling soup – with fresh crusty bread and perhaps a slab of tasty local cheddar a meal in itself. With root vegetables plentiful and cheap at this time of year, it seems a sin not to make the most of them.

And it doesn’t need costly electronic gadgetry to achieve it.

Back in the mid-80s I was asked to write a monthly newspaper column called ‘Cheap’n’Tasty’. Intended to encourage teenagers to cook, the challenge was to come up with healthy meal ideas that didn’t stretch their budget or their culinary skills too far. The series ran for almost two years, and a surprisingly large proportion of those ideas are still in my repertoire of recipes – especially those using seasonal vegetables and fruits when they are at their freshest and cheapest. nowadays scarcely a day goes by without our television screens being filled with food being prepared and cooked, and you can’t fail to notice the increasing amount of space that booksellers are devoting to food titles, many of them by Tv chefs. All of which suggests that the British have a consuming interest in preparing and cooking culinary delights.

Yet a stroll down the aisles of any supermarket in Visitorland reveals a very different picture. Chiller cabinets and freezers crammed with ready-meals to pop in the oven or boil in the bag. not just complex, time-consuming dishes with

obscure ingredients, but cheap-andcheerful standbys like macaroni cheese and fish pie. Even frozen Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and omelettes!

And despite their high prices in relation to the cost of what they contain, they seem to sell by the lorry-load.

Eating well and healthily doesn’t have to cost the earth, but it takes a little time and effort. It’s quicker and easier to settle down in front of a cookery programme with a plate of defrosted stabilisers, emulsifiers, preservatives and a generous sprinkling of E numbers. Those who choose to resolve the conflicting demands on their time by sacrificing the pleasures of cooking can hardly complain if the price they pay is reflected in their food bills at the supermarket checkout. And their cookery books and soup-making machine gather dust at the back of the cupboard.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines Christmas / January Edition published Tuesday 18th December Deadline Friday 7th December Wells Frome • Shepton Mallet Glastonbury Bruton Street Castle Mere Cary Somerton Wincanton Gillingham langport ilchester Shaftesbury Martock Marnhull Sherborne Stalbridge • ilminster Stur. Newton Yeovil Crewkerne

Note to Advertisers Advertisements are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions as printed on our rate card, available upon request. We cannot guarantee any specific page or position, but will always do our best to comply with clients’ wishes.

ArtWorK Artwork & design by our production department and photographs taken by our photographers are the copyright of Badger Publications.

The Visitor is compiled in Quark Xpress (Apple Macintosh).

Clients or agencies supplying artwork or images should ideally send uncompressed TIFs, JPEGs or PDFs, 300 dpi minimum if actual size, or at a higher resolution if smaller than size required, along with a hard copy print-out.

For advertisement sizes see our Rate Card.

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

Ltd.

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Fax: (01963) 350552

Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Proprietor, Accounts & Subscriptions Helen Dunion Production Manager Jeff Farrow Advertisement Manager & Features Editor Michelle Trulock Printed by The Blackmore Press © The Visitor Ltd. 2012 (Items marked ©gt are the copyright of geoff thompson)

CONTENTS Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to late night shopping ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 67 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 40 ARTS & MUSIC - 6 BRUTON - 8 BUSINESS - 10 CASTLE CARY’S BIG CHRISTMAS - 4 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE - 41 CREWKERNE - 47 CROSSWORD - 70 FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK - 31 FESTIVE VENUES & MENUS - 17 GARDENING - 63 HOUSE & HOME - 50 LANGPORT - 34 LEISURE & TRAVEL - 39 LETTERS - 5 LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE - 11 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 6 MOTORING - 38 MUSIC for the MONTH - 6 NOTICE BOARD - 7 PAPERCHASE - 66 PHONE-A-FIRM - 68 POST OFFICES & VILLAGE STORES - 54 PUBS - 59 SHERBORNE - 55 SITS VAC - 62 SOMERTON - 14 THEY SAY - 62 TONY’S FISH & CHIPS of Somerton - 12 WE HEAR - 7 WINCANTON - 23 WINE & DINE - 22 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE vIsITOR December 2012 3

C A S T L E C A R Y ' S B i g Christmas takes place on Thursday 6th December and replaces the ‘Victorian Evening’, thereby widening the theme to anything Christmassy.

And it really is going to be a Big Christmas! Almost all the brilliant array of shops will be open for late night shopping from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, and there will be street entertainment throughout the event. There will be a big focus on music this year - a string quartet at the Market House after the usual Christmas Carols and

Father Christmas's visit, and blues, folk and Jazz at the other end of town outside the White Hart.

The centre of town will be a traffic free zone to allow relaxed pedestrian shopping.

The Road Closure starts at 5pm (High street, Market Place and Fore street will be closed with access only to Woodcock street and two way traffic along Lower Woodcock street.) At 5.30pm a procession of Primary school

Step into the magical world of Christmas – at –

Gorgeous Gifts - Delightful Decorations Colourful Clothing & more 7 High Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7AN  01963 351352 www.needfulthings.uk.com

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Dyson servicing & repairs To see the Dyson range call

The Triangle, Castle Cary Tel: 01963 351110 4 THE vIsITOR December 2012

children will set off from the Horsepond towards the Market House. When they arrive the event will be declared open and the Christmas lights will be switched on.

There will be Morris Dancing in the street, and story telling in Bailey Hill Bookshop, and an amazing stationary steam engine down by the Triangle.

Another novelty this year is the Anonymous Travelling Market -

twenty wonderful Christmassy stalls will join the Cary shops to provide a great evening's shopping, as well as the usual charity stalls, mulled cider and wine (from Cary 2000), and delicious bacon butties (from Brue Rotary Club) and home made mince pies (from Churches Together.)

Roads will reopen at 8.30pm, but the music will continue at the White Hart until 10pm.

If you want to experience the true community spirit of Christmas make a note to visit Cary on 6th December, and don't forget, you can park in one of the free car parks.

The Music Shop in Castle Cary  Keyboards  Guitars  Drums  P.A. Equipment   Stage, Sound & Light Hire 

FOR ALL YOUR EVENTS Tel: 01963 351313 www.aceacoustics.co.uk

Letters to the Editor Railways - In Support Of ...

sir, I have never before written a letter to a newspaper, but felt constrained, in the interest of balance, to repsond to the email sent by C.noble to the november issue.

In the final paragraph are the words ‘I am too ashamed to travel by train in this country,’ but this does not stop the writer from giving a forthright opinion of the rail service, notably First Great Western in the Castle Cary area.

I travel fairly frequently on FGW trains and would like to make the following points from my own experience. * I have suffered very few problems. Any that occured were quickly rectified. * I have never set foot on an empty train; mostly they are very busy. * I have always found the staff on the trains and at Castle Cary station most pleasant and helpful. * Cheap, advance tickets can also be bought in advance at stations, not just online. * Railcards (even bus passes) can help reduce ticket costs for some.

I count myself lucky to have the above service at my disposal and would hate to think that some adverse comments might put people off using the trains.

As a final comment I would like to add that I also travel on the trains of other European countries and have experienced delays, cancellations and faults in Belgium, France, Germany and Italy. spain has to date always come top in efficiency and reliability.

J.W. Castle Cary P.s. Weren’t somerton and Langport stations closed ‘in the good old days of BR’?

Excellent!

sir, Thank you for your excellent In Passing article in november's issue. I doubt many could have put the matter of voting for Police and Crime Commissioners so succinctly. Your comments should be in the national press.

I will definitely vote - but spoil.

(Mrs) R.C.Lowe Milborne Port

And More

sir, n.n’s comments In Passing november, should I hope be read by all who may be duped by these political tempters to vote in the forthcoming fiasco, for a police commissioner.

What we urgently require is a justice commissioner, or should that word be commissar? And do not confuse justice with, or as, law, because they are two entirely different entities.

I have asked one minister, and two secretaries of state for justice, plus my local MP and council leader and CAB office to define the word for me - all have declined but advised me to seek it via the law.

This, despite quoting all of them the following: I have been seeking justice since 2006, through legal action, it is obvious to me there is no justice in law. A judge confirmed that in 2008 informing me emphatically, that his duty was to interpret the law, not dispense justice, and lawyers have since declared that is so, as my written word is not legally lawful, or recognised by law, but I have asked which came first, the language or the law?

The law, with all its pomp and ceremony is hypocrisy. It does not require a trained solomon to define or balance the differences between truth and lies, any honest infidel could, hence the commissioner.

The legal system, like all else in this state, has been politically infiltrated to create employment, and very lucrative too! Try and find a litigator for less than two hundred pounds per hour, and who sets those fees? The legal fraternity of course, and when engaged, who calls the tune?

The piper tells you what they can do, not that which you want achieved, and it may take years to accomplish, should that be surprising.

Every thing these politicians of ‘all and every creed, of every temptation they peddle’, ever create and achieve is more dispute and controversy, the perfect employment and their faithful converts support them, and have done, since the human first conversed.

The sins of the fathers.

A.s.H. Knight Brook street Milborne Port

Waitrose and John Lewis link to Shepton Mallet

sir, I have read with interest the article of Roger Richards from March 2011 regarding the connection of the John Lewis department store with shepton Mallet. May I refer you to his final paragraph mentioning Waitrose - please see the above which suggests W. W. Waite, one of the Waitrose founders, also attended shepton Mallet Grammar school!

L. Chappell Email

Red Berry Recruitment

sir, It’s that time of year again when Red Berry Recruitment chooses a charity to help for Christmas. We have helped numerous charities over the years from Happy Landings, the nsPCC, Macmillan Cancer, Women’s Refuges, st Margaret’s Hospice and Barnardos. This year, each office has decided to choose their own charity and the Berries in Yeovil have chosen Heaven’s Gate in Langport, somerset.

Heaven’s Gate, takes in and cares for a wide variety of animals. The extensive kennels and cattery are always busy with the capacity to take up to 60 dogs and 50 cats. The stables and paddocks are home to horses, donkeys and ponies, and the farm area accommodates cows, pigs, sheep and goats. Their pond and poultry enclosures are home to geese, ducks, turkeys, and

chickens and they also have a purpose-built peacock enclosure where the larger birds can roam and there are also facilities for rabbits, guinea pigs and aviary birds.

A purpose-built veterinary unit enables all check-ups and routine neutering of animals to be completed on site as well as being able to provide veterinary care for long-term animals.

When we contacted them to ask if they would be happy for us to promote them as a charity and help their cause, they were delighted. We asked them how we could help and what they needed and they said: * Blankets and towels especially in the winter months * Cat food- they are absolutely desperate for! Felix Kitten is the favourite! * Dog Food / any animal feed * Toys Obviously anything would be appreciated, so if you would like to help some needy animals, please bring along your items to Red Berry Recruitment, 16c Hendford, Yeovil BA20 1TE. We will be delivering the presents the week before Christmas Eve, so you have plenty of time to drop something into us!

On behalf of Heaven’s Gate and Red Berry Recruitment, thank you very much Helen Lacey Bsc MREC Managing Director Red Berry Recruitment, Yeovil THE vIsITOR December 2012 5

ARTS & MUSIC The Courthouse Gallery

The somerset Guild of Craftsmen, one of the oldest in the country, elected its new Master at its recent AGM. Attended by some 30 Guild Members, the new Master is John Candler, a stone sculptor who has been a member of The Guild since 2011. The election came after serving as vice-Chairman under the outgoing Master, David Brown, during his 3 year term. Thanks were expressed to David for his sterling work in steering The Guild through a difficult recession hit period. John was presented with the Master’s chain of office, and in accepting the post dedicated his term as Master to moving The Guild forward to further prominence in the Craft world. John has already been working with staff at The Courthouse Gallery in recent weeks to draw together the Christmas exhibition Two for Joy, based on the theme of birds, which opened on 10th november and runs until 5th January.

Music in the Pubs

On Friday 23rd november you will find The Groove Brothers performing at The Lord nelson, norton sub Hamdon. Ray and Ian met during a recording session in 1996 and had an instinctive musical connection with their shared love of classic soul and Motown. They joined forces in 2005 and became the Groove Brothers, bringing together their experience, musicality and professionalism.

The love and passion for the music they play is infectious and translates to any audience they play to.

On saturday 24th november The Intruders are appearing at the Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas.

MU

SI

C

A local Diary

If you long for the songs of your youth this band combines a mixture of high quality covers from the 60's to the present day plus a number of their own unique songs. This mix is sure to entertain everyone and get you singing and dancing.

Regular readers of our Pub Pages will know that Pete Lambden, landlord of The Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil is renowned for his musical expertise, so it’s not surprising that music plays an important part at the Quickie. On Friday 30th november Hells Bells, an accomplished AC/DC Tribute Band, will be playing in the function room.

This popular band has performed all over the UK as well as Portugal, Austria, Russia, Belgium, Czech Republic and the Middle East.

If you’re a fan of AC/DC then you'll love their high energy performance - a show not to be missed!

Concert & Theatre Trips

Booking must close at the end of January for anyone wishing to see Jason Donovan in the musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert, direct from the West End to Bristol on Wednesday 17th April.

Coach as usual from Curry Rivel, Langport, somerton, Keinton Mandeville, and shepton Mallet, inclusive price of £39 for good stalls seats. The show is based on the hit film with many popular dance floor musical numbers.

The Langport & District Red Cross fund raising group who are arranging this trip are hoping to have raised £30,000 from all their trips by 2013.

Book online at coxtheatretrips@ btinternet.com or www.theatre trips.webeden.co.uk or phone 01458 273085.

FOR THE

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ON

TH

November 23rd THE GROOVE BROTHERS - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon 24th PAUL SMITH - Bakers Arms, Martock 24th DAVE CURTIS - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi 24th THE INTRUDERS - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas December 1st US Acoustic Duo - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon 1st ROSS KIRK - Bakers Arms, Martock 1st WISE INTENTIONS - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas 6th A. J. WEBBER - Manor House, Ditcheat 8th POWERCUT - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon 8th ROCK THE NIGHT - Bakers Arms, Martock 15th LADY GA-GA - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon 22nd BREATHLESS - Bakers Arms, Martock 22nd REAL DEAL - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas 24th CAROLS (Sing-a-long) - Half Moon, Horsington 26th THE RAY JONES BAND - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi 28th TIM PITMAN’S Christmas Show - Natterjack, Evercreech Junction 28th ELVIS 56 Tribute - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas 31st LIVE ENTERTAINMENT - Montague Inn, Shepton Montague 31st THE DISCIPLES - Bakers Arms, Martock 6 THE vIsITOR December 2012

Mentioned in

Dispatches Castle Cary Christmas Tree Festival

A Christmas Tree Festival will be held again this December in Castle Cary Methodist Church, Upper High street, Castle Cary to welcome in the Christmas season and coincide with the Town’s ‘Big Christmas’ celebration.

Trees are provided for local charities and organizations for children and adults. Each group decorates its tree to represent its organization. There will be a number of activities also held over the weekend. The Festival is great fun and a number of new groups have been invited to participate this year as well as some of the previous participants.

The opening times of the Festival will be as follows:

Thursday 6th December 5pm 8.30pm: Also Children's Workshop making Christmas ornaments.

Friday 7th December 10am 4pm: 7.30pm Castle Cary Choir Christmas Concert. saturday 8th December 10am 4pm: 7.30pm short service of Christmas music and readings for quiet reflection. sunday 9th December 2pm 4pm: 4.00pm 'Carols Round the Tree', a service suitable for all ages.

Christmas Tree Festival in Crewkerne Parish Church

Due to its great success in 2010 and 2011, a Christmas Tree Festival will again be held in st Bartholomew's Church, Crewkerne. The Church will be open to visitors from 11am to 6pm from Friday 14th until saturday 22nd December. some of the trees will have the theme The Best of British, in honour of the Olympics, while others will show in imaginative fashion the work of Crewkerne's lively societies.

’ello, ’ello, ’ello ... he had the right name for the job of Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner ... but the Conservative’s choice didn’t manage to steal the election and was beaten by former police chief, Martyn Underhill.

S e as o ns t o gs Greetin ll a yo u

Book your Festive Shape Greeting Today!

Christmas / January Issue Published ...

Tuesday 18th December Deadline ...

Friday 7th December

Telephone 01963 351256

Mentioned in

Dispatches some forty decorated and illuminated trees standing against golden ham stone walls and pillars add to the splendour of a Parish Church which has been rated one of the 100 most beautiful in Britain. The trees will continue in place 23rd - 25th December for the usual Christmas services.

Sherborne Area Over 50’s Group

The Christmas meeting will be held in the Digby Hall, Hound street on Monday 26th november from 2.30pm when the speaker will be the Rev. stewart Timbrell who will be reminiscing on Discovering Dorset. This will be the second in the series of the Reverend’s talks. There will be a raffle, teas and home-made cakes.

All welcome - bring a friend.

Poppy Appeal Concert

Flags were waving at Wincanton Memorial Hall on Friday 9th november when Wincanton silver Band held their Poppy Proms Concert in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. It was a true ‘Last night at the Proms’ feeling when the band performed all the favorites including Jerusalem, Land of Hope & Glory and I vow to thee my Country. Over the last several years Wincanton silver Band have held a flagship event to support the appeal and last year the Wincanton branch of the Royal British Legion raised over £13600 for Poppy Appeal in the town. The concert raised over £700 for the Poppy Appeal.

Yeovil in Living Memory Calendar 2013

Do you remember Yeovil in the 1960s? If so, you will be interested to see (and buy) the Yeovil in Living Memory calendar 2013 which a number of volunteers who help at the Community Heritage Access Centre (CHAC) in Yeovil have created.

They have drawn on the considerable collection of photos held at the Centre and put together a set of fascinating photos showing Yeovil as it was in the 1960s. The pictures will bring back a great many memories for the older townspeople and provide a topic of conversation throughout the year. If the scene is quite

unfamiliar to you, the calendar will give you an opportunity to see how much the town has changed in the past forty years or so.

The calendars are available at £5 each and all proceeds will go towards the care of the collections at CHAC. To order one, contact Clare Robinson at clare.robinson @southsomerset.gov.uk or send a cheque made payable to ssDC to: CHAC, ssDC Lufton Depot, 7 Artillery Road, Lufton, Yeovil, somerset BA22 8RP. They will also be available from the vintage Fayre Café, Market street, Yeovil.

Gillingham’s Annual Christmas Parade and Festive Lighting Switch-On Ceremony

Gillingham’s Annual Christmas Parade & Festive Lighting switch-On Ceremony will be held on Friday 7th December 2012, commencing at 6pm at the Town Hall, school Road, Gillingham.

Go along and welcome Father Christmas to Gillingham!

The festivities begin with a Children’s Fancy Dress and Christmas Lantern Competition which will be judged at 6pm in the Town Hall prior to the start of the Parade at 6.30pm.

Gillingham’s Town Crier will lead the Christmas Parade from the Town Hall to the High street car park. see Father Christmas arrive in the locally-owned magnificent steam engine the Duke of Kent, accompanied by Gillingham Imperial silver Band, the fancy dress parade and town councillors. The carnival princess and her attendants will follow the parade in a stylish vintage vehicle.

Once the parade has assembled at the High street car park the Mayor will traditionally perform the Festive Lighting switch-On Ceremony at 6.45pm. This will be followed by carol singing and an opportunity for the children to visit Father Christmas. Looni Ballooni, the popular children’s entertainer, will amuse children and parents during the evening.

Festive hot and cold refreshments will be available in the Methodist Church Hall. Hot dogs and burgers will be available

and hopefully mulled wine too.

Details of how to enter the Children’s Festive Fancy Dress Competition and Lantern Competition are available from the Town Council offices weekdays from 9am until 1pm or alternatively visit the website: www.gillinghamdorset-tc.gov.uk for further details.

December Notice Board BISHOPS CAUNDLE

We Hear That the question being asked in Kingsbury Episcopi is ‘who needs a satnav’ when Glyn stuckey has his very own sally Traffic - also known as Helen Male.

That Yeovil’s David ‘Kernal’ Brown said he would go though ‘hell fire and water’ to see his pop idol Marty Wilde and he did, thanks to Woody Woodpecker.

That Terry White of the Yellow Wagtail Chelsea supporters Club, still supports his team after 50 years - despite losing to Manchester United in the League.

table top sale on saturday 1st December at the village Hall from 2pm. Tables £5 each. To book call 01963 23292.

That the video crew are wondering if steve Tucker of Yeovil will be able to hold the camera still - now that he has reached 65.

DITCHEAT

That the 2013 Tortoise Run, being organised by Wells Classic Motorcycle Club will incorporate a Snail Run, for veteran and very low powered machines.

st Mary’s Church Christmas tree Festival, Thursday 13th sunday 16th December, 10am 4pm each day. Come and see Christmas Trees decorated and lit. Free entry, donations for Church.

ILCHESTER

Craft Fair, Ilchester Town Hall, on saturday 24th november. various stalls, raffle, tombola, hot food. In aid of Yeovil Hospice.

MARTOCK

Belinda evans & 3 Friends sing Christmas songs and The Andrews Sisters in aid of st.

Margaret’s Yeovil Hospice. saturday 22nd December at 7.30pm. Parish Church TA12 6JL. Tickets £8. Telephone 01935 822706.

ADVERTISE YOUR JANUARY EVENT HERE!

A listing under our Notice Board costs just £5 - send details of What? When? Where? to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. All entries to be pre-paid, maximum 20 words.

Deadline for January issue, Friday 7th December. Additional words 30p each. Maximum of five.

That a black-tie event held at RnAs Yeovilton to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Yeovil Rotary Club raised an amazing £2,500 for Help for Heroes.

That the Windy Ridge Brewery of seavington are serving up to three storms - all very popular.

That two vintage Motorcyclists were ‘sirened in’ on route to somerton by a big unmarked police car. They were quickly reassured by the ‘eeh up lads’ constable that everything was quite in order, but he asked ‘what on earth is that bike you’re riding’. After a short history lesson about 1962 Ariels, JB and norman were bid farewell – no Charge!!

That it was all change for Lin Penn of shepton Mallet on her recent Christmas shopping excursion to Exeter.

THE vIsITOR December 2012 7

Bruton Late Night Shopping Wednesday 5th December 6pm - 8pm Lots of food ...

Lots of gifts ...

Lots of bargains ...

One of a pair of french cold painted terracotta and bronze models of the common snipe, signed by Sylvestrie, £950 the pair. Just one of the many interesting items for sale at Quillon House Antiques, High Street, Bruton.

Bruton’s Late Night Christmas Shopping

This year Bruton’s popular Late night Christmas shopping event, organised by the Bruton Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Wednesday 5th December from 6pm until 8pm.

Festive stalls are planned for the pavements and Father Christmas will ride along the High street by pony and cart at

6.30pm. Children can visit him in his grotto at the Community Office where he will have a sackful of presents for boys and girls. visitors to the town will be able to sample lots of festive goodies from cider and roast chestnuts to mince pies and cakes. A sweet stall, manned by the primary school, is sure to be a popular attraction along with a Christmas

decorations stall also displaying mistletoe, holly and ivy. Listen to the choir singing traditional carols accompanied by hand bells. some of the regular shops, pubs and restaurants will be open but this year the Chamber is encouraging the festivities to take place outside on the High street.

If any stall holders would like to have a pitch on the evening the cost is £15. Contact Mary at The

Garden House on 01749 813011 there may be just one or two spaces left!

Cat’s Cafe

now under new management the Cat’s Cafe, within McColls, is an ideal place to relax over a cup of coffee and enjoy homemade cooking - from breakfasts and light lunches through to afternoon tea. At the Cat’s Cafe you can also sample Portuguese cuisine!

Truffles Bistro

Truffles has appointed a new Head Chef, simon Jones, formerly of the White Hart Hotel in Martock. simon has developed a French themed menu for the French owner and gained many favourable reviews for consistently high standards. simon brings over 30 year's experience and has good knowledge of sourcing the best local food produce and will help Truffles to maximise their use of fresh seasonal produce. On november 15th Truffles hosted a 'Beaujolais Nouveau evening' where all dining guests received a complimentary glass of the newly landed Beaujolais. Other innovations developed recently include the introduction of a fixed price dinner menu at £19.95 for 3

Quillon House Antiques

16 HigH StREEt , BRUtOn  01749 812269

Fine French double barrelled flintlock pistol by R. Audin (circa. 1780) – £1,995

H 17th / 18th Century Oak and Country Furniture H Arms & Armoury H Equestrian Paintings H Valuations Undertaken H Antiques Purchased

Open: tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10.00am - 5.30pm 8 THE vIsITOR December 2012

Cat’s Café • Breakfasts • Lunches • Hot & Cold Drinks • Homemade Cakes Some Portuguese Dishes and Products for Sale Open: Monday – Saturday 8am – 5pm, Sunday 8.30am – 3.30pm

Tel: 07792 063947 Find us at the back of ...

McColls Shop, 23 High Street, Bruton

courses for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Finally, bookings are still being taken for the Christmas Party Menu at £22.95 a head. The menus can be viewed on the website at www.truffles

bistro.co.uk or pick up a copy from Truffles.

Rachel’s Hair and Beauty

Looking very smart since the recent re-painting of the shop

Bruton Late Night Shopping Wednesday 5th December 6pm - 8pm Lots of food ...

Lots of gifts ...

Lots of bargains ...

Tiffany Brown salon owner pictured with senior stylist Aimee Chinnock. Tiffany has over 10 years experience in the beauty industry and has recently opened her own salon Bellitudo in the High Street, Bruton. During the late night opening there will be mini taster sessions, demonstrations and plenty of gift ideas.

Prepare yourself this Festive & New Year Season with ...

front Rachel’s Hair and Beauty celebrated 30 years of trading in Bruton this year.

Rachel and her professional team have a passion for hairstyling and can offer both traditional and cutting-edge styling. There are beauty and hair packages available for every occasion from party time to wedding day.

Do call in on the late night shopping evening as there are plenty of gift ideas, from luxury hair conditioning sets, through

to pearl jewellery, brushes, slides etc., and of course, plenty of seasonal hospitality as usual!

The Antique Shop

You are bound to see something special at The Antique shop in Bruton where you can always find a superb choice of jewellery ... an ideal gift.

Why not brighten the Christmas table with a cut glass decanter or some silver candle sticks ... do pay them a visit, the stock is constantly changing.

Beautiful Jewellery...

Just one of many gift ideas from

A Shellac File and Varnish – £15 The Eye Defining Trio of Treatment – £20 Full Set of Semi-Permanent Eye Lash Extensions – £40 Book your Complimentary Lily Lolo Colour Match Make-up Consultation At Bellitudo we offer professional skin, body and nail treatments.

Tiffany and Aimee are here to guide you with any beauty concerns or just to give you the pampering you deserve!

