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Covering CALNE, CHIPPENHAM and villages

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FEBRUARY 2017

Editor’s Letter Welcome to February!

t looking February is the month when we star spring on and g forward to the flowers emergin not to me inds rem its way. Talking of flowers !

14th the on forget Valentine’s Day to We say goodbye and a big thank you writes his he as Rev Philip Bromiley this month, 56). We e pag (see r last article for the Town Crie re. futu wish him well for the

62 44

nload the See page 18 for details of how to dow you allow will new Town Crier mobile app. This and ts even l loca rs, to find out about special offe ne! onli e labl avai is e when the latest magazin

Don’t Forget Pancake Day February 28

like to If you have a local event you would to us by the it il appear in the next issue, just ema best to our do will deadline date below and we s.

Date y Diar give it a mention in the Until next time ...

Annie

Your Local

TownCr er Magazine

5b Wood Street, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0BZ Tel: 01249 811068 www. towncriermagazine.com Deadline for submissions for the March 2017 issue: 6th February 2017

Editor: contact@towncriermagazine.com Advertising: contact@towncriermagazine.com Artwork: production@towncriermagazine.com CONDITIONS OF ADVERTISING: The Editor reserves the right to refuse any copy which she feels may not be appropriate material for print. No responsibility will be taken for any damage or loss of material caused by inaccuracy or omission of any advertisement. Artwork prepared by us remains the property of The Town Crier Magazine and reproduction in any form is expressly forbidden without prior permission from the Editor. We provide artwork free of charge and where possible we will adhere to your request on layouts and type, but we cannot guarantee an exact copy. If you wish to produce your own artwork to a specific layout, or have any changes to an existing advert, please ensure your copy is with us by the 1st of month prior to publication at the latest.

Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the The Town Crier Magazine.

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

MAGAZINE SECTIONS Local Focus

6-25

Food & Drink

32-37

Health & Beauty

40-47

Pets 48-49 Motoring

50-51

Gardening 52-55 Building & Home Improvement Index of Advertisers

61-69 70

32

30 WINFOR

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L A MEA T WO

e 37

See pag

7 Wood Street, Calne, SN11 0BZ 01249 819858 www.hmhairdressing.co.uk

36 THIS FEBRUARY ISSUE 48 Pets Puppy Puckers & Kitty Kisses

6 Local Focus 50 Motoring Local News and Events

30 Valentine’s Day Why do we give cards?

34 Pancake Day Crossword & Sudoku

36 Recipe Fudge

38 Puzzle Corner Crossword & Sudoku

44 Emmy Butcher Young Valentine

All new Audi Q2

52 Gardening

Home-made Compost Winter Jasmine and Heather

56 Philip Bromiley So long, Farewell

58 Jo Deacon Out with the old ...

60 A Good Read Reconstructing Amelia &

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ON W NE HAT A R ’S YO U

♥ Local Focus FEBRUARY 2017

What’s happening locally • News • Events • Charities • Clubs Grittleton Village Hall with Rural Arts Touring Presents

Gonzo Moose's

The thing that came from over there!

Friday 3 March 2017

Spoof horror set in Antarctica with COMEDY and THRILLS galore. It’s a FAST PACED, QUICK CHANGE, MULTI ROLE PLAYING show with three actors playing over fifteen roles with visual gags, giant puppetry and a little live music…DO NOT MISS!

Town Crier Competition Winner

GRITTLETON VILLAGE HALL doors open 6.30pm for 7.00pm start TICKETS - Jan on 01249 782798 dandjjeffcoate@btinternet.com Adults £8, Concessions £7, Children (under 16) £5, Family (2 adults/2 children £21 Target Age EVERYONE from approx. 8 years!

from Congratulations to Georgina Stephenson n etitio Comp Crier Town the ing winn on Calne with t shoo o phot a prize of a gift voucher for Bianca Goss Photography.

Lockside WI Pewsham We are now looking forward to another good year with the following first few dates for your diaries 28th February - Talk on Antarctic by Pete Shaw 28th March - Annual General Meeting

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

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azine.com

If you would like to come along to any of our meetings you will be very welcome. Lockside WI, Pewsham Community Centre, Lodge Road, Chippenham SN15 3SY From 10.00am to 12 noon.

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

7

What’s On

Diary Dates FEBRUARY 2017

i

BIG SCREEN BEVERSBROOK Saturday 4th February STORKS (U), film starts at 11am and 2pm OFFER: kids go free with paying adult Beversbrook Sports & Community Facility Tickets: £4 adults, £2.50 under 16 Friday 24th February Big Screen Beversbrook THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (15), film starts at 8pm Beversbrook Sports & Community Facility Tickets: £4 adults, £2.50 under 16 ABBEY SKATE 15 - 17 February 2017 Malmesbury Abbey To book a session, parents and young people must visit: www. malmesburyabbey.com/skate TOWN HALL MOVIOLA

Wednesday 22nd February

Our film for February will be ' The GIRL ON THE TRAIN' (15) based on the book and starring Emily Blunt and Justin Theroux. A divorcee beco§mes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shock waves throughout her life. Showing on Weds 22nd February in Calne Town Hall. Doors open at 7.00pm. Refreshments available. Tickets £6.00 available from the information office or on the door.

WEDDING FAIR

Sunday 26th February Calne Town Hall, 11am to 3pm Meet an inspiring array of local businesses in Calne’s historic Town Hall. Free entry www.calne.gov.uk LOCKSIDE WI - PEWSHAM We are now looking forward to another good year with the following first few dates for your diaries 28th February - Talk on Antarctic

by Pete Shaw 28th March - Annual General Meeting 25th April - Talk on Honey by Claire 8

Barker from Hive Originals If you would like to come along to any of our meetings you will be very welcome. Lockside WI, Pewsham Community Centre, Lodge Road, Chippenham SN15 3SY From 10.00am to 12 noon.

some valuable new contacts. For more details about the event and to book your tickets please visit our online booking page at workingforcarersgala.eventbrite. co.uk I hope you can join us to share in this wonderful evening.

MARDEN HOUSE CONCERT Sunday February 26th 3pm Marden House, Calne.

THE THING THAT CAME FROM OVER THERE! Friday 3 March 2017 Grittleton Village Hall Doors open 6.30pm for 7.00pm start Spoof horror set in Antarctica with COMEDY and THRILLS galore. It’s a FAST PACED, QUICK CHANGE, MULTI ROLE PLAYING show with three actors playing over fifteen roles with visual gags, giant puppetry and a little live music…DO NOT MISS! TICKETS - Jan on 01249 782798 dandjjeffcoate@btinternet. com Adults £8, Concessions £7, Children (under 16) £5, Family (2 adults/2 children £21

Martin Cousin - piano Martin is regarded as one of the most exceptional pianists of his generation. He has won many awards and has performed in the major British venues since his solo debut as well as tours in the USA, New Zealand, and throughout Europe. He has also made concerto appearances with the Halle, London Philharmonic, and Royal Philharmonic orchestras. Martin is also a member of the Aquinas Piano Trio and his chamber music has taken him to many far-flung and exotic places. Martins's hands were featured on the big screen in the Oscar winning film "Shine" for the scenes involving Rachmaninov's 3rd Concerto. His programme will include works by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. Tickets: £12 Adults, £1 Full-time Students. Available from: Calne Information Centre, www. marlboroughboxoffice.co.uk or at the door. More information at www.mardenhouseconcerts.co.uk MARCH 2017

i

WORKING FOR CARERS GALA Thursday 2nd March 2017 Devizes Town Hall, Devizes Join us for an evening of networking and celebration with great entertainment and delicious food. Come and find out what Working For Carers can do for your business – this is the perfect opportunity to learn about the work we do with employers and why the issue of unpaid care is a growing focus among forwardthinking companies. The evening will be a key networking occasion, with businesses from across the region attending, including many of our current members, giving you the chance to make

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Door Ajar Theatre present “THISBE” 4th March, Brinkworth Village Hall This is a comic sequel to Midsummer Night’s Dream and takes one of its most famous lines “the course of true love never did run smooth” to develop a highly entertaining what happened next tale involving many of the popular characters from the Shakespeare play. For tickets call 01666 510545, 01666 510045 or The Pound 01249 701628. Adults £8, Concessions £7.

Bar 7.30pm, show starts at 8pm.

THE THREE DEGREES UK TOUR Tuesday 28 March, Melksham Assembly Hall Celebrating over 50 years in the music industry The Three Degrees are bringing their perfectly coordinated dance routines and flawless vocal harmonies, back to the UK in 2017. The tour starting in March will see the legendary trio perform a soulful set packed with the classic songs we all know and love. After five decades of existence, The Three Degrees are in The Guinness Book of World Records, as the ‘Longest Running Female Vocal Trio in history’, and they show no signs of slowing down. www.thethreedegrees.com www.melkshamtown.co.uk/ assembly-hall-events

B ru n e l H o u s e

Please come along to discuss Care packages available with the Home Manager.

B ru n e l H o u s e

Brunel House is situated in the picturesque village of Box, located in the idyllic and rural county of Wiltshire.

Come along to chat to the team, have a coffee and pick up an information pack.

All 65 bedrooms are en-suite and decorated to a hotel standard. The care home is classical yet Brunel Houseinisstyle situated in the picturesque of Box, locatedoffering in the idyllic andelegance rural and security. contemporary and finished to a five-starvillage standard throughout, comfort,

Please come along to discuss Care packages county of Wiltshire. available with the Manager.

Facilities at Brunel House Care HomeHome include cafés, cinema room, dining rooms, reminiscence room

and a hair and beauty as well beautiful landscaped gardens. The care home is All 65 bedrooms aresalon, en-suite andasdecorated to a hotel standard.

Brunel House is situated in the picturesque village of Box, located in the idyllic and rural county of Wiltshire.

classical yet contemporary in style and finished to a five-star standard throughout,

Come along to chat to the team, have a coffee and pick up an information pack.

All 65 bedrooms en-suiteand andsecurity. decorated to a hotel standard. The care home is classical yet offering comfort,are elegance contemporary in style and finished to a five-star standard throughout, offering comfort, elegance and security.

B ru n e l H o u s e

Facilities at Brunel House Care Home include cafés, cinema room, dining rooms,

Facilities at Brunel House includesalon, cafés,as cinema room, dining rooms, reminiscence reminiscence room and Care a hairHome and beauty well gardens. room C a as r ebeautiful H o mlandscaped e and a hair and beauty salon, as well as beautiful landscaped gardens.

The Wharf, Box, Nr. Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 8EP Come along to chatTel: to the team, have Email: a coffee and pick up an information pack.

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B ru n e l HRespite o uCare s e/ Short Breaks

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B ru n e l H o u s e

Residential Care

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Please come along to discuss Care packages available with the Home Manager. Respite Care / Short Breaks Nursing Care Dementia Residential

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Brunel House is situated in the picturesque village of Box, located in the idyllic and rural county of Wiltshire.

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All 65 bedrooms are en-suite and decorated to a hotel standard. The care home is classical yet contemporary in style and finished to a five-star standard throughout, offering comfort, elegance and security.

Facilities at Brunel House Care Home include cafés, cinema room, dining rooms, reminiscence room and a hair and beauty salon, as well as beautiful landscaped gardens.

B ru n e l H

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Come along to chat to the team, have a coffee and pick up an information pack.

B r u n e l H o u sPlease e come along to disc

Care Home The Wharf, Box, Nr. Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 8EP Tel: 01225 560100 Email: brunel.house@mmcg.co.uk Brunel House is situated in the picturesque village

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Residential Care

Nursing Care

Dementia Residential

Respite Care / Short Breaks

All 65 bedrooms are en-suite and decorated to aR contemporary in style and finished to a five-star s

Facilities at Brunel House Care Home include café For more information, visit us online at www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk

and a hair and beauty salon, as well as beautiful la

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Please come along to discuss Care packages

9

Br

Local Focus

Atwell Wilson Motor Museum A very happy New Year from everyone at the Museum.

