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Issue 389 November 2015
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The Fine Cheese Co. Cheese Festival Bath Abbey Saturday 31st October 10am - 4pm See page 5.
The Visitor’s nd Anniversary
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F
OuR PIECES of good community news from Visitorland have brightened an otherwise melancholy autumn – five if you include the spell of unseasonably dry weather with which the early weeks of this year’s carnival season were blessed. The first was the reappearance of Wincanton on the carnival circuit on 16th October, the first time since 2009 when the organising committee folded through lack of members. The town’s Carnival Association now has a young and energetic new chairman, Jazmine Radford, who has succeeded in inspiring the local council, businesses, traders and individuals to get involved in running the event which generated good publicity for the town and gave enjoyment to its residents. The second is the resurrection of an agricultural show in Yeovil next year after a break of 50 years. It will be staged at the Yeovil Showground over the weekend of 16th and 17th July and will showcase the best of local farming and countryside businesses, traditional rural crafts, livestock, showjumping, regional food and drinks and much more. Organiser Sam Mackenzie-Green of the Yeovil Agricultural Society wants the show to provide an educational and entertaining day out for families, and she is looking for volunteers from the local community to help with the countless tasks involved in running a big show. For details go to info@yeovilshow.org Next is a new project to create an archive about the history of social life and entertainment in the Yeovil area, culminating in an exhibition and show at the Octagon Theatre in June next year. The project is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and involves the Octagon, Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society, Somerset Heritage Centre, Westfield Academy and Windrose Rural Media Trust. The Trust already has a collection of old cine films of the area and is actively seeking more, amateur or professional, that depict anything relating to local social life and which can be included in the show. If you have any relevant films – or photographs, documents or memorabilia – Trevor Bailey at Windrose would be delighted
to hear from you. E.mail tbailey352 @btinternet.com or phone him on 01747 840750. The final good news came on 13th October when South Somerset District Council agreed to take over Westland’s leisure complex which the company had closed at the end of September. It’s a brave decision involving a lot of public money – remember that Westland spent a large amount each year to keep it up and running – but the potential is enormous. It is by far the largest and best-equipped entertainment and sports venue for many, many miles around and has been much used by local clubs, societies and event promoters for all manner of meetings, concerts, competitions and celebrations. Closure would have inflicted a sad blow to the social life of Yeovil and the surrounding area, but keeping it open and financially viable will require inspired management and extensive support from the local community. NN.
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December Issue published Thursday 26th November Deadline Friday 13th November
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.
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Advertisement Manager & Features Editor Michelle Trulock © The Visitor Ltd. 2015
(Items marked ©GT are the copyright of Geoff Thompson)
CONTENTS
Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to a love of cheese
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 66 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 9 BOOK REVIEWS - 26 & 37 BUSINESS - 8 CASTLE CARY - 11 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE - 23 CROSSWORD - 66 FESTIVE VENUES & MENUS - 41 GARDENING - 58 GLASTONBURY - 29 HOUSE & HOME - 52 LEISURE & TRAVEL - 36 LETTERS - 5 LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE - 38 MARTOCK - 18 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 5 MERE - 10 MOTORING - 34 MUSIC for the MONTH - 36 NOTICE BOARD - 36 PAPERCHASE - 62 PHONE-A-FIRM - 63 PUBS - 49 SHEPTON MALLET - 30 SOUTH PETHERTON - 22 STREET - 26 THEY SAY - 49 WINE & DINE - 51 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON
THE VISITOR November 2015 3
ANDREW BARCLAY TRADITIONAL FAMILY BUTCHERS 45 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU Tel: 01963 34880 Email: andrewbarclaybutchers@gmail.com
SELLING QUALITY LOCALLY SOURCED MEAT, POULTRY & GAME AT COMPETITIVE PRICES
WE WILL BE ACCEPTING CHRISTMAS ORDERS FROM 1st NOVEMBER 2015 SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS HALF LAMBS ONLY £59 CUT TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS
SPECIAL OFFERS ALWAYS AVAILABLE
CREEDY CARVER DUCK LEGS £1.59 each WHOLE SHOULDERS OF LAMB £5.99 / kg
TRAY OF 30 FREE RANGE EGGS ONLY £5.19
WE ALSO STOCK A VARIETY OF FINE LOCAL CHEESES, HOMEMADE CAKES DESSERTS, PIES, PASTIES, SCOTCH EGGS, MILK, JERSEY CREAM MERE FISH FARM PRODUCTS, ANNAMMA’S CURRY SAUCES, COOKED MEATS A SELECTION OF DRY & SWEET BISCUITS & CONDIMENTS ORDERS TAKEN FOR OUR MEAT FROM NORTH CADBURY VILLAGE SHOP & MAIDEN BRADLEY VILLAGE SHOP WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS
4 THE VISITOR November 2015
Letters To the Editor Can You Help?
Sir, We would like to contact relatives of Elizabeth March, Walter March, Marguerite Jones or any relatives of the Classey Family who worshipped at Rodney Stoke Baptist Chapel. Please phone 01749 676002. I. Rodd Wolsey Close Wells, BA5 2ET
Sherborne Area – Royal Voluntary Service Home Library Service
Sir, Do you like to read? But find it difficult to get to the library to get new books? Sherborne Library has a team of dedicated Royal Voluntary Service volunteers who are able to visit on a regular basis, delivering the books you want from the Library to your home, free of charge. Large print books and talking books can also be delivered. This service is funded by Dorset Library Service, and delivered by the Royal Voluntary Service. It is available across Dorset to anyone who cannot easily get to their local library, and can be provided on a temporary basis as well as long term. All Royal Voluntary Service volunteers are DBS checked and receive ongoing training and support. We currently need more Home Library Service volunteers in Sherborne! If you are interested in receiving or volunteering for the Home Library Service please contact: Maria Jacobson Royal Voluntary Service Manager Dorset Home Library Service on 07786 635154 or 01305 236666
Mentioned in
Dispatches
The Fine Cheese Co. Cheese Festival in Bath Abbey
This year’s cheese festival takes place on Saturday 31st October in Bath Abbey from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free but visitors are invited to make a voluntary contribution to the Bath Abbey Footprint Appeal. Visitors will have the opportunity to talk shop with the cheesemakers, share their stories and their passion, and to sample their wares. The West Country is fielding an impressive array of produce with regional classics such as unpasteurised Cheddars courtesy of James Keen and Tom
Calver of Westcombe. The Cooleeney Farm Cheesemakers from Ireland, together with the Grubb family and makers of the original Irish farmhouse blue cheese Cashel Blue, as well as the Northumberland Cheese Company and Cornish Cheese Company are also making the pilgrimage to Bath. Peter Humphries and the team at White Lake Cheeses from Bagborough Farm near Glastonbury will be special guests, having recently swept the board at the British Cheese awards – winning the categories Best Goat Cheese (Tor), Best Semi-Soft Cheese (Goddess) and more besides. Many of those attending this year’s cheese festival boast a bevy of cheesemaking awards and visitors will get the chance to try out classic reproductions and modern-day masterpieces.
With cheeses of all types – soft, hard, washed rind, unpasteurised and many more on offer – you are sure to find your personal favourite. For details of this year’s festival and how to book your tickets visit www.greatbathfeast.co.uk
Langport & District History Society
The Langport & District History Society held its AGM on Monday 5th October followed by a presentation on newly acquired photos and other items, given to the Society over the past year, by Chair of the Society Janet Seaton. Some of these items were also exhibited, which proved very popular, especially among those trying to identify their ancestors in the old photographs! Janet covered a number of themes, such as the local professional photographers who worked in Langport, with
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THE VISITOR November 2015 5
Mentioned in
Dispatches examples of their work and their advertisements. She moved on to some recent donations relating to the Langport Grammar School, which closed in 1933, given by a descendant of the last headmaster, Charles Pinton. These include the typescript of Pinton’s final address to his pupils on the closure of the school, and a photo of a school trip to the Palace of Westminster in that same year. There followed some fascinating photographs of various parades and annual carnivals in Langport, on occasions such as the 1937 Coronation. Then there was a series of images of Cracknell’s farm from the 1970s to more recent times, and some evocative images of the disused Workhouse in Hamdown Hill in 1996 shortly before its sad demolition. One final image, was a 1921 postcard with a classic photograph of the 1894 floods in the town, written by someone visiting the Bagehot
6 THE VISITOR November 2015
family home, Hurd’s Hill, and containing some interesting text about its then residents – this was just weeks before the death of Walter Bagehot’s widow, Eliza. The next meeting will be held at Langport Library at 7.30pm on Monday 2nd November, and will feature a presentation on Political Somerset by Barry Winetrobe, who, with Janet Seaton, write as ‘JB Seatrobe’ on political history and anecdotes. This talk replaces the advertised presentation on Curry Mallet and Magna Carta, which had to be cancelled due to the indisposition of the speaker. It is free to members (annual membership is a bargain £12!): non-members are welcome; admission £2, including refreshments. Anyone interested in joining the Society should contact Sue Standen on 01458 273471.
Mendip Decorative & Fine Arts Society
On 10th November the MDFAS are holding a talk entitled Inessential Necessities in 18th Century England: An introduction to the small decorative objects that were inessential necessities for elegant Georgians. Mrs Motley BA will give the talk to Mendip DFAS at
Mentioned in
Dispatches the Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B & W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN at 11.00am. Details available from: www.mdfas.org.uk. Guests Welcome. Contact 01934 862435.
October Competition Winners
The winners of the tickets to The Festive Gift Fair at the NEC Birmingham are Mrs Monks of Wraxall, A. Hine of Donyatt, Y. Nicholls of South Petherton and M. Nurton of Sherborne.
Alan Titchmarsh comes to Dorset in aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, supported by Orchard Park and The Gardens Group.
Gardener, broadcaster and novelist, Alan Titchmarsh will be presenting an evening of gardening prose, poetry and anecdotes at The Crown Hotel in Blandford on Thursday 19 November at 7pm. Sponsorship and support for this event comes from two local garden centre businesses, The Gardens Group (Castle Gardens of Sherborne) and Orchard Park of Gillingham. They are joining forces for this event to help the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) The Soldiers’ Charity, raise as much money and awareness as possible. The ABF was set up in 1944 to support serving soldiers, veterans and their families.
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Alan Titchmarsh explains; “I have always loved Dorset, it evokes many happy memories for me, family holidays spent away from the pressures of life, with its Jurassic coast line, timeless landscape, historic old towns, magnificent gardens, ale and the tales of Hardy. It is a great pleasure to be returning to support a particularly special charity, which is close to my heart. As Commissioner of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Home of the Chelsea Pensioners, I have the pleasure of meeting many a distinguished old soldier who has served the nation, therefore it is a pleasure to help all of the volunteers involved in Dorset ‘do their bit’ for such a worthwhile
cause. I hope to see many gardening enthusiasts there.” Tickets cost £20 per person, which includes refreshments, and are available from Orchard Park, Blandford, Sherborne and Dorchester Tourist Information Centres, as well as ABF The Soldiers’ Charity’s office in Exeter on 01392 496412 or at southwest@soldierscharity.org. Advanced booking is advised and doors will open at 6:15pm on the night.
Castle Cary & Ansford Carnival Society Events
Wednesday 4th November 2015 Bingo at the Scout Hut, next to the Primary School. Eyes down 7.30pm.
A VERY SPECIAL VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY
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Find out more about our exceptional training programme and the chance to make a real difference at a VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SESSION on one of these dates: Saturday 31st October, 10.00am • Thursday 26th November, 7.00pm Saturday 12th December, 10.00am We are keen to hear from anyone over 18 with time in the evenings and weekends. Call 01935 414015 and let us know when you are coming or email joinyeovilsams@gmail.com
Yeovil Samaritans, 25 The Park, Yeovil • www.samaritans.org You could change someone’s life – maybe your own
The Old Police Station, Carrington Way WINCANTON BA9 9JS Tel: 01963 31310
THE VISITOR November 2015 7
Robert Stone & Co.
Chartered Accountants & Tax Advisers in Ilminster answers questions from small businesses in Somerset
Q1. I bought my flat in 2008 and lived in it until 2013 when I moved into my now wife's house. The flat was in negative equity so we kept it and rented it out. Now that the housing market has improved we have decided to sell it. We plan to use the proceeds to buy my wife's parent's house jointly with my wife's sister and her husband. If we reinvest the profits on the sale of my flat in my wife's parent house, will we avoid paying any capital gains tax? Robert Stone replies:
unfortunately rollover / holdover
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/ reinvestment relief is not available for residential investment property, unless it relates to furnished holiday lettings, or where there is a compulsory purchase order. However, as you lived in the property from 2008 until 2013 and then rented it out, you should be able to claim some relief from capital gains tax via a combination of principal private residence relief, lettings exemption and the capital gains tax annual exemption.
Q2. I am a VAT-registered sole trader, owning a cycle shop in my local town. I am thinking of opening a second shop in another town and am wondering how I will deal with this for self-assessment and VAT. Will I need to register the new shop for VAT separately and complete two VAT returns - one for each business? Robert Stone replies:
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I presume you are going to be selling similar goods and providing similar services in the
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new shop. If that is the case, you will be able to do one selfassessment for the two businesses by amalgamating the figures for both shops. For VAT purposes, the HMRC state that it is the 'person', not the business, who is registered for VAT. A person can be either an individual or a legal person or entity and each VAT registration covers all the business activities of the registered person. This means that even if your new business has a different name, you will only need one VAT registration number.
Q3. I own a rental property and let it out on a fullyfurnished basis. Can I claim a tax deduction for the cost of replacing items as and when needed? Robert Stone replies:
The government withdrew the 'renewals basis' capital allowance for furnishings in rental properties from April 2013, which means that currently only the 10% wear and tear allowance for a fully furnished rental property is available to you. Note that the wear and tear allowance is not available to those property businesses that rent partfurnished or unfurnished property. The good news, however, is that in the Summer 2015 Budget the government announced that, as from April 2016, the 10% wear and tear allowance will cease and will be replaced with a new 'replacement allowance'. Broadly, the new relief will enable all landlords of residential dwelling houses to deduct the costs they actually incur on replacing furnishings in the property. The relief will apply to landlords of unfurnished, part-furnished and furnished properties (but not to 'furnished holiday lettings' (FHLs) or commercial properties). under the new replacement furniture relief, landlords of all non-FHL residential dwelling houses will be able to claim a deduction for the capital cost of replacing furniture, furnishings, appliances and kitchenware provided for the tenant's use in the dwelling house, such as: - movable furniture or furnishings, such as beds or suites,
-
televisions, fridges and freezers, carpets and floor-coverings, curtains, linen, crockery or cutlery.
The new replacement furniture relief will only apply to the replacement of furnishings. The initial cost of furnishing a property will not be included.
Q. I am a higher-rate taxpayer. My wife currently works part time and pays tax at the basic rate. We have a second property that we rent out but the deeds are held in my sole name. Is it worth putting the property into joint names, or even transferring it to my wife outright, so that we pay tax on the rental income at the basic rate? Robert Stone replies:
If you live with a spouse or civil partner and have income from property you jointly own, you will normally be taxed on an even split of the income between you. In your particular circumstances there are two options available: 1. under what is known as the '50:50 rule', you can simply make your wife a partial owner of the property, which means you will each be taxed on 50% of the rental income. For the purposes of these rules, the actual amount she owns is not relevant - it could be 99%, 50% or even 1%, as long as she is a partial owner.
2. You can make your wife a partial owner of the property and notify HMRC of the proportion she holds accordingly. You do this by submitting Form 17 to HMRC to record your actual shares of ownership. You will both then be t a x ed on t he rent a l incom e according to the proportion you both actually own in the property (known as the 'actual basis'). You will need to provide HMRC with evidence that your beneficial interests in the property are unequal, for example a declaration or deed. You can complete Form 17 online here: h t t p s : / p u b l i c online.hmrc.gov.uk/lc/content/xfaf orms/profiles/forms.html?content Root=repository:///Applications/Sp ecPersTax_iForms/1.0/17&templa te=17.xdp
Antiques, Vintage & Collecting
Pastimes
A straw poll* has revealed that Pastimes of Sherborne is unquestionably the most interesting shop in the World. It offers a unique opportunity to turn back the clock to childhood. Remember Christmas morning when you unwrapped that Hornby train set, gasped at the latest Dinky model, fought battles with shiny toy soldiers. Those memories come flooding back. Pastimes trades in nostalgia. The tiny shop opposite the Abbey and Almshouses has been dealing in “old toys” for more than twenty years and has built up a genuine global reputation Trains of all shapes and sizes, powered by steam, clockwork and electricity are the number one seller followed by die-cast cars in any condition with the evocative Dinky, Corgi, Spot-On pedigree. Collectors go ape for early Action Man, barmy for Britains, mad for Meccano. Pastimes owner Oliver Chisholm scours the West Country to feed the enormous demand. The challenge is to avoid wistfully saying “I used to have one of those” when visiting the shop. The penalty is a donation into the Barnardo’s collecting tin! *Survey conducted among a handful of people staring in the window.
Antiques Vintage & Collecting is a regular monthly feature
Next issue December Print: 26th November Deadline: 13th November
Tel: 01963 351256 TO ADVERTISE
With the release of the new James Bond film, Bond memorabilia is ever popular. Pictured is a selection of first editions, a 60s Leica camera, a Walther LP53 air pistol as pictured in the Sean Connery photograph and a Rolex GMT complete with box. Available from Quillon House Antiques of Bruton.
There was recently a terrific surprise at Lawrences Auctioneers of Crewkerne for the seller of a Chinese bronze censer that was sold with a turquoise dish. This had been bought for £50 at a market and returned him a substantial profit when it was sold for £25,000.
Antique Fairs
•
Chasty Cottage Antiques
•
Saturday 28th November
Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA 9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1 01963 370986 Future Date: Saturday 19th December www.chastycottageantiques.co.uk
Sunday 8th November
SALISBURY RACE COURSE • SP2 8PN Antique Fair + Giant Flea Market 10.30am – 3.30pm • Admission £3 Trade £4 from 8.30am • Refreshments Free Parking
Market Cross Antiques West Street, Somerton Tel: 01458 274005
Over 25 dealers offering a wide range of antiques, collectables and decorative furnishings Find us on facebook
Quillon House Antiques
16 H IG H S TR EET , B RUTON 01749 812269
17 th / 18 th C. Oak and Country Furniture Arms & Armoury Equestrian Paintings Valuations Undertaken Antiques Purchased
FIRST EDITION
“James Bond” by Ian Fleming
Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10.00am - 5.30pm
THE VISITOR November 2015 9
M ERE W NO EN OP
THIS& THAT Vintage Collectables
An interesting collection of china, glass, jewellery kitchenalia, small furniture, and more! HOUSE CLEARANCES ITEMS BOUGHT & SOLD
Salisbury Street, MERE, BA12 6HE • Tel: 07745 766613
Jane Donohoe of This & That in Mere where you can find an eclectic mix of interesting items for sale including books, china, jewellery and furniture. Open 9 - 5 Tuesday - Saturday - do call in.
Hayley's Hair Design
Hayley's hair design will celebrate its 10th birthday this year and we are growing from strength to strength. We would like to say a big thank you to all
JEANS OF MERE Chapel Showroom
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10 THE VISITOR November 2015
our clients and friends for making the salon such a success and happy,friendly place to work. Christmas is creeping ever nearer and we are gearing up for another busy period,with bookings being taken and Christmas packs,gifts and vouchers available. We're also very pleased to welcome back our senior stylist Sarah who will be working on a Tuesday and Wednesday. There is still an opening for a new stylist to join our team,experience and good communication skills are essential. For more information and to book salon appointments call us on 01747 863471.
Jeans Electrical
Jeans of Mere are well known for their excellent choice of white and brown goods. As part of the Euronics buying group they supply goods at competitive prices and offer a Cash & Carry service or same day delivery on all stock items from their Chapel showroom in Boar Street. Stocked in their Salisbury Street shop is a wide range of small electrical goods such as hairdryers, blenders etc. They are also stockists of Roberts Radios. They have an on-the-premises workshop to undertake a wide range of electrical repairs and will, if possible, upgrade or refurbish your old table lamp. Their customer service is excellent. They have a large stock of traditional lamps and are happy to order lamps for customers if they are still obtainable. This includes candle, golf ball and old fashioned light bulbs in 10 to 100 watt. They have in stock 60w, 100w, 150w, and 200w lamps which have already ceased manufacture, plus energy saving lamps (dimmable). Jeans still have limited stock of high powered vacuum cleaners on sale – call for details.