5 High Street, Bruton. Tel: 01749 813264 Furniture - Jewellery - Collectables - Decorative Art Jewellery Making - Repairs - Restringing Open: thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 till 5.30 December: tuesday, Wednesday, thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 till 5.30 Dave & Mike wish all their customers a very Merry Christmas

We look forward to welcoming you to our salon

PARTY PACKAGE

26 High Street, Bruton, BA10 0AE  01749 812109

TRUFFLES RESTAURANT & BISTRO

Hairstyling Mini Manicure Make-Up Application

95 High Street, Bruton BA10 0AR

Authentic French Menu

Lunch 12 – 2pm, 2 course / 3 course, £9.95 / £12.95 Dinner 7 – 9.30pm, à la carte ‘Special Set Dinner’ Tuesday & Wednesday: 3 courses for £19.95 Add carafe wine £9 See our website for Christmas Party Menu at £22.95 per head from December 1st – 22nd All major credit cards accepted.

£35

Offer Ends 31st December

A team of stylists with a wealth of experience in classical and up to date styling

SPECIAL PROMOTION £10, 200ml – £30

Moroccan Oil ... 25ml –

7 High Street, Bruton  01749 813210

FOR RESERVATIONS TEL: 01749 812180 or email: bookings@trufflesbistro.co.uk www.trufflesbistro.co.uk

Don’t forget early deadline for January - Friday 7th December THE vIsITOR December 2012 9

Business & Professional Robert Stone & Co, chartered accountants and tax advisers in Ilminster answers questions from small businesses in Somerset Q1. My business needs to move to smaller cheaper premises, but my current landlord wants me to pay a fee to surrender the property lease earlier than the next break point. Can I claim that lease-surrender payment as a business expense?

Robert Stone replies:

Unfortunately you can't get a tax deduction for this payment to your landlord, as a fee to release you from the continuing obligation to make payments under the lease is regarded as a capital payment.

There is also no tax relief for this payment under the capital gains tax rules as it doesn't represent a cost of purchase or a cost of disposal of an asset. so for you it's a 'tax nothing'.

Q2. I sold a property in August 2012 which made a gain of £50,000. It consisted of a café on the ground floor, which I ran as a sole trader

until August 2010, and a residential flat above, both of which were let out from August 2010 until the date of sale. Can I claim entrepreneurs' relief on the gain?

Robert Stone replies:

Assuming you ceased the café business in August 2010 (and did not continue the same business elsewhere), you should be eligible to claim entrepreneurs' relief on the part of the gain that relates to the cafe section of the property.

This is on the basis that the ground floor was used for the purpose of your cafe business to the day you ceased to operate that business, and you sold the property within three years of that date. The gain relating to the flat will not qualify for entrepreneurs' relief.

Q3. The Taxman is always demanding money from me for VAT, PAYE, corporation tax, Class 1A NICs, excise duty, the list goes on and on. I am terrified of mixing up the payments and paying the wrong amount to the wrong part of the great tax department. How can I make sure I get it right?

Robert Stone replies:

CAR – HOME – COMMERCIAL

Call Livingstones now on

01935 706258

Your local insurance experts

MAx FooTe Associates Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors 26 Lower Woodcock Street Castle Cary BA7 7BH Tel: 01963 351052 Business and limited company accounts, self assessment tax returns, VAt, Payroll, Book-keeping and training Personal and professional service 10 THE vIsITOR December 2012

The Taxman has recently set-up a really helpful page on his website:www.hmrc.gov.uk/bankac counts/, which lists alphabetically all the taxes and charges it administers. When you click on the name of a tax or charge, the

website tells you how to pay, including the bank account numbers and how to check you have the correct reference.

If you have an urgent query, do not hesitate to contact Robert stone on 01460 55661 or email your questions to: info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk

Red Berry Recruitment Sponsors Oakhill Football Club

Pictured is Helen Lacey, MD of Red Berry Recruitment, (back row) with the Oakhill Football Club. With Helen on the back row is Jake Apfelstedt (Captain), Brad Downton, Chris Greenham, Matt Hole, Chris Apfelstedt, Wayne spirrell.

With Helen, were 3 of her shepton Mallet staff, Emma Haskins - Recruitment Administrator, Racheal Haynes - sales and Office Manager and Craig skinner - Accounts assistant. On the front row:

Jordan Baker, Caleb, Joe Bowley's 5 year old son, Joe Bowley - Industrial Recruitment Consultant for Red Berry in shepton Mallet, seb D’Adamo and Ricky.

Joe approached Helen for sponsorship 4 months ago, and she was more than happy to help, having known Joe for a few years when he first temped for Red Berry when he moved to the area.

But as fate would have it, Joe recently became the new Industrial Consultant, so it was lovely to be able to support a club and someone who is so passionate about what they do.

Oakhill FC play in the Mid somerset Premier league, and have been for two years. Joe started playing for the club 5 years ago and has been manager for the last two years, Chris Greenham has become assistant manger this year. They play at the Brian Wells Arena in Oakhill if you fancy going along and joining the team.

m e i T

inG Go  K  o o l o d • Party  

Jacqueline’s has Relocated

Formerly of Fore street Castle Cary, Jaqueline’s Dress Agency, has relocated to new premises at The Applegarth Emporium in Wincanton.

Conveniently situated in the main High street, just a short walk from the free car park, the attractive new premises has been filled completely with fresh stock so there are plenty of exciting clothes to see. Jacqueline specialises in quality nearly new designer fashion - call in and see her cruise and occasion wear.

Jacqueline has a sister shop in sherborne.

Another Little World Expands

Carly Douris (beautician) of Another Little World Organic Beauty has been successfully operating within The Emporium in Princes street Yeovil. Carly offers a full range of treatments including the popular CACI facials. Due to demand Carly was joined by beautician Tessa who specializes in nails, and more recently by Remia who specializes in massage therapies. new beauty rooms have opened upstairs, called The Loft @ Another Little World and due to the extra space there is now a room for hire - yoga and pilates classes are already being held there. There is also an opening for a gentlemans traditional barber and anyone interested should contact Carly.

Elegance Beauty Therapy Clinic

Add a touch of glamour to your party outfit with beautifully varnished nails - Brrrrr Red, shimmering Frostbite and Wink Wink Twinkle are just some of the colours that Elegance can offer. A manicure is just £17.50 or

W

NE

if you are in a hurry a file and varnish £8.50.

Evening sandals mean that your toes are on show too so treat yourself to a pedicure at £25.

If you are worried about squeezing into that LBD - a body wrap can leave you feeling slimmer and toned.

Take care of your skin with a regular facial - these and a host of other treatments are available at Elegance of Wincanton. Make an appointment today and get ready to sparkle this Christmas!



Beat the winter chill with snuggly winter jumpers and wool jackets.

flattering trousers, stylish skirts and elegant dresses can all be found at Jane’s.

Partywear - at Jane’s of Somerton

With the festive season here you will want to look your best! At Jane’s of somerton there is a superb choice of partywear on display. Whether you want short and funky or long and elegant there is something to suit all tastes and occasions from informal drinks with friends to formal dinner with the mayor.

Choose from sparkling tops to brighten up a plain skirt or trousers to glamorous fur stoles and pashminas. There is a lovely choice of jewellery to enhance your outfit plus shoes and evening bags. soft knitwear, tailored jackets,

For a touch of Glamour ...

Established 1983

Élégance

Beauty Therapy Clinic

Sparkle this Christmas

Full range of beauty treatments to get you ready for the party season!  Gift Vouchers 

Sandie Barrett

M.B.A.B.Th.C. • C.I.D.E.S.C.O. A Ladies Only Salon 8b Church Street, Wincanton (01963) 34115

visit



 dress agency Jane Lazenbury





BeauTiFul eveninG wear including many designer labels at a fraction of the original cost.

For ParTy wear sizes 8 – 26 do call in ... sparkling tops, velvets, wraps, jewellery and more, ideal for that christmas Party!

The Triangle • Somerton ( 30 ya rdS From The Po ST oFFic e)

Te l : 01 45 8 27 3711

NeW LooK - NeW LocAtioN

More than just beauty ...

Designer Dress Agency Formerly of Castle Cary ... has moved to Wincanton

39 Princes Street - Yeovil - 01935 579482 anotherlittleworld@ymail.com

Quality New & Nearly New Designer Clothing, Shoes, Bags, Hats and Accessories

Pilates • Yoga • Commercial Burlesque

 Now Accepting Winter / Party / cruise Wear 

Life Coaching • Sports Massage and Acupressure Holistic Therapies • Book Club • Guitar Lessons We rent out our rooms and are looking for people to share their talents with people such as knitting, jewellery making classes etc.

Please note: only Designer lAbels - no chainstore labels accepted

the Applegarth Emporium, 8 High Street, WINCANTON

 01963 33821 also

52a Cheap Street, SHERBORNE 

01935 816651

THE vIsITOR December 2012 11

25

YEARS

Tony’s Fish & Chips - Somerton

REMEMBER, remember the 5th of november! Tony and nicky Degregorio certainly will because this is the date when they opened Tony’s Fish and Chip shop, 25 years ago! situated in the centre

of somerton by The Triangle, the original building dates back to the 1600s.

Over the years business has increased and improvements made so they can offer their

customers a prompt and friendly service, with 15 staff now employed in total.

Tony’s pride themselves on their high quality fish and chips and this in turn has paid dividends as many of their customers come back time after time.

Being open Tuesday to saturday lunchtimes and evenings can be demanding so Des Metravers is on hand as Manager to share the work load, as is long serving team member Julie slade, both are familiar faces to the customers.

Tony’s is a real family business with daughters Kayleigh and Ann Marie having worked in the business and Tony’s mum and dad, now in their 80s, helping out some mornings.

Cod and chips is still the most popular purchase. The cod is fresh frozen at sea within 20 minutes of being caught, this means the fresh flavour is retained. In addition to traditional batter Tony offers a coeliac alternative made with rice flour, plus a non-battered cod which is only lightly coated for people who find batter hard to digest. Maris Piper potatoes are used for the chips. Once again fresh and prepared by hand. The food is cooked in 100% ground nut oil - this has no smell and is a healthier option as it is less oily.

There is something on the menu for everyone - a choice of fish, fish roe, curry, burgers, saveloys, pickled eggs and more including vegetarian dishes such as vegetable burgers, spicy bean burgers and pancake rolls.

Childrens Meal Boxes are proving very popular, each colourful box contains a meal of their choice, e.g. fish fingers and chips or perhaps chicken nuggets and chips, together with sauce, a free drink and a gift, all for £2.99. This novel idea is especially popular for childrens parties.

Everything is cooked fresh each lunchtime and evening - nothing

MoxHAM, MiLES & Co ACCouNTANTS Preparation of Financial Accounts for Sole Traders, Partnerships, Ltd Companies

ALAN FROUD LIMITED

Also Preparation of Tax Returns, VAT Returns, Payroll, Book-Keeping

SuppliERS oF QuAlitY potAtoES

We are pleased to undertake work for Tony’s Fish & Chip Shop and congratulate them on 25 years of trading

Congratulate Tony’s Fish & Chips On their 25th Year of Trading Jaba Kings Lane, Woodlands, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 8LZ Tel: 01202 822098 12 THE vIsITOR December 2012

191a High Street, STREET, BA16 0NE Tel: 01458 442053

Tony’s Fish & Chips - Somerton is reheated or carried over. And the packaging is now all biodegradable and paper bags have replaced the old plastic ones.

Tony’s Fish and Chips serves not only the local community but many of the surrounding villages.

To celebrate their 25 years in business Tony and nicky held a daily free draw during their anniversary week to say a big ‘thank you’ to all their loyal customers. Any person spending £5 in the shop was invited to put their receipt in the draw box and one receipt was drawn each day over the week and each of the five winners received £75.

Tony, nicky and staff would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to their suppliers and customers for their support over the years and they look forward to serving them again soon.

Tony’s is open Tuesday to saturday 12noon until 2pm and from 5pm until 9.30pm.

Closed sunday and Monday.

Tony’s Fish and Chips, The Triangle, Pye Corner, somerton, TA11 6QJ. Tel: 01458 272532.

25

YEARS

Meet the team. From left, Tony Degregorio, his wife Nicky, manager Des Metravers and long serving team member Julie Slade.

Somercroft Farm Seavington Somerset TA19 0QB  01460 240443

Potato Specialists

Fax: 01460 242271 enquiries@b-reyland.co.uk

SUpplIERS OF HIgH qUalITy pOTaTOES aT COMpETITIvE pRICES We are pleased to supply

Tony’s Fish & Chip Shop and congratulate them on 25 years trading

Gerald Matravers

Aerials & Electrical Services ProFeSSional & reliaBle cleaninG domestic & commercial cleaning carpets & upholstery a Quality Service Guaranteed

Congratulations to all at Tony’s Fish & Chips ... and every success in the future!

Freephone: 0800 955 4388 office: 01935 841137 • mobile: 07951 067872

Extra TV Points / BT Points or Data Domestic Installations, Fuse Board Upgrades Extensions, Garages, Sheds, Inspection & Testing CITy & GUIlDS QUalIFIED All good wishes to Tony, Nicky & Team on their 25th Anniversary Freesat or HD Freesat

Contact Gerald on 01458 250409 or 07828 109179

Part P registered through ElecSa

THE vIsITOR December 2012 13

BACK in the summer I brought a friend from up-country to somerton to see the work of members of the somerset Guild of Craftsmen at their ‘Going for Gold’ exhibition. since 2006 the Guild’s gallery has been in the former courthouse on the Market Place, a handsome building dating from the 1870s which has been sensitively refurbished and now provides a superb showcase for some of the finest ceramics, metalwork, woodwork, glass, jewellery, embroidery and

photography produced in the county. The Guild was formed in 1933 and currently has around 80 members exhibiting at any one time. All are highly skilled and have undergone a stringent selection procedure before being accepted as exhibiting members.

My visitor was so impressed by what she saw that we spent well over an hour examining and admiring the exhibits, and she vowed to return to the Courthouse Gallery in December to see its Christmas exhibition, ‘Two for Joy’,

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Somerton (01458) 272297 Langport (01458) 250509 Butleigh (01458) 850654 www.forseyandson.co.uk • Members of N.A.F.D., B.I.F.D. and S.A.I.F.

14 THE vIsITOR December 2012

At Tony’s Fish & Chip Shop, to celebrate their 25 years in business, Tony and Nicky held a daily free draw during their anniversary week to say a big ‘thank you’ to all their loyal customers.

Pictured is Kate Wigmore, winner, from Pitney. The four other winners were: Jenny Jones of Long Load; Cass Osborne of Somerton; R.F. Moore of Langport; and Nick Ridewood of Yeovil; who all received £75.

Blooming Linda’s

47 West Street, Somerton TA11 7PR

See our CHRiSTMAS RANgES and order direct online from our website – www.bloominglinda.co.uk  Unusual Gifts  Silk Arrangements  Christmas Wreaths  Flowers Sent Nationally and Internationally

Tel / Fax: 01458 273030 Email: bloominglindas@btconnect.com  Merry Christmas to all our Customers 

this time armed with her credit card.

I’m writing this before the exhibition opens in november, but according to the advance publicity its theme will be birds, from mythical and magical creatures to the humble robin, expressed through the whole range of crafts.

All of these unique exhibits will be on sale (as will the items in the regular display) and in addition, Guild members are producing a selection of decorations and small gifts which could make ideal Christmas gifts. The Gallery is normally open from 10.00am till 5.00pm daily except sundays, but during november and December it is also open on sundays from 11.00am till 4.00pm. The Christmas exhibition runs until 5th January.

If you’re hunting for Christmas gifts with a local connection it’s worth crossing the road to the stationery House which has a selection of goods that are clearly gifts from somerton. This shop is much more than just a stationer, offering a good selection of maps, books, pens, jigsaw puzzles, framed prints and office requisites, and is always worth a browse.

Just round the corner from the Courthouse Gallery is the White Hart, a former coaching inn about which I have written in previous articles. It is certainly of medieval origin although refronted in the 19th century, and reputedly it incorporates some of the walls of an ancient castle that once stood on the site. This has never been substantiated, nor has the legend of the little window high on the building’s east wall. Known as King John’s Window, it is allegedly where King John II of France was imprisoned in the 14th century.

M

J

The interior of the pub certainly retains a pleasant ‘historic’ aura, but it doesn’t match the needs of a 21st century business, so plans have been laid for an extensive refurbishment. The intention is to extend the dining area into a refurbished and modernised barn at the back, relocate the kitchen and toilet areas, and convert part of the first floor to provide three more rooms for overnight guests.

Because it’s a listed building in a conservation area no changes will be permitted that mar the important parts of the structure or its setting, but if permission is granted the works should help to ensure that the White Hart continues to thrive for many years to come.

The pub next door, The Globe, is similarly ancient and interesting.

It was originally called The Angel and is mentioned in the parish

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records as long ago as 1616.

Apparently the stone for the exterior walls was excavated from within the site, which is why there

are steps down into the main bar area and more steps down into the beer garden. Indeed, the entire Market Place is steeped in interest.

The long-established businesses of A. W. Rule & Son Gunmakers Ltd. and M. J. Carpets can be found on the Market Place.

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LEE HOLMES

INDEpENDENT gaRDEN MaCHINERy SpECIalIST 15 Cary Court, Bancombe Business Park, Somerton Tel: 01458 274261 Email: leeholmes@deerepark.fsnet.co.uk www.independentgardenmachinery.co.uk THE vIsITOR December 2012 15

Take a stroll round and you’ll see buildings that appear to date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, but sometimes their facades conceal structures going back as far as the early years of the 16th century. The ancient building housing the Market Bar is thought to date from around 1550, and Freeman House next to the former Red Lion was originally two small cottages probably built in the early 1500s. The Market Place shops are also worth a look, especially the long-established M J Carpets which carries more than a thousand carpet and vinyl samples to choose from and offers prompt delivery and fitting.

Like most Visitorland towns, somerton will be celebrating Christmas, and information about its programme of festive events and carol services can be found on its website www.somerton.co.uk.

But for browsing for Christmas gifts I usually find it better to visit early in the week when the shops are quieter and car parking is easier. Then I can explore West street to rediscover the wide variety of retailers between the Market Place and the Triangle. I particularly like the Brunel shopping Centre, tucked away in what were formerly brewery

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buildings, which houses a selection of small businesses including a wholefoods shop offering a wide variety of tempting products, as well as somerton’s independent and seemingly very popular supermarket.

West street is home to Overt Locke, the oldest shop in somerton.

Certainly the town contains some very much older buildings that were or still are shops, such as The natural Meats shop on West street which has been a butcher’s for at least 85 years and probably a lot longer, but not in the same family ownership throughout.

Locke’s can claim the title because it has traded continuously from the same site, in much the same range of goods, for longer than any other somerton business; in fact, for more than 85 years, since 1925. nowadays the store is full of house and home products of every description including glassware

Somerton Business Awards

Currently on show in The Courthouse Gallery is a special display of craftwork on the theme of birds.

The Dress Circle Dress Agency

QuALiTy FASHioN iTEMS wANTED To SELL oN A CoMMiSSioN BASiS Wedding hats, wedding outfits, cruise wear and good quality casual wear and accessories, accepted every day ...

10am - 4pm Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm Saturday For large quantities collections can be arranged

4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY  01458 273485

The Somerset Guild of Craftsmen ChriStmaS Exhibition ‘Two For Joy’ Open: 10th November – 5th January

Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10.30am – 4pm, Christmas Eve open until 3pm

Visit us for all your high quality gifts, handmade here in Somerset by over 50 members of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen The Courthouse Gallery, Market Place, Somerton, TA11 7LX Tel: 01458 274653 • www.somersetguild.co.uk 16 THE vIsITOR December 2012

and pottery, tableware, kitchen requisites of every description and much else besides.

Also on West street are Blooming Linda’s floristry shop and somerton Hobbies catering for a broad range of interests from model railways and planes to jewellery and card-making. At The Triangle there’s the post office, a ladies’ dress shop, country-style furniture showroom and Tony’s fish and chip shop - celebrating 25 years of trading, and not far beyond is Bargain Basement which claims to be somerton’s biggest discount store with the best prices for miles. The small shop is certainly packed with a staggering variety of goods.

I saw much more of somerton shops on the quiet damp november afternoon of my latest visit than I ever would have done at a special Christmas event. I wish I had remembered my shopping list.

Roger Richards.

The best of somerton's business community have been recognised by a new initiative from the Somerton Business & Trades Association, with three awards being created to highlight some of their outstanding contributions to the local community. The winners were named at the Association's AGM on Thursday 8th november, held at the Unicorn in somerton.

Jane Rodger of Cobbs Wholefoods was the winner of the Community support Award.

Ian Laker of The London Cigarette Card Company became the first recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Local Business award.

Richard Williams of Williams Supermarket was named as the first Business Personality of the Year, following his achievement in completing the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

new street somerton

The awards were well received by members and it is hoped to make this an annual event, with the intention of opening up the categories to non-members in future. Anyone who would like further information on the event or the Association can get in touch with Don Turner, the Association's Chairman, and his contact details can be found in the Business Association section of the somerton Community Website www.somerton.co.uk.

Business Update Life, a new boutique, has opened in somerton combining an eclectic mixture of items for the home.

True to her reputation for providing unique, quirky and interesting antiques and design items Mary Hossack continues to provide things that are refreshingly different. The shop offers carefully selected items made by local artisans and talented craftspeople, teamed with vintage, antique and bespoke pieces. Every week they have a delivery of special fresh flowers direct from new spitalfields in London. Life is also an on-line store selling an even greater array of goodies.

Together with offering a full upholstery, bespoke and soft furnishings service, Life also stocks fabric from award winning St Judes fabric, Bute, Linwood, Zoffany and more.

For Christmas Mary has sourced some beautiful natural and handmade decorations and gifts. Find something unusual and unique in Life.

Christmas shopping night: Friday 7th December until 8pm.

Open Weekdays 10am – 3pm (closed Wednesday), saturday 10am – 1pm.

now open homes & interiors bespoke furniture antiques & art fabric, gifts etc. www.life-england.com

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

West Stour • Nr Gillingham • Dorset • SP8 5RP The versatile menu at The Ship Inn caters both for those who want a hearty sandwich and a pint, to those who want to enjoy a full three-course meal with a decent bottle of wine.

Our dishes are a blend of the traditional and the not so familiar, with a specials board and fresh fish board that offer further daily choices. We pride ourselves on using local and seasonal ingredients as much as possible and all dishes are freshly prepared and cooked to order. ______________________

Christmas Menu 2012 3 courses £21.95 / 2 courses £16.95 (coffee & mince pies included) Bookings and Pre-orders only Available Lunch or Evening from 1st December to 24th December 2012

starters Cream of white onion & cider soup with gruyère crouton and homemade bread (V) Ham hock & leek terrine with festive chutney, toasted homemade bread and dressed leaves Tian of crab, prawns & chilli with a cucumber & red onion salsa Garlic & tarragon creamy mushrooms served in a rustic cob and topped with Blue Vinny shavings (V)

Mains Roast breast of turkey with cranberry stuffing, pigs in blankets, bread sauce, roast potatoes, a selection of fresh vegetables & pan gravy Slow roasted confit of duck leg with a port & plum sauce, dauphinoise potatoes & a selection of fresh vegetables Goat’s cheese, spinach & sun dried tomato strudel with basil oil dressing, new potatoes & dressed salad (V) Pan-fried fillets of red snapper with a herby garlic crust, basil cream, sweet potato mash & fresh vegetables Tenderloin of pork with a mushroom & Blue Vinny sauce, black pudding and bubble & squeak

desserts Traditional Christmas pudding with warm brandy custard and vanilla ice cream Sticky date & ginger pudding with toffee sauce and clotted cream ice cream Rich dark chocolate & Cointreau mousse Vanilla Panna Cotta with a winter berry compote & café curls

Tel: 01747 838 640 • Fax: 01747 838 640 Email: mail@shipinn-dorset.com Website: http://www.shipinn-dorset.com THE VISITOR December 2012 17

Mark & Isabel welcome you to the

Crown & Victoria Inn Farm Street, TInTInhull nr. Yeovil BA22 8PZ

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

last minute ChrISTMAS BookIngS now being taken!  ChrISTMAS PArTY Menu  3 Courses £21.95 pp 2 Courses £ 17.95 pp (lunchtime only)

 ChrISTMAS DAY  luncheon £75 • Children £37.50 (under 12 years)

open Boxing Day new Year’s eve - full a la carte menu open new Year’s Day Delicious Award Winning Food served every day lunchtime and evening Traditional roasts available Sunday lunchtimes Quiz night and Theme evenings will recommence in January Beautiful gardens • real Ales Ample Parking • ensuite Accommodation

Bookings Tel: 01935 823341 Fax: 01935 825786 • email: info@thecrownandvictoria.co.uk www.thecrownandvictoria.co.uk

The

Manor House Inn ditcheat

Nr. Shepton Mallet Ba4 6rB • Tel: 01749 860276 • www.manorhouseinn.co.uk aCOUSTiC niGHT Thursday 6th December aJ Webber – Back on the road again aJ Webber, singer, songwriter and recording artiste is going back on the road, starting with an opening night at The Manor House inn at Ditcheat. she will be joined with special guest Palmer Fox eldrich known as one of the best blues singers and slide guitarist in the Uk and around the world. Other guests are still to be announced. aJ used to open for ‘big name’ acts and touring throughout the world. Her first european tour was with The eagles at the height of their fame. she went on to work and tour with legends such as: David Gates (Bread), Frank Zappa, Crosby Stills and nash, neil Young ... and recalls doing some clubs in new Jersey with Bruce Springsteen. aJ was asked to open for Franki Valli on his last tour of the Uk, and appeared for two years running at reading Festival opening before such acts as rod Stewart and Queen.

SPeCial Pre-PerFOrManCe MenU aVailaBle served from 6pm onwards £14.75 - 2 courses • £18.95 - 3 courses (bookings advised) Please contact The Manor House Inn for further details times etc ...

18 THE VISITOR December 2012

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner 2012 – 2013 TO STarT lobster Bisque with Chilli Croutons Goat’s Cheese & Sun-blushed Tomato roulade coated in fresh Herbs King Prawn & lobster Cocktail with Marie rose dressing Smoked Fish Terrine with Horseradish Cream Pan-fried Pigeon Breast on Wild Mushroom risotto & Brandy sauce (£1.50 supplement) TO FOllOW Pot roast Partridge with sautéed Potatoes, red Wine, Bacon & Mushroom gravy Pan-fried Chicken Breast, smoked Bacon Potato Cake & Creamy stilton sauce Venison rump on Potato & Horseradish rosti with a Port & Juniper sauce (£2.50 supplement) Filo Pie filled with Wild Mushrooms, ricotta Cheese, spinach & toasted Cashews with rich tomato sauce & Basil Pesto drizzle Fillets of lemon Sole with Chive Mash, scallops, king Prawns & saffron Fish Cream 8oz Home-cut Sirloin Steak, with Mushrooms, home-made onion rings, tomato & Chips (£1.50 supplement) PUDDinGS Cinnamon Panacotta with Mulled Wine Compote & Cracked red Pepper Biscuit Frozen mixed Fruit Parfait with Chocolate dipped Brandy snap Cigar Warm spiced Pear & almond Tart with Home-made sloe gin ice-cream Home-made Chocolate Truffle Cake with Crème Fraîche Manor Cheese Board with Home-made Chutney, grapes & Celery Tea or Coffee with Home-made Chocolates £30 per person When confirming your booking a deposit of £10 per person is required

Limited spaces still available for Christmas Lunches / Dinners Festive Sunday Lunches from £9.25pp

Christmas at ...