With the various shows and exhibitions which we attend behind us, we are now turning our attention to ongoing maintenance at the Museum and making plans for the forthcoming season. Obviously we will continue to support the various events being laid on in Calne and will be hosting our own Classic Car “extravaganza” over the weekend of 8/9th July, starting with the Road Run on the Saturday and the ever popular show on Sunday. We look forward to seeing many of you there.

Winner David Singer (fourth from right) with the Friends of the Museum

New readers may not know that every year the Friends of the Museum purchase a classic car and then sell draw tickets for it at the wide variety of shows, race meetings and exhibitions which we attend. All of the money raised is used to support projects at the Museum, which over the years has amounted to many thousands of pounds.

The 2016 prize draw was a 1976 MG Midget, the draw for which took place at our Mulled Wine evening on 3rd December. The lucky winner was Richard Singer, an MG enthusiast from Trowbridge. He is seen in the photo (4th from right) receiving the car from our Chairman, Mike Bain and a group of Friends.

Our first priority is to find a replacement for the Midget and we are currently looking at a variety of options.

This year we will be purchasing two prize draw cars,

one to be drawn at this year’s show and another to run forward to the 2018 show. However if any readers of the Town Crier know of a car(s) which we might be interested in purchasing, we would be pleased to hear from them. Contact details are as shown below.

Everyone involved with the Museum is a volunteer and without their support the Museum could not operate.

If you would like to get involved, please feel free to contact me at jakehall16@btinternet.com. Alternatively, contact the Museum at the number below.

The Museum is currently on its Winter schedule and is open on Thursdays to Sunday inclusive from 11am to 5pm. There is plenty of free parking available on site and for larger groups who might like it, refreshments can be arranged if requested. For further information, please contact the Museum on 01249 813119 or visit its website which is www.atwellwilson.org.uk

“Thisbe” On the 4th of March, Door Ajar Theatre present “Thisbe” in Brinkworth Village Hall.

This is a comic sequel to Midsummer Night’s Dream and takes one of its most famous lines “the course of true love never did run smooth” to develop a highly entertaining what happened next tale involving many of the popular characters from the Shakespeare play.

Door Ajar are a talented new theatre company who devise and perform exciting shows that incorporate live music. This show also features BSL interpretation.

For tickets call 01666 510545, 01666 510045 or The Pound 01249 701628. Adults £8, Concessions £7. Bar opens at 7.30pm, show starts at 8pm. This is a Rural Arts Wiltshire event.

10

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Alan Hall, Secretary

Door Ajar Theatre p resent

“Thisbe”

The course of true love never did run smooth …… ..a sequel to A Midsum mer Night ’s Dream

A comedy drama wit h top qual music. Hu ity live gely entert aining!

Tickets: Adu lts £8, Con cs £7, Child £5, Fa mily £21 (2 A+2C) Contact Yv onne on 01 666 510545 or Jo on 01666 51 0045

The show fe atu Interpretatio res BSL n

Weddings at Bowood Getting hitched this year?

Enjoy our special package prices from £98* on selected Saturdays in 2017.

Get in touch for a private visit and experience the magic of Bowood.

Call us on 01249 823887, visit us online at www.bowood.org/weddings or email weddings@bowood.org quoting ‘Town Crier’. *subject to minimum spend

Wedding Fayre Sunday 19th February

Photography: Peter Smart Photography

There’s more to

Beautiful Bowood than meets the eye!

HOTEL • GOLF • SPA • WEDDINGS • EVENTS • RESTAURANTS • HOUSE & GARDENS

Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort Derry Hill, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 9PQ

www.bowood.org

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

11

Wedding

What’s On

Fair

Calne’s Historic

Town Hall

Sunday 26th February 11am - 3pm, free entry Meet an inspiring array of local businesses at a venue that could host your ceremony and/or reception.

01249 814000

www.calne.gov.uk calne@calne.gov.uk

BIG SCREEN BEVERSBROOK CALNE’S LOCAL COMMUNITY CINEMA Beversbrook Sports & Community Facility, Calne, SN11 9FL

Saturday 4th February Big Screen Beversbrook STORKS (U), film starts at 11am and 2pm OFFER: kids go free with paying adult Beversbrook Sports & Community Facility Tickets: £4 adults, £2.50 under 16 Friday 24th February Big Screen Beversbrook THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (15), film starts at 8pm Beversbrook Sports & Community Facility Tickets: £4 adults, £2.50 under 16 Saturday 11th March Big Screen Beversbrook THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS (U), film starts at 11am & 2pm.

Beversbrook Sports & Community Facility Friday 10th June - 8pm Tickets: £4 adults, £2.50 children under 16, £12.50 Adults £4, Children (under 16) £2.50, Family (2A+2C) £12.50 family + 2C) Tickets on(2A the door or from Calne Information Centre & Beversbrook Bar open from 7pm for drinks & snacks Friday 17th March Free parking

Big Screen Beversbrook NOCTURNAL ANIMALS (15), film starts at 8pm Beversbrook Sports & Community Facility Tickets: £4 adults, £2.50 under 16

12

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Two Hours Free Parking Visitors and residents can now enjoy two hours free parking in Calne Heritage Quarter Car Park throughout 2017.

The scheme has been funded by Calne Town Council with the intention of encouraging footfall and increasing the length of time spent in the town, particularly in the historic streets and independent businesses of Calne Heritage Quarter.

Located in the heart of ‘Old Calne’ and accessed from the A4, the car park is the perfect place from which to enjoy Calne Heritage Quarter with Castlefields Park, Calne Heritage Centre and the town’s Blue Plaque Trail all within a five minute walk from the car park.

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13

What’s On

Marden House Concert Sunday February 26th 3pm Marden House, Calne.

MARTIN COUSIN - PIANO

Join a trek of a lifetime for Wiltshire Air Ambulance!

IF you are looking for a new challenge in 2017 then Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s trek of the Great Wall of China could be for you. As well as taking on one of the most iconic landmarks on Earth, participants will be raising vital funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA).

The charity has run overseas treks in the past, including a Sahara Trek in 2015, but this is the first time it has organised a trek to part of the Great Wall of China.Rebecca de la Bedoyere, Senior Fundraising Manager at WAA, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience, which is by far the most exotic overseas challenge we’ve been involved with. The Great Wall is on many people’s bucket lists and what better way to experience it than on a guided tour with a small group of like-minded people, whilst raising funds to help us save lives across Wiltshire?

Martin is regarded as one of the most exceptional pianists of his generation. Winning many awards for his performances in major British venues. He has also toured in the USA, New Zealand and Europe and has appeared with the Halle, London Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic orchestras. Martin’s hands were featured in the Oscar-winning film ‘Shine’, for the scenes involving Rachmaninov’s 3rd Concerto. His programme will include works by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms.

Tickets: £12 Adults, £1 Full-time Students.

Available from: Calne Information Centre, www.marlboroughboxoffice.co.uk or at the door.

More information at www.mardenhouseconcerts.co.uk

oviola Calne Tow22nndHaFellbrM uary 2017 Wednesday

on the Train' (15) ry will be 'The Girl Our film for Februa Blunt and Justin ily and starring Em ok bo e th on d se ba d in a missing e becomes entangle Theroux. A divorce send shock to on that promises persons investigati Weds 22nd on ing ow her life. Sh waves throughout en op at 7.00pm.

Town Hall. Doors February in Calne available from .00 £6 able. Tickets Refreshments avail ce or on the door. the information offi 14

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

“During the ten day adventure, participants will be able to enjoy some of the highlights this iconic structure has to offer, with breath-taking views of mountains, villages and farms, as well as having opportunities to explore Beijing and The Forbidden City. We’ll be heading off the beaten trail and away from the tourist hotspots to experience a real taste of China.”

The 60km trek takes place from 21 to 30 September 2017.

Led by an experienced guide the trek is for people with a good level of fitness.

Nicola Earle, of Malmesbury, who took part in WAA’s Sahara Trek, offered encouragement. She said: “Signing up to do a Wiltshire Air Ambulance trek is a great way to have an adventure in a part of the world you might not ordinarily have a chance of visiting and raise money for a really worthwhile cause. Nobody knows when they might require the services of Wiltshire Air Ambulance. The organisational aspects of the trek are taken care of which means all you have to do is get fit, raise money and then walk.”

For more information about the trek visit the website at www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk/events/trek-thegreat-wall-of-china or call WAA’s fundraising team on 01380 739453 Trek The Great Wall of China and raise funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s lifesaving service.

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

15

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Shine for Your Valentine (every day!)

S

AM FRANCOME, the founder and creative director of Hazelwood Beauty Salon, based in Sutton Benger, near Chippenham, has crafted some luscious and romantic offers this February to coincide with Valentine’s Day. She said: “Here at Hazelwood we want to offer packages to help people feel their best preparing for this special time and help build the excitement.”

Sam was trained as a mentor for 'Health creation' created by Dr Rosie Daniel, former CEO of the Bristol Cancer Health Centre. Within the training she dealt with supporting and empowering personal choices and positive paths for carers, people with cancer and illness and generally those seeking to look at their life and identify their choices they make and the directions they wish to take.

She said: “By creating a beautiful space, we not only enhance the physical, but allow whoever comes through the door to let everything dissolve and simply be.”

Whether it’s glittering glamour, or time out from a busy life you seek, this quiet and homely farmhouse salon is equal to the task.

Valentine Specials From Monday to Friday, men and women of all ages can try these special offers: ♥ Two Hearts Take advantage of an irresistible offer for two to each enjoy a 60 minute body massage - Value £110 Valentine price £80 ♥ Beloved Gift Card Give or receive a gift card - (minimum load of £30) - with the added bonus of a totally free 20 minute back massage! ♥ Kissed by Mii Glow and sparkle with - an all over spray body tan + a nail file and gel polish Value £52 Valentine price £35 ♥ Love Yourself Get ready for the big day with - half a leg wax + high leg bikini wax + a brow shape and tint** + a free lipstick!

Value £80 Valentine Price £50 ! tint test required 48 hours before treatment) **prior

Don’t miss the opportunity to pamper yourself and your partner by taking advantage of February’s Valentine specials, or by checking out Hazelwood’s renowned ‘daily discounts’ which include Under18s enjoying 50% off all treatments; Student Union Card holders 25% off. (not in conjunction with promotional discounts).

Tel: 01249 720964

TESTIMONIALS FROM CLIENTS HAVE INCLUDED:

Email: team@hazelwoodbeauty.co.uk The Old Farmhouse, Seagry Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 4RX www.hazelwoodbeauty.co.uk !

“the best independent spa I have visited” “a fantastic atmosphere where the beauticians go above and beyond to deliver brilliant results”.

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Salon open: Monday to Thursday 9am-8pm Friday 9am-5.30pm Saturday 9am-1.30pm !

Beauty therapist, Imogen, one of the Hazelwood team.

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS DESIGN SERVICE KITCHEN APPLIANCES IN STOCK FOR SAME DAY DELIVERY Bathrooms, wet rooms & shower rooms Bespoke kitchens Granite, silestone & laminate worktops Washing machines and dishwashers Kitchen appliances, intergrated or freestanding OPEN: Mon - Friday 8am - 5pm & Sat 8am - 2pm

T: 01249 813871

1 Stanier Road | Porte Marsh | Calne | SN11 9PX

www.activeplumbingsupplies.co.uk

CARPETS • FLOORING Domestic and Commercial Flooring from a large selection of samples.