Every Tuesday the cobbled forecourt and undercroft of the Market House revert to their original role of a market ... which attracts a goodly number of stall holders.
WRITING 35 years ago, Somerset historian Robert Dunning described Castle Cary as ‘a bustling place, its small scale and friendly shops making it still a genuine and individual place of great charm’. That still holds good
today. It’s certainly bustling, with its multiplicity of specialist retailers offering the friendly personal service that attracts shoppers from far and wide. Whatever you’re looking for, the chances are that you can buy it
Martins of Castle Cary Market Place, Castle Cary Tel: 01963 350208
Delicatessen • Grocer • Off Licence Open: 8.15am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday
Specialising in Food from the West Country
DAVE MARSH HARDWARE LTD The really useful shop!
Full Range of Garden, D.I.Y. and Plumbing Requisites
★ Key Cutting ★ Dulux Paint Mixing Services ★ Fireworks ★ Christmas Gift Ideas Suppliers and Fireside Accessories
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Clothing, Accessories & Fine Toiletries For Women and Men
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THE VISITOR November 2015 11
in Castle Cary, and it has become a mecca for discerning shoppers seeking elegant, unusual, high quality goods. There are few signs here of the dull uniformity of most of the national chains. Bustling, too, in the sense of being busy with plenty going on, with noticeboards overflowing with posters promoting a wide range of activities, events and organisations – a sure sign of a vibrant community. And the town promises to be even more bustling and vibrant on 17th December when it is staging its ‘Big Christmas’ event, complete with market and community stalls, Santa and Rudolph and all the magic associated with the festive
season. It might seem a long way off but with Christmas rapidly approaching it’s worth putting events like this in your diary now and watching out for the detailed publicity nearer the date. And what of the town’s great charm? Its location certainly sets the scene, nestling beneath Lodge Hill and overlooking the expansive flatlands of Cary Moor. So does the golden local stone of so many of its buildings, although a stroll through the town centre will reveal other buildings of grey lias, white-painted render and even the occasional red brick. According to the district council planners in 2010, its charm lies in ‘the intimate groupings of
buildings, changes in ground level and the alignment of buildings on the medieval streets, and its rich historic environment has been recognised by the town’s four designated conservation areas and many listed buildings’. Charm can mean different things to different people, so the best way to judge is to pay a visit. Castle Cary’s best-known building must surely be the Market House. It occupies pride of place in the centre of the town and images of its golden stone have graced many a Somerset picture book and tourism leaflet. There’s no doubting that it is much loved by residents and visitors alike and adds much to
the character of the town, although it is a comparatively recent building of no great historical significance. Nowadays the ground floor is home to the town council office and tourist information centre and the upstairs contains the town’s excellent museum, but when it was completed in 1855 it provided a covered area on the ground floor for the market, including some semi-permanent stalls or ‘shambles’ where meat and dairy produce were sold, and a couple of cells to accommodate the town’s trouble-makers. It’s part of the town’s great charm, and a lot of money has been spent in recent years to give it a new lease of life for the 21st century. The shambles area at the back has
PITHER’S YARD natural health clinic
For your body’s needs ... Sports Massage McTimoney Chiropractic Craniosacral Therapy Bowen Therapy Counselling Acupuncture
APPOINTMENTS day / evening
01963 350405 07891 747239
HIGH STREET CASTLE CARY, BA7 7AN
HIGH QUALITY PICTURE FRAMING & GALLERY
Over 35 years experience
Dry mounting & laminating Glass cut
Conservation framing Watches & batteries Tapestries stretched Mirrors
Picture restoration Studio 13, The Triangle Castle Cary, BA7 7BD 01963 359050 studio13-online.co.uk
12 THE VISITOR November 2015
been roofed and heated and provided with a small kitchen area, wheelchair access and seating for around 50 people. Glazing has been installed between the shambles and the open-sided undercroft which, together with the cobbled area at the front, has become an overspill area for functions and events inside the shambles. Every Tuesday the cobbled forecourt and undercroft revert to their original role as a market – and it attracts a goodly number of stallholders and customers. Beneath the brightly-coloured awnings there are usually a fishmonger, a traditional baker with a tempting range of speciality breads and rolls, a greengrocer and stalls selling local meat, cheeses and chutneys, wool and haberdashery, soaps and smellies and more. To coincide with the market a local solicitor holds a weekly drop-in advice surgery in the shambles, and on Tuesday evenings from 5.00pm till 8.00pm the shambles becomes
Castle Cary is famous for its golden stone, as featured in the Market House and many other High Street premises.
a pop-up pizza restaurant. The town council envisaged that the shambles could be used for exhibitions, meetings and events, and since it opened in early 2014 it has seen consultations on local issues, small scale arts and music events, meetings of local groups and the inevitable coffee mornings. It is also available for private and commercial lets for
Heather’s Flowers Prop. Heather Burch – Qualified Florist
STUNNING FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
Fresh Cut Flowers Plants Accessories Christmas Presents & Wreaths Weddings a Speciality Friendly and Professional Service
Francis House, Fore Street Castle Cary, BA7 7BQ 01963 350525 • heathers.flowers@live.com
social or business events, and if all goes according to plan it will shortly be granted a licence to hold wedding ceremonies. On Bailey Hill behind the Market House the simple Georgian symmetry of the 1767 house that is now the Post Office
contrasts dramatically with the fussy Flemish style of architecture of the Market House. Bailey Hill is linked to the Market Place by a steep cobbled path alongside the Market House and is certainly a corner of the town with great charm. As well as the handsome Post Office, here you will find Charlie Hill’s longestablished and much loved butchery and pie shop and Castle Cary’s iconic pepper-pot lock-up. This little prison was built in 1779 of grey stone and contains a single cell just seven feet in diameter and ten feet high. It is roofed with a distinctive large stone dome and topped with a circular ball, and two iron grilles beneath the eaves provide ventilation. According to Douglas Macmillan who delved into its history in 1922, one bitter winter’s night in the 1840s an unfortunate prisoner was frozen to death in it, having been
“Dedicated to Excellence in Animal Health for over 100 Years”
24 Hour Emergency Service provided by our own staff
Small Holders Club, Chicken Meeting “BACKYARD POULTRY” ... with guest speaker MICK MILLAR BVSc MSc MRCVS CASTLE CARY, Tuesday 17th November, 7.00pm – 9.00pm Please call 01963 350307 to book a place
Fulford House, Torbay Road, Castle Cary, BA7 7DT www.delawarevets.co.uk email:info@delawarevets.co.uk
Decisive, expert legal advice for whatever life brings ... Same day appointments or book in advance At The Market House Castle Cary Every Tuesday Morning 9am – 12.30pm
castlecary@battens.co.uk
01963 834477
www.battens.co.uk
THE VISITOR November 2015 13
Castle Cary offers a diverse range of independent traders.
Offices at: Castle Cary, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Cheddar
£250 cashback
Old Bank House, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7AW Tel: 01963 350888 • Fax: 01963 351107 Email: robin@bgw-solicitors.co.uk • www.bgw.uk.com
Up to
on selected Bosch appliances
*
forgotten in the course of the Christmas festivities. He adds that ‘unfortunately the bestinformed local historians can find no confirmation whatever for this gruesome allegation’. The building stretching along the roadside behind the pepperpot was originally one of the horsehair works of Thomas Mathews, the first businessman to start horsehair-weaving in the town around 1820. He pre-dated the arrival of John Boyd who started weaving horsehair cloth on looms at his cottage in South Cary in 1837. Such was the demand for horsehair products that Charles Donne’s flaxweaving enterprise, making sailcloth, rope and twine, soon added horsehair seating to its range of products and by the middle of the 19th century the three businesses were expanding into new, larger premises and introducing power looms. That’s a story for a future article but it’s clear that then, as now, Castle Cary was indeed a bustling place. Roger Richards.
Castle Cary Carnival
Castle Cary & Ansford’s Illuminated Carnival was bigger, better and bolder than ever. A programme of afternoon events sparked anticipation in the town, which was more than met by the biggest procession the town has seen in years. The mixture of big hitting
Beautiful Bedding! We stock a superb range of ... Duvet Covers, Sheets, and Pillow Cases All Sizes All Colours
Ready Made Curtains
Towels Cushions Cushion Covers
Pet Food
Dried and Tinned Wild Bird Food Huge range of Pet Beds & Accessories
D.I.Y. and Garden Requisites
Bakeware China Arts & Crafts ... and more! — OUR STOCK CHANGES REGULARLY —
14 THE VISITOR November 2015
01963 351110
www.abishopelectrical.co.uk email: bishopelectrical@btconnect.com
HOMEFAYRE
High Street 22 Market Street CASTLE CARY CREWKERNE 01963 350969 01460 72650 CREWKERNE NOW OPEN ON SUNDAYS
&
4 High Street Castle Cary, BA7 7AW
BUY & SAVE
Offer ends 12th November 2015
floats, varied new entrants and creative local entries made for a hugely entertaining procession for the estimated 5,000 crowd. Many thanks to everyone for helping raise £2,400 for local good causes – up over 30% on last year.
BUSINESS UPDATES ... The Proper Pet Shop
The Proper Pet shop have moved
from Station Road to the town centre to Fore Street premises.
Castle Fryer Fish and Chips
Castle Fryer (formerly Golden Plaice) is now under the new ownership of Kenny Gn. Kenny has over 15 years experience in the industry. Many readers will be pleased to know that the new opening hours will include Sunday 5pm until 10pm. In
addition to traditional fish and chips and home-made tartar sauce Kenny has introduced many new dishes – including Butterfly king prawns, saveloy, cod roe, fish burgers and squid
rings! Proving popular are meat patties savoury sausage meat with herbs sandwiched between two potato slices and battered and for those who have a sweet tooth – deep fried ice cream.
COCK & SON BUILDING CONTRACTORS Established Since1957
Specialists in renovation and restoration of older properties Extensions and alterations undertaken Specialists in barn conversions
Purpose built joinery, doors, windows, etc. All Work Guaranteed
Tel: NORTH CADBURY (01963) 440931 A colourful display of plants and flowers to delight passing shoppers.
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
Yard Office adj. Orchard Leigh, Long Street Galhampton, Yeovil, Somerset
Three Counties Landscape and Tree Services @ Julian Shave
The Market Garden
Project Design & Advice
Soft Landscaping – Turfing, Flower Beds, etc. Hard Landscaping – Patios, Driveways, etc. Garden & Estate Management One-Offs or Regular Maintenance Lawncare, Beds, Borders, Trees, Shrubs Now incorporating Three Counties Tree Services Ltd. Tree Removal, Coppicing, Pruning, Planting, etc. New Builds and Garden Design Commercial Floral Displays Christmas Tree Supplies Plant Search & Supply
Delicious Fresh Fruit & Vegetables
Veg’ Box Delivery Scheme – 5 mile radius of Castle Cary and Wincanton Autumn Bedding Plants / Winter Hanging Baskets Floristry – Bouquets, Weddings, Funerals, FREE Local Delivery Fruit Baskets to Order DURING Orders taken for NOVEMBER with this advert Christmas Trees, Holly, etc.
10% OFF
Hart House, Fore Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BQ Office: 01963 31226 • Quotes: 07738 524254 • www.julianshave.co.uk
THE VISITOR November 2015 15
CHA RL
Wine Wizzard Celebrates 18 years
The Wine Wizzard in Castle Cary (formerly known as The Cary Vintner) is celebrating 18 successful years of trading. Proprietor Peter Law, recalls with nostalgia going straight from school in the Yorkshire Dales to work at the gentlemanly wine merchant, Hedges & Butler in Regent Street, before moving to Justerini & Brooks. Tasting wines on a daily basis with several Masters of Wine was a fascinating learning process. As one of the founders of Oddbins in the mid 60's he has a long career in wine - spanning 52 years.
D ITE IM
IE
HILL L
Quality Butcher & Pie Maker
Round House Farm Shop Bailey Hill, Castle Cary
01963 350260 Open Monday - Saturday
Home-made speciality pies and sausages, Wiltshire cure hams, quality meat, poultry and game.
We wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
ORDERS WELCOMED
The premises of Castle Cary’s long established butcher & pie maker Charlie Hill.
Castle Cary Post Office
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
CASTLE FRYER Traditional Fish & Chips
Cards, Stationery, Diaries, Calendars, Soft Toys Medici, Ling, Caspari, Woodmansterne, Noel Tatt and many more Christmas Cards & Boxes Lamy Pens
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 12noon – 2pm, 5pm – 10pm Open Sundays, 5pm – 10pm Closed Mondays • Open Bank Holidays
2 Station Road, Castle Cary Tel: 01963 350566
Euros & Dollars on Site: all other currency next day Passport Checking Top-Ups Bill Payment - Car Tax - Post Office Homephone - etc.
Bailey Hill, Castle Cary. Tel: (01963) 350237
The George Hotel Welcome to ...
Knight’s Restaurant & Bar Market Place, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AH
Tel: 01963 350761 * Fax: 01963 350035 * Email: castlecarygeorge@aol.com
The George Hotel is a beautiful 15th century coaching inn offering excellent food, friendly service and a great atmosphere, suitable for any occasion. Bookings are now being taken for our Pre-Christmas Parties, Christmas Day Luncheon and New Year’s Eve. Should you wish to stay the night, accommodation is available in one of our 17 individually decorated en-suite bedrooms.
Christmas Menu
From 1st December – 24th December 2 Course £15.00 • 3 Course £19.95
Warm goats cheese filo tart with fig and walnut chutney Butter nut squash and chestnut soup with warm crusty roll Duo of smoked fish terrine with a lemon and caper dressing Crispy pork belly with black pudding and charred apple Winter Pimms poached pear, walnut and stilton salad ************
Traditional roast turkey with all the seasonal trimmings Vegetable nut roast with all the seasonal trimmings Pot braised beef and stilton stew with onion and chestnut dumplings Fillet of salmon with orange and cranberry sauce on garlic potatoes and vegetables Baked camembert with red onion and sherry chutney with charred vegetables and bread Duo of Venison with a bubble and squeak potato cake ************
Christmas pudding with brandy sauce White chocolate panacotta with apple and cranberry compote Mulled wine parfait with mulled fruits and Chantilly cream Treacle tart with a whisky crème anglaise ************
Coffee and mince pies
16 THE VISITOR November 2015
Christmas Day Menu
£59.50 per person Curried lentil, parsnip and chestnut soup with warm crusty bread Smoke trout and lobster salad with lemon & lime dressing Duck and prune parfait, sherry and fig chutney with a nip of whisky Wild mushroom risotto, truffle oil topped with shaved parmesan ************
Rose Sorbet
************
Traditional roast turkey with all the seasonal trimmings Vegetable nut roast with all the seasonal trimmings Sirloin of beef roasted rare with all the seasonal trimmings Roasted venison with all the seasonal trimmings Roasted vegetable Wellington with all the seasonal trimmings Rolled lemon sole with a prawn and smoked salmon mousse on a seafood risotto ************
Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Mulled fruit parfait with winter pimms syrup Almond and amaretto pannacotta with kirsch liqueur Chocolate tart with 3 way cherries and Christmas pudding ice cream Winter berry Eton mess with whisky cream ************
Coffee and mince pies
New Years Eve Menu £27.50 per person
Salmon and tuna tartar with a citrus jus Smoked chicken, orange and cranberry salad Pan fried pigeon breast on a wild mushroom risotto with a sherry glaze Three cheese terrine, dressed leaves and onion compote ************
Pan seared red snapper on a seafood risotto Belly pork with apple jelly, daupinoise potatoes and glazed carrots Breast of chicken filled with mushrooms and stilton, dauphinoise potatoes and vegetables Lamb pot roast with apricots and mint with sauté potatoes and vegetables with a white wine and garlic sauce ************
Banana and Baileys bread and butter pudding with custard Lime and dark chocolate cheese cake Belgium chocolate fondue with fruit and toast your own marshmallows Winter berry fool with shortbread ************
Coffee and chocolates ************
Arrive to Bottle of Prosecco ... £15 if ordered in advance
He chooses his wines very carefully, buying mostly from family vineyards where production is not huge and where the emphasis is on quality. They are rightly proud of the wines they make. With his wealth of knowledge and charm he still continues with a passion to supply wine all over Somerset and well beyond, ably assisted by co-director Linda Fogg. With no minimum order, The Wine Wizzard is a unique experience for the beginner or the connoisseur. Real Wines for Real People!
Say you saw it in The Visitor
Needful Things report Castle Cary is looking bouyant!
Needful Things of Castle Cary have hit the ground running this Season! “Never before, have we had such a positive response to our autumn ranges!” says owners John & Ally, “Certain clothing lines have already been reordered twice and it’s only October!” This sudden swing back to Castle Cary as a shopping destination isn’t just boosting their Clothing sales either; their unique Christmas gifts and decorations have also been selling fast from the moment they were displayed. “Our fun fairies and Santa figures, Crackers and Snow globes have really hit the mark
this season, plus a range of Felt animals as trees decorations is proving to be our best seller already!” Recent talk of a downturn in Castle Cary was never going to last, as this bright, happy little town always bounces back; “Over the 16 years we have traded here,
we’ve seen it ebb and flow but as usual, it’s right back on track!” Curtain sales in our Soft furnishing shop continue to stay in high demand, so if you need new window dressings before Christmas, Curtains or Blinds ... don’t delay! With so many individual,
MARKET HOUSE DANCE STUDIO Classes and Individual Tuition in Ballroom & Latin American Wedding Dances ... a pleasure
Teaching people to dance for more than 40 years!
Paul Parsons: 07805 571590
R. Smith & Sons AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS For all Agricultural Work including: Grass, Maize & Whole Crop Silaging Hedge Trimming • Ploughing • Ditching Mini Excavators for: Landscaping, Fencing, Drainage Work etc.
Tel: 01963 351203 or 01749 812510
P. J. Gunning & Sons Haulage Limited
A Professional Family Haulage Business Delivering Sand, Gravel & Aggregates in the South West We also manufacture a variety of Pre-Cast CONCRETE Products including
Paving Slabs Flagstones Gravel Boards Path Edging Pier Caps - Copings Fence Posts for Panel & Chain Link Fencing
Telephone: 01963 351091 Or Email: philipgunning@btinternet.com FOR A QUOTATION Tor View Farm, GALHAMPTON Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7AE
NEW: NOW SUPPLYING OUT OF ... West Farm, MUDFORD, Yeovil Somerset, BA21 5TL THE VISITOR November 2015 17
privately owned stores, with owners who take a real pride in what they do, plus free parking, a Tuesday market, a Museum, Bank, Main Post office and loads of places to ‘do lunch’, Castle Cary really is a pleasure to stop in and shop in ... and with a warm welcome at Needful Things, why not come and join in all the fun!
Heal and Sole
One of the therapies that Heal and Sole Holistics have chosen to become specialists in is Reiki. Reiki is a very gentle healing technique, carried out by the practitioner placing their hands non-intrusively on or over a person or animal, with the intention of channelling universal Life Force energy. It is a natural, painless, non-invasive
therapy and works on all levels, physically, mentally and emotionally, supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Reiki energy can help maintain health and wellbeing on all levels. It can heal physical illness and injury as well as problems on an emotional level. It also complements conventional therapies and can enhance their actions and lessen their side effects. Kevin Stevens is a Reiki Master Practitioner. He helps people at his practice, Heal and Sole Holistics in Castle Cary and is happy to arrange home visits for animals. Please visit the website www.healandsole.co.uk or telephone 01963 350639 for more information.
HIGHFIELD HOUSE Residential Care Home
MARTOCK
The Nags Head
Visit the Nags Head where you will find tasty homemade specials and delicious puddings. Pop in for lunch and enjoy a ‘Special’ from just £5.00 available Monday to Friday. A traditional Sunday Roast is great value from £7.25, with a choice of 4 meats. It’s Hallowe’en Party Weekend - 31st October - fancy dress is welcome. Turkey dinners will be served throughout December at £8.95. There’s a choice of PreChristmas Party Menus which are available for lunch or dinner, call in or phone for details.