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

Shaftesbury Road, Mere, Wiltshire BA12 6BH Tel: 01747 861220 www.walnut-tree-inn.co.uk The Walnut Tree this Christmas ... from 2 to 92 people, we can provide a festive feast in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that you’re sure to enjoy.

Join us this Festive Season Christmas Menus ... from just £ 12

Christmas Carvery Served Wednesday to Sunday evenings from 6pm

Christmas Party menu Some dates in December still available Or why not come in January?

open for Boxing day lunch 11am — 3pm

WINTER SavER

$

$

Montague Inn Shepton Montague nr. Bruton Tel: 01749 813213

CloSed CHRiSTMAS dAy

SAVE £5 OFF 2 Main Meals Monday to Saturday Anytime Sunday After 6pm With this Voucher - Offer Ends 28th February Terms and Conditions Apply Excludes Christmas Menus & Light Bites

Sean & Suzy welcome you to the ...

✴ OPen ✴ Christmas Day Lunchtime Boxing Day Lunchtime new year's eve evening new year's Day Lunchtime new year's eve ... filling fast!

4-course Dinner Live Entertainment Fireworks at Midnight Taxi home within 10 mile radius Only £65

simple supper nights - Tuesdays steak nights - Mondays THE VISITOR December 2012 19

The white

Lion Inn

Bar – Restaurant – Accommodation ChrISTMaS Menu 2012 Christmas Menu Running From 21st November to 24th December

STarTerS spring Onion and Chive Fishcake with Hollandaise Sauce mushroom and Fino soup with Home Made Bread Garlic and rosemary Pâté with Toast and Onion Marmalade Classic Prawn Cocktail

MaInS turkey with all the trimmings Beef Bourguignon with Roast Potatoes and Vegetables mash topped smoked Fish and Leek Pie spiced Five Bean Casserole

SweeTS Christmas Pudding with Brandy Cream Crème Brulee Forest Fruit Posset with Butter Biscuit

2 Courses £ 15 • 3 Courses £19 Pre-Bookings only. Please contact us for further details

high Street, Bourton, Dorset, SP8 5aT Tel: 01747 840866 email: relax@whitelionbourton.co.uk • www.whitelionbourton.co.uk your hosts, Mick, Jean and garry welcome you to

The MuDDLeD Man Lower Street, West Chinnock A charming village inn serving delicious home cooked food in a traditional atmosphere ...

Pre-Christmas Dinners Group Dinner Bookings 2 Courses + Coffee - £16 * 3 Courses + Coffee - £18

Christmas Day Dinner

drink on arrival, 7 Course Meal, ½ Bottle of Wine - £60 Bookings Essential

Boxing Day Buffet - £15 Book early for Christmas Day & Boxing Day - and rECEIVE A DIsCounT

The Halfway House Inn Country Lodge CHILTHoRne DoMeR nr. YeoVIL Tel: 01935 840350 • Fax: 01935 849006 www.halfwayhotelyeovil.com

Delicious Sunday Carvery - £7.95 Beautiful Lakes & Garden Ideal Wedding Venue Christmas Party Menu 3 Course - £19.95  Why not stay over? in one of our 20 ensuite Rooms  real ales • FUnCtion rooM • lake & garden • Proprietor: Paul t. rowsell FBii

Function Room available for your corporate presentations / business meetings - call to book daily sPeCials • real ales • skittle alley • Beer gardens • aCCoMModation

Tel 01935 881235 20 THE VISITOR December 2012

Christmas / January Issue early deadlIne Friday 7th december

The

Lord Nelson Rectory Lane

Norton Sub Hamdon

Mark, Helen & staff welcome you to ‘The Nelson’

GOOD FOOD - GOOD Beer - GreAt AtmOSphere

Saturday 1st December: ‘US’ Acoustic Duo Sunday 2nd December - Christmas Quiz ... in aid of Wish Upon A Star

Saturday 8th December - ‘POWERCUT’ Saturday 15th December - ‘LADy GA-GA’ Saturday 22nd December - ‘DJ ROy’

★ Christmas Menu ★

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

STARTERS Celeriac Soup with roasted chestnuts and sage served with sunflower bread Terrine of Pork and Duck with a plum and ginger compote served with bruschetta Somerset Smokies: Smoked haddock with apple in a cream and cider sauce served with melted cheese and sunflower bread Fig & Goats Cheese Filo Parcels with a tomato chilli relish and dressed salad MAINS Roast Turkey with herb and sausage meat stuffing, chipolatas wrapped in bacon, roast potatoes, gravy and vegetables Lamb Rump with chilli mint and ginger sauce, served with dauphinoise potatoes and seasonal vegetables Veggie Crumble with sweet potato and butter nut squash, puy lentils and celeriac, chestnuts and mace served with dauphinoise potato and dressed salad Monkfish wrapped in smoked bacon with chorizo served with a cream and white wine sauce served with new potatoes and salad DESSERTS Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce Baileys Cheesecake with Tia Maria syrup Trio of Desserts: White chocolate and raspberry brulee - Profiteroles Whisky and orange bread and butter pudding Cheeseboard with stilton, brie and cheddar, with a glass of port

Open All Day Friday, Saturday and Sunday

2 Courses £17 • 3 Courses £22 Gluten Free Diets Catered For

COurtyArD H Beer GArDen At reAr H Ample pArkinG

Bookings

Tel: 01935 881473

Half Moon Inn Horsington

tel: 01963 370140 Christmas Party Menus

From £14.95  Buffets also catered for

 CHRISTMaS CaRoL SInG-a-LonG Christmas eve from 8pm  ... no experience necessary A Traditional Inn for a Traditional Christmas our peaceful village is just 1 mile from Templecombe and 3 miles south of Wincanton www.horsington.co.uk • email: halfmoon@horsington.co.uk real ales - good Food - disaBled aCCess - large Car Park

Liz and Graham welcome you to the ...

ManoR aRMS Freehouse

north Perrott, nr. Crewkerne, Somerset Ta18 7SG Enjoy good food in the friendly atmosphere of this traditional village inn Bar Meals – daily specials – a la Carte restaurant

Join us for your Pre-Christmas Get Together lunchtime or evening CHRISTMaS MenuS noW aVaILabLe 2 Courses from £12 • 3 Courses from £16.95 to include a welcoming glass of Mulled Wine and Christmas Crackers! ✴ December Bookings Only ✴

Wednesday 12th December - Charity Quiz night 8pm start, teams of Four, £2 pp

OPEn fOr DrInkS OnLy On ChrISTMAS DAy ...

Pop in for some Christmas Cheer and a Quick Beer, 12noon – 2pm

new year’s Eve 31st December GaLa CHaRITY CaSIno eVenInG To include buffet, bubbly and Fireworks Please book buffet ticket £6.50 to help with catering

Cask ales  log Fire  ample parking  FunCtion room For up to 20  aCCommodation

For further details and bookings please telephone: 01460 72901 www.manorarms.net • email: bookings@manorarms.net

THE VISITOR December 2012 21

Wine & Dine Cracking Christmas Cuisine Meat Free Main Courses

Christmas festivities are almost upon us and these days when entertaining guests it’s a good idea to include a magnificent meat free main course as part of your Christmas cuisine. The Vegetarian Society’s cookery school, Cordon Vert, has created two brand new main courses to add to its delicious and extensive Christmas recipe database - a Festive Filo Pillow with Christmas Sauce and a Christmas Pie. If you are looking for veggie main courses, starters, drinks or desserts then visit www.veggiechristmas.org for lots of inspiration.

Online you’ll find hints and tips to cater for veggies at Christmas, gift ideas and all the recipes you could need. Choose from mouthwatering main courses with traditional twists and festive flavours such as: Wild Mushroom Stroganoff with a Herb Crumb Topping, Courgette Latkes with Cream Cheese and Grated Beetroot, Smoked Bean Curd Bakes with Shiitake and Walnut Stuffing,

pie perfect to grace any table, packed with mushrooms, cranberries, chestnuts, hazelnuts, butter beans, leeks and a smidge of mustard. It’s dairy free, vegan and is accompanied by sumptuous homemade gravy.

The Festive Filo Pillow serves two as a main course but quantities could easily be doubled or trebled to cater for more. This filo pillow is teeming with texture from the walnuts and pumpkin seeds, while the Wensleydale with cranberry, mushrooms, port and parsley all make a delicious dish.

Festive Filo Pillow Festive Filo Pillow served with tasty Christmas Sauce, just one of the inspiring recipes from The Vegetarian Society this Christmas.

Celeriac and Parsnip Rosti with a Cumberland Sauce, Walnut and Spiced Plum Christmas Cob. And if they don’t tempt you there are nut roasts and all the trimmings too.

The Christmas Pie is a hearty

50% OFF

Table Linen & Napkins Laundered and Finished Christmas / new Year promotion

maximum discount, cannot to be used in conjunction with any other offer, or discount cards.

Direct sale only - not available through Agencies.

Puffin Cleaners 17 – 18 Bond Street, Yeovil Tel: 01935 421238

22 THE VISITOR December 2012

Serves 2 Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 30-35 minutes Can be vegan* Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, sliced 150g mushrooms, sliced 1 yellow pepper, chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 50ml vegetarian port or red wine 25g mixture of pumpkin and sunflower seeds, toasted 50g walnuts, broken A handful of fresh parsley, rosemary and thyme, chopped Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste 1 packet filo pastry (you will need to use 2 sheets for this recipe) 50g butter or vegan margarine*, melted 200g vegetarian Wensleydale cheese with cranberries or 180g soya cheese with 20g cranberries* Method 1. Preheat oven to 180ºC/Gas 4.

2. Gently fry the onion until it softens, then add the mushrooms and pepper.

Continue to fry for another 5 minutes. Finish with the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Add the port and cook until evaporated.

4. Mix in the seeds, walnuts and herbs, then season to taste.

5. Transfer to a bowl, cover with kitchen roll and allow to cool.

6. Fold out one filo pastry sheet onto a work surface and keep the other one under a damp tea towel to avoid drying out.

Brush with butter then layer with the second sheet.

7. Put the cool filling onto the pastry, so it covers the middle third of the pastry, leaving a 6cm gap at the top and

bottom. Crumble the cheese over the filling.

8. Fold the top over the filling, followed by the bottom and sides. This should leave you with a nicely packed parcel shape. (Don’t over fill if you have too much filling).

9. Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes, until cooked.

As an alternative, you could use the filling to create delicious stuffed mushrooms!

Method 1. Remove the stalks from 4 large Portobello mushrooms and fill with the cooked mixture, pressing down firmly.

2. Bake in oven 180ºC /Gas 4 for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms have softened.

Christmas Sauce

This delicious sauce can be made ahead of time or even frozen to be used as you wish.

Serves 2 Preparation time 5 minutes Cooking time 45 minutes Vegan Ingredients 2 red peppers, left whole 1 red onion, cut into quarters, unpeeled 3 cloves garlic, unpeeled 2 large tomatoes 1 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste 150ml vegetable stock 1 tsp balsamic vinegar ½ tsp dried sage, chopped 3 tbsp vegetarian wine or 2 tbsp vegetarian port Method 1. Preheat oven to 180ºC/Gas 4.

2. Place the peppers, onions, garlic and tomatoes on a baking tray, then add the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

3. Remove the skin and seeds from the peppers and discard the garlic and onion skin, then blend thoroughly in a food processor. Add the stock, vinegar, sage and wine or port and blend again.

4. Transfer to a pan and simmer for 10 minutes. Season to taste. © The Vegetarian Society 2012.

Visit www.vegsoc.org for more recipes and information.

WINCANTON opened at the top of the High Street, opposite the road into the Memorial Hall car park, is an intriguing little shop called A Family Thing. The name stems from the fact that here five female members of the same enterprising family – mother, two daughters

and two daughters-in-law – are offering their skills in three separate businesses: cake-baking, dressmaking and furniture renovation.

The Applegarth shopping mall on the High Street has just been given a facelift and the front units

hAIr SALOn 45a HIGH ST. WINCANTON Recently opened is a new Travelodge adjacent to the A303 - hopefully some of the visitors will venture into the town centre.

In THE AuGuST Visitor I reported that a new hotel and pub were rapidly nearing completion alongside the slip-road to the A303. Both are now finished and open for business.

The hotel is part of the nationwide Travelodge chain and the adjacent pub belongs to Marston’s brewery so neither is offering visitors anything distinctively local. The pub, The Wagtail, is intended to draw much of its business from the Travelodge, including breakfast trade, although the hope in Wincanton is that some of the visitors will venture into the town centre, appreciate its heritage and use some of the local businesses.

For the town appears to be thriving, even in these economically difficult times. Just

Jerry’s Electrical Ltd

For a professional and friendly service

Market Place, Wincanton. Tel: 01963 33521

10 Church Street, Wincanton

* Stockists of Fudge Hair Products * Deep Conditioning Treatments * Gift Vouchers available