Providing a friendly personalised service with professional fitting, working closely with customers to achieve best results • CARPETS ICE • LAMINATE BEST PRTEED • VINYL FLOORING G UA R A N • ENGINEERED WOOD

QUICKSTEP - TARKETT - RHINOFLOOR - CARMARO

FREE QUOTATION ON REQUEST

Goldmans Interiors Ltd, 3 Wood Street, Calne SN11 0BZ Tel: 01249 814423 www.calnecarpetsandcurtains.co.uk email: goldmansinteriors@gmail.com The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

17

Town Crier Magazine Mobile Application Mobile Application

Land that Job! Knowing how to go about getting a job can be tricky if you have limited experience in the job market, but here are five tips which will increase your chances of gaining employment.

Network - Many people find jobs through people they know rather than traditional job adverts. Talk to family, friends and other people you know and ask if they are aware of any vacancies.

Attract employers - Get potential employers to come to you. Post your CV online with various agencies and you could save yourself a lot of time and effort job hunting.

Target companies - Look at the organisations which might make a good employer and concentrate on them. This may mean you only look at the big employers in your area or it might mean that you look into one sector but nationwide.

Think positive - We all get a few knock backs when looking for work. Don’t take it personally if you are rejected or don’t even get a response. It’s probably not because of anything you have done wrong.

Find hidden vacancies - Many jobs are landed before they are advertised but you need to act quickly. Look into internal recruitment and get friends to tune into their own company grapevines. It’s a good way of getting your foot in the door early.

Knowing how to find a job is a skill in itself. Once you have been successful, the process becomes easier next time around. Happy job-hunting.

FREE FREE TO TO DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD

Available on Available to download & iOS onAndroid Android & IOS 18

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

by Sarah Davey

ELMERS

Little Acrons

WINDOW CLEANER

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Contact Rich Elms Fast & reliable service Tel: 01249 814509

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Room size: 25sq ft to 185 sq ft OPENING HOURS Monday-Friday: 09.00-18.00 Saturday: 09.00-13.00 Outside of these hours, by appointment.

Tel: 01249 818951

7 Harris Rd, Porte Marsh Trading Est, Calne, SN11 9PT info@calneselfstore.co.uk www.calneselfstore.co.uk

We Sell Cardboard Boxes

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

19

Local Focus

Kington St Michael Village Shop Set in the pretty village of Kington St Michael beside the church is a delightful village shop which is unique amongst community owned projects. Unlike some other community shops, Kington St Michael’s is staffed and managed totally by volunteers.

It is an Aladdin’s cave of groceries, local produce, homemade cake; savoury pies, fast frozen locally sourced meat, poultry, bread and eggs. Their honey comes from hives in the village, and the jams, chutneys and cake are made a short walk from the shop – you can’t get more local than that. The fresh fruit and vegetables complete any meal you should wish to make. Wines, spirits, beers and ciders from local producers are also in stock There is a delightful small display that features hand crafted sterling silver jewellery, turned wood crafted items, fragrant candles and room diffusers from The Box Candle Company. Candle prices start at £3.95, which make them affordable for everyone. With wrapping papers, and a wide range of greeting cards available you have everything you need for that special gift.

If you want to take the hassle out of queuing at a Post Office counter make use of their self-service Post Point facility. You can post UK signed for; next day delivery; small to medium parcels and letters to Europe and World Wide destinations. Stamps can be purchased from a friendly member of staff at the shop counter.

In May 2017 the shop will have been trading for 10 years, and to recognise this the committee will be holding a celebration event on 20th May in the Village Hall.

There is a car park next to the shop and disabled access.

CCTV surveillance ensures security at all times.

Opening times: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.

Saturday 9.30am – 1pm. Telephone: 01249 750181 email: ksmvillageshop@yahoo.co.uk. SN14 6HX www.facebook.com/kingtonstmichaelvillageshop

A year with me will make a lifetime of difference to a blind or partially sighted person Puppy walking is an essential element in the development of a future guide dog.

A volunteer puppy walker takes a puppy of around six weeks old into their home and develops it for the first year of its life.

It takes a lot of time, commitment and love from both you and your family. The end result however is a very special animal.

If you’re interested and live in the Marlborough area please call: 0845 371 7771 or email: volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk

www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppywalking Guide Dogs is a working name of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, a registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SCO38979). 3025 05/11

Marden House Concerts 2017 PROGRAMME

Sunday 26th February 2017 - 3pm MARTIN COUSIN - PIANO. Martin's programme will include works by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms.

Sunday 26th March 2017 - 3pm SARAH BENNETT - FLUTE WITH DANIEL KING-SMITH - PIANO. They will be playing works by Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Takemitsu, Reinecke, Hamilton Hardy, Bach and Fauré.

Sunday 30th April 2017 - 3pm THE CYGNUS TRIO. This Piano Trio will perform Schubert Nocturne, Mendelssohn Trio in C minor, op. 66 and Brahms Trio in C, op.87.

Marden House, Calne Tickets £12 Adult, £1 Full-time students From Calne Information Centre or at the door.

www.mardenhouseconcert.co.uk 20

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

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21

ADVERTISING FEATURE

New Year Excitement at Chippenham Dancing Academy T

HERE’S an extra touch of excitement in the air at Chippenham’s Dancing Academy as teachers and students embrace new goals, new classes and new students at the start of 2017.

Vice Principal Amy van Maris (26), who has been performing since she was three was so overwhelmed with the take-up for her Musical Theatre Classes she has had to divide the group into juniors and seniors.

“Right now we are all working towards summer exams, but after that we’ll be preparing an endof year show based on characters from favourite children’s stories,” Amy said.

Her on-trend Street Dance Class classes are filling up fast with boys and girls trying out some moves in a safe and professional environment.

“I love teaching kids and talking to them about their lives. It’s hard work making sure they are ready for their exams, but it’s lovely watching their transformation from not even being able to do a kick to crushing pirouettes.”

Amy’s Monday evening Adult Ballet Class provides young mums with an opportunity to get out of the

22

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

house, get social and get into shape.

“It’s ideal for building strength, flexibility and posture,” Amy said, “we have quite a few more mature students too and they all love performing their ballet moves to contemporary songs.”

Amy also offers Jazzercise and Adult Tap classes on Wednesday mornings.

“Tap Dancing is like playing a musical instrument with your feet.

You have to concentrate to learn the sequences but once you’ve got it in your muscle memory, it’s there for life. With Amanda Holden and Tamzin Outhwaite about to wow the West End with their tap dance skills in ‘Stepping Out’ this spring, tap is definitely in for a revival.”

Whether you want to join the new Adult Beginner Ballet Class which starts February 24, or your children want to get dancing, it’s not too late to enrol for the rest of the term.

Why not have a word with Studio Manager Jodie Joyce on 07427 832 996, or pop in for a chat at Unit 3, The Old Foundry, Foundry Lane, Chippenham SN15 1JB and ‘get dancing.’ www.thedancingacademy.co.uk Photo: Amy left, Samantha, right.

Tony Warren

FUNERAL SERVICE Calne

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Local, Private Chapel of Rest designed with a home environment.

For Care & Kindness, please ask for

Celebrating 10 years serving the Calne area

Tony Warren Highly Experienced & Respected Funeral Director serving the Calne community & surrounding areas for many years For further and fo in rmation . re hu oc a br t Please contac us on:

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24 hour Personal Service - to all areas Traditional or Green Funerals. Home visits Modern Mercedes or 19th Century Horse-drawn hearse Pre - Paid plans Available

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E. Wootten & Son Funeral Directors Established 1926

E Wootten & Son Funeral Directors

Funeral Directors Jennifer and Shaun and the team at E. Wootten & Son are at your service and set the highest standards for the funeral profession in terms of care of clients and their loved ones. We help our families through one of the most difficult times in their lives with compassion, respect, knowledge, openness and personal care.

Bereaved families can rest assured, knowing that their loved one is being cared for within our purpose built premises, which include: • Qualified and discreet personnel.

• Private, homely and comfortable arranging rooms.

• Quiet and private Chapel of Rest.

• Fully equipped purpose built mortuary facilities.

• Private parking for convenience and discretion.

1 North Street Calne SN11 0HQ 01249 812258

E. Wootten & Son have their own fleet of vehicles on site which consist of a Mercedes E Class Hearse complemented with a matching limousine. Also a fully equipped private ambulance for bringing your loved one into our care.

47 Market Place Chippenham SN15 3HU 01249 709048

E. WOOTTEN & SON WILL ALSO ASSIST YOU WITH: • 24HRS A DAY SUPPORT • MEMORIALS • PRE-PAYMENT FUNERALS PLANS. The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

23

Local Focus

A

Inspired?

SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY SPORTS MASSAGE TRAINING

THERAPY TRAINING

RE many heads better than one? Well, like most things, that depends. Sometimes a quick decision must be made and an individual has all the information they need to make that decision alone. Most of the time, though, we can benefit from the input of other people, whether it’s family, friends, colleagues or experts.

Psychologists are finding that a group of people who approach things differently and who have different skills and experience can have a ‘collective intelligence’. If they are able to harness that collective intelligence by learning how to take advantage of each other’s strengths, rather than feeling threatened by them, then the sky’s the limit!

Local businesswoman, Sharon Firth, believes that people are brilliant at coming up with creative ways of moving forward and meeting challenges – sometimes they just need someone to facilitate – literally ‘make things easier’ for them.

Sharon has harnessed the experience she’s gained through working in personnel management, in training and developing people and in facilitating groups, to establish her company, Inspire Away.

On 28th February, Sharon will be facilitating a Time Management workshop at The Duke in Hilmarton.

If you’d like to come, please e-mail sharonfirth@ inspireaway.co.uk You’ll leave with lots of practical tips and techniques for gaining more control of your time.

Start Your New Career with o Level 3 & 4 Sports Massage T Training & CPD Courses Start Your New Career with our Wiltshire Courses Level 3 & Based 4 Sports Massage

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BUSINESS SUPPORT n ACCOUNTS n BOOKKEEPING n SELF ASSESSMENT n VAT n GENERAL OFFICE DUTIES n ADMINISTRATION Telephone:

01249 325529 07789 161668 email: vflbusiness18@gmail.com 24

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Nick Sewell on how to add a little legal certainty to your New Year Resolutions…

Nick Sewell on how to add a little legal certainty to 2017…..

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

There’s so much we could be doing to improve our lives and protect ourselves for the future. Here are two areas relating to the law that could be of great benefit to you and those who depend on you.

Each year thousands of people create a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to protect their interests in case their health and their mental capacity should start to deteriorate.

Lasting Powers of Attorney could help protect your future

LPAs enable you to nominate someone such as a family member or trusted associate to make decisions on your behalf if you ever lose the ability to do so yourself in the future through illnesses such as dementia.

WILLS Make sure you have an up-to-date will in place.

Making a will is one the easiest and best things you can do to protect the interests of the people you care about.

It’s also the only way of ensuring that your wealth is passed on in the way you want.

Unfortunately, many people never get round to making a will, which means they are said to have died intestate.

If you don’t have such arrangements in place then your family may have to go through complicated and time-consuming legal processes just to get the authority to help run your affairs for you.

No one can be sure what the future will bring them in terms of their health, but LPAs can at least ensure that their interests are protected should the worst happen.

Please contact Nick on 01249 814536 if you would like more information about any of the issues raised in this article.

If that is the case then their wishes will not be known and their estate will be divided in a way laid down by law. It means their money may not go to the people they would have chosen themselves.

WE WILL BEAT ANY LIKE FOR LIKE QUOTE

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Tel: 01249 821184 or 07804 795209

VISIT THE SHOWROOM: 3 The Square, Wood Street, Calne SN11 0BY Email: totalcarpetsandflooring@talktalk.net • Open: Mon-Fri: 9am–5pm, Sat: 9am–4pm The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

25

Travel South Africa boasts 11 official languages and more than a dozen tribes, living alongside communities from Africa, Europe and the Indian subcontinent.This diversity is tangible everywhere, from the architecture and language to the nation’s spectacular cuisine.