Country Build SW Ltd
Located in the heart of Somerset, Country Build SW prides itself on providing exceptional workmanship and extensive experience coupled with a thorough understanding of the build process and restoration of properties located in the country. Whether it may be a full extension on a listed building, a new build, or restoring and maintaining existing properties, Country Build sympathetically
and professionally take you through the entire process from conception to completion. All work is fully insured and guaranteed so you can always be sure of peace of mind. No hidden extras.
Richard P. Kemp, B.A. Solicitor
The firm of Richard P. Kemp, B.A., Solicitor has been established in the pleasant country town of Martock since 1986. It is the successor to a continuous line of legal practitioners in the town for more than 160 years and it has been at its present premises for upwards of 50 years. It strives to deliver a high quality, efficient and friendly legal service to everyone at a reasonable price. All types of legal work, are undertaken - no problem is too small or too large. The loyal and helpful staff are always pleased to help clients, both old and new.
Petwood & Little Wings
Pet wood is on Nort h st reet Martock and has all you need for your family pet with a comprehensive range of leading
The Nags Head
East Street • Martock • Tel: 01935 823432 “MARTOCK’S HIDDEN GEM”
Find us just down the road from the Post Office — opposite Bearly House Delicious Home Cooked Food - Lunchtimes and Evenings
✴ TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROAST LUNCH from £7.25 ✴ ✴ OPEN ALL DAY Friday, Saturday & Sunday ✴ Open Monday – Thursday 12noon – 2.30pm and from 6pm
O
Christmas Dinners available throughout December Bookings Advised • Small Buffets • Guest Ales
O
FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION If you are considering a move into Residential Care ... Highfield House provides excellent care in a homely environment. Situated in the centre of Castle Cary we benefit from all the delights that Castle Cary has to offer within a short walk.
Our calibre of staff is second to none and we are here to cater for each and every individual person. Please feel free to contact us for any further information
Telephone: 01963 350697 Email: highfieldhouse@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.highfieldhousecastlecary.co.uk 18 THE VISITOR November 2015
With over 30 years of building experience — NO HIDDEN EXTRAS —
All works completed by our experienced and reliable team
Services Include but not limited to: Project Management ★ New Build Planning ★ Loft Conversions Carpentry ★ Roofing Ground Works ★ Refurbishment Renovation ★ Commercial Property Maintenance ★ Joinery
All aspects of Building & Maintenance All Insurance Works Undertaken
Contact us for a free estimate
(01935) 823346
www.countrybuild.co.uk • info@countrybuild.co.uk
MARTOCK – business focus
brands including James Wellbeloved, Royal Canin, Burns and much more. They have a super range of collars, leads, toys and health products. Pop in and treat your waggie-tailed friend to a super new toy. Little Wings is on the first floor of Petwood and if you are looking for a family pet or aviary bird this is a place not to be missed. Pop over to their Facebook page and see their excellent reviews. Louise has been breeding and handrearing birds for 20 years. This little shop has now been open a year and the reviews are amazing. Expert advice is on hand at Petwood and Little Wings which is open Monday to Friday 9.30am till 5pm and Saturday 9.30am till 4pm.
Drapes Direct
Drapes Direct Ltd. are a one stop shop for all your Curtains & Blinds! With literally hundred’s of fabrics to suit all budgets and tastes and new fabrics from the
latest collections coming in each season, we are bound to have something for everyone! We make beautiful made to measure curtains with a choice of headings, matching accessories a nd a ll t y p es of b lind s t oo, including Romans, Rollers, Verticals, Aluminium and Wood Venetians, Pleated Vision, Perfect Fit and conservatory blinds and sails! Markus has been in the trade for well over 20 years now so he’s able to give sound advice on those difficult spaces and you know you’ll always get guaranteed quality products and a professional fitting service! So for truly personal service, give Markus or Tracey a call to arrange a free measure visit, or pop in and visit them at their factory showroom at unit 2, Kelly’s Yard, Parrett Works TA12 6AE (next door to Castle Reclamation and across from Southfork Caravan site). The showroom is open to the public Mon-Thursday 9-3pm, Fridays 91.30pm and Saturdays 9-12noon!
Bower Hinton Farm Shop
Bower Hinton Farm has been owned and run by the Palmer family for over 160 years. The Farm Shop was opened by Duncan and Sally Palmer in April 2006. Duncan specialises in growing outdoor vegetables and salads
plus indoor strawberries. Produce is harvested daily to maintain freshness. The shop also offers a full range of local meats, dairy products, preserves, Lyme Bay wines, Perrys and Ham Hill cider, Yeovil ales, frozen pastries, fruit and ready meals, Somerset milk, Martock bread and much more.
Ellen by Cosi Chair, the perfect combination for style and attention to details. Available in a choice of fabrics this stylish riser/ recliner looks good alongside the matching 2 seater static sofa and foot stool. For further details visit A2B Mobility of Martock.
RICHARD P. KEMP B.A. Solicitor
Quality assured legal advice and services for private and corporate clients. Open Saturday Mornings
Tel: 01935 822572
31 North Street, Martock, Somerset TA12 6DH
PetWood
PET FOOD SUPPLIES For Dogs, Cats, Small Animals, Fish Aviary, Wild Birds & Poultry, Exotic Pets Toys, Hutches & Accessories Competitive Prices - Delivery Available
Little Wings Including ...
LICENSED PET SHOP Bird & Small Animal Specialists
01935 825868
Follow us on facebook Unit 5, North Street Great Western Road, Martock
Are you sitting comfortably? We have an excellent choice of ... Rise & Recline Chairs from £450 Static Fireside Chairs from £399 Choice of fabrics & styles Mobility Scooters
SALES SERVICE REPAIRS HIRE
Free Parking Outside
From Walking Sticks to Stairlifts ... we can help with your mobility
www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk
Units 1 & 2 Great Western Road, Martock 0800 731 7078 07902 661392
The Visitor CAN BE READ ONLINE
Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.00pm Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm Other times by appointment
SALES • SERVICE • REPAIRS • HIRE
THE VISITOR November 2015 19
MARTOCK – business focus Why not enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee and locally made cakes - whilst using the farm shop? Orders are now being taken for Christmas / veg boxes – just fill out your requirements drop it into the shop and it will be put up and ready for collection on your chosen date.
The Rose & Crown
Martock Gallery are delighted to launch a new limited edition print 'On Reflection' by local aviation artist Chris Shaw. The print is an edition of 298 and is available framed at £120 or mounted and wrapped at £70. Chris was commissioned by Commando Helicopter Force, Yeovilton to paint a picture to celebrate the first anniversary of CHF upgrading from the Sea King to the Merlin. The picture depicts the Merlin with the Sea King reflected in the water. The original painting was presented to 846 Squadron, where it will reside for future generations to appreciate.
Visit The Rose & Crown in Bower Hinton where you will find a traditional village pub, open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 noon to close. They offer delicious traditional home-cooked food with Bar Meals available from £6.00, plus light bites including Baguettes and Jacket Potatoes are also available. Every Friday is their popular Fish ‘n’ Chip night served 5pm – 8pm for £6.00. Plus keep an eye open for their regular Curry night for £7.50. Regular entertainment includes a popular fortnightly Friday evening Quiz plus regular Live Music, details can be found at www.therosiebowerhinton.co.uk
Prints ★ Paintings ★ Bronzes ★ Mirrors ★ Framing Passport Photographs ★ Prints to Canvas
Martock Gallery Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00, Saturday 9.30 - 4.30
Water Street • Martock • Tel: (01935) 823254 • www.martockgallery.com
The Rose and Crown Bower Hinton, Martock 01935 822393
Open Tuesday to Sunday – All Day from 12pm
Home Cooked FOOD available from £6 + Baguettes & Jacket Potatoes FISH ‘n’ CHIP Friday served 5pm – 8pm, £6
Fortnightly Friday QUIZ Regular LIVE MUSIC Come and watch all the sporting action on our Large TV Screen with Surround Sound
FREEHOUSE
East Street, Martock • 01935 822005
WHAT A CRACKER ... for every party of 12 or more, one Christmas Cracker will hold a £5 Drink Voucher a good way to start the party!
CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU
2 Courses £15.95 • 3 Courses £19.50 Supplement £1.50 for coffee & mince pie
Roasted carrot & fennel soup with herb croutons Duck & pork terrine with a cranberry, orange & pistachio compote and melba toasts Pear, walnut, mushroom & blue cheese salad with garlic croutons and a balsamic dressing Smoked salmon, crab and avocado timbale, dressed leaves and crostini *********** Christmas turkey, piggy-back sausages, sage and apricot stuffing, cranberry sauce
Beef & Guinness casserole with herb dumplings, honey roast vegetables, potato purée Pork loin steak with a cider, apple and mustard reduction
Fillet of plaice served on crushed potatoes with a lemon, dill and crayfish butter Roasted fennel, pine nut, garlic and spring onion polpettes with a balsamic infused tomato ragu All served with fresh seasonal vegetables and potatoes ************ Christmas pudding with brandy custard and red berry compote Warm apple & mincemeat lattice tart, Chantilly cream Amaretto and mocha crème brûlée with hazelnut brittle Individual winterberry pavlova with almond clotted cream
Bower Hinton Farm Shop - Martock • A full range of red meat, poultry, bacon, sausages etc. • Fruit & veg. • Dairy produce • Preserves and pickles • Bread and biscuits • Draught and bottled cider and wine • A fantastic range of frozen fruit & pastries ORDERS • Ice cream, homemade cakes & coffee shop TAKEN FOR CHRISTMAS OPEN: Monday - Saturday TURKEYS 10.00am - 5.00pm Just off the B3165 at the top of Bower Hinton
Tel: 01935 827743
20 THE VISITOR November 2015
The delicious French/English cuisine offered at The White Hart reflects the chefs’ care and imagination in cooking fresh local ingredients. From light snacks, to the £6.95 Bistro specials and the restaurant menu, the food is superb and the atmosphere always welcoming. Check the Christmas and New Year’s Eve menus. Coming soon is their popular Beaujolais Nouveau night on Thursday 19th November … so French and fun! The White Hart is in The Good Beer Guide and enjoys promoting local real ales. Definitely recommended for food lovers and those who like relaxing in a friendly village pub.
WHITE HART HOTEL
www.therosiebowerhinton.co.uk
DELICIOUS HOME GROWN VEGETABLES
The White Hart Hotel
Renowned for High Quality Fresh Food and Inventive Cuisine Peter and Isabelle Halkyard welcome you to the
‘Hurricane’ Running Hare Sculpture
£80
If you’re into live sport you can watch all the action on their two large screens showing both Sky and BT Sports. They also have a Skittle Alley, Pool Table and Dart Board. For buffets and functions please contact Tracy on 01935 822393.
Fine Stilton and Cheddar with biscuits and pickles
************ As always, our food is freshly prepared; if you have any allergies, please do not hesitate to contact us. To book small or large parties call us on 01935 822005
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
CHRISTMAS PARTY LUNCH MENU from £ 12.95 Beaujolais Nouveau Night Thursday 19th November Bistro Lunches £ 6.95 A La Carte and Specials Menus
www.whiteharthotelmartock.co.uk Like us on Facebook: Martock White Hart
THE VISITOR November 2015 21
H.R. Hodge
South Petherton
H.R. Hodge are dedicated to the wonderful world of entertainment. A local, independent authorised
REPAIR SERVICE
★ All makes of TV repaired ★ On the premises workshop
★ Loan TV whilst 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
Panasonic dealer they offer a full range of services including sales, installation, service, hire purchase, rental, maintenance and aerial installation. Their polite and patient team offer expert advice and will guide you through the purchase of your new equipment - and support continues long after it is installed. For more information - visit their website or call in to their shop in person.
of rugs and throws, to brighten up your home. The Indian cotton bedspreads too are proving very popular. If you are looking for Christmas gift ideas then there are plenty at One World - warm winter scarves made from lambs or alpaca wool, extra soft bamboo socks, stunning silver jewellery,
glass vases, fair trade baskets and more! The children’s toy department has a wonderful choice of children’s traditional and soft toys, including gifts for babies. There is always a good choice of stationery, cards for all occasions and diaries. Call in today and see for yourself.
One World
One World - such an interesting shop, with 6 showrooms over 2 floors stocked with beautiful and unique gifts from around the world - many fair trade. New in - a delightful selection
17 St James Street South Petherton Somerset TA13 5BS 01460 241166
22 THE VISITOR November 2015
This stylish kitchen is handcrafted by Eternal Kitchens of South Petherton who specialize in bespoke kitchens of quality - why not visit their new showrooms and discuss your personal requirements.
Cards for Good Causes,
Charity Christmas Card Shop Pops up in Yeovil. Cards for Good Causes, the UK’s largest multicharity Christmas card organisation, has opened its pop-
up shop just inside the door of St. John’s Church,Yeovil. Staffed by volunteers,it sells Christmas Cards & Gifts for more than 35 national and local charities including St. Margaret’s Hospice
November a time for remembrance: this beautiful poppy jewellery collection is perfect anytime of the year. Now available from Ward & Sibley of Yeovil. Prices start from around £16.
and Clic Sargent. The Christmas Cards are an important source of funding for charities,and help to raise awareness of their work. You can choose from an array of charity cards and Christmas essentials, including wrapping paper, tags and stocking fillers. In the past five years, charities received more than £20 million from Cards for Good Causes representing at least 70p in every pound out of which charities had to pay for the production and distribution of their Cards and any VAT. See advert for details
Crossroads Pet Supplies
Bird feeders make a very acceptable Christmas gift that gives hours of pleasure whilst also feeding our feathered friends though the winter. At Crossroads there is a selection of feeders plus an extensive range of bird seeds and food to suit all birds. Filled to overflowing with pet requisites from toys and accessories, hutches and beds, feeds and bedding - whether your family pet has four legs or 2 feathered or furred they can supply your requirements. Free parking outside the door. Located on the Yeovil to Sherborne Causeway.
Commemorative 50th Anniversary Cider Bottle, holds approximately 1.5 litres, £60. Call to order: 01458 250324.
Add a little sparkle this Christmas ...
BRITISH MADE
WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil
THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065 Car Park at Rear for customers while visiting the shop
THE VISITOR November 2015 23
This beautiful pastel pet portrait is just a sample of the stunning work by Carole-Anne Adlington. Pet portraits make a wonderful gift give Carole-Anne a call today and arrange for your pet to be captured in pastels.
ANIMAL PORTRAITS
A pastel drawing of your pet - a timeless gift Contact C. A. Adlington
01749 813524 pasteldogportraits.co.uk
Why not get creative this Christmas and make your own cards, decorations and gifts! There are plenty of ideas at Hanson’s - plus free patterns. Rag wreaths, robin garlands, decoupage cards, knitted hedgehogs, creative gift wrapping, pretty aprons ... and so much more. All you need under one roof at Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts - do call in.
Scenes
Scenes of Gillingham have an extensive range of artists materials to suit the amateur and the professional artist. There are plenty of gift ideas for Christmas too including painting sets, books and prints. Scenes offer an expert on the premises framing service with an extensive range of mouldings and mounts to choose from. Craft items are always in stock, including balsa wood. Why not make your own Christmas cards this year - Scenes stock all your card making requirements.
AN IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFT ...
Artist Materials • Tuition Books • Accessories Extensive Range of Prints, framed & unframed, wide choice of topics On-the-premises Framing Service
High Street, Gillingham Tel / Fax 01747 824050
email: scenesol@aol.com • www.scenes-online.co.uk
A visit to Needful things is sure to inspire you this Christmas with gifts for all the family and the home!
Dog tired of high prices?
CROSSROADS PET SUPPLIES VISIT
SUPPLIERS OF
• Pet Foods • Bird & Pigeon Seeds • Full range of Toys, Hutches, Accessories
... 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 .
Needful Things For a Magical Christmas
Unusual Gifts Stunning Decorations
24 THE VISITOR November 2015
7 High Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7AN Tel: 01963 351352
Don't pass by - pop in! There is a wonderful selection of gift ideas for Christmas at Ward & Sibley Family Jewellers of Yeovil. There is free parking at the rear of the shop for customers.
GO-KARTS for ALL AGES!
Karts to suit 3+ years to adults 2 Year Guarantee ... prices from just £119
5 Year Guarantee
Sturdy metal construction Adjustable handlebars and seats Fun for all the family
BenJohnson
Ideal Christmas Gift SEE OUR RANGE
Ben Johnson, 17d Wincombe Business Park, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ Tel: 01747 851021 • www.benjohnsonmowers.com John Deere BFR-AF
Go Karts - fun for all the family!! Available from Ben Johnson of Shaftesbury
“Buzzy”
S A L E S – S E RV I C E – R E PA I R S
Keep your independence at home with
Make someone’s Christmas this year by setting them up with Careline in 2016
A truly unique gift for him ...
South Somerset Careline gives that little extra support to people who want to remain living at home independently for as long as possible while bringing peace of mind to their family and friends. Do you … Live alone or sometimes feel at risk? Have elderly, frail or infirm dependents? Worry about their safety in an emergency? Want to help them maintain their independence?
Careline provides help at the touch of a button, which can be worn as a pendant or on a wrist strap, and dials through to our team 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
We offer a free demonstration and if you are happy with it, our staff can fit the unit for you immediately. Contact us on 01935 479815 careline@southsomerset.gov.uk www.southsomerset.gov.uk/careline Initial connection / setup fee £32.70* Hire and monitoring £3.81 per week *waived if on certain benefits
Beautiful, handmade designer cufflinks which can be personalised with messages, dates, or images such as fingerprints to really make them individual to you
BRITISH MADE
WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil
THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065 Car Park at Rear for customers while visiting the shop
THE VISITOR November 2015 25
STREET Floorcrafts
Midwest the Stationers
Why not give a gift that is attractive and useful this Christmas? There is a wonderful range of pens and pen sets available at Midwest for leading makes such as Lamy.
Stationery, Cards and Gift Wrap
Office Equipment & Furniture
If you are looking for a new carpet or new flooring look no further than Floorcrafts of Street. A family run business with 29 years experience you can be sure of personal and friendly service plus an excellent choice - and all at sensible prices. The popular
Karndean flooring is available at Floorcrafts. This versatile flooring is hard wearing and is available in a wide range of designs to suit any room in the house. There is always a selection of rugs in stock to choose from including runners, modern and traditional styles and novelty childrens rugs.
Printer Inks and Toners Competitive Prices
FREE Local Delivery
Diaries and calendars are always a useful gift too. For those who have their office at home there is a wide range of stocking fillers such as staplers, coloured paper clips and quality stationery - should you require something larger, say a new office desk or chair, then browse through their extensive colour catalogue.
2016 DIARIES AND CALENDARS NOW IN STOCK
Stockists of Sheaffer, Parker, Lamy, Cross and Waterman Pens Call at our shop ...
21 Cheap Street, Sherborne Tel: 01935 814225 or visit our website ...
www.midwest-office.co.uk
BOOK REVIEW
Knight for a Day By Richard Graham. Sagesse Press. Paperback. ISBN: 978-0-9926301-0-2 Published on 22 October 2015 £5.99
AN ARTHURIAN ADVENTURE story for 8-11 year olds, set right in Visitorland’s own Camelot Country: home of the legendary King Arthur. Featuring evocative line illustrations by Lincoln Seligman and rooted with facts of dark-age life, the book is a very good vehicle for engaging children in the history (or should we say possible history?) of the Camelot
26 THE VISITOR November 2015
area, and offers some interesting insights for adults too! Knight for a Day follows 11-year-old Henry from Sherborne, who on his eleventh birthday is summoned back in time to help Merlin rescue the kingdom from a fearsome threat. This leads to a magical adventure in the colourful but menacing world of the Knights of the Round Table. Henry's quest to recover a lost treasure will keep readers intrigued right to the end. The story features similar elements to the Horrible Histories series: As well as being a great yarn for children, Author Richard Graham is also trying to give children some real history, and show what life in Iron Age Britain was really like. “History has always been a real fascination of mine,” says Richard, “and I wanted to pass some of that on, combining it with a story that children have loved for centuries.” There is a also a taste of Roald Dahl’s relish for the whiffy and grotesque! So whether or not Cadbury was Camelot, its inhabitants might well have lived as Knight for a Day shows them.