Telephone: 01963 31270

~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SCISSOR HAPPY

~~~~~~~~~~~~

For appointments tel Wincanton (01963) 34321

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

aRS

enD

CaL

Wild Cardz

DIa

RIe

S

35 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset ba9 9Ju • Tel: 01963 31234 CArDS fOr ALL OCCASIOnS Christmas Cards for all your relations and Friends • Boxed Cards Wrapping Paper • gifts • Party items • Confetti latex Balloons and Helium Foil Balloons • Crepe / tissue Paper table decorations • napkins • stocking Fillers

‘Wincanton Living at Home’ Charity Cards on Sale ToYS Can be oRDeReD FRoM ouR CoLouR bRoCHuRe

THE VISITOR December 2012 23

WINCANTON Applegarth on the High Street has been given a facelift and is now occupied by a ladies designer dress agency and a dealer in antiques and collectables.

WAkelY BroTherS lTD Independent Family Funeral Directors • golden Charter Pre Paid Funeral Plans • 24 hour Service.

• Private Chapel of rest

Brochure upon request - contact Clive Wakely Dip F.D. M.B.I.e.

The old Police Station, Carrington Way WInCAnTon BA9 9JS Tel: 01963 31310

24 THE VISITOR December 2012

are newly occupied by a ladies boutique and dress agency and a dealer in antiques and collectables. I’m told that a café is planned for one of the back units.

The mall was for many years Woodcock’s motor garage and petrol station but was converted into shops in 1986. It is now being promoted as the Applegarth Emporium.

Further up the street another

GENTS & BOYS HAIRDRESSING ~ at ~

The Barber’s Shop WinCanTOn Memorial Hall Mondays 1.00pm – 5.30pm thursdays 9.00am – 5.30pm saturdays 8.00am – 12noon MilBOrne POrT Town Hall Wednesdays 1.00pm – 6.00pm SParKFOrD Village Hall Fridays 12.45pm – 5.45pm Lance Wells & Mike Baker State Registered Or PHOne for a HOMe ViSiT 01935 814074 or ...

07767 027798 (mobile)

former garage site houses a thriving 21st century business.

Most of Budgen & Sons’ Ireson Garage, established in 1917, was demolished in the early 1970s to make way for a supermarket and small shopping precinct off Carrington Way. All that remains of the garage are the red-brick arches of the facade which now provide the frontage for the thriving Papertrees office supplies and newsagency business and an access to the Carrington Way shops and supermarket.

WINCANTON The name Gerald Box might ring bells with some readers. In 2009 he published a book about Wincanton Transport and Engineering Company Ltd entitled ‘The Golden Years 19251975’ and the following year he produced a sequel covering the years 1975 to 2000 entitled ‘The Changing Years’. Both were mentioned in this magazine because they contained the reminiscences of people who had worked for the company and photographs of the vehicles and the factory. Having worked for the company on and off for around 30 years, Gerald was uniquely placed to compile these books, and now he has published the third and final part of the story, ‘Wincanton Group: The Past and the Present’. Like the earlier volumes it is profusely illustrated and seems certain to appeal to people interested in the development of road tankers and other bulk haulage vehicles and in the local company that pioneered their use. Copies are available from Papertrees bookshop on the High Street, Bailey Hill Bookshop in Castle Cary and shops in Evercreech and Templecombe, or direct from him at £13.50 including postage and packing. For further details or to order a copy, phone him on 01963 32865. If you would like to meet him, he will be signing copies at Papertrees on 7th December from 7.00pm.

Send Flowers     

At one time Wincanton Transport was part of the unigate group, and what remains of the former unigate buildings on Station Road is now the Tythings Commercial Centre.

Here can be found several local businesses including Myakka fairtrade furniture importers with their enormous range of furniture and furnishings from far-off countries. The Centre also houses SJH Carpets and Flooring and its associated business, new Image, selling wall and floor tiles.

Although Wincanton’s shopping opportunities extend beyond the Tythings to the Bennetts Field Trading Estate and the Business Park at Lawrence Hill, it is to the town centre that Travelodge visitors need mainly to be enticed.

There they will see a High Street well provided with independent traders offering a wide range of goods and services, and coaching inns of bygone days – the Dolphin, Bear, White Horse and long-closed Greyhound – all vastly more characterful than the bland 21st century block by the

Tythings Commercial Centre is home to several local businesses including a carpet and tile retailer.

e

d e d

Established 1983

de

Élégance

d

e

beauTY THeRaPY CLInIC Sandie barrett M.B.a.B.th.C. C.i.d.e.s.C.o.

“have a Beautiful Christmas” Full range of Beauty treatments Lots of Christmas Gift Ideas GiFt VOuCherS - a Christmas Gift that’s sure to please Ladies only 8b Church Street • Wincanton • Tel: 01963 34115

add STYle to your home stripes, spots, patterned or plain ... we have a carpet to suit you and your budget!

Carpets from £6 per square metre natural Flooring ★ Vinyls Floor tiles ★ Wood ★ laminates FOr All yOur FlOOrinG requirementS sJH Carpets, tythings Commercial Centre, Wincanton  01963 824418 Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm also at: High street, tisbury  01747 871178 (closed Wednesday)

Wincanton

Computing made easy!

DOmESTIC & BuSINESS COmpuTERS

Extensive range in stock - competitively priced

e.g. Epson / Brother / Canon compatible ... from £3 each Original, Compatible, Recycled - Mail Order Service Available 15 MarkEt PlacE, Wincanton tel: 01963 824825 • Mobile: 07901 787422 www.southerncartridges.co.uk

Sales – Service – Maintenance – Repairs New & Refurbished – Support Contracts Call Outs / Home Visits Contact: Graham Warren 07775 755964 • 01963 824825 P C Taunton Ltd - Wincanton Within SOuTHeRN CaRTRidgeS 15 MaRkeT PLaCe, WiNCaNTON

THE VISITOR December 2012 25

WINCANTON A303, and the ornate clock tower of Wincanton’s Victorian Town Hall looking down on the historic Market Place. Maybe the town’s free car parking will act as an incentive.

And with Christmas fast approaching, they might be tempted to buy some festive food, drinks and gifts. The town has plenty of shops that cater for discerning shoppers including the Divine Wines off-licence with an interesting selection of wines, beers and spirits, the renowned Preview ladies fashions shop, the Elegant Home furnishings and

gift shop, a wholefoods store, a butcher specialising in locallyreared meats, a dealer in electrical goods and appliances, an excellent cobbler, a post office that stocks a scrumptious selection of luxury chocolates . . . and many others too numerous to mention. And on the first Friday morning of each month a Farmers’ Market in the Sweetman Hall behind the Bear Inn. People who pass Wincanton on the A303 and never venture further into the town than the services and supermarkets by the

slip road really don’t know what they’re missing.

Roger Richards.

Christmas extravaganza

On Friday 7th December 2012 Wincanton Businesses Together (WBT) stages the annual Christmas Extravaganza. Like many towns and villages in this area, the annual Christmas extravaganza has become an important event in the calendar.

Finding ourselves in the deepest recession in recent history we need to do all we can to support and promote our High Streets.

We can see the problems in nearby major towns and cities with many businesses closing their doors and some major High Street names disappearing under a cloud of huge debt. So it’s even more important that we support our local High Streets.

In 2011 we stepped up a gear and the event was more successful than we anticipated.

So for 2012 the challenge becomes even harder. Once again we have teamed up with Wincanton Town Council and we use the Extravaganza for the official ceremony to switch on the Town

Private nursing Care from £750.00 per week the aurora Care group offers private nursing care in our somerset nursing homes at prices from £750.00 per week

www.hendfordcarehome.co.uk 166 Hendford Hill, Yeovil, Ba20 2rG 01935 470400 info@auroracare.co.uk 26 THE VISITOR December 2012

Our homes are spread across south Somerset and variously offer: ● 24 hour nursing care in purpose built accommodation ● large single en suite rooms with ensuite wet rooms ● Comprehensive social programmes with several activities a day, designed to stimulate physically, intellectually and socially ● restaurant standard dining in own rooms or dining rooms ● Frequent trips out in our own minibus ● Beautiful landscaped gardens with breathtaking views over the somerset countryside

www.hurstmanor.co.uk Hurst, Martock, Ta12 6JU 01935 823467 info@hurstmanor.co.uk

www.elliscombehouse.co.uk Higher Holton, nr. Wincanton, Ba9 8ea 01963 33370 info@elliscombehouse.co.uk

WINCANTON Christmas lights. As 2012 has been an amazing successful Olympic year we wanted to follow that theme. So our special guest, with the honour of switching on the lights will be Wincanton’s own original ‘Super Star – Stuart Matthews’. Stuart is well known as having been the head of PE at King Arthur’s until his retirement from teaching. But how many can remember Stuart on TV’s sporting programme called Super Stars. Stuart was the captain of the British Surfing Team, and was very well known for surfing the Severn Bore. It’s amazing the

CuSTOmER CAR PARk

talent that comes out of this area.

People who go on to make a difference for so many.

The Extravaganza will start with a road closure in the High Street at 4pm giving stalls an hour to get in and set up. The event will close at 8pm giving stall holders an hour to dismantle and clear the road before it opens at 9pm. We also have a road closure in Mill Street between 6 & 7pm so that we can accommodate the masses round the Christmas tree for carols and the opening ceremony. We will once again have the local schools providing

Clementina

CHRISTmAS TREE LIGHTS

Gifts for all the family ...

Ornaments • Clocks • Watches • Photoframes • Silver Ware etc.

PRACTICAL GIFTS FOR HOmE & GARDEN House Signs: Cast Iron & Wood Fireside accessories - Halogen & electric Heaters Flogas Stockist - kindling Wood & Logs - Coal

LATE NIGHT OpENING Friday 7th December

We wish all our customers a Happy Christmas !

HIGH STREET • WINCANTON • Tel: 01963 32249

Wincanton High Street is well provided with independent traders offering a wide range of goods and services.



3a Church Street, Wincanton



Professionally Made To Measure Curtains, Blinds etc.

Superb Choice of Fabrics Curtain Poles and Tracks, Haberdashery Ribbons, Threads, Cushions, Remnants, Linings etc.

Christmas Gift Ideas ...

Cushions, Throws, Pinboards, Doorstops Christmas Decorations & Ribbon ✳ ORDERS TAKEN FOR THE NEW YEAR ✳ OPEN: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9.30am - 4.00pm, Thursday Closed Friday 9.30am - 3.00pm Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm

 Melody 07883 089 333 

47 High Street • Wincanton • BA9 9Ju

Join us for an ...

OpEN EVENING

Thursday 29th November, 3pm – 8pm Make-up Artist Demonstrations ... and FREE Makeovers!!!

15% OFF all young Blood Mineral Make-up on the day Wonderful Range of Christmas Beauty Packages from – OPI – dermalogica St. Tropez – etc.

Gift Vouchers

Handmade Jewellery

 dermalogica facials  OPi manicures & pedicures  OPi axxium gel nails  Waxing and electrolysis  Wedding make-up  Swedish massage Contact the salon to book your FREE Make-up Session

Tel: 01963 31777

Website: www.essenceofbeautysalon.org.uk THE VISITOR December 2012 27

WINCANTON music and singers for “Carroll’s Round The Tree”.

For 2012 we will have The Anonymous Travelling market with 25+ stalls of craft, food, and fun. We will have Father Christmas (of course) and his amazing Elf in the Baptist Hall, Face Painting, A Victorian Barrel Organ and for the first time we will also have market stalls based in The Sweetman Hall at the Bear Inn, stalls in the newly refurbished Applegarth Arcade.

This spreads the fun further down The High Street. We also have stalls in The Dolphin Courtyard where weather permitting there will be a live Jazz Band.

For the little kiddies we have a Bouncy Castle, and for the bigger kids we have a Bucking Bronco. I mustn’t forget that the vast majority of our unique shops will be open for business, and I am sure that they too will be getting into the spirit of the event. Check

Shoe Repairs & Key Cutting - at The Wincanton Cobbler - Established 1986 -

Shooting Sticks - Leather Bags, Travel Goods, Sports Bags, Wallets, Umbrellas LaCeS - POLiSHeS - WaxeS - SHOe TReeS

High Street, WINCANTON. Tel: 01963 34587

The market Garden at

Always a good choice of fresh fruit & vegetables ...

Ltd place your Christmas order now!

Fresh Flowers, House plants, planted pots, Fruit Baskets, gardening gifts  CHRISTmAS TREES  WREATHS  HOLLY

Wild Bird Food & Feeders - currently with 20% OFF Winter Hanging Baskets To Order ★ Spring Bulbs & Winter Bedding Take this advert to either shop to receive a SpECIAL DISCOuNT on any GARDENING WORk during January and February The Market Garden, High Street, WincanTon • Tel: 01963 31226 The Market Garden, Fore Street, caSTLe cary • Tel: 01963 350650

And at

Fri LAT day E 7th NI De GH cem T ber

New Christmas stock now in

HALF pRICE BOOkS ] NATIONAL BOOk TOkENS ]

Stocking Filler Toys and games Full range of Stationery for Home and Office Why not order your newspapers and magazines to be delivered?

Book Signing – Gerald Box

FRiDAY 7th DECEMBER, 6pm – 8pm Signing his Book ‘Wincanton Group The Past & Present’ Good choice of Local Books Open Monday – Friday 7am – 5pm, Saturday 7am – 2pm, Sunday 7am – 12noon

33 High Street • Wincanton

Tel: 01963 32356 • www.papertrees.co.uk 28 THE VISITOR December 2012

them out and see what they have to offer on the night. I know that some will be dishing out the mince pies and various sorts of refreshment. So on Friday 7th December Wincanton is most definitely the place to be. I hope to see you all there on the night.

John Smith, Chairman (WBT).

buSIneSS uPDaTe

The Crowe Family have recently opened A Family Thing ‘mini emporium’.

Dale Crowe together with her daugher and daughter-in-law

have set up in business together at 59 High Street.

Tania Crowe runs The Occasional Chair - vintage and upcycled furniture, vintage fabrics and china, homewares, crafts and craft books.

Dale who looks after the dayto-day running of the shop is a seamstress and undertakes alterations and dressmaking. She also makes one-off items for the shop from vintage and discontinued fabrics - such as cushions, bags and aprons.

Talitha makes wonderful novelty and celebration cakes.

WINCANTON With Christmas looming she is taking orders for gingerbread houses and traditional fruit cakes.

If you are looking for a novelty celebration cake - Talitha has photographs of her work which are bound to inspire.

Two further members of the family are expected to join A Family Thing soon.

The former Maxine Davis Hair Salon is now under new ownership and has been refurbished and rebranded as The Colour Lounge. Proprietor Linzi and her staff look forward to welcoming customers old and new and offers hairstyling for all the family.

Wedding hair is a speciality and quality L’Oreal products are used in the salon. Open until 9pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. next door Booteek has opened.

Run by Ruth Banks who has a real passion for shoes, this shop offers fashion shoes and boots along with Purky Products, colourful jewellery, handbags and purses. Do call in.

The Applegarth has had a complete make over and here you can find Times Past, an antiques shop run by David and Gwen Rogers who have had businesses in both Somerton and Wells.

Gwen specializes in Antique linen and lace, vintage clothing and jewellery - so if you are looking for a tablecloth and napkins for Christmas, look no further.

Other dealers rent cabinets at Times Past so there is always a

N e w ly

eventually took over the business in 1980 after Sydney's retirement, and have been keeping the community supplied with quality footwear ever since. The time has now arrived for Marion and Terry to retire and being unable to find anyone to continue the business have taken the decision to close down. Hopefully the shop premises will not be empty for too long as plans are afoot to convert the shop back into two individual units and let them to other businesses.

Marion and Terry wish to thank all their customers, past and present, for their support over the years and for their good wishes for the future.

Looking forward to their retirement, Marion and Terry Brock, who will be shutting the door of Sydney Brock & Son for the last time on Saturday 15th December - everything must go so pop in and pick up a bargain.

good variety of stock including Beswick and Beatrix Potter figures - a favourite with daughter Kate.

Jacqueline Designer Dress Agency is next door having recently moved from Castle Cary to these larger premises. Here you will find a wonderful selection of nearly new designer clothing.

And finally, Sydney Brock & Son will be closing the door of their Wincanton shoe shop for the last time on Saturday 15th December.

O p e N e d

fashionable footwear for women Flats ✴ Heels ✴ Boots Bags ✴ Purses ✴ Jewellery 1a South Street, Wincanton  01963 548003 open: Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 3pm

The Colour

lounge

HAir SAlon



Festive promotion



Colour & Cut package only £48 ... with Stylist EMilY offer ends 31st December

Linzi and her team look forward to welcoming customers old and new ➤ OPEN: Tuesday 9am – 6pm, Wednesday and Thursday 9am – 9pm, Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm

1 South Street • Wincanton • BA9 9DH  01963 33112

It was in 1947 that the late Sydney Brock bought the Boot & Shoe business of Pitman Bros. in Wincanton. His son Terry joined the family business in 1967 having spent four years in training with K Shoe Shop in Salisbury.

Terry and his wife Marion

WW nnee

Textiles – Linens Vintage Clothes Jewellery

✴ cabineT Space ✴ avaiLabLe Applegarth Emporium 8 High Street W I NCANTON  01963 34753

“A FAMILY THING” Mini EMporiuM

■ e Occasional Chair - vintage china, fabric, crafts, refurbished furniture ■ Dale Crowe - dressmaking and alterations ■ Talitha Cakes - made to order novelty & celebration cakes 5A High Street, Wincanton (Opposite Memorial Car Park) 07979 023649

Closing Down Sale ~ at ~

Sydney Brock & Son 1 – 3 High street, Wincanton

LaSt traDing Day Saturday 15th December 2012 all reMaininG STOCK ... ladies & Mens Footwear Polishes & Cleaners Purses and Umbrellas

VaSTlY reDUCeD eVerYTHinG MUST GO THE VISITOR December 2012 29

ANDREW BARCLAY TRADITIONAL FAmILY BuTCHERS 45 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset ba9 9Ju Tel: 01963 34880

all our meat is NaTuRally REaREd and SOuRCEd lOCally where possible beef - from local Farmers  Lamb - from Charlton Musgrove Pork - from tisbury and sampford Farm

Order Now For Christmas & The New Year ✔ Delicious Well-Hung Mature beef ✔ Succulent Pork & Lamb ✔ Tasty Turkeys ✔ Geese ✔ Ducks ✔ Chickens ✔ Home Cooked Hams We SToCk a FuLL SeLeCTIon oF GaMe ...

Venison  Pheasant  Partridge  Duck  Pigeon  Rabbit our own Dry-Cured bacon • green Back • green streaky • sweet Cure green • apple & oak Wood smoked Back and streaky

Large Selection of Cheeses

including ... aWaRD WInnInG Montgomery Mature Cheddar and ... keen’s Mature Cheddar

annamma’s Cuisine ... homemade Authentic Southern indian Curry Sauces Free Range & made locally by a delightful indian lady Barn Reared Eggs

Try our Tasty Homemade Sausages with Pork • gloucester old spot • traditional Pork and Caramelised onion • Wild Boar & Cranberry ... to name a few!

WADMAn'S WoRLD FaMouS CReaM from their Jersey herd

Orders Taken for our Meat at North Cadbury village Stores We would like to thank all of our customers for their support during the year and wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

DAILY DELIVERIES TO THE SuRROuNDING AREA 30 THE VISITOR December 2012

Festive Food & Drink Andrew Barclay Butchers Wincanton

First and Foremost, Andrew Barclay Butchers would like to thank all their customers who have supported them throughout 2012 and wish them all a Happy Christmas and New Year.

This Christmas they will be selling their usual wide range of poultry - chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys. Game - pheasant, pigeon, partridge, mallard etc. and all cuts of venison. Home cooked hams, home made sausages, chipolatas and cocktail sausages, and their very popular home drycure bacon. Not forgetting their delicious beef, pork and lamb!

They will miss their supply of beef from Round Hill Farm, where Joe and Ruth Cook, the farm manager and his wife, have served them well and hopefully Joe will supply them again in the future. Their supplies now come from Mr. Snook at Clanville Manor and other local farms.

Lamb continues to come from Sam Stables at Charlton Musgrove.

Brown and Forrest Hambridge

The perfect foodie Christmas present – a hamper from Brown and Forrest of Hambridge near Langport. Prices start from around £10 upwards – beautiful smoked duck breasts, mackerel pates, goose and plum sausages, scallops and cheddar cheese.

Brown and Forrest supply Fortnum and Mason – so you know that you can expect perfection!

Come along to the Christmas Open Day, tour the smoker and sample the produce in person.

Visit their website for their full range and recipe ideas, such as Smokery Kedgeree.

French Food for Food lovers and Gourmets - Sherborne

Le Normandie Market has been invited to visit Sherborne on Sunday 9th December and bring a great range of high quality and fresh produce from all regions of France for everyone to enjoy.

The wonderful selection of Genuine French produce will

include a magnificent cheese stall with a truly enormous selection of French cheeses. Bread will be baked onsite, in front of visitors, on the new Bread & Patisserie stall and the smell of bread, croissants and patisseries should hopefully spread in the whole town centre. Also will be the Charcuterie with wonderful sausages, olives, Turkish delights, smoked ham and Calvados pate.

Pure butter, homemade biscuits, cakes and gingerbread, mustards, sauces and, of course, garlic will be on offer as well! For those with a sweet tooth, wonderful natural

honeys as well as the hugely popular crepes stall will be on display. For those with a small space left, the sweet stall will also be making fresh pralines, almonds and cashews on site.

Those who like the South of France will find soaps from Marseille, colourful baskets and a great range of tablecloths from Provence (Don’t forget to measure your table before coming!) Oh, La la!

Enjoy Christmas shopping with Le Normandie Market.

FRENCH MARKET From Normandy is coming for Christmas!

Sunday 9th December 2012 FooD & CRAFT MARKET The Parade, Sherborne from 9am – 4pm Cheese, Fresh Bread, Croissants and Patisseries, Saucissons Smoked Ham, Olives, Cashews & Almonds, Paté Normand Takeaway Specialities ... and Soaps from Marseille and Tablecloths from Provence

THE VISITOR December 2012 31

Festive Food & Drink l & C Game Buckland newton

A family run business set in the heart of Dorset, L & C Game is well worth finding.

Only wild game such as guinea fowl, quail, boar and a variety of venison including sika is sold at L & C Game, it is available vacuum packed fresh or frozen. A new range recently introduced are homemade pates and terrines.

Sales are made to the general public at the farm gate, local farmers markets and to catering outlets. Deliveries can be arranged.

Traditional smoking and dry

curing processes are also undertaken on the premises.

Please telephone to place an order or for further details.

Kimbers traditional Farm Produce Charlton Musgrove

The family have farmed in Charlton Musgrove for around 300 years; they have 200 dairy cows, pedigree Friesians and Shorthorns, and their raw milk is sold direct to customers. They raise Aberdeen Angus beef, welfare friendly Rose Veal, Gloucester Old Spot pigs for pork, sausages and dry cured bacon etc.

and their own range of charcuterie.

They grow and sell free range turkeys, geese, chickens and ducks for Christmas, also lamb, hogget and mutton. Their award winning meat, produce and local goods can be purchased from their farm shop, via the internet www.kimbersfarmshop.co.uk or at local farmers markets. They pride themselves on their high animal and environmental welfare using traditional methods and enjoy giving customer service.

Kimbers are happy to advise on menus, cooking suggestions etc., and their butcher is

vI n & t O E O R Fruit & veg Shop

knowledgeable and skilled when special or unusual cuts are required.

Cottage Brewing Co ltd lovington

Ales brewed by local brewery, The Cottage Brewing Company at Lovington, are sought after throughout the country.

In their 20 years of brewing,

Prop. Sue McShane

Your local independent

nts Pot Pla 9 .9 from £1

Lt

d.

Bird seed 20kg £15 Peanuts 25kg £39 Fat Balls 5 for £1

3 Market House, Sturminster newton • tel: 01258 472576 Quality fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers for the festive season Give yourself a treat • advocados • asparagus • strawberries • New Potatoes (washed) • Pineapples • Mangos • Celeriac • Mange tout • Green Beans

salad

super savers

rown Pot G tMas s i ChR EEs tR only from .99 £ 14

• Lettuce (various) • Bunched Carrots • Beetroot • Celery • Cucumber • tomatoes • Cress

Nets / Boxes .. swedes - Carrots sprouts - Parsnips ExCELLENt VaLUE! Oranges - Net - 99p apples - Net - 99p Trade & Catering orders welcome Delivery available

Bulk Potatoes • Marfona • Maris Piper • Desiree Red • King Edward All available in 25kg Sacks as available

Don’t forget our feathered friends this Christmas. This attractive wreath is made of edible items for the birds and is available from Root & Vine, Sturminster Newton.

L & C Game

Court Farm Buckland Newton SPECiAliST GAME DEAlERS Processors, Smokers & Curers Family-Run Business

Full Members of ‘Direct from Dorset’ All our stock is cared for solely by nature without interference. This means No antibiotics, No growth promoters and above all No stress.

Local wild venison and game always available to caterers and general public. Call us and see if we are at a Farmers’ Market in your area.

Call Adrian or Carolyn on

01300 345271

Festive Fare • Dates • Fresh Cranberries • Clementines • Dried Figs • Chestnuts • Red Cabbage • Broccoli • Cauliflower Fruit Boxes from £10 Veg Boxes from £5 ... made up to order, an ideal gift

Wild Bird Food Boxes from £10

Useful Bits • Dried Fruits and Nuts • Fruit Juice • Free Range Eggs • Fresh herbs • honey • Pickling Vinegar • Floristry sundries ... and more!

see in store for our Full Range & Price Details

Christmas Lines Cut Christmas trees holly Wreaths Planted Gift Baskets table Decorations Cut Flowers Floral Bouquets and Arrangements to order

Prices correct at time of going to press and subject to availability

tO PlACE yOuR ORdER tel: 01258 472576 or Fax: 01258 472778 ... or just call in!

Open Monday to Friday 7.00am - 5.30pm • Saturday 7.00am - 4.00pm • Major Credit Cards accepted - minimum spend £5

KIMBERS’ FARM SHOP OPEN: Tuesday 9.30am – 5.30pm Wednesday 9.30am – 3pm Thursday / Friday 9.30am – 6.00pm Saturday 10am – 4.30pm

★ Best Meat Producer 2011 ★ ★ Best Farm Shop 2009 ★

Home Produced Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn Beef, Gloucester Old Spot Pork, Bacon and Gammon, Lamb, Hogget & Mutton, Welfare Friendly Rose Veal, Charcuterie, Game & Fish, Our Raw Milk

CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN

Home Grown Free Range Geese & Turkeys Free Range Ducks, Cockerels & Chickens Find us off the B3081 Bruton to Gillingham Road HIGHER StAvORdAlE FARM Charlton Musgrove, Wincanton, BA9 8HJ

tel: 01963 33177 / 07966 426962 www.kimbersfarmshop.co.uk

32 THE VISITOR December 2012

Festive Food & Drink the brewery has won most of the major awards for quality real ales in this country and many from abroad - the highest accolade being CAMRA’S Supreme Champion Beer of Britain, which was awarded to Cottage for its strong ale Norman’s Conquest.

Cottage also won the silver medal at this competition for its ever popular Golden Arrow Ale. These fine ales brewed in Lovington, are delivered to pubs throughout England and Wales.

The world renowned beer writer Roger Protz selected Norman’s Conquest as one of his ‘Beers to Try Before You Die’ but Cottage brews a number of other fine ales that are worth a try long before then!

So, why not go along to the brewery and find out for yourselves?

Christmas sparkle at Orchard Park - Gillingham

A magical Christmas display area crammed with baubles, garlands, trees, fairy lights and wreaths of every description awaits visitors to Orchard Park this Christmas.

With gifts for gardeners, children, home accessories, luxury

toiletries, scented candles, clothing and lots of stocking filler ideas Orchard Park has to be on your ‘must visit’ list!

The Lagan Farm Shop, now with 2 prestigious awards under their belt, including Best Farm Shop 2012, is full of fabulous festive foods! The shelves are groaning with delights and the meat counter is full of traditional Christmas meats including beef from the Lagan Herd.

Complemented by homemade chipolata’s and sausage meat and with experienced butchers on hand to offer advice on joints place your order now! A great cheese counter, seasonal fruit and vegetables, beautiful bespoke gift hampers, Christmas cakes and sweet treats complete the package.

Beautiful traditional Norwegian Spruce, Nordman and Fraser Fir Christmas trees are available from 3 to 10ft. Buy a tree, return it for recycling and receive a £5 off voucher to spend in store in January! And, if all that is not enough Father Christmas will be dropping in on 8th, 9th, 15th & 16th December.

Visit www.orchardpark.biz for more details.

Entertaining this Christmas? Experienced butchers in the Lagan Farm Shop at Orchard Park, Gillingham, are on hand to offer advice on quantities and cuts of meat to suit your requirements.

These attractive baskets filled with delicious things to eat are just one of the many gift ideas available from Orchard Park Garden Centre, Gillingham.

lovington nr. Castle Cary

Highest Quality Ales at local prices ‘Try before you buy’ - bring your own container, or we can supply packs for parties Phone 01963 240551 for details. tHE COttAGE BREWInG COMPAny ltd tel: 01963 240551 Fax: 01963 240383 www.cottagebrewing.co.uk THE VISITOR December 2012 33

Festive Food Bower Hinton Farm Shop Martock

Christmas lines are now in at Bower Hinton Farm Shop and include festive tipples such as sloe gin, mulled wine, mulled cider, fruit wines and traditional ciders.

Orders are now being taken for turkeys, poultry, game and red meat, all can be ordered along with locally made Christmas cakes too.

Potatoes are available by the sack and loose sprouts (it wouldn’t be Christmas without them!)

A christmas hamper would make a lovely Christmas gift filled with local cheeses, ciders, wines and meats. Call in today and see the

complete range and enjoy a coffee and a delicious slice of cake.

Don’t forget to check out the Christmas trees - traditional and Nordman - all at competitive prices.

Wines & spirits - acceptable gifts.

Bower Hinton Farm Shop - Martock Competitively Priced

CHRIStMAS tREES Traditional and Nordman Fir

V Turkey - Geese - Red Meat - Hams etc. - Hampers V V Fruit & Veg Boxes - Sprouts - Dairy Produce - Christmas Cakes & Puds V OPEN: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm • Open ALL DAY Sunday 23 rd December • Christmas Eve 8am – 1pm