– TRAVEL GUIDE –

South Africa

To understand modern South Africa, everyone should visit Johannesburg’s moving Apartheid Museum, and Robben Island prison, where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. Or you could join a township tour in Soweto, which, like the rest of your trip, you’ll never forget.

MARC FITCHETT, PERSONAL TRAVEL COUNSELLOR

With golden beaches, jagged mountains and national parks overflowing with wildlife, South Africa is the Africa you’ve always imagined.

Topping a long list of attractions is the republic’s spectacular wildlife and natural scenery. National parks and nature reserves preserve an incredible variety of landscapes – rolling plains, towering mountains, arid deserts, coastal fynbos (shrub land) and pure blue oceans – home to an incredible variety of wildlife, from lions and elephants to great white sharks and playful penguins.

South Africa's cities are no less varied. In the far south, lorded over by iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is South Africa’s most accessible gateway, with gorgeous beaches, vibrant, multicultural neighbourhoods, famous vineyards, a lively nightlife and fine dining to rival any European capital. You’ll find a similarly cosmopolitan vibe in Johannesburg, the energetic capital, and in beachside Durban, where the hot sunshine is matched by the scorching curries cooked up by the South Asian community.

You can lose yourself for days on safari. The undisputed top spot for wildlife spotters is worldfamous Kruger National Park, where the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos – are joined by hundreds of other African species.

If you require expert advice and financial peace of mind when booking your next holiday or business travel please contact Marc Fitchett – Travel Counsellor.

Marc specialises in weddings abroad, honeymoons, long-haul travel, cruise, business and group travel. ”I’m very competitive on price and always add great value with excellent customer service, adding advance passenger information, dealing with visa queries and making sure you have a memorable trip.

Marc Fitchett

PERSONAL TRAVEL COUNSELLOR Tel: 01249 848510 Mobile: 07970 971041 marc.fitchett@travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/marc.fitchett

ID GI EA FT L

See the magical crop circles, white horses and ancient monuments of Wiltshire from the air.

Gift Flights from £60

The Wiltshire Microlight Centre ‘for the flight of your life’ 26

Planning to Travel?

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Yatesbury Field Nr Cherhill Wiltshire SN11 8HS Tel: 07836 554554 wiltsmicrolights.com

Phillip Viles

KI NE TC W HE N

PROPERTY Maintenance

Rub-A-Dub Pre-school

ing Where lehafrn is suc un!

Established in 1987 we are a thriving pre-school in the village of Derry Hill. Our highly motivated and caring team encourage the children in their care to discover and learn, developing their confidence as they start on their journey to primary school.

BA N TH E W RO O M

We offer a dedicated session on Friday mornings to those starting primary school next September.

If you have applied to Derry Hill Primary School, why not visit us to find out more our ‘Rising Stars’ session. Please look at our website for more information and details on getting in touch.

Telephone: 07894 073865

• Friendly, Reliable Service • Free Quotes • Fully insured • Over 20 years experience • All jobs considered

Find us on Facebook

01249 816557 or 07880 675543

leave a message and someone will call you back

Lansdowne Village Hall, Petty Lane, Derry Hill, SN11 9QY rubadubpreschoolenquiries@gmail.com www.rubadubpreschool.com Manager: Natalie Bolt

SICK PC or LAPTOP? PC Hospital Surgeons On Call RAPID RESPONSE UNITS – FAST REPAIRS – We come to you • Computers restored to health • Intensive Care for crashed PC’s • RIP … Resurrection in progress • Qualified Surgeons COMP TIA A+ • Life Longevity Programme (Health Checks) • Body part replacement (Upgrades + Full Systems) • From £29 fixed Price repair (Plus any Components) • No Fix – No fee

PC HOSPITAL

01249 248346 or 07971 570869

Email: info@mypchospital.co.uk or visit www.mypchospital.co.uk

KINGSTON HOUSE Residential Care Home For the Older Person

Residential and Specialist Dementia Care All rooms with En-Suite facilities Caring, Professional staff and a lively environment Regular trips on our Minibus Eden Alternative registered home Visitors always welcome Lansdowne Crescent East, Derry Hill, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9NT Tel: 01249 815555 Fax: 01249 818928 E-mail: kingston@greensleeves.org.uk For further details, please contact the Home Manager Registered Charity No 1060478

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

27

Travel

ADVERTISING FEATURE

NORWAY

Arctic Highlight Cruise

S

TARTING and ending in Tromsø, this winter voyage takes you to the pure and crisp remote northern coast. Get closer to spectacular scenery and fascinating people with direct flights from Bristol, Cardiff, London Gatwick.

Create an Arctic adventure of your dreams with optional excursions such as snowmobiling in Lapland, visiting the Kirkenes Snow Hotel or an unforgettable dog sledding safari.

Extend this 5 night itinerary to 6 days and take in more of Tromsø.

This colourful city, surrounded by the dramatic Lyngen Alps, has many sights to offer including Arctic history, architecture, culture and more exciting excursions.

Prices from £799 per person Bristol 5-day itinerary: 11 Mar 2017 Cardiff 5-day itinerary: 15 Mar 2017 London Gatwick 6-day itinerary: 17*, 24 Mar 2017 5-day itinerary: 2 & 22 Mar 2017 *Note: these departures have one night preand one night post-voyage in Tromsø.

Price Includes: Return economy flights to Tromsø, including current taxes and charges *4-day voyage in an unspecified cabin on a half-board basis

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the ATOL scheme.

Please note: Price is in GBP per person based on two people travelling together sharing an unspecified twin cabin.

Other categories available at a supplement Not all grades are available for all departures Suite and Mini Suites are available only on request.

For more information please contact:

5 day itinerary: 1 night at Tromsø hotel including breakfast OR 6 day itinerary: 2 nights at Tromsø hotel including breakfast Transfers as applicable Not Included: Travel Insurance Optional excursions Luggage handling

2 The Causeway, Chippenham, Wilts, SN15 3BT

01249 447488

www.pebblestravel.co.uk 28

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Residents of Hill House say that it is their ...

‘Home from Home’ Hill House is a Country House set in open countryside once owned by the Chamberlain family.

We offer nursing, residential, respite, day care and end of life care. Please give us a call if you would like more information on our lovely Home.

‘Person centred care sees residents as equal partners in planning, developing and assessing care to make sure it is the most appropriate for their needs. It involves putting residents and their families at the heart of all decisions.’ Norma & Chad Doveton (Owners of Hill House) The recently opened new wing has large living and dining areas overlooking the Dauntsey Vale.

There are many new features including community coffee hub, bar, hairdressing salon, nail bar, ensuite shower in each room, large assisted bathrooms, WiFi throughout. The gardens are a magnificent feature of Hill House where you can enjoy peace and

tranquillity sat on the terraces. We have introduced a new person centred software system to ensure a high standard of record keeping and enabling staff to spend more time with residents.

care home

We continue to drive our Homes forward to achieve ever higher standards. We recognise training our staff is the key to providing the best care possible. Training also helps staff to achieve their personal goals, career development and to be happy and fulfilled in their work. We are looking for highly motivated caring individuals to work in our new Home and have several vacancies including Registered Nurses and Care Assistants.

If you would like to be part of our team please call us on: 01666 822363

Hill House Care Home, Little Somerford, Nr Malmesbury SN15 5BH Tel: 01666 822363 email: hillhousemanager@gmail.com • www.countrycarehomes.co.uk

MAKE LIFE EASIER Rise and recline furniture Adjustable beds

Footcare: On the move: Mobility scooters shoes and slippers Mobility scooter repairs Large range of mobility aids Footcare appointments Hire services Stairlifts FREE Hearing health

check

The Mobility Store | Unit 9a Ellendune Shopping Centre | WROUGHTON | SN4 9LN NEXT TO TESCO - FREE LEVEL PARKING | Tel: 01793 815083 56 George Lane | MARLBOROUGH | SN8 4BY | Tel: 01672 511550 Lansdowne | BOURTON ON THE WATER | GL54 2AR | Tel: 01451 810088 www.thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

29

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day

by Kate Duggan

V

ALENTINE’S DAY. Beloved by couples, greeting cards companies and florists the world over. But why do we give gifts and cards on February 14th?

Valentine’s Day actually started as a Christian day to worship Saint Valentine, or rather St Valentines as there were several. The main one associated with Valentine’s Day was a priest in Rome, who is believed to have been executed on February 14th, almost two thousand years ago. Some historians believe that his crime was performing the marriage of Christian couples. The emperor at the time, Claudius II, was not a fan of the church and had supposedly forbidden people from marrying. It is said that he thought young men would be less prepared to die in battle if they had a wife at home to mourn them. Instead, he encouraged them to take several lovers. Valentine continued to perform marriage ceremonies in secret, but was discovered and sentenced to death.

The story goes that Valentine healed the daughter of one of his jailers, and, on the day of his execution, left her a note, and signed ‘From your Valentine’. How much of this actually happened, we’ll likely never know.

St. Valentine’s Day started to be associated with love around the 14th Century, when the idea of romantic love gained popularity. Geoffrey Chaucer referred to Valentine’s Day in The Parliament of Fowls, as a day when birds would meet their mate.

30

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

A poem by the Duke of Orleans, which he wrote for his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415, is believed to be the oldest surviving Valentine’s Day gift. The Duke wrote:

Je suis desja d’amour tanné

Ma tres doulce Valentinée

(I am already sick of love

My very gentle Valentine) However, it wasn’t until many years later that the giving of tokens of love on Valentine’s Day became commonplace. In Victorian times, cards were hand drawn, and hand cut. They would have been quite expensive, so were cherished and many still survive today.

While February 14th is the most popular date for St. Valentine’s Day, the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates it on July 6th. Other cultures and countries have different festivals to celebrate love. Columbia, for example, has Dia de Amor y Amistad (Love and Friendship Day) on September 20th. Unlike Valentine’s Day, Dia de Amor y Amistad isn’t just about romantic love, however. People might invite friends over for dinner, and give small gifts to family members.

Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one, heading out with friends, or doing your best to ignore the day altogether, we wish you a happy Valentine’s Day.

Bazaar Gifts & Cards 5 The Strand, Calne, SN11 0RB (By the Library)

At Bazaar we have a wide range of exciting products for you to choose from, as a gift or a treat for yourself.

We also stock a wide range for cake decorating Albums & Photo Frames Bags & Scarves | Home Scents & Candles Glass Vases | Paperweights & Ornaments Purses & Wallets | Soft Toys & Teddy Bears Gifts for Baby & Wedding Ladies & Mens Toiletries | Mugs

Telephone: 01249 813380 Bazaar Gifts & Cards

Established 1982 - Florists for 34 years

SHIRLEY’S

FLORISTS Flowers for all occasions

DON’T FORGET VALENTINE’S DAY! Order your Valentine’s flowers now Tel: 01249 817089

29 High Street, Calne

www.shirleysflorist.co.uk We offer a key cutting service All major credit cards accepted

Need Flowers?

Think Shirley’s

Calne Evangelical Church PRUNE AND BROOM LTD CLEANING & GARDENING SERVICES END OF TENANCY & HOME HELP

Catherine Crofts 07877 661272 01249 822242 croftsies@hotmail.com

evangelical

Weekly activities for all ages Sunday family service 11.30am Crèche available

Evening service 6.30pm Youth groups for ages 0-18

Calne Appliance

Tots ‘n’ Dots toddler group Tuesday club primary school age Glow 9-12 years Lazer senior school age See church notice board, website or ring 821754 for more information www.calneevangelicalchurch.org.uk The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

31

Local Focus networking business and community

Awards 2016

Members of The Referral Link held a Christmas Brunch networking event to raise money for charity partner, Carer Support Wiltshire. The event, held at The Duke Hotel in Hilmarton also included an Awards ceremony for members. The winners were (from top left down): Louise Burrows from Charles Faye Estate Agents, Tony Stallan from Clearview Services, Gail Carroll from The Duke at Hilmarton, Lizzie Rapley from Carer Support Wiltshire and Richard Howells from the Town Crier Magazine. From top right down: Simon Foreman from Chilvester Financial, Les Stiff from Utility Warehouse, Sharon Firth from Inspire Away, Bianca Goss from Bianca Goss Photography. The awards were presented by Alistair Gay from Footfall Direct (left) and Marc Fitchett from Travel Counsellors (right).