BRIGHT’S
Bright’s of Street for all your watch and clock repairs. Bright’s also buy and sell coins and collectables plus DVDs and CDs.
Watch & Jewellery Workshop
Gold, Silver, Coins & Collectables Bought and Sold Jewellery Repairs Jewellery Alterations Jewellery Cleaning and Polishing Clock Repairs Watch Batteries £3 Watch Straps from £3.95 (Leather) Watch Repairs Watch Glass Replacement
Farm Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0BJ 07510 926304
Bedroom or Bathroom ... Lounge or Conservatory we have the flooring you require
Excellent Choice • Prompt Service Carpets • Vinyls • Laminates • Natural Flooring Good choice of Rugs
★ Karndean and Polyflor stockist ★ PLANNING – MEASURING – FITTING
A family run business established over 20 years. Proprietors: Janet & Ken Burgess
Free Parking outside the door
4 Bayliss Centre, High Street, STREET Telephone : 01458 447950
STREET Jaywalk Guitars
Jaywalk Guitars is Somerset's premier guitar shop. With well over 300 guitars of all types in stock, they offer quality products to suit beginners all the way up to professionals. A fantastic range including Fender, Martin, Gretsch, Tanglewood, Blackstar, Sigma and many more top brands attracts people from across the county and beyond. The shop on the High Street in Street also stocks amplifiers, pickups,
accessories, a good selection of ukuleles and also includes a demo room to try out instruments. All this backed up by expert knowledge and advice from gigging musicians makes Jaywalk Guitars the go to destination for all your guitar needs.
main High street they have free car parking right outside the front door. They stock a comprehensive range of scooters, rise and recline chairs and beds, walking sticks and other mobility aids such as grab rails. If you are
looking for a mobility scooter why not call in, they will be happy to advise on the best scooter to suit your personal needs. They are also members of Motability. A repair and servicing service is available.
Mendip Mobility
Mendip Mobility of Street is a family run business. Conveniently situated in the
Street offers a wealth of independent traders in the High Street.
“Great gear to be getting on with”
We have a comprehensive range of ...
Rise and Recline Chairs & Beds
Scooters & Wheelchairs for Sale & Hire Everyday Living Aids Bath Lifts
PACKAGES AVAILABLE
Call in to our showrooms where our knowledgeable & helpful staff will be pleased to advise!
146 High Street, STREET, BA16 0ER 01458 448355 20 Westway, FROME, BA11 1BS 01373 464373 www.mendipmobility.co.uk
THE VISITOR November 2015 27
STREET Achieve your potential at Strode College – Mendip and South Somerset’s only Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ sixth form
New from Curvy Kate "Tease" in cranberry with champagne trim sizes D – J Cup. Available from Oomph and Lift of Street.
Young people who are in their final year of school should now be thinking about what and where to study after their GCSEs. Making the right choice is important as this will help to shape their future success. They can be confident that, if they choose to progress to Strode College in Street to study A Levels, a vocational course or an Apprenticeship, they will thrive, reach their full potential and go
Beautiful Lingerie ... STOCKIST OF
Panache: 28 – 46, D – K ‘Sculptresse’ Range: 36 – 46, D – K also Sports Bras Charnos: 30 – 38, A – H Curvy Kate: 28 – 40, DD – K 42 – 44, D – G PROFESSIONAL FITTING SERVICE HOSIERY * SWIMWEAR Lepel: 30 – 38, A – G Celebrating our 4th Birthday Tutti R uge Now In Royce Non-wired Bras * Girls First Bras Mastectomy Bras * Nursing Bras Miraclesuits: 10lbs lighter in 10 seconds and
Lingerie
Vestry Court, Vestry Road, STREET
01458 898952 • Turn by William Hill - opposite Living Homes
28 THE VISITOR November 2015
on to achieve their university and career ambitions. Strode was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2014 and the college is consistently in the top 3% of schools and colleges nationally for student progress - students gain higher grades than predicted based on their GCSE results (ALPS). Strode students achieve excellent results and they are 16% more likely than the national average to gain a place at university, while many others progress into employment, self-employment and Apprenticeships. Strode College specialises in sixth form education for 16-18 year olds, with specialist
Step back in time ... with a visit to the Clarks Shoe Museum.
teaching, resources, facilities and social opportunities. With so many courses available, school leavers can find the right course and mix of subjects to suit their future ambitions. Strode also offers quality and affordable university-level courses, including Degree, Foundation Degrees, HNDs, HNCs and higher professional qualifications, as well as hundreds of part-time courses for adults. Find out more at the Strode College Open Evening, Tuesday 17 November, 6.00pm-8.30pm. Register online at: www.strodecollege.ac.uk or call 01458 844400.
A glimpse of Glastonbury business over from his father and he now has been joined by sonin-law Sam who is now fully qualified. They offer a comprehensive range of services – their core business is tree care from felling and pruning through to hedges and shrub care. They undertake both domestic and commercial projects. They are fully insured and all work is guaranteed – they are also licensed to remove the waste. In addition to tree work they offer a full landscaping service including turf laying, driveways, patios etc. also property maintenance such as gutter clearance and patio cleaning. Whether you want your hedges regularly trimmed, or a dangerous tree felled, give them a call. They offer a free no obligation quote and a 24 hour
call out. Making your trees and garden a pleasure not a problem.
The historic Market Cross.
Edward Howells Associates Limited - Chartered Certified Accountants
Edward Howells Associates are based in Glastonbury but deal with clients in the surrounding areas of Street, Wells and further afield. They deal with a wide range of business types, from small tax repayment claims to the preparation and audit of accounts for groups of companies. Their core business is dealing with family businesses, whether they operate as a sole trader, partnership or limited company. They deal with basic compliance work of account preparations, tax, VAT returns and payroll, plus general business and tax planning matters. Do give them a call if you would like an informal, no obligation chat.
Glastonbury Post Office
Glastonbury Post Office is run by Gerald Cross together with one of his two sons and five other members of staff. Having run this busy Post Office for over thirteen years Gerald and his 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 parcels and cards off in plenty of time.
G.M. Ayres
G.M. Ayres if a family run business established over 25 y ea rs. Ga ry A y re s t o ok t he
Offices at: Glastonbury, Castle Cary, Shepton Mallet and Cheddar
11 Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8DL Tel: 01458 832510 • Fax: 01458 832202 Email: mail@bgwglastonbury.co.uk • www.bgw.uk.com
STATIONERY • ACCOUNTS • STAMPS
Glastonbury offers a diverse range of shops and businesses.
GLASTONBURY POST OFFICE AND CLASS CARDS 35 High Street Glastonbury BA6 9HG
Telephone 01458 831536
MONEYGRAMS • BUDGET CARDS
T E L E P H O N E • G A S • E L E C T R I C I T Y • W AT E R • G I R O T R A N S A C T I O N S
GREETINGS CARDS • HOLIDAY INSURANCE • FOREIGN CURRENCY • PENSION PAYMENTS
G.M. AYRES
Tree Care & Garden Services A family business with over 25 years experience
Tree Services: Trees Felled, Trimmed, Shaped & Pruned Fruit Trees Pruned, Hedges Trimmed, Boxed & Shaped Shrubs Pruned and Shaped Free Written No Obligation Quotation • Fully Insured Work Guaranteed • Licensed Waste Removal Landscaping – Property Maintenance
FREEPHONE: 0800 0837152 Direct Line: 07789 326349 Email: garyayres653@gmail.com
Edward Howells Associates Limited
CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS Registered Auditors * Preparation of Accounts Personal & Corporate Taxation * VAT & Payroll Business & Limited Company Set-Ups Business Planning & Advice Registered Office: 20a High Street, Glastonbury Somerset BA6 9DU Tel: 01458 831700 * Fax: 01458 831189 Email: accounts@edwardhowells.co.uk
THE VISITOR November 2015 29
Shepton Mallet
OVER THE YEARS high streets in towns up and down the UK have suffered from the introduction of out-of-town supermarkets enticing customers away from the centre with their choice and ease of parking. Although the Shepton Mallet high street is not what it once was, many people see the benefits of having and using a good selection of high street shops. This historic town also has the added benefit of a popular Friday Market, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Acupuncture @ Hidden Treasures
Hidden Treasures Shop & Healing Room was set up by Lin Veale in order that everyone in the community could easily access holistic therapies. Lin has provided “the healing room” within her shop as a positive environment for a range of holistic practitioners to work in. Amongst the therapies offered are - Acupuncture, Bowen, Reiki, Emmett, and Tarot card readings. The shop offers a wonderful choice of quality 2nd hand clothing for men, women and children – together with a new range of attractive gifts and cards. A loyalty scheme has been set up – by donating good quality items to the shop you can receive stamps on your loyalty card – when full the card can be exchanged for a therapy of your choice. Do call in and see for yourself. Booking are now being taken
Stylish furniture for your conservatory at Kinver Cane - Shepton Mallet.
for Acupuncture Day 14th Nov. Visit wwwthehealingroom athiddentreasures.co.uk
Ridgeway Garage
If you are looking for a reliable secondhand car then pop along to Ridgeway Garage, situated on the Ridgeway Estate to the south of the town near Mendip District Council, in Kingsland Road. A family run business established for over 40 years you can be sure of helpful and professional service. All cars come with a new MOT, a Service, Cam Belt replacement if required and a warranty. Part exchange is welcome, finance is available if required and credit cards are also taken. Should you
ACUPUNCTURE DAY SPECIAL PRICES £10 OFF (normal price £40)
Saturday 14th November 10am – 4pm To book your appointment ... 07793 405144 Hidden Treasures Shop & Holistic Therapies 5 Commercial Road, SHEPTON MALLET, BA4 5BU www.thehealingroomathiddentreasures.co.uk
be looking for a particular make/model of car they will be happy to try and source it for you.
Visit www.ridgeway-garage.com or give them a call. Stock changes regularly.
Markets are held here every Friday with a host of good stalls. Support your local market.
RIDGEWAY GARAGE Family run business - established over 40 Years
For quality used cars at affordable prices - PART EXCHANGE WELCOME -
CLEAN CARS BOUGHT FOR CASH - LICENSED CREDIT BROKER
Kingsland Road, SHEPTON MALLET • Tel: 01749 342938 www.ridgeway-garage.com
KINVER CANE FURNITURE
Good Quality Cane Furniture & Replacement Cushions — in store at — Haskins Furniture Shepton Mallet 01749 342838
30 THE VISITOR November 2015
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HIGH STREET
Shepton Mallet
symptoms and injuries that we pick-up. It is so simple. I am still baffled that what I do is considered by some as “alternative” yet seeking health through prescription is “normal”. Bear in mind though, I think organic food should be labeled “normal” and food sprayed with chemicals should have these listed as ingredients. I also think aches and pains are health signals that should be dealt with. Why don’t you come to one of my free workshops to find out how my understanding of Chiropractic can benefit you. Get in touch on 01749 938140. Ben Gait DC MChiro BSc. Mendip Chiropractic.
REGISTERED OSTEOPATH
TREVENEN PASCOE
BSc. (Hons.) Ost. Med. ND. BUPA & PPP Recognised Cranial & Structural Osteopathy Sarah Connock will be pleased to help you at The Pet Place on the Fosse Lane Industrial Estate who can supply all your pet needs big or small - from a hamster to a horse. Free Parking outside the door and a carry to your car service. A family run business for over 18 years.
Anna Perra Fashion
Ladies if you wish to discover your New You, and leave behind the same old run of the mill fashion – visit Anna Perra Fashion of Shepton Mallet for a unique style that will inspire! Here you will find unique and quirky, but easy to wear fashion, that will flatter - and at a sensible price with sizes to fit a real woman! You can make the most of your wardrobe as Anna is always pleased to offer a complimentary personal styling at her Boutique should you wish. Please dare to ask!
To complete your outfit there is a selection of Footwear & Handbags by Designer – plus scarves, bags and costume jewellery. See the latest Anna Perra Fashion Autumn / Winter 2015 collection. Call in today.
Mendip Chiropractic
Pain or not, when did you last get your nervous system checked? The chances are you have a problem linked to your nervous system that can easily be detected by me, demonstrated to you and then simply dealt with. These glitches usually lie behind the
42 High Street SHEPTON MALLET Somerset BA4 5AS 01749 342594
THE PET PLACE A family run business for over 18 years From Hamsters to Horses! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Stockist of ... Burns, Natures Way, Canagan, etc Pets Beds – Toys – Hutches – Bedding Animal Feeds (small or bulk purchases) Horses Sheep Pigs Poultry Dogs Cats Rabbits Birds Extensive range of Wild Bird Food at sensible prices
FREE PARKING OUTSIDE THE DOOR
Monday – Friday 9am – 5.30pm, Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 2pm
Unit 6, Fosse Lane Industrial Estate, Fosse Lane SHEPTON MALLET • BA4 4PN Tel: 01749 345863 / 343450
WHY Chiropractic?
Because you deserve to thrive and live life to the full, not just to ‘get by’! BE AT YOUR BEST.
WHAT will it help?
Through careful treatment it improves the function of your skeleton and nervous system. AND ENABLES YOUR BODY TO PERFORM BETTER.
WHO is it for?
For YOU and EVERYONE! Be happy – Don’t suffer – Join in Don’t hold back – Avoid damage – Keep going
DISCOUNT WITH THIS ADVERT DURING NOVEMBER 24 High Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AN Telephone 01749 988046
THE VISITOR November 2015 31
Shepton Mallet
Moggs of Wells (Enginering) Ltd.
Suttons Stairlifts & Mobility have a new showroom open in Shepton Mallet. As dealers for Handicare stair lifts, Sherborne recliners, Freerider scooters and stockists of a wide range of daily living aids, they are worth a visit! With competitive prices and first class service feel free to drop in and discuss your present or future mobility needs with their friendly team over a cup of tea. 01749 346900 or 0800 9995432 www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk Unit AB8a Anglo, Trading Estate, Commercial Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BY.
Units AB8a, Anglo Trading Estate, Commercial Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BY
Shepton Classic Stone
Shepton Classic Stone has gone from being a local business selling to local customers, to a business selling to customers from all over the UK. Due to the increasing number of people using the internet, and the Shepton Classic Stone website, the majority of their customers now come from outside Somerset, many from London and the south east. They do of course, value all of their many customers, whether they are from London or closer to home and one of the reasons that customers will travel many miles to buy their stone products is because there are now less companies making dry-cast garden stoneware, and certainly not at their prices! To see their many decorative stone garden products visit www.shepton classic stone.com
We offer genuine, impartial and enthusiastic advice about a wide range of garden machinery from several manufacturers, so that you can make the right choice for your particular needs. We believe we stock some of the best quality machines available which will give you reliable and faithful service for many years. All new machines are fully assembled by ourselves, including petrol and oil, and are properly tested before they leave our workshop. We can deliver your new machine if required, and give you a full explanation of the controls, and how to get the best out of your new purchase. Our fully equipped workshop can service your machine, carry out repairs, and perform any warranty work required, so you may rest assured that when you walk out of our showroom, you walk into our care. Workshop … It is our prime objective to keep your garden machinery properly serviced so that it is a pleasure to use and will work to the best of its ability. Our workshop is filled with an array of tools and specialist equipment to keep your machine in top condition. We have direct access to manufacturers’ Service & Parts Manuals, Service Bulletins and all the latest technical information – in addition, we regularly attend various Service Courses and Dealer Days to ensure that we know the best ways to service and repair your machinery. Unless out of production, we always use genuine parts – quality without question.
Garden Fence Maintenance
GF M
Established 31 Years
All Kinds of Fence Erections Patios & Decking Landscaping Stone Walls Gates
Tel: 01749 880206
24 Hours
Doulting, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4QE mike.panico@btinternet.com 32 THE VISITOR November 2015
Garden Machinery SALES SERVICE REPAIRS
Unit 2, Beardly Batch Depot, Cannards Grave, SHEPTON MALLET, BA4 4NB Tel: 01749 343881 • www.moggsofwells.com
End of Season Garden Machinery Sale Autumn 2015
MOWERS ... Cub Cadet CC46SPBCV 18” self-propelled rotary mower, 190cc Briggs & Stratton electric start engine, variable drive speed, grass collection or mulching, 3 year warranty £499 Hayter Harrier 41 16” roller drive rotary mower, 190cc Briggs& Stratton electric start engine, variable drive speed, cast alloy chassis, grassbag, 5 year warranty £599 Hayter Spirit 41 16” mains electric rotary mower 1500w motor, grassbag, rear roller, 3 year warranty £240 Toro HoverPro 500 20” hover mower, 160cc Honda engine, 2 year warranty £450
OTHERS ... Viking GE250 2200w mains electric chipper / shredder Bosch AKE35S 14” mains electric chainsaw MTD GCS50/45 18” petrol chainsaw, 50cc 2-stroke engine Lawnflite LS2000 Duo 7 ton 2000w double action mains electric log splitter Toro 51594 Ultrablower / Vac 1450w mains electric vacuum shredder / blower Loncin 1.6kw / 50hz inverter generator with UK 3-pin socket for 230v AC and 2-pin socket 12v DC
£350 £90
£165 £375
£99
£599
Don’t leave it until the Spring and find it doesn’t work! Instead, take advantage of our 10% DISCOUNT on winter servicing and book your machine(s) into our workshop now!
As always, Nigel and Helen will be pleased to attend to your needs, we can collect and deliver the larger machines, and you will receive a 10% discount off the total cost. Personal callers are most welcome to look round our showroom at a selection of quality new machines too. If you want a particular machine not on show, we can usually obtain it for you.
To book, please return the coupon below, or contact us via our website. We look forward to hearing from you.
Your Name ...............................................................
Your Machine(s) .......................................................
..................................................................................
..................................................................................
Address ....................................................................
..................................................................................
..................................................................................
................................................................................ Postcode ............................................................. Collection Required (Yes / No) ................
THE VISITOR November 2015 33
VINTAGE Motor Cycling
WHEN YOU ARE OUT and about on the road you may happen to see a silly old geezer riding an old motorcycle and with a stupid grin upon his face. If you do see him then give the old fool a hearty wave because that old fool will probably be me. I am now back riding after an enforced break of nine months whilst a hand injury has been sorted. I cannot tell you how good it is to be back on two wheels. When you are prevented from taking part in this hobby of ours you certainly miss it, so enjoy it whilst you can. The Westlands Classic Motorcycle Club annually hold a special evening to raise funds for the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance. This year that evening will be on Saturday 21st November at The GateWay, Addlewell Lane, Yeovil. Starting at 8pm the guest speaker will be Steve Parrish. He was of course a first class International road racing star but is now engaged as a TV commentator. A man of great wit and with a thousand stories to tell, this will be an evening of super entertainment. Tickets are available from various places in Yeovil, Taunton and Dorchester, and the event will be well publicised. If you need more information look on the clubs website or give me a ring on the number given below. As the evenings draw in, the number of events is decreasing as winter approaches. The Somerset Section will be holding the Guy Fawkes Run on the 1st November. They start at the Cheddar Garden Centre slightly earlier than usual, 10am for 10.30am away. Their club night on the 5th, at Cossington, will be a guest speaker. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section also has a guest speaker for their club
MOTOR ING
Fellow biking enthusiasts from far and wide met in Cornwall recently.
night on the 9th. The talk is called 'A Very British Rocket' and will be about the Skylark Project. The Dorset Section start the month with their Lunch Meet at West Stour on the 4th and next they will likewise have a guest speaker at the club night at Pulham on the 11th. The 15th will see the next Winter Run starting from the Orchard Park Garden Centre at Gillingham. Lastly will be the Breakfast Meet back at West Stour on the 28th. Still enough going on for everyone to take their chance and get out and use those old machines. More information is available on 01935 872528. In recent weeks there have been major autojumbles at Netley Marsh, Beaulieu and at Shepton Mallet. It has been noted that attendances at all three have been down on what should be the norm. There are several possible reasons. The first being that all three events have been brought forward a week for varying reasons, which may have had an effect. I then ask if people are growing tired of this type of event? Are stallholders being too greedy and asking far too high a price
for their goods? Are people weary of searching through rusty metal bits when many items can be bought on-line and delivered to the doorstep? There is a growing interest in bikes and cars which are brought to the market in working order but left in a scuffy and unrestored state. These vehicles are now demanding prices equivalent to the vehicles beautifully restored and shiny. I expect the real reason is a mixture of all the ideas mentioned above, but the best reason for your continued support is that these autojumbles are always a very social day out. Meeting friends and associates and talking of our joint interests is a thing difficult to put a price on, but I would still attend for the social event alone even if I needed no spares for my machines. It is the time of year when many Sections of our club, and many other clubs for that matter, will be having the dreaded Annual General Meeting. Many will be planning next years events and coercing 'volunteers' to step up and take responsibility to help organise these things. Just pause for a moment and consider what help you could give. If you are dissatisfied with your clubs
activities or the riding events they provide then now is the time to stand up and be counted. The Vintage MCC has been going through major administrative changes and much rumpus has resulted. It is often true that the biggest moaners are often those people who do least for their club. Do not let yourself become labelled as one of the moaners unless you are prepared to do something about it yourself. To end on a positive note this hobby of old vehicles is certainly good for you. It keeps the grey cells working as you think about the next problem to overcome. It keeps you physically active as you work to keep it on the road, and the general wellbeing generated with club life and friendships certainly beats cogitating and sitting in a chair all day. To illustrate my point just look at my photograph this month. It depicts a scene taken recently in Cornwall. There are people from Sheffield, Wales and Holland all united and looking at an old tin mine in the depths of Bodmin Moor. They are just having fun and enjoying each others company. Do you fancy a slice of this action yourself? Rod Hann.