Just off the B3165 at the top of Bower Hinton tel: 01935 827743 • www.bowerhintonfarmshop.co.uk

34 THE VISITOR December 2012

L A NG P O R T A GOOD PLACE to start exploring Langport is Bow Bridge at the western end of town where the main road to Taunton passes over the River Parrett. It was to here that for centuries barges brought commodities in from the Bristol Channel, and even as recently as the early 19th century the river was still used for conveying coal, timber, building materials and other heavy goods.

But don’t be deceived into thinking that’s the explanation of the town’s name. The ‘port’

here means ‘market’, not ‘harbour’, and the causeway eastwards from the river to the town was probably the source of ‘long market’.

For the origins of the town lie not in the marshy land around the river but on the dry hilltop where the church stands. This hilltop site was occupied as long ago as Saxon times, and archaeological evidence shows that it was fortified against the Danes in the early 10th century.

Because the River Parrett was

CoCklemoor ltd Confectionery & Crafts

Christmas Gift Ideas for All the Family Belgian Chocolates - Turkish Delight Speciality Chocolates Toys and Games for All Ages • Stationery Jewellery, Soft Toys, Ornaments, Gifts & More

Sirdar & Wendy Wools

Patterns - Haberdashery - Ribbons & Crafts ... and so much more, DO CALL iN!

Bow Street, lAnGPORt • tel: (01458) 253145

L A NG P O R T an important means of transport, a low causeway was built across t h e v a lley to the navigable waterside. Some writers claim it was built by the Romans although excavations suggest that it probably dates from sometime in the 12th century.

In medieval times buildings lined both sides of the causeway on long narrow plots sloping back to the floodplain. Look back along the causeway, Bow Street, towards the town centre and it’s no illusion that some of the buildings, dating from different periods, appear to be leaning backwards, sinking gently into the floodplains of Cocklemoor and Littlemoor. But they’ve stood for centuries and will doubtless go on standing, adding a little more character to the town. Indeed Langport still retains much of its old world charm, and the ‘long market’ of Bow Street and Cheapside is still dotted with small independent shops and businesses reminiscent of how country towns used to be.

At Bow Bridge one of the old warehouses of Great Bow Wharf remains and has been sympathetically renovated to provide offices, space for community activities and a café.

The renovation some five or six years ago, overseen by the Warehouse Trust, incorporates sustainable building materials and techniques to make it energyefficient and has attracted interest from far and wide.

Management of the café has recently reverted to the Trust which has renamed it the Riverside Café, created a reasonably-priced menu of hot

haMPers

MinCe Pies

The Parrett Close shopping parade by Cocklemoor car park includes a traditional baker and butcher.

meals, soup of the day, sandwiches and salads, and organised a programme of events including folk music and craft fairs. Details can be found on www.greatbow.org.uk or by telephoning 01458 254257. The café is on the ground floor at the back of the building where a pleasant sheltered terrace alongside the river will be a lovely spot to linger over a coffee when the weather warms up.

On the other side of the road and river is the Langport and River Parrett Visitor Centre which is packed with displays chronicling the history of the town, the river and the wetlands.

The stroll back into the town centre reinforced the thought that Langport with its many independent shops could be a good place to explore if you’re gift vouChers

looking for Christmas presents that are just that bit different.

They are brimming with original gift ideas – needlecraft kits and embroidery silks, individuallycrafted silverware and jewellery, local views, useful and decorative

items for the home and garden, carpets and soft furnishings, ladieswear and lingerie, toys and games, chocolates and lots of very tempting foods to name but a few.

On Bow Street there’s a pet shop, a traditional hardware

yule logs

Call in and see our exCiting ColleCtions ... also jewellery and accessories

TEASHOP The ideal place to meet with friends for ...

Breakfast ★ Coffee ★ Lunch ★ Tea Christmas Cakes • Puddings • Hampers Fabulous Gift Ideas in Home Interiors and Accessories HigH STrEET, Curry rivEL, SOmErSET Tel: 01458 253357

email: kate@livingpretty.co.uk • www.livingpretty.co.uk THE VISITOR December 2012 35

L A NG P O R T

Cheapside is flanked by a variety of interesting shops and the 17th century Langport Arms Hotel.

store, the long-established Cocklemoor shop full of toys, art and craft materials, sweets and much much more, Langport Reclamation which recycles building materials, fittings and furnishings, a well-stocked newsagent’s shop and more.

Cheapside is flanked by the 17th century Langport Arms Hotel and a variety of interesting shops including a ladies fashion boutique, Sue’s Pantry full of natural foods and health products, a gift shop, the Lafleure antique furniture and furnishings dealer with two shops opposite each other, and the post office. If you’re buying for booklovers, Keeble’s is a good source of publications of local interest as well as a broad range of new, outof-print, second-hand and antiquarian books, many of them on sale at bargain prices. And round the corner on North Street is Lou Lou’s antiques gallery, wine bar and restaurant in the former Black Swan pub.

Car parking in Langport is free and the largest parking area is on Cocklemoor behind the town square opposite the Town Hall. The square was created a

decade ago in front of the modern parade of shops and has mellowed nicely now that the trees have become established.

The wide pavements have made it pedestrian-friendly despite the steady stream of cars passing to and from the car park, and the sheltered seating area outside the library provides a good view of all the comings and goings.

The shopping parade houses a fish-and-chips shop, home furnishings store, boutique full of stylish ladieswear and fashion accessories, traditional bakers and butchers, a convenience store, two hairdressing salons and the inevitable estate agents.

And beneath the arches on the ground floor of the Town Hall, built in 1732, tempting arrays of flowers, fruit and vegetables add a splash of colour and attract shoppers. Despite the presence of a Tesco store in the town, Langport is still full of shops offering the sort of personal service that the supermarkets can’t match.

This year the town’s Christmas Fair is being held on Saturday 1st December in the Town Square and The Angel on Bow Street.

FORSEY AND SON ] Funeral Directors ] Monumental Masons ] Private Chapels of Rest ] Pre-payment Funeral Plans Funerals conducted with dignity and reverence by a family firm, established over three generations, offering reliable and caring service with 24-hour call out facilities.

langport (01458) 250509 Somerton (01458) 272297 Butleigh (01458) 850654 www.forseyandson.co.uk • Members of N.A.F.D., B.i.F.D. and S.A.i.F.

36 THE VISITOR December 2012

L A NG P O R T Stalls selling local foods, art and craft work, cards, gifts and lots more will be open all day, followed by a hog roast, mince pies, mulled wine and beers on Cocklemoor from 6.00pm and a firework display at 6.30pm.

Fingers crossed for fair weather!

Roger Richards.

Business update langport Motor Company

Langport Motor Company was taken over in September by

Richard White. Richard will be a familiar face to many readers as he successfully ran his own garage at Sparkford for 18 years.

Richard, a fully qualified mechanic, has retained qualified mechanic Brian who has been at Langport Motor Company for 17 years.

With the winter approaching call in and have a free winter check and if you are planning long journeys over the festive period a service will give you peace of mind. A courtesy car or

FoSTERS NEWSAGENTS NEwSPaPErS & MagaziNES we deliver!

Cards, Stationery, Balloons for all occasions Service with a Smile

Open Mon - Sat 5am - 5pm. Sun 7.30am - Noon

Sue and Tony - at -

Fosters Newsagents Bow Street, lANGPoRT Somerset TA10 9PQ Tel: 01458 250607

Richard White, left, pictured with mechanic Brian Bristow at Langport Motor Company.

van is available whilst your vehicle is being worked on.

Don’t forget there is a 24-hour car wash complete with hoover and car mat wash - to keep your car sparkling clean. Richard and Brian look forward to welcoming customers old and new.

Say you saw it in The Visitor

Trinity Barn, Aller Somerset TA10 0QW Makers and restorers of traditional English clocks since 1830.

Hand-made movements and cases of the finest quality. Colour brochure or information on request.

Antique clocks bought and sold.

Oak Longcase standing at 6’ 7” high, the brass dial showing phases of the moon in the arch.

Commissioned for a Somerset Chapel.

Tel: 01458 252157 www.menimrestorations.co.uk

Under the new ownership of RICHARD WHIte

✴

LANGPoRt motoR ComPANY

Fashion Boutique & Designer room

✴

Party time is here ...

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WeStoveR tRADING eStAte LANGPoRt, SomeRSet, tA10 9RB

Tel: 01458 251100 • Email: langportmotors@btconnect.com

Call in for your FREE ...

Step out in style Servicing & Repairs on All Makes of Car

Joseph Ribkoff

Citroën and Peugeot Specialists

Kello

Collection and Delivery Service Courtesy Car or Van Available

Tina Taylor Not Your Daughter’s Jeans And more!

Full Electronic Diagnostics

✴

Pre-MOT Preparation Work Undertaken

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11 Market Place, Wincanton  01963 31676 7 Parrett close, LangPort  01458 252010

Batteries ★ Tyres ★ Exhausts Open Monday – Friday 8am – 5.30pm • Saturday Appointments Only

24 hour CAR WASH HooveR CARmAt WASH

www.preview-ladies-fashion.co.uk THE VISITOR December 2012 37

MOtORInG vIntAGE Motor Cycling FIRSTLY to the staff at The Visitor Magazine, and to all readers, may I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and good health and vintage motoring throughout 2013. Where has 2012 disappeared? Another year has flown by yet again and few of the many things I had planned to do this year have been completed.

Many years ago my parents and grandparents always said that time goes by more quickly as you get older. I scoffed of course and probably made stupid remarks but now older, and I hope wiser, I realise they were correct. Does this sound familiar I wonder?

A report from the Wells Classic Motorcycle Club certainly shows that they have had a good year.

This club is very active in classic circles and the 2nd Tortoise and Hare Run, together with donations raised from local businesses, has allowed them to raise lots of money. At their awards presentation and social evening in October they were able to hand over a cheque for £1000 to the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance. A splendid effort by

all and our hearty congratulations on helping this so worthwhile charity. Next years Tortoise and Hare Run is scheduled for the 9th June. This event is growing in size and anyone who has a modern bike and fancies a spot of marshalling would be most welcome. Look at www.wells classicmotor cycleclub.co.uk and get details of this and all their other activities.

An early entry for those shiny new diaries.

Riding events are of course less prolific this time of year. During December the Somerset Section has a Bring and Buy at its club night on the 6th. This is followed on the 9th by the Christmas Run

Ridgeway gaRage Family run business - established over 30 Years 58 Seat ibiza 1.4Se, 3 Door, PAS, Climate Control, Low Miles £6495 54 Mazda 2 antares 1.4, PAS, CD, Aircon ....................... £ 2995 51 Vw golf Cabriolet 2.0, Elec Roof, C-COM, Low Miles.... £ 2695 W Reg Nissan almera 1.8Se auto, Low Miles, Very Clean £1795 Kingsland Road, SheptoN Mallet • tel: 01749 342938 www.ridgeway-garage.com

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

G.H. SAlES. tel: 01935 891414

A company built on an excellent reputation

Yeovil Auto Tuning • • • • • • •

established 30 years 1982 – 2012

Repairs and Servicing Specialists MOT Testing • Engine Tuning Brakes, Clutches, Gearboxes Competitive Rates Professional, Reliable, Friendly Service Specialising in VW T4 + T5 Vans Revo Engine Re-Mapping (VW & Audi Group)

Alexandra Road, Yeovil Tel: 01935 426515 / 01935 411946 38 THE VISITOR December 2012

and Lunch at Cossington, and on the 27th they have Ashleys Run from Evercreech. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section has its Christmas Dinner on the 10th.

The Dorset Section has a guest speaker at its club night on the 12th and on the 16th they will have their Christmas Run and Dinner at Leigh Village Hall. In addition both Somerset and Dorset have events on New Years Day. Ring 01935-872528 for further details.

My interest is for all motor cycles both old and new, but my special interest is for the machines made during the 1920’s and before. The Vintage Motor Cycle Club caters for all two and three wheeled machines over 25 years old. If you have an interest in these machines (you do not actually need to own such a machine) then you are made welcome. The variety of eligible machines means there is plenty of scope for everyone. My picture this month shows a slightly different approach to our hobby.

This is an early 1920’s Morgan threewheeler. It is powered by a V twin engine with controls similar to that of a car. It carries two people and has a modicum of weather protection and some are fitted with a hood and side screens which makes them rather cosy, if a little cramped. Some Morgan’s were even four seaters, though the rear seats were of child sizes only, but at least it became family transport. For those with a young family, or those not wishing to ride a motorcycle, or no longer able to ride a motorcycle, then the Morgan offers an alternative and still be able to take part in events and have fun like the rest of us. The Morgan is rather at the top of the financial range with mint cars fetching as much as £50,000.

There are plenty of variations on the Morgan theme of course

through to the rather more humble Reliant Regals and Robins, all of which are over 25 years old and can be found for under £1,000. Of interest might be the bubble cars of the 1960’s.

Now when did you last see one of those on the roads being used? All can provide endless fun for the family, and many will keep you dry and warm in winter.

Every year around Christmas and New Year I sit in the warm with next years calendar and plan my riding events for the coming year. I try to reflect on those I have enjoyed this last year and pencil those in. Next I scroll through the publications listing all forthcoming events and pick out a few new ones to go and try. I then pencil in those events for which I have some responsibility or commitment and those I organise, before filling in any gaps that remain. This last year was a poor years riding due to moving house but I still managed to attend 43 riding events. Every one of those events was enjoyable for differing reasons and so now is a time to reflect and look forward to the fun to be had next year.

Work in the Hann workshop seems at a very slow process. It often coincides with one of those periods when something needs fixing or attention required on every bike I have. All this occurs when I have a limited workshop available. I am waiting for the planning authorities to grant permission to build a new garage and workshop. My existing facilities are very damp and crowded, all my tools are covered with rust, and of course time is limited. This is exactly the time when things go wrong. On a recent event I realised that the clutch on my Sunbeam was not as it should be. Still I had drive, and wishing to avoid the indignity of the dreaded breakdown trailer, I kept going.

With no functioning clutch and with my wife on the pillion riding does become challenging. On reaching the end of the run my mechanical problems were obvious for all to see. A bolt in the clutch had broken allowing the bolt and spring to come out before snagging with the other moving parts and before punching a great big hole through the alloy primary chaincase. Repairs are now advanced but do not think vintage motoring is always carefree and troublefree. Life is never that simple is it?

Rod Hann.

Leisure & Tra vel new Price Guides for trade & Cigarette Cards 2013

Collecting cards is a popular hobby for all ages and can be traced back to the 1890’s. For collectors, the Price Guides are an essential reference tool cataloguing over 14,500 different series. With Christmas just a few weeks away they would make ideal gifts.

The Cigarette Card Catalogue has 7000 series listed in its three sections covering British Cards, Foreign Cards and Reprinted Series, plus a brand new 8-page section of 86 colour illustrations.

216 pages in all, priced at £7.00.

sets and special albums. This 38th edition is devoted entirely to non-tobacco cards, and has a section which details over 350 reprinted series. This latest edition has a new 8-page section of 64 colour illustrations with an extra 8-pages to accommodate over 180 new series. With 200 pages and priced at £6.00 it’s a must for collectors.

Both books can be obtained direct from the publishers: The London Cigarette Card Company Ltd., Sutton Road, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 6QP or telephone 01458 273452. Post free to UK addresses (postage charged at cost for overseas).

Party time at the Mad Hatter

Make your party one to remember with a visit to the

Mad Hatter in Princes Street, Yeovil.

The recently opened Party Shop has balloons galore in all shapes and sizes, festive table decorations, stocking fillers, Mexican Pinatas and complete themed sets from Pirates to Hollywood, to set the mood for your party.

Making a big come back this year are indoor fireworks – plus there is a fantastic choice

of single ignition outdoor fireworks.

Whatever you are looking for in the fancy dress department you will find it here! From James Bond to Dracula - wigs, celebrity masks, festive hats, including turkey hats, and of course Mr and Mrs Santa suits.

Costumes are available to buy or to hire. Call in and browse through their costume portfolio.

Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction, Ba22 9UU Sun 9 th, Sun 16 th, Sat 22 nd & Sun 23 rd December

Santa Special ***** Yeovil

Bookings via website www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com or telephone 07816 359285 £7.50 each adult / child £6.50 each for parties of 8 or more * On day, if space, £9 each Price includes steam train ride (subject to availability), seasonal refreshments, a visit to Santa's Grotto and a selected present for the children. Charity No 1043581.

ParTy Time    

Christmas Lights Helium Balloons Table Decorations Santa Suits

Fireworks

and much 45 Brickfields Business Park more ...

Call at our Showroom / Shop

The Trade Card Catalogue lists over 6000 series and is an up-todate price guide for odd cards,

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

Gillingham, Dorset sP8 4PX

Do call in!

www.upinsmoketheatre.com upinsmoketheatre@supanet.com Tel: 01747 835666

By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 67 1.

2.

3.

4.

With which instrument do you associate Rick Wakeman?

Gladys Knight once took a ‘Midnight Train to …’ Where?

‘Journey’ said ‘Don’t Stop…’ What?

‘The Overlanders’ had a No.1, and nothing else … ever, with which Beatles song?

5. The Rolling Stones have released their latest song about ‘Doom and …’ What?

6. ‘i Saw the Light’ was a 1972 hit for whom?

7. Who said ‘Yeh, Yeh’ in 1965?

8. in which year was the rock band Oasis formed?

9. Name the aging rocker who is singing about a ‘Slinky Thing’ right now.

10. ‘Summer Breeze’ ‘This Old Heart of Mine’ and ‘Harvest for the World’ are just some of the recordings by whom?

Bonus Question The song ‘Chains’ from the first Beatles album was written by which famous composing couple?

Great Quotes in Music (60) “i think my fans will follow me into our combined old age. Real musicians and real fans stay together for a long, long time.” - Bonnie Raitt

THE VISITOR December 2012 39

Antiques & Collecting Walton House Antiques

In little more than six months, Walton House Antiques has firmly established itself on the local Arts and Antiques scene, having tapped into a strong demand for fine quality Georgian, Regency and early Victorian antique furniture, whilst also displaying some exceptional Art Deco and Edwardian pieces for the avid collector. They also have superb works of art at reasonable prices and are dedicated to offering a diversity and choice in all areas, including an extensive range of period boxes and caddies, to beautiful French Faience wares and excellent quality Georgian glass. They also stock French rustic tables, servers and benches, which complements their English country furniture extremely well.

You will have little trouble finding Walton House Antiques in the central Square at Mere,

just off the A303 near Stourhead.

They are within easy travelling distance of most places from London to Exeter and beyond, and once there, parking is plentiful and free.

Going on holiday? How about some luggage for the journey?

Pictured is a selection at Dairy House Antiques, Semley.

Don’t miss the 2nd Annual Christmas Market at Dairy House Antiques, Semley, on Sunday 25th November - here you will find furniture and accessories for the home including cabinets, dressers, mirrors, prints and wall hangings, plus personal items such as jewellery - ideal if you are looking for a unique Christmas gift!

DAIRY HOUSE Antiques 2nd Annual Christmas Market Sunday 25th November 2012 from 10am – 4pm Visiting Stallholders join with our Dealers to offer you an opportunity to shop for ... Unique Christmas Gifts Mulled Wine ✴ Mince Pies ✴ Tea / Coffee Charity Raffle ✴ Ample Free Parking Station Road, Semley SHAFTESbURY SP7 9AN Tel: 01747 853317 Normal Opening: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm Sunday 11am – 4pm

Full details on our website: www.dairyhouseantiques.co.uk 40 THE VISITOR December 2012

Gold & Silver Jewellery wanted Best prices paid for wedding rings, pendants, chains, bracelets, and broken items, etc.

Phone Jenny Martin Castle Cary

01963 350733

Beaminster Antiques, Vintage & Collectables Fair Saturday 8th December Public Hall beaminster, Dorset 9.30am – 4.00pm

small Furniture * textiles china * Glass * silver Jewellery * books * Pictures etc.

Homemade refreshments ✽ Next Fair – Saturday 12 th January ✽

Bookings & Enquiries

Meadow Fairs 01297 24446



Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson Garden Machinery has a host of useful gift ideas including Wolf Garten hand tools with interchangeable heads – currently with 10% discount. For a very indulgent present perhaps a

ride-on mower for the man in your life. Ben is now able to offer gift vouchers to any value redeemable against both products and servicing. Don’t forget you can also purchase new and refurbished woodburners from the showroom.

Chainsaws from £120 Electric log Splitter inc. stand from £199 whilst stocks last

Saw Horses from £20 Splitting Mauls from £25

Husqvarna Chainsaw

Make someone’s eyes sparkle this Christmas with the Citizen Eco-Drive watch. Just one of the popular designs at Ward & Sibley, jewellers of Yeovil, where you will find watches to suit all members of the family. 

Pithers yard Clinic

Pithers Yard offers a wide range of complimentary therapies.

Whether you want treatment for backache, headache, food allergies or asthma, they can help.

Pampering treatments too are available including a range of massages including hot stone, aromatherapy and Indian head massage. Acupuncture is available for the alleviation of pain and also for facials, to help reduce wrinkles and the signs ageing. For a full list of treatments and details of the practitioners please visit their website. Gift Tokens are available. 

gloves and secateurs in fun colours, trugs, planters and hand tools.

New in is a selection of boxed humorous mugs, plus scribbling blocks, ceramics and place-mats, a good choice of books - and of course, a Christmas department devoted to festive decorations.

Why not enjoy a delicious slice of homemade cake or a bowl of soup in the tea rooms whilst you decide what to buy. Don’t miss the visiting Owls on Friday 7th December during their Open Evening (see their advert in the Gardening section).

Multi-Change Hand Tools

Push Pull Weeder

Multi-change heads - every tool head fits every handle

10% OFF during december Ride-on Mowers from £1,499

Ride-On Mower

✴ Gift ✴ Vouchers

GARDEN MACHiNERY & SToVES

 01747 851021

17d Wincombe Business Park Shaftesbury, SP7 9QJ www.benjohnsonmowers.com

The perfect gift ...

Wheathill Garden Centre

Wheathill Garden Centre at Milborne Port has a good choice of gifts for the gardener including

Pither’s yard natural health clinic Give the gift of health this Christmas

... new range of stunning silver jewellery

 Gift vouchers  available

WARd & SibleY

A wide range of treatments available www.pithersyardclinic.org 01963 350405 (clinic) 07891 747239 HIGH StREEt CAStlE CARy, BA7 7An

The Jewellers of Yeovil

PaSSionate aBout Beauty

Wishing our Customers Seasons Greetings

The Casket, 103 Middle Street, Yeovil Tel: 01935 474065 Car park at rear for customers while visiting the shop

THE VISITOR December 2012 41



Acorn Music

Acorn Music is an Independent Music Store stocking thousands of CDs, everything from rock, pop and jazz to classical folk and blues.

For musicians there is a range of guitars, ukuleles and recorders plus a wide selection of accessories including drum sticks, strings, straps, picks, leads, tuners, gig bags stands and music books.

If you have outgrown your own CD collection and are looking to make some space at home, Acorn Music purchase good quality CD collections and will arrange for collection.

For further information telephone 01935 425503.

 Heavy Horses Experience days

Purchase a gift voucher for a friend or family member so that they have the chance to experience the thrill of working a gentle giant.

Swainsford Heavy Horses Experience Days are designed to give participants a taste of handling, harnessing and working with a heavy horse.

Participants will learn how to harness a horse to pull an implement and to have the pleasure of driving a heavy horse in a cart.

Swainsford Heavy Horses - 10 horses which are Percherons and Coloured Draft ranging in age from 1 year to 21 years.

The courses are held on the

farm at Broadwater Farm, Mere, Wiltshire close to the Dorset border.

The days are suitable for anybody over the age of 13 and cost £100.00, this includes lunch and refreshments. Discounts are available for two or more people booking together or for additional days. For further information on their courses or to book or purchase a gift voucher visit www.workinghorses.co.uk, email richard@workinghorses.co.uk or contact Richard Branscombe on 01747 860879. 

Repxotics

Visit Repxotics in Shepton Mallet for a Christmas gift that is a little bit different!

A tank filled with tropical or cold water fish can provide hours of pleasure. A tank complete with light, gravel, heater, filter etc., starts from around £80 and fish from £1.99 to £5.99. Children might like a stick insect as a pet - easy to look after as no walking is required and they can be fed on hedgerow gleanings. Set up price around £20.

At Repxotics there is a wide range of unusual reptiles such as snakes, spiders and lizards.

And - for a childrens party with a difference - Repxotics will bring along reptiles to the party where they can be safely handled and children can learn all about them.

They can also have a photograph to remember the day.

email: richard@workinghorses.co.uk • Website: www.workinghorses.co.uk

TrOpical Fish can give hours of pleasure See our wide range of tropical and Cold Water Fish tanks and Accessories Extensive range of Reptiles + Feeds & Equipment

Repxotics, 17 town Street SHePtoN mALLet BA4 5Be

telephone 01749 938082

Music Books - Guitar Accessories Ukuleles - Recorders Drumsticks Still stocking the widest range of Cds for miles around Classical - Jazz - Folk - Blues - rock and lots more  ACorn vouCherS MAke ideAl GiFTS  CD and DVD Collections in good condition bought for CASH Collection arranged Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/acornmusic

42 THE VISITOR December 2012

Hanson’s of Sturminster Newton have a great choice of ‘Natural Daylight’ lamps and Magnifiers - ideal for those those working on crafts etc. Available in a wide variety of sizes and styles including floor lamps and desk lamps. Call in to see their complete range.



Street Pharmacy

Perfume is the perfect present!

At Street Pharmacy there are some superb savings on leading perfumes, whilst stocks last.

Promotions include: Beyonce Heat Rush 100ml EDP only £19.95, rrp £38.50 and Nina Ricci L’air du Temps 30ml EDT £16.00, rrp £22.50.

Other gift ideas include Mason Pearson and Knet hairbrushes, toiletries by Geo F. Trumper,

Beauty without Cruelty, Burts Bees and Vichy.

There is a lovely choice of Bronnley soaps and lotions plus bathtime fun ideas for the kids. 

A wide choice of dried and tinned pet food is always available and discounts are available on bulk purchases.

There is plenty of free parking outside the door and knowledgeable and helpful staff inside!

Crossroads Pet Supplies

Your pet is a real part of the family so deserves a Christmas Treat - of which there are plenty at Crossroads Pet Supplies on the Sherborne/Yeovil causeway. Here you will find pet beds galore, sweet treats, hutches, toys, and pet stockings.

There is a good choice of wild bird seed and peanuts too.

Relax and put your feet up this festive season! For a wonderful selection of rise and recline chairs from just £450 call into Mendip Mobility of Street also in Wells.

AnimAl PortrAits

The perfect Christmas gift - a unique pastel portrait of a muchloved pet, by C. A. Adlington.

Call for more information.

A pastel drawing of your pet - a timeless gift Contact C. A. Adlington

01749 813524 pasteldogportraits.co.uk

Dog tired of high prices?

Practical Christmas Gifts from ...

visit

CRoSSRoADS PET SUPPliES suPPliers of

• Pet Foods • Bird & Pigeon Seeds • Full range of Toys, hutches, Accessories

o o o

... all at competitive prices Ample Free PArkinG outside the door Find us at Forward Garage on the main A30 between Sherborne & Yeovil

Tel: 01935 411859 .

STrEET PHArmACy your independent Chemist



wonderful winter Perfume offers



 



 beyoncé heat Ladies 100ml eDP rrP £38.50 our Price £19.95

(while stocks last!)

lady gaga fame Ladies eDP 30ml £19.95 50ml £27.95





o

Scooter Covers & Rain Capes Carry Cases for Scooters Folding Walking Sticks including patterned designs Slippers

o

Reclining Chairs

SPECiAl oFFER ...

Tri-walkers only £79

 





 oscar de la renta

 Ladies 50ml eDt rrP £49.00 our Price £29.00

82 High Street, STrEET, Somerset Tel: 01458 442448

GADGETS GAloRE! Jar grippers, Exercise Balls, Pill Boxes Hand reachers, Long Handled Toe Nail Scissors See our Brochure for full range “A family-run business offering a friendly and professional service” 146 High Street, STREET, BA16 0ER  01458 448355 14 Priory Road, WEllS, BA5 1SY  01749 675599 www.mendipmobility.co.uk THE VISITOR December 2012 43



Ceres

For gifts that are kind to the environment and the recipient visit Ceres of Yeovil. They have a wonderful selection of chocolates and goodies suitable for those with wheat/dairy/sugar intolerances – including the Booja Booja range. There is a selection of make-up, aromatherapy and beauty products for the ladies too that are kind to the skin.