Photos by Bianca Goss Photography 07917 873069.

To benefit from all that a membership has to offer and for further information on Referral Link, please go to the website: www.referrallink.co.uk 32

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Duke Hotel in Hilmarton

T

HE Duke is an elegant building in a marvellous spot - right opposite Hilmarton's delightful old church. Built in 1843 it is a thriving pub which caters for all the demands of modern customers.

The pub has been owned by Arkell's Brewery since 1923.

Landlords Gail and Steve Carroll and their son Sean took over the running of the pub in 2015 and have worked hard to create a real community spirit. The Duke is the base for many of the local sports teams and the function room is put to good use by many members of the local community.

If you are looking for top quality food, then there is sure to be something to tempt anyone on the extensive menu, whether their taste is for the traditional or the exotic.

Function Room

• Bed & Breakfast • Excellent pub food

All visitors are strongly encouraged to bring all the family, with children warmly welcomed - either indoors or outside in the garden, where new decking for dining & drinking has recently been extended.

• Sunday Lunch

The recent complete renovation of the stables annex into a brand-new, two-floor function room with its own private bar and room for a marquee also means The Duke Hotel is now hosting private party celebrations & weddings.

• Caravan pitches

• Beautiful pub garden with decking • NEW separate function room on two floors with private bar & room for a marquee

Opening times: 11am-11pm everyday Food served: 12-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm Mon-Sat Sunday: 12-7pm

The Duke Hotel, Hilmarton, near Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 8SD Tel: 01249 760634 www.dukehilmarton.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

33

Food & Drink

Pancake Day M

ORE traditionally known as Shrove Tuesday, this is the Christian feast day before Ash Wednesday, which is the start of Lent. Lent is a time of sacrifice, so Pancake Day historically was the perfect time to use up ingredients such as eggs and fats which are intrinsic to pancakes.

Historically Christians went to Church on Shrove Tuesday to seek absolution, otherwise known as shriving for their sins. So Shrove is taken from the word Shrive. A bell would ring to call people to confession and this became known as the Pancake or Shriven Bell.

The date of Shrove Tuesday varies because it occurs 47 days before Easter Sunday which also alters year on year based on cycles of the moon.

In the UK there are various traditions associated with this day in addition to the eating of pancakes. Pancake Races: One of the most famous races takes place in Olney in Buckinghamshire where is it believed the idea of the contest originated. It is said to be based on the story of a local woman who whilst she was making pancakes, heard the Shriven Bell and ran to church still wearing her apron and tossing her pancake in a frying pan to prevent it from burning. For this reason in Olney, racers must be local housewives or men dressed as such and wear an apron and a hat or scarf. During the 415 yard race they have to toss their hot pancake at least three times and the winner has to serve their pancake to the bell ringer and be kissed by him.

Other variations of the race include the one held at Westminster School, where the cook tosses a huge pancake over a five metre bar in the playground and boys try to catch the largest piece in order to get a cash prize from the Dean.

From the twelfth century onwards, Shrove Tuesday Football Games were played out in the streets and often referred to as mob football. Nowadays only a few games take place as highways legislation has prohibited playing football on the road since 1835.

In Scarborough on Shrove Tuesday, it is customary for a large skipping rope to be in place and for up to ten people to be skipping at a time.

In some other countries, this date is known as Mardi Gras and is marked by carnivals. These are still linked to the concept of celebrating the last day of ‘fat eating’ or ‘gorging’ before the commencement of Lent.

by Susan Brookes-Morris 34

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Pancake Recipe Over the years I’ve tried my pancakes with fruit, maple syrup, and a variety of savoury fillings, but I keep coming back to fresh lemon juice and a sprinkling of sugar...irresistible. Here is my own recipe for perfect pancakes.

INGREDIENTS

115g (4oz) plain flour Pinch salt 1 large egg 285ml (half a pint of milk) 115g (4oz) butter, melted Juice from 2 lemons, strained Caster or Demerara sugar to taste.

Don’t Forget Pancake Day February 28

To make the batter: sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Beat in the egg and a little of the milk until smooth. Gradually beat in the remaining milk and add 4 tablespoons of the melted butter. Cover the bowl and leave to stand for one hour.

In a small non-stick frying pan heat some of the butter until sizzling, but taking care not to let it burn. Pour enough batter into the pan to coat the base evenly.

Cook over a moderate heat until the pancake is light golden brown underneath and looks dry on top. Flip over (try to do this with style!) and cook the other side until golden. Continue until all the batter is used. The recipe should make 10-12 pancakes.

You can keep the pancakes warm in the oven (Gas mark 1 / 140C) until they are all cooked, but in our house they’re barely out the frying pan before they’re scoffed. Serve with the lemon juice and sugar.

by Sarah Davey

Infusions Tea Rooms

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Kitchen Makeover Are your kitchen cabinets OK, but the doors and drawer fronts are looking a little tired?

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We are a family run business with over 30 years experience in specialist carpentry and joinery.

We can plan, design and fit your kitchen complete including any building or alteration work.

Call Peter Galbraith now for a free survey and estimate Tel: 01793 741234 Visit our website @ pgalbraith24.wordpress.com The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

35

Food & Drink

Fudge

Make this as a treat for your Valentine. Pop it in a pretty box with a big bow and they will be yours forever…as long as you don’t eat it all first!

A cooking thermometer is ideal but if you don’t have one use the method below.

INGREDIENTS 100g butter 550g light muscovado sugar /or Demerara for a lighter flavour.

200g golden syrup 350ml double cream 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼-½ tsp sea salt flakes

METHOD

Line a tin about 23 x 23cm / 9 inches x 9 inches with grea seproof paper. M elt the butter, sugar, syru p and cream in a mediumsized, high-sided heavy-based pan.

Keep stirring until the sugar has dissolv ed.

Bring to a simmer (without stirring ) over a medium-low heat and cook, stirring only occasionally until it reaches 116C, sti rring more regularly aft er it reaches 100C and turning down th e heat if it begins to catch.

Take off the heat and beat in the va nilla and salt with a wood en spoon, then co ntinue beating until the fudge has thicken ed and lost its shine. Add any ingredients su ch as raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips at this point. Pour int o the tin and leave to set.

Once it’s firmed up a little, after abou t an hour, slice into sq uares and leave to cool completely. Best kept refrigerated.

If you don’t have a cooking therm ometer: Have a bowl of ice d water and a met al spoon ready next to the cooker. As the mixture begins to simmer beat it m ore regularly then pe riodically take ¼ - ½ tsp of the fudge mixtur e and plunge the coated spoon into the bo wl of iced water.

Then (still under the water) use your fingers to roll the mixture into a little ball. When it forms a soft, pliable ba ll it’s ready to take off the heat and continue with the recipe.

36

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The George Inn at Sandy Lane T

HE GEORGE INN is an impressive and beautiful 18th century building set in the thatched village of Sandy Lane on the edge of the Bowood estate. The exciting and recent refurbishment project, renovating and completely transforming this old Inn; boast a lovingly restored Oak conservatory with views across the rear gardens and Wiltshire countryside is not too be missed.

The George opened the doors under the new ownership on the 12th February 2016, building a fantastic reputation for both fine dining and elegant service.

At The George Inn, supporting local farmers is paramount; sourcing all of their ingredients locally, with the exception of our fish, as we are not close to the sea! Everything is home made on the premises with great care and attention.

COMPETITION

The location between a number of Wiltshire towns makes the George a popular meeting place to enjoy lunch; whether that’s for business meetings, lunch with friends and loved ones or just relax by the fire with a coffee, real cask ales or a glass of wine.

The menu includes a wide range of home cooked dishes. Customer favourites include our seasonal panfried guinea fowl, roast rump of Wiltshire lamb. Not forgetting the true ‘pub classics’ which all benefit from

an added George Inn twist – beer battered haddock, gourmet beef burger, and steak, ale pie. They have a children's menu for the little ones and yes, you’ve guessed it… it’s all home made.

Win a meal for two at The George Inn To be in with a chance to win a meal for two simply visit the George Inn Facebook page, like and share the George Inn. The winner will be drawn at random on the 1st March 2017.

Meal for two excludes drinks and must be taken before the 31st March 2017, excluding Mother’s Day 26th March 2017.

New Owner, New Chef, New Look, New Menu A Rustic Country Inn offering classic dishes alongside modern British cooking. Famed for the traditional Sunday Roast and fine dining room.

VALENTINE’S DAY 14th FEBRUARY Valentine’s Day set menu £35.00 per head with a sparkling welcome drink (They will even order the flowers!) Celebrate the love with the one you love The George Inn, Sandy Lane, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2XP • t 01380 850403

thegeorgeinnsandylane.co.uk | book@thegeorgeinnsandylane.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

37

Puzzles Do you have concerns for a friend, neighbour or family member?

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• Disclosure and Barring Service (previously CRB) checked, inclusive of ISA check • Reference checked • Fully trained with appropriate specialist training

Whatever your needs please call or e-mail Tel: 01452 526150 or 0845 1550024 (local rate) email: info@rojene.co.uk www.rojene.co.uk 38

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

ACROSS 7 Innumerable, unspecified amount (7) 9 Photograph, picture (5) 10 Girls’ hairstyle or a small cake (3) 11 Oval form (9) 12 Sarcasm, incongruity, used to comic effect (5) 14 Objects of attention or attack (7) 16 17th century Spanish warship (7) 18 Go into a place (5) 19 Aboriginal hunting weapon (9) 20 Type of seabird (3) 21 Perfect, desirable (5) 22 Feeling, sentiment (7)

DOWN 1 Effervescing, simmering (8) 2 Unlocked, unsecured (4) 3 Crisp salad vegetable (6) 4 Hesitate, waver (6) 5 Most contented or delighted (8) 6 Curve, twist (4) 8 Drab bird which sings beautifully (11) 13 Eyewitness, observer (8) 15 Caressing, soothing (8) 17 Calmly, smoothly (6) 18 Festive drink (6) 19 French creamy cheese (4) 20 Opposite of alkali (4)) Solutions to the crossword and sudoku on page 60

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Health & Beauty

B

Breathing

REATHING as a biological function is so natural to us that we rarely stop to consider it. Obviously we all have to breathe in order to live. However, the efficiency of our breathing is so vital to our health, well-being and state of mind that it is worth taking the time to explore the mechanics and how inefficiencies in how we breathe contribute to ill-health.

We inhale air to take in a vital form of nourishment – oxygen. We exhale to expel waste matter – principally carbon dioxide. Once we are born, breathing is the only way to supply our body and its various organs with the oxygen required for survival. Breathing is under the subconscious autonomous control of the brain stem. Whilst we can consciously control our breathing, which we do primarily when we speak or purposely hold our breath, we cannot stop ourselves from breathing. The mechanism is regulated by the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. Once this exceeds a certain level the instinctive reaction, generated by the brain stem, compels us to take a breath.

Oxygen is essential for the maintenance of the brain, nerves, glands and internal organs. We can do without food for weeks and without water for days, but without oxygen, we will die within a few minutes.

When we are at rest we normally take 12 to 18 breaths per minute; this is our resting breathing rate. In exercise or when we are our nervous and anxious the breathing rate may increase, and, in meditation or deep relaxation the breathing rate may reduce.