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. 34 THE VISITOR November 2015
G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414
Calling all James Bond fans!
JAMES BOND’S Aston Martin DB10 comes to the capital! 007's bespoke Aston Martin DB10 to feature at the Regent Street Motor Show. Just a few days after the premiere of Spectre, James Bond’s latest car – the unique Aston Martin DB10, will be one of the attractions of the annual free-toview Regent Street Motor Show (Saturday, 31 October). Created specially for the movie, the hand-built DB10 is the latest in a long line of Aston Martins to have been driven by UK’s favourite secret agent. Bond’s first Aston was the famous DB5 from Goldfinger in 1964. As well as the DB10, Aston Martin will also be displaying a number of cars from its current model range including the latest DB9 GT, limited edition Vantage GT12 and a four-door Rapide S.
MOTOR ING The unique James Bond Aston Martin DB10 as featured in ‘Spectre’.
The Regent Street Motor Show is just one element in the Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week, seven days when the capital honours cars. Enticing as many as 350,000 visitors last
year, London’s premier shopping street is closed to traffic for the day to allow cars from the past, present and future to be displayed for all to enjoy. The Regent Street Motor Show
James Bond’s first Aston Martin was the famous DB5 as featured in ‘Goldfinger’ in 1964.
Mercedes Specialist
attracts not just petrol-heads but also tourists and people shopping early for Christmas. The Show’s centrepiece will be a display of more than 100 veteran cars all taking part in the prestigious EFG International Concours d’Elegance. Many owners and their passengers will be in period costume, preparing themselves for the famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which sets off from nearby Hyde Park early the following morning (Sunday, 1 November). The veterans will be rubbing shoulders with classic cars, bikes, new cars and futuristic ‘low or no’ emission electric and hybrid vehicles. The latter display is backed by two organisations helping to shape our motoring future – Go Ultra Low and Transport for London (TfL). The Regent Street Motor Show takes place from 10:30 until 16:00 on Saturday 31 October.
MOT Classes 1, 2, 4, and 7 available
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THE VISITOR November 2015 35
Christmas Concert
Leisure & Travel
On Saturday 28th November, the Somerset Singers Christmas Concert will be George Frederick Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus at St Cuthbert's Church in Wells at 7.30pm. The Somerset Singers will be conducted by their Musical Director Jonathan Vaughan with the Lochrian Ensemble (Leader Catherine Black) and Soloists – Siona Stockel (Soprano), Rachael Cox (Mezzo-Soprano), Ruari Bowen (Tenor), Craig Bissex (Bass). Tickets priced £12 will be available in advance from Wells Tourist Information Centre and on 01934 842353. Tickets priced
November Notice Board GILLINGHAM / MERE
Watercolour Club, Watercolour Practice and Creative Gifts with tutor Laura Jolliffe in Gillingham and Mere. 6 week courses start first week of November. To book your place go to: www.laura -jolliffe.co.uk
HENSTRIDGE
Blackmore Vale U3A, No Knickers, a talk on Tudor Life, Tuesday 3rd November, 2.30pm Henstridge Village Hall. Members £1.50, visitors £2.50. Refreshments included.
ILCHESTER
Christmas Craft Fair, Saturday 28th November from 10am at the Town Hall. 18 stalls, raffle tombola, Father Christmas, and the Hospice choir. Bacon butties, hot soup and hot drinks available. In aid of St. Margaret’s Hospice, Yeovil.
KINGSDON
Everyone is welcome at Kingsdon’s Church Bazaar being held on Saturday November 7th between 11am and 1pm at Kingsdon Village Hall. Fun activities, stands and of course, Kingsdon’s famous bacon butties!
KINGSDON
The Schmoozenbergs - gypsy, swing and jazz band at Kingsdon
36 THE VISITOR November 2015
at £14 will be available on the door. Further information may be found on line at www. somersetsingers.co.uk
240340. Stall Holders: £12 per table, which must be paid for on booking. Free Entry.
Craft Fair
There will be a Craft Fair at The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton on Saturday 7th November from 9.30am until 12.30pm. Enjoy a relaxing morning wandering around the delights of craft producers. Find 'one of a kind' art work, great for that special Christmas present, or a treat for yourself. To book a table call the box office on 01460 Village Hall 21st November, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 adults, £8 children from 01935 840912 / 842058, also available from Kingsdon Village Shop. Bring your own drinks and nibbles.
MARTOCK
Thursday 19th November, Martock Church 7.30pm. 4th visit of City Steam New Orleans Jazz Band from Exeter playing popular melodies and jazz favourites from 50 - 120yrs ago. Tickets £7 on door, £6 from 01935 822706.
WHITELACKINGTON
Annual Christmas Fayre, Saturday 14th November, 10am - 2pm at Whitelackington Village Hall (TA19 9EF). Entry 50p. Over 25 stalls selling a wide variety of homemade, new and craft items all suitable as Christmas gifts. All proceeds to the hall restoration fund.
YEOVIL
Civic Players Yeovil presents F a w l t y T o w e r s – “Communication Problems”, “The Wedding Party” and “The Germans” 24th – 28th November at Swan Theatre, Yeovil £9 and £8 (two for £15 Tuesday) www.civicplayersyeovil.com 01935 421772.
ADVERTISE YOUR DECEMBER 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. Extra words 30p each. Deadline for December issue, Friday 13th November.
Win FREE TICKETS to The South-West Homebuilding & Renovating Show at The Bath & West Showground, Somerset, 21-22 November 2015
Returning to provide advice and guidance, the flagship event will offer visitors the opportunity to interact with like-minded people on a similar mission. They will also be able to meet with over 140 exhibitors who will provide them with tips, tricks of the trade and a wide range of products and services to suit all tastes and budgets.
LEARN SPANISH with a native speaker in YEOVIL
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Over the course of the two days, visitors who need guidance on building a home from scratch or advice on how to progress with an existing renovation or extension project, will have the opportunity to interact with likeminded people on a similar mission. They will also be able to meet with over 140 exhibitors who will provide them with tips, tricks of the trade and a wide range of products and services to suit all tastes and budgets. Help will be at hand for queries about heating; doors & windows; bathrooms; kitchens; flooring; lighting and much more. For the first time at the exhibition, Farrow & Ball, a renowned international company that manufactures and distributes high quality paints and wallpapers, will be joining the event to showcase a colour palette of 132 shades, which has been produced using age-old methods. Based in Dorset, the business’ creative inspiration is derived from the history, nature and beautiful British landscape. The company’s experts will help visitors choose from a wide range of interior and exterior finishes to balance colour schemes inside and outside their home. Exhibitors will also share their experiences on stage at the Masterclass Theatre, where popular topics including building regulations; insurance for home renovators, extenders and selfbuilders; underfloor heating and
MU IC M NTH O R S E O F TH
October 28th OPEN MIC’ NIGHT - Crown, Sherborne 30th TOM CLEMENCE - White Lion Inn, Bourton November 1st MITCHELL AND VINCENT - 3pm, Lord Nelson, Norton-sub-Hamdon 4th BLUES MUSIC - Crown, Sherborne 6th NOBODY’S BUSINESS - White Lion Inn, Bourton 6th B.B TIM - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 7th THE DEVIL’S PREFECT - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas 11th TRAD JAZZ - Crown, Sherborne 12th FOLK MUSIC - Crown, Sherborne 12th OPEN MIC’ NIGHT - Mildmay Arms, Queen Camel 13th OPEN MIC’ NIGHT - Crown, Sherborne 13th PACO READ - White Lion Inn, Bourton 13th NASTY HABITS - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 14th NO FIXED ABODE - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas 20th BARRY ‘ELVIS’ PAULL - Lord Nelson, Norton-sub-Hamdon 20th JASON LLOYD-BEVIS - White Lion Inn, Bourton 20th HELLS BELLS AC/DC TRIBUTE - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 21st GUY JOHNSON - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas 22nd THREE MEN IN A PUB - 3.30pm, Lord Nelson, Norton-sub-Hamdon 27th KINGS OF LOUNGE - White Lion Inn, Bourton 27th THE FAT MARROW BLUES BAND - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 28th RIP IT UP - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas AN ADVERT IN THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE MENTION HERE!
Leisure & Travel
renewable heating systems, to name just a few, will be debated and thoroughly explained. Regular columnists from Homebuilding & Renovating magazine will provide individual 15-minute consultations at the Ask the Experts zone. To ensure that visitors take advantage of all the features on offer to them at the show, consumers will be provided with an event planner to create a personalised map to help them plan their day. This will be available a week before the event on the show’s website. Standard tickets are £8 in advance or £12 on the door (children under 16 go free). For further information visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/ somerset or call the ticket hotline on 08448 740485 (calls cost 6p per minute plus network extras), alternatively you can enter our easy-to-enter competition to win a free pair of tickets!
COMPETITION
Q. In what county is The Royal Bath & West Showground?
Send your answer on a postcard to: FREE TICKET COMPETITION The Visitor, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG Or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Don’t forget to include your name and address on your entry. The first 5 correct entries drawn from the hat will win. Closing date: Friday 13th November.
BOOK REVIEW
A Year in the Saddle
365 stories from the world of cycle sport By Giles Belbin Illustrated by Daniel Seex Hardback • Aurum Press Published 1st October 2015 £20
So, you think you know your pop music, do you? By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 63
1. Which Beatle sings lead on 'Yellow Submarine'? 2. 'Love Grows (Where my Rosemary goes)' a one-hit wonder for whom? 3. Fleetwood Mac's 'Don't Stop' comes from which of their albums? 4. 'Fever' was a 2001 album from which female? 5. 'The Right Thing' comes from which successful long-running band right now? 6. 'It's Four in the Morning' was the biggest U.K. hit for country singer ... who? 7. Shirley Manson fronts which alternative-pop band? 8. 'The Long and Winding Road' appears on which Beatles album? 9. Sam Smith wrote the theme for the new Bond film 'Spectre'. Give the song title. 10. Lyric 'A man walks down the street, He says why am I soft in the middle now'? Bonus Question Name the year in which the answer for Q.2 hit number 1.
Question Impossible To whom does the male voice heard in the song 'Kissing With Confidence' by 'Will to Power', belong? Extra Bonus Question Who is the unaccredited female singer?
Great Quotes in Music (80) "Try to realize it's all within yourself no one else can make you change, and to see you're only very small and life flows on within you and without you" - George Harrison.
THE HISTORY of cycling is a fascinating mix of gripping sporting moments, inspired pursuits and a whole host of heroes, hellions and legends. A Year in the Saddle travels through the calendar year, each day telling a single cycling story: from the death of the great Fausto Coppi, to the dominance of Sir Chris Hoy on the velodrome track or the world championship win that would propel Marianne Vos to dominate the sport. It takes in the highest peaks of the Tour de France and the flats of Flanders, as well as celebrating the history of the bike itself. Cycling writer Giles Belbin brings together the most important, memorable and intriguing moments of this wide and varied history. With striking and beautiful illustrations by artist Daniel Seex, each inspired by the stories told, A Year in the Saddle is a sporting treasure trove of human virtue, vice and cycling trivia. Giles Belbin is a freelance writer with a focus on cycling. His work has been published in Procyling, Australia’s Ride Cycling Review, The Independent, Guardian Online and of course The Visitor, as I’m sure readers will remember. Giles reported on all of the cycling events at London 2012 for the Olympic News Service. His first cycling book Mountain Kings was published in 2013. For more information visit: www.aurumpress.co.uk THE VISITOR November 2015 37
COMPARE OUR PRICES!
LOOKING GOOD & Feeling Fine
Family Health with
Jenna Evans
Making The Most of Your Medicines - Part Ten
DURING the last few months, lots of you have been in contact with questions about the drugs and supplements you’re taking which is great! It clearly shows there is a need to take a closer look at what we take and why we’re taking it with many of you keen to look at alternatives to drug intervention or at the very least know what can be safely used alongside or to offset side effects. So for anybody who doesn’t already know I can be contacted at Ceres Natural Foods and run free mini-consultation instore on a regular basis - look
for contact details at the end end of the article if you would like to come and have a chat. In this last part of the series, we’ll be having a little recap of some key points to bear in mind when taking medicines - be they drug, herb or supplement. Medicines are powerful. Always follow the directions! There are good reasons why some things need to be taken on an empty stomach and others with meals, or at specific times of the day. Always ask questions - never think you’re wasting time or being difficult if you have a question about your medicines. It’s often a good idea before seeing your GP or specialist to write down a list of questions so you don’t forget anything during your appointment. It’s good to be informed and care about your health! Pharmacists can be a great resource for information too and can be very helpful when it comes to interactions between multiple drugs or with supplements and drugs.
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38 THE VISITOR November 2015
A warm and colourful accessory - available from Oxford Mills of Castle Cary.
LOOKING GOOD & Feeling Fine
from the body. This can be one of the reasons side effects occur and may be easily prevented by supplements and dietary tweaks. This could also eliminate the prescribing of a 2nd drug to treat the side effects of the 1st drug and a 3rd for the side effects of the 2nd and so on! Assess Your Current Needs - Every now and then it’s a good idea to think about what medicines you’re taking (be they drug, herb or nutrient) and ask yourself a few questions - Do I feel this is working for me? Do I know why I’m taking this? Do I feel this is still necessary? Is it plastering over a chronic problem that I would really like to look at getting to the bottom of now? Are there other nutritional / lifestyle solutions I would like to try? Then have a chat with a relevant health professional and see if it’s time to ring some changes. Well that’s all for this month, join me next month for more Family Health! Jenna Evans ©2015
Keep warm and look good in this attractive poncho from Lilly & Me just one of the new autumn lines now in at April’s of Castle Cary. Italian free size tops, easy to wear dresses and tunics plus accessories such as bags and scarves - do call in
Think of Switching - If you’re not getting on with a particular drug always discuss this with your GP, there could well be an alternative. You may also want to seek out alternatives to drug therapy full stop in which case pop into your local health food store who should be able to point you in the right direction of
Italian Fashion Tops Lily & Me Tunics & Dresses Layering Jumpers, Jackets, Jeggings, Leggings Classic Ladies Jumpers Socks – Tights – Slippers – Handbags Underwear – Snuggletops VINTAGE CARDS / CHRISTMAS CARDS
Scarves various prints ... Butterfly etc. April’s, e Black & White Shop 13 Fore Street, Castle Cary Somerset, BA7 7BG 01963 351626 Email: aedmills@btinternet.com
suitable remedies and therapies for most common complaints when choosing to stop any medicine however, always speak to your GP first. Drug Muggers - Many drugs can deplete a variety of nutrients
Jenna is an Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’. Jenna is also a multi-award winning Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil. To make an appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. Find Ceres on Facebook as ‘Ceres Natural Foods Ltd’. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting
a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.
November in Shaftesbury
During November Shaftesbury will be holding its Independent Retails and Business Shopping Month, an event organised by Shaftesbury & District Chamber of Commerce. Customers have a chance to win a grand first prize of £1000 by shopping in participating shops and businesses. When a customer visits a participating shop they will receive a stamp on their prize draw entry. Prize draw entries are available in all participating shops and businesses. Once they have collected 5 stamps from 5 different shops or businesses they hand in their entry. Customers can enter the competition as many times as they like. There is no minimum spend in any of the participating shops and businesses. The draw will be made on the Late Night Shopping Event on Friday 4th December. The idea of the competition is to encourage as many people as possible to shop in Shaftesbury and show them what a great range of shops and businesses there are whilst supporting the local economy. On the evening children from the local schools will be parading through the town centre with lanterns; there will be a craft fair and stalls; Father Christmas, of course, will be there for the children and the lights will be switched on by TV celebrity James May.
The Dress Circle Dress Agency
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All enquiries to
For large quantities collections can be arranged
GEnuInE CLEArAnCE Menswear & Formalwear Business relocating to ... 20 Bond Street, Yeovil Graham Baker: 01935 423257
THE VISITOR November 2015 39
LOOKING GOOD & Feeling Fine Add a touch of glamour to your wardrobe with this stylish tunic top from Joseph Ribkoff available from Parade Ladies Fashion of Langport (formerly Preview). Call in and see the exicting new autumn/winter ranges including Alpaca knitwear, Tina Taylor fashions and Blousey Brown handbags.
Occasion Wear / Mother of the Bride Outfits
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CLEARANCE SALE UP TO ... OFF
Leading Brands including Joseph Ribkoff Mascara Tina Taylor Libra Frank Lyman
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Ladies Fashion Shopping Parade LANGPORT 01458 252010
40 THE VISITOR November 2015
The stylish and flattering ‘Not Your Daughters Jeans’ - over 200 pairs in stock at Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie of Shaftesbury where the autumn fashion collections are now in, plus a wonderful selection of lingerie and Christmas gifts. Radley handbags arriving shortly.
The Visitor Guide to your local
Festive Venues And Menus
THE VISITOR November 2015 41
A firm favourite for great value family dining ... The
Walnut Tree Inn MERE “Good food - good wines - good times”
NESTLING on the outskirts of the beautiful town of Mere and under the same ownership since it opened its doors for the first time in 2006 The Walnut Tree remains a firm favourite for great value family dining in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Husband and wife team Mark and Samantha Cassidy have a simple ethos that has stood them in good stead with over 25 years experience in the catering industry. “We do the simple things well” says Mark. “We cater for people who want good quality, traditional, well sourced and prepared food in comfortable surroundings at very reasonable prices. We have a marvellous team of enthusiastic and friendly staff who are proud of what they do, and love to see satisfied customers returning.”
With a menu packed full of traditional favourites, including beer battered fish and chips, fishcakes, homemade burgers, succulent steaks and curries you’ll also find the likes of roasted rump of Somerset lamb, herb crusted salmon and slow cooked pork belly with cider gravy and crackling on the special’s board. The Walnut Tree is well known too for its’ gluten free offering with many of the main courses being available as gluten free if required. Vegetarians don’t miss out either as the kitchen has a regularly changing choice of delicious options on the blackboards. If it’s the children who dictate where the family goes to eat then rest assured the children’s menu at The Walnut Tree has more than enough choice to cater for the most “discerning” young diner. All the desserts are homemade by Samantha and the team with firm favourites such as chocolate fudge cake, sticky toffee pudding and brandy snap baskets making regular appearances as some of the regular favourites.
The culinary highlight of the week at The Walnut Tree has to be the Sunday Carvery which is well known throughout the three counties as one of the best around! With a choice of four slowly roasted meats sourced locally and at least eight different potato and vegetable choices along with giant homemade Yorkies, Sunday lunch really is a special treat that people keep coming back for week after week. Booking is essential for Sunday lunchtime but fear not as they serve all day long until 9pm! So next time you wonder where to visit for a spot of lunch, a well kept pint of ale or chilled glass of wine, a relaxing evening out, or one of the finest Sunday carveries you’re likely to encounter, you couldn’t do much better than a visit to The Walnut Tree Inn Mere.