With the festive season here now is the time to make the Christmas cake and pudding, Ceres have an extensive range of own-packed dried fruits and

cereals at competitive prices.

Keep healthy this Christmas with vitamins and supplements – all available at Ceres. See website for full ranges.



A2B Mobility

With winter here the fitting of a canopy to your scooter is a good idea to protect you from the bad weather. These can be fitted at A2B Mobility of Martock.

A2B have a comprehesive selection of scooters in stock to choose from, both new and used, and they offer on-the-premises servicing.

They also sell rise and recline chairs and beds and a host of small aids. Slippers make a very

acceptable Christmas gift.

Anything not in stock can be ordered promptly and there is a full colour brochure to browse through.

If you are staying with relatives perhaps you need to hire a scooter - whatever you require call into A2B Mobility, there’s free parking outside the door.

Pictured left: Almund and Almunda, a new limited edition print by Kate Wyatt, framed price £100, from Martock Gallery in Martock.

Pre-Christmas sale

Natural Food & Gifts

HuGe Discount on ... Prints, Bronzes Mirrors, sculpture, clocks

Kind TO yOu and TO The envirOnmenT “Gifts for people that care”

★ On-The-Premises Framing

★ Photos to Canvas Service

Find our complete range in store or shop online with us at www.healthfoodsuk.com

9 – 11 Princes Street, Yeovil, BA20 1EN Tel: 01935 428791 www.ceresfoods.com

Water Street, Martock • Tel: 01935 823254 • www.martockgallery.com Martock Gallery Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00, Saturday 9.30 - 4.30

Candles are popular all year around but especially so at Christmas. Visit The Farris Candle Shop at Mere.

Open Saturday mornings during December.

practical christmas Gifts

From Slippers through to rise & recline Chairs

Have a canopY fitted

V Canopies Fitted from £400 V Canopies fitted to any model on the premises

Second-Hand Scooters ... from £200 Rise & Recline Chairs ... from £550 MoTorinG AdAPTion ServiCeS Hoists etc

SAlES ★ SERViCE HiRE ★ REPAiR

Cosyfeet, Daily Living & Bathing Aids FREE CATAlOGUES AVAilABlE ON REQUEST in Store and Free Home Demos workshop and On Site repairs - No Call Out Charge Free Loan Scooters - Scooter & wheelchair Hire New, Second-Hand & Ex-Demo Scooters at greatly reduced Prices

Units 1 & 2, Great Western Road

MARToCK 0800 731 7078

Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5.00pm, Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm • Closed Bank holidays oTher TiMeS By APPoinTMenT

44 THE VISITOR December 2012

• Tel: 07917 145838 / 07917 145839

Candles for Christmas ...  Christmas Lines Now In  All Candles at Factory Prices  Superb Choice of Candles & Accessories Open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd December, 9.30am - 1pm Please note NOT OPEN on Monday 24th December CHRISTMAS EVE

Church Candles ✴ Dinner Candles ✴ Tea Lights ✴ Night Lights Jars ✴ Pillars ✴ Tins ✴ Garden Flares ✴ Candle Accessories DIRECT LINE FOR SHOP ONLY

01747 861856 Charles Farris Limited Quarry Fields, Mere, Wiltshire BA12 6LA www.charlesfarris.co.uk

Pictured left: A must for any Bond fan - this realistic model plays the Bond Theme Tune, the lights flash and the wheels spin - available in two sizes £27.99 or £12.99. Just one of hundreds of models and kits available from Mark’s Models on the Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil.

chicken bricks. As well as the wide selection of kitchenware pots there are paintings, prints, sculpture, signed ceramics and baskets for sale in the gallery as part of The Christmas Exhibition.

Shop and gallery open: Monday to Saturday, 9am-1pm and 2pm5pm. (Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day) Free entry and plenty of free parking. See their advert in the Langport feature.

needful things



Once again Needful Things have really captured the Spirit of Christmas with their wonderful Festive Decorations in a myriad of colours and designs.

Nativity sets at really affordable prices have also proved a massive hit this year. There are many lovely gifts in store including moongazing bronze hares; scented candles and reeds from Fired Earth and Designer's Guild; boxed bathroom sets from 'Winter in Venice' and lotions, potions and even mugs from Cath Kidston!

Gifts for everyone: for her, faux fur accessories and warm winter clothing; for him, leather wallets, travel bags, hip flasks and ties ... and for the kids, the most magical musical toys, snow globes, and mechanical advent boxes!

Christmas memories to treasure for years to come.

Christmas shopping at Muchelney Pottery



The pottery shop in Muchelney is full of Christmas gift ideas from mugs, plates and bowls to casseroles, baking dishes and

Christmas all wrapped up at Beautiful gifts for you and your home ... plus decorations to delight!

Enzo’s has a wonderful choice of gifts this Christmas - all beautifully packaged. This Jane Iredale Glimmer Gift Box holds Pure Gloss Lips, 24 carat Gold Dust Shimmer Powder, Just Kissed Lip Stain and a Travel Size Fan Brush, all for just £27. Call in and see their full range, or perhaps give a gift voucher - redeemable against treatments and products!

Cath Kidston

Hair & Beauty Salon

7 High Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7AN  01963 351352

Market cross SturMinSter neWton tel: 01258 473123

www.needfulthings.uk.com

Spoilt for choice!

We have 100s of PlASTiC Model kiTS by ...

Airfix • Tamiya • italeri Airfix Kit complete with paints Also die-CAST ModelS from ...

Mini Champ • Hot Wheels • Maisto • Burago Oxfo r

Lyde road

oad dr

Marks Models

beautiful Christmas gifts

★ giFT vOuchers ★

Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday

Look your best this festive season

Vale road Buc kland ro

* free heat

*ghd Straightener in gold, red or silver £135 Protection Pack worth £10 *ghd Hair Dryer special offer - only £90 Jessica Nails trinket Box with 2 nail colours Paul Mitchell Presentation Packs Jane Iredale gift Packs £27 + much more

ad

yeovil

Unit 6, 15 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil BA21 5HR

Tel: 01935 471154

For beautiful hair and a full range of beauty treatments, call today! £135

Early booking advised THE VISITOR December 2012 45

and Holly posies.

They have gifts galore for the gardener, including gloves, gardening tool sets, tools, or if you are unsure what to buy then why not buy a National Garden Gift Token.

The gifts continue in the florists with vases, pot covers, sparkly twigs and seasonal picks, baubles, lights and decorations for the home.

Finally, the florists can make to order beautiful Christmas table decorations in silk or fresh flowers, bouquets or they have a vast selection of houseplants, including stunning Poinsettias, Amaryllis, Cyclamen and Hyacinths etc.

Christmas flowers can be delivered right up to Christmas Eve throughout the area.

Practical gifts for the home at Muchelney Pottery, Muchelney. 

tool Shop & vice Centre

The pre-Christmas sale is now on at The Tool Shop and Vice Centre - with lots of bargains to be had e.g. Draper Impact Driver was £180 now £79.95, Makita 18v 3-Speed Combi with two 2.6 AH batteries, was £235 now only £199.95, and Black and Decker Battery Screwdrivers £9.95. Hand tools, garden tools, electric tools, can all be found here to suit both the professional and DIY-er.

A real Aladdin’s cave of useful bits and bobs - screws and blades,

torches and spirit levels, batteries and glue guns ... plus lots of experienced help at hand.

Williams Florist & nursery



The festive season is rapidly approaching again, and preparations are underway at Williams Nursery for providing excellent value, supplying locally grown Christmas trees for the area, as they have done for many years, also out in the Nursery there will be Christmas wreaths

NOW ON AT ...

Tools & Accessories for D.i.Y. and The Professionals

107 Middle Street, Yeovil  01935 412333

Under Archway between Fit & Furnish and The Nail Bar

Christmas at Williams Nursery

national Garden Gift Tokens

CHRIStMAS tREES ... locally grown Nordman and Norway Spruce, + Holly, Wreaths and Posies FOR tHE lAdIES ... our Floristry department offers ...

Cut Flowers, Bouquets, Arrangements and Pot Plants Deliveries throughout Christmas late night  H.t.A. Garden tokens the perfect Christmas Gift  Large Free Car Park OPPOsite Open: 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday • Saturday 9am - 4pm • Closed Sundays www.williams-florist.co.uk

last Minute Gift Guide!

Published: Tuesday 18th December Deadline: Friday 7th December Book your advert today!

Tel: 01963 351256 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk 46 THE VISITOR December 2012

opening Friday 7th december

Sturlettos of Sturminster Newton have gift ideas galore, including the Nougat range of toiletries, scarves and handbags, plus lots of gift ideas for men including book ends and games. Don’t forget to visit Kidsturs for unusual childrens gifts.

Stur ettos FOOTWEAR &

OUTERWEAR

Station Road, Sturminster Newton  01258 472012

Gifts for Her ... Jewellery – Scarves – Floris Perfume Bags – Nougat Toiletries Gifts for Him ... Bookends – Books – Models Nougat Toiletries – Socks – Puzzles for tHe Kids ... Visit Kidsturs in the market Place Old Fashioned Sweets – Personalised Gifts – Furniture, Birthday Cakes – Clothes – Toys etc. for eVeryone ... minsturs tea rooms Delicious Teas – Cakes – Light Lunches – Indulgent Chocolates Chutneys – Seasonal Treats – Gift Vouchers  “stur” for all your Festive Gifts 

Annual Lighting Up Event

Friday 30th November promises to be an exciting evening for Crewkerne. From 5.30pm there will be a Craft Fair in the Victoria Hall, a Farmers’ Market, Charity Stalls in Falkland Square and children’s Fairground Rides. Go back in time at the George Shopping Centre where they will be celebrating A Dickens of a Christmas.

Judging of the Children’s Fancy Dress Competition will take place at 6pm in Market Square. Entry is free and open to children under the age of 8, the theme this year is ‘Jubilee’ and entry forms are available now from the Town Hall or Red Cross Shop.

Santa will arrive on his sleigh in Market Square at 7pm to help the Mayor and Town Crier turn on the Christmas lights. He will then move on to his Grotto in the Town Hall.

Musical entertainment will be provided by The Breeze in Market Square and Phoenix Brass in Falkland Square. And don’t miss the community Carol Singing with CUDOS and guests just before the switch on!

The Heritage Centre in East Street will be open throughout the evening and with plenty of places providing refreshments you are sure to have an enjoyable time.

For more information contact

Annette Roffey on 01460 74001 or e-mail annette.roffey@ crewkerne-tc.gov.uk

Robert Frith Optometrists

All the staff at Robert Frith Optometrists would like to wish everyone an enjoyable festive period. Providing all aspects of eye care to patients in Crewkerne and the surrounding area, the practice aims to cater for every individual whatever their need.

Whether you require a new pair of spectacles for the Christmas party season, or a complete new look with contact lenses, make Robert Frith Optometrists your first port of call. Maybe you are stuck for a Christmas gift? Why not consider a gift voucher to put towards designer sunglasses or spectacles? Telephone 01460 72964 to make an appointment.

Crewkerne Antiques

Crewkerne Antiques is well worth a visit. Set out over two floors they offer a diverse range of collectables for sale from furniture and books through to jewellery and glasswear - the stock is constantly changing.

There are some 50 dealers and 30 cabinets for you to browse among at your leisure.

Silver cufflinks or a desk for him - a gold ring or ornament for her ... a rocking horse for the kids.

Crewkerne antIQUeS Centre

with 50 Dealers & 30 Display Cabinets over 2 Floors ✳ GolD & SIlver BoUGht ✳ Jewellery, Silver, Glass, rocking horses, China and an extensive range of Furniture antIQUeS BoUGht & SolD open: Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm

16 Market Street • Crewkerne tel: 01460 77111

Homefayre - Competiton

Homefayre are running a competition ‘to name the lego man’ displayed in the window.

Answers should be brought in person to the shop and put in the box provided - together with the entrants name, address and telephone number. The Lucky winner will win a voucher to spend in store.

Arriving shortly at Homefayre in Crewkerne is a range of curtains with over 14 designs, that can be ordered in the length of your choice and supplied within a week, and with the header / lining of your choice.

Christmas lines are now in cards, gift wrap, toys and more.

There’s always an extensive range of bedding, towels and ready-made curtains in stock.

So whether you want pet food or a cake tin, a tin of paint or a set of glasses - Homefayre have it all and at sensible prices.

Craft Demonstration in-store Saturday 1st December cardmaking etc. 10am until 4pm all welcome.

Pick ‘n’ Mix SweetS

Jazziez

Always full of new ideas Jazziez have introduced some new lines just in time for Christmas.

Personalised items always make great gifts, just take along your favourite photo and have it put onto a mug, T-shirt or key ring. New for Christmas are personalised jigsaws, sets of 4 placemats and coasters for just £15, Childrens gift packs of a cup, coaster and placemat, and door hangings with good / bad, girl / boy and much more! Personalised printing and embroidery is a popular service for pubs, clubs, schools and businesses - call in or visit their website.

Homefayre

CHriStMaS lines Now in

Including - Crackers - Cards - Gift Wrap Tags & Gift Ideas Galore!

Disposable Plates and Glasses Napkins - Serviettes

For the hoMe ... a wonderful choice of ready Made CurtainS and a Professional alteration Service Bedding and Towels in All Colours & Sizes

✴ Name the legoman Competition ✴ See in-store for details

extensive Pet raNGe

including

Pet Beds - Pet Food - Fish Food Wild Bird Food - Feeders Fatballs & more We Have an extensive Craft raNGe

Wools - Silks - Card Making - Artist Materials - And More!

open Sundays throughout December until Christmas

HOMEFAYRE 22 Market Street CreWKerNe 01460 72650

&

BUY & SAVE High Street CaStle Cary 01963 350969

THE VISITOR December 2012 47

Shear Magic

For stylish hairdressing for both ladies and gentlemen visit Louise Sansom and her team at Shear Magic.

Appointments are not always necessary, however if you would like to take advantage of the midweek special rates (Tuesday Thursday) then ring for an appointment with Joanna.

With Christmas coming the salon offers gift vouchers, and the ghd Metallic Range of Hair Straighteners. Also available are Hairdryers. A deposit will reserve your ghd product. Payment by

U n i S e x

instalments is also available.

Don’t forget the stand-up tanning booth - ideal if you want to top up your fading tan. Louise and her team look forward to seeing you soon.

Antiques Bazaar

Antiques Bazaar are a new and innovative centre for collaborative trading. The centre is situated in a former textile mill, crammed full of unusual antiques, retro and vintage items. From jewellery, ceramics, and artwork, through furniture, textiles and vintage clothing, to fishing tackle, tools,

H a i r

timber, and country bygones. For the really creative there are furniture painting, upholstery and art courses coming up soon. And on December 8th Santa is visiting for just one day, with a gift for every child! There is easy, free on site parking, a great café, and the venue is open 7 days a week. Traders are always interested in buying unusual items, so bring along your treasures for a cash offer.

Mike’s Music

Mike’s Music is a friendly, family-run business that caters for all guitarists’ needs. With a wide range of guitars for every ability and style, it is definitely worth a visit.

One of only very few music shops in the area, not only does the shop have a great variety of stock, Mike’s Music also holds successful guitar lessons for

S a l o n

Look Your Best this Festive Season Foil Colouring, Perms, Great Cuts, Matrix Styling Products - No Appointments Necessary  ghd Metallic range hair Straighteners also hairdryers  Pensioner sPecial rates Tue / Wed / Thur ... with Joanna ... booking only

Stand-Up Tanning Booth for a Golden Tan oPening hourS: Mon 9.30 - 3 tue 9 - 4.30 wed & thur 9 - 5 Fri 9 - 6.30 Sat 9 - 2.30

1b Church Street • CreWkerne • 01460 75394

Antiques Bazaar a unique blend of antiques, collectables, vintage textiles and interiors ideas

Visit SANTA in his Grotto

Saturday 8th December 10 – 4 £2 entry to the Grotto & a gift for every child!

Regency Care & Mobility in Falkland Square, near the Co-op and close to the car park. Here you will find a wide range of scooters and mobility aids.



 rest easy this Christmas with our new range of  rise and recline Chairs & Beds



Proceeds to local charities

CHRiStMaS tRadERS UnUSUaL GiFtS SEaSonaL REFRESHMEntS

Antiques Bazaar

South Street, Crewkerne, TA18 8AG (next to the Factory Shop)

01460 77121

FREE Delivery and removal of your Old Furniture FREE Home Demonstrations BE pREpaREd FoR wintER  Scooters Serviced ... only £39 FREE Collection & Delivery

opEn 7 daYS a wEEK - EaSY FREE paRKinG

Call in and see us at ...

Try the Old Mill Café for coffee teas and snacks

10 Falkland Square Crewkerne TA18 7JS

www.antiquesbazaar.co.uk

Tel: 01460 271172

(near the Co-op)

‘If you can’t come to us - we will come to you’ 48 THE VISITOR December 2012

House & Home beginners and experienced guitarists. Exam passes for the London College of music are high.

Gift vouchers are available.

Bath Travel

Bath Travel was named High Street Agent of the year in National Industry Awards. The company also picked up best agent accolades in the South East and South West.

The awards were made at the 16th Agent Achievement Awards

and collected by Marketing Manager, Mark Dowling.

He said, ‘We are incredibly pleased, especially to have been voted the national agent of the year. These awards are made by the travel industry itself, so it is especially pleasing to be recognised by fellow professionals for the grace, courtesy and professionalism of how we do business.’

Bath Travel has 60 branches including the Market Street, Crewkerne shop.

Mike’s Music

The Music store in Town Guitars & tuition  Christmas gifts

Entry Level Clarinets, Flutes, Violins and Accessories Sheet Music & Music Books etc.  Now Stocking Ukuleles 

The George centre, crewkerne

Tel: 01460 77728 • www.mikes-music.co.uk

KitChen talK Tip’s for a safe Christmas

Christmas and New Year is usually an extremely busy time with friends and relatives coming over for parties and meals. So here are a few tips to make sure your guests go home with nothing more than a hangover!

Your fridge should be between 0 and 5 degrees to keep your food fresh, open the door as little as possible. Make sure only cold food

goes in, nothing if it is still warm as this will raise the temperature inside of the fridge and there will be a risk of bacterial growth.

Remember to keep cooked and uncooked food separate and raw meat and defrosting foods at the bottom of the fridge, don’t forget to protect the bottom salad storage from drips as this can contaminate the salad or vegetables in the storage box.

When laying out your buffet you may like to use smaller platters rather than the large ones. You can then replace the

Cane Furniture The Largest selection in the West Country!

We can offer prompt free delivery within a 50 mile radius All suites assembled www.avaloncanefurniture.co.uk

Update your suite with made-to-measure cushions with removeable covers

Or come in and see us ... you won't be disappointed!

Cane Furniture

EstablishEd ovEr 60 YEars Open 7 Days • Sundays 10.30am – 4pm

In store at HASkinS REtAil CEntRE SHEptOn MAllEt, BA4 5AX • 01749 343414

THE VISITOR December 2012 49

platters frequently. Never just put fresh food onto a dish which has already had food on, as lots of people’s hands may have taken food from the dish and it’s also been sitting at room temperature.

Food should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours as your food will be at risk of bacteria etc.

When cooking, the centre of the food must reach 70 degrees for at least 2 minutes. A temperature probe will verify this.

Make sure you wash your hands frequently to avoid cross contaminating when preparing your food.

Use different chopping boards for raw food, cooked food and meats and always keep your work surfaces clean with anti-bacteria cleaning products.

Stock Rolls & Remnants STocked ● Carpets and Flooring ● Vinyls and Laminates ● Solid & engineered Wood ● Safety Floor Specialists ● Mattresses and 3-Piece Suites ● natural Flooring inc. Sisal & Seagrass ● Mats / runners Made-to-Measure ● Domestic & Commercial

Keep pets away from the kitchen and also anyone who is ill. Don’t forget to make sure your tea towels, dishcloths and towels are clean.

Christmas and New Year is a good time to decide what you like and dislike about your existing kitchen, keep a note pad handy and jot them down.

If you are thinking about a new kitchen after Christmas then pop into Intoto Kitchens of Yeovil and see what’s available, or have a look on the website.

Sandra Fox, Intoto Kitchens.

House & Home

Say you saw it in The Visitor STyLETiL E

Wall & Floor tiles

u u u a Superb Choice u u u

‘ideal’ Standard Bathrooms Showers and Saunas On Display Supplied and Fitted All Types of Building and Renovation Work Undertaken

Free Estimates – Professional Fitting Available Showrooms, Evercreech Junction, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6nA On the main a371 between Shepton Mallet and Castle Cary

tel: 01749 831578

tel / Fax: 01749 831666

Spoilt for Choice

Cary Tiles Ltd

Over 300 Sample Boards Floor and Wall Tiles

Cary Tiles Ltd, Unit 6 Torbay Industrial Estate Torbay Road, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7DW

FREE Quotation and Measuring Service Professional Fitting Service available

Tel: 01963 359388

FREE Local Delivery

Open Monday to Friday 9am - 2pm Saturdays 9am - 1pm After hours by appointment only

Commercial & Domestic Work Undertaken

rEpair sErvicE ★ All makes of TV repaired ★ On the premises workshop

★ Loan TV whilst

Window Shopping

being repaired

★ Estimates ★ Bench or field service Full rangE oF panasonic tvs in stock For salE ... do call in

H.R. Hodge

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm • Saturday 9am - 1pm

38 St. James Street South petherton tA13 5BW  01460 240645

✔ Recomendations - The vast majority of our customers  come from recommendation by happy customers

✔ Quality - All our kitchens are of the highest quality  ✔ Choice - We have over 400 Kitchens to choose from. 

A dedicated Granite Room & Replacement door department.

✔ Value - All our Kitchens are competitively priced  ✔ Design - We design your kitchen the way you want it  based upon your individual requirements

✔ Installation - We have some of the finest Kitchen 

installers and associated trades to be found locally

✔ Experience - Together we have over 500 years experience  ✔ Showroom - You can visit our 2500 sq ft showroom  on Preston Road Yeovil - FREE OFF ROAd PARKING OPEN 6 dAYS A WEEK

✔ Honesty - Good old fashioned honest prices ... 

No ‘permanent sales’, ‘free fitting’ or other over-used sales gimmicks WhY not put us to thE tEst?

01935 472100

Higher Preston Farm, Preston Road YEoVIl, BA20 2ET (Just down from ASDA) www.kitchen-updates.co.uk 50 THE VISITOR December 2012

Town Centre Mudford

Kitchens & Updates Zoe’s Hair

ASDA

Town Centre Houndstone

Preston Road Ilchester

From planning and design to installation, you can be sure of a stunning bathroom to suit, modern or traditional, from Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms of Sherborne.

Retail Park

As trends and influences come and go, one of the quickest and most reasonable ways of revamping a room to keep abreast with seasonal changes is to update your window dressings.

But with such a massive choice on offer, deciding on the right one can be a mind-boggling experience.

Windows are often the main

House & Home focal point in a room and the choice of dressing plays a significant role in the atmosphere created. Whether the light in the room is natural, artificial, reflected, muted or diffused, it can have a major influence on our mood and feelings.

So it's important to get it right.

As most window dressings have

to satisfy three key elements privacy, practicality and personal style, it's a good idea to start by asking yourself a few questions before choosing.

What goes on in the room?

TV, computer, cooking, children?

All will have an impact on how much light you want to come into the room or whether you need a window treatment that works well in certain conditions.

ACF WindoWs AnDY FElTHAM UPVC REPLACEMENT WINdOWS, dOORS, CONSERVATORIES, WOOdEN FRAMEd WINdOWS, FASCIA BOARdS, CLAddING, GUTTERING, ALUMINIUM WINdOWS & dOORS ETC.

Whether you want to make a bathroom more luxurious or a bedroom more stylish, Wood Venetians are natually versatile enough to add warmth and charm to any décor scheme.

The Old Well House Shepherds Hill, Buckhorn Weston GillinGHam, Dorset SP8 5HX Tel / Fax: 01963 371715 Mobile: 07802 393344

Function or visual appeal?

Perhaps you have a view you want to make the most of and therefore prefer a simple treatment like a roller blind that rolls up neatly out of the way.

Fabrics set the tone for a room and curtains are often the backbone of a scheme bringing in colour, pattern, texture and mood.

Curtains give a lovely cosy feel to a room, especially if you team them with a co-ordinating roman blind to create a lovely luxe look.

is privacy essential?

If this is your number one priority then consider venetians or shutters as these will both allow plenty of light in but keep prying

for all your tool hire requirements including Mini Digger hire and garden Machinery Higher Farm, Sutton, ditcheat Tel: 01749 860199 • Mob: 0777 163 2221

JW TILING & BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS Professional & Fully Qualified Tiling Service • Stone • Ceramic • Porcelain • Wet Rooms • Under Floor Heating

Complete Bathroom Installations • Supply • Electrics • Carpentry • Plastering • Plumbing

ExCEllEnT RESUlTS aT vERy ComPETITIvE PRICES!

Call James: Daytime 07976 372909 Evening 01963 359630

THE VISITOR December 2012 51

House & Home Bryan G. Paulley Ltd Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

Suppliers of Tanks, Fuel Stations, Temporary Tanks • Free Site Survey / Quote / Advice Registered Waste Hauliers • Commercial Boiler Removal • 24 Hour Call-Out

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

• All Types of Blinds Supplied domestic & Commercial • Excellent Prices first time, no gimmicks • Conservatory Roof Specialists INTU and PERFECT FIT Blinds - ideal for conservatories, glazed doors, tilt ‘n’ turn windows. No holes, no screws, just style • Internal Shutters and External Awnings

eyes out! The trend for sheer fabrics will also have the same effect during the daytime but you will need to bear in mind that these become translucent when lights are on during the evening.

How much do you need to control the light?

Perhaps you need to keep a baby or a young child asleep for longer, especially during the light summer months? In which case either a roller blind with a blackout lining or a fully lined Roman blind are your best options.

What's the shape and size of the window and which direction does it face?

You may have a lovely big bay in your living room or a beautiful but unusual shaped window in a kitchen or loft extension. Shape and size will have a bearing on which treatment works best.

Pleated blinds can be made to almost any shape and come with special insulating properties which also make them perfect for north facing windows as well as a popular choice for conservatories and glass extensions.

Shutters are a great solution

All Visitor area covered

01749 346658

For professional furniture restoration a visit to John Hamblin on the Pen Mill Trading Estate in Yeovil is a must.

now available 5 Tonne LoaD DeLiveries by small lorry

new

SAnD & GRAVEl

pRE-pACkED COAl AVAilABlE

large and small loads TraDe enquirieS WelcOme

Christmas / New Year Issue EARLY DEADLINE FRIDAY 7th DECEMBER 52 THE VISITOR December 2012

We can deliver to your area inc. Castle Cary, Bruton, sherborne, Wincanton etc.

For advice or information ring Tim or Heidi or call in and see us

House & Home in a bay window as they fit snugly into the recesses and give a fabulous clean and uncluttered look that really draws attention to the window. A simple vertical blind can also work with a curved or sloping widow.

Do you have an attractive period window?

When you have lovely feature windows, it's often better to accentuate rather than dominate.

Simple roller blinds or neat pleated blinds fit inside the frame to maximise the use of space and with clever use of translucent fabrics, the design of the window itself is clearly visible whilst maintaining privacy inside the room.

For more information call 0115 9617420 or visit the website: hillarys.co.uk Sarah Quilliam, Head of product design, Hillarys

JOHN HAMBLiN Specialists in the repair and restoration of antique furniture

IMPORTANT NOTICE Be secure this Christmas!

With

We also offer the following services

• repairs to all types of Furniture • Bespoke Furniture made to order • French Polishing • re-leathering of Desk tops, Bureaux, etc.

• Dining table tops refinished We have many years experience in the trade and assure you that your furniture is in safe hands UNiT 6, 15 OXFORD ROAD PEN MiLL TRADiNG ESTATE yEOViL, SOMERSET, BA21 5HR Tel: 01935 471154 Cabinet Makers • antique Furniture restorers

john@jhamblin.fsnet.co.uk

WOODBURnERS We can refurbish your woodburner

★ Reconditioning ★ Reglazing ★ New Ropes etc.

nEW and rEconditionEd WoodburnErs on salE

... paint, flue cleaner etc. also available

GARDEn MACHinERY & StOVES

 01747 851021 www.benjohnsonmowers.com

17d Wincombe Business Park, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ

ChECklIsT (Cut out and keep)  Is your home secure? 3 coUnTy LockSmiThS

offer a free no obligation security check.  If you are housing ladders, golf clubs, garden

machinery or Christmas presents in your shed or garage - are they secure? 3 coUnTy LockSmiThS can supply a wide range of locks that are approved by your insurance company.  Don’t leave your spare key under a flower pot or

window ledge where a burglar can find it. 3 coUnTy LockSmiThS have simple to use kEY sAFEs ONlY £17 until 31st December. installation available at extra cost.  If you lose your house keys. 3 coUnTy

LockSmiThS can replace your locks straight away for peace of mind (this is often covered by your household insurance) or supply new keys whilst you wait. Some car *keys can also be supplied. (*Please telephone your requirements).  Don’t let bogus callers into your home.

3 coUnTy LockSmiThS can supply spy holes for your door so you can see who is calling before you open the door - and also security chains for extra security.  keep your windows locked to prevent opportunist

theft. Many people leave a window open to accommodate outside christmas fairy lights. 3 coUnTy LockSmiThS can supply and fit window locks.  Don’t be subjected to identity fraud. Shred letters

and keep important papers such as insurance documents and passports in a safe. 3 coUnTy LockSmiThS can supply safes from just £50.  Protect your business. 3 coUnTy LockSmiThS