The brain requires three times more oxygen than any other part of the body. If it doesn't get enough, the result is mental sluggishness, negative thoughts and depression, followed eventually with a decline in vision and hearing. Without oxygen brain cells start dying within four minutes. Lack of oxygen in the heart causes coronaries. Lack of oxygen to the brain causes strokes. Oxygen is essential for healthy living and for effective performance in all aspects of our lives.

The amount of air we introduce to our lungs is important for effective speech. The quality and the volume of the sound made is dependent on the amount of breath we have available to expel. The amount we have available to expel is in a direct ratio to the the amount of air we have inhaled. If the breathing is ineffective the meaning of our communication may get lost as others are detracted from what we are saying.

There are many ways in which we can improve the way in which we breathe. The following our just a few: • If you work in a sedentary job pay attention to your posture and ensure that any computer screen you are using is at a height that does not encourage you to slump forward.

• Moving around, laughing and talking will readjust your posture and will ease a constricted breathing pattern.

• Breathe through your nose. It is the natural organic way to breathe; it moistens and warms the air. Hairs inside the nostrils trap pollutants such as dust particles and most germs. Air exhaled through the nose re-absorbs moisture.

• Sing!

Paul Ogden - The SomaHolis Consultancy

40

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Come and see us in our new salon for all your requirements for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

41

What’s On

Look in the mirror and smile!

My name is Luke Bennett. I have a level 3 diploma in personal training, fitness instructing and nutrition.

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We have recently upgraded to a bigger and better studio. To make sure you get the full gym experience, we have 4 cardiovascular machines, kettlebells, dumbbells, cable machine, squat rack, Lat pulldown, seated row machines, boxercise equipment etc LOOK NO FURTHER, BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION WITH OUR HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED TRAINER NOW!

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CRAIG KING I started wo rkin ago and my g out with Luke abou t6w tra althy The amoun nsformation is quite in eeks “I’m 2 weeks into he t of people cr d th an at have com edible! ns me on my n sio ses PT g, tin ea plim ew ling fee dy ea pretend it h appearance is amazin ented fitness. I am alr g! I asn e, ak aw re thoroughly ’t been hard work but won’t mo l fee I so good. it’s b enjo my skin is r, progress. Lu yable too and still a w een tte be ing ep sle I’m ke is profess ork in rtantly ion very motiva nicer and most impo ting. Highly al, supportive and recommend

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See website for latest deals, testimonials and before and after shots.

Find and like my page on facebook, for all my latest workouts, 42

The Town Crier Magazinetips | FEBRUARY 2017 and transformation pics

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

43

Health Matters

Young Valentine

I

by Emmy Butcher

remember the first Valentine’s Day card I gave to a boy, it was in the latter years of Primary School and he was called David. I was so nervous, I nearly chickened out, but I went ahead with it – all sweaty palmed and thumping of heart. Sadly, David was quite a popular boy at school and mine was lost amongst cards from many other admirers but just giving him the card was enough for me – I was elated!

That feeling of heart in the mouth adrenaline will be mirrored by many people this Valentines, old and young, as they share their true feelings with the object of their desire. I am such a sap when it comes to romance, especially around this time of year.

Valentine ’s Day gives us something to look forward to after the January drudge, a chance to welcome the spring and what better way to do it than to show our feelings to those we love. Indeed, I am a sucker for the flowers and hearts, the soppy poems and public displays of affection - being in love is a real mood booster and great fodder for a well-nourished soul.

Of course, Valentines has a very different meaning if you’re not in a relationship. For some people Valentine ’s Day can be a miserable rush of painful emotions and memories for a variety of reasons such as through the breakup of a relationship, the bereavement of a loved one or due to unrequited love.

How we deal with these highly emotional situations as adults is dependent on what coping strategies we adopt and how resilient we are as individuals, much of which is developed during childhood. Our social and emotional learning in our younger years is believed to greatly influence our mental health in adulthood. In the UK more than half of all adults with mental health problems were diagnosed in childhood and less than half were treated appropriately at the time. As a Mum of two teenage children, this kind of statistic grips me with fear.

Whilst my children are on the whole well balanced (a miracle really considering their parentage) just like all teenagers, they are prone to bouts of heightened emotions and challenging behaviour. This is perfectly normal and is part of the hormonally fuelled transition to adulthood, but for parents it is tricky to distinguish between usual teenage angst and when something more serious is going on.

If your teenager starts acting particularly out of character this may be a warning sign, for example if they are normally very chatty but have become withdrawn. Teenagers often feel unable to speak to their parents about issues which make exploring any concerns you have another tricky challenge.

The general advice is to keep things light and make 44

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

yourself available for open conversation, direct questioning is likely to backfire and make your child feel threatened and under pressure. As Parents we have a responsibility to help our children develop healthy attitudes to their emotions.

These days, there are several helpful parenting resources available for children to help them build resilience and a positive attitude to mental health.

Youngminds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Their website www.youngminds.org.uk is a supportive website for children and their parents providing a plethora of information about how to develop positive mental health in young people. By far the best website I have come across it also provides signposting to other organisations such as www.Kooth.com. Kooth is a free service which is now funded for young patients in Wiltshire, offering a confidential online counselling service. There’s also www.riseabove.org.uk helping young people address daily stresses and complex life situations that are part of the rich tapestry of being a teenager.

If your child is displaying more serious mental health behaviour such as causing harm to themselves or others you should raise this with your GP who may decide to refer you to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Wiltshire. Your GP Surgery will also be able to signpost you to a wealth of children’s services and charities in your area.

Unbeknownst to me, my husband-to-be was only a classroom away at the time I was handing David my Valentine’s Card. Isn’t life funny? I continued to make several advances on poor David over the years, we even had a kiss once, but I don’t think I was his type. He and his husband have now been happily married for several years and we still keep in touch - I am sure he deserves the credit for my dogged resilience and unfaltering belief in all things romantic....oh dear!

Emmy Butcher Managing Partner Beversbrook Medical Centre emmybutcher@nhs.net

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Book your place in advance 3 Step Weight Loss Programme also available Finding it hard to stick to a Gluten free or Lactose free diet? Hypnotherapy can help you stay on track.

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01249 817463 07947 829814 The Stables, Fishers Brook, Calne, Wilts SN11 9HB The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

45

Health & Beauty

Reflexology – Focus on IBS Latest News from NuReflexology

A

LMOST everybody has heard about IBS or knows someone who is suffering from it.

According to the NHS Choices website IBS is described as: “Irritable bowel syndrome is a common, long-term condition of the digestive system. It can cause bouts of stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation” It is thought that IBS affects 1 in 5 people at some point in their lives and around twice as many women are affected as men.

“In my practice as a Reflexologist I see many clients with different health concerns and IBS is a condition I commonly come across. Strong emotions, anxiety and stress can cause an adverse effect on the bowel functions. Reflexology aims to relax and reduce the tension in the body’s tissues and the organs involved in the digestion processes: the stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, small intestine and colon” said Gabriela Slater – Reflexologist based in Chippenham.

So how does Reflexology help with IBS? Although it is not known exactly how Reflexology as a therapy works from a scientific viewpoint, the basic premise is that the feet are mirrors of the body and contain reflex points corresponding to all the organs and systems of the body. By stimulating these pressure points, the therapist interacts with the corresponding organs, enabling the body to achieve a better level of harmony, balance and functioning.

Reflexology may help you with:   

Female Health Issues Headaches Digestive Issues Stress, Anxiety

 

Sleeping Issues and others...

Reflexology for Chippenham, Marlborough

Gabriela Slater Reflexologist & Maternity Reflexologist 07947 357 956 www.nureflexology.co.uk 46

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Here is what some of Gabriela’s clients have said about how Reflexology helped them with IBS: “After not having any problems for a few years, my IBS flared up and the symptoms were quite severe. My usual medication didn’t help and a trip to the doctors for some different medication still didn’t give me any relief. After just two sessions with Gabriela I started to feel an improvement and following further sessions all my symptoms disappeared leaving me feeling great - no stomach cramps, no bloating, no constipation or diarrhoea and one regular daily bowel movement!

Regular maintenance sessions have kept me symptom free.”

“After three visits, Gabriela had helped me tremendously with my IBS that I had been suffering from for three years. I am thrilled!!”

How many sessions will I need? It really depends on an individual, how quickly they will respond to the treatment and also how long they have been suffering from the health issue. For those suffering from IBS Gabriela recommends starting with 1 session every week for the first 4 weeks and follow with maintenance sessions once a month.

Reflexology sessions are available in clinics in Chippenham and Marlborough by Gabriela Slater. If you need any further details or would like to book a reflexology session contact Gabriela on 07947357956 or email: info@nureflexology.co.uk

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www.highstreetbarbers.co.uk • Email: info@highstreetbarbers.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

47

Pet Health

Puppy Puckers and Kitty Kisses O

by Danielle Giles, Heathside Veterinary Surgery www.heathsidevets.co.uk

H, how I love kitty kisses with their scratchy tongues scraping my chin and those puppy puckers leaving slobber drips down my cheek; and with Valentine’s Day shortly upon us I am sure I will not be the only owner to indulge my pets with lots of cuddles.

the teeth. The earliest stage being Gingivitis which only affects the gums, often causing discomfort. Left unchecked not only do we put our pets’ future health in jeopardy, the long and the short of it is they will have an unsightly mouth, lose teeth, experience pain and have breath to die for!

But what I can’t hack is the dog/kitty breath that can make you gag at five, ten, nay twenty paces! So why can our fur babies’ breath smell so badly? Simples peeps, it’s the lack of short and long term oral hygiene!

So, what can we do to promote our pets overall oral health? You’ve guessed it...brush their teeth. Start to brush young pets’ teeth to prevent the build-up of plaque and decrease the chance of developing gingivitis and tartar.

It is well known that good oral hygiene is linked to long term health benefits.

Scientific research shows that poor oral care significantly increases the risk in contracting various ailments and I am not just talking about caries, periodontal disease and tooth loss.

Bacteria that originates in the mouth will travel around the body and can cause a host of health problems. Heart disease and stroke risks increase significantly in pets with insufficient oral health care.

There can be an increase of dementia (yes cats and dogs can get dementia), respiratory problems, diabetes, infertility, these areas have been recognised as having a direct link to a lack of oral hygiene. Most scarily, some cancers that have been scientifically studied show the increase rate in those with poor oral care to be as much as 54%!

This does not just apply to our cats and dogs it applies to us as well.

Would it shock you to know that 85% of all cats and dogs have periodontal disease by the time they are 3 years of age? Shocked me...

What is Periodontal Disease? These are bacterial infections of the gums and the structures around 48

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

So, what if your pet is not a puppy or kitten? Go see your vet- it is never too late to start oral care, however brushing on top of tartar will be of little use.

A veterinary tooth clean is the only way to remove tartar above and below the gum line. Gingivitis is reversible, Periodontal Disease is not. But it can be slowed significantly if home dental care is then followed routinely. There are other aids that will keep plaque at bay like certain ‘chews’ and particular diets that are recommended alongside regular brushing.

This will not be for everyone; but it is for a lot of people just another part of owning a dog or cat. I place the same values on my pet’s oral care as I do my children’s and my own. Long before my husband opened his surgery he said that he didn’t want a waiting room full of sick and smelly pets.

I understand him and get what he means. He has always practiced preventative medicine and after all the mouth is the gateway to the body.

Did I mention earlier how much I loved puppy puckers and kitty kisses? Even more so because I just love their sweet-smelling breath knowing I am looking after their teeth like I do mine. Every day is Valentine’s Day in our house - is it in yours?