Menus served from Tuesday 1st December until Wednesday 30th December
Festive Feast Menu
Served from 6pm On Friday and Saturday evenings the traditional Christmas dinner will be served from the carvery
START E RS Chef ’s homemade winter vegetable soup with crusty bread Smoked salmon and cream cheese roulade, dill dressing and toast Chef ’s homemade chicken liver and brandy pate Stilton and mushroom melt on baked crostini Rosemary breaded brie with cranberry and port sauce
MAI N COU RSE S Roast turkey and glazed gammon ham with traditional trimmings Slow braised boozy beef bourguingnon Roasted loin of honey glazed pork with an apple and cider sauce Salmon fillet with hollandaise sauce 28 day Somerset rib-eye steak with homemade chips (£5 supp) Roasted vegetable pasta pomodoro with garlic ciabatta Chef ’s cranberry and vegetable nut roast with glazed goat’s cheese DE SSE RTS Profiteroles with warm chocolate and butterscotch sauces Chocolate and raspberry brownies with ice cream Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Brandy snap basket with lemon sorbet and winter berries Bailey’s Irish cheesecake Selection of cheese, biscuits and chutney
2 courses and coffee £17.50 3 courses and coffee £22.50 Excludes Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day
Lighter Lunchtime Menu Served from 12pm until 4pm
START E RS Chef ’s homemade winter vegetable soup with crusty bread Chef ’s homemade chicken liver and brandy pate Whitebait with lemon and tartare sauce Breaded mushrooms with garlic mayonnaise Baked brie with cranberry sauce
MAI N COU RSE S Roast turkey with traditional trimmings Roasted loin of honey glazed pork with an apple and cider sauce Herb crusted cod fillet with tomato and basil sauce Roasted vegetable pasta pomodoro with garlic ciabatta Chef ’s cranberry and vegetable nut roast with glazed goat’s cheese DE SSE RT S Profiteroles with warm chocolate and butterscotch sauces Sticky toffee pudding with ice cream Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Bailey’s Irish cheesecake
2 courses and coffee £15 3 courses and coffee £20 Please note we can prepare nearly all dishes gluten free if required - just let us know when you book. If you require a Christmas Party outside of the dates above just ask and we’ll do our very best to accommodate you.
Shaftesbury Road, MERE, Wiltshire BA12 6BH 01747 861220 www.walnut-tree-inn.co.uk
42 THE VISITOR November 2015
ROYAL OAK
Chris & Jill welcome you to the ...
Over Stratton SOUTH PETHERTON
Christmas Fayre
A Charming Country Inn where dining out won’t break the bank
Broccoli and Stilton Soup finished with herb croutons Oriental Vegetable Spring Rolls with sweet chilli sauce Duck Liver and Orange Pâté served with toast and butter Whitebait served with tartare sauce
* * * * * * * * * Traditional Roast Turkey served with bacon, chipolata & stuffing Baked Salmon finished with lemon and tarragon sauce Minted Lamb and Mushroom Casserole Winter Vegetable Pie and Onion Gravy All served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes * * * * * * * * * Christmas Pudding and Brandy Sauce Apple and Cranberry Crumble served with custard Vanilla and Nutmeg Crème Brûlée Mint Chocolate Cheesecake served with cream
The Visitor Guide to your local
Festive Venues And Menus
* * * * * * * * * 2 Courses – £14.95 • 3 Courses – £18.95
Available Tuesday 1st December – Wednesday 23rd December
For enquiries please phone 01460 240906
THE VISITOR November 2015 43
The Visitor Guide to your local
Festive Venues And Menus
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 2015 3 courses £24.95 / 2 courses £18.95 (coffee & mince pies included)
BOOKINGS & PRE-ORDERS ONLY Available Lunch or Evening from 1st December to 24th December 2015
Starters
Cream of white onion & cider soup, freshly baked homemade bread Pheasant, ham & leek terrine, sweet piccalilli, toasted homemade bread & dressed leaves
Crab & prawn arancini, lemon & dill crème fraiche, dressed leaves
Grilled goat’s cheese, rocket beetroot & orange salad, balsamic drizzle
Mains
Roast breast of turkey, cranberry stuffing, pigs in blankets, bread sauce, roast potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables & pan gravy Confit of duck leg, vanilla dark cherry & brandy sauce, fondant potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables
Parsnip, cranberry & chestnut Wellington, Madeira jus, fondant potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables
Pan fried fillets of Seabass, smoked salmon cream, leek & rosemary bubble & squeak, fresh seasonal vegetables Roasted sirloin of beef, red wine jus, horseradish crème fraiche, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, fresh seasonal vegetables
Desserts
Traditional Christmas pudding with warm brandy custard & vanilla ice cream Dark chocolate Irish coffee mousse
Clementine bavarois with lemon sorbet
White chocolate & cranberry bread & butter pudding with vanilla pod custard
44 THE VISITOR November 2015
Tel: 01747 838 640 • Fax: 01747 838 640 Email: mail@shipinn-dorset.com Website: http://www.shipinn-dorset.com
A n a u t he n t i c t a st e o f I ta l y ... R is t or a n t e & P izz e r ia OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
12noon – 10.30pm
Extensive A La Carte Menu see website Take Away Service FREE DELIVERY ... within 10 mile radius for orders over £20
Christmas Party Bookings Now Taken large parties welcome (up to 80 people)
Open for Christmas Day Lunch
OWN CAR PARK
18 CHURCH STREET, ILCHESTER, BA22 8LN Tel: 01935 840033 • www.nuovaitalia.co.uk
The Visitor Guide to your local
Festive Venues And Menus
will appear in our
DECEMBER ISSUE
Published: Thursday 26th November Deadline: Friday 13th November
New Year Celebrations ... Burns Night ... CHRISTMAS / JANUARY ISSUE
Published: Thursday 17th December Deadline: Friday 4th December To book your advert in The Visitor
01963 351256
Or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk
THE VISITOR November 2015 45
The Stag’s
Head
Yarlington nr. Wincanton • Somerset • BA9 8DG 01963 440393
Christmas Menu Available 1st – 24th December
Starters
Roasted Red Pepper & Vine Tomato Soup (V) accompanied by a baked, organic bread roll.
Potted Devon Crab, white crab meat, mixed with cream cheese, lime and a dash of tabasco. Served with mixed salad and toast. Baked Field Mushroom (V) filled with spring onions, garlic, tomatoes and chives, topped with Westcombe Cheddar.
Garlic King Prawns, shell on, in garlic, lime and chilli butter, served with mixed salad and baked bread. Breaded Brie (V) with a festive cranberry and port drizzle, on a bed of mixed leaves.
Main Course
Traditional Roast Turkey Breast, with almond, apricot and cranberry stuffing, bacon roll and chipolata.
Supreme Of Chicken (GF) chicken breast wrapped in air-dried ham, in a cream, wine and mushroom sauce. Topped with fresh asparagus. Andrew Barclay's 8oz Sirloin Steak (GF) accompanied by mushroom and tomato, with a balmoral sauce (whisky, honey, mustard & cream) and cooked to your liking.
Sea Bass Fillets, marinaded in lemon, garlic, parsley and a hint of chilli then lightly breaded. Served with a tomato and herb sauce, enriched with butter. Mushroom, Spinach, Cranberry & Brie Wellington (V) with a port and cranberry sauce. Each served with a selection of seasonal vegetables, crispy roast potatoes and buttered new potatoes.
Evergreen Christmas Menu Available 1st – 24th December FOR THE OVER 60s
Starters
Breaded Somerset Brie (V) with a festive cranberry and port drizzle, on a bed of mixed leaves.
Pate Maison, served with toast and a mixed salad garnish.
Smoked Mackerel Fillet, lightly peppered, with mixed leaves and seeded brown bread. Roasted Red Pepper & Vine Tomato Soup (V) with a freshly baked, organic bread roll.
Main Course
Traditional Roast Turkey Breast, with almond, apricot and cranberry stuffing, bacon roll and chipolata. Served with a selection of seasonal vegetables. Steamed Steak & Kidney Pudding, with peas.
Sauté Of Chicken (GF) chicken pieces in a cream and white wine sauce, with leek and bacon. Served with peas. Breaded Plaice, with tartare sauce and peas.
Pork Stroganoff (GF), a creamy brandy sauce with mushrooms, onions and paprika. Served with rice. Luxury Nut Roast (V), served with a red wine and mushroom sauce and seasonal vegetables.
Dessert
Festive Christmas Pudding, with clotted cream.
Dessert
Lemon Meringue Roulade (GF) and Lovington's vanilla ice cream.
Lemon Meringue Roulade (GF) and Lovington's vanilla ice cream.
Raspberry & White Chocolate Roulade (GF) with Lovington's vanilla ice cream.
Festive Christmas Pudding, with clotted cream.
Rich Belgian Chocolate Cheesecake (GF) and clotted cream. Raspberry & White Chocolate Roulade (GF) with Lovington's vanilla ice cream. Caramel & Chocolate Ice Cream Bombe (GF)
Cheese Board of Westcombe Cheddar, Somerset Brie and Vale of Camelot Blue. With a selection of crackers, grapes and homemade chutney. With freshly brewed tea or coffee to finish.
TWO COURSES £19.95 THREE COURSES £24.95
46 THE VISITOR November 2015
Rich Belgian Chocolate Cheesecake (GF) and clotted cream.
Caramel & Chocolate Ice Cream Bombe (GF) With freshly brewed tea or coffee to finish.
TWO COURSES £10.95 THREE COURSES £13.95
Bookings now being taken for New Year’s Eve Vintage 50s & 60s Party
LIMITED SPACES STILL AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCHEON
CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU 2015
This menu is only available to parties who have pre-booked and pre-ordered £23.95 per person for three courses £20.95 per person for two courses
STARTERS Broccoli and stilton soup with purple sprouting and toasted chestnuts Ham hock terrine with apple cider brandy chutney and toasted bloomer Smoked haddock and smoky bacon fishcake with poached egg and hollandaise sauce Goat's cheese panade in toasted almonds, orange zest & cracked black pepper with cranberry & port sauce MAINS Roast Crown & Victoria turkey with sage and cranberry stuffing, sausage wrapped in bacon, roast potatoes, gravy, port and cranberry sauce and fresh vegetables Pork fillet patties with bubble and squeak, black pudding and apple and cinnamon relish Yorkshire puddings filled with mushrooms & port served with potato wedges & fresh vegetables Steamed salmon with parsley sauce, croutons, fried capers and charred lemon served with parmentier potatoes and fresh vegetables SWEETS Homemade Christmas pudding served with brandy butter and rum sauce Sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream Floating islands in crème anglaise A selection of Christmas cheeses with Fudges of Stalbridge biscuits and spicy gooseberry chutney (£2.50 surcharge) * * * * * * * Coffee and mince pies * * * * * * * Where possible our food is locally sourced and free range / organic. It is freshly prepared and made here at the Crown & Victoria Inn. If you have any specific dietary needs please let us know.
The Visitor Guide to your local
Festive Venues And Menus The
RESTAURANT - HOTEL - BAR “Having now been open for just over a year The Mildmay Arms has established itself as one of Somerset's premier fine dining restaurants. All of our dishes are homemade and carefully crafted by our team of expert chefs using only the finest locally sourced ingredients where possible”.
Christmas Menu
Bookings Essential • Available from 1st – 24th December STARTERS
Spicy Parsnip Soup with Carrot & Herb Croutons
Ham Hock and Foie Gras Terrine accompanied with Apple, Raisin & Cinnamon Chutney, Melba Toast Smoked Salmon Recette with a Dill and Lemon Reduction, Soft Brioche Emmental Cheese Souffle with Beetroot Chutney MAINS
Roasted Norfolk Turkey Crown with Chestnut and Orange Stuffing served with a Merlot and Red Currant Jus
Pan Seared Wiltshire Rump of Lamb served with a Mint and Rosemary Jus Poached Salmon in Dill, Caper and Candied Orange Sauce
Braised Pan Fried Belly Pork, Apple Jus, Black Pudding Croquette
Root Vegetable, Brie and Redcurrant Filo Parcel served with a Red Pepper Coulis All Served with a choice of Herb Roasted New Potatoes or Dauphinoise, Festive Seasonal Vegetables and Trimmings DESSERTS
Classic Christmas pudding laced with Orange Brandy Cream
White Chocolate and Raspberry Crème Brulee, with Orange Shortbread, Cornish Clotted Cream Christmas Pudding Ice Cream, Fresh Fruit, Caramel Lattice with Raspberry Coulis West Country Cheese Board, Homemade Chutneys and Rustic Biscuits Lunch Evening
2 Courses - £17.95 2 Courses - £19.95
3 Courses - £ 21.95 3 Courses - £ 22.95
Complimentary Coffee and Mints served with 3 Course Option • Party Hats & Crackers Included
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR FOOD 12noon – 9pm
Tel: 01935 850456
Email: mildmayarms@yahoo.com
Lord Nelson
Rectory Lane, Norton Sub Hamdon Yeovil, Somerset, TA14 6SP Tel: 01935 881473
Christmas Menu Starters
Celeriac and parsnip soup with almond cream and fresh cornbread Goats cheese, cherry tomato and red pesto tart, served with spiced plum reduction and side salad Smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and rocket salad, served with lemon crème fraiche Pheasant, duck and port terrine wrapped in smoked bacon, served with orange marmalade and cornbread
Main Courses
Roast turkey with cranberry and sausage meat stuffing, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets and port gravy Grilled Pollock fillet sat on a caper potato cake with a red pepper sauce and crispy pancetta Baked Portobello mushrooms with sweet potato and chestnut risotto served with rosemary oil, Parmesan shavings and dauphinoise potatoes Lebanese lamb chilli and coriander, served with dauphinoise potatoes Chicken, leek and ham in a cream and white wine sauce in puff pastry, topped with a fresh green bean and smoked bacon bundle, served with Dauphinoise potatoes All mains served with fresh vegetables
Desserts
Christmas pudding with a brandy and vanilla syrup, topped with praline Orange and clove pannacotta with cranberries and spiced shortbread biscuits Chocolate, pecan and prune pudding with Armagnac cream Matchmaker and After Eight mint cheesecake Cheese and biscuits with a glass of port
NEW
PIZZA Thursday Night
Three Courses £25 Two Courses £20
Wood Fired Oven Eat In or Take Away
THE VISITOR November 2015 47
The Visitor Guide to your local
Festive Venues And Menus
The MUDDLED MAN Your hosts, Mick, Jean and Garry welcome you to
Lower Street, West Chinnock Tel: 01935 881235
Pre-Christmas Dinners Group Dinner Bookings 2 Courses + Coffee - £16 * 3 Courses + Coffee - £18
Game Casserole Sunday 20 th December Christmas Day Dinner
Drink on arrival, 7 Course Meal, Half Bottle of Wine - £60 10% OFF for groups of 10 or more • Children under 12 half price — Booking Essential —
Boxing Day Buffet - £15
Book early for Christmas Day & Boxing Day and RECEIVE A DISCOUNT “Our prices are frozen ... unlike our food which is fresh”
THE——CASTLE INN Freehouse —— Jo & Staff welcome you to ...
COKER • BA22 9AT Christmas at The Castle
Montague Inn
Sean & Suzy welcome you to the ...
Shepton Montague nr. Bruton Tel: 01749 813213
Charity Fireworks Night Thursday 5th November Entry ‒ £5, under 16s ‒ £3 Winter Fare available ... Stews, Burgers, Hot Dogs, etc.
Badger Ales Race Day Wincanton Thursday 19 th November
Champagne Breakfast Taxis to and from Racecourse Premiere Enclosure Badges and Race Card, Plus Early Supper ‒ £50 Please book with Sean at least 2 days prior to race day All Race Deals include a glass of Champagne
Christmas Party Menus Available See website for details
High Street • WEST
BOOKINGS ONLY • Available 2nd December – 23rd December Excluding Mondays, Tuesdays & Sundays • Deposit required on Booking (non-refundable)
STARTE RS Garlic Mushrooms • Curry Parsnip Soup • Pâté All served with a bread roll and salad garnish
MAINS Roast Turkey served with Pigs in Blankets, Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce Roast Beef served with Yorkshire Pudding & Horseradish Sauce All served with seasonal vegetables and roast potatoes
Pan-fried Salmon served with a Dill Sauce, Asparagus and Mediterranean Vegetables Aubergine stuffed with Mediterranean Vegetables and topped with Brie
D E SSE RTS Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce Poached Pears in Red Wine Homemade Baileys Chocolate Torte served with Ice Cream Mince Pies served with Brandy Sauce 3 Courses £25
Cheese Board also available at an additional cost
Christmas Day Lunch £50
Served 12noon – 3pm • EARLY BOOKING ADVISED
Tel: 01935 862331
www.the-castle-inn-westcoker.co.uk
Patio Skittles Ample Parking Free Pool Real Ales Free wifi
48 THE VISITOR November 2015
Christmas Day Bookings now being taken See website for details
New Year's Eve 3 Course Dinner
LIVE BAND: Billy Miskimmins and the Mercy Lounge Glass of Champagne Fireworks at Midnight Taxi Home within 10 miles ... only £75
LOOKING for an Experienced Bar Person 30 hours a week
Will include some Weekend Work
The
Pub Pages
AROUND THE
H O U S E S
IN BRUTON creative new chef Carney Robinson can now be found at Truffles Brasserie,
...Banco De Gaia at Bruton Dub Club from 8pm on the 21st November... don't miss out on a wonderful firework display on the 5th at The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague - fun for all the family ...work has now begun at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction where there is to be a further four letting rooms available from next spring... booking a Christmas Party at The George Inn, Castle Cary - why not stay the night in this lovely character inn? Moving on to Queen Camel watch out for spooky goings on at The Mildmay Arms, Halloween Party...The Queens Arms, Corton Denham have
The Rose & Crown
Bradford Abbas • Tel: 01935 474506
B&B
Saturday 7 th November – The Devil’s Prefect Saturday 14th November – No Fixed Abode Saturday 21st November – Guy Johnson Saturday 28th November – Rip It Up Sunday 29th November: Quiz Night in aid of Bradford Abbas Pre-School SUNDAY CARVERY £9.95
CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU ... now available
THURSDAYS – TWO 8oz RUMP & BOTTLE of WINE £25
FRIDAY LUNCH – FISH & CHIPS & PEAS + PUDDING only £6.95
The
Wyndham Arms
KINGSBURY EPISCOPI nr. MARTOCK SOMERSET TA12 6AT
Open all day - every day
New HEAD CHEF & WINTER MENU ... arriving shortly!!!
NEW ALE – ‘Python Driver’ installed in cellar to further improve our real ale delivery!
LIVE MUSIC
Halloween Saturday 31st October with KEVIN BUTT Guitarist / Vocalist
CHRISTMAS MENUS Lunchtime Christmas Menu 2015
2 Course £12.95 3 Course £15.95 4 Course £16.95
Dinner Christmas Menu 2015
2 Course £15.95 3 Course £18.95 4 Course £19.95 CAMRA GOOD BEER GUIDE 2016
Tel: 01935 823239
FREE Fibre Optic WiFi
Please visit us on our website: www.wyndhamarms.com to see full menu details
Pete Lambden & Staff welcome you to .....
168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL
“Well, I'll tell you one thing If you would leave it'd be a crying shame In every breath and every word I hear your name calling me out”
FIRST PERSON to tell me the above song gets a free drink last m o n t h . C a r o l e Wo o d w o r t h correctly identified Chris Rea and “On the Beach”. Some sad news to start with this month. Chris Blaze was a regular here back in my early days. He even met and proposed to his wife Sarah in the bar here in front of all his chums, luckily she said “Yes”. Chris recommended some cracking bands to me, who no one had ever heard of. Yet they always turned out to be firm favourites here at The Quick. Sadly Chris was taken ill with a brain haemorrhage from which he could not recover. He has left a big hole in many people’s lives. He will be missed. As you can imagine it’s been rather quiet here at the top of the hill. Probably something to do with most of the town being closed, and unless you have lived here for about 40 years you won’t have a clue how to get to most places in town. One of our local councillors regaled in this very pub that “It won’t have effected trade much in the town”. No? Is that why we had to cancel the Charity Elvis Gig last month? After 7 years of selling over 100 tickets and raising hundreds of pounds for St. Margaret’s Hospice we sold 8. So like you say Councillor “It won’t affect trade much”. The Rugby wasn’t up to much was it? We always get excited when England are playing anything and we always seem to end up with crinkly mouths . Still there is always the football to look forward to next year. Got some great entertainment for you next month. On Friday 6th the fabulous B.B. Tim will be here live in the bar. On the 13th, making a welcome return, Nasty Habits bring their own brand of rhythm and blues. On the 20th HELLS BELLS bring their AC/DC Tribute Show to the function room, tickets are available from the pub. And last but not least The Fat Marrow Blues Band will be here on the 27th. It’s a free gig so get your face in the place. And finally: I cleaned the attic with the wife the other day. Now I can't get the cobwebs out of her hair!!! TOOT TOOT!!!