can provide security grills and roller shutters for all types of business premises. Please phone to discuss your requirements.  have a very happy Christmas! a visit from

3 coUnTy LockSmiThS will ensure you and your home are safe this festive season and the coming new year.

44 Brickfields Business park GillinGHAM Sp8 4pX

tel: 01747 826311

info@3countylocksmiths.co.uk • www.3countylocksmiths.co.uk

24 Hour Emergency Call Out 0800 652 7097 THE VISITOR December 2012 53

PoSt oFFiCeS & Village StoreS Waltons Post Office, Mere

If you are struggling for a ‘useful’ gift idea, Waltons Post Office Gift Cards are ideal. Available for any occasion including Christmas, they can be spent in over 60 different retailers. Another very acceptable gift idea is a magazine subscription - there are titles to suit all ages and interests.

Waltons of Mere have a good choice of jigsaws, toys and chocolates for Christmas, plus of course, cards and gift wrap.

If you are travelling abroad you can get your Euros, foreign currency, and travel money cards at the Post Office.

Take a look at the bargains on sale in the pound zone - useful everyday items at £1 or less.

Whether paying a bill or

MERE pOSt OFFiCE &

nEwSAgEnT

offer a wide range of ...

CHRiSTMAS iDEAS, Mouthwatering Sweets and Chocolates, Toys, Gifts & Magazine Subscriptions Gift Cards for all occasions Phone Cards plus ...

POUND ZONE iTEMS £1 OR LESS Pay Your Bills Here!

Tel: 01747 860245

Supply Stores

Christmas shopping, visit Waltons of Mere.

Queen Camel Supply Stores & Post Office

Supply Stores by name Supply Stores by nature! A real asset to the village of Queen Camel offering a comprehensive range of groceries, fresh b rea d a nd c a k e s , a n d reasonably priced off-licence sales.

Newspapers and magazines are stocked, and a good selection of chocolates, cards and gift wrapping for Christmas is now on display.

On a more practical note Gas and Coal are also available to keep you warm this winter. Plus of course, full post office facilities. So whether you want to draw out some money from the ATM cash point or buy a bunch of flowers for mum, Paul & Linda and staff at the Supply Stores & Post Office can help.

Post early for Christmas - get your stamps today!

Glastonbury Post Office

Glastonbury Post Office is run by Gerald Cross together with one of his two sons. Having run this busy post office for over nine years Gerald and his five staff are well known to their customers and offer a friendly and helpful service.

If you are planning a winter break don’t forget you can get your travel insurance, travellers cheques and currency from the Post Office.

Christmas is looming so remember to send your overseas

one sTop shopping!

STaTiOnery • accOunTS • STamPS

mOneyGramS • BuDGeT carDS

GreeTinGS carDS • HOliDay inSurance • FOreiGn currency • PenSiOn PaymenTS

54 THE VISITOR December 2012

Special Delivery Friday 21 December Saturday 22 December

Special Delivery with Saturday Guaranteed Special Delivery

international Airmail Wednesday 5 December Friday 7 December Monday 10 December Wednesday 12 December

asia, australia, Far east (including Japan), new Zealand africa, Caribbean, Central/South america, Middle east Canada, eastern europe and uSa Western europe

British Forces Post Office (BFPO) Friday 30 november airmail to Operational BFPOs Friday 14 December airmail to Static BFPOs

parcels and cards off in plenty of time. The last posting date for New Zealand and Australia is 5th December, United States and Canada 10th, and Western Europe 12th.

North Cadbury Village Stores

North Cadbury Village Stores serves the local community and many of the surrounding villages too - such as Yarlington, South Cadbury, Compton Pauncefoot, Sutton Montis, Little Weston, Corton Denham and Galhampton.

Alongside groceries and green grocery the store offers fresh, locally sourced beef, lamb and pork from Andrew Barclay of Wincanton; a range of local produce including Archie Montgomery’s Estima Potatoes and Jamie Montgomery’s famous cheeses, all of which have won GOLD at the World Cheese Awards; Wadman’s famous Jersey cream; Longman’s Farmhouse

butter and a selection of Fudges and Border biscuits.

If you wake up and fancy croissants or pain au chocolat for breakfast you’re in luck, because their ‘in-store’ baker produces delicious speciality breads, savouries, pies and cakes.

Other useful services offered include colour and black and white photocopying, faxing, laminating and mobile phone top-ups. You can even purchase your National & Euro Lottery ticket - all very convenient. They are also agents for Puffin Dry Cleaners ... and shoe repairs.

So, from a fresh pint of milk or a bottle of wine, to ordering your Christmas bird and festive treats, pop in to see Ted and April who will be only too pleased to help.

Opening times: Monday Saturday 8am - 1pm and 2pm 5.30pm (closed Wednesday and Saturday afternoons), Sunday 9am - 12.30pm.

OpEn 7 DAyS A WEEk

TelePHOne • GaS • elecTriciTy • WaTer • GirO TranSacTiOnS

Telephone 01458 831536

Standard and Mail Order return Parcels Second Class and recorded Signed For First Class and recorded Signed For

NORTH CADBURy • Tel: 01963 440201 An extensive range of goods and services available

H Full Post Office Facilities H Fresh Bread & Cakes H Newspapers H dVd/ Video Hire High Street • Queen Camel H Cut Flowers & Confectionery H Off Licence & Groceries Tel: 01935 850432

35 High Street Glastonbury BA6 9HG

UK thursday 13 December tuesday 18 December thursday 20 December

The Village Stores

Selection of Christmas Cards, Stationery, Wrapping Paper, Chocolates, Tempting Sweets, PluS large Range of Special Promotions

GlaSTOnBury POST OFFice anD claSS carDS

To beat the Christmas rush, make sure you post before the recommended last posting dates

• Fresh Meat from ANDREW BARCLAy of Wincanton Daily deliveries of ‘Specials’ and your orders taken • Selected local farm Cheeses including ...

MONTGOMERy'S World Famous Farmhouse Cheeses • Cream from WADMAN'S famous Jersey herd • LONGMAN'S Farmhouse Butter • ANNAMMA'S CUiSiNE Curry Sauces - made locally • FUDGES & BORDERS Biscuits in stock • FRESH BREAD, CAKES, PiES & SAVOURiES ...

NOW MADE ON THE PREMiSES By OUR iNSTORE BAKER • Groceries - Fruit & Vegetables & Milk delivered daily FREE HOME • Pet foods & Household goods - Mobile Phone top-ups DELIVERIES • Colour / B&W Photo-copying - Faxing - Laminating minimum £10 • Dry Cleaning with PUFFiNS of Yeovil - Shoe repairs • Off Licence - newspapers & Magazines, Greetings Cards & Stationery • Postage Stamps for home and abroad ★ national Lottery ★

✴ Christmas in SHERBORNE ✴ MY MOST RECENT visit to Sherborne was on a Thursday – market day – so the town was busy despite the gloomy weather.

The ban on cars for much of the day makes Cheap Street popular with browsers and window-

shoppers and the open air market by the Conduit that takes place every Thursday and Saturday certainly creates a lively atmosphere. On the third Friday morning of each month a farmers market is held at the same place,

Back in the 1920s the ground floor of the premises now occupied

by E. B. Marsh & Son Ltd, electrical goods business, was Sherborne’s first cinema.

tapestry, Cross Stitch and embroidery Kits Haberdashery: Christmas ribbons now in Stockists of: patons, Stylecraft, Debbie, Bliss, Wendy and Robin Wools ✳ Hand Knitted Scarves For Sale ✳ Knitting & Stitching Club Wednesday 2pm – 4pm Knitting Clinic Friday 2pm – 4pm Free advice and help with getting started on knitting and stitching

Commissions undertaken 1 Cheap Street Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3PT  01935 815361

Mid-West The Stationers uSeFul ChriStMaS giFtS For eVeryone ...

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www.midwest-office.co.uk THE VISITOR December 2012 55

✴ Christmas in SHERBORNE ✴ and both markets will be operating on Sunday 2nd December from 10.00am until 4.00pm when the chamber of trade and the town council are staging a festive shopping day with plenty happening to appeal to families. Father Christmas will be present in the post office grotto, performers as diverse as carol singers and clog dancers will be in town to entertain the crowds, and a new attraction this year will be vintage car rides. To round the day off, the Christmas tree lights will be ceremonially switched on by local Olympic medallist Peter Wilson at 4.15pm.

It promises to be an enjoyable and memorable day and a good opportunity to shop for presents.

Sherborne is an ideal place to browse for unusual gifts – arts and crafts from all over the world, ladies designer clothes, jewellery, fancy foods, books, traditional and contemporary home furnishings,

antiques and curios . . . the choice seemed endless when I was window-shopping. Here are three that particularly caught my eye, but you will no doubt be attracted to others for Sherborne boasts a huge number of small independent shops (more than 100, I’m told) offering an amazing variety of interesting and unusual products. And the pedestrianised Cheap Street makes a safe and pleasant environment for shopping.

If you’re buying for ladies the Melbury Gallery on Half Moon Street has an enormous choice of clothing, jewellery and accessories, soft furnishings and gifts. If you’re buying for anyone artistic I suggest you take a look in The Little Art Shoppe at 12 Cheap Street which has dealt in artists’ materials since as long ago as 1904. It carries an extensive range of materials for professionals, hobbyists and

A taste of Italy in Sherborne ...

caffe Baglioni italian coffee Shop

Open Monday to Saturday for ...

Morning Coffees, Light Lunches, Cakes & Pastries

Christmas Evening Menu 3 Course + Coffee £19.95 party Bookings Welcome

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Several of the buildings at the top of Cheap Street date from medieval times although some have been substantially rebuilt down the centuries.

PASTiMES of Sherborne

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We pay ToP PRICeS for oLD ToyS - any condition Trains • Cars • Lorries • Soldiers • Etc. Britains * Dinky * Corgi * Hornby Meccano * Tri-ang * Etc. Shop Open Mornings 9.30am - 1.00pm Monday to Saturday

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Beautiful clothes

Tel: 01935 816072 Mob: 07527 074343

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✴ Christmas in SHERBORNE ✴ students, as well as craft materials and greetings cards, and sells gift vouchers – always a useful standby if you’re uncertain about exactly what to buy for someone. And if you love fine antique furnishings and are buying for yourself or someone very special to you (in other words, if money is no object), take a look in 31 Cheap Street, formerly one of several shops occupied by Dodge & Son. It’s now the home of Piers Pisani Antiques and the extensive showrooms are packed with beautiful old furniture and artefacts. Mr Pisani’s business has now been trading for 25 years, most of them in Sherborne, and was previously located nearby on Newland.

Newland is lined with an intriguing mixture of properties of different dates. The house on the corner of Cheap Street and Newland, currently occupied by a toy shop, has its origins in medieval times, as do the adjacent buildings up the hill.

The half-timbered house currently occupied by an estate agent is eye-catching and much photographed by tourists, but of greater interest is the adjoining property, The Julian. This is known to have been there in 1405 as the hospice La Julianys Inne.

Pictured right: The little shop at 12 Cheap Street has dealt in artists’ materials since as long ago as 1904.

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Serving the Community for 108 Years

tel: 01935 817111 • Fax: 01935 817119

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12 Cheap Street, Sherborne

THE VISITOR December 2012 57

✴ Christmas in SHERBORNE ✴ It was endowed to the town’s almshouses in 1437 and rebuilt in the 16th century. The attractive old pub next door on Higher Cheap Street, The George, is built on the site of an earlier inn which certainly existed in 1459. It is

now Sherborne’s oldest surviving hostelry.

The place to find out more about the history of the town is Sherborne Museum, tucked away in the Abbey Gatehouse behind Bow Arch off Cheap Street. Its

exhibits tell the story of the town from Roman times and include maps, photographs, prints and facsimiles of medieval documents as well as an extensive collection of tools, implements and relics and a display devoted to the silk

Lots of Christmas Special Offers!

Sunday Opening december

industry which was a major local employer in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The museum’s winter opening hours are 10.30am till 4.30pm on Tuesday to Saturday and admission costs only £1 (free for children). Excellent value and always worth a visit!

The place to find out more about what’s currently happening in Sherborne is the Tourist Information Centre on Digby

2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd 10am ‒ 4pm

THe GooD Cook S SHoP

The finest chefs knives Wusthof, Sabatier, Global etc. Sets from £29.95

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The smoothest pepper mills Peugeot, Marlux, William Bounds, etc. Electric Mills from £9.95  pracTical preSenTS fOr all  www.salamandercookshop.com 29b CHeaP STreeT, SHerBorne, DorSeT DT9 3PU • Tel : 01935 817161 57 HiGH STreeT, WimBorne, DorSeT BH21 1HS • Tel : 01202 840144

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Tel: 01935 817111 or 817119 www.SimplyBathAndBed.co.uk • info@SimplyBathAndBed.co.uk

58 THE VISITOR December 2012

Sherborne’s oldest pub is The George on Higher Cheap Street, built on the site of an earlier inn in the 16th century.

SHERBORNE Road between the Abbey and the railway station. As always the town has a goodly variety of carol services, concerts, entertainments and events throughout the festive season and the helpful TIC staff are a mine of information about these and other things to do and places to visit in the town and around. They can also sell you tickets for local events, charity Christmas cards and a range of local gifts and souvenirs. Again, always worth a visit, but if you can’t get in to see them you can

telephone on 01935 815341.

Sherborne has good public transport links, both bus and train, and is well provided with car parks close to the town centre – and West Dorset’s car park charges are inexpensive compared with those of neighbouring authorities. It’s no wonder that the town always seems bustling whatever time of year I visit, and the coming Christmas promises to be no exception.

Roger Richards.

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The

Pub Pages

BeeR & SKITTLeS P. A. BAXTER

VALUE FOR MONEY is something which is to the forefront of our minds in these more austere times, although I see by the amount of seriously luxurious cars that are being sold it is clearly an ill wind that does nobody any good. We did touch on the subject of value last month following the visit by a colleague

and myself to the ‘Royal Oak’ in Dorchester, or rather, Wetherspoons, the trade name of which seems to be the way of referring to all their establishments. Two places that spring to mind that are doing a good trade in value meals are indeed advertisers in this very magazine – Pete Lambden’s Quicksilver Mail and The Rose & Crown in Bradford Abbas, where the experienced Mary (late of at least two pubs) has also produced her own version. Starting with the latter, I have been pleased to partake in her Curry Night (Thursday) on a few occasions and at £7.95 for a help yourself buffet, a choice of two curries / rice / Bombay spuds and condiments is very good, to which one can add a pint of whatever one chooses. Mary did refuse me a pint of Vodka however! Pete, meanwhile has had a big accolade from a visiting party which earned him a write up in a small but quite nicely formed advertising sheet based around Sherborne. Clearly those who visited had decided that the trip

The Rose & Crown

Bradford Abbas • Tel: 01935 474506 Tuesdays: StEAK NIght - 2 x 8oz rumps & bottle of wine £19.95 Thursdays: CURRY NIght - help yourself choice of 3 curries + drink £7.95 DAILY SPECIALS ... only £6.95 Saturday 24th November: ‘thE INtRUDERS’ Saturday 1st december: ‘WISE INtENtIoNS’ Saturday 9th december: JAM SESSIoN ... any instrument but not electric from 7pm Saturday 22nd december: ‘REAL DEAL’ Friday 28th december: ‘ELVIS 56’ tribute  PRE-ChRIStMAS PARtY MENU 3 Course £18.95, Children £9.45 Discount for parties over 10  A few spaces still available for ChRIStMAS DAY LUNChEoN adults & children over 12 only £49.45 (bookings only)

B&B

Chris & Jill welcome you to the ...

ROyAL OAK Over Stratton, South Petherton Tel: 01460 240906 A Charming Country Inn

why not join uS For lunCh? 2 Course lunches - £8.50 (Tuesday to Saturday) weDneSDay & thurSDay SPeCial

Surf, turf, Swine & wine night

TWO Rump Steaks, or TWO Beer Battered Haddock or TWO Gammon Steaks, or Any TWO with a Carafe of Wine ... £19.95 per couple (Booking Advised)

traditional Sunday roast (Booking Advised) ChriStMaS Party Menu 2 Course - £14.50  3 Course - £17.95

OpEn FOR lUnCH On BOXinG DAY Visit our website for full menu details

www.the-royal-oak.net

THE VISITOR December 2012 59

The

Pub Pages

ago, then it would appear that the budget option is going to win.

Should it be up to CAMRA members to do their bit for the ‘local’ and not visit Wetherspoons?

That was not even mentioned; in

fact one CAMRA member who wrote to me has shares in said company. I do believe that the local will continue to have its place, but will it evolve to take in the continuing changes in

Vinny is indecisive at Dave’s Karaoke at The Millers Inn, Wincanton

across the Somerset / Dorset border was worthwhile. Our congratulations to Pete and Mary, and indeed their staff. If you feel you warrant a mention in this column regarding this topic then please do drop me a line at skittlealley@hotmail.com Speaking of which, my thanks to the correspondents who wrote last month, for some of the content was quite detailed.

Mainly this was reaction to my concerns voiced over whether one should visit the ‘local’ to keep it alive, or visit a low-priced establishment such as Wetherspoons. Opinion was not particularly divided, as it was pointed out that the majority will make up their own minds where they want to go, and if it is only a few visits to pubs that folk make today compared with a few years

The

Wyndham Arms

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Delicious homecooked food served every lunchtime and evening  Choice of Sunday roasts  Excellent NEW Selection of Wines CAMRA Rated Beers & Ciders

LiVe mUSiC

Saturday 24 November - Dave Curtis - 9pm Boxing Day - The Ray Jones Band - 9pm New Year’s Eve - Disco with DJ Chris Singer / Guitarist

ChriStmAS menUS Lunchtime Christmas Menu 2012 2 Course - £10.95  3 Course - £13.95 Dinner Christmas Menu 2012 2 Course - £15.95  3 Course - £18.95 Inclusive of Coffee & Mince Pies

Tel: 01935 823239 Please visit us on our website: www.wyndhamarms.com to see full menu details 60 THE VISITOR December 2012

Lee and Louise welcome you to the ...

North Street, MARtoCK, tA12 6ER

please try our new tasty Winter Menu

th

society? Time will tell, and sadly there will be many casualties on the way. Recently I noticed the ‘Railway Hotel’ at the bottom of Hendford Hill in Yeovil has closed. I am particularly saddened as this was where I started my ‘career’ into beer (as an under-age drinker, I have to admit) although it does not seem to have done me any harm.

Comments welcome on this subject as well!

Last month I also mentioned Bob Osborn and his web-site all about Yeovil pubs and beer houses. I have had further correspondence from Bob and he has added a considerable amount to the site now. To say this is fascinating is an understatement, just Google ‘History of Yeovil Pubs’ and the site will soon be apparent. To anyone interested in social history, history of pubs, the changing face of society over the years, or just plain interested in pubs, it contains an absolute wealth of information and some fantastic pictures. There are many pictures of the pubs of Yeovil that are not there anymore. In fact, some parts of Yeovil are no longer there either!

My interest initially was caught by the number of pubs that were in Park Street. As a kid we were always afraid of ‘the Park Street

s u n d ay L u n c h nG ki ed o Bo vis ad Slow Roasted Pork, Roast Potatoes, Honey Roast Parsnips, Pigs in Blankets, Stuffing, Apple Sauce and Veg of the day. £6.75 Roast Beef, Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Honey Roast Parsnips, Horseradish Sauce and Veg of the day. £6.75 Nut Roast, Roast Potatoes, Honey Roast Parsnips, Apple Sauce, Stuffing and Veg of the day. £6.75 Roast Chicken, Roast Potatoes, Honey Roast Parsnips, Stuffing and Veg of the day. £6.75

sTeak niGhT – Thursday 29th november

Live Music

Saturday 1st december – RoSS KIRK Saturday 8th december – RoCK THE nIgHT Saturday 22nd december – BREATHlESS open Mic’ Night – Alternate Wednesdays NEW YEAR’S EVE Party tickets £5 Live Music with thE DISCIPLES Fancy Dress Optional

Christmas Eve

childrens Party 2pm – 4pm with

Magician and Buffet tickets £5

BookinGs now taken for chrisTMas ParTies in our FuncTion rooM

 01935 823346 • www.bakersarmsmartock.co.uk  ouTside Bars caTered For 

The

Pub Pages

gang’ although whether they actually existed or it was just a myth I have no idea, but I do know of two people who were brought up there, so in living memory we have those who can tell you that there was no sanitation, no electricity, no heating other than a coal fire, gas lighting downstairs and just a flickering candle to light you to bed. Good old days? I don’t think so. Do take a look at Bob’s site; highly recommended.

Music in pubs is a subject that leaves people very polarized, although I have always thought it a good idea providing it is not over-done and something that appeals to the locals, or indeed, if one has a suitable function room like the Quicksilver Mail most certainly does. I see little point in getting in an AC/DC tribute band if the average age of your customers is 87. Interestingly, I read recently that premises with a licence for live music is three times more likely to survive a recession than one without.

Actually this was expressed as a pub without a licence was three times more likely to close, so I hope these are one and the same thing. Fortunately there have been some changes from October 1st this year and representatives from the licensed trade and the live music sector have welcomed deregulation of hundreds of venues which I am pleased to say include pubs and clubs. This is thanks to amendments in the

licensing Act of 2003 for unamplified music performed in any location and live amplified music performed in on-licensed premises and work places for audiences up to 200 people between 0800 and 2300 hours.

In other words no special licence will be required. (Source: Business Informer magazine, Nov/Dec 2012, from the Federation of Small Businesses).

Well all I can say to that is ‘Hooray’ although I do have to add; when they do pay a licence fee for the performing arts, how do we know the royalties go to the right people? Does anyone know?

We had some excellent pints of ‘London Pride’ at the ‘YES’ Club (Yeovil Ex Servicemen) in Yeovil (this is the old British Legion). A couple years ago whilst skittling in the summer league we were treated to the same and now whilst Heather, the former cellar master appears to have departed, a young lad named Dean has been able to maintain the standard. I’ve never been a great fan of clubs; I’ve no idea why

other than perhaps I feel I’m in someone’s front room.

Nevertheless, this made our visit most enjoyable. A recent visit to the Bull in Ilchester was enhanced by the fact that a) We won the skittles convincingly; b) a charming barmaid (Stephanie) was all a good bar person should be; and c) there was Cottage Brewery ‘S&D’ in perfect condition on hand-pump! This is all-too-rare around these parts, despite the brewery being situated in Lovington, a mere spit from the source of this wonderful tome. Beers on the bottled front recently enjoyed by us include Innis and Gunn Oak aged rum finish Scottish Beer at a high 7.3%ABV. The small clear bottles are easily spotted on the shelves and this one comes very highly recommended, as does Thwaites Old Dan a bottle conditioned beer weighing in at 7.4%ABV and a ‘delicious mellow beer with chestnut hues and smooth finish’ Well I’m not too sure about that; but it did taste very much like a very good beer should.

Seasons Greetings!

ARoUnD THE

H o U S E S IN KINGSBURY EPISCOPI ... try out the new wines at The Wyndham Arms ... don’t forget to book for the childrens party at The Bakers Arms in Martock, complete with magician ... the recent quiz raised a substantial amount for the Poppy Appeal at The Royal Oak, Over Stratton next Quiz on 13th January ... congratulations to The Brewers Arms, South Petherton on their recent award ... welcome to new hosts at The Rose & Crown East Lambrook ... congratulations to Adrian and Nicki, new landlords at The Phelips Arms in Montacute for scoring a maximum by Cask Marque for their beer quality ... Happy Birthday Ann ‘B’ - 65 years young from all at The Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon ... The Cat Head Inn, Chiselborough is now up for sale ... and a big ‘thank you’ to the Vinyl Monkeys who

Maggie and Mike welcome you to ...

The Dolphin Inn Peacemarsh Gillingham, sP8 4hB  01747 822758

November Special: monday - Thursday evenings £10 Menu - Buy One Get One FRee December Special: ChRIstMas LunCh £6.50 monday - saturday from 1st December ChRIstMas CeLeBRatIOn Menu 2 Courses plus coffee and mints £15.99 3 Courses plus coffee and mints £19.99 sunday Lunches 12noon ‘til 3pm and 6pm ‘til 9pm £8.95 Monday to saturday - £5 Lunches Quiz every Thursday  Charity Quiz first sunday of the month new year’s eve Party inc. FRee BuFFet

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They Say That North Cheriton has waited ten years for a pavement - and then two come along at once.

That there will be a charity walk on New Years Day at 10.30 from the Manor Arms, North Perrott in aid of the Village Church to replace the lead that was stolen off of the roof! Everyone welcome lunch provided.

That fashion guru Sarah Williams of Stalbridge has set the trend for winter shoe fashion with the mix and match approach - could it be she is following in her father’s footsteps as Bradford Abbas’s fashion “gnu”?

That Cindy of A2B Mobility in Martock is being shortlisted as the next Bond Girl.

That being a lady that lunches Jane of Somerton was recently seated on a Tornado.

That Dave ‘the man with a van’ Hoddinott, birthday boy of North Cadbury, may now find that the bus could be ‘just the ticket’.

That Richard ‘Shiner’ Jones of Glastonbury has very unusual teeth.

That the favourite Beatle song of Crewkerne’s Steve Goff is When I’m Sixty-Four, allegedly.

That Ronny White of Yeovil is now 67, which when added together equals ‘lucky for some 13’. Happy Birthday Ronny from W.W. That David Burton of East Coker was ‘well suited’ on his wedding day to Susie.

That eagle-eyed Mike Hayter of Chiselborough knows his “ees” from his “ers” when it comes to crossword clues - in spite of suffering from the lergy.

That Ty and Dee Best of Yeovil raised a staggering £450 in donations for St. Margaret’s Hospice on the occasion of their 25th Wedding Anniversary in lieu of presents.

That Craig Ball punter of the Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil, is now famous on YouTube for his classic Del Boy impression.

That in future when a certain Chiselborough gentleman goes shopping with his wife, he will be electronically tagged.

Pete Lambden & Staff welcome you to .....

168 Hendford Hill YEoVIl “you don't need to read no books on my history i'm a simple man, it's no big mystery in the cold weather, a hand needs a glove at times like this, a lonely man like me needs love” FirSt PerSOn to tell me the above song gets a free drink. Last month no one guessed that it was John Lennon and ‘Just like startin over’.

Greetings pop pickers, had a pretty good month here all things considered.

Sadly two more pubs have shut in Yeovil, The Pickety Witch and The Railway. Both these pubs are owned by big pubco’s and unfortunately little or no support was given to the licensees who probably worked themselves to death trying to keep things going.

How about this little idea for a business? Buy a freehold pub, charge a reasonable rent, so that you get a good return on your investment, and let the person you are renting to run their business without the stranglehold of this outdated and onerous beer tie. everyone would be happy and half the pubs that have now closed would still be open. Simples!  John and Rose Searle celebrated their Ruby Wedding here with family and friends, a bit of good music, some nice food and a few drinks, which made for a great party. Well done you two!

Alan and Kate became Mr. and Mrs. Flint with a really good all dayer here, several fantastic live bands and loads of friends, all helping to celebrate a wonderful union. Love to you both from all here at The Quick. and last but not least Ty and Dee Best celebrated 25 years of wedded bliss here at the top of the hill. i reckon we were the busiest pub in the county on that evening. Congratulations and well done to you both. next month we have music with Mr. D’Arcy on the 7th which is also my birthday . On the 14th we have Finian with a Special Christmas Show (tried not to mention the “C” word) which will be fun. On the 21st we have Maddog McCrea + The Dub Liberators. On the 22nd Snake Davis makes a welcome return. On new Year’s eve we have STORM and a Fancy Dress Party for all you lucky people. and finally if you want a good laugh go to youTube and check out Craig Ball Bar Fall - Quicksilver Mail, yeovil.  TOOT TOOT!!!

BooKIngS

 01935 424721 62 THE VISITOR December 2012

The

Pub Pages

stood in at the last minute, from Garry at The Muddled Man West Chinnock, where the fund raising evening raised around £2,500 for the Special Care Baby Unit and St Margaret’s Hospice, with a special thanks to the generous bidders in the silent auction for the signed Pele shirt.

Hurrying on to Haselbury Plucknett where we found wonderful service and beautiful presentation at The Haselbury Mill ...Christmas Steps is Butcombe’s seasonal ale and is currently on at The Manor Arms, North Perrot where there is a Theme Evening the first weekend of each month ... in Chilthorne Domer the new conservatory at The Carpenters Arms is looking very smart ... if you are booking your Christmas Party at The Halfway House, why not stay over in their excellent accommodation? ... The Picketty Witch in Yeovil has now closed ... Mary’s recent birthday celebration at The Rose & Crown Bradford Abbas turned into a three day event ... senior citizen lunches at The George Inn, Sherborne to include a complementary sweet ... in Corton

Denham taste over 40 different wines and champagnes from around the world at The Queens Arms wine tasting evening (with canapes) on Wednesday 28th November, £15pp bookings advised ... and at The Old Inn, Holton don’t miss the fresh fish Friday with a glass of beer/wine on the house with your meal ... and we’re sad to report that in South Cadbury The Camelot is now closed.