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

49

Auto-Biographies

All-New Audi Q2

by Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist - @carwriteups

F

IRST impressions when approaching the new Audi Q2 are good. Like all Audis, it manages to stand out, even if it doesn’t try anything spectacular design-wise. In the more daring ‘Vegas Yellow’, it makes quite a visual impact though, and is unmistakeably Audi in appearance. The large grill and muscular body are complimented by a sloping roof line and contrast C-pillar which – in S-Line trim at least – is nicely offset in metallic silver. Sadly, on the smallest alloy wheels it looks puny, so bigger is better there.

The interior is more of the same, being almost identical to that which you’d find in the A3 hatchback.

That’s no bad thing though, as Audi makes some of the most pleasant interior spaces on the market today, and feels decidedly upmarket if it’s kitted out with a range of technology options, such as the virtual cockpit.

We tested the Audi Q2 in 150PS 1.4-litre petrol guise.

It provides plenty enough power for all types of road, being capable of overtaking on motorways and A-roads, yet remaining suitably quiet when pottering through towns and villages. If your annual mileage is quite low, this is a fine engine to go for, as you’re unlikely to need anything more than this. While the engine is quiet, the S-Tronic automatic gearbox is a little jumpy at low speeds, and tends to put too much torque through the wheels when trying to move off.

This results in some minor wheel-spin. The S-Tronic unit has never quite been up to the high level of BMW’s eight-speed unit, but it is far from a bad gearbox, and, when up to speed, works quickly and seamlessly.

Our petrol test car was the S-Line, fitted with sports suspension and larger alloy wheels, and we found it to be slightly too firm for our liking. Being a ‘Q’, you get into it expecting a smooth ride, but you get something more like a firm hatchback than a compact SUV. We suspect Audi’s excellent seating helps offset this a little. If the trade-off was entertaining cornering and impressive dynamics, we’d be content, but it isn’t exactly fun to drive either. The steering is rather numb and it doesn’t feel particularly settled going quicker around corners, though it doesn’t feel out of its comfort zone either.

Audi was keen to point out that it doesn’t skimp on technology with the new Q2; it uses the same tech in the fresh compact SUV as it does in its higher-end products, like the TT sports car or Q7 SUV. The stunning virtual cockpit is an option once again, and you can also get such goodies, such as adaptive cruise control, heated seats, a power operated boot, and Audi’s parking assistance system. The problem is, almost these luxuries cost extra.

Audi has made a big deal about the new Q2 starting at under £20,000, yet it also points out that it expects only 10 per cent of people to buy the lowest ‘SE’ trim level. The petrol model we tested came in at £5 over £34,000, and, even for a test car, that’s an astonishing amount of money.

Look to spend between £25,000 and £30,000 and you’re probably on the right track with the new Audi Q2. It’s a high-quality product and looks great, but it doesn’t inspire us to spend more on it than a normal Audi A3, and the Q3 SUV isn’t far off price-wise. It doesn’t matter one bit what we think, because wealthy people love something a little bit different with a respected badge on its nose. It might not be perfect, but it will sell, and sell well. The new Q2 is going to be another Audi success.

PROS ‘N’ CONS • Stylish √ • Upmarket √ • Quiet √ • Tech √ • Pricey X Fast Facts (S line 1.4 TFSI CoD tronic) • Max speed: 132 mph • 0-62 mph: 8.5 secs • Combined mpg: 52.3 • Engine layout: 1395cc 4-cylinder turbo petrol • Max. power (PS): 150 • CO2: 123 g/km • Price: £27,730 50

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

51

Gardening

Home-made Compost H

OME-MADE compost is a thing of wonder...when all goes well! But too often it goes horribly wrong and instead of rich, sweet, crumbly stuff we end up with a putrefying heap.

For a long time I believed making great compost was beyond me.

There are so many methods and myths, it all seemed too complicated. Well good news . . . it isn’t!

by Rachael Leverton

Size matters! A container should be 3ft /1m square minimum, preferably larger. This allows heat to build up inside the heap which aids the decay process.

Position it out of the main line of sight, behind a shed or some tall plants.

IALS COMPOST MATER s rap sc Fruit and veg d tea bags Coffee grounds an dding plants Old flowers and be Compost Containers Garden clippings You can make your own. It’s Annual weeds s very easy apparently, using old Crushed egg shell ing (e.g. rabbit) dd be floorboards, posts and wire al im an Small , incl. tubes ard netting.

Shredded cardbo Egg cartons Unfortunately I am to DIY what Lawn mowings elephants are to hang gliding so I opt for ready made bins. Check You can’t use: meat etc.) with your council as many offer Food waste (bread, s cheap bins to encourage recycling.

Cat and dog faece s ve lea n ree If not, garden centres stock a good Everg nial weeds variety.

Thick rooted peren 52

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

How to make compost I’ve tried several methods, including my late grandfather’s which involved careful layers of various ingredients and sprinkling on lime at intervals. It worked, but I’m a lazy gardener really and can’t be bothered with all the faff.

This is my method, worked out through a combination of trial and error (lots of error!)

Mix all material together so there is no concentration of any one sort Firm it all down, Moisten it Cover it with some old carpet to keep heat in and prevent evaporation If you start the process now, by Autumn you’ll be digging in your very own wonderful compost, dragged from the bottom of your heap. You’ll have done your bit for recycling and best of all ... it’s free!

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53

Gardening

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54

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

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Winter Jasmine A welcome sight in the depths of winter and early spring, the bright green stems display masses of cheerful star-shaped golden-yellow flowers, they can also be white or pink.

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Heather is best planted in Spring and early Autumn, in acidic soil with good drainage. If your plants are autumn flowering, you’ll need to prune them in the spring by removing old woody stems.

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55

So long, farewell, auf weidersehen, goodbye There’s a sad sort of clanging From the clock in the hall And the bells in the steeple, too And up in the nursery An absurd little bird Is popping out to say coo-coo (Coo-coo, coo-coo)

A

h the sound of music...Probably still my favourite film. Is it a little strange that the Nuns complain about Maria singing in the Abbey, whist they sing a song in the Abbey about her doing so?

Thankfully, over the last 14 or 15 years of writing for the Town Crier, I haven’t received too many complaints, but with a tinge of sadness, both the clanging from the clock and the bells in the steeple are beginning to sound; this is my final message to you before my family and I move on to another part of Wiltshire. I am soon to be the Team Rector of the Avon River Team, living in Durrington and serving seven parishes north of Stonehenge. It is a new challenge and a different role, but one that we feel God leading us into.

I want sincerely to thank Annie and the team for being so welcoming and supportive of my scribblings over the years. Many times, I have received very positive comments from people in emails, or in the supermarket queue, or in the doctor’s surgery, thanking me. Thanks especially to my good friend Alex Grenfell who has been responsible for the proof reading, the illustrating and presenting the articles with an artistic flair that has magnified and interpreted the messages. I am delighted to say that Rev Sam King, Baptist minister in Calne, has agreed to carry the torch and continue the tradition.

I do hope all of my articles have been worth reading (you can probably memorise them all), but in this last message I want to make sure that you hear what I’m saying loud and clear, before I sign out.

God loves us. God is desperate to get our attention.

God loves us so much He became a human being.

Countless times in human history has a boy become a King, but only once has a King become a baby boy. The boy grew up in northern Palestine and at about the age of 30 began to teach and heal people around him.

People were so amazed that the Word spread far

5656

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

and wide and Jesus became a movement, increasing in popularity and that proved a threat to those in political and religious power.

You know, God could have left it at that. God could have said, “Look, here’s teaching that will help them live good lives and here’s the odd miracle to prove it’s worth listening to.” But God’s love didn’t stop there. God was so desperate to get our attention, that God was compelled to show us the extent of His love.

Jesus died in the most dreadful way...because He loves us. His arms were stretched out to prove it, and when the powers that be thought they had buried their problem, God still refused to stop loving us: Jesus was raised from the dead showing us that love wins in the end.

So then, are you hearing me? For the last time...It’s all about the love...And the one who brings a Kingdom of love into the world. How much does the world need that message of peace and love today?

It occurred to me that the Scriptures begin with peace (in the garden), and end with peace (with a new heaven and earth), but the reality is that there is very little peace in between.

The peace we long for might be a cessation of violence, but the peace Jesus brings is an inner peace that comes from love of God and neighbour. An inner peace that overcomes our mistakes and lets us be forgiven.

Every Christmas, the composer Giacomo Puccini would have a cake baked for each of his friends. One year, having quarrelled with the conductor Arturo Toscanini just before Christmas, he tried to cancel the order for the cake, but it was too late the cake had already been dispatched. The following day, Toscanini received a telegram from Puccini: “Cake sent by mistake.”

He replied by return: “Cake eaten by mistake.”

God’s Son was not sent to us by mistake. We can have our cake and eat it, because we can live life to the full, own an identity as a Christian, and be deeply, deeply loved by God. Faith isn’t boring, it breathes life into us and inspires us to love more.

A month has passed and 2017 has well and truly begun so let’s say farewell, auf weidersehen and goodbye to the hurt, sorrow, bitterness and mistakes of the past and instead, let’s invite the love of Jesus to live within us, and see what happens...

Every Blessing to you, Rev Philip Bromiley (philbromiley@hotmail.co.uk) Design & Computer Graphics by Alexander S. Grenfell, Calne.

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57

Jo Deacon

Out with the Old (then back in!)

I

AM a hoarder. I cling stubbornly onto all manner of things, just in case they“come in useful!” (and funnily enough, they usually do.)

I am a menace to myself at any fete or school fair, being totally out of control at the first sight of a “white elephant” table piled high with someone’s old junk or discarded bric a brac. Books, cracked ornaments, plastic flowers, even ancient old toys, all fill me with delight, and I proudly carry my “trophies” home, well aware of Fred’s first words when I walk through the door. His greeting varies little on each occasion, going from, “NOT more rubbish!” to a kind of sighing, “What the hell have you bought now?”

I’ll be honest though, and admit that the majority of second (or third, fourth, and maybe even fifth) hand bits and bobs I have gleefully paid just pence for, washed, polished, and wrapped in pretty paper, do make lovely presents on the tree at Christmas, and birthday gifts the rest of the year. (Whoops! Given myself away there haven’t I?) “Tarting” up plain tablecloths, headscarves or T-shirts by painting on them with fabric paints is an enjoyable hobby when I feel a bit jaded by painting in watercolours or oils, and at least I’m certain of an original design. A group of wild flowers painted on a dark green velvet cushion cover looks quite beautiful when edged with gold outliner, and canal-barge scenes and flowers look very authentic on an old kettle or tea pot.

But this year I have been experiencing something never felt before.

I looked around me one morning, and decided to de-clutter! (Yes, I know. It was a hell of a shock to ME too!)

It was also an eye opener to me as I sat among the debris I’d just tipped out of a drawer onto the floor.

What amazed me most was HOW I had managed to cram so much into drawers you would swear were too small to hold such a stack.

The other amazing experience was the “secret” thought I kept to myself as I rooted amongst the “rubbish”. I was wondering what had prompted me to buy such junk in the first place. (I could well imagine how Fred would crow if I confessed I too was finally fed up of clutter!)

As it turned out though, Fred thought he was witnessing a major miracle, and 58

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

was too afraid of breaking the spell if he allowed even a tiny “crow”. He wandered about the house like a man sleepwalking, but couldn’t resist peering into whatever room I was busily filling bin bags from, as though checking to see if the “dream” was continuing, or had I reverted to type and was filling drawers instead of emptying them.

I couldn’t believe what I was doing either, because prior to this sudden wave of de-cluttering that had hit me with the force of a tsunami, I was “into” clutter in a big way. I could’ve cluttered for England and brought home the “gold”. I knew where I was with clutter, and I knew where everything was – well, almost everything!

It was familiar, like an old friend, and having all my stuff around me made me feel secure and comfortable.

The fact we hadn’t seen the dining table for over 6 months due to the stacks of half finished paintings, tubes of watercolours, and sketch pads by the score, didn’t cause me any grief, but every so often, steam would come from Fred’s ears, and he would loudly complain that he would just occasionally LIKE to see if the table was still under “all that mess!”

Now, a few weeks after my initial urge to clear the clutter, we have space where you can walk across the lounge without tripping up or bruising your ankles on piles of books etc.left on the floor. Fred has been very busy decorating our dingy kitchen too. The multicoloured tiles have been replaced by a sea of pale smoky blue, and the cheerful lemon walls have taken the place of the dark yellow of before. A new kitchen dresser and a new fridge have replaced the old builtin cupboard and drawers, and the creaking fridgefreezer. A victorian plate rack is where a cupboard kept most of the daylight out of the kitchen, and the room is now light and comfortable. A pleasure to be in.

Of course, it has all been a traumatic experience for me to suddenly find myself chucking out piles of junk, but I discovered a super remedy. The new dresser has huge cupboard space, and several of the drawers throughout the house were emptied by my ruthless purging of the “rubbish”.

I haven’t bought any more “bargains” in many months, but I feel much happier now that I know all those “lonely” drawers and cupboards aren’t quite so empty as they were a week ago!

Catch my drift? ................ Jo Deacon….@...2017 .................

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There are so many reasons to have a water softener: - Complete Elimination of Limescale - Money Saving - Time Saving - Your Appliances Live Longer - Soft Water is so much nicer for you and your family

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WILTSHIRE WET ROOMS Expert bathroom and wet room fitters in North Wiltshire Contact Geoff Pearce for a free quote 1 Bremhill View, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 9EE T: 07860 863014 E: wiltswetroom@gmail.com W: www.wiltshirewetrooms.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

59

Books

A Good Read

Reconstructing Amelia

The World’s Worst Children

.........................................................................................

...................................................................................................

by Kimberly McCreight

We all think we know our children. We think we understand what makes them tick and we like to think that they would turn to us if they were in trouble. But do we really know what is going on in their lives?

Kate certainly thought she knew about her 15-yearold daughter, Amelia. As a young law student Kate found herself pregnant and saw the chance to have the one thing she had always wanted: love.

And so, she raised Amelia – with the help of a nanny – qualified as a lawyer and became successful in her career. She appears to have everything. A comfortable home in a desirable part of Brooklyn, and a place at Grace Hall prep school for Amelia: the perfect life.

Of course, perfection is fragile, and it doesn’t take much to bring Kate’s world tumbling down. She receives a phone call from the principle at Grace Hall. There has been an incident and Amelia is to be suspended for three days. She requests that Kate comes immediately to collect her from school.

Dropping everything is not always an option, and public transport can sometimes let you down. Life can let you down far more than you can dare to imagine.

She arrives at Grace Hall too late. Too late to collect her daughter; her only child who is now lying on the concrete, covered by a sheet. What could make a normal, happy 15-year-old jump off a building to her death?

Alternating narratives draw us into the lives of Kate and Amelia, reconstructing the events that led to Amelia being on the roof of the school. Did she jump? Or is there something darker going on?

Do any of us really know our teenagers?

60

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

by David Walliams

The quickest way to get someone to do something is to tell them not to. And as a reader you are certainly warned not to read this book. So of course, any child will pick this book up and do exactly the opposite of this advice.

And they will certainly be glad that they did! Ten short stories make up this book, each one telling of the life of a particularly unpleasant child. In many ways it appears to be a straightforward case of morality. The unpleasant children don’t think things through and only behave in a way that THEY feel will be beneficial to them.

Dip into a story at any point, or read the book from start to finish, it is entirely up to you. But be warned. These truly are the world’s worst children!

There is Nigel Nit-Boy. He isn’t interested in superheroes, but super-villains and there are none with a super skill like his. Find out what happens when he gets trapped in the Natural History Museum over night.

I’ll give you a clue: it isn’t pretty. Perhaps Grubby Gertrude is more your style. Sure, we all get dirty as children – making mud pies, or splashing in puddles.

Gertrude takes this to the next level.

So dear reader, enter if you dare and read this book...or don’t…the choice is yours.

Reviews by Willow Coby

Crossword & Sudoku solution page 38

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Building and Home Improvement

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Building and Home Improvement

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Building and Home Improvement

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The care and comfort of your pets is our business

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Index of Advertisers AUCTIONEERS Wessex Auction Rooms ......................... 72 BOOKEEPING/ACCOUNTS VFL Business Support............................. 24 BUILDERS/BUILDING SUPPLIES AM Chivers Building............................... 64 All Home Improvements........................ 62 Buildbase ............................................. 63 Chalford Building Supplies..................... 61 Corsham Landscapes and Building......... 64 Downland Construction......................... 62 Ged Byrne.............................................. 39 Jewson Chippenham................................ 7 Prior & Company Building...................... 62 Tim Lee Building.................................... 62 TW Masonry........................................... 64 CAR REPAIR/VEHICLE SERVICES AM Autocare............................................ 1 Cross Country Tyres................................. 51 MW Services.......................................... 57 Nicholls Repair Shop.............................. 51 Sawmills Garage.................................... 51 CARE/CARE HOMES/RETIREMENT Brunel House............................................ 9 Hill House............................................... 29 Kingston House...................................... 27 Rojene.................................................... 38 CARPENTER/JOINER Contours Carpentry................................ 64 SM Carpentry......................................... 69 CHIMNEY SWEEP Cleansweep............................................ 19 CHURCHES Calne Evangelical Church ...................... 31 CLEANING/DOMESTIC SERVICES Cleanstart.............................................. 67 iKlean..................................................... 59 Ovenclean ............................................ 57 Prune and Broom Ltd............................. 31

ELECTRICIANS/ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES Calne Appliances.................................... 31 Delta Electrical....................................... 64 Eaton Electrical...................................... 65 Electrical Man........................................ 64 Electrician & Handyman......................... 64 Nick Pocock Electrical............................. 64 FITNESS LPB Fitness............................................. 42 Stuart Dinwoodie................................... 45 FLOORING/CARPET SERVICES BSB Flooring ......................................... 59 George Taylor Carpet Fitter ................... 59 Goldmans Flooring................................. 17 Total Carpets & Flooring......................... 25 FLORISTS Shirley’s Florists .................................... 31 FOOD & DRINK Duke Hotel in Hilmarton........................ 33 Flying Pig Cake Company....................... 35 George Inn at Sandy Lane...................... 37 Goatacre Village Hall.............................. 35 Infusions................................................ 35 FUNERAL DIRECTORS Odette.................................................... 21 Tony Warren ......................................... 23 E Wootten & Son.................................... 23 GARDENING/FENCING/LANDSCAPING Acres Ahead........................................... 53 AD Paving & Walling.............................. 53 Cleanstart.............................................. 67 Dave Newton Fencing............................ 54 ES Earthmoving...................................... 55 Graham Fox............................................ 54 Ian Marsh............................................... 55 Jon Burton............................................. 55 MH Tree Services.................................... 54 MR Fencing............................................ 53 Prune and Broom Ltd............................. 31 Quemerford Landscaping....................... 54 Turners Landscapes................................ 53

HEATING Skyline................................................... 68 HOME & INTERIORS Goldmans Interiors........................... 13, 17 Sarah’s Soft Furnishings ........................ 57 HOME MAINTENANCE Cleanstart.............................................. 67 Odd Jobs................................................ 68 Philip Viles............................................. 27

KITCHENS/BATHROOMS Accent Kitchens...................................... 21 Active Kitchens & Bathrooms................. 17 Dream Doors ........................................... 2 Kitchen Makeover ................................. 35 Philip Viles............................................. 27 Premier Kitchen Doors............................ 39 Total Bedrooms & Kitchens..................... 25

TAXI Calne's Half Price Taxi............................. 39 K.A.R. Travel (Taxi).................................. 59

LEGAL SERVICES / WILL WRITING Bevirs Solicitors ...................................... 3 Goodwills............................................... 13 LOCKS & ALARMS Alan Key Locks ....................................... 67 MOBILITY Mobility Store........................................ 29 MORTGAGES & EQUITY RELEASE Providus................................................. 71 MICROLIGHT FLIGHTS Wiltshire Microlight Centre ................... 26 PAINTERS/DECORATORS/PLASTERERS ACM Decorating..................................... 65 Alan Clifford Painter & Decorator............ 65 AS Plastering.......................................... 65 Cliff Laney.............................................. 65 RTC Plastering & Plumbing..................... 67

GUTTERING Guttering Problems................................ 57

PEST CONTROL Wiltshire Pest Control ........................... 57

DAMP Eaton Electrical...................................... 65

DISCO Disco Mania .......................................... 23

HAIR/BEAUTY/NAILS Amanda Philips...................................... 45 Hazelwood............................................. 16 HM Hairdressing....................................... 5 High Street Barbers................................ 47 LA Barber............................................... 41 Pamplemouse........................................ 43 Sophie’s Beauty Spot.............................. 47

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES/REPAIRS Calne Appliances.................................... 31 Steves Appliances.................................. 68

HANDY MAN Cleanstart.............................................. 67 Odd Jobs................................................ 68

EDUCATION/CHILDCARE Core Elements........................................ 24 Grace Tuition Centre .............................. 19 Little Acorns Childminding Group ......... 19 Rub A Dub Pre-School............................ 27

HEALTH CARE/FOOT CARE Calne Acupuncture................................. 43 Fiona Stubbs.......................................... 45 Foot Health Care..................................... 43 Nureflexology......................................... 46

PLUMBING/HEATING/SUPPLIES ABC Plumbing........................................ 67 Active Plumbing Supplies...................... 66 Aquarius Plumbing & Heating................ 67 Max Colbourne Oil & Gas........................ 67 DPS Plumbing & Heating....................... 66 F.S. Plumbing & Heating........................ 66 NatWay.................................................. 13 Graham Gas & Plumbing Services.......... 66 Plumbing 4U.......................................... 66 RTC Plastering & Plumbing..................... 67 Steve Cowley.......................................... 67 Skyline................................................... 68

TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS Barnes Coaches...................................... 15 Marc Fitchett Travel Counsellors............. 26 Pebbles Travel........................................ 28 TV/SATELLITE Aerial Services ...................................... 59 VISITOR ATTRACTIONS/VENUES Bowood Wedding Fair............................ 11 Calne Wedding Fair................................ 12 Duke Hotel in Hilmarton........................ 32 Goatacre Village Hall.............................. 35 VETS Hale Veterinary Group............................ 49 VOICE COACH/MUSIC Somaholis Consultancy Voice Coach....... 41 WATER SOFTENERS Wiltshire Wet Rooms.............................. 59 WET ROOMS Wiltshire Wet Rooms.............................. 59 WILL WRITING Bevirs Solicitors ...................................... 3 Goodwills............................................... 65 WINDOW CLEANERS Elmers Window Cleaning Servs. ............ 19

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CURTAINS/BLINDS Goldmans Interiors................................. 13

TILING AFK Tiling............................................... 67

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

SLIMMING Slimming World .................................... 41 STORAGE/REMOVALS Calne Self Storage ................................. 19

PETS/CATS/DOGS Corton Kennels....................................... 49 Grittenham Grooming............................ 49 Shirleys Pet Shop................................... 49

70

SIGNS Signage Graphics................................... 51

HYPNOTHERAPY Hypnotherapy of Calne........................... 45

COMPUTER/IT/GRAPHICS/WEB Calne Computer Services ...................... 23 PC Hospital............................................. 27

DANCE Dancing Academy.................................. 22

ROOFING/TILING/THATCHING David Beal Thatcher............................... 69 Daylan Gleed Roofing............................. 69 Marden Roofing..................................... 69 White Horse Roofing.............................. 69

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017