BOOKINGS
01935 424721
They Say
That Paul 'I didn't say that' Sherrell of Castle Cary, impressed his travelling companions on a recent cricket tour with his sporting knowledge, stating that he was sure Mary Rand won the Ladies Long Jump gold medal along with the 'Mens' Long Jump gold medal in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
That according to a certain Mr Robson 'Every Month is popular for shopping in Gillingham'.
That two pounds per head for darts food is too much to pay in Kingsbury Episcopi so much so the skittle captain brought in his own chips and cooked them in the pub kitchen until the landlord put pay to it - the bemused landlord thinks that they are so careful the next step will be to bring their own beer. That Kaya (Kayak) Lawler and Nicola Sherrell of Castle Cary are going abroad on holiday - Don’t forget your suitcases!
That fifty plus Dawn Graham of Sparkford has learnt that hay bales are stronger than ribs.
That Phil (Tenpin) Oram of Yeovil celebrated a strike at bowling so well he is now to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
That after a prolonged argument between brothers Chris White of Queen Camel and Philip White of Pickering to see who would pay for the drinks after a walk along Corton Denham Ridge - Phil triumphantly won and much to the amusement of the bar staff, proffered his bus pass to settle the bill.
That post to Antarctica is frozen whilst a new postmaster undergoes selection. That Gwyn (D.I.Y) Phillips of Ansford has a new hoover for his car. His wife found doing stairs easy if you put the pipe in the right end. That if you go to Pulham Village Hall and there is no toilet paper, just tell Jasper.
That Mrs Malaprop needs a segregated knife, for her steak!
That Britt (Anti-Social) Brittas of Somerset can do early morning calls on his chain saw.
That congratulations go to Ebony Stone of Castle Cary for first prize in the Carnival, plus Grandad Wizard John (Jelly) Blackmore. Mike (Ex paper boy) Pollard of Yeovil shopped in Brighton for a Daily Mail and a Daily Express. He returned with two Daily Express - Hence ‘Ex paper boy’.
That Lady Penelope recently enjoyed a tipple in a garden in Norton Sub Hamdon - just one of the excellent contributions to the village trail.
THE VISITOR November 2015 49
The
Pub
launched their own calendar for 2016... Christmas Day Lunch for £35 at The Catash Inn, North Cadbury where there will be a folk evening later this month and welcome to our new hosts at The Three Elms, North Wootton. Yomping on to Yeovil where it is worth the effort of the roadworks to visit The Quicksilver Mail where cheery landlord Pete will regale you with
Pages
Vinny visits The Phoenix Inn at Gillingham to check out Chris’s Barista skills
The CROWN Inn
Greenhill, Sherborne, DT9 4EP EVERY WEDNESDAY MUSIC NIGHT 4th Nov: Blues Music 11th Nov: Trad Jazz 18th Nov: Folk Music 25th Nov: Open Mic’ Night
Christmas Menus now available
SUNDAY LUNCH £8.95 THURSDAY NIGHT STEAK SPECIAL 2 Rump Steaks & Bottle of Wine £25 Delicious food served daily – lunchtimes & evenings
Tel: 01935 816115
The CATASH INN North Cadbury • BA22 7DH
QUIZ NIGHT Sunday 8th November start 7.30pm
NEW SUNDAY CARVERY 12noon – 3pm • From 8th November
FOLK NIGHT Tuesday 10th November from 8pm CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU now available
r Large Bee Gardens
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCHEON £35 4 Course including Carvery – limited spaces bookings essential
North Cadbury 01963 441531
Skittle Alley
jokes and you can also get a good meal...new chef at The Halfway House Chilthorne Domer who are now taking bookings for pre Christmas parties (not Christmas Day)...the authentic wood pizza oven has now arrived at The Lord Nelson Norton Sub Hamdon, where Thursday Night will be Pizza Night eat-in or takeaway - don't forget the quiz on the 1st November 8.15pm start with all welcome...drinks can be had at The Cat Head, Chiselborough...and Otter Poppy currently on at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock with 5p per pint going to The Royal British Legion - so sup up. Marching on to Martock where you should book for the forthcoming Beaujolais Nouveau evening to be held at The White
Hart...enjoy a tasty Sunday Lunch at The Nags Head...a speedy recovery is wished for David from all his friends and colleagues at The Royal Oak, Over Stratton...Snakes and Ladders added a twist to the recent quiz at The Crown and Victoria Tintinhull...and in Ilchester Nuova Italia invite you to break from tradition and have an Italian Christmas Party.
Have you discovered the Ample Parking
Attractive Gardens
A welcoming village Freehouse & Restaurant Serving delicious freshly prepared local produce Lunches Evening Meals Daily Specials Fresh Fish Traditional Sunday Roasts
Function Room available for private parties / weddings Visit our website for the latest menus
No food served on Sunday evening, nor all day Monday Just a stones throw from
Barrington Court
Barrington Boar, Barrington, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 0JB Tel: 01460 259281 Email: barringtonboar@outlook.com • www.barringtonboar.co.uk
50 THE VISITOR November 2015
DECEMBER ISSUE
Print Thursday 26th November Deadline Friday 13th November To Advertise ... 01963 351256
email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk
Wine & Dine
Syrah, that will be a hit with barbecued foods.
Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Shiraz. NV, SE Australia. 12.5% £10.99
This wine from the Loire, made from 100% Cabernet Franc, by a well thought of producer, is easy drinking, with a fine smoky finish.
Lustau Emperatriz Eugenia Very rare Oloroso. Spain. 20% £22.75
Frédéric Mabileau, Les Rouillères 2014. Saint Nicolas-deBourgueil, France. 12.5% £13.99
Rabl Titan Zweigelt. 2011. Langenlois, Austria. 13% £17.99
Support your local butcher by buying their homemade sausages for your bonfire night celebrations.
When Smoke get in Your Eyes
I REALISE THAT I am in the minority but I have never been much of a fan of BBQs. Meat that has been cremated on the outside and left uncooked on the inside just does not appeal to me, although as a rule I do love my meat rare. However, in that brief autumn period when the leaves on the trees turn golden brown and begin to fall, and when winter, with its short dark days, howling winds, and relentless lashing rain drives us all back inside to snuggle up beside a roaring fire (more my cup of tea) nursing a hot toddy, many of us will take the opportunity of Bonfire Night to let the pyromaniacs in their lives have one last bash at the BBQ, turning out burgers, ribs and bangers for a crowd, while the kids get stuck into the toffee apples. Unless you remember to stay up wind of the smoke it can be an eye watering affair, but with this in mind here are my top choices for ‘smoky’ wines that will keep the cold at bay, and add a touch of class to the night’s activities; some predictable, some intended to stretch the boundaries of the old and familiar. One plea from me, do support your local butcher and buy decent home made sausages and burgers; my favourite is venison, which low in fat, also have the added bonus of helping to decrease my ever expanding waistline!
Stobi Shiraz / Vranec. 2014. Tikveš, Republic of Macedonia. 13% £8.99
Something a little different. A blend of Shiraz, with the local grape variety, Vranec, and a smattering of Petit Verdot, gives this wine added complexity that will complement rustic meaty sausages.
L’Arène des Anges. 2014. Costières de Nîmes, France. 13.5% £9.29
Adjacent to the better known Côtes du Rhône region, this wine is a characterful blend of Grenache along with a hint of spicy pepperiness provided by
NEW MENU
Excellent value prices
A top red wine made from Austria’s main grape variety. Maturation in oak barrels provides the perfect smoky character to stand up to the flavour of BBQ’d ribs, with the length and concentration to match.
O Fournier Alfa Crux. 2007. Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. 14.5% £22.99
Owned by a Spaniard, this modern vineyard produces beautifully rounded wines with a long finish, where the smokiness is offset by a hint of spice and coffee. Great if you’ve upped the ante, and are serving steak as you watch good old Guy Fawkes smoulder in the last embers of the fire.
An unusual red fizz, and not always to everyone’s taste; it will come as no surprise to find that it is made from Shiraz, which finds its mate in spicy sausages, but will also go nicely with a rich chocolate pud to finish things off.
I’ve always been a fan of fortified wines, and served chilled, this older style of sherry, with a long finish, will warm the palate, and serve just as well as an aperitif.
Orchard Pig Truffler Cider. Somerset. 6% £2.15
Living in Somerset, it would be remiss of me not to mention at least one cider to enjoy round the fire. Typically dry, but with a hint of sweetness, I see this as perfect with pork and apple sausages.
For those who prefer a drop of the hard stuff, try Lagavulin 16 Year Old. This benchmark whisky from Islay is full of peat and smoke, which at 43%, and £42 a bottle, will knock your socks off. Just be sure you stand well back from the fire. LP-V.
Crewkerne NEWLY REFURBISHED INDIAN RESTAURANT
Open 7 Days a Week 5.30 – 11.30
Tuesday Banquet 3 Courses only £11.95 Any dish from menu up to £10 • King Prawns an extra £3.50
FREE BOTTLE of WINE for orders over £50
English Menu Available Daily Blackboard Special Takaway Service Special Occasion? Party bookings welcome
Tel: 01460 271020 / 01460 271021 7 The Market Square • Crewkerne • TA18 7LE www.bengalraj.uk
THE VISITOR November 2015 51
Carpet Blackspots: At least a third of domestic carpets may be harbouring harmful Staphylococcus Bacteria
A new study commissioned by Bosch floorcare has revealed that carpet ‘blackspots’ are posing a serious risk to health. From thick
House & Home
rugs that ‘appear spotless’ through to places rarely disturbed in the home, the tests found a variety of dangerous substances in UK homes. The cordless Bosch Athlet was used to collect samples from hard to reach areas in homes regularly vacuumed with
alternative products. Despite general public awareness of dust mites; harmful bacteria, moulds and yeasts can also cling to the dust and debris found in carpets and rugs. Even without direct contact, airborne particles and spores can
exacerbate and trigger a range of respiratory illnesses such as Asthma. The testing was led by hygiene expert, Dr Lisa Ackerley, and focused around family homes in the UK. Dust samples were collected using a small aseptic filter attached to the nozzle of the Bosch Athlet. These samples were then sent to a microbiology laboratory for analysis. The study identified that areas ‘out of sight’, including the base layer of thick pile carpets, under sofas and alongside beds, are often neglected when it comes to cleaning. In a survey by Bosch floorcare, 27% of homeowners said that they only moved chairs and furniture once a year for vacuuming, typically at Christmas. In one home (with a toddler and cats), a rug in the living room, cleaned once per week and identified as visually clean, was found to contain very high levels of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (3,500 per gram of dust). This type of bacteria can lead to skin and wound infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia and
E.B. Marsh & Son Ltd
34 Market Place, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1AR Tel: 01258 472564 59 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3AY Tel: 01935 389665
52 THE VISITOR November 2015
bacteraemia (blood stream infection) and is commonly linked to food poisoning. It is estimated that around a third of the population carry this bacteria at any one time which can be transferred to carpets via sneezing, physical contact and shedding skin. Novia Imm, floorcare expert at Bosch said: ‘Our tests demonstrate that a visual inspection is no way of telling what is lurking in your carpets. Bacteria like Staphylococcus can be easily spread within the family and there is a particular risk to young children who tend to spend most of their time in contact with the floor. In a typically warm domestic environment, a thick rug or carpet will act as the perfect incubator.’ In another home, samples of dust were taken behind the sofa in the living room. In close proximity to the sofa, these samples contained very high levels of bacteria (10million per gram), plus yeasts and moulds. The residents of this home, a couple in their 60’s, were both long-term suffers of Asthma with
House & Home
other secondary lung conditions. ‘This level of dust, bacteria, yeasts and moulds could be harmful to the health of the occupants, given that they already have asthma and other
respiratory illnesses. Conversely, it could be the house that is making them ill,’ commented Dr Ackerley, who led the study. On sections of carpet beneath a teenager’s bed, the tests were
also conclusive with strong evidence of Enterobacteriaceae (800,000 per gram of dust) indicating poor hygiene and possibly some faecal matter from food debris. This group of
J2 Tiles have recently openend on the Lynx West Trading Estate Yeovil - from feature walls such as polar bears as shown, through to elegant ‘shadow’ tiles there is something to suit all tastes. Pictured are proprietors Joe Parsons (left) and Jon Stanley.
NEWLY OPENED VISIT OUR EXTENSIVE TILE SHOWROOMS
Quality Floor & Wall Tiles
Distributors of Porcelanosa and other leading brands Professional fitting service Free Measuring & Estimate Design Advice Supply & Fit or Supply Only Full Range of Sanitary Ware, Basins, Baths, etc.
CALL IN TODAY
PUBLIC & TRADE WELCOME
Open: 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm Saturday Free parking outside the shop
J2 Tiles, Unit 16, Venture 20 (Opposite Wicks)
Lynx West Trading Estate YEOVIL, BA20 2HP
01935 472088 · www.j2tiles.co.uk
THE VISITOR November 2015 53
organisms includes Salmonella, Shigella and E. coli. Novia Imm, Bosch floorcare expert said: ‘There is so much confusing language banded around when it comes to vacuum cleaners – from ‘Air Watts’ to ‘multi cyclonic’. Because of this, there are many products that sound powerful but in reality, only pull up the surface layer of dirt and dust, leaving plenty of particles embedded deeper within the carpet. As this research demonstrates, this can present long-term risks to health.’ The Athlet cordless vacuum cleaner developed by Bosch floorcare is designed to be extremely manoeuvrable. Combined with super-efficient
House & Home
bagless technology, it is able to achieve the same cleaning results as a 2400-watt corded vacuum cleaner. The Athlet is also lightweight (weighing just 3kg) and runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery - a technological breakthrough that reduces the amount of time and effort required when vacuuming. The Athlet belongs to a diverse range of Bosch vacuum cleaners, some of which have met the industry’s stringent AAAA standard – covering dust emissions, power consumption and pickup on both soft and hard floor types. Dr Ackerley concluded: ‘We were shocked at these findings which highlight the difference
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54 THE VISITOR November 2015
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between what you can see and what may be lurking within metres of your sofa or bed. Regular cleaning with a high suction vacuum – and not just in those areas that are visible, is key to maintaining a hygienic and safe environment.’
5 top carpet cleaning tips from domestic hygiene expert, Dr Lisa Ackerley
1. Select a vacuum cleaner which
is suitable for the floor type. Some machines will only work on thin pile carpets or will be less effective on laminate and hard floors. Look beyond power and instead focus on the pick-up ratings. 2. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, it’s especially important that your vacuum includes a HEPA filter. This will prevent airborne pollutants from being blasted back into the rooms you’re cleaning. 3. Try to clean beneath large items of furniture, especially around sitting areas where you may spend a lot of time. Ideally, move furniture at least once per month to prevent the build-up of static dust. A slimline vacuum cleaner is perfect for this. 4. In order to restrict the growth of moulds and yeasts in carpets, reduce humidity levels and open windows when you can. 5. Clutter is key. Too many items in a room can make it difficult to clean and restricts
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Top Tips for renovators and extenders!
According to a recent survey from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), annual house prices in the South West have increased by 4.2 per cent and analysts expect this to continue to rise due to the lack of properties available to buy on the market. For people who can’t currently afford to move but want to increase the value of their current property, Michael Holmes, the property expert for The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show (which took place 25-27 September at ExCeL in London) gives his 10 Top Tips
1. Prioritise the basics Make sure you set aside enough budget to solve basic repair and improvement jobs first, such as damp treatment, structural repairs, mending the roof,
rewiring and updating the plumbing. Cosmetic finishes are fun but can wait or you’ll have to do them twice!
2. Get a valuation Find out what your home is worth now and what it will be worth when improved by looking at similar properties in your area. Don’t spend more on improvements than you could recoup if you decide to sell – unless it’s your ‘forever home’. 3. Draw up floorplans The best way to spot potential to add new space through extension or remodelling, is to have a set of accurate floorplans. Draw them yourself with trimble sketchup (free from www.sketchup.com) or commission a measured survey by a surveyor www.rics.org.uk
4. Work on your wish list Establish exactly what you want to achieve in terms of accommodation and features and your priorities, together with details of your maximum available budget. It will make it
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THE VISITOR November 2015 55
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6. Get planning permission Find out from your local authority whether planning permission is required for your proposed improvements and alterations, or whether the work constitutes permitted development – work that automatically has consent – www.planningportal.gov.uk Follow the rules and take no chances. 7. Invest in detailed drawings It’s a lot cheaper to resolve all of the design decisions on the drawing board than on site once the work has started, so hire a good designer with relevant experience. The more time you
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8. Get prices from builders Make sure you provide as much information as possible to several builders and ask for a very detailed competitive quote, broken down into itemised costs, including details of which items are only provisional estimates. Find a builder via FMB www.findabuilder.co.uk 9. Be prepared to go over budget and schedule If a builder were entirely straight on cost and build schedule, they’d risk never getting any work, so they quickly learn to be optimistic and to manage quotes to contain provisions. This inevitably means clients can feel let down when a project budget overruns due to changes or provisional sums over running, but it’s the nature of the business. Allow a secret contingency of 10-15 per cent and a bit of leeway on the deadline.
10. Be honest but tough A good builder will respect straight honest talking about quality, payment etc. and you should demand the same back. Get a contract or agreement in writing and pay on time for completed work. Don’t fall for excuses. Above all else, never pay for work in advance, and always get a receipt.
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leaflets. There are five new easyto-read leaflets including: 1. Central heating controls – making the most of your heating system 2. Dealing with damp and mould in your home
is uninsulated and draughty, and if your appliances are inefficient, then you are wasting money and making yourself less comfortable and warm. Call the Home Energy Team on 0800 082 2234 to help make your home more energy efficient.
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thinking of improving the energy efficiency of your home, there’s free and impartial advice available to you when you call the Home Energy Team at the Centre of Sustainable Energy (CSE). South Somerset District Council (SSDC), along with other Somerset Local Authorities, work in partnership with the Bristol based charity to provide advice on how to lower energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of the homes in Somerset. Ian Preston, Head of Household Energy Services at CSE says “rising energy bills are a big concern for a lot of people we speak to across Somerset but the good news is that there are lots you can do to keep them as low as possible. Applying for the Warm Home Discount, improving the heating system and insulating your home can all help”. The Home Energy Team have recently produced some easy-toread versions of their energy advice leaflets which can be found on their website at www.cse.org.uk/easy-read-
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THE VISITOR November 2015 57
GARDENING
GARDENING MONTHLY by Richard Cumming
Autumn Joy
Orchard Park
THE DRY MONTH of October with sunny days and cooler nights produced some real fire-cracking leaf colours. This doesn’t happen every year so we need to enjoy it when it does. Milder damper autumns produce more muted colours which turn to muddy yellows before they fall, but this year has been good. In fact thinking back,
although we didn’t have the brightest summer we had some good weather earlier on, with fantastic blossom which pollinated well – hence the good fruit crop, then after a bit of a cooler set back, some good growing weather and a lovely autumn. Autumn leaf raking has bullied its way high up on the job list, but it is a good source of potential
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PLANT WORLD For the best plants!
compost for next year if you approach it the right way. The aim is copious amounts of nice dark crumbly compost that will enrich the soil and produce fantastic crops next year (if you are an ace composter) or the year after (if you're not quite so hot!). You can always buy beautiful ready-made garden compost derived from farmyard manure (FYM) or from recycled green waste which will be the same stuff as we can get from our own gardens. The secret of all this is the process by which organic matter changes from fresh to compost. Tough leaves need to be chopped, broken down and mixed with some more sappy stuff, the easy way for leaves on the lawn is to get the mower out! That mix of chopped leaves and grass clippings is absolutely ideal for a quick starting compost heap which will heat up within days. A good compost heap is a great investment. Purpose built timber retaining walls, or a ready-made plastic bin or whatever you have space to fit in. A garden without a compost heap of some sort is sadly lacking, and you can always hide it behind a large shrub or something so it shouldn’t be an eyesore! The savings are considerable – less bought in soilimprovers, fewer trips to the recycling centre or fewer waste bins for the council to collect. What else in November? Bonfire night is surely so much
a part of our heritage that it cannot be ignored and a blazing bonfire reflects the glory of autumn as well as the chance to start the end of year clear-up. A good bonfire needs dry material and recent heavy rains might make it difficult to get started, while piles of debris that have been there for a while could be harbouring wildlife that had thought it had found the ideal winter quarters. The classic is the hedgehog and in our area they do seem to be few and far between. Badgers are known to root out hedgehog nests as are foxes, so any help we can give them in the way of providing a safe haven really matters.
Plant of the Month
Trees! Yes why not? At this time of year they are so much in evidence and we are just into the best tree planting time of the year. First mounted in 1975 by the wonderfully named Tree Council, National Tree Week runs from 28th November - 6th December 2015 and is the UK's largest tree celebration annually launching the start of the winter tree planting season. Personally I plant trees all year round but my best results have come from November planting. Trees add structure to the landscape and garden. There are all types, shapes and sizes. From flowering cherries and crab apples to evergreen yews, there are trees to suit every taste and
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position imaginable. Trees offer different leave size, shape and colour and many have attractive flowers, fruits and seeds. There are those that flower magnificently in spring to those whose leaves offer brilliant autumn colour just before leaf fall. Trees can be selected for all soil types including very wet and dry land. They can tolerate acidic, chalky, sandy and clay soils. They even make up soils in new gardens or landscapes. Some trees make excellent hedges and screens whilst others make ideal specimens set in the middle of a lawn. The choice is yours, but by planting trees you can reduce or improve your carbon footprint and generally enhance the environment. All trees require some support and protection such as stakes, tree ties and tree guards. Fertiliser can be added to the planting hole and mulch can be added after planting to preserve moisture and keep down weeds. Trees are best planted in the autumn, especially bare rooted varieties. Container grown trees can be planted at any time of the year providing the soil / ground is not frozen or water logged. There is a tree for every location
GARDENING
Leaf raking can be fun!
and a good top ten would be:
1. Himalyan Birch (Betula utilis var. jacquemontii) 2. Silver Birch (Betula pendula) 3. Snowy Mespilus (Amerlanchier lamarckii) 4. Christmas berry ‘Red Robin’ (Photinia fraserii ‘Red Robin’) 5. Freeman’s Maple (Acer freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’) 6. English oak (Quercus robur)
The wonders of autumn at Stourhead. Photo by S. Jeans.
7. Pin oak (Quercus palustris) 8. Crab apple (Malus ‘Evereste’) 9. Crab apple (Malus ‘Rudolph’) 10. Vilmorin’s mountain ash (Sorbus vilmorinii)
There has been a lot of publicity over the past years about fatal diseases affecting our native trees, especially Oaks and the Ash, so a good alternative for a hardy English native is the Lime (Tilia cordata) surely one of our most attractive trees? Trees can transform an area by introducing welcome shade, protective shelter and wildlife and are an investment for future generations. Research in HTA’s Greening the UK campaign has shown that just a 10% increase in tree coverage in urban areas will counter the predicted 4°c temperature over the next 100 years caused by climate change and the urban heat island effect.
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THE VISITOR November 2015 59
GARDENING
Cyclamen come in a wide range of colours and are ideal to brighten up the dark winter days. Potted Cyclamen could make a very acceptable Christmas gift. They like any light position, possibly a window sill, and will last longer in a cool temperature (55˚F / 13˚C). Do not over-water!
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60 THE VISITOR November 2015
Jobs for the Month
Harvest is finished for another year, so time in the garden is spent tidying before the winter and planting while the soil is still warm. Winter colour in pots is not difficult; pansies and violas are so reliable, under-planted with spring flowering bulbs and coupled with hardy cyclamen will give pleasure for ages. Severe frosts will spoil flowers but the plants will survive. Winter flowering heathers are also good to use and will last many years. If pots contain tender plants then they should be moved to a sheltered spot, raised on pot feet or flat stones to allow the pot to drain, and possibly wrapped with bubble wrap or fleece to protect the roots from freezing. In the veg garden there are always jobs to be done. Planting garlic, over-wintering onions and shallots (gets an advantage with an earlier crop next year) sowing broad beans, the variety Aquadulce is the one to choose, and winter lettuce under the protection of cloche or greenhouse. There are several crops that might be still in the ground; at home we have parsnips, celeriac, carrots, leeks, parsley, Jerusalem artichokes, winter cabbage, curly kale, purple sprouting, black kale. Being reasonable it is unlikely that any of us will be anywhere near self-sufficient in fruit and veg over winter especially when like us you have bank voles eating the shoulders off your carrots. In a case like that all you can do is eat them before winter sets in, the carrots that is - not the voles. Perennial borders can look a bit ragged, and overgrown clumps can be lifted, split and replanted. This is very important especially for those varieties where the clump has grown outwards leaving a dead centre. The result is a much improved – rejuvenated
GARDENING
the plants in a cold frame – and check regularly for mice and slug damage. Bulbs can still be planted, especially tulips, which can suffer if planted too early. There should still be a good choice of different types in most garden centres. Smaller bulbs added to winter hanging baskets help make them more interesting.
Are you wild about your garden?
Don’t forget to check your Guy Fawkes bonfire for hedgehogs before lighting it. Photo: Richard Bowler.
be in a green house or garage, or an unheated spare room. The keener gardeners will have already sown sweet peas in pots to get an early start. It’s the only way if you want sweet peas to pick in early summer. Overwinter
plant next year. Lift any really tender items, and cover lightly tender Lobelia and Penstemons with a dry mulch. [This could be a layer of straw, leaf mould, peat or bark]. Dahlias should be lifted, once their tops are blackened by frost, cut them back to 6” and knock off the soil. Leave them upside down, for about a week to dry out, then dust with sulphur powder and store set out in shallow boxes with the tubers just covered by moist peat, bark, vermiculite - in cold but frost-free conditions. This could
Making your garden hedgehogfriendly is the focus of a special ‘Wild About Gardens’ event at Knoll Gardens near Wimborne on 30 October. It is estimated that the UK hedgehog population has declined by around one third in ten years, making the once common sight of hedgehogs in our gardens increasingly a thing of the past. The acclaimed naturalistic style
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THE VISITOR November 2015 61
GARDENING
of Knoll Gardens, with its long grasses and diversity of planting, provides an ideal setting for ‘Wild About Gardens’. The event brings together Dorset Wildlife Trust and Knoll’s owner Neil Lucas to provide helpful tips and advice on simple measures and planting tips to make any garden wildlife friendly and a haven for hedgehogs. ‘Wild About Gardens’ runs from 10am to 4pm on Friday 30th October and is one of a series of events run by the charitable Knoll Gardens Foundation. The event supports the RHS Gardening for Wildlife initiative, which this year looks at making gardens more hedgehog-friendly. Bob Sweet, Chairman of the Foundation, said “Hedgehogs are one of the ‘indicator’ species for the health of the natural world
and their decline is a concern for all gardeners. As well as slugs and snails, hedgehogs eat a huge range of garden invertebrates and their presence in the garden can be hugely beneficial. By planting a range of plants, building habitats such as log piles, and creating hedgehog highways between gardens and green spaces we can all help to halt the decline of one of our best-loved gardens mammals.”
Christmas opens at Orchard Park
Christmas is just around the corner and Orchard Park has unveiled their festive display. The Gillingham-based Garden Centre has entered the prestigious Garden Centre Association Christmas display competition for the first time, showcasing a
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62 THE VISITOR November 2015
See Amara’s hand carved rocking horses on display at Orchard Park Garden Centre, Gillingham.
brand new design. Shop supervisor Claire Harris explains the process, “We start with a blank canvas, obtaining ideas from January to June before deciding upon the theme, location and building requirements. Weeks are then spent making plans for relocating non-Christmas stock to a temporary home. This can be tricky as the store is open and full of customers! We start the build in October and it seems to get bigger and better each year!” This year’s Christmas display has a Manor House theme, and Orchard Park are inviting customers to step into ‘Orchard Manor’, with different designs and themes for each room of the house. The display was officially opened on Sunday 18th October by 2-year-old Amara with a little help from her father, local craftsman Aldo Graziano of Amara’s Hand Carved Rocking Horses. Two of Aldo’s classic rocking horses are currently on display at Orchard Park, gloriously unique in every respect. Orchard Park is on the Shaftesbury Road in Gillingham, and their Christmas display is open every day until Christmas. Regular updates about Orchard Park can be found on our Facebook and Twitter pages. More information on Amara’s Hand Carved Rocking Horses can be found on their website www.amarashandcarvedrocking horses.co.uk.
Say you saw it in The Visitor
the end bit...
PAPERCHASE
REPORTERS don’t seem to stay long on my edition of the Western Gazette, and I find it difficult to keep track of them. New names seem to appear and disappear again within the year. The 15th October issue of the Wincanton, Bruton, Castle Cary and Gillingham edition saw the arrival of another new name, Liam Trim, and in his introductory comments he wrote that ‘I hope to get to know as many of you as possible as I try my best to report the news which matters to residents of four great towns’. A fine aspiration and I wish him well, but I recall reading similar words from his predecessor Miranda Blazeby, and from her predecessor Stephen Davy-Osborne, and from the one before him whose name was, if I remember rightly, Jonathon Taylor. All within three years or thereabouts. Is it that young reporters find the news from these towns and their surrounding villages so dull that they want to move to livelier territory? Have they moved up to the next rung on their career ladder or has the Western Gazette moved them to a different edition as part of their training or to broaden their experience? That might be good for their development as journalists, but in the short term it is bad for the quality of reportage. A decade ago I came across this quote and inscribed it on the front of my file of press cuttings. ‘People ought to read national newspapers, but they also ought to read local newspapers too, for England, even now, is still the country of local government, local politics, strong local interest, and only the newspaper written and published in the immediate neighbourhood can deal adequately with such government, politics and interests. It is important that people should read that Alderman Smith said this and Councillor Robinson did that. It is important that they should realise what is happening in their own district. Gossip and chatter from Fleet Street is a poor substitute for such information about and criticism of local affairs. Any decent provincial newspaper ought to be able to give its reader a much saner picture of the world than the popular national papers with their hysteria and stunts and
comic antics.’ I wish I had written that! I wanted to pen a letter to the author telling him how much I agreed with him, but it would have been pointless – he died in 1984. The book was J B Priestley’s ‘English Journey’, written as long ago as 1933, but the two little words ‘even now’ in the first sentence of the quote still hold true today. Sadly most of Visitorland’s regional and local papers now seem more intent on providing ‘hysteria and stunts and comic antics’ than on reporting local government, politics and interests. Where and when did you last read a press report of a meeting of your town, district or county council that contained not just the bare bones of a decision but also the cut-andthrust of the debate that led up to the decision? For this sort of reportage the journalist needs to know his or her patch well, to know something of the personalities in it and their vested interests, to understand the background to the issues making the news and to
remember and remind readers of the history of long-running matters. This only comes when the reporter has been around long enough to discover and absorb this information. A few months on the patch is nowhere near long enough. The trend appears to be in the opposite direction with the printed equivalents of soundbites replacing detailed news reports. Nowadays the Western Gazette and the Western Daily Press constantly invite readers to visit their websites for the latest news (cheaper than buying the paper!) but the summaries it contains are no substitute for good in-depth local journalism. Jack Priestley must be turning in his grave. Chronicler.
Solution to October
Sudoku
ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
on page 37
Ringo ‘Edison Lighthouse’ ‘Rumours’ Kylie Minogue ‘Simply Red’ Faron Young ‘Garbage’ ‘Let it Be’ ‘Writing’s on the Wall’ ‘You Can Call Me Al’ Bonus Question 1970
Question Impossible Lynn Goldsmith. She used electronic wizardry to sound like a man.
Sudoku
Extra Bonus Question Carly Simon is unaccredited on the recording.
by
T. M.
PHONE - a - FIRM
Oven Cleaning
Mister Oven
Clean Ovens Domestic Ltd
Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264
AGAS • RANGES • OVENS HOBS • EXTRACTORS Eco-Friendly Materials Used
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THE VISITOR November 2015 63
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While You Wait Collection & Delivery Denture Advice Mr. C. Dunn
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Are you a denture wearer?
KILN DRIED LOGS
BUY NOW – SAVE £££s Kiln Dried Logs 1 Dumpy Bag Kiln Dried Logs 2 Dumpy Bags Kiln Dried Logs 3 Dumpy Bags Kiln Dried Logs 3 Handy Bags Kiln Dried Logs 6 Handy Bags Kiln Dried Logs 10 Handy Bags Kindling Wood 3 Bags Kindling Wood 5 Bags Kindling Wood 10 Bags
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Domestic Appliances
Domestic Appliance Repairs
Washing Machines Vacuum Cleaners Cookers Tumble Dryers etc.
SPARES – REPAIRS – SERVICING
Sparkford 01963 440689 • Yeovil 01935 474284 — www.deaonline.co.uk —
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
£130 £234 £330 £30 £55 £85 £10 £15 £27
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The Visitor
Pe
Logs
ONLINE ORDERING AVAILABLE www.logs4fuel.co.uk
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SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS Small and Large Loads
Tel: 07973 871708 Evenings: 01935 825506
December Deadline Friday 13th November
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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
Fires / Chimneys / Stoves
SANDPITS
HEATING & HOME STORE
Multifuel Stoves ... over 200 on display Chimneys Relined ★ Full Installation Service 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
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
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
64 THE VISITOR November 2015
Services
GOOD POTATOES Takeaway Bags of Coal • Calor Gas Car and Van Rental • Competitive Prices
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REGULAR ADVERTISING brings results!
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Removals
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Transport & Storage
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Fully Insured Storage at Highly Competitive Rates Call us today for a quote!
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• Modern Burglar-Alarmed Warehouses • Professional & Reliable Service • Removals To and From Storage • Self Store with Easy Access • Cubicle and Crate Storage • Friendly, Helpful Staff
PARKS
ROOFING LTD.
SLATING & TILING SPECIALISTS
Specialists in period and listed properties
• • • • •
• • • •
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
December Deadline Friday 13th November
Leadwork Chimneys Fascias Gutters Flat Roofs
26 Stembridge, nr. Kingsbury, Martock TA12 6BN Telephone: 01460 240229 • Mobile: 07917 411961
For all your roofing requirements
Flat Roofing • Tiling • Slating GRP Roofing All New Work Fully Guaranteed
For further information & estimates contact Allan Carey
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Slate Tiling Flat Roofing. UPVC Fascias Guttering FREE ES T I MAT ES
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... or 07866 296453 Email: info@bourtonroofing.co.uk
Communications
R ESTORATIONS – R EFURBISHMENTS – R EPLACEMENTS
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 864522 www.sashwindowtlc.co.uk ae.hamilton@uwclub.net
Decorating
G.O.T. Decorating
Gareth Tanner – City & Guilds Interior & Exterior Decorating Free Estimates No VAT
01278 323223 07736 644452
hs748@hotmail.co.uk
Framing Tel: 01747 861479 Mob: 07561 120828
Bourton Roofing Co.
A. Hamilton
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Plumbing & Heating
High Street, Sparkford, nr. Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7QJ Tel: 01963 440045 / 440526 / 440692
Roofing
Maintenance & Repairs
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SCENES
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THE VISITOR November 2015 65
Classified Ads
Send Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. 30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential. For a Box Number please add £2. Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit / Debit Card.
✽ If you require a receipt a s.a.e. must be enclosed with payment, or your email address.
Prize Crossword No. 349 Set by Frank Butler
SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG – to arrive by Friday 13th November.
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. 1
NAME .....................................................................................................................................................................
2
3
10
11
12
Tel: ......................................................................... Cheque Enclosed for £ .................... Minimum £5
18
Storage
STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles. Lock-up garages to let. Tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692.
T.V.
T.V. Sales / Service / Rental, H. R. Hodge, South Petherton. Tel: 01460 240645. www.hrhodge.co.uk
Personal
COUNTRY LINK SOCIAL GROUP, Fresh Air, Fun, Food and Friendship. Tel: Andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918 or visit: www.country-link.org.uk MALE 64, own house and car, enjoys going to the coast, walking, picnics, music, would like to meet a genuine lady. Tel: 07762 461696.
BLONDE, curvy Polish lady 57 seeks male, tall and reliable, for relationship. Taunton area 07832 903753.
GENT 67, enjoys travel, theatre, National Trust, seaside, music, dancing. Seeks lady non-smoker, easy going. Tel: 01458 440094
Services
HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN RUBBISH CLEARED, old sheds / oubuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.
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.
Say you saw it in The Visitor
66 THE VISITOR November 2015
DAVE BUYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS, salvage, bygones and collectables. Daves Tools - Tel: 01935 428975
POSTCARDS, pop memorabilia, coins, badges, old toys, games, and anything military. Tel: Clive 01749 675456.
ALL SPORTS PROGRAMMES and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. Large collections welcome. Cash paid. Tel: Clive 01749 675456.
R E D U N D A N T M O T O R M O W E R S , rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844. 1960s / 70s PLASTIC TOY SOLDIERS, knights, cowboys, castles, garden. Timpo trains. Tractors. WW1 helmets, posters. Tel: 07823 443474.
RECORDS from 1950s - 1980s, LPs and singles, rock, pop, classical. Tel: 07731 584424.
WANTED volume 6 1906-1907 of The Visitor, printed by J H Roberts, edited by William Macmillan. Tel: 01963 351256. GUNS WANTED for cash. Any size, any condition, make or model. By registered firearms dealer. Tel: 07970 742471.
Mobile Bars / Catering
HARRY’S MOBILE BARS, all occasions, weddings, parties, etc. Tel: 01747 825553 harry@bars4u.plus.com www.harrysmobilebars.co.uk
Holidays
France • Dordogne
Tel: 01935 850532 Visit Chez Nous 3441 www.eymet.co.uk
16
8
19
20
21
17
22
23
24
25
26
27
Across: 1.
5.
9.
10. 11.
12.
14.
18.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
Highest standard of carriage to step across. [8] A walk at random after beheading a prickly plant. [6] Provincialism from calm soil. [8] A bee in a little hat? [6] Once tile is broken, a democratic choice comes. [8] Hurry after first chime proves decent and pure. [6] Prettiness became tenacious after mix-up. [10] Dim at noon, I arranged an earful! [10] Priest at first, fire-raising, becomes a minister. [6] Several today, as surrounding two animals. [8] Ethical principles with wood in half of Oxford’s river. [6] Ventilated beer for the terrier. [8] Tea urn adjusted: That’s what it’s like! [6] Yankee soldier among flowers: They arrange grazing. [8]
8. Last man’s ordinal, partly label event happy. [8] 13. Sat undoing organisation is surprising. [10] 15. Am pacing around in a crusade. [8] 16. Trial supports returning rams as the cleverest. [8] 17. Bestower of titles sorts out non-rebel. [8] 19. Oddly, anger fevers and never does this! [6] 20. Untangle a drape for marching display. [6] 21. Judge donkey with three points. [6]
Solution to Crossword 348
Down: 1.
2.
Converted barn, sleeps 2 – 5, and house sleeps 6, both well equipped. Pool and Wifi.
7
14 15
PASSPORTS - passports - passports - also studio sittings, weddings and golden weddings. Any time to suit you. Easy parking opposite The Quarry Inn. Tel: Graham Cox, Photographer, 01458 223769.
6
13
..................................................................................................................................................................................
Wanted
5
9
ADDRESS ..............................................................................................................................................................
Passport Photographs
4
3. 4.
6.
7.
Dancing to music gamble about everything. [6] Sore bits (about 200) in the game. [6] Three sol-fa notes tell. [6] Menu item, 1 and pigs’ dwelling conceals truth. [10] Some blame thy strength for finding gemstone. [8] Outlawed: Is he in the band? [8]
THE WINNER of our October Crossword was A. Gready of Crewkerne who chose to spend the £10 voucher at The Muddled Man, at West Chinnock.