Paddling on to Peacemarsh where Maggie is fully re-charged at The Dolphin and where there is currently a ‘buy one get one free’ offer - call in for details ... if you enjoy a carvery a visit to The Walnut Tree in Mere is a must ... spiced five bean casserole is a tasty festive alternative for vegetarians at The White Lion Bourton ... planning your New Year celebrations? The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague offers a good package to include a meal, bubbly, entertainment, fireworks and a taxi home ... fully booked for Christmas Day Lunch at The Natterjack, Evercreech Junction and at The Manor House Inn, Ditcheat there is a forthcoming acoustic evening - don’t miss it!

siTuaTion vacanT

2nd / SOuS CHef RequIRed to assist in our busy kitchen ... must have ambition and imagination ✳ GOOD sAlARY ✳ For full details contact Adrian or Richard The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction on the A371 between Castle Cary and Shepton Mallet

Tel: 01747 860253

Christmas / New year issue LanDLOrDS this is the ideal issue to promote: ✴ Opening Times ✴ Christmas Greetings ✴ New year Celebrations ✴ Burns Night Published: Tuesday 18th December Deadline: Friday 7th December tO BOOK YOur aDVert - Tel: 01963 351256 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Christmas Trees

Meet the reindeer and pick your perfect Christmas tree at Bailey Ridge – adding an extra sparkle to your Christmas TuckED away in the woods just outside Sherborne is a magical place. at Bailey Ridge you can meet the friendly resident reindeer (feeding time at 10am and 3.30pm), then wander around the christmas tree plantation and choose your ideal tree. Ready cut, pot grown or from the plantation, you can take your specially selected tree away the same day or label it for cutting and collection closer to christmas.

Open every day from 9am to 5.30pm, a visit to Bailey Ridge will get your christmas off to the perfect start. For further information, visit www.BaileyRidgeChristmasTrees.co.uk

FOR SALE

Nordman and Norway Spruce

West Lydford nr. Somerton TA11 7DP Tel: 01963 240532 Mob: 07970 397248

There is still time to advertise your Christmas Trees in our Christmas / January Issue Published: Tuesday 18th December Deadline: Friday 7th December Call 01963 351256 or 01963 351998

Wickhams Cross, Butleigh, BA6 8TP OPen DAily from 1st December 10am until dark

 Fresh from the Forest  ✴ Traditional Trees ✴ Nordman Fir ✴ Mistletoe and Holly ✴ Potted & Rooted ✴ Fraser Fir ✴ Logs in Bags ✴ Large Trees ✴ Wreaths ✴ FREE REINDEER DUST

www.o-christmas.co.uk  07870 466179

“Ho-ho-ho!”  Quality Christmas Trees (Nordman) and Stands  Festive Wreaths  Colourful Planted Pots  Amaryllis - an ideal gift  Bulbs and much more!

Station Road Sturminster Newton  01258 472788

OPEN: Monday - Friday 8am - 5.30pm. Saturday 8am - 4.30pm

THE VISITOR December 2012 63

GARDENING GARDENING MONTHlY

by Richard Cumming Orchard Park Winter in the Garden

DEcEMBER In THE gaRDEn brings mixed feelings. The shortest day beckons like a lottery ticket lying on the pavement having escaped from its rightful owner’s hand. It could be a turning point. you just never know. actually the winter solstice is a far more predictable event: unless some really radical event has taken place in the universe then there is a reasonable expectation that the days will not get any shorter and then in a while gradually lengthen again. I relate strongly to the natural seasons. Solstices and equinox are very significant: the changes in day length, light quality and temperature are inescapable. This summer, when we should have benefited from improving conditions, it let us down badly. The light levels and

temperatures were totally inadequate for productive gardening and that is one reason why food prices have increased there is less home grown produce as most growers have seen crop reductions or at worst, crop failures. This is as true for gardeners as it is for commercial growers; it's been a tough year.

But we are not down hearted and looking forward to next, which is absolutely guaranteed, 100%, can't fail, it will be better!

Plant of the Month

Something for outdoors – with colourful winter stems. In the depths of winter, the quiet charms of plants with strikingly coloured bark come into their own.

Textures and stem colours attract the eye and brighten the winter gloom.

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TOP SOIL / SUB SOIL Crushed Concrete All types of Stone • Sand • tarmac Road Plannings and Screened top Soil Small tip for Clean Building Rubble & Bricks Small & large Quantities Collected or Delivered Site Clearance Specialist • tipping facilities tipper lorries • 180° - 360° excavators fully mobile Crusher and Screener hire Barns Down • Farm Yard Demolition Yards Crushed • Stone Supplied DIGGER AND CRUSHER HIRE AVAILABLE Tel / Fax: 01935 849250 Mobile: 07973 844145 Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

ReCyCling foR the enviRonment

Don’t miss the Open Evening on Friday 7th December at Wheathill Garden Centre, Milborne Port, where this Black Barn Owl will be making an appearance from the Downton Owl and Hawk Trust. There will be plenty of Christmas gifts on sale and delicious festive fare.

The garden can be enhanced by planting trees and shrubs that have interesting and colourful bark during the winter months. using dogwoods, snake bark maples, willows and white washed brambles, there are lots to choose from in order to create winter effect in any garden or landscape.

Most winter stems are best planted in groups to maximise their impact and placed where they can be seen and appreciated. winter stems perform well in full sun, in deep, moist, loamy soil.

Try to avoid shallow and chalky soils. It helps to prepare the ground with copious amounts of organic matter. cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) shrubs will need pruning each year. They can be pruned to almost ground level in March, to ensure that a fresh crop of the brightest coloured stems are

QUALIFIED ARBORIST

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL

TREE PLANTING

PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660 64 THE VISITOR December 2012

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

produced the next winter. This is known as coppicing or stooling.

Pollarding, or removing the upper branches of a plant, is suitable for Salix (willow) and Eucalyptus and other types grown as small trees, and is another way of ensuring the brightest stem colour on new growth. Fertiliser will be beneficial after cutting back to promote new vigorous growth.

Plants like kerria japonica which have vivid green stems in winter and can be combined with other coloured stems to provide a superb contrast especially when under-planted with snowdrops, aconites and crocus. and indoors, so many wonderful plants to look at. If you are buying for yourself, if possible, choose plants that like the conditions that you have available in your house.

Be careful when transporting plants from the garden centre to your home especially if the weather is cold or there are strong winds. Those plants will have been

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GARDENING in a warm cosy place and no-one likes a shock! Then when you get them home avoid placing plants in a draught or in a hot spot near the fire or a radiator. water plants by standing them in a bowl containing a few centimetres (half an inch) of water for five minutes or plunge in deep tepid water until the bubbles stop! Then let them drain. For those plants that need it (e.g. azalea), improve humidity levels by placing them on a tray filled with pebbles or clay granules (Hydoleca).

Poinsettias need bright, but filtered light, away from strong sun and draughts. They need a minimum temperature of 13-15°c (55-59°F). water poinsettias sparingly as overwatering can damage plants. as a rule of thumb, only water when the surface of the compost has begun to dry out. The flowering life of plants is extended by humidity, so mist plants regularly and feed monthly with a low nitrogen, high potassium fertiliser.

Indoor cyclamen originate from a wild species native to the Middle East. Modern hybrids include those with silver marbled leaves, frilled petals, fragrant blooms and miniatures, and a range of flower colours. They prefer well lit but cool places around 1015°c (50-59°F). keep moist but occasional drying out of the compost is less harmful than overwatering.

Indoor azaleas are not fully hardy and naturally bloom in spring, but they are forced into flower early for christmas. They do best in a cool location, away from scorching sunshine, and kept moist. If the compost dries out, the plant will often die so the pebble tray is often the best way to maintain humidity.

Jasmine (J polyanthum) is a long-flowering, scented climber, suitable for a cool conservatory

or porch. In very sheltered areas of the country, it can survive outside. gardenia and orchids, such as Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis are all ideal for warm rooms.

Other orchids such as cymbidium will tolerate cooler positions out of full sun in a north, or east facing room.

Hippeastrum better known as amaryllis, are tender bulbs that make dramatic indoor plants.

Common Mead Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4RE

Turn into Broad Robin off B3081, continue past Mellowes Residential Home: Thorngrove is next on right

 01747 822242 Email: thorngrove.staff@scope.org.uk

 Poinsettias, Cyclamen and other Houseplants  Christmas Trees from Last Week of November  Make your own Wreath – ring for details

of workshops to learn how

Suppliers of quality lawn turf Full ground preparation and laying service available

Thorngrove Garden Centre was set up by SCOPE, a national disability charity, whose vision is a world where disabled people have the same opportunities to fulfil their life ambitions as non-disabled people. By purchasing goods and services from thorngrove you are supporting Scope's work in our local community. thank you.

Telephone Somerton 01458 272091 Mobile 07850 310998

Opening Times in December 9am – 5pm EVERy DAy

Closed from 25th December – 1st January inclusively

For an excellent choice of

Garden Machinery SaleS - Service - repairS

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All types of Fencing • Gates • Trellis • Fence Panels • Tool Sheds • Summer Houses • Garages • Workhouses • Greenhouses • Field Shelters All Buildings are hand-made at Bourton using Scandinavian Redwood Shiplap Timber.

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Christmas at ... Wheathill Garden Centre

Christmas* Open evening  Fri. 7th Dec.  6pm ‘til 9pm ... join us for a Mince Pie and a Glass of Wine

Christmas Dept

gifts galore

tea rooms

Baubles - Lights - Tinsel Snowmen - Sleighs Nativity - Cards

Books - Mugs Stationery - Clocks Bronnley Toiletries Soft Toys - Tools Hats & Gloves

Daily Specials Homemade Cakes Light Snacks Christmas Menu throughout December

CHRIsTMAs TREEs all sizes, and ...

HOllY WREATHs

*Come and see the beautiFul Owls from the DOwntOn Owl & hawk trust at our Open evening

Wheathill Lane • Milborne Port • DT9 5Ey Tel / Fax: 01963 251500 Open: 9am - 5pm Monday - Saturday and ... 10am - 4pm Sunday

THE VISITOR December 2012 65

GARDENING Potted up in a free draining compost, they flower about six to eight weeks after planting, and are easy to care for as they like to be reasonable warm, about room temperature and with good light.

Jobs for the month

This will depend on how hardy a soul you really are! I need to be outdoors on my days off, otherwise I would be climbing the wall! Jobs to be done will depend on the weather. In the veg garden I would love to get all the old crop debris cleared away and in with the compost. The area if rough dug would break down over winter ready for spring cultivation. a few crops still in the ground such as parsnips, celeriac and turnips need to be checked. winter brassicas and leeks will survive bad weather but will also attract other hungry mouths so may need protection from rabbits and pigeons. ‘grazers’ (tm) is a liquid treatment that makes the leaf unpalatable (to rabbits & pigeons) and is well worth a try.

Pruning dormant trees and shrubs can start anytime now.

The ideal conditions are cold but not freezing. Large wounds (over 2cm across) should be treated with a healing compound to prevent infection.

Broad beans ‘aquadulce’ should have been sown by now direct in the soil, but you can still get away

with sowing in modules to plant out early spring for an early crop.

The same is true for early peas and sweet peas. The majority of plants need a soil temperature of at least 6°c to germinate and then reasonable light levels to encourage growth.

In the ornamental beds, perennials that have died back sometimes leave attractive seed heads for the birds to enjoy. The top growth can also protect the plant in severe weather. Did you lift your dahlias or will you take a chance that the winter won’t be severe? If you do leave them in the ground then a nice mulch of compost will help. The same applies to fuchsias that might just survive.

Planting deciduous trees, shrubs, roses and hedging can go on through the winter provided the soil is not frozen or waterlogged. chec k t i e s o n existing plants to make sure that they haven’t loosened or snapped and the stakes dislodged. winter winds will rock loose trees causing root damage and subsequent root rot. This will certainly stop the tree growing well if not kill it altogether.

Lawn care is fairly minimal now; rake off or mow up the leaves and keep off in frosty weather! Turf can still be laid but there’s not much point in sowing grass seed until the spring.

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Alan Dodge BSc 66 THE VISITOR December 2012

tree surgery speCialists Crown Thinning and Reduction Dead and Dangerous Trees Removed New Trees Supplied and Planted Tree Stumps Removed Approved Contractor to Somerset County Council and Local Councils Phone B. P. MONTGOMERY for a FREE Estimate Tel: 01963 240532 Mobile: 07970 397248 Email: brutontreecare@hotmail.com

the end bit...

PAPERCHAsE

THERE SHOuLD BE some very red faces at the Western Gazette following its monumental mistake in the 25th October issue. Its full-page ‘Meet your local chef’ feature was devoted to two of them – a photograph and brief biography of each plus his recommended recipe and, of course, a plug for the pub in which he works and which was presumably paying for its halfpage of ‘advertorial’. Thus we met Thomas Lamb: ‘Thomas is the chef at the Fox & Hounds pub in corton Denham. a typical village inn, the pub has a fantastic array of courses to offer all diners, as well as a large selection of beers, conservatory, skittle alley and function room.’ Fine, except that the only pub in corton Denham is the Queen’s arms and it doesn’t quite fit the Gazette’s description.

So where, I wonder, is this Fox & Hounds.

Thomson’s directory lists two, in cattistock and

charlton adam, but both are a bit far to travel to meet Mr Lamb in the flesh. For flesh I think the Queen’s arms sounds more tempting.

Red faces too at the Western Daily Press following this unfortunate headline in its 12th november issue: ‘Motorway pileup accused die in court’. It gave the impression that the report would be about premature deaths during a court hearing, but it wasn’t. It merely told readers that the accused was due in court that day – and nobody had proofed the headline. This and a couple of other bits of sloppy subbing in the same issue suggest that the newsroom staff working on Sunday 11th november had enjoyed a heavy Saturday night. For the lead story on the front page, about a shortage of midwives, petered out with news that ‘midwife numbers in the South west are a fraction better than the average for England, with 30.7 births for every full-’. Every full what, I wondered. There was no indication that the story was continued elsewhere in the paper, and it was only when I reached

Sudoku

by

T. M.

Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9.

acre field on Birchill Lane, Frome for the allotments. Frome is more than 20 miles from yeovil.

In last month’s column I complained that I had been unable to lay my hands on a copy of the new Gillingham Matters magazine launched recently by the publishers of the Blackmore Vale Magazine . I’ve now been given copies of the first two issues and will tell you about them in next month’s column.

Chronicler.

Westland Zoo

THE RETIRED candy Floss kid was spotted by his neighbour digging a hole in his garden. ‘what are you digging that hole for’ asked the neighbour. ‘It’s for my pet goldfish, he’s died after seven years’. ‘That’s an awfully big hole for a little goldfish’ said the neighbour, ‘That’s because it’s inside your cat’ replied the candy Floss kid.

Meanwhile, graham, the Sideways walking crab, was having a quiet drink in his local when a stranger said to him ‘I bet I can bite my eye’. ‘Don’t be daft’ said graham ‘no one can bite their eye’. with that the stranger took out his glass eye and bit it.

‘Ok’ said graham, ‘you caught me there’. Then the stranger said ‘I’ll bet you a fiver that I can bite my other eye’. now graham knew the stranger couldn’t have two glass eyes because he’d seen him earlier choosing a record on the juke box. So feeling confident, and not wanting to lose out on winning a fiver, he accepted the bet. with that the stranger whipped out his false teeth and bit his good eye!

Finally, with christmas fast approaching we reflect on the highlight of agustawestlands year - the re-introduction to the civil air market - and we look forward to a promising future.

Woody Woodpecker.

Answers to pop music quiz on page 39

Solution to November

Sudoku

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Keyboards / Piano ‘Georgia’ ‘Believing’ ‘Michelle’ ‘Gloom’ Todd Rungren Georgie Fame 1991 Donald Fagen The Isley Brothers

Bonus Question Gerry Goffin and Carole King

Classified Ads Send Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG 25p per word (£3 minimum) - pre-payment essential If you require a receipt a s.a.e. must be enclosed with payment



page 7 that I discovered that it was ‘time midwife in 2010’. and the writer of a photo caption on page 11 would have us believe that the extramarital lover of former cIa director general David Petraeus was a westpoint graduate named Paul Broadwell. as the subject of the photo was undeniably female, and she was holding a book with her name on the dust-jacket, the general’s affair was certainly heterosexual, with Paula Broadwell.

Even redder faces on 7th november, no doubt. I awoke to hear on the radio that Barack Obama had just been re-elected for a second term as uS President, but when the Western Daily Press arrived through my letterbox a couple of hours later I read on the front page that ‘It’s Obama to lose now’ and that the latest election news was on page 11 where, blazoned across the width of the page, was the headline ‘no smile yet but it looks Obama’s to lose’. How could the paper get it so wrong? Even the news story suggested that it was wrong, for it reported ‘early indications showing that the incumbent will win another term’ and ‘Mr Obama appears to have a slight edge in some of the key swing states such as Ohio’ and ‘the final washington news aBc tracking poll showed Mr Obama with support from 50% of likely voter to 47% for Mr Romney’. In my book that meant that ‘it looks Obama’s to win’, as indeed he did.

I was interested to read in the same paper’s 3rd november issue that ‘another 80 families in yeovil are to get the space to grow their own food after a private donor and the town council pooled resources’. The interest of yeovil readers must have slumped when they read further and discovered that the town council is Frome Town council, that it has pooled resources with the Frome Development community Interest company, and that they have bought a five-and-a-half

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Tel: ............................................................................. cheque Enclosed for £ .................... Minimum £3

Mobile Homes

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From £1000 • Large choice of sizes

Wanted ReDUnDAnt motoR moWeRS, rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. tel: 01460 77844.

DAve BUyS All tyPeS of toolS, useable / collectable. Sheds & workshops cleared. tel: 01935 428975.

DELIVERy ARRANGED Big Sales Site Open 7 Days • 2 miles west of Shaftesbury

All SPoRtS PRogRAmmeS and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. large collections welcome. Cash paid. tel: Clive 01749 675456.

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CoinS & Coin ColleCtionS. Buyer collects, cash paid. tel: 01225 793575 or 07754 058850.

Blackmore Vale Leisure Tel: 01747 851497

Mobile Bars / Catering

DAve BUyS All tyPeS of toolS useable / collectable. Sheds / workshops cleared. tel: 01935 428975.

hARRy’S moBile BARS, all occasions, weddings, parties, etc. tel: 01747 825553 harry@bars4u.plus.com www.harrysmobilebars.co.uk

ClASSiCAl lPs from 1950 – 1970, also rock, jazz & singles. Whole collections sought by private collector. Ring: 07931 837783.

BAKeRS ARmS moBile BARS - 25 years experience, all occasions. Call lee: 07834 788073.

Dog Holidays holiDAy foR yoUR Dog. let your dog stay with us when you are away. 24-hour attention and long walks. fully licensed and insured. vet approved. References available. tel: 01963 240650.

Passport Photographs PASSPoRtS - PASSPoRtS PASSPoRtS and i.D. Any legislative size.

Any time to suit you. easy parking. tel: graham Cox, Photographer, 01458 223769.

Holiday Cottage 2 BeDRoom holiday Cottage, Watchet, sleeps four, dogs welcome. www.malthouse-cout-watchet.com for special discounts. tel: 07967 157735.

Situations Wanted live-in ComPAnion for light care, meals, shopping, appointments, outings, etc. experienced driver, CRB, excellent references. tel: 07891 477594. live-in mAtURe femAle house / pet sitter. Driver / CRB, excellent references. tel: 07867 386381.

For Sale AUto tRAil ‘Apache’ internal thermal WinDoW CoveRS, £60. excellent condition. tel: 01749 344798.

GUNS WANTED

By Registered Firearms Dealer Rifles • Shotguns Air Rifles • Air Pistols Any Condition We Collect in Any Area

Tel: 07970 742471

Situations Vacant fRee tRAining with tABS, yeovil. employability, maths, english, CSCS, flt, SAge. Call 01935 411711.

COMPANION REQUIRED for active, elderly lady. must drive – car provided.

Cottage in Somerset. food and own room provided.

Shared amenities. no rent.

Box No 234, The Visitor, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, BA7 7BG.

T.V. Rental t.v. RentAl - long or short term, domestic & commercial, up to 50-inch plasma. h. R. hodge. tel: 01460 240645.

Musical mUSiCAl inStRUmentS - brass, woodwind and strings, for sale and rental. tel: 07974 412269.

mcCUlloCh mR340 leAf ShReDDeR 400w, £50. excellent condition. tel: 01749 344798.

Storage

logS foR SAle - seasoned, hard / soft wood, loads to suit all budgets. tel: 07973 871708 evenings after 7pm 01935 825506.

StoRAge for furniture in locked cubicles. lock-up garages to let. tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692.

THE VISITOR December 2012 67

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Domestic Appliances

Pe

PREMIER ElECTRICs Est. 34 yrs

CovERING THE SouTH LoCALLy Kitchen Appliance sales & Repairs Ø Repairs to all leading brands of Kitchen appliances Ø 12 months guarantee on all repairs Ø Diagnostic work charged unless work undertaken Ø 24 hour service Ø oAP discounts

TElEPHONE: 01935 609300 / 01747 470212 / 01460 220660 / 01458 298212 For your nearest technician

Taylors Domestic

Appliances ltd.

Sales & Repairs for Dishwashers, Washing Machines, Cookers, Tumble Driers etc.

Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford Orcas DT9 4SE

Security

Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

01963 220366 Email: info@tda.uk.com Covering the areas between Wincanton Castle Cary, Sparkford, Sherborne and Yeovil

Maintenance and Repairs YoU CAn’T i CAn PAUl CheDzoY Property & Garden Maintenance

Decorating, Gardening, Building and General D.I.Y.

 01935 472669 ... or

07884 345511

email: ucantican07@aol.com

Trading for over 5 years CuStOMER REfERENCES avaiLaBLE

A. Hamilton

Sliding sash window specialist Repairs - Refurbishments - Replacements

Preservation

MAPLE PRESERVATION Electrical Contractors

• Damp Control • timber treatments • Dry Rot • Condensation Control • 30 year Bonded guarantee

Tel: Gillingham 01747 826960 Mobile: 07881 504426

Plumbing Damian Hoddinott Plumbing ServiceS Competitive rates for all your plumbing needs Tel: 01963 441232 or Mobile: 07971 676111

MAINSTONES ElEctrical contractorS Industrial, Commercial & Domestic Installations Station Road, Bruton National inspection Council for Somerset BA10 0EH Electrical installation Contracting Tel: (01749) 812316 Mobile: 07885 625456

Say you saw it in The Visitor 68 THE VISITOR December 2012

Embroidery RAiNboW EmbRoiDERy

Logos a speciaLity All Types of Garments ... Ideal for Clubs, Schools & Businesses caLL for a quote

07773 497188

Framing sCENEs

Artist Materials & Gallery

« Picture framing « Restoration « Large selection of prints & paintings « Greeting Card Blanks High st. Gillingham Tel 01747 824050 www.scenes-online.co.uk

Complete windows or just repairs.

Rotten wood replaced, new sills, re-puttying, sashes unstuck, broken hardware and sash cords replaced, draught-sealing, rattles eliminated.

Qualified to Advanced City & Guilds Level

Tel: 01935 863071 www.sashwindowtlc.co.uk

• • • • • • • • •

SERVICES

Exterior and interior decorating Gutters cleared and cleaned High level painting and cleaning Conservatories washed down Removal of disused sky dishes and cabling Repointing of stone and brickwork Patios cleaned Many other jobs undertaken No v.a.t. competitive rates for seniors

Contact JAMES CADE on 01963 34272 or 07967 307179

Services GOOD POTATOES takeaway Bags of Coal • Calor gas Car & van Rental Competitive Prices Anchor Hill Service Station WinCAnton 01963 32609

THIS SPACE costs just £14.40 + VAT per month TO PLACE yOUR ADVERT

Tel: 01963 351256

phOne - a - Firm Cleaning

your guide to local services

Roofing

JPC Cleaning services Friendly Cleaning Specialist 20 years Experience – Fully Insured

PARKS

ROOFING LTD.

Regular Weekly & Fortnightly Home Cleans

SLATiNG & TiLiNG SpeCiALiSTS

ONE-OFF SpriNg ClEANS Window Cleaning ✴ Carpet Cleaning Mobile Car valeting

Specialists in period and listed properties

Tel: 01935 474772 or 07896 967943 www.jpccleaning.co.uk

Leadwork Chimneys Fascias Gutters Flat Roofs

26 Stembridge, nr. Kingsbury, Martock TA12 6BN Telephone: 01460 240229 • Mobile: 07917 411961

Building

Dave Hoddinott fUlly QUAlifieD BUilDeR - eStABliSheD 1973

• Renovations & Extensions • Roofing + Carpentry • Plumbing & Heating • Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling • Painting & Decorating • Electrical Contracting Competitive Prices - No Job Too Big or Too Small FRIENDLy & RELIABLE SERVICE

Tel: (01963) 440256

24 hour emergency call out

Dentures

DENTuRE REPAIRs While You Wait Collection & Delivery Denture Advice Mr. C. Dunn

MDS Builders

Registered Dental Technician

01749 812585 www.dunndental.co.uk

• Complete Refurbishments • Extensions • Landscaping • Painting & Decorating Tel: Gillingham 01747 822692 Mobile: 07594 524602 Email: MDSbuilders.org@gmail.com www.mdsbuilders.org “ a professional service from one who cares”

THIS SPACE costs just £24 + VAT per month TO PLACE yOUR ADVERT

Tel: 01963 351256

JANUARy DEADLINE Friday 7th December

For all your roofing requirements

Flat Roofing • Tiling • Slating GRP Roofing All New Work Fully Guaranteed

for further information & estimates contact Allan Carey

01963 33528 / 07885 723915 Email: allancarey541@hotmail.com

bourton roofing Co.

Oven Cleaning

 01747 840064

Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing. uPvC Fascias  Guttering FREE EStimAtES

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

Clock Repairs CLOCk REPAIRS antique and Modern Clock Repairs. free pick up and delivery 40 years experience

Tel (01935) 477582

Communications Westline Communications Business Telecom Specialist For all your telecom needs For free, friendly and professional advice call ...

John Penny on 07976 967349 www.westlinecoms.co.uk

29,000 COPIES MONTHLy you should be advertising here

Mister Oven

Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264 www.misteroven.co.uk

Driving Tuition FASTrACKDriVinG.Co.UK Pete Martin the SPeCiAliSt for ... intensive Courses + off Road facilities for under 17s

Tel: 01749 860010 07962 401166

TV & Radio Aerials DAVE PARMITER AERIALS tv AeRiAl SeRviCe SAtellite / viDeo SyStemS CCtv SyStemS - PeRSonAl SeRviCe

Tel: yEOVIL (01935) 422088 or mobile 07850 405433 no CAll-oUt ChARge

THE VISITOR December 2012 69

your guide to local services

phOne -aFirm

 ChRiSTmAS / JANuARy iSSuE  Deadline: Friday 7th December Published: Tuesday 18th December To advertise in our PhOnE-a-FiRm section telephone 01963 351256 / 351998

Alarms

Alarmed?

Fires/Chimneys

You should be! contact aBc alarms On: 00000 000000

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE Multifuel Stoves ... over 200 on display Chimneys Relined ★ Full Installation Service

Advertise here for just £46.80 inc VaT tel: The Visitor 01963 351256 email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

HETAS • OFTEC • GAS SAFE

✴ Chimney Sweeping Service ✴ Showrooms Open: Monday to Friday 8am – 5.30pm and Saturday 8am – 4.30pm Email: enquiries@sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport  01458 251476

Logs

Trailer Loads ★ Free Local Delivery Bags Available for Collection

THIS SPACE costs just £14.40 + VAT per month

ring chris

TO PLACE yOUR ADVERT

07773 497188

highly Competitive Rates Regular london Runs Short / long term Storage 01747 860543 / 07969 736011

Set by Frank Butler

Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize is a £10 voucher to spend with any one advertiser in this issue of the Visitor - please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.

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70 THE VISITOR December 2012

Warning! Capone has weapon, [5] Autumn account that is south?

Falsehoods. [9] Plenty of space in old pit in Ross. [9] Elias altered walkway. [5] Lo, and change describing intersections. [5] Place not to be on when in need of stability. [9] Childhood at home and ornate.

[7] Follows programmes about adverts. [7] Wins a last try to contradict. [7] Habitat with a bit attached internally. [7] Learned sort of holly scar. [9] Evil returned, run with organ. [5] Becomes unwell after first night; often driven home. [5] Talents go astray with furthest estimate. [2,7] Shirt scam arranged before new year. [9] Teased (losing time) and made comfortable. [5]

www.rdsremovals.co.uk

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N.E. uS idiot has to sort out sock problem. [6,3] A vegetable married in the south-east. [5] More giddy-minded, stirring fire around light. [9] A bun camel chewed in emergency vehicle. [9] Took a chair before unrestricted film when soaked. [9] Three-foot member up aloft in the rigging. [7] Response of man when toes trodden on. [2,5] Male child in charge using sound method. [5] Leans with rosters. [5] Sees what we admire in the landscape. [5]

solution to Crossword 313

Down 1.

21

0808 108 8366

East Lydford 01963 240185 or Mobile 07811 211586

Tel: 01963 351256

Prize Crossword No. 314

13

Removals

Your Advert

LoGS FoR SALE Seasoned

1

Plastering

Rang in a ring when sorting things out. [9] Not in a whisper when reporting allowed. [5] In seminal change makes wellused tracks. [4-5] Go by air over wreck with bow missing: Well spotted! [7] Stories about donkey tell of girls.

[7] Not asleep at a death-revel. [5]

THE WINNER of our Crossword 313 was Ian Middleton of Frome, who chose to spend the £10 voucher at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